Quick Facts
Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming (Southeast Wyoming, 90 miles north of Denver, Colorado)
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Size: 5,866 acres base proper; 12,600+ square miles missile field complex across Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado
Population: ~3,400 active duty, 1,200+ civilians
Major Units: 90th Missile Wing (150 Minuteman III ICBMs)
Mission: Strategic nuclear deterrence through ICBM operations
Climate: High plains – cold harsh winters, mild summers, high altitude, low humidity, strong winds
Historic Significance: Oldest continuously active military installation in the Air Force, named after Francis E. Warren (first Wyoming governor, Medal of Honor recipient)
Overview & History
F.E. Warren Air Force Base stands as America’s premier intercontinental ballistic missile base and the oldest continuously active installation in the United States Air Force. Located on the high plains of southeastern Wyoming near Cheyenne, F.E. Warren operates 150 Minuteman III ICBMs dispersed across a vast missile field spanning three states, providing critical strategic nuclear deterrence 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The 90th Missile Wing maintains constant alert status with ICBMs capable of striking targets anywhere on Earth within 30 minutes. Missile combat crews work in underground launch control centers monitoring missile status, maintaining readiness, and prepared to execute launch orders from the President if deterrence fails. This solemn mission requires absolute precision, unwavering discipline, and perfect reliability.
The base’s extraordinary history reaches back to 1867 when the Army established Fort D.A. Russell to protect workers building the transcontinental railroad. The installation served through the Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, both World Wars, and the Cold War before transitioning to the Air Force in 1947. Renamed Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in 1930 after Wyoming’s first governor and a Medal of Honor recipient, the installation has continuously adapted to changing military requirements for over 157 years.
F.E. Warren initially hosted Atlas and Titan I ICBMs in the 1960s before transitioning to the Minuteman weapon system. Today’s Minuteman III missiles represent continuous modernization of a system first deployed in the 1970s. The Air Force is developing the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) to replace Minuteman III beginning in the 2030s, ensuring F.E. Warren remains central to America’s nuclear triad for decades to come.
The 90th Missile Wing’s missile field encompasses approximately 12,600 square miles across southeastern Wyoming, western Nebraska, and northeastern Colorado. This vast area contains 150 missile silos and 15 launch control centers connected by hundreds of miles of roads maintained by wing personnel. Missile field operations require personnel to work in remote locations during all weather conditions, maintaining America’s most critical weapons systems in harsh high plains environments.
Beyond ICBMs, F.E. Warren serves as home to multiple tenant units supporting missile operations and regional missions. The base maintains close relationships with Cheyenne and surrounding Wyoming communities, contributing significantly to the regional economy while executing the nation’s most vital strategic deterrence mission.
Mission & Major Units
90th Missile Wing
The host wing operates and maintains 150 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles providing strategic nuclear deterrence. The wing includes three missile squadrons: 319th Missile Squadron, 320th Missile Squadron, and 321st Missile Squadron, each responsible for 50 ICBMs. Additional groups include 90th Operations Group (missile combat crews and operations support), 90th Maintenance Group (missile maintenance and facilities), 90th Mission Support Group (security forces, logistics, services), and 90th Medical Group.
Missile Combat Crews:
Two-officer crews work 24-hour alerts in underground Launch Control Centers located throughout the missile field. Crews monitor missile status, perform system checks, maintain communications with command authorities, and stand ready to execute launch orders. Crews work in isolated reinforced facilities 60+ feet underground, maintaining constant vigilance over assigned missiles.
Missile Maintenance:
Maintenance teams perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on missile systems, launch facilities, and support equipment. Maintenance personnel work in missile silos, launch control centers, and support facilities across the vast missile field. Work requires technical expertise, security clearances, and ability to function in confined underground spaces during all weather conditions.
Security Forces:
Missile field security forces protect ICBMs, launch facilities, and personnel. Security Forces personnel conduct armed response to any threats against missile systems, maintain perimeter security, and respond to emergencies throughout the missile field. This mission requires personnel to operate in remote locations during extreme weather while maintaining highest readiness levels.
90th Medical Group:
Provides comprehensive healthcare for active duty personnel, dependents, and retirees. Services include primary care, dental, mental health, pharmacy, physical therapy, and specialty clinics. Medical personnel support missile field operations and maintain readiness for emergency response and mass casualty situations.
