About Sheppard AFB
Goodfellow Air Force Base, located in San Angelo, Texas, is a key training installation for the U.S. Air Force.
The base’s primary mission is training in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as fire protection for multiple branches of the military.
Sheppard AFB is home to the 17th Training Wing, which provides training to Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and international students in critical intelligence and firefighting skills.
Sheppard AFB Veterans Guide
If you’re stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base or planning a move here, our comprehensive guide has everything you need. From housing options both on and off base, to the best things to do in the area, financial resources, and local businesses offering military discounts, this guide is your one-stop resource for everything Sheppard AFB.
Sheppard Air Force Base Information
Contact Information
- Main Phone Number: +1 (940) 676-1010
- Housing Office: +1 (940) 676-1234
- Health Services Coordinator: +1 (940) 676-1345
- Family Support Office: +1 (940) 676-1456
- Legal Office: +1 (940) 676-1567
Address: Sheppard Air Force Base, 1810 J Ave, Wichita Falls, TX 76311, United States
Mission
Sheppard AFB’s mission focuses on technical and pilot training. As part of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC), it hosts training programs for more than 200,000 Air Force, Army, Navy, and international military personnel annually.
The base is home to the 82nd Training Wing and the 80th Flying Training Wing, which operates the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program (ENJJPT), providing combat pilot training for NATO allies.
History
- Established: 1941 as Sheppard Field during World War II.
- Renamed: Sheppard Air Force Base in 1948.
- Historical Significance: Initially a training ground during World War II, the base has evolved into a global leader in technical and aviation training for the U.S. military and allied forces.
- Key Milestones:
- Introduction of ENJJPT in 1981.
- Expansion of technical training to include cyber, medical, and engineering specialties.
Location
- City: Wichita Falls, Texas, USA
- Coordinates: 33.9833° N, 98.5000° W
- Website: Sheppard AFB Official Website
- Phone: +1 (940) 676-2511
Hours of Operation
- Visitor Center: Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM; Closed on weekends and holidays.
- Main Gate: Open 24/7.
Base Location and Directions
- Address:
Sheppard Air Force Base
1810 J Ave, Wichita Falls, TX 76311 - Driving Directions:
- From Wichita Falls Municipal Airport: Take Airport Dr and US-287 N to Sheppard AFB (approx. 15 minutes).
- From Downtown Wichita Falls: Follow US-277 N/US-287 N to the Sheppard Access Rd exit (approx. 10 minutes).
Population
- Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 5,500
- Civilians and Contractors: Around 1,200
- Families and Dependents: Nearly 8,000
- Total Population Served: Over 14,700
Texas VA Loan Guide
View our complete VA loan guide for Texas. From local homebuyer assistance programs for Veterans to VA loan requirements and eligibility this guide has everything you need to know if you are considering getting a VA loan in Texas.
Sheppard Air Force Base Information
Housing Options
Sheppard AFB provides privatized on-base housing managed by Balfour Beatty Communities, offering a range of family-friendly homes with modern amenities. Off-base housing options in Wichita Falls include apartments and single-family homes in established neighborhoods.
- Contact the Housing Office: (940) 676-5776
- Popular Off-Base Areas: Wichita Falls, Burkburnett, and Iowa Park.
- Current Median Home Prices in Wichita Falls: $190,000 (as of 2024).
Base Transportation
Located near Interstate 44, Sheppard AFB offers convenient access to Wichita Falls and surrounding areas. The base provides shuttle services during duty hours for military personnel and their families.
Medical and Emergency Services
Medical care is available through the 82nd Medical Group, which offers primary care, dental services, and mental health support. For additional care, United Regional Health Care System in Wichita Falls provides comprehensive medical services.
- Contact the Health Services Coordinator: (940) 676-2273
Dining Facilities
On-base dining options include the Mesquite Dining Facility, as well as fast-food establishments. Wichita Falls offers a variety of dining experiences, from barbecue joints to international cuisine.
Fitness and Wellness Programs
Sheppard AFB features a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, group classes, and personal training services. The base also has sports fields, tennis courts, and a swimming pool for recreational use.
Education
On-Base Schools
Sheppard AFB does not operate on-base schools. Children of military families attend schools in the Wichita Falls Independent School District, known for its diverse academic and extracurricular programs.
Off-Base Schools
Families living off-base have access to schools in the Wichita Falls ISD, which serves grades K-12. Higher education opportunities are available at Midwestern State University and Vernon College.
Child Development Center (CDC)
The base operates a Child Development Center, offering daycare, preschool, and after-school programs for military families.
- Contact the CDC: (940) 676-2038
Things to Do
Outdoor Activities
Sheppard AFB offers outdoor recreation facilities, including walking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas. Nearby Lake Arrowhead State Park provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, and camping.
Shopping and Dining
The base has a Commissary and Exchange (BX) for grocery and retail needs. Off-base, Wichita Falls features shopping centers like Sikes Senter Mall and local boutiques. Dining options include a mix of chain restaurants and locally-owned establishments.
Local Attractions
Visit the Wichita Falls Museum of Art, the River Bend Nature Center, or the unique Wichita Falls waterfalls. The base also hosts an annual air show featuring performances and static displays.
Local Support and Resources
Veterans Service Organizations
Wichita Falls has active VFW and American Legion posts, offering resources and support for veterans and their families.
Family Support Office
The Family Support Office provides deployment readiness, financial counseling, and family advocacy services.
- Contact the Family Support Office: (940) 676-4358
Legal Services
The Legal Office at Sheppard AFB provides assistance with wills, powers of attorney, and other legal matters.
- Contact the Legal Office: (940) 676-4262
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the primary mission of Sheppard AFB? | Sheppard AFB focuses on training Airmen in technical, logistics, medical, and pilot skills. It is one of the largest training bases in the Air Force. |
| Where is Sheppard AFB located? | The base is situated just outside of Wichita Falls, Texas, about 130 miles from both Dallas and Oklahoma City. |
| How large is Sheppard AFB? | Sheppard AFB hosts more than 60,000 trainees annually, supporting one of the busiest joint-use airfields in the Air Force. |
| What types of training are conducted at Sheppard AFB? | Sheppard provides training in technical and flight disciplines, including aircraft maintenance, medical fields, and combat pilot training. |
| What is the historical significance of Sheppard AFB? | The base was established in 1941 and played a significant role in training Airmen during World War II and beyond. |
| How busy is Sheppard AFB’s airfield? | It is the busiest joint-use airfield in the Air Force, supporting both military and civilian air traffic. |
| Are there on-base housing options at Sheppard AFB? | Yes, Sheppard AFB offers on-base housing for military personnel, including options for families and single service members. |
| What recreational activities are available at Sheppard AFB? | Sheppard AFB offers multiple recreational amenities, including fitness centers, bowling alleys, and outdoor activities. |
| How can visitors access Sheppard AFB? | Visitors need to check in at the Sheppard Gate Visitor Center with proper identification to gain access to the base. |
| What is the weather like at Sheppard AFB? | Sheppard AFB experiences hot summers and mild winters, typical of North Texas, with occasional thunderstorms in spring and summer. |
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