Altus Air Force Base

Altus, OK

~2,000

Personnel

1943

Established

97 AMW

Host Unit

Altus Air Force Base

Altus, OK

~2,000

Personnel

1943

Established

97 AMW

Host Unit

Base Overview

“Mobility’s Hometown” – Premier training base for USAF airlift & aerial refueling crews
Altus AFB is located about 4 miles east of the city of Altus, Oklahoma​. Its host unit, the 97th AMW, conducts C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker, and KC-46 Pegasus formal training for aircrew and maintenance students, producing up to 3,000 graduates each year​. The base’s expansive airfield and favorable weather (300+ flying-friendly days/year) make it ideal for flight training​. Nicknamed “Mobility’s Hometown,” Altus AFB has evolved into the Air Force’s premier air mobility training center, preparing pilots and aircrews for global airlift and aerial refueling missions

Base Information

Address

510 N 6th Street, Altus AFB, OK 73523

Phone

(580) 481-5110

Website

Commander

Col. Jeffrey M. Marshall

Climate

96°F

Summer Avg

26°F

Winter Avg

246

Sunny Days

29"

Annual Rain

Key Units

Host Unit

97th Air Mobility Wing

54th Air Refueling Squadron

Tenant Unit

56th Air Refueling Squadron

Tenant Unit

N/A

Demonstration Squadron

Base Overview

“Mobility’s Hometown” – Premier training base for USAF airlift & aerial refueling crews
Altus AFB is located about 4 miles east of the city of Altus, Oklahoma​. Its host unit, the 97th AMW, conducts C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker, and KC-46 Pegasus formal training for aircrew and maintenance students, producing up to 3,000 graduates each year​. The base’s expansive airfield and favorable weather (300+ flying-friendly days/year) make it ideal for flight training​. Nicknamed “Mobility’s Hometown,” Altus AFB has evolved into the Air Force’s premier air mobility training center, preparing pilots and aircrews for global airlift and aerial refueling missions

Base Information

Address

510 N 6th Street, Altus AFB, OK 73523

Phone

(580) 481-5110

Website

Commander

Col. Jeffrey M. Marshall

Climate

96°F

Summer Avg

26°F

Winter Avg

246

Sunny Days

29"

Annual Rain

Key Units

97th Air Mobility Wing

Host Unit

54th Air Refueling Squadron

Tenant Unit

56th Air Refueling Squadron

Tenant Unit

N/A

Demonstration Squadron

Housing Options

Find the perfect place to call home, whether you’re looking for on-base housing or exploring the Altus area.

Find the perfect place to call home, whether you’re looking for on-base housing or exploring the Altus area.

Altus Housing 1

Altus AFB Homes

On-Base
Privatized housing on Altus AFB managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Neighborhoods of modern duplex and single-family homes with garages and yards​. Community amenities include playgrounds, a pool, sports courts, and a community center​. Active-duty families have priority; select homes also available to retirees and DoD civilians​. Homes feature central air, updated appliances, and easy access to base facilities.
Altus Housing 2

Briarwood Apartments

Off-Base
Renovated apartment community in Altus offering one, two, and three-bedroom units. Apartments feature vinyl wood plank flooring, updated kitchens with stainless appliances, and on-site laundry​. Amenities include a swimming pool, off-street parking, and 24/7 maintenance. Pet-friendly policy for cats and dogs. Located about 5 minutes from the base, near shopping and dining​.

Nellis AFB Housing

BAH Covered

On-base housing at Nellis AFB is managed by Hunt Military Communities. Options include The Landings at Nellis (family housing) and The Commons (unaccompanied housing).

Nellis AFB Housing

BAH Covered

On-base housing at Nellis AFB is managed by Hunt Military Communities. Options include The Landings at Nellis (family housing) and The Commons (unaccompanied housing).

Nellis AFB Housing

BAH Covered

On-base housing at Nellis AFB is managed by Hunt Military Communities. Options include The Landings at Nellis (family housing) and The Commons (unaccompanied housing).

Popular Neighborhoods

Explore the most popular neighborhoods for military families stationed at Altus AFB.

Explore the most popular neighborhoods for military families stationed at Altus AFB.

Altus

4 miles to base

Martha

8 miles to base

Olustee

13 miles to base

Aliante

15 mins to base

Aliante

15 mins to base

Aliante

15 mins to base

Aliante

15 mins to base

Aliante

15 mins to base

Aliante

15 mins to base

Education

Find the best educational options for your family, from K-12 to higher education institutions near Altus AFB.

Find the best educational options for your family, from K-12 to higher education institutions near Altus AFB.

L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School

Rivers Elementary is a highly-rated elementary serving grades PK–4 in Altus. It offers a strong foundation in reading, math and science, and has earned high marks for student achievement and teacher quality. The school has approximately 390 students and a low student-teacher ratio, providing individualized attention​. As the elementary school adjacent to Altus AFB, many military children attend Rivers. The school emphasizes character development and has supportive staff – reflected in positive parent reviews (5/5 on Niche)​. Note: Pre-K and Kindergarten for Altus are typically at the separate Early Childhood Center.

