Contact Information
Nellis Air Force Base is one of the Air Force bases controlled by the ACC – Air Combat Nevada. It is in the immediate proximity of Las Vegas, around 11 km, in the southern side of Nevada. The base provides full support and equipments for pretty much any type of aircraft owned by the Air Force. It is a multi-functional base and among the most complete military bases in the United States of America. Various troops from the Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine Corps also use this ground for training activities, not to mention about allied forces from all over the world. Besides, the base is involved in multiple humanitarian and rescue operations from all over the world. It is popular in the area for the yearly demonstrations of force and creativity. It covers over 14000 acres and supports more squadrons and units than any other Air Force base in the world. These days, there are more than 12000 employees, both civilians and military personnel.
History
Nellis AFB was named in the memory of William Harrell Nellis, who died in 1944. The lieutenant was shot three times throughout his career, but he always managed to cheat death. He was not so lucky during his 70-th mission, when he was killed in a plane crash in December, 1944. The base was renamed in 1950, after it was initially established as Las Vegas Army Airfield.
The Air Corps were looking for a perfect spot even since the ’30s. The initial base was nothing but a dirt runaway with a whell next to it. After a complete buildup, the base was officially opened in 1941, when the first unit – the 79-th Air Base Group – arrived there. The base population doubled within a month, representing a fulminating start. By the time of the attacks over Pearl Harbor, the base hosted not more than 27 planes. As a quick preparation for war, the training sessions and courses were shortened in order to “release” more troops. The students were going through a 35 days course before being sent to war. Almost 1000 troops – both co-pilots and gunnery experts – graduated from the base at every 5 weeks. Throughout the war, 45000 gunners were sent to war after graduating from the school here. More schools and units were hosted at the base throughout its history. With all this variety and changes, it didn’t lose its importance in time. It played a major role in the most active wars of the United States in the 20-th century.
Units
Nellis Air Force Base is called home by the Warfare Center of the Air Force, the 99-th Air Base Wing, the 65-th Aggressor Squadron and the 57-th Wing, among others. The base also hosts a few tenant and associate units.
Housing
The students attending any of the schools at Nellis Air Force Base are hosted automatically, while the single soldiers or those who bring in their families will accommodate through a housing system based on applications.
