Mission
The 22nd Air Refueling Wing, part of the Air Mobility Command, is the host wing at McConnell, with the 184th Wing (ANG) and 931st Air Refueling Wing (ARC) as primary tenants. The 22nd ARW is one of the Air Force's three core tanker wings. The Wing's fleet of KC-135 and KC-46 aircraft provides in-flight all-weather aerial refueling for U.S. and allied military aircraft, as well as airlift for global reach projection of troops, equipment and supplies worldwide. The 22nd ARW's 16 squadrons for a force of approximately 3,000 active duty military members. There are over 700 assigned to the 931st ARW and over 1000 assigned to the 184th Wing.
For additional information on the history of McConnell AFB, please visit this website.
History
McConnell's history began with the creation of the Wichita Municipal Airport in 1929. Growing concern about events in Europe during the late 1930's led to increased production of military supplies and equipment, including military aircraft. With its secure mid-continent location and proximity to major aircraft manufacturing plants, the Wichita Municipal Airport became central to the nation's defense. In 1951, the United States Air Force entered negotiations with Wichita to acquire the Wichita Municipal Airport in order to establish a training center for B-47 Stratojet combat crews. Wichita Municipal Airport became Wichita Air Force Base in 1953. The following year, the name was changed to McConnell Air Force Base 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. Visit McConnell's homepage for more history about the base.
Population
McConnell AFB estimated population:
- Active Duty: 2,852
- Family Members: 6,716
- Reserve and Guard: 1,945
- Civilian Employees: 785
- Retirees in Local Area: 8,500
Located in Sedgwick County, Wichita is the largest city in Kansas. The population is approximately 397,532 based on 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data. The metro area includes Butler, Harvey, Sedgwick, and Sumner counties with a combined population of nearly 647,919.
Location
McConnell AFB is located in Wichita, KS approximately 2 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 largest being Wichita State University with an enrollment of over 23,806 students.
Directions
If you're using GPS, use the McConnell AFB Visitor Center as your destination to ensure you are routed to the main gate, which is open 24/7.
From 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 Visitor Center is located here. The main gate is open 24/7; the Visitors Center is open weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 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. for traffic leaving the base and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. for traffic entering the base. The gate is closed on family days and holidays. It is open for Guard and Reserve drill weekends with the M-F hours.
Contact Information
The base operator can be reached at 316-759-6100 or DSN 312-743-6100.
