Buckley Space Force Base

Updated: August 24, 2023
In this Article

    Located in Aurora, Colorado, Buckley Space Force Base’s primary role is to support missile warning forces. The base also supports various military units and their families, housing active duty members, National Guard personnel, civilians, contractors, retirees, Veterans, and dependents.

    Base Operator:
    (720)-847-1110

    Address:
    HQ Air Reserve Personnel Center
    18420 E Silver Creek Ave
    Mailstop 68, Aurora, CO 80011

    What Kind of Base is Buckley Space Force Base?

    The base, named after First Lieutenant John Harold Buckley of the United States Army Air Service, is operated by Space Base Delta 2. Large resident units include the U.S. Space Force’s Space Delta 4, Colorado Air National Guard’s 140th Wing, Denver Naval Operations Support Center, and the National Reconnaissance Office’s Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado.

    Buckley Space Force Base History

    Established in 1938 as the Demolition Bombing Range-Lowry Auxiliary Field, it was renamed Buckley Field in 1941 in honor of First Lieutenant John Harold Buckley. It served as a U.S. Army Air Corps training base and later became Naval Air Station Denver in 1947.

    By 1960, the base transitioned to the Department of the Air Force, becoming the first standalone Buckley Air National Guard Base. During its tenure, it played a role in the Vietnam War, hosting the 140th Tactical Fighter Wing. In 2000, officials renamed Buckley Air Force Base, undergoing modernization and expansion, with the 460th Space Wing as a primary unit. With the inception of Space Force in 2021, its name changed to Buckley Space Force Base.

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    Buckley Space Force Base Housing

    Buckley offers both on-base and off-base housing options. Hunt companies manage the privatized on-base family housing. Meanwhile, Aurora and surrounding areas present a variety of residential choices. 

    How to Apply For Housing

    For housing inquiries, contact the Buckley Temporary Lodging/Billeting office at 720-847-5899 or visit www.buckley.af.mil. You’ll be placed on a waiting list after filling out the application form with relevant details. While waiting, temporary lodging may be available. Always contact the housing office for accurate information.

    PCS and TDY Lodging

    At the military base, temporary lodging options are available for both Temporary Duty (TDY) and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) personnel. Reservations can be made by contacting the Buckley SFB Temporary Lodging/Billeting at 720-847-5899. For Buckley SFB, temporary lodging can be arranged through the Rocky Mountain Lodge.

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    What is the BAH for Buckley Space Force Base?

    Check to see what the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is in Colorado.

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    DENVER, CO BAH Rates

    Military Housing Area: CO045

    Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
    E01 $2,469 $1,851
    E02 $2,469 $1,851
    E03 $2,469 $1,851
    E04 $2,469 $1,851
    E05 $2,754 $2,067
    E06 $2,916 $2,214
    E07 $2,949 $2,481
    E08 $2,988 $2,793
    E09 $3,081 $2,829
    W01 $2,931 $2,379
    W02 $2,967 $2,790
    W03 $3,015 $2,838
    W04 $3,108 $2,919
    W05 $3,225 $2,955
    O01E $2,952 $2,751
    O02E $3,003 $2,820
    O03E $3,123 $2,904
    O01 $2,784 $2,181
    O02 $2,913 $2,661
    O03 $3,012 $2,853
    O04 $3,264 $2,940
    O05 $3,444 $2,961
    O06 $3,471 $2,991
    O07 $3,498 $3,042

    For more information, look at BAH rates by state or calculate your exact BAH rate.

    Buckley Space Force Base Surrounding Area

    Buckley Space Force Base is adjacent to the Rocky Mountains in Aurora, a Denver suburb. Nearby attractions include the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Denver Botanic Gardens. Aside from those specific places, the region also houses a number of ski lifts and resorts that are a less than an hour’s drive away. Denver’s city life offers a range of cultural events, eateries, and shopping destinations.

    Healthcare

    On-post medical services are primarily provided at the Buckley Medical Clinic. This facility offers a range of healthcare services, including general medicine, specialty care, and a priority system for active-duty personnel. The clinic operates on specific hours from Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., closing every Friday for readiness training. It does not have an emergency room, so emergency care must be sought off-base at local hospitals or medical facilities in the surrounding area.

    Childcare

    The base offers a variety of childcare options through its Child Development Centers (CDCs). There are two CDCs on base, but these centers remain closed on weekends.

    • The A-Basin Child Development Center, located at 17910 E. A-Basin, Bldg. 351 (Stop 45), offers a comprehensive program that includes both part-day and hourly care. For more information, you can contact them at 720-847-7215.
    • The Crested Butte Child Development Center, situated at 18600 E. Crested Butte, Bldg 725 (Stop 24), also provides similar services. They can be reached at 720-847-6174 for further details.

    Schooling

    Buckley SFB lies in the Aurora Public School District. Other accessible districts include Cherry Creek, Denver Public, and Douglas County. For enrollment, gather the required documents and contact the School Liaison Program at 720-847-6694 for further assistance.

    Written by Veteran.com Team

    The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.