Offutt AFB
Offutt AFB Relocation Information
Welcome to Offutt Air Force Base!
Offutt Air Force Base is the headquarters of the U.S. Strategic Command, the Air Force Weather Agency, and the 55th Wing, which is part of Air Combat Command, one of the nine Major Commands in the U.S. Air Force. Its mission is to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic attack, and nuclear command and control to national leadership and warfighters.
Offutt AFB’s diverse and global responsibilities put it on the cutting edge of the Air Force’s missions, and each branch of the U.S. military is represented among the approximately 10,000 military and federal employees assigned here.
Offutt AFB was first established as an Army outpost, Fort Crook, in the late 1800s and remained so for about 100 years. With a history that stems from the earliest forms of aviation, including the 61st Balloon Company, the fort established an airfield to continue to grow the availability of aviation capabilities. Offutt Field was officially named in 1924 in honor of Lt. Jarvis J. Offutt, who was Omaha’s first WWI air casualty. After the successful production of multiple integral war aircraft throughout WWI and WWII, Offutt Field was transferred to the Air Force and became Offutt Air Force base in 1948.
The Headquarters of Strategic Air Command was initially housed on Offutt AFB and later changed over to a unified command, US Strategic Command, which on a rotational basis, is commanded between the Air Force and Navy.
The 55th Wing (in one of its earliest versions, the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing) arrived on Offutt 1966. Later, the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth was officially assigned to Offutt AFB in 1991. The 55th wing is made up of six groups, five of which are located at Offutt AFB and one at Davis- Monthan AFB in Arizona.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE Neb.--An E-4B aircraft an emergency mobile command and control center, is towed out of its hangar at the east end of Offutt's runway. U.S. Air Force Photo by Josh Plueger
Frequently Asked Questions about Offutt Air Force Base
1) How many gates open to Offutt AFB?
Offutt AFB has two gates: The Kenney and STRATCOM Gate are each open 24 hours.
2) How far is Offutt AFB from Omaha?
It is a 10-mile drive south from downtown Omaha to Offutt AFB.
3) What is the 55th Wing?
Also affectionately known as the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth, according to Offutt’s site, “the wing conducts a global flying mission with worldwide reconnaissance and treaty verification tasked by our nation’s highest levels as well as the National Airborne Operations Center. Additionally, it provides base support to more than 50 associate units, including U.S. Strategic Command, the 557th Weather Wing and a military community of more than 57,000.”
4) What is the zip code for Offutt AFB?
The zip code for Offutt AFB is 68113. Nearby zip codes include 68005 and 68123.
5) What is the BAH for Offutt AFB?
BAH for Offutt AFB ranges from $1,458 for E-1 to $2,064 for E-9 with dependents, and from $1,716 for O-1 to $2,535 for O-7 with dependents. See housing section for more info.
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Base Location and Information
Offutt AFB Base Map via Offutt Newcomers' Guide
Military families often remark about the friendliness of the people on and around Offutt AFB. Situated among communities that are supportive of the military presence, the lifestyle in favored cities like Omaha, Bellevue, and Papillion is easy going and affordable compared to similarly sized cities and suburbs. In fact, Bellevue’s cost of living is 10.5% lower than the U.S. average.
Offutt AFB is in Bellevue, ten miles south of downtown Omaha, reachable through Interstate 80, just off US Hwy 75. Offutt AFB has access to the cherished Missouri river about two miles away. Nearby cities tucked into the rolling hills of Nebraska include La Vista, Plattsmouth, and Pacific Junction.
Aerial view of Omaha
The region offers plentiful amenities; the city size warrants demand for extensive choices in shopping and dining. The Omaha metro area population is about 960,700. Bellevue is near 54,000, and the greater Bellevue area houses about 82,000.
On base, the Offutt Base Lake Recreation Area sits on 183 acres, offering a variety of activities for military families year-round. Sports courts, indoor pool, archery range, disc golf, and playground equipment start the list of amenities, but 40 campsites including a FAMCAMP are popular attractions as well.
Nine year-old Chris Stewart and Offutt volunteer U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Chris Wroegler navigate their canoe around the Offutt Base Lake during the Exceptional Family Members Program’s Camp Offutt at Offutt AFB, Neb. (U.S. Air Force photo by Josh Plueger/Released)
Lake Offutt is a huge draw, complete with a stocked fishing lake and a store to buy supplies including the mandated fishing license. Paddleboards and kayaks are available to rent for water adventures while spending a day at the lake.
