Sheppard AFB
Sheppard Air Force Base Relocation Information
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Welcome to Sheppard Air Force Base
Sheppard AFB is known as the Air Force’s most diverse training installation. And with its motto “Combat Capability Starts Here,” the base's excellent program and high training numbers come as no surprise.
Activated during WWII to provide aircrew and mechanics training, Sheppard AFB’s history dates back to 1941. Though practices have changed and adapted over the years to match current technology, the base's roots remain the same and today, as its the only Air Force base to provide both technical and flying training.
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Airman Alexander Love, a 364th Training Squadron hydraulic systems maintenance apprentice course student, reads from a binder at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, March 15, 2018. Love is participating in a progress check for HSM apprentices in block 3 of 11. Love is playing the part of the operations check director, where he would read scenarios to his classmates who would then have to do the correct procedures for each scenario. Photo by Airman 1st Class Pedrom Tenorio from Sheppard Air Force Base Official Facebook Page.
Sheppard AFB is home to the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) with the mission to train and educate Exceptional Airmen. Over 60,000 airmen and personnel are trained each year.
AETC units located at Sheppard AFB:
- 82nd Training Wing
- 80th Flying Training Wing & Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program
- 82nd Wing Staff Agencies
- 82nd Medical Group
- 982nd Training Group
- 80th Operations Group
While the base is home to the Air Force’s largest technical training wing, it’s the only internationally manned and managed program. The program educates on everything from flying to maintaining aircraft, munitions, aerospace ground equipment, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sheppard AFB
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1. Who was Sheppard AFB named for?
Sheppard AFB was named for Senator Morris Sheppard.
2. Where is Sheppard AFB located?
Sheppard AFB is located in North Texas, about five miles north of Wichita Falls, Texas, 140 miles northwest of Dallas, and 140 miles southeast of Oklahoma City, OK.
3. How many gates does Sheppard AFB have?
Sheppard AFB has three gates.
- Hospital Gate: Open Monday-Friday 6 am-8 am inbound only and 3 pm-5 pm outbound only.
- Missile Road Gate: Open 24/7
- Main Gate: Currently closed for renovations
The visitor center is located at the Missile Gate and is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 4:30 pm.
4. How many airmen are stationed at Sheppard AFB?
Approximately 20,000 airmen and support personnel are stationed or work at Sheppard AFB. Approximately 60,000 members complete training at Sheppard every year.
5. What is the zip code for Sheppard AFB?
The zip code for Sheppard AFB is 76311. Other nearby zip codes include 76308, 76306, and 76354.
6. What is the BAH for Sheppard AFB?
The BAH for Sheppard AFB ranges from $1,134 for E-1 to $1,950 for E-9 with dependents, and $1,293 for O-1 to $2,121 for O-7 with dependents. See housing section for more info.
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When it comes to military-friendly communities, you couldn’t ask for a better one. Sheppard AFB has strong ties with the local community and has even earned the Altus Trophy for Outstanding Community Support. The people grow accustomed to the aircraft soaring overhead and welcome newcomers.
In terms of location, Wichita Falls is a mere five miles from base. For convenience, the Route 6 Sheppard Express bus route offers public transportation to and from Sheppard daily. Within Wichita Falls city limits, you’ll find trails to indulge your love of nature, farmers markets, and a few favorite stores like Sam’s Club, Target, and Walmart. Dallas and Oklahoma City offer more options in terms of variety.
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Dallas and Oklahoma City sit about two and a half hours away, making them fantastic day-long excursions for a Costco restock or exciting weekend getaways. Nearby, you’ll find the Wichita Falls Municipal Airport and, inside, a military appreciation room sponsored by the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution).
As you can imagine, with a duty station in Texas, you’ll find a lot of military-friendly outings and even run into another base or two while you’re out.
Nearby military installations:
Arrival Lodging
Photo from Sheppard Inn Lodging Facebook Page
400 J Ave Bldg 1600
Wichita Falls, Texas 76311
940-676-4538
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Sheppard AFB Housing
Photo from Sheppard AFB Homes
On-base housing is privatized and managed by Sheppard AFB Homes (a Balfour Beatty Community). They offer three neighborhoods with access to two-, three-, and four-bedroom floor plans, pet-friendly amenities, playgrounds, and base facilities.
