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The Offutt AFB surrounding area's cost living is 15% lower than the national average.
Overall, the Offutt Air Force Base community cost of living data is as follows:
Weather
Offutt Air Force Base is located in an area that is subject to severe seasonal weather. There are occasional wind chill warnings, ice, sleet, and snow in the winter, as well as thunderstorms with the potential for tornados in the spring/summer/fall. Personnel arriving by car in the winter months should ensure their vehicle is winterized, emergency items are on hand, and that drivers are familiar with safe winter driving.
Local warning systems are excellent, both on and off base. To contact the Snow and Information line regarding base closures, please call 402-232-COLD(2653).
Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System (AFPAAS)
It is important to update your and your family's information on AFPAAS, https://afpaas.af.mil.
Passports and Visas
If applicable, service member's and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves and/or dependents.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military member and their family.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
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 for a US installation to another US installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included.
Offutt AFB commercial base numbers have the prefix of 294 or 232. The DSN prefix is 271 for the 294 numbers and 272 for the 232 numbers.
The local area code for Offutt AFB is 402.
The 55th Wing's Warhawk Mission Statement
Fix and fly planes safely to arm combatant commanders with dominant intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO), and nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) for decisive warfighter actions and national security outcomes... anytime, anyplace.
The 55th Wing is the host unit of Offutt AFB, the largest wing in Air Combat Command and the second largest in the Air Force. As a warfighting unit, the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth executes all five of the Air Force's core missions and is comprised of more than 7,800 personnel organized into six groups operating at six different geographic locations around the globe.
Offutt AFB is also home to United States Strategic Command, the 557th Weather Wing (America’s Weather Wing), the 95th Wing, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency CONUS Annex, and various tenant units.
Offutt AFB hosts a variety of aircraft to include the RC-135V/W Rivet Joint, RC-135S Cobra Ball, RC-135U Combat Sent, WC-135W Constant Phoenix, E-4B National Airborne Operations Center, and the U.S. Navy’s E-6B Mercury.
Offutt AFB is a steeped in military history, adapting to meet emerging threats and remaining a cornerstone of U.S. defense. Evolving from Fort Crook, a frontier Army outpost established in the 1890s, to a vital hub for national security.
The parade groups and surrounding red brick buildings were constructed between 1894 – 1896. These structures are still in active use today, serving as squadron headquarters, living quarters for high-ranking service members, and Nebraska’s oldest operational jail.
What was once a small Army outpost built to sustain a few hundred soldiers has transformed into a major installation, now supporting a combined military and civilian workforce of roughly 12,000 individuals and more than 22,000 family members.
Constructed between 1894 -1896, the fort’s namesake was Major General George Crook, a career U.S. Army officer who served with great distinction in the American Civil War and the Indian Wars. The fort served primarily a cavalry post, providing preparation and support for troops who were involved in the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War.
At the close of WW II, the 61st Balloon Company became the first air unit to command the post on Sept. 10, 1918. In the spring of 1921, the plowing, leveling and seeding of 260 acres of land at Fort Crook created an airfield suitable for frequent takeoffs and landings by heavier-than-air aircraft. A permanent steel hangar was built to provide a landing and refueling point for military and government planes on cross-country flights. The flying field was designated Offutt Field, in honor of 1st Lt. Jarvis Offutt, May 6, 1924. Offutt, killed while flying with the Royal Air Force in France, was Omaha's first World War I air casualty.
In late 1940, the Army Air Corps picked Fort Crook as the site of a new bomber plant. The plant's construction included two, mile-long concrete runways, six large hangars and an enormous 1.2 million square-foot assembly building.
Operations began under the Glen Martin-Nebraska Company in January 1942, with the plant reaching full-scale production June 8, 1942. A total of 531 B-29 "Super fortresses" and 1,585 B-26 "Marauders" were built at the Martin-Nebraska Bomber Plant before the end of World War II.
In June 1946, the Army Air Force redesignated Fort Crook and the Martin-Nebraska facilities as Offutt Field. Just 18 months later, Jan. 13, 1948, Offutt Field transferred to the new Department of the Air Force and became Offutt AFB. At 12:01 a.m., Nov. 9, 1948, Offutt gained national prominence when it became the host base for Strategic Air Command headquarters.
At 12:01 a.m., Nov. 9, 1948, Offutt gained national prominence when it became the host base for Strategic Air Command headquarters. Air Force Secretary Stuart Symington chose to headquarter the U.S. Air Force's crucial long-range atomic striking force at Offutt primarily because the base was centrally located on the North American continent, placing it as far as possible from the borders of the continental United States.
