Buckley Air Force Base

History

Initially activated in July 1943, the 460th Bomb group "Black Panthers" flew B-24 liberator bombers from Spinazzola, Italy supporting combat missions throughout Europe during World War II. Activated a second time during the Vietnam, War, the 460 Tactical Reconnaissance Wing supported the Air Force reconnaissance mission in Vietnam from 1966 to 1971. Renamed and reactivated a third time and flying the F-4 Phantom, the 460 Tactical Reconnaissance Group performed reconnaissance missions at the Taegu Air Base, Korea for one year starting in the fall of 1989, and inactivating in October 1990. With four Presidential Unit Citations, one Distinguished Unit Citation, and three Air Force Outstanding Unit Citations (two with Combat Service), the 460 Air Base Wing (ABW) reactivated on October 1, 2001. On August 19, 2004, the 460th ABW was redesignated the 460th Space Wing. Tasked to build the newest base in the Air Force, the 460th Space Wing supports varied space missions and 28 tenant units.

Location

Located on the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains, Buckley AFB is in Aurora, Colorado, a suburb just outside of Denver. The city of Aurora is mainly located in Arapahoe county. Only a portion of the northern boundary lies in Adams county. The Denver metro area is a high cost of living area, but moving slightly outside of the metro area, homes are more affordable. There are many retired and military families within the community and Colorado in general. Those relocating here will find a wealth of outdoor activities within easy reach and fabulous sunny days.

Mission

The 460th Space Wing (Air Force Space Command) is responsible for providing space-based missile warning data to Cheyenne Mountain Air Station, Colorado and the 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

Population Served

88,000 Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps active duty, National Guard, Reserve, Defense Contractors, military family members and a large retired community.

Base Transportation

Currently, there is no base transportation on this installation.

Directions to Buckley AFB

From the Airport

Buckley Air Force Base is located in Aurora, Colo., in Arapahoe County. You can reach the base via Interstate 225, Exit 9 for 6th Avenue/CO-30. Go east on 6th Avenue. You'll arrive at Buckley on the right after 2.8 miles.

The Buckley AFB Visitor Center is open between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Mon -Fri closed on weekends, holidays and family days. The visitor center is located at the Sixth Avenue Gate (opened daily 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.). The Mississippi Avenue Gate is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hours for Telluride Gate are 5:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Mon - Fri and closed on weekends, holidays and family days. Any trucks or vans with company logos (such as moving vans) must be searched at the large vehicle inspection place adjacent to the Mississippi gate.

If you are searching for directions via online map sites or GPS, use the address 18500 East Sixth Avenue, Aurora, CO  80011.

From I-70 West

If you are traveling on I-70 west, exit south onto Airport Blvd, which will change to Buckley Rd exit # 285. Go south past Colfax Ave. until reaching 6th Ave. approximately 2 1/2 miles. Turn left (east) onto 6th Ave. Go approximately 1 mile to the main gate entrance of Buckley AFB.

From I-70 East

If you are traveling on I-70 east exit south onto I-225 exit # 283 then follow the directions below for I-225.

From I-225

If you are traveling on I-225, take the 6th Ave exit # 9. Travel east on 6th Ave. Proceed east, approximately 2 1/2 miles, crossing Chambers Road and Buckley Rd to the main gate entrance of Buckley AFB.

From I-25 North

If you are traveling on I-25 north, take the I-225 exit at exit # 200, then follow the directions for I-225.

From I-25 South

If you are traveling on I-25 south , take the I-70 exit at exit # 214, then follow the directions for I-70.

Traveling by Bus

If you arrive in Denver by greyhound bus, either get the schedule of the RTD buses at the terminal, or walk three blocks to the RTD terminal on Market St., or take a taxi.

Installation Access

On 1 June 2011, the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) officially came online. All Active Duty Military, Civilians, Active Guard/Reserve, Retirees and Dependents are required to register.

The locations and times are as follows:

Visitor Center: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Mon - Fri. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, and Family Days.

Bldg #606/MPF:  Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., 2nd Weds of the month - 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Holidays-closed.

For more information please contact the Visitor Center staff at 720-847-9380.