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Altus Air Force Base

Altus Air Force Base is a United States Air Force installation located in southwestern Oklahoma, approximately three miles north of Altus, serving as the primary training hub for global air mobility operations. Home to the 97th Air Mobility Wing, the base focuses on developing skilled airmen for strategic airlift and aerial refueling missions, training over 2,000 students annually from active duty, reserve, guard, and civilian components, including personnel from 16 partner nations. It operates a fleet including the C-17 Globemaster III for airlift, the KC-135 Stratotanker, and the KC-46 Pegasus for refueling, supporting the Air Education and Training Command's mission to prepare the "decisive Mobility Force of the Future."^[1] Established during World War II, the base was activated in 1943 as a multi-engine flight training school under the Army Air Forces, initially known as Altus Army Airfield, where pilots trained on aircraft such as the Cessna AT-17 Bobcat and Curtiss AT-9 Jeep. Following the war, it was inactivated in 1945 but reactivated on August 1, 1953, under Tactical Air Command with C-47 Skytrain transports, soon transitioning to Strategic Air Command operations featuring B-47 Stratojet bombers and KC-97 Stratofreighter tankers. By the 1960s, it expanded to include B-52 Stratofortress alerts, KC-135 refueling, and even 12 Atlas missile silos, while adding heavy airlift capabilities in 1967 with the C-141 Starlifter and C-5 Galaxy.^[2] In the post-Cold War era, Altus evolved into a specialized training center, introducing C-17 Globemaster III training in 1996 and retiring the C-141 in 2001 after 32 years of service. The base reorganized in 2002 as a "combat wing," incorporating advanced courses like dual-row airdrop and night vision goggle operations for the C-17 by 2005. As of 2025, it maintains an all-civilian maintenance group and has earned numerous accolades, including the Commander in Chief's Award and the Major General Eugene L. Eubank Award, underscoring its role in enhancing U.S. and allied air mobility readiness.^[2]^[1]

Overview

Location and Geography

Altus Air Force Base is situated at coordinates 34°40′04″N 099°16′04″W, approximately 4 miles east-northeast of the city center of Altus in Jackson County, southwestern Oklahoma.^[3] The base occupies flat terrain characteristic of the southwestern Oklahoma plains, at an elevation of 1,382 feet above sea level, with proximity to the Wichita Mountains approximately 30 miles to the north and the Quartz Mountains about 20 miles to the west.^[3] This regional placement in a mixed-grass prairie landscape provides expansive, unobstructed airspace suitable for aerial training activities. The area experiences a semi-arid climate, with average annual precipitation of 24 inches, resulting in relatively clear conditions that facilitate reliable flight operations throughout the year.^[4] Economically, the base serves as a major employer and driver of growth in the local area; the city of Altus has a 2025 population of approximately 18,500, while the base supports about 2,200 active-duty military members, over 2,300 civilians, and their families.^[5]^[6]^[7]

Facilities and Infrastructure

Altus Air Force Base features two primary runways designed to support heavy airlift and refueling operations. The main runway, designated 18R/36L, measures 13,440 feet in length and 150 feet in width, surfaced with concrete, enabling it to handle large aircraft such as the C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III.^[8]^[9] A secondary runway, 18L/36R, extends 9,001 feet and is surfaced with asphalt, providing additional operational flexibility.^[8] Key facilities on the base include specialized hangars for aircraft maintenance, such as Hangar 285, which was upgraded to accommodate KC-46 Pegasus tankers with added tail enclosures for enhanced servicing capabilities.^[10] The base also houses advanced training simulators, with 18 flight simulators supporting instruction for C-17, KC-135, and KC-46 aircraft through the Aircrew Training System managed by the 97th Training Squadron.^[11]^[12] The 97th Medical Group operates a comprehensive medical center providing healthcare services to base personnel and ensuring operational readiness.^[1] On-base housing consists of 530 modern family units managed by Balfour Beatty Communities, supporting approximately 2,000 active-duty military members and their families, alongside over 2,000 civilian personnel.^[13]^[14] Infrastructure expansions have modernized the base to align with evolving mission requirements. In November 2017, the 97th Maintenance Group was activated, replacing the previous Maintenance Directorate and establishing dedicated squadrons for aircraft maintenance, engineering, and operations to standardize Air Force-wide structures.^[15] Following the 2014 announcement designating Altus as the Formal Training Unit for the KC-46 Pegasus, several upgrades were implemented, including renovations to Building 87 for operations and training squadrons, a new Flight Training Center with weapon system trainers, and a Fuselage Trainer for cargo and maintenance instruction, all completed by late 2015 to integrate the new tanker fleet.^[16]^[10] Utility systems at the base, overseen by the 97th Mission Support Group, include robust water, power, and communications networks essential for daily operations and training. The 97th Civil Engineer Squadron manages water supply and electrical infrastructure, while the 97th Communications Squadron maintains a $40 million network supporting command, control, and computer systems for over 2,000 annual air mobility students from the U.S. and allied nations.^[1]^[17]^[14]

