Kirtland AFB, NM

Kirtland AFB, NM 87117 | Base Operator: DSN: 246-0011, (505) 846-0011

Kirtland AFB: Overview

The Nuclear Weapons Center (NWC) of the Air Force Materiel Command is the main entity stationed at Kirtland AFB. The NWC is responsible for ensuring that safe, secure, and reliable nuclear weapons are available to support the National Command Structure. The 498th Nuclear Systems Wing of the NWC has the important mission of maintaining and storing nuclear munitions and cruise missiles. The host unit is the 377th Air Base Wing, which is responsible for ensuring that it provides the necessary support to operational units.

Albuquerque Army Air Base was established in 1941. It was utilized to train bomber crews, the main airframe being the B-17 Flying Fortress. However, crews were trained to operate the B-24 and B-29 bombers as well. Following the Second World War, the command of the base was transferred to the Air Materiel Command, which essentially led to the end of flight training at Kirtland. This transfer signaled the beginning of the nuclear responsibilities of this installation.

Kirtland AFB: Education

While stationed at Kirtland AFB, it is important to continue to expand your skill set. One of the best ways to accomplish that goal is to attend an online school. Online schools deliver a high-quality education that is completely portable, so you can attend classes anytime you want, wherever you are in the world. You may want to request information from a number of these schools. Start by clicking the "Find A School" button below:

Kirtland AFB: Location

Kirtland AFB is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico and is conveniently located near Interstate 25 and Interstate 40. It is in Bernalillo County and is near the Rio Grande. The Cibola National Forest is near the installation. Other communities in the area include South Valley, NM, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM, North Valley, NM, Rio Rancho, NM, Corrales, NM, Bernalillo, NM, Los Lunas, NM, Belen, NM, Sante Fe, NM, Los Alamos, NM, Grants, NM, Espanola, NM, Socorro, NM, Las Vegas, NM, and Taos, NM.

Kirtland AFB: Interesting Facts

The namesake of Kirtland AFB is Colonel Roy C. Kirtland of the U.S. Army, who was one of the first military aviators in the United States Military.
The 58th Special Operations Wing trains Air Force Special Operations Command special operations forces and combat search and rescue personnel at Kirtland.
The New Mexico Air National Guard operates the 150th Fighter Wing out of Kirtland. The 150th Fighter Wing employs the F-16 Fighting Falcon.