Other Tenant Units:
- 153rd Airlift Wing (Wyoming Air National Guard – C-130H operations)
- 20th Air Force (major command overseeing all ICBM wings)
- Air Force Global Strike Command elements
- Defense Commissary Agency
- Army & Air Force Exchange Service
Living at F.E. Warren
Base Housing
On-base family housing includes 900+ homes in various configurations from 2-4 bedrooms. Most housing consists of duplex and townhouse-style units with some single-family homes for senior ranks. Housing privatized and managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Neighborhoods feature playgrounds, community centers, and easy access to base facilities. Wait times typically 2-6 months depending on rank and bedroom requirements. Historic brick duplexes from early 1900s exist alongside modern construction. Unaccompanied housing provides dormitories for junior enlisted.
Off-Base Housing
Cheyenne offers affordable housing with reasonable rental and purchase costs. Popular areas include south Cheyenne near base (convenient commute, newer developments), central Cheyenne (established neighborhoods, proximity to amenities), north Cheyenne (quiet residential areas), and nearby towns like Pine Bluffs (20 miles east) or Laramie (45 miles west, university town). Rental costs for 2-3 bedroom apartments/homes range $900-$1,500. Home purchases average $200,000-$350,000 depending on location, size, and condition.
Schools
No DOD schools at F.E. Warren; families use Laramie County School District #1 which serves Cheyenne area. District includes numerous elementary schools, several middle schools, and multiple high schools including Cheyenne East, Cheyenne Central, and Cheyenne South. School quality generally good with strong community support. Laramie County Community College provides two-year degrees and vocational training. University of Wyoming in Laramie (45 miles west) offers four-year degrees and graduate programs.
Childcare
The Child Development Center provides care for children 6 weeks through 5 years. Family Child Care homes offer additional options in base housing and local community. Youth Center serves school-age children with after-school programs, summer camps, sports, and activities. Registration recommended early as slots fill quickly.
Healthcare
The 90th Medical Group operates the medical clinic on base providing primary care, dental, pharmacy, mental health, physical therapy, and limited specialty services. Complex medical needs referred to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center or military treatment facilities in Denver (90 miles south) or at other bases. Tricare beneficiaries access civilian providers throughout Cheyenne and region. Cheyenne Regional Medical Center provides major hospital services.
Base Amenities & Recreation
Fitness & Sports:
Fitness center features cardio equipment, free weights, group fitness classes, basketball courts, racquetball courts, and indoor track. Outdoor facilities include softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, running trails, and sports equipment rentals. Outdoor Recreation rents camping gear, fishing equipment, and outdoor adventure equipment for exploring Wyoming’s mountains and parks.
Shopping & Services:
Base Exchange with department store, food court, military clothing sales, gas station, barber shop, and various specialty shops. Commissary provides tax-free groceries with significant savings. Auto hobby shop with lifts and tools, education center, library, post office, banks, and various support services. On-base amenities generally adequate though smaller than major bases.
Dining & Entertainment:
Dining facility serves three meals daily. Mulligan’s Bar & Grill offers casual dining. Various fast food options include Taco Bell, Arby’s, Charley’s Philly Steaks, and Robin Hood (base-specific restaurant). Community Center provides recreation and event space. Movie theater shows current films at military discounts. Small Base Exchange food court supplements dining options.
Family Support:
Airman & Family Readiness Center assists with employment, financial counseling, relocation, deployment support, and personal crisis intervention. Military & Family Life Counselors provide confidential non-medical counseling. Exceptional Family Member Program coordinates services for special needs families. Strong community support organizations assist families adapting to missile mission and Wyoming lifestyle.
Historic Attractions:
F.E. Warren maintains significant military history with buildings dating to 1880s. The Warren ICBM and Heritage Museum on base displays nuclear weapons history, missile systems, and installation history. Historic Old Post area preserves 19th-century cavalry post architecture. Annual Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration includes military participation and community events.
Local Area – Cheyenne, Wyoming
F.E. Warren sits on the northern edge of Cheyenne, Wyoming’s capital and largest city with 65,000+ residents. Cheyenne offers small-city living with Western character, outdoor recreation access, and proximity to Denver’s metropolitan amenities.