With the disestablishment of SAC June 1, 1992, Offutt transitioned to Air Combat Command and became the host for the United States Strategic Command's headquarters. In October 1997, the Air Weather Service Headquarters, Scott AFB, Ill., and Air Force Global Weather Center combined to form Air Force Weather Agency (now the 557 WW), as part of an overall reengineering of Air Force weather. AFWA operates the largest computerized weather facility in the world. Its mission is to enhance combat capability by arming the National Command Authorities, Department of Defense, major Air Force commands, and United States combat forces with quality weather products, specialized technical training and standardized weather equipment, communications and technologies anytime, anywhere.
Offutt Air Force Base's total population: 44,914
Population breakdown based on the 2024 Economic Impact Statement:
Sarpy County (home of Offutt AFB) - 190,604
Douglas County - 589,540
*all population numbers provided are based on estimates
Population breakdown:
*Based on the 2024 Economic Impact Statement
Offutt Air Force Base is located in eastern Nebraska, just south of Omaha in Sarpy County, along the Missouri River. The base is situated near the communities of Bellevue, Papillion, and La Vista, providing military members and their families with a blend of small-town charm and city amenities.
Its location has long been strategic - first as Fort Crook and now as Offutt AFB, home to the 55th Wing (55 WG), US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), 557th Weather Wing, and the 95th Wing.
Omaha is served by Omaha Eppley Airfield (OMA) located at:4501 Abbott Dr, Omaha, NE 68110
There is no public transportation or shuttle service from the airport to the base.Taxis, Uber and Lyft are available in the area.Rental Cars are available from multiple services at the Rental Car Customer Service Building.
Airport ConstructionStarting in 2025, Eppley Airfield is undergoing construction as part of its modernization plan, expected to conclude in 2027. During construction, the terminal will be split into two sections, and the airline locations may shift. Travelers are highly encouraged to always verify their terminal with their airline before they travel. Updates can be found on the OMA website.
Arriving by Air
Omaha is served by Eppley Airfield, which lies north of the downtown area. If you are renting a car and driving to Offutt, head south on Abbot Drive and follow the signs to I 480 East. Once you enter I 480 East, stay to the far right for about 1 mile across the river and exit onto I 29 South toward Kansas City. Again, stay to the right for about 1½ miles and exit onto I-80 West. After crossing the river again, go about 2 miles and follow the signs to US 75 South toward Bellevue. Then follow directions above to the Kenney or SAC gates of Offutt AFB.
There is no public transportation or shuttle service from the airport to the base. Taxis, Uber and Lyft are available in the area.
Driving from the East, West, or North
Take Interstate 80 to US Highway 75 South, the Kennedy Freeway to Bellevue. To enter the Kenney Gate, go south approximately six miles and exit at Nebraska Highway 370. Turn left and go under the overpass to the second exit (Offutt AFB/Ft Crook Rd). Turn right off the exit, get into the left lane and turn into the Kenney Gate (with all the flags). To enter the SAC Gate, go south approximately seven miles and exit at Offutt AFB/Capehart Rd. Turn left. The SAC Gate is straight ahead approximately one mile. The Visitor's Center is at the SAC gate.
Driving from the South (two [2] options)
From the South, exit Interstate 29 at exit number 35 for US-34 E/US-275 S toward Glenwood. Keep left at the fork to continue on Exit 35 B and merge onto US-34 W. Continue on US-34W (Now entering Nebraska) and turn right on US-75 N. Follow US-75 N and take the Capehart Road exit. When you reach Capehart Road, take a right and follow the road to the STRATCOM Gate. The Visitor’s Center is on the right-hand side before reaching the gate. The STRATCOM Gate is open 24/7/365.
From the south, exit Interstate 29 at exit number 42 in Iowa, and turn west on Iowa Highway 370. Go four miles. Cross the Bellevue Toll Bridge (toll is $1.00 one way). Continue straight on Nebraska Highway 370 (Mission Blvd). At the 4th stoplight (Lincoln Rd), turn left and enter the base straight ahead. This is the Bellevue Gate.
**All vehicle occupants 12 & over must show a DoD ID card when entering the base, and must be able to produce current registration and proof of insurance for the vehicle when asked.
Offutt AFB does not operate a base shuttle system.
For special events requiring mass transportation, contact the 55 LRS Vehicle Operations Control Center at 402-294-4375.
The Offutt AFB Operator has been deactivated, please visit our directory.