Peterson AFB, CO

Colorado Springs, CO 80914 | Base Operator: DSN: 834-7011, (719) 556-7011

Peterson AFB: Overview

Even though Peterson AFB in Colorado is maintained by the United States Air Force, it hosts units from a variety of different services. Military members from allied nations are also represented on the base. There are several major commands that are stationed here. These commands, many of which are extremely vital to national security, include the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), the North American Aerospace, Defense Command (NORAD), the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), and the Army Space Command. The main operational unit and host wing at Peterson AFB is the 21st Space Wing (21 SW).

The base was originally known as the Colorado Springs Army Air Base. The initial mission of this installation after it was activated in 1942 was to develop and train reconnaissance pilots. However, the war effort was in need of a higher concentration of bombing squadrons, so the mission was changed in 1943 to the training of B-24 bomber crews. In 1944, the mission changed once again, and the base became a training ground for P-40 Warhawk pilots.

Peterson AFB: Education

Considering the mission of Peterson AFB, you must be motivated to earn your college degree. Both traditional campus colleges and online schools are represented here. As a military member, you may want to strongly consider an online school. Online schools provide you with a quality education and allow you to complete assignments no matter where you are and whenever you want, so you never have to delay your degree progress. You may want to request information from a number of these schools. Start by clicking the "Find A School" button below:

Peterson AFB: Location

The base is in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which falls within the boundaries of El Paso County. From a directional standpoint, it is a bit south of the state’s mid-point. Denver is less than 65 miles to the north. Some geographic landmarks include Fountain Creek and Pikes Peak, which is in the Rocky Mountains. Other communities nearby include Cimarron Hills, CO, Fort Carson, CO, Fountain, CO, Black Forest, CO, Canon City, CO, Castle Rock, CO, Pueblo, CO, Parker, CO, Highlands Ranch, CO, Centennial, CO, Castlewood, CO, Southglenn, CO, Ken Caryl, CO, Columbine, CO, and Greenwood Village, CO.

Peterson AFB: Interesting Facts

The namesake of the installation is 1st LT Edward Joseph Peterson, a Colorado native. LT Peterson was lost in a fatal plane crash at the base.
Peterson AFB has an agreement with the local municipal airport in Colorado Springs, which allows civilian use of the base's runways.
The 302nd Airlift Wing (302 AW) of the Air Force Reserve is based at Peterson AFB. This unit operates a fleet of C-130H's.