Role and Operations

Training Programs

Altus Air Force Base serves as the primary training hub for U.S. Air Force air mobility forces, delivering initial and advanced curricula focused on C-17 Globemaster III airland and airdrop operations, as well as KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling missions.^[18]^[19] The 97th Operations Group oversees these programs, which emphasize hands-on simulator and flight training to prepare aircrews for global deployment scenarios.^[20] The base's formal school programs accommodate up to 3,000 students annually, drawn from active duty, Reserve, Guard, and international partners, across initial qualification, upgrade, and proficiency courses.^[18] In 2002, loadmaster training for C-17 operations transferred from Sheppard Air Force Base to Altus, enabling integrated academic and flight instruction for cargo handling and airdrop procedures; this capability supported approximately 320 students per year until its relocation to Lackland Air Force Base in 2007.^[12] Specialized training enhancements include dual-row airdrop certifications for C-17 crews, introduced in 2005 to double cargo delivery capacity during tactical missions, and night vision goggle operations, which began in late 2005 to improve low-light survivability and were fully integrated into the curriculum by 2006.^[19]^[2] Boom operator courses for KC-135 refueling were also conducted at Altus until their final class graduated in October 2007, after which the program shifted to other locations.^[21] In response to the Global War on Terrorism following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Altus implemented combat crew training tailored for deployments, certifying around 150 personnel annually in expeditionary skills such as defensive maneuvering and joint operations support since 2001.^[20]^[22] Recent adaptations center on the KC-46A Pegasus, with Altus designated as its formal training unit in April 2014; full integration progressed through the 2020s, culminating in advanced exercises like the 2025 Vapor Trails demonstration, where KC-46 crews conducted refueling with C-17 formations to enhance interoperability.^[19]^[23]

Aircraft and Equipment

Altus Air Force Base serves as the primary training hub for the U.S. Air Force's air mobility aircraft, maintaining a fleet dedicated to formal training programs. The base currently operates eight KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tankers, which were introduced following initial deliveries starting in 2019 as part of the transition to replace aging KC-135 Stratotankers.^[24]^[25] The KC-46A fleet supports advanced air refueling training for pilots and boom operators. Additionally, the base hosts C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifters, which have been in use since their arrival in 1996, enabling instruction on tactical airlift and airdrop operations.^[26]^[20] The KC-135 Stratotanker remains a cornerstone of the fleet, providing ongoing training for legacy refueling missions alongside the newer platforms.^[20] Historically, Altus transitioned away from several aircraft types over the decades. The C-141 Starlifter and C-5 Galaxy were retired from active service at the base in 2001 and 2007, respectively, marking the end of heavy strategic airlift training for those models after decades of operational use.^[2]^[27] Earlier, during the 1950s and 1960s, the base supported B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-97 Stratofreighters as part of Strategic Air Command's nuclear deterrence and refueling efforts before shifting focus to air mobility.^[28] To complement aircraft training, Altus employs advanced simulators for air refueling and airdrop procedures, including full-motion devices for KC-46A, C-17, and KC-135 operations that replicate real-world scenarios at a fraction of flight costs.^[29] Ground support equipment, such as cargo loading vehicles and tie-down systems, facilitates loadmaster instruction on securing tactical assets like High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems aboard C-17s.^[30]^[31] As of 2025, the active fleet continues to demonstrate capabilities in international settings, including the first-ever KC-46A and C-17 aerial refueling demonstration performed by Altus crews at the Abbotsford International Airshow in Canada on August 10, 2025.^[24] This event highlighted the interoperability of the base's aircraft in joint exercises.