Arrival Lodging
906 Sac Blvd.
Bellevue, Nebraska, 68113-2084
(402) 294-3671
Offutt AFB Housing
Community Center at Rising View
Offutt Military Housing Office (MHO)
3116 Lockbourne Drive
Bellevue, Nebraska, 68123
(402) 294-6242
Rising View
3116 Lockbourne Drive
Bellevue, Nebraska 68123
(402) 991-9840
offutt@burlingtoncapital.com
Incoming families should note Rising View offers privatized housing located on and off base. Enlisted servicemembers and officers are both eligible for housing in either location. Capehart Housing is located two miles west of Offutt AFB. Coffman Heights Housing is on the base. Also found on base is Fort Crook Historic Housing consisting of NCO Row and General’s Row.
The floor plan options include 4,3, or 2 bedrooms. Pet-friendly homes are available, as are fenced yards. Lifestyle amenities include 61 playgrounds, 12 sports courts, and event center and resident events.
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Offutt AFB Off-Base Housing
The majority of Offutt AFB families find themselves living on base, in Papillion, Bellevue, or in neighborhoods of Omaha. However, La Vista, Plattsmouth, and Pacific Junction are additional possibilities.
Papillion
Located in Sarpy County, and known to be exceptionally family-friendly, Papillion is a standout suburb of Omaha with plenty of shopping and a desirable school system. Resident favorite Halleck Park is in the heart of the city and serves an outdoor recreation site with a stocked pond, sports courts, and miles of hiking trails. Newer construction dominates housing choices that range from apartments to single family homes. The median home cost is $250,550.
Bellevue
Also in Sarpy County and the site of Offutt AFB, Bellevue also serves plenty of military families well. On base schools are operated by the Bellevue school system, and overall, the community is quiet, with access to retail and entertainment options that are convenient. Bellevue offers residents a suburban feel with a trove of parks.
Omaha Neighborhoods
Aksarben/Elmwood Park
Close to downtown Omaha, Aksarben (Nebraska spelled backward) is a walkable section of town focused on cultural and civic activities and education. Geared toward young adults, The Village has upscale housing and retail choices. Nightlife and outdoor activities are standout events, including the yearly Shakespeare on the Green festival.
Old Market
For those searching for history and charm, head to Old Market. Cobblestone streets will greet you as you stroll through the neighborhood stores and restaurants. The Omaha Farmers Market is a favorite, as are the local street performers and creatives.
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Offutt AFB BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Offutt AFB is near Omaha, NE with many options to buy or rent. Some sample Offutt AFB BAH rates for zip code 68113:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,458
- E-1 without dependents: $1,095
- E-9 with dependents: $2,064
- E-9 without dependents: $1,791
- O-1 with dependents: $1,716
- O-1 without dependents: $1,287
- O-7 with dependents: $2,535
- O-7 without dependents: $1,992
Offutt AFB Weather & Climate
Snow rests on a tree branch on the parade grounds at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. U.S. Air Force photo by D.P. Heard.
Because of its location as a Central Plains State, Nebraska has a wide variety of weather and climate phenomena, particularly as the seasons change and cold and warm air meet to cause intense storms.
Summers are hot, and for stretches of time, humid, with highs reaching into the 90s. Summer thunderstorms account for about half of the region’s annual rainfall. Winters, as you might expect, are cold with daytime temperatures sitting between 30 and 40 degrees. Omaha receives about 25-30 inches of snow each year.
Spring and fall are pleasant and mild, with high temperatures that hit between 50 and 60 degrees. Occasionally, this transition time produces severe weather including tornadoes.
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Offutt AFB Schools
School boundary map via Bellevue PS
Offutt AFB is part of the Bellevue Public School District, which consistently earns strong marks from parents and educators for their high achieving curricula. The BPS District has just over
10,000 students in total. There are two high schools, 3 middle schools, and 15 elementary schools. Three elementary schools are designated to students living on Offutt AFB.
Members of the 55th Communications Group rake mulch April 2019, at Peter Sarpy Elementary School, Bellevue. The squadron volunteers helped install a new playground for the school. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)
The following are the school systems that also serve military families assigned to Offutt AFB:
Offutt AFB’s School Liaison Officer has information directly related to private schools and homeschooling options in the area in addition to managing any public school education needs.
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Support for Military and Families
Families looking for childcare options, employment opportunities, leisure activities, and more should make two of their first stops the Airman & Family Readiness Center and NAF Human Resources office. These are the gateways to the majority of the services military families need to take advantage of programs designed to foster servicemembers and their families during all stages of their career and education. You can also connect with:
Turtle at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo
Some more helpful links:
More Area Info
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Base Address:
711 Nelson Drive
Offutt AFB
,
68113