McConnell Air Force Base

McConnell Air Force Base at a glance

McConnell Air Force Base is an Air Mobility Command installation in Wichita, Kansas. The 22nd Air Refueling Wing is the host wing, and its publicly described mission includes aerial refueling of U.S. and allied aircraft and transportation of troops, equipment and supplies. The installation's aviation role is closely connected to Wichita's long aircraft manufacturing history and its location in the central United States.

McConnell's community includes the 931st Air Refueling Wing and the Kansas Air National Guard's 184th Wing alongside the active-duty host. The official overview describes KC-135 and KC-46 tanker activities. This mix of active, Reserve and Guard organizations means the base supports multiple components, rather than a single wing or a single type of employment relationship.

Also searched as: McConnell AFB, Wichita Air Force Base.

Sources: McConnell Air Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS

Mission and major activities

• Aerial refueling through the 22nd Air Refueling Wing.
• Air transportation of people, equipment and supplies.
• Support to the 931st Air Refueling Wing and 184th Wing.

Sources: McConnell Air Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS

History and identity

Wichita Municipal Airport opened in 1929; the Air Force acquired it in 1951, and the McConnell name followed in 1954.

Sources: McConnell Air Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS

Location and community

Wichita, in Sedgwick County, has a long aircraft-manufacturing heritage.

Sources: McConnell Air Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS

Before you arrive

Use these questions with your sponsor or gaining organization. They are a starting point for planning, including assignments, courses and training periods that differ from a routine permanent change of station.

1. Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
2. Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
3. Before choosing a home, compare the commute, lease terms, school needs and your household budget. Ask the housing office about the options that apply to your situation.
4. Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
5. Make a short list of contacts for medical care, schools, childcare and family support, where applicable to your assignment.

Official PCS planning resources   Housing allowance information

Sources: McConnell Air Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for McConnell Air Force Base and ask which services your household can use. For a training site, rotational location or Reserve component assignment, confirm arrangements with your unit rather than assuming the services of a large residential installation are available.

From this mission to your next career

The mission at McConnell Air Force Base suggests the following areas to consider when describing your experience. These are LockLeed career suggestions based on the public mission, not a list of vacancies or qualifications held by everyone assigned here.

Write down the equipment, systems, processes and teams you personally supported. Add a specific result you can discuss publicly, then match that evidence to the civilian role you want. Keep operational details and sensitive information out of your application.

Official transition resources   Explore SkillBridge programs

Frequently asked questions

Sources and editorial notes

Installation facts above are drawn from the official sources below. Career suggestions and planning questions are LockLeed editorial guidance. Use official offices for current policies, eligibility and arrangements.

1. McConnell Air Force Base overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONSSupports: overview, mission, history, local context, planning note

Reviewed 2026-09-30. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Map points are approximate and are not routing or reporting instructions.