Based Units

97th Air Mobility Wing

The 97th Air Mobility Wing (97 AMW) serves as the primary host unit at Altus Air Force Base, responsible for conducting specialized training in strategic airlift and aerial refueling operations under the oversight of Air Education and Training Command. In August 2002, the wing underwent reorganization to align with a "combat wing" structure, enhancing its focus on integrated training and operational readiness for global mobility missions. The wing's structure comprises several subordinate groups that execute its core functions. The 97th Operations Group oversees the planning and execution of training for C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker, and KC-46 Pegasus aircrews, supporting up to 3,000 students annually through airland, airdrop, and refueling exercises while providing essential air traffic control and weather services.^[20] The 97th Maintenance Group manages aircraft sustainment across the wing's fleet, ensuring mission-capable readiness; it was activated on November 1, 2017, to replace the previous Maintenance Directorate as part of a broader alignment to Air Force maintenance standards.^[15] Complementing these efforts, the 97th Mission Support Group delivers base-wide services, including infrastructure support, communications, civil engineering, security, and logistics to sustain training operations.^[32] The 97th Medical Group provides comprehensive healthcare, operating an outpatient clinic that serves more than 6,000 beneficiaries, including active-duty personnel, retirees, and dependents, with a focus on readiness for contingency deployments.^[33] Leadership transitions within the 97th AMW reflect ongoing efforts to maintain operational momentum. In 2024, the wing welcomed nine new commanders across its groups and squadrons during ceremonies held from May to July, ensuring continuity in training and support roles.^[34] This was followed in 2025 by eight additional changes from June to July, culminating in Colonel Richard Kind assuming command of the wing on July 11, 2025, during a ceremony presided over by Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder of the 19th Air Force.^[35]^[36] Under Colonel Kind's leadership, the 97th AMW updated its mission statement, vision, and priorities in 2025 to emphasize a warrior ethos, fostering a culture of resilience, future-oriented operations, and enhanced readiness to deliver airpower globally.^[37] These subordinate groups collaborate with tenant units to provide integrated support, enabling the wing to execute its training mandate effectively.

Tenant and Support Units

The 730th Air Mobility Training Squadron, an Air Force Reserve unit assigned to the 507th Air Refueling Wing, serves as a key tenant at Altus Air Force Base, providing integrated training support for C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker aircrews under the Total Force Initiative.^[38] This squadron augments the host 97th Air Mobility Wing's formal training programs by delivering specialized instruction and operational capabilities, including simulator-based scenarios and sortie preparations for active-duty and reserve personnel.^[39] Support entities at the base include the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), which operates the Altus AFB Commissary to provide groceries and household essentials to eligible military personnel, retirees, and their families, enhancing quality of life.^[40] The commissary functions seven days a week, offering cost savings on everyday items and participating in programs like expanded access for DoD civilians during specified periods.^[41] Tenant and support units collaborate on community and operational activities that align with the base's air mobility training mission. In August 2025, base personnel, including support squadrons, participated in the 27th Annual Cattle Drive, a community event fostering ties with local ranchers and honoring regional heritage by herding cattle across the installation.^[42] The following month, on September 16, 2025, Altus hosted civic leaders from McConnell Air Force Base and the 22nd Air Refueling Wing for a tour and briefing on training operations, promoting inter-base partnerships.^[43] Additionally, units supported the KC-46 Pegasus debut demonstrations, such as the August 2025 refueling demo with a C-17 in Canada and participation in the Vapor Trails joint medical exercise, showcasing tanker capabilities.^[24] These efforts extended to planning the April 12-13, 2025, Altus Airpower Stampede Open House and Air Show, where support organizations coordinated logistics for public demonstrations featuring KC-46 and C-17 aircraft.^[44]

