Compared to the rest of the country, Wichita Falls Metro Area's cost of living is 74.5%. Housing costs in this area are relatively low compared to other parts of the country.Base Operator: Sheppard AFB no longer has an actual operator. Please call 940-676-2511, or DSN 312-736-2511 and follow the prompts or visit the Sheppard AFB key numbers.
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.
Please join our Pre-Arrival Orientation to help plan your upcoming relocation to Sheppard AFB. For details please email the Military and Family Readiness Center at 82fss_fsfrairmen_familyreadinessctr@us.af.mil or visit our online sign-up calendar at https://tockify.com/e/sheppard.mfrc/pinboard.
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. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.
AETC's mission is to recruit, train, and educate quality people through military, technical and flight training. Sheppard is one of the most diversified training bases in AETC. The 82d Training Wing's training programs are administered by the 82d, 782d, and 982d Training Groups. Major base support is provided by the 82d Mission Support Group and the 82d Medical Group. The 80th Flying Training Wing is the home of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program (ENJJPT), the free world's only internationally manned and managed undergraduate pilot training program. Technical training is provided in the major academic areas of aircraft maintenance, civil engineering, electronics, fuels, telecommunications. The major command is the Air Education and Training Command (AETC).
Sheppard Field was first visualized on November 29, 1940, when Major General Rush B. Lincoln, Commandant of U.S. Army Air Corps Technical Schools, surveyed sites around the city of Wichita Falls for a proposed training school. Sheppard Field began as a World War II Army Air Corps Training Center, officially dedicated on October 17, 1941. The field was named for the late Senator Morris E. Sheppard, former chairman of the Senate Military Affairs Committee. The field reached its peak strength of 46,340 people while serving as a separation center for troops being discharged following World War II. Control and accountability for Sheppard Field was transferred to the Department of the Air Force on August 1, 1948, to supplement Lackland AFB, Texas as a basic training center and was renamed Sheppard AFB. For more history visit Sheppard's homepage.
Over 60,000 airmen and personnel from other military branches are trained at Sheppard AFB each year. Over 20,000 permanent party, airmen in training, and support personnel are on Sheppard AFB during a normal duty day.
According to the 2020 Census, the population of Wichita Falls, TX and immediate surrounding area was 128,920. This includes the City of Wichita Falls, Burkburnett, Iowa Park, and City View.
Over 60,000 Airmen and personnel from other military branches are trained at Sheppard AFB each year. Wichita Falls and the outlying towns are largely populated by military retirees, providing a large customer base for Sheppard personnel. Over 20,000 permanent party, Airmen-in-Training, and support personnel are on Sheppard AFB during a normal duty day.
Sheppard AFB is in Wichita Falls, Texas, situated approximately 130 miles between Dallas and Oklahoma City. Wichita Falls is only 15 miles from the Oklahoma border and the Red River. Housing costs in this area are relatively low compared to other parts of the country. The average home price is currently at $195,000.
The Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) at your current installation has a Resource Discovery Room where you are able to use a computer to plan your route. Please visit them to get driving directions to Sheppard AFB.
Directions from the Airport
If you arrive by commercial airline, you will land at Wichita Falls Municipal Airport, two miles from the main gate. Commercial taxi service is available from the airport to Sheppard. If your flight takes you to the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, shuttle transportation is available to the Wichita Falls area through Wichita Star Taxi. Call them at (940)723--0723 to schedule your pickup ahead of time. You can also schedule an Uber.
Directions if Driving
All highways leading to the base are well marked. The main gate is on State Hwy 240, off I-44 (U.S. Hwys 287 and 281). The Missile Road exit off I-44 may also be used to arrive at the base. If driving from DFW Airport, Highway 287 North will take you all the way to Wichita Falls.
Directions by Bus
If arriving by bus, you will get off at the Greyhound: Bus Stop - Wichita Falls Travel Center located at 306 Scott Street. Sheppard is located less than 10 minutes from the bus terminal. Take Scott Street to TX-240. The main gate is on TX-240(Burkburnett Rd and Sheppard Access).
On base transportation for official use is available through the base taxi system. They can be reached by calling 940-676-1843 or DSN 312-736-1843. Two shuttle bus routes cover the entire base for unofficial travel. Shuttle bus routes are posted at all bus stops.
Release 2024.03.06.1