McConnell AFB is a United States Air Force Base and is made up of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, the 931st Air Refueling Group and the Kansas Air National Guard’s 184th Intelligence Wing.
Location
McConnell AFB is located in Wichita, KS approximately 3 hours north of Oklahoma City and 3 hours southwest of Kansas City, MO.
History
McConnell’s history began with the creation of the Wichita Municipal Airport in 1929. The Airport became Wichita Air Force Base on May 15, 1953. The base name changed to McConnell Air Force Base on April 12, 1954, in honor of two of the three flying McConnell brothers, Fred and Thomas, and later for Edwin, all of World War II fame. The three McConnell brothers, from Wichita, gained recognition as the “three of a kind” in the war.
Mission
The 22nd Air Refueling Wing is the host unit at McConnell AFB, and part of the Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB, IL. The wing’s primary mission is to provide Global Reach by conducting air refueling and airlift when and wherever needed. To do this, the wing is charged to develop and maintain the capability to conduct air-refueling operations supporting command objectives in any part of the world, in any condition or climate. This commitment also includes support for the Department of Defense in many contingency situations, from strategic force protection and strategic force mobility, to humanitarian assistance.
Population Served
McConnell has a total work force of around 5,250.
- 2,700 active duty members
- 650 civilians
- 1,900 reservists and National Guard Members
- 3,090 family members
- 7,240 Military Retirees
Base Transportation
Currently, there is no base transportation on this installation.
Sponsorship
Your sponsorship package will provide helpful information in becoming acquainted with the base and the area. Contact your gaining orderly room or the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 316-759-6020 or DSN 312-743-6020.
Temporary Quarters
Air Capital Inn – 316-759-6999.
Make sure you check in at Military Personnel Section (MPS), 316-759-3737 or DSN 312-743-3737, upon your arrival at McConnell AFB.
Relocation Assistance
The Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), 316-759-6020, conducts weekly Right Start on each Tuesday in the Robert J. Dole Community Center. Active duty members are required to attend and spouses are encouraged to attend.
Contact Information
For base phone numbers, call the Base Operator at (316) 759-6100 or DSN 743-6100.