History

World War II Era

Construction of Altus Army Airfield began in the summer and autumn of 1942 on former cotton fields in southwestern Oklahoma, transforming the flat, open terrain into a site suitable for aviation training with over 300 flying days per year due to clear skies and minimal obstructions.^[28]^[45] The War Department established the base on June 17, 1942, initially as an advanced flying school under the Army Air Forces, with the first training aircraft, including AT-10s and AT-9s, arriving in January 1943 to enable multi-engine pilot training to commence shortly thereafter.^[28] The primary mission during World War II was to serve as a multi-engine pilot training school, where students completed intensive 70-hour courses over approximately 4.5 weeks, focusing on advanced flying skills for twin-engine operations.^[28] Key aircraft included the Cessna AT-17 Bobcat, Curtiss AT-9 Jeep, Beechcraft AT-7 Navigator (a variant of the C-45 Expediter), and AT-10 Wichita, which allowed trainees to progress from basic handling to complex maneuvers essential for combat roles.^[2]^[28]^[19] Over the course of its active wartime period, the airfield trained more than 5,400 pilots, contributing significantly to the Allied air effort by producing skilled aviators for multi-engine bombers and transports.^[28] With the end of hostilities in Europe, Altus Army Airfield was placed on temporary inactive status on May 15, 1945, and declared surplus five months later, marking the close of its World War II operations.^[28] This wartime infrastructure and training legacy later facilitated the base's postwar reactivation in 1953.^[2]

Postwar Reactivation and Early Cold War

Altus Air Force Base was reactivated on August 1, 1953, under Tactical Air Command as a training facility for transport aircraft, initially operating the C-47 Skytrain for pilot instruction.^[2] This revival came amid the escalating demands of the Korean War and early Cold War needs, repurposing the former World War II airfield for peacetime operations.^[46] The base quickly shifted to Strategic Air Command (SAC) oversight later that year, with the activation of the 96th Bombardment Wing on November 18, 1953, which introduced B-47 Stratojet medium bombers for strategic operations.^[26] This transition marked a pivot from transport training to nuclear-capable bombing missions, aligning Altus with SAC's global deterrence posture.^[2] Throughout the 1950s, aerial refueling capabilities were integrated with the arrival of KC-97 Stratofreighters, enabling extended-range missions for the B-47 fleet and supporting SAC's emphasis on rapid global strike options during heightened tensions with the Soviet Union.^[2] By the late 1950s and early 1960s, the base's aircraft evolved further to include the B-52 Stratofortress as its primary heavy bomber and the KC-135 Stratotanker as the successor to the KC-97, enhancing endurance and payload for strategic bombing support.^[47] These developments solidified Altus's role in SAC's bomber-tanker force, contributing to U.S. nuclear readiness amid events like the Berlin Crisis.^[2] In 1966, the base underwent significant expansion when the 4th Mobile Communications Group relocated from Hunter Air Force Base, Georgia, in August, bringing approximately 800 personnel to handle mobile and transportable communications for SAC operations.^[48] This addition bolstered the base's infrastructure for coordinating complex refueling and bombing missions. The entrenched SAC framework at Altus during the early Cold War also provided the operational foundation for later intercontinental ballistic missile facilities in the region.^[28]

Late Cold War and Airlift Transition

During the early 1960s, Altus Air Force Base played a brief but significant role in the Strategic Air Command's (SAC) nuclear deterrence posture as part of the Cold War escalation. Construction on twelve SM-65F Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile silos began in May 1960 within a 40-mile radius of the base, under the control of the newly activated 577th Strategic Missile Squadron in June 1961.^[28]^[47] These sites became fully operational by October 1962, providing rapid-response launch capabilities amid heightened U.S.-Soviet tensions, but were phased out by April 1965 as more advanced Minuteman missiles rendered the liquid-fueled Atlas obsolete.^[49]^[50] As the missile program concluded, Altus underwent a pivotal shift toward strategic airlift capabilities, aligning with evolving U.S. military priorities during the mid-to-late Cold War. In May 1967, the Air Force selected the base as the primary training site for the Military Airlift Command's (MAC) new heavy-lift aircraft, including the C-141 Starlifter and the massive C-5 Galaxy, due to its expansive runways and infrastructure suited for large transport operations.^[2]^[51] This transition accelerated in July 1968 when MAC assumed command from SAC, inactivating the 11th Strategic Aerospace Wing and activating the 443rd Military Airlift Wing (Training) to focus on crew proficiency for global mobility missions.^[28] By the early 1970s, the base hosted operations with the KC-135 Stratotanker alongside the C-141 and C-5, emphasizing rapid deployment and sustainment in response to détente-era strategies that prioritized flexible power projection over static nuclear basing.^[47]^[49] Altus contributed directly to U.S. efforts in the Vietnam War through logistics and air refueling support, training crews that enabled critical operations in Southeast Asia. The 97th Bombardment Wing's KC-135 units provided aerial refueling for B-52 Arc Light bombing missions, while the emerging airlift infrastructure facilitated the transport of troops, equipment, and supplies, including high-profile deployments like the 1972 missions supporting President Nixon's visit to China amid Vietnam negotiations.^[49] This mobility focus marked a broader doctrinal evolution, as the base's resources shifted from bomber and missile deterrence to enabling joint force sustainment, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of MAC's global transport network by the late 1970s.^[28]

