Nellis Air Force Base

Nellis Air Force Base is located in Clark County, Nevada. Established in 1941 as Las Vegas Army Airfield, the installation initially functioned as an aerial gunnery school. During World War II, the base conducted training for B-17, B-24, and B-29 gunners. The facility was renamed Las Vegas Air Force Base in 1948 and designated Nellis Air Force Base in 1950, honoring Lieutenant William Nellis. Management transferred from the Air Training Command to Tactical Air Command in 1958 and subsequently to Air Combat Command in 1992.

The base is operated by Air Combat Command, with the 99th Air Base Wing serving as the host unit. The primary tenant is the United States Air Force Warfare Center, which oversees advanced combat training for composite strike forces. Stationed units include the 57th Wing, the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, the 505th Command and Control Wing, and the 926th Wing. The base also hosts the USAF Weapons School and the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron.

The installation encompasses approximately 4,600 hectares and is divided into three functional areas. Area I contains the airfield, command and support structures, and ramp space for up to 300 aircraft. Area II, situated northeast of the main base, houses the 820th RED HORSE Squadron and munitions storage facilities. Area III is located west of the main base and contains administration buildings and the Mike O’Callaghan Military Medical Center. Hosted aircraft include squadrons of A-10C, F-15C/D/E, F-16C/D, F-22A, and F-35A airframes. The base also operates HH-60G rescue helicopters and MQ-9A unmanned aerial vehicles. Operational capabilities are supported by the Combined Air and Space Operations Center-Nellis and the Nevada Test and Training Range ground systems.