Climate:
High plains continental climate at 6,062 feet elevation. Cold harsh winters with temperatures often below zero, strong winds (wind chill factor critical), snow accumulation throughout winter months, and occasional blizzards that shut down travel. Summers mild with temperatures 75-85°F, cool nights, low humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and fall brief with rapid temperature changes. Cheyenne averages 60 inches of snow annually with wind significantly affecting conditions. Sunshine abundant year-round (300+ days annually) but wind constant and sometimes extreme. Altitude affects some individuals initially.
Things to Do:
- Cheyenne Frontier Days (world’s largest outdoor rodeo, late July)
- Wyoming State Capitol building (tours available)
- Cheyenne Depot Museum (railroad history)
- Historic downtown Cheyenne (shops, restaurants, breweries)
- Terry Bison Ranch (bison herd, train rides, camping)
- Curt Gowdy State Park (30 miles west – reservoirs, camping, hiking)
- Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest (mountain recreation)
- Vedauwoo Recreation Area (unique rock formations, climbing, hiking)
- Laramie (45 miles west – University of Wyoming, higher elevation, mountain town)
- Fort Laramie National Historic Site (90 miles north – preserved frontier fort)
Outdoor Recreation:
Wyoming offers world-class outdoor recreation within driving distance. Hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting in Medicine Bow National Forest and state lands. Rock climbing at Vedauwoo. Fishing in mountain lakes and streams. Skiing at Snowy Range Ski Area (2 hours west). Camping throughout region. Wildlife viewing including pronghorn antelope, deer, elk, and eagles. Vast public lands provide unlimited exploration opportunities.
Major City Access:
- Denver: 100 miles south (1.5 hours) – major airport, professional sports, shopping, dining, culture
- Fort Collins: 45 miles south (1 hour) – Colorado State University, breweries, Old Town
- Laramie: 45 miles west (1 hour) – University of Wyoming, mountain town atmosphere
Cost of Living:
Below national average with affordable housing and low property taxes. Wyoming has no state income tax (significant savings). Groceries and utilities reasonable. Gas prices moderate. Military pay stretches well in Cheyenne. One of more affordable assignment locations. Sales tax exists but overall tax burden lower than most states.
Cultural Highlights:
Western heritage dominates with cowboy culture, ranching traditions, and frontier history celebrated throughout region. Cheyenne Frontier Days in July attracts 200,000+ visitors with rodeos, concerts, parades, and Western festivities for 10 days. State Capitol and government accessible in small-city environment. Strong military-friendly community with deep respect for service members. Conservative values and independent Western spirit define Wyoming character.
Employment & Education Opportunities
Military Spouse Employment:
Cheyenne economy includes state government (Wyoming capital), healthcare, retail, transportation/logistics, and military-related employment. Major employers include State of Wyoming, Laramie County School District, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, F.E. Warren AFB civilian workforce, and various retail/service businesses. Job market smaller than major cities but opportunities exist. Remote work increasingly common. Denver employment accessible for commuters willing to drive 90+ minutes.
Higher Education:
- University of Wyoming (Laramie – 45 miles west, flagship state university)
- Laramie County Community College (Cheyenne – two-year degrees, vocational training)
- Colorado State University (Fort Collins – 45 miles south)
- Community College of Denver (distance programs)
Military Tuition Assistance and GI Bill accepted at all institutions. Online degree programs supplement local options.
Important Considerations
Missile Mission Reality:
Nuclear weapons duty requires special mindset. Missile combat crews work 24-hour shifts in underground bunkers monitoring ICBMs. Maintenance personnel work on nuclear weapons systems in confined underground spaces. Security Forces protect weapons sites in remote locations. All missile field personnel work in extreme weather conditions traveling hundreds of miles across isolated plains. Mission is critically important but day-to-day work can be monotonous. Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) requires highest standards for anyone working with nuclear weapons – any issues result in immediate decertification.