Post-Cold War and Modern Developments

Following the end of the Cold War, Altus Air Force Base continued its evolution as a key airlift training hub, integrating advanced aircraft to enhance strategic mobility capabilities. In March 1996, the base received its first C-17 Globemaster III, marking a significant upgrade in training for rapid global deployment operations.^[26] This versatile cargo aircraft replaced older models and supported the Air Force's shift toward more agile airlift forces. By 2001, after 32 years of service, the C-141 Starlifter was retired from the base on July 28, concluding its role in pilot and loadmaster training.^[26] Organizational changes in the early 2000s further streamlined operations at Altus. In August 2002, the 97th Air Mobility Wing reorganized into a combat wing structure, incorporating new support groups and logistics readiness squadrons to better align with post-Cold War expeditionary demands.^[26] As part of broader Air Force realignments, C-5 Galaxy flight engineer training was fully transferred from Altus to Lackland Air Force Base in April 2007, allowing the base to focus on emerging platforms.^[52] This continuity from Cold War-era airlift roles ensured sustained readiness for global operations.^[22] Modern expansions have emphasized next-generation refueling and airlift training. In April 2014, Altus was designated as the formal training unit for the KC-46 Pegasus tanker, with preparations leading to the first aircraft's arrival in 2019 and ongoing courses for active duty, Air National Guard, and Reserve aircrews.^[16] The base has supported annual deployments in the Global War on Terrorism, providing trained personnel and aircraft for humanitarian aid and combat missions since 2001.^[53] In the 2020s, Altus has hosted key events and exercises to demonstrate operational readiness. The base conducted the Altus Airpower Stampede Open House and Air Show on April 12-13, 2025, showcasing C-17, KC-46, and KC-135 capabilities to the public.^[44] In July 2025, Col. Richard Kind assumed command of the 97th Air Mobility Wing and introduced updated mission priorities focused on developing the mobility force for joint operations, including enhanced training for decisive victory in contested environments.^[36] Earlier, in March 2024, the 56th Air Refueling Squadron participated in the Combat Cardinal exercise at Scott Air Force Base, supporting aeromedical evacuation and refueling simulations with KC-46 aircraft.^[54]

Historical Designations

Previous Names

Altus Air Force Base was originally established on 17 June 1942 as an advanced flying school under the designation Altus Army Air Field, an Army Air Forces installation dedicated to advanced multi-engine pilot training during World War II.^[55]^[28] It was redesignated Altus Army Airfield on 8 April 1943, reflecting its role as a primary Army Air Forces airfield while continuing flight training operations. It was further redesignated AAF Pilot School (Advanced Twin Engine), Altus Army Airfield, on 6 August 1943.^[56]^[28] The airfield was placed on temporary inactive status on 15 May 1945 at the end of the war, and in 1948 it was deeded to the city of Altus to serve as a municipal airport.^[28] Reactivated on 1 August 1953, it received its current designation as Altus Air Force Base, initially under Tactical Air Command before transitioning to Strategic Air Command later that year.^[28]^[2] No further official name changes have occurred since 1953, though it is informally referred to as Altus AFB.^[2]

