History
The history of Schriever Space Force Base (SFB) began in September 1979 when officials approved plans for the development of an installation to provide a back-up control node for support of existing and planned satellite constellations, and to house an operations support center for NASA’s space shuttle. Plans called for a merger of Air Force space operations at a Consolidated Space Operations Center (CSOC) and a Shuttle Operations Center (SOPC). Following negotiations with the State of Colorado, the state granted the federal government deed to approximately 640 acres of land. On May 17, 1983, contractors broke ground on what would become Falcon Air Force Station (AFS), named for the unincorporated town north of the installation.
Two years later, the 2nd Space Wing was formed, and mission capability from Onizuka AFS began transferring over to Falcon following the base's activation on Sept. 26, 1985. The wing took operational control of the Air Force Satellite Control Network in October 1987. On June 13, 1988, Falcon AFS was re-designated Falcon AFB.
Due to Air Force-wide restructuring, the 2nd SW was inactivated, and the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing re-designated as the 50th SW activated at Falcon AFB on Jan. 30, 1992. The 50th TFW had inactivated on Sept. 30, 1991, at Hahn Air Base, Germany. Its re-designation and activation at Falcon AFB continued the heritage of a highly decorated unit.
On June 5, 1998, Falcon AFB was renamed Schriever AFB in honor of retired Gen. Bernard A. Schriever, who pioneered the development of the nation's ballistic missile programs and is recognized as "the father of the U.S. Air Force's space and missile program." Gen. Schriever passed away June 20, 2005. In December of 2019 the Space Force was established as a separate military branch and on July 28, 2021 Schriever AFB was renamed as Schriever Space Force Base.
Population
Schriever SFB is home to 8,000 military and civilian employees. The base indirectly contributes an estimated $1.3 billion to the local Colorado Springs, Colorado, area annually.
- Colorado Springs: 486,248
- Colorado Springs metro area: 755,105
- El Paso County: 744,215
Location
Schriever SFB is located in El Paso County, the largest county in Colorado. It is about 10 miles east of the city of Colorado Springs and is at an elevation of 6,237 feet. Colorado Springs is the second largest city in Colorado and is nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, about 65 miles south of Denver. Notable attractions in Colorado Springs include the famous Broadmoor Hotel, the U.S. Olympic Center and Olympic Museum and the nation's highest elevation zoo.
Directions
There are two gates to access the base: the North Gate on Enoch Road, and the West Gate on Irwin Road. The Visitors Center is located on Enoch Road just prior to the North Gate (main) entry.
The North Gate is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to include all holidays.
The West Gate hours of operation are: Monday - Friday 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. It is closed during the weekends and on all holidays
The Colorado Springs Airport is located southwest of Schriever SFB. Following the road exiting the airport, turn right on Powers Blvd. Stay on Powers approximately 7 miles, until you reach Platte Avenue. Turn right; stay on Platte until you get to HWY 94 and make a right. Stay on HWY 94 for about 10 miles until you see Enoch Road, (Approximately 1 mile past the Curtis Road Intersection). Take the right turn lane to merge onto Enoch Road. Stay on Enoch road approximately 2 miles. The Pass and Registration/Visitor Center will be on your right. It is open from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday.
The Enoch Road North Gate is the only 24 hour gate on Schriever SFB.
Directions from the Airport to the West Gate
The Colorado Springs airport is located southwest of Schriever AFB. Following the road exiting the airport, turn right on Powers Blvd. Stay on Powers approximately 7 miles, until you reach Platte Avenue. Turn right; stay on Platte until you get to HWY 94 and make a right. Stay on HWY 94 for about 9 miles until you get to Curtis Road intersection, turn right. Go approximately 3 miles, then turn left onto Irwin Road, this will take you to the West gate. This gate is only open M-F 0600-1900.
Entering from the South or North to the North Gate & Visitors Center
Entering Colorado Springs on I-25 from the south or north, exit on Academy Blvd. If you enter the city from North Academy Blvd., head south towards Platte Avenue. If entering the city from South Academy Blvd, go north to Platte Avenue. Turn east on Platte Avenue (Highway 24) to Highway 94. Head east on Highway 94. Head south on Enoch road and follow to the Visitors Center on your right, or straight ahead to the gate. This is the only 24 hour gate.
Entering from the East to the West Gate
If coming from the east on Interstate 70, If coming from the east on Interstate 70, go south on Highway 71 to Highway 94. When you get to the Curtis road intersection turn left. Go approximately 3 miles and turn left onto Irwin road, this will take you to the West gate. This gate is only open M-F 0600-1900.
Entering from the East to the North/Enoch Road Gate & Visitors Center
If coming from the east on Interstate 70, go south on Highway 71 to Highway 94. When you get to Enoch Road, make a left and follow to the Visitors Center on your right or straight ahead to the Gate. This is the only 24 hour gate.
Entering from the West to the West Gate
If coming from the west on Highway 24, follow the signs to stay on Highway 24 through the city. Take Platte Avenue east to Highway 94. Head east on Highway 94, and continue for approximately 9 miles to the Curtis Road intersection, then turn right. Go approximately 3 miles and turn left onto Irwin road, this will take you to the West gate. This gate is only open M-F 0600-1900.
Entering from the West to the North/Enoch Road Gate & Visitors Center
If coming from the west on Highway 24, follow the signs to stay on Highway 24 through the city. Take Platte Avenue east to Highway 94. Head east on Highway 94 for approximately 10 miles, until you reach Enoch road, take the right turn lane and merge onto Enoch road. Continue on Enoch road until you reach the Visitors center, on your right or straight ahead to the gate.
Base Transportation
Because of the close walking distance between facilities there is no shuttle service outside the restricted area however; shuttle service is provided continuously throughout the day inside the restricted area. Bus schedules are posted throughout the base. Security Forces has instituted a carpooling program. If you drive to work with at least one other person you can park just west of the North Entry Control Facility in designated, reserved carpool parking slots. The Vanpool program is available at Schriever AFB. A vanpool is a group of 5 to 15 people who commute to work on a regular basis in a van provided by VPSI, Inc. The riders share a fee that covers the cost of operating the van. The vanpool group determines their daily route. Riders meet at a designated pick-up location, such as a shopping center.
Contact Information
There is no longer a Base Operator service on Schriever SFB. You can find a base directory at the Peterson/Schriever official website at https://www.petersonschriever.spaceforce.mil/.
