Goodfellow AFB  In-depth Overview

Goodfellow's history traces back to the period prior to Pearl Harbor when President Franklin Roosevelt, responding to the spread of aggression across Europe, Africa and Asia, began a program of preparedness that included the construction of facilities dedicated to advanced air training. Several such bases were envisioned for Texas and one, specifically, for the Fort Worth-Midland-San Angelo triangle. Civic leaders from San Angelo immediately recommended their community to the War Department. A generous offer of sewage and electrical service, railroad spur, and a 50-year lease on 640 acres at one dollar per year easily decided the issue.

Construction of the new San Angelo Army Air Corps Basic Flying School began at once. Officially established on 17 August 1940, the base was ready for occupancy by January 1941; the first class of students arrived in February. On 11 June 1941 the base was officially renamed Goodfellow Field.

The next four years witnessed the graduation of more than 10,000 pilots and the decoration of scores of these for outstanding heroism in action against Germany, Italy, and Japan. Goodfellow continued to train pilots into the post war period, first on the AT-6 Texan and then, beginning in 1954, on the twin-engine B-25 Mitchell. On 3 September 1958, with nearly 20,000 aviators to its credit, Goodfellow graduated its last class of pilots.

The end of flying training at Goodfellow marked the transfer of the base from Air Training Command to the USAF Security Service and the beginning of a new mission--the training of Air Force personnel in the advanced crypto logic skills that the Security Service required at installations worldwide. Eight years later, in 1966, the mission expanded further to include joint-service training in these skills for Army, Navy and Marine Corps personnel.

Reverting to Air Training Command in 1978, the base emerged from a brush with closure to become a Technical Training Center in 1985 and the site for the construction of all Air Force-managed intelligence training. During the next three years, Goodfellow received advanced imagery training from Offutt AFB, Nebraska; electronic intelligence operations training from Keesler AFB, Mississippi; and targeting, intelligence applications, and general intelligence training from Lowry AFB, Colorado.

On 1 July 1993, the 17th Training Wing was activated at Goodfellow. With the change in name came a marked diversification and increase in mission as the base realignment and closure process brought special instruments training and fire protection training to the base. To support the increased training load, Goodfellow underwent extensive modernization and growth entering the 21st century as one of the most modern installations in the Air Force. 

Goodfellow AFB is a joint service base that serves a population of over 12,000 people to include students, permanent party, civilians, dependents and retirees. Goodfellow AFB has around 3,300 students at one time and graduates nearly 10,000 students annually. 

The population of Tom Green County as of July 2021 is 119,411. 

Goodfellow Air Force Base is a joint training base home of the 17th Training Wing that serves Air Force, Space Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard. GAFB's population is a combination of students, permanent party, civilians and contractors.

Goodfellow AFB is located on 1,235 acres near the west Texas city of San Angelo. San Angelo is a military-friendly community located in Tom Green County. It is 3.5 hours northwest of San Antonio and 4 hours southwest of Dallas. The zip code for the base is 76908. San Angelo has a Visitor Center that is open 7 days a week which is located at 418 W. Ave B.

There are no flights that arrive or depart directly on Goodfellow AFB. San Angelo Regional Airport/Mathis Field is located approximately ten miles from base. When searching for flights use the airline code "SJT" for Mathis Field. San Angelo Regional Airport is a small facility, serviced by American Eagle Airlines. There are frequent flights between San Angelo and the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport for connections throughout the United States and abroad. No shuttle service is available between the San Angelo Regional Airport and Goodfellow, however, cabs are approximately $25 for one passenger with luggage. Avis, Budget, and Hertz car rental companies are located at the airport.

Driving from the Airport

Exit right on Knickerbocker/584 (heading North). Take Knickerbocker to Bryant Avenue (US 87) and take a left. Next, take a right onto Avenue L. Avenue L will turn into Paint Rock Road.  If it's a weekday (not a holiday) from 6:00 a.m. - 6: p.m., you can stay on Paint Rock and take a right on Kearney Blvd. This is the north gate of Goodfellow AFB. During nights and weekends, from Avenue L, turn right onto Chadbourne St. Proceed about 2.5 miles; the south gate of Goodfellow AFB will be on the left.  The Angelo Inn is located approximately 1/2 mile down Kearney on the East side of the road.

Driving directions are also available vie "Google Maps" on most cell phones.

Base access has changed due COVID-19 restrictions, please call prior to travel to receive latest update

Information can also be found at this website: http://www.goodfellow.af.mil/

The Visitor Control Center is located at the South Gate (Main Gate) off of S. Chadbourne St. VCC hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Goodfellow AFB requires all personnel to have a government-issued picture ID or pass to access the base. All non-military affiliated personnel will need to obtain a pass at the Visitor Control Center located at the main gate. Requirements to obtain a pass:

• Current, valid driver's license
• Current proof of auto insurance and registration
• On-base sponsor
• On-base sponsor phone number

The Main Gate is open 24/7. If accessing the installation during non-duty hours, the main gate will issue a pass for the duration of the weekend. For questions you may call 325-654-4122, DSN 312-477-4122. 

Heading North on US 87

Take a right on Farm-Market Road 1223 to Goodfellow.

Heading West on US 67 and 277

Stay on this highway to Loop 306, then take a right on Paint Rock Road to Goodfellow.

Heading South on US 87

Take a left onto Avenue L. Ave L becomes Paint Rock Road - continue on Paint Rock Road. Shortly after crossing Bell St at the traffic signal the Goodfellow north gate will be on your right.

Heading North on US 67

Take a right on Loop 306. Follow Loop 306 as it joins South US 87/277. Take the Country Club Road exit (you should see a sign pointing towards Goodfellow). At the stop sign, turn right. Turn right again and proceed across the overpass to a traffic light. Turn left on Christoval Road and proceed to the traffic light (approx 2 mi). Turn right onto Chadbourne St. Proceed about 1 mile; the south gate of Goodfellow AFB will be on the left.

An on-base taxi service is available for official business only, to contact the Base Taxi Dispatch please call 325-654-5744.