About Mcconnell AFB

McConnell AFB is located in Wichita, KS approximately 3 hours north of Oklahoma City and 3 hours southwest of Kansas City, MO. Wichita is the most populous city in Kansas, and the county seat of Sedgwick County. The 2009 estimated population of 372,186 makes it the 51st largest city in the U.S. Wichita is located in south central Kansas on the Arkansas River

Wichita was incorporated in 1870, based on the success of businessmen who came to hunt and trade with native populations. Its position on the Chisholm Trail made it a destination for cattle drives headed north to access railroads to eastern markets. In the 20th century, aircraft pioneers such as Clyde Cessna and Walter Beech began projects that would lead to Wichita's establishment as the "Air Capital of the World". The aircraft corporations Stearman, Cessna, Mooney and Beech were all founded in Wichita in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Cessna and Hawker Beechcraft remain based in Wichita today, along with Learjet and Spirit AeroSystems, and both Airbus and Boeing maintain a workforce in Wichita.

Wichita has also evolved into a cultural and entertainment center. The vital downtown district offers nightclubs, restaurants, shopping centers, museums and parks. A 15,000 seat arena in the middle of Wichita host a wide range of entertainment from concerts, sporting events and entertainment acts. Several universities are in Wichita, the largest being Wichita State University with an enrollment of 15,000 students.

In July 2006, CNN/Money and Money magazine ranked Wichita 9th on its list of the 10 best U.S. big cities in which to live. In 2008, MSN Real Estate ranked Wichita 1st on its list of best affordable cities.

Mission

The 22nd Air Refueling Wing is the host unit at McConnell AFB, and part of the Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB, IL. The wing's primary mission is to provide Global Reach by conducting air refueling and airlift when and wherever needed. To do this, the wing is charged to develop and maintain the capability to conduct air-refueling operations supporting command objectives in any part of the world, in any condition or climate. This commitment also includes support for the Department of Defense in many contingency situations, from strategic force protection and strategic force mobility, to humanitarian assistance.

Population Served

McConnell has a total work force of around 7,153 with approximately 3,066 active duty members, 950 civilians, and around 3,137 reservists and National Guard Members. The base also has 3,220 family members and serves approximately 7,791 Military Retirees in the local area.