Altus Junior High School

Altus Junior High serves grades 7–8 and acts as the bridge between elementary and high school for military dependents and local students. The school enrolls roughly 600 students and offers a broad curriculum including advanced math, English, and introductory career tech courses. GreatSchools notes AJH is performing around the state average in test scores​. It has a variety of extracurricular programs: athletics (football, basketball, etc.), band, and academic clubs. The school places focus on preparing students for the transition to high school, with honors courses available for advanced students. Parent reviews highlight dedicated teachers and a safe environment (GreatSchools community reviews give 4–5/5 in areas like family engagement and learning support)

Altus High School

Altus High is the sole high school for the district, serving grades 9–12 with approximately 900 students enrolled​. The school offers a comprehensive program: core academics, a range of AP and honors courses, and career-tech training in partnership with Southwest Tech. The “Altus Bulldogs” have strong athletics – including a football team that has won state titles – and award-winning programs in marching band and FFA (Future Farmers of America). Altus High has a diverse student body (~55% minority enrollment)​ and a graduation rate near 80%. For military families, the high school provides resources for college/career planning and JROTC leadership programs. The campus is located adjacent to the Altus community center and tennis courts. Overall, AHS is known for its spirited school culture, varied extracurriculars, and supportive faculty, though academic performance metrics are about average for Oklahoma (ranked ~142nd in state by U.S. News)

Lomie G. Heard Elementary

Lomie G. Heard is a STEAM academy public charter school located on Nellis AFB. It serves military families and offers specialized programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Lomie G. Heard Elementary

Lomie G. Heard is a STEAM academy public charter school located on Nellis AFB. It serves military families and offers specialized programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Lomie G. Heard Elementary

Lomie G. Heard is a STEAM academy public charter school located on Nellis AFB. It serves military families and offers specialized programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Lomie G. Heard Elementary

Lomie G. Heard is a STEAM academy public charter school located on Nellis AFB. It serves military families and offers specialized programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Lomie G. Heard Elementary

Lomie G. Heard is a STEAM academy public charter school located on Nellis AFB. It serves military families and offers specialized programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Lomie G. Heard Elementary

Lomie G. Heard is a STEAM academy public charter school located on Nellis AFB. It serves military families and offers specialized programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Lomie G. Heard Elementary

Lomie G. Heard is a STEAM academy public charter school located on Nellis AFB. It serves military families and offers specialized programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Lomie G. Heard Elementary

Lomie G. Heard is a STEAM academy public charter school located on Nellis AFB. It serves military families and offers specialized programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Lomie G. Heard Elementary

Lomie G. Heard is a STEAM academy public charter school located on Nellis AFB. It serves military families and offers specialized programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Healthcare

Find information about medical facilities and healthcare options available to service members and their families at or near Altus AFB.

Healthcare

Find information about medical facilities and healthcare options available to service members and their families at or near Altus AFB.

Altus Hospital 1

On-Base Clinic

97th Medical Group Clinic

Provides primary care, flight medicine, pediatrics, and dental services for Altus AFB. Offers routine outpatient care for active duty, dependents, and retirees. Note: No emergency room on base (emergencies are referred to local hospital)
Altus Hospital 2

Hospital

Jackson County Memorial Hospital

Full-service 49-bed hospital offering emergency services, inpatient care, general surgery, maternity, and specialty clinics. This community hospital serves as the primary emergency and surgical facility for Altus and the base​. Features an ER, ICU, diagnostic imaging, and outpatient clinics for comprehensive care.
Altus Hospital 3

Hospital

Xpress Wellness Urgent Care

Walk-in clinic for non-emergency illnesses and injuries. Provides prompt care for issues like minor fractures, infections, sprains, and burns. On-site X-ray, lab testing, and occupational health services available​. Accepts most insurance and offers extended hours to supplement primary care.

Tricare Information

Important information about your TRICARE options in the Altus area.

Tricare Information

Important information about your TRICARE options in the Altus area.

TRICARE Prime

This HMO-style plan provides care through assigned Primary Care Managers, offering the most affordable option with low out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about Prime.

TRICARE Select

A PPO-style plan, Select offers the freedom to see any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral, providing greater flexibility and choice. Learn more about Select.

TRICARE For Life

This is Medicare-wraparound coverage for beneficiaries with Medicare Parts A & B. It acts as a secondary payer to cover out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about For Life.

Things to Do

Discover the best attractions, activities, and entertainment options in and around Altus.

Altus Activity 1

Outdoor

Quartz Mountain State Park

A scenic 4,540-acre state park centered around Lake Altus-Lugert, offering a wide range of outdoor activities. Visitors can boat, fish, swim, or try rock climbing and bouldering in the granite peaks​. The park features campgrounds, RV hookups, and a newly renovated lodge with a restaurant. Hiking trails lead to panoramic views of the Wichita Mountains. Other amenities include a seasonal fun park, mini-golf, and an 18-hole golf course​. Quartz Mountain is known as an oasis of family fun in southwest Oklahoma, attracting generations of outdoor enthusiasts​
Altus Activity 2

History

Museum of the Western Prairie

A regional history museum operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society, showcasing the heritage of southwest Oklahoma. Exhibits span from Native American life and frontier homesteading to the ranching era and Altus Air Force Base’s history​. Two large galleries house artifacts (over 35,000 items) including an authentic 1891 half-dugout house, a pioneer windmill, and farm equipment​. Interactive displays cover topics like the Dust Bowl and World War II Altus Army Airfield. The museum offers a self-guided experience, with knowledgeable staff available for questions. It’s a great way to learn about the local culture and the pioneers who settled the “Western Prairie.”

Altus AFB Area Map

Explore important locations around Altus AFB and the Altus.

Ready to PCS to Altus AFB?

Let AFCrashpad help you find the perfect housing option and connect with other military families who know the area.

Ready to PCS to Altus AFB?

Let AFCrashpad help you find the perfect housing option and connect with other military families who know the area.