Military Bases in Nebraska
Prep for your move to Nebraska with this guide.
Air Force Bases
Offutt AFB
Located in Offutt A.f.b., Nebraska
Offutt AFB in Offutt A.f.b., Nebraska, is a key U.S. Air Force installation and the headquarters of U.S. Strategic Command. The base supports global operations, advanced communications, and intelligence missions.
Nebraska’s Strategic Command Hub
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Nebraska, Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue is the state’s premier military installation, serving as the headquarters for U.S. Strategic Command and a hub for intelligence and air operations. Located near Omaha, Offutt drives Nebraska’s military significance. This guide to military bases in Nebraska offers insights into its role, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in the Cornhusker State.
Historical Foundations
Nebraska’s military history began with frontier forts and expanded during WWII. Offutt Air Force Base traces its origins to 1894 as Fort Crook, a cavalry post named for General George Crook. In 1924, it became Offutt Field, honoring 1st Lt. Jarvis J. Offutt, a WWI aviator killed in 1918. During WWII, Offutt served as a B-29 Superfortress training base and hosted the Enola Gay’s atomic bomb assembly in 1945. Designated an Air Force base in 1948, it became the Strategic Air Command headquarters until 1992, when U.S. Strategic Command took over. This legacy cements Offutt’s role as a strategic cornerstone.
Economic Impact
Offutt Air Force Base is Nebraska’s largest single-site employer, contributing over $2.7 billion annually and sustaining 10,000 jobs in Bellevue, Omaha, and Sarpy County. The base’s 4,000-acre campus supports local businesses through contracts and spending, with 8,500 military and civilian personnel driving commerce. Families access 1,200 housing units, DoDDS schools (Bellevue Public Schools partnership), and TRICARE clinics. MWR programs, including 2025 Omaha zoo visits and Bellevue’s Fontenelle Forest hikes, enhance community life. Additional facilities like Camp Ashland and Lincoln Air National Guard Base add $200 million and 1,500 jobs, boosting regional economies.
Key Military Facilities
Offutt Air Force Base (Bellevue): Headquarters for U.S. Strategic Command and the 55th Wing, operating RC-135 Rivet Joints and E-4B Nightwatch aircraft, with 8,500 personnel managing global command and intelligence.
Lincoln Air National Guard Base (Lincoln): Home to the 155th Air Refueling Wing with KC-135 Stratotankers, supporting 1,000 personnel for air refueling missions.
Camp Ashland (Ashland): A National Guard training center for the 209th Regional Training Institute, hosting 1,500 trainees annually for engineering and logistics.
Strategic Importance
Offutt Air Force Base is a linchpin for U.S. strategic operations. U.S. Strategic Command oversees nuclear deterrence, space, and cyber operations, coordinating 1,800 nuclear warheads and 150,000 personnel globally. The 55th Wing’s RC-135 Rivet Joints conduct 2,000 ISR missions annually, providing critical intelligence, while the E-4B Nightwatch ensures nuclear command continuity. In 2024, Offutt completed runway upgrades, enhancing operational capacity, with 2025 exercises strengthening NATO interoperability. Lincoln Air National Guard Base’s 155th Air Refueling Wing supports 1,000 KC-135 missions, aiding global air operations. Camp Ashland trains 1,500 Guard members for domestic response. These facilities ensure national security despite unconfirmed 2024 drone reports near Offutt.
Notable Distinctions
Offutt Air Force Base, at 4,000 acres, is the only U.S. base hosting U.S. Strategic Command, with a $4.3 billion infrastructure and the world’s only E-4B Nightwatch fleet. Lincoln Air National Guard Base is Nebraska’s sole Air Guard facility, operating one of the Air Force’s largest KC-135 wings. Camp Ashland is the state’s primary Guard training site, with 1,000 acres for live-fire exercises. Offutt offers 1,200 housing units, school partnerships, and MWR events like 2025 Bellevue air shows and Omaha’s Old Market outings, fostering a vibrant community in Nebraska’s heartland.
U.S. service members on PCS to Nebraska or TDY in Nebraska will find mission-critical roles and welcoming communities at Offutt Air Force Base. From Omaha’s urban energy to Bellevue’s historic charm, Nebraska’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and rich cultural experiences for military families.