Major Commands Assigned

During World War II, Altus Army Air Field operated under the Army Air Forces Training Command from its activation in 1943 until inactivation in 1945, serving primarily as an advanced flying training school.^[57]^[28] The base was reactivated on 1 August 1953, initially falling under Tactical Air Command for a brief period of approximately ten months, during which it supported troop carrier operations.^[2]^[14] On 15 October 1953, control transferred to Strategic Air Command, which oversaw the base until SAC's disestablishment in 1992 amid post-Cold War realignments.^[28]^[28] Beginning in 1969, Military Airlift Command assumed jurisdiction over airlift operations at Altus, creating an overlap with SAC during the 1970s as both commands maintained presence through their respective wings.^[58]^[14] On 1 June 1992, Military Airlift Command was reorganized into Air Mobility Command, under which Altus operated from 1 October 1992 to 30 June 1993.^[28]^[48] Since 1 July 1993, Altus Air Force Base has been assigned to Air Education and Training Command, focusing on air mobility training missions.^[18] These command transitions influenced the alignment of major units at the base, shifting emphases from strategic bombing to airlift and training roles.^[19]

Major Units Assigned

During World War II, Altus Army Air Field operated as an advanced multi-engine pilot training school under the Army Air Forces Flying Training Command, focusing on preparing aviation cadets for combat roles in both the European and Pacific theaters using aircraft such as the Cessna AT-17 Bobcat, Curtiss AT-9 Jeep, and Beechcraft AT-7 Navigator.^[2] The facility trained over 5,000 pilots between 1943 and 1945 before inactivating at the war's end.^[28] Following postwar reactivation in 1953, the base hosted the 63rd Troop Carrier Wing under Tactical Air Command from January to October, conducting troop carrier operations with C-47 Skytrain and C-45 Expediter aircraft.^[28] In November 1953, Strategic Air Command activated the 96th Bombardment Wing (Medium) at Altus, equipping it with Boeing B-47 Stratojet bombers and KC-97 Stratofreighter tankers for strategic bombardment and aerial refueling missions; the wing included the 337th, 338th, and 339th Bombardment Squadrons along with the 96th Air Refueling Squadron, and remained until December 1957.^[28]^[26] The 11th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) assumed primary operations from December 1957 to 1967, transitioning from Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers to KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft by mid-1958 to support Strategic Air Command's global alert and refueling capabilities.^[28] During the early 1960s, the base also supported missile deterrence through the 577th Strategic Missile Squadron, activated 12 December 1960 and organized 1 June 1961, operating 12 SM-65F Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile silos until inactivation on 25 March 1965 as part of the phaseout of first-generation liquid-fueled ICBMs.^[28]^[26]^[59] In the airlift transition era, Military Airlift Command activated the 443d Military Airlift Wing (Training) in April 1969 to conduct crew training on Lockheed C-141 Starlifter aircraft, with the 57th Airlift Squadron receiving its first C-141As that year; the wing expanded in December 1969 to include the 56th Airlift Squadron for Boeing C-5 Galaxy training and operated until inactivation in 1992, paving the way for the current 97th Air Mobility Wing.^[28]^[26]

Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Facilities

During the early Cold War, Altus Air Force Base served as a key site for the U.S. Strategic Air Command's (SAC) intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program to deter Soviet aggression.^[60] The 577th Strategic Missile Squadron, activated on 12 December 1960 and organized on 1 June 1961 at Altus AFB, oversaw the deployment of 12 SM-65F Atlas missile silos.^[59] Construction of these sites began in June 1960 following a groundbreaking ceremony, with the first missiles arriving in early 1962; all 12 silos became operational by 9 October 1962, coinciding with the Cuban Missile Crisis when the full complement went on alert.^[50]^[59]^[61] These facilities featured hardened underground silos constructed of reinforced concrete, designed to withstand overpressures up to 100 psi, housing liquid-fueled SM-65F Atlas missiles powered by RP-1 kerosene and liquid oxygen.^[62]^[63] The missiles had a range of up to 6,000 miles, enabling them to reach targets across the Soviet Union as part of SAC's nuclear deterrent triad.^[64] The sites, costing $20.9 million to build and encompassing 12,879 acres, were controlled from launch facilities manned around the clock.^[59]^[26] The Atlas program at Altus was short-lived, with the last missile going off alert on 4 February 1965, and the squadron inactivated on 25 March 1965, as the liquid-fueled Atlas was phased out in favor of the more reliable solid-fueled Minuteman ICBMs.^[59]^[60] The 12 silos, located near towns such as Lonewolf, Hobart, Snyder, Cache, Manitou, Frederick, Creta, Hollis, Russell, Willow, and Fargo (Texas), were scattered within a roughly 20-mile radius of the base and have since been decommissioned and dismantled.^[59]^[65]