Harsh Winter Climate:
Wyoming winters are brutal. Subzero temperatures, strong winds creating dangerous wind chills, heavy snow, ice storms, and blizzards occur regularly November through March. Missile field operations continue regardless of weather – personnel must travel to remote sites in all conditions. Reliable four-wheel-drive vehicle essential for winter. Cold weather gear critical. Some individuals struggle with prolonged winter darkness, cold, and wind. Prepare mentally and physically for harsh conditions.
Remote Location & Limited Entertainment:
Cheyenne offers basic amenities but lacks entertainment, dining, and cultural options of major cities. Population 65,000 means limited shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and activities. Many describe assignment as “isolated.” Denver provides big-city options 90 minutes away but requires regular trips to avoid feeling confined. Outdoor enthusiasts thrive with access to mountains, forests, and public lands. Those preferring urban amenities may struggle.
Altitude Effects:
Cheyenne sits at 6,062 feet elevation – higher than Denver. Some individuals experience altitude effects including shortness of breath, fatigue, and dehydration initially. Acclimatization typically takes 2-4 weeks. Hydration critical. Alcohol affects people more strongly at altitude. Sun exposure more intense requiring sunscreen and eye protection.
Unique Mission Experience:
F.E. Warren provides rare opportunity to work with strategic nuclear weapons and contribute directly to national deterrence. Missile officers gain unique experience unavailable elsewhere. Security Forces personnel conduct specialized mission found at only three ICBM bases. Maintenance personnel work on systems existing nowhere else in Air Force. Assignment provides distinctive resume credentials and career development opportunities.
Small-Town Wyoming Character:
Wyoming has 580,000 residents statewide – fewer than most major cities. Cheyenne feels like small town despite being state capital. Pace slower, people friendlier, communities tighter than urban areas. Independent Western values dominate. Hunting, fishing, rodeo, and outdoor activities define culture. Those embracing Wyoming lifestyle have excellent experiences; those fighting it struggle.
Getting There
By Air:
Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS) offers limited commercial service with daily flights to Denver. Small airport with limited destinations. Denver International Airport (90 miles south) provides extensive flight options, better fares, and access to worldwide destinations. Most personnel fly through Denver. Rental cars available at both airports. Drive from Denver typically 1.5 hours in good weather.
By Car:
Interstate 25 runs north-south through Cheyenne connecting to Denver (south) and Casper (north). Interstate 80 runs east-west connecting to Nebraska (east) and Utah (west). Highway system well-maintained but winter driving hazardous during storms. F.E. Warren accessed via Randall Avenue from I-25 or various gates around base perimeter.
By Train/Bus:
No passenger rail service. Greyhound provides bus service with limited schedules. Personal vehicle essential.
Local Transportation:
Personal vehicle absolutely essential. No practical public transportation. Cheyenne Transit Program provides limited city bus service but impractical for most needs. Base provides some shuttle services for missile field operations. Ride-sharing services minimal. Four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle strongly recommended for winter conditions. Many families maintain two vehicles given distances and weather.
Quick Tips for PCS to F.E. Warren
✅ Prepare for nuclear mission demands – PRP requirements, underground work, remote locations
✅ Invest in cold weather gear – Quality winter clothing, boots, vehicle winterization essential
✅ Purchase reliable four-wheel-drive vehicle – Critical for winter driving and missile field access
✅ Embrace outdoor recreation – Wyoming’s mountains, forests, and public lands offer world-class adventures
✅ Accept small-city limitations – Entertainment and dining limited; Denver trips necessary for variety
✅ Join base communities – Strong support networks critical for missile mission lifestyle
✅ Respect nuclear weapons responsibility – Mission carries enormous weight; maintain highest standards
✅ Plan for Denver trips – Regular visits to major city help break isolation
✅ Learn winter driving skills – Wyoming winter conditions dangerous for inexperienced drivers
✅ Appreciate unique mission – ICBM duty provides career experience available nowhere else
F.E. Warren Air Force Base combines America’s most critical nuclear deterrence mission with challenging high plains living to create one of the Air Force’s most distinctive assignments. Whether serving as missile combat crew, maintaining ICBMs, protecting nuclear weapons, or supporting operations, you’ll contribute directly to national security while experiencing Wyoming’s rugged beauty, harsh climate, and independent Western character. The assignment demands mental toughness, technical excellence, and unwavering dedication – but provides unmatched mission significance and unique career credentials.