Dyess Air Force Base is an active United States Air Force installation in Abilene, Texas. It is home to the 7th Bomb Wing and 317th Airlift Wing. This guide covers directions, visitor access, housing, child care, medical services, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Dyess Air Force Base
Military branch United States Air Force
Base status Active
Street address 1517 Arnold Blvd, Abilene, TX 79607
Main phone number 325-696-1921
Visitor Center phone 325-696-2432
Official website Dyess Air Force Base official website

Location and Directions

Dyess is in Abilene, in west-central Texas. Abilene Regional Airport is about 15 miles from the base. From the airport, use Highway 36 and TX-322 Loop, then US-83N/US-84W to the South 7th Street exit. Continue to Danville Drive and Arnold Boulevard. From the north, use U.S. Highway 277 or U.S. Highway 83 south to South 7th Street.

Visitor Information

The Visitor Control Center is at 1518 East Arnold Boulevard, Building 9265. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. It is closed on weekends, holidays, and Family Days. The center handles base passes, DBIDS cards, Entry Authorization Lists, and Veteran Health Identification Card access. Call 325-696-2432 before traveling.

The front gate is the 24-hour arrival point after hours. Security personnel can direct arriving personnel to the Inns of Dyess. Taxi and rideshare drivers must have base access, and Dyess has no public shuttles or public transportation. Identification and vehicle rules can change, so confirm current access requirements with the Visitor Control Center.

Housing and Lodging

Dyess Family Homes provides privatized housing on the installation. The Military Housing Office can be reached at 325-696-2150, 325-696-3635, or 325-696-4812. Housing maintenance is available at 325-793-9800.

Temporary lodging is available at the Inns of Dyess, 225 5th Street. Call 325-696-2681. The dorm management office is at 426 Avenue B and can be reached at 325-696-4403, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Facilities and Services

Dyess has a commissary and Base Exchange. Their phone numbers are 325-283-5310 and 325-692-8996. The Military and Family Readiness Center is at 382 Avenue D, Building 7215. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; call 325-696-5999.

Other support includes military personnel services, finance and pay help, legal services, post office services, transportation and household-goods support, child care, food service, fitness, a library, a youth center, and a community center. ID card and CAC services are at 217 5th Street, Building 7402. Call 325-696-4480.

Schools and Childcare

The School Liaison Officer helps families with current school assignments, enrollment, transportation, and education questions. Call 325-696-4591. Contact the office for the latest school information.

Program Services Phone
Child Development Center Full-time and hourly child care 325-696-4337
Family Child Care Care in approved provider homes 325-696-2839
School Age Care Before-school, after-school, hourly, and break-period care for ages 5-12 325-696-4797

Child care is offered to eligible patrons, and fees are based on total family income.

Medical Services

Dyess Medical Group is at 697 Louisiana Drive. It offers family medicine, pediatrics, immunizations, laboratory services, radiology, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, mental health, women’s health, flight medicine, primary care, and public health. Call 325-696-4677 for appointments.

Dyess does not provide urgent or emergency care. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911. For advice about urgent care, call the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273). The pharmacy phone is 325-216-4585.

Recreation and Amenities

Recreation options include a fitness center, library, bowling, community center, outdoor recreation, Mesquite Grove Golf Course, theater, fitness pool, parks, trails, water-access areas, auto hobby activities, and a youth center.

Facility Phone
Outdoor Recreation 325-696-2402
Fitness Center 325-696-4306
Library 325-696-6873
Mesquite Grove Golf Course 325-696-4384
Dyess Linear Air Park and Memorial Center 325-696-2099

The Linear Air Park and Memorial Center is at 800 Arnold Boulevard. It is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on weekends and holidays. Guided tours and public access may require advance coordination.

Things to Know

  • Hands-free driving is required on base.
  • Dyess has no public shuttles or public transportation.
  • Severe storms, hail, flooding, and extreme summer heat can occur in the area.
  • Many installation services have eligibility rules for service members, retirees, dependents, civilian employees, contractors, or other authorized patrons.
  • Access rules, phone numbers, and operating hours can change. Confirm details before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dyess Air Force Base?
It is in Abilene, Texas, in Taylor County.
How far is the nearest airport?
Abilene Regional Airport is about 15 miles from the base.
How do visitors get a base pass?
Contact the Visitor Control Center at 325-696-2432. It handles base passes and other access services.
Does Dyess provide emergency medical care?
No. Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.
Is child care available?
Yes. The Child Development Center, Family Child Care, and School Age Care offer programs for eligible patrons.