Military Bases in Oklahoma
Everything military families need to settle into Oklahoma.
Air Force Bases
Altus AFB
Located in Altus Afb, Oklahoma
Altus AFB in Altus Afb, Oklahoma, serves as a vital U.S. Air Force training hub specializing in air mobility and tanker aircraft. The base is home to the 97th Air Mobility Wing, offering robust on-base housing, quality schools, and convenient access to local amenities.
Tinker AFB
Located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Tinker AFB sits in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and serves as a major hub for the U.S. Air Force. Home to the Air Force Sustainment Center and Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, it specializes in aircraft maintenance and logistics.
Vance AFB
Located in Enid, Oklahoma
Vance AFB in Enid, Oklahoma, is a key U.S. Air Force installation specializing in undergraduate pilot training. The base is home to the 71st Flying Training Wing, supporting both Air Force and allied student pilots.
Army Bases
Fort Sill
Located in Fort Sill, Oklahoma
Fort Sill in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, is a major U.S. Army installation renowned as the home of the Field Artillery and Air Defense Artillery. The base offers a range of on-base and off-base housing options, quality schools, and family-friendly amenities.
Oklahoma’s Heartland Defense Hubs
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Oklahoma, Altus Air Force Base, Tinker Air Force Base, Vance Air Force Base, and Fort Sill are cornerstone installations, supporting air mobility, logistics, pilot training, and artillery excellence. Centrally located, these bases drive Oklahoma’s military prominence. This guide to military bases in Oklahoma offers insights into their roles, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in the Sooner State.
Historical Foundations
Oklahoma’s military legacy began with frontier forts and grew through global conflicts. Fort Sill, established in 1869 by General Philip Sheridan, was a cavalry post to protect settlers and became a field artillery hub by World War I. Altus Air Force Base, activated in 1943 as Altus Army Air Field, trained pilots on multi-engine aircraft. Tinker Air Force Base, founded in 1941 as Midwest Air Depot, supported WWII C-47 Skytrain production and was named for Major General Clarence L. Tinker in 1942. Vance Air Force Base, opened in 1941 in Enid, trained 3,000 pilots annually during WWII and honors Lt. Col. Leon R. Vance Jr. These bases anchor Oklahoma’s defense history.
Economic Impact
Oklahoma’s bases contribute over $5 billion annually, employing 60,000 personnel. Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma’s largest single-site employer, supports 26,000 jobs and $2 billion in Oklahoma City. Fort Sill, spanning 94,000 acres, generates $1.5 billion and 20,000 jobs in Lawton. Altus Air Force Base employs 2,000, adding $500 million to southwestern Oklahoma. Vance Air Force Base sustains 3,000 jobs and $400 million in Enid. Families access 1,500 housing units, DoDDS schools (Lawton Public Schools, Enid Public Schools), and TRICARE clinics. MWR programs, including 2025 Oklahoma City zoo trips and Fort Sill’s Wichita Mountains hikes, enrich community life.
Key Military Facilities
Altus Air Force Base (Altus): Home to the 97th Air Mobility Wing, training 3,000 aircrew annually on C-17 Globemaster IIIs, KC-135 Stratotankers, and KC-46 Pegasus aircraft.
Tinker Air Force Base (Oklahoma City): Hosts the 72nd Air Base Wing and Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, managing depot maintenance for E-7A Wedgetails and B-52 Stratofortresses, with 26,000 personnel.
Vance Air Force Base (Enid): Operates the 71st Flying Training Wing, training 300 pilots yearly on T-38 Talons and T-6 Texans for joint Air Force-Navy programs.
Fort Sill (Lawton): Houses the U.S. Army Field Artillery School and Marine Corps Artillery Detachment, training 36,000 soldiers annually, including Patriot missile crews.
McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (McAlester): Manages one-third of the DoD’s munitions stockpile, employing 1,500 for production and disposal.
Will Rogers Air National Guard Base (Oklahoma City): Hosts the 137th Special Operations Wing with MC-12W Liberty aircraft, supporting 1,200 personnel.
Strategic Importance
Oklahoma’s bases are critical to U.S. and NATO operations. Altus Air Force Base’s 97th Air Mobility Wing trains aircrews for global airlift and refueling, conducting 5,000 sorties annually with KC-46 Pegasus aircraft. Tinker Air Force Base’s Air Logistics Complex maintains 31 weapon systems, including E-7A Wedgetails, supporting 93 Air Force bases worldwide. Vance Air Force Base’s 71st Flying Training Wing graduates 300 pilots yearly, vital for air superiority. Fort Sill trains 36,000 artillery soldiers and Patriot missile crews, with 2024 Ukrainian Patriot training. McAlester stores critical munitions, while Will Rogers supports ISR missions. These bases ensure readiness despite unconfirmed 2025 workforce concerns at Tinker.
Notable Distinctions
Fort Sill, at 94,000 acres, is Oklahoma’s largest base, hosting the nation’s premier artillery schools for Army and Marine Corps training. Tinker Air Force Base, with 15.2 million square feet of facilities, is the Air Force’s largest logistics center. Altus Air Force Base is the only C-17 and KC-135 training school, with 300 days of flying weather. Vance Air Force Base is a joint Air Force-Navy pilot training hub. The bases offer 1,500 housing units, local school partnerships, and MWR events like Altus’s 2025 air show, fostering family life in Oklahoma’s welcoming communities.
U.S. service members on PCS to Oklahoma or TDY in Oklahoma will find dynamic missions and vibrant communities at Altus, Tinker, Vance, and Fort Sill. From Oklahoma City’s urban energy to Lawton’s rugged landscapes, Oklahoma’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and rich cultural experiences for military families.