McConnell Air Force Base
Updated: September 27, 2023
Written by Veteran.com Team
McConnell Air Force Base, situated in Wichita, Kansas houses the Air Mobility Command’s 22nd Air Refueling Wing, Air Force Reserve Command’s 931st Air Refueling Wing, and the Kansas Air National Guard’s 184th Wing. It focuses on global reach through air refueling and airlift operations.
Base Operator:
316-759-6100
Address:
52802 Kansas Street
McConnell AFB, KS 67221-3606
McConnell AFB History
Originating as Wichita Municipal Airport in 1929, officials renamed the base to honor the McConnell brothers, World War II Air Force pilots. McConnell played a pivotal role during different eras. In World War II, it was integral in accepting and transferring Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers. During the Cold War, it trained B-47 Stratojet combat crews and operated Titan II ICBM missile silos. In the 1960s, it hosted tactical fighter wings, contributing to the Vietnam War effort. More recently, the base has supported operations in the global war on terror, including missions in Afghanistan.
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McConnell AFB Housing
On-base housing at McConnell AFB is privatized and operated by Mayroad. Military families are assigned housing at McConnell by rank and size of the required home. If you have PCS orders, it is best to apply for housing as soon as the orders become available. A waiting list will apply and availability is not guaranteed on arrival even if you are on the waiting list.
Unaccompanied military members between the ranks of E1 and E3s plus those in the rank of E4 with less than three years of military service are required to live in barracks on base. As soon as PCS orders are available, it’s best to contact your sponsor once assigned to see what arrangements the gaining unit will need to make to secure unaccompanied housing
How to Apply For Housing
At McConnell Air Force Base, military family housing is privatized and owned by Mayroad. Mayroad offers two, three, and four-bedroom homes located conveniently on-post. You can also choose to rent or purchase in the local community.
You can review your housing options by reaching out to the McConnel AFB Military Housing Specialist at 316-759-3169.
PCS and TDY Lodging
The McConnell AFB official site warns that families “should be prepared to pay for lodging (above and beyond the Temporary Lodging Expense) until adequate housing can be secured”.
What is the BAH for McConnell AFB?
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at Mcconnel Air Force Base varies depending on rank, years of service and dependency status. Visit the Kansas state BAH page or see the chart below for more information.
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WICHITA/MCCONNELL AFB, KS BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: KS101
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,140 | $888 |
| E02 | $1,140 | $888 |
| E03 | $1,140 | $888 |
| E04 | $1,140 | $888 |
| E05 | $1,185 | $1,014 |
| E06 | $1,611 | $1,209 |
| E07 | $1,635 | $1,230 |
| E08 | $1,644 | $1,275 |
| E09 | $1,719 | $1,398 |
| W01 | $1,632 | $1,227 |
| W02 | $1,641 | $1,272 |
| W03 | $1,653 | $1,413 |
| W04 | $1,758 | $1,611 |
| W05 | $1,923 | $1,617 |
| O01E | $1,638 | $1,236 |
| O02E | $1,647 | $1,368 |
| O03E | $1,782 | $1,605 |
| O01 | $1,242 | $1,089 |
| O02 | $1,608 | $1,233 |
| O03 | $1,650 | $1,455 |
| O04 | $1,980 | $1,614 |
| O05 | $2,235 | $1,677 |
| O06 | $2,250 | $1,689 |
| O07 | $2,265 | $1,698 |
For more information, look at BAH rates by state or calculate your exact BAH rate.
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McConnell AFB Surrounding Area
McConnell Air Force Base is located in Wichita, Kansas, approximately 3 hours north of Oklahoma City and 3 hours southwest of Kansas City. Wichita is known as the “Air Capital of the World” due to its rich aviation history and the presence of major aircraft manufacturing companies like Textron Aviation, Learjet, Airbus, and Spirit AeroSystems. The area offers a variety of outdoor and recreational attractions, including parks, golf courses, and lakes for fishing and boating. There are also several historical and cultural sites to explore, such as the Kansas Aviation Museum and the Old Cowtown Museum.
Healthcare
On-base medical services are available at 22nd Medical Group. The facility offers a range of clinics and specialty care services like optometry, pediatrics, family care, dental care and a pharmacy. While priority is given to active-duty military personnel, the facility also caters to dependents and retirees, albeit with some limitations due to capacity constraints.
Note: For off-base emergency care, patients are advised to dial 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room because the clinic does not offer emergency services.
Childcare
The McConnell AFB Child Development Center offers a variety of childcare options to cater to different needs. The center provides full-day, part-day, and hourly care programs, ensuring flexibility for parents. These programs are designed to accommodate children within a wide range of age groups.
Please note that the center is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal Holidays.
Schooling
McConnell Air Force Base does not have a DoD School on-base. Students who live on base will attend school in the Derby Unified School District.
Off-base students can attend the district closest to their homes. For support, you can reach the McConnell School Liaison Officer by calling 316-759-6020.
