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Department of the Air Force
52802 Kansas Street
McConnell AFB, KS 67221-3606
316-759-6100
312-743-6100
The cost of living in Wichita is nearly 10% below the national average, offering many wonderful amenities with incredible affordability. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average existing home price is $148,000. Apartment rent is nearly 35% lower than the national average, with $754 being the median monthly amount for a two-bedroom unit.
Telephone Access
McConnell AFB is in the 316 area code. Commercial base numbers have a prefix of 759. The DSN prefix is 743. The base operator can be reached at 316-759-6100 or DSN 312-743-6100.
Passports and Visas
Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included.
The 22nd Air Refueling Wing is the host unit at McConnell AFB and part of the Air Mobility Command. The 22nd ARW has been and continues to be involved in a number of operations providing air refueling, humanitarian airlift and aeromedical evacuation missions around the globe. The wing's 17 squadrons (16 at McConnell, one at Pease Air National Guard Base in New Hampshire) combine for a force of approximately 3,500 active duty military members.
The base is Total Force, hosting the 931st Air Refueling Wing Air Force Reserve and the 184th Wing Air National Guard units.
The wing's primary mission includes the delivery of global air refueling capabilities using the KC-135 Stratotanker. The aircraft also doubles as an airlift and aeromedical evacuation carrier. The first KC-46A Pegasus was delivered to McConnell in January 2019. The aircraft has been in development since February 2011, and its initial flight occurred in December 2014. The KC-46 represents the beginning of a new era in aerial refueling, and will provide a vital capability to the U.S. Air Force and joint partners.
McConnell's history began with the creation of the Wichita Municipal Airport in 1929. The Airport became Wichita Air Force Base in 1953. The base name changed to McConnell Air Force Base in 1954 in honor of the three flying McConnell brothers: Fred, Thomas, and Edwin, all of World War II fame. The three McConnell brothers, from Wichita, gained recognition as the "three of a kind" in the war. For more history visit McConnell's homepage.
McConnell AFB estimated population:
Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and is located in Sedgwick County. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 397,532 and the population of the Wichita metro area was 647,610. The metro area includes Butler, Harvey, Sedgwick, and Sumner counties.
McConnell AFB is located in Wichita, KS approximately 3 hours north of Oklahoma City and 3 hours southwest of Kansas City, MO.
Wichita began as a trading post on the Chisholm Trail and was incorporated as a city in 1870. It was a popular destination for cattle drives heading north to access railroads, earning it the nickname "Cowtown." In the 20th century, aircraft pioneers such as Clyde Cessna and Walter Beech began aircraft manufacturing projects that lead to Wichita's establishment as the "Air Capitol of the World." Wichita remains a major center of the American aircraft industry with companies like Textron Aviation, Learjet, Airbus, and Spirit AeroSystems that continue to operate design and manufacturing facilities here.
Wichita has evolved into a regional center of culture, entertainment, and trade. Downtown Wichita offers nightclubs, restaurants, shopping centers, museums and parks. A 15,000-seat arena hosts a wide range of entertainment including concerts and sporting events. There are multiple universities in Wichita, the the largest being Wichita State University with an enrollment of over 13,000 students.
Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport is in southwest Wichita, approximately 15 miles from McConnell. From the airport, take Ridge Road to the first stop light (just before the overpass). Turn right then use the left lane to merge onto Hwy 54 (Kellogg Avenue). Take the Rock Road exit and turn right. Stay on Rock Road heading south for 3.5 miles. The base will be on your right. If you are using a navigation system, use the McConnell AFB Visitors Center as your destination to ensure you're directed to the main gate, which has 24/7 access.
Talk to your sponsor about getting from the airport to base. If you take a taxi, your fare will cost approximately $35 (be sure to get a receipt so you can claim this on your travel voucher).
Driving DirectionsFrom I-135, take US Hwy 54 (Kellogg Avenue) east to Rock Road and then drive south 3.5 miles to the base's main gate.
From I-35 (Kansas Turnpike), take the east Wichita exit and go west on US Hwy 54 (Kellogg Avenue). Turn left on Rock Road and go 3.5 miles to the base's main gate.
McConnell AFB has two gates. The main gate is located on Kansas Street and can be accessed from Rock Road. The Visitors Center is located here. The main gate is open 24/7; the Visitors Center is open weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
The West gate can be accessed from George Washington Blvd and is open Monday-Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
There is no scheduled military transportation to base.
The base operator can be reached at 316-759-6100 or DSN 312-743-6100.
Release 2022.05.31.1