References

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Latitude: 34-40.948667N, 34-38.733000N. Longitude: 099-16.429500W, 099-16.429500W. Elevation: 1378.4 ft. 1345.8 ft. Traffic pattern: left, right. Runway heading ...
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Title, 18R, 36L. Latitude, 34-40-56.9200N, 34-38-43.9800N. Longitude, 099-16-25.7700W, 099-16-25.7700W. Elevation, 1378 ft, 1346 ft.<|separator|>
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[28]
Phase One: Altus AFB hosts Fort Sill Soldiers for mobility training
Oct 9, 2024 · During this training, the group loaded multiple tactical vehicles, including a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, onto a C-17 Globemaster ...
[29]
Altus loadmasters train Fort Sill Soldiers on C-17 operations
Sep 2, 2025 · Loadmasters from the 58th Airlift Squadron conducted static load training with the Army's Alpha Battery, 3-2 Air Defense Artillery, ...
[30]
97th Mission Support Group - Altus Air Force Base
The Group supports the installation's C-17, KC-135 and KC-46 aircraft operational and training missions as well as base wide infrastructure support ...
[31]
https://www.altus.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4291640/altus-loadmasters-train-fort-sill-soldiers-on-c-17-operations/
[32]
97 AMW welcomes nine new commanders in 2024
Aug 6, 2024 · 97 AMW welcomes nine new commanders in 2024 ... From May through July of 2024, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, bid farewell to outgoing group and ...
[33]
97 AMW welcomes eight new commanders in 2025
Jul 30, 2025 · From June to July 2025, Altus Air Force Base bid farewell to outgoing group, squadron, and wing commanders while welcoming their successors ...
[34]
Kind takes command of the 'Mighty 97th' - Altus Air Force Base
Jul 14, 2025 · Richard Kind took command of the 97th Air Mobility Wing during a change of command ceremony, July 11, 2025. Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 19th Air ...
[35]
Victory begins here: A new era for Altus Air Force Base
Sep 18, 2025 · ... warrior ethos and future-focused operations. To ensure the 97th Air Mobility Wing is at the forefront of readiness and continues to. Photo ...
[36]
730th Air Mobility Training Squadron - 507th Air Refueling Wing
Phone: 580-481-6894 ; Email: 730amts.workflow@us.af.mil ; Location Bldg. 87. Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma ; Hours of Operation Mon-Fri: and UTAs 7:30 a.m.- 4:30 ...
[37]
730th Air Mobility Training Squadron trains the next generation
Mar 10, 2021 · Reservists from the 730th Air Mobility Training Squadron, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, prepare for a training sortie March 4, 2021.
[38]
https://www.507arw.afrc.af.mil/Units/Operations-Group-507-OG/730th-Air-Mobility-Training-Squadron-730-AMTS/
[39]
DoD civilians at Altus AFB can shop at the Commissary for 120 days ...
Dec 4, 2024 · DoD civilians at Altus AFB can shop at the Commissary for 120 days starting Dec. 5th! Only 16 Commissary stores across the U.S. were ...Missing: Agency | Show results with:Agency<|separator|>
[40]
97th AMW to host 27th annual cattle drive - Altus Air Force Base
Aug 18, 2025 · Altus AFB will host the 27th annual AAFB cattle drive on August 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.. The 97th Air Mobility Wing Commander, Col. Richard Kind ...
[41]
Altus AFB hosts McConnell civic leaders and 22nd Air Refueling ...
Sep 25, 2025 · McConnell AFB is home to the Air Force's first KC-46 Pegasus fleet and home to the KC-135 for over 50 years, making its leaders and community ...
[42]
Altus AFB announces two-day air show in 2025
May 14, 2024 · The 97th Air Mobility Wing will host an open house and air show at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 12-13, 2025.
[43]
AAFB celebrates 80 years of mobility airpower, community partnership