Sheppard AFB Homes
505 Nehls Boulevard
Sheppard AFB, TX 76311
940-613-0709
Sheppard AFB Off Base Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near Sheppard AFB—Sheppard AFB Homes
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Base Search
City Search
While you may find a few properties listed just outside town, many military families choose to live in Wichita Falls. Lakeside City and Burkburnett tend to be popular options as well. Housing prices have fluctuated with the market. However, this region’s housing prices trend below the national average.
Sheppard 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 servicemembers compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Sheppard AFB is near Wichita Falls, TX with many options to buy or rent. Some sample Sheppard AFB BAH rates for zip code 76311:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,134
- E-1 without dependents: $852
- E-9 with dependents: $1,950
- E-9 without dependents: $1,464
- O-1 with dependents: $1,293
- O-1 without dependents: $1,023
- O-7 with dependents: $2,121
- O-7 without dependents: $1,935
Area Weather and Climate
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Living in North Texas means that you get to witness four seasons throughout the year. The summers feel hot and bring afternoon thunderstorms, and the winters bring blustery winds with occasional chances for snowfall.
The biggest concern in this area is tornadoes. Sitting right in a geographical region known as tornado alley, you can expect to hear sirens and maybe see a tornado or two between April and June. Make sure you have a few supplies gathered, a radio, and a safe interior room to retreat to should you need to seek shelter.
Sheppard AFB Area Schools
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Sheppard Elementary School is the one DoDEA school located on base. Most military families with school-age children fall under the Wichita Falls Independent School District and attend class off-base.
Image from Wichita Falls WFISD
If you’re looking for a private school education for your children, Private School Review is a great tool to help you find the right fit for you and your family. Families interested in homeschooling should follow the Texas Department of Education homeschool regulations.
For any questions or concerns, you can contact the Sheppard AFB School Liaison Officer:
709 9th Ave. Bldg 960 Sheppard AFB, TX 76311
940-676-6774
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Support for Military and Families
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Some of the most in-demand jobs in the Sheppard AFB area include sales associates, nurses, cashiers, servers, assistant managers, nursing assistants, and customer service representatives.
Some of the area’s top employers:
Looking to volunteer? Try these organizations:
Higher education near Sheppard AFB:
Other helpful links:
Things to Do Near Sheppard AFB
Photo from River Bend Nature Center Facebook Page
River Creek Park Golf Course: This is a par-71 course that opened in 1976 and features a challenging layout plus options to accommodate all levels of golfers. The course also includes a pro shop, golf lessons, leagues, grill, and snack bar. Memberships are available.
River Bend Nature Center: Perfect for the whole family! The center features many popular attractions such as the Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the River Bottom Forest Trail, and the United Children’s Garden. Bring a picnic and enjoy a conservatory tour and lunch under the open-air pavilion.
The Falls in Lucy Park: The Falls in Lucy Park is the original falls of the city reconstructed after floods in the 1800s. The 54-foot man-made falls are a lovely place to visit in Wichita Falls. The multilevel cascade waterfall provides a beautiful background for yearly weddings and photo ops. Enjoy the falls via the one-mile concrete trail that begins in the parking area.
Castaway Cove Water Park: Spend a day cooling off at this great Wichita Falls water park. Open May through Labor day, the park has many levels of water fun to enjoy.
Backdoor Theatre: A Broadway-style community theater, this venue features two stages, the main stage, and the dinner stage, and has produced over 600 shows and concerts. The historic building was originally an ice company with its original brick walls and crank pulley at the top of the main stage. Join the community for yearly shows, improv workshops, and youth programs.
Wichita Falls Brewing: This brewery in the heart of Wichita Falls features various beers on tap and “Progress Pizza” with Detroit Pan style and Tavern round pizzas. Since 2018, this family-friendly spot is a fantastic place to gather and enjoy food from local food trucks.
Sheppard AFB Bowling Centers: The state-of-the-art bowling center on the base is fully renovated with new lighting, scoring, sound, and more. Perfect for date nights or family nights!
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Base Address:
1810 Avenue J
Sheppard AFB
,
76311