Nellis Air Force Base is a critical installation for air combat training and has a history of nuclear weapons storage. It houses the US Air Force Warfare Center, the largest and most demanding advanced air combat training mission, and controls the largest air force airspace in the world.
Other bases may have larger populations or specific roles, such as the Ramstein Air Base, which has a larger population due to its role as a NATO hub; Nellis AFB’s size and the nature of its operations accommodate a significant population with a large area for flight operations and specialized facilities.
The US Air Force Warfare Center USAFWC, based at Nellis Air Force Base and reporting to the Air Combat Command, is responsible for ensuring well-trained and equipped forces for integrated combat operations. Nellis AFB is also known as the Home of the Fighter Pilot. The base covers over 11,000 acres (17 m², 44 km²) and operates over the Nevada Test and Training Range, 2.9 million acres (4531 m², 11736 km²) of restricted land and 15,000 m² (38850 km²) of airspace.
Area 51
, officially known as the Nevada Test and Training Range, is a unit of Nellis Air Force Base in the US, currently serving as an open training range.
Nellis AFB is under the command of Major General Christopher J. Niemi. This huge installation covers a large portion of Nevada and is made up of multiple different complexes. Brigadier General Lawrence T. Sullivan is the Commander of 57th Wing and Colonel Jason J. Glynn is the Commander of 99th Air Base Wing.
The base fine-tunes combat aviators operating various Air Force arsenals and tests and develops technology and tactics, which houses almost 22,000 personnel, including Nellis AFB and Creech Air Force Bases, the Las Vegas Air Force Station, and the Nevada Test and Training Range.
A military oasis in the desert
Nellis AFB is located in Clark County, eight miles from Las Vegas. It is in the Mojave Desert, which brings a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. This remote location contributes to security and military activities. The vast airspace supports flight training and exercises, especially with less cloud cover that enhances clear flying visibility.
Nevada is a diverse state with over 30 mountain ranges, deserts, and lakes. It shares the second-deepest lake, Lake Tahoe, with and is the seventh-largest state in the US. The state is drier and largely desert, with long, cold winters in the north and hot summers in the south.
Nevada is home to 3.1 million residents, and over 72% live in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas region is surrounded by mountains, including the Spring Mountains, which act as a barrier to heavy rainfall. The valley has a subtropical climate, being home to a variety of wildflowers, plants, and wildlife.
The state has a strong mining and agricultural tradition, with Lake Mead providing most of its water supply. The restricted land covers around 5,000 m² (12950 km²), plus an airspace range of 7,700 m (12392 km) north and east of the restricted regions is available for military aviation activities.
A tour of Nellis AFB infrastructure
Nellis AFB is a military installation with over 200
hangars
and twelve specialized aircraft maintenance and repair workshops. The base also houses over fifty
flight simulators
, 200 classrooms and lecture halls. Additionally, it has ten designated tactical training sites for combat scenarios and skill development.
The base provides various housing options, including fifteen barracks for single soldiers and 5,000 family housing units. It also has 3 on-site medical facilities, including clinics and hospitals, to provide healthcare services to the base community.
The base has over 7 test ranges and sites to assess new weapon technologies. Three air traffic control stations are used in air traffic management to provide safe and secure aircraft operation for Nellis airspace. Two commissaries and three exchange BX are available for discounted shopping.
The Nellis AFB eighteen-hole golf course is a popular training facility with a scenic trail through the desert landscape. The base also offers five recreation centers, including gyms, swimming pools, and sports fields, to promote the well-being of its personnel. The base’s infrastructure constantly evolves to meet the military’s changing needs.
The units of the powerhouse
The base workforce includes about 14,000 military personnel, including about 3,286 civilians, making it one of the largest single employers in Southern Nevada. The total military population is close to 60,000, including family members and military retirees.
About 1,200 Temporary Duty (TDY) soldiers arrive at Nellis every day, and over 8,000 official visits occur annually. The central units located at the base are as follows.
The 57th Wing
The wing is the most diverse in the Air Force and offers advanced training in air, space, and cyberspace. It focuses on developing innovative leaders in tactics, training, and high-end warfighting. It oversees dynamic flight operations at Nellis AFB.
The 99th Air Base Wing
The 99th Air Base Wing supports the Nevada Test and Training Range NTTR. It supports over 10,000 personnel, 5 wings, and fifty-two tenant units. The wing comprises twelve squadrons under a Mission Support Group, Medical Group, and Comptroller Squadron.
The Nevada Test and Training Range NTTR
The NTTR enhances the war-fighting capabilities of combat air forces by updating the Threat Matrix Framework and improving combat training. The center components include the 98th groups of the Airdrome, Bombardment, Maintenance & Supply, and Station Medical Group.
The Air Force Joint Test Program Office AFJO
The AFJO Test Program aims to enhance Air Force capabilities and mission effectiveness through Joint Test activities and the Joint Test & Evaluation program, addressing inter-service operational problems and testing methodologies.
Air Force Reserve unit
The 926th Wing is an Air Force Reserve unit, an associate unit of the United States Air Force Warfare Center. Reservists are integrated into regular Air Force units and perform daily missions alongside active duty personnel. The 926th Wing provides combat-ready reservists to the USAFWC and conducts combat operations, operational testing, tactics development, and advanced training.
The reserve unit also supports the US Air Force’s first remotely piloted aircraft wing in training pilots and conducting combat surveillance and attack operations worldwide. The wing consists of thirteen squadrons and one detachment across the nation.
Tenant Units
Several tenant units include the 563 Rescue Group (Operating Location-Alpha), which comprises the 66 Rescue Squadron, 58 Rescue Squadron, and 66th Rescue Generation Squadron. The 800 Red Horse Group and its 800 Red Horse Squadron are also located at Nellis AFB. The base also inhabits the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Aviation Nation 2025
Aviation Nation, also known as America’s Air Show, is the annual award-winning United States Air Force air show held at Nellis Air Force Base in November. However, it has now been announced that its Aviation Nation show, with free public access, is scheduled for April 6 and 7, 2025.
The show features the USAF Thunderbirds display team and the newest Air Force aircraft, such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lighting II, as the USAF Thunderbirds perform at their home base. Visitors can take a free shuttle bus to the base apron for static displays, tours, and aerial demonstrations.
The Base’s Thunderbirds museum in the hangar showcases 64 years of team history and a static display of Thunderbirds aircraft. Visitors must have installation access with a valid Department of Defense identification card or be sponsored by an individual with installation access. The museum may be closed without notice due to high squadron operations.