Jan 4, 2023 · Previously known as Altus Army Airfield, AAFB's construction began in the spring of 1942, where cotton fields were turned into an airfield.
[44]
Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma - Airforce Technology
Feb 20, 2012 · Around 6,497 personnel reside at the base. Recommended Buyers Guides. Buyers-Guide. Buyers Guide. Military satellites, equipment and services ...
[45]
Altus Air Force Base | The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and ...
In 2001 the base witnessed the retirement of the C-141 after thirty-two years at Altus AFB. Men and women of the Fifty-seventh Airlift Squadron had piloted ...
[46]
[PDF] The Heritage of the 97th Air Mobility Wing and Altus Air Force Base
Feb 22, 2017 · Born out of the cotton fields of southwestern Oklahoma, Altus Air Force Base first became home to military aircraft and personnel in 1943.
[47]
None
### Summary of Altus AFB's Role in the Late Cold War Period (1960s-1980s)
[48]
The Missiles of Oklahoma
Aug 21, 2022 · The 577th Strategic Missile Squadron at Altus Air Force Base operated 12 Atlas F ICBMs. A symbolic groundbreaking ceremony for the Altus ...Missing: era | Show results with:era
[49]
Altus AFB - GlobalSecurity.org
May 7, 2011 · Furthermore, 3,053 military personnel and their families live on base and another 2,396 military personnel and their families live off base. The ...
[50]
C-5 flight engineer training finishes transition to Lackland AFB
Apr 10, 2007 · C-5 training has completely transitioned from Altus AFB to Lackland AFB ... Published April 10, 2007; By Senior Airman Aldric Borders; 97th ...
[51]
58th Airlift Squadron > Altus Air Force Base > Display
The 58th Troop Carrier Squadron was first activated on Nov. 12, 1942, at Bowman Field, Ky., and assigned to the 375th Troop Carrier Group.
[52]
56 ARS Supports Combat Cardinal 2024 - Altus Air Force Base
Mar 26, 2024 · The 56th Air Refueling Squadron supported Airmen from the 375th Air Mobility Wing during a readiness exercise called “Combat Cardinal,” at Scott Air Force Base ...
[53]
History - Altus AFB, OK
Altus AFB was established in World War Two as Altus Advanced Flying School in 1942, and renamed Altus Army Airfield in 1943.<|control11|><|separator|>
[54]
None
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[55]
[PDF] City of Altus - SiloWorld
Welcome to Altus Air Force. Base, Headquarters of the 816th. Strategic Aerospace Division, home of the 11th Strategic Aerospace. Wing, 11th Combat Support Group.
[56]
[PDF] The Legacy of Altus Air Force Base
Born out of the cotton fields of southwestern Oklahoma, Altus Air Force Base first became home to military aircraft and personnel in 1943.
[57]
Air Force history of ICBM development, safeguarding America
Mar 5, 2012 · Weighing 267,000 pounds and standing 82 feet tall, the Atlas ICBM had a range of 6,400 to 9,400 miles, and could be armed with a 1-megaton ...
[58]
None
### Summary of the 577th Strategic Missile Squadron History
[59]
The Atlas Missile (U.S. National Park Service)
Oct 20, 2020 · The Atlas D was 75 feet tall, had a range of 5,500 miles and carried a warhead of 1.44 megatons. A single missile crew controlled three missiles ...
[60]
Atlas (SM-65) - Warren ICBM and Heritage Museum
Fuel: Rocket grade RP-1 (Kerosene). Oxidizer: Liquid oxygen. Range: Between 6,400 and 9,000 miles. Propulsion: The Atlas propulsion system included three types ...Missing: 65F | Show results with:65F
[61]
Atlas - Association of Air Force Missileers
85 foot long, thin stainless steel missile delivered at 260,000 pounds, with thrust of 360,000 pounds, range of 6,325 nautical miles.
[62]
577th SMS - Missile Locations
Map of Altus Area Atlas F Sites. Listed below are the twelve Atlas F missile bases which were assigned to the 577th SMS at Altus AFB ( Red Star Image ) in Altus ...