If you’re used to calling it Buckley Air Force Base, you’re not alone! This Space Force base located in Aurora, Colorado used to be an Air Force installation. That is, it was until the Space Force launched in 2021 as the DoD’s newest branch of America’s military. The thing is, Buckley is no stranger to space travel. In fact, its first space mission happened in 1969! Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Buckley Space Force Base is nestled in a thriving military community that includes service members from all branches and a robust retiree population as well. The 300 sunny days a year mean there’s always a reason to get outdoors!
Overview of Buckley Space Force Base
At Buckley, coalition partners are called the “Big Six.” These include Space DELTA 4 Missile Warning, the 140th Air Wing and Colorado Air National Guard (COANG). The other four mission partners are the Navy Operational Support Center, the Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado, the Army Aviation Support Facility and the Air Reserve Personnel Center. Collectively, the Big Six represent a joint, total force, and coalition base. That means at Buckley, you’ll find more than 3,500 active duty service members from all branches of the military. Additionally, there are over 4,000 reserve and national guard service members. Annually, the installation contributes nearly $1 billion to the local economy.
Buckley Space Force Base Location
Buckley Space Force Base is located in Aurora, Colorado. Aurora is the third most populated city in Colorado with a population near 400,000.
Directions
Use the address “18500 East Sixth Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80011” to get to the 6th Ave Gate. That’s where the Visitor Control Center is located.
from the Denver International Airport (DIA) to Buckley, continue onto Pena Blvd. Keep left and then take the U.S. 70 E/40th Ave/Airport Blvd exit. Follow signs for I-70. Then turn left onto E 6th Ave.
From the west, exit south to Airport Blvd. This becomes Buckley Rd. Travel south until you reach 6th Avenue.
Heading in from the east, you’ll take I-70 to I-225. Then use exit 283 for I-225. Next, take the 6th Ave exit # 9. Proceed east for about two and a half miles and follow signs.
If you are traveling on I-25 north, take the I-225 exit at exit # 200, then follow the directions for I-225.
Heading from the south, take the I-70 exit at exit # 214, then follow the directions for I-70.
Transportation
Currently, there is no base transportation offered at Buckley SFB. However, active duty military receive free public transportation when presenting an active duty DoD ID card.
Gates and Hours
Buckley’s Visitor Control Center is located at the 6th Avenue Gate. It’s open from 0600 – 1400 daily by appointment only. Call the VCC to schedule an appointment.
6th Avenue Gate, Monday – Friday 0600 – 1800
Mississippi Gate, 24/7
Telluride Gate, CLOSED
Contacts at Buckley Space Force Base
460th Force Support Squadron (FSS) Buckley (720) 847-6919
AFB Gates (720) 847-1110
Airman & Family Readiness Center (AFRC) (720) 847-6681
Barber Shop (720) 859-0933
Beauty Shop 303-340-2644
Blooms on Buckley 303-366-3615
Buckley Attic (720) 847-7227
Chapel 719-333-4515
Child Development Center – A Basin 847-7213
Civilian Personnel / Human Resources Office (720) 847-6191
Commissary – Buckley AFB (720) 847-7100
Community Center (720) 847-9642
Dentrust Dental Clinic(720) 847-6543
DoD Safe Helpline – Sexual Assault 877-995-5247
Education & Training (720) 847-6675
Exchange (BX) – Buckley AFB (720) 859-9626
Fitness Center (720) 847-6679
Health & Wellness Center (720) 847-6884
Housing Management Office (720) 847-6702
Housing Office 303-340-0066
ID Card Section/DEERS (720) 847-4357
Information, Tickets & Travel (ITT) (720) 847-6100
Leadership Development Center (LDC) (720) 847-7515
Legal Services (720) 847-6444
Medical Clinic (720) 847-9355
Military Clothing Store (720) 859-9626
Operator – Buckley AFB (720) 847-9011
Optometry Clinic (720) 847-6092
Outdoor Recreation (720) 847-6853
Pass & Registration Visitor Center (720) 847-9381
Passenger Travel Office (PTO) (720) 847-6441
Pharmacy (720) 847-9355
Rocky Mountain Lodge (Billeting) (720) 847-5899
School Liaison Officer (720) 847-6694
Security Forces (Base Police) (720) 847-7770
Snow Line (720) 847-7669
Stripes Alterations (720) 859-0621
The Cleaners 303-367-1644
VA Joint Venture Buckley Clinic (720) 847-6137
Visitor’s Control Center (720) 847-9381
Youth Center (720) 847-7428
Mission and Units
Buckley’s host unit is Base Delta 2. It’s responsible for day-to-day support to Space Delta 4.
Space Delta 4 commands the Space Force’s missile warning forces. Additional units include the Colorado Air National Guard’s 140th Wing, the Denver Naval Operations Support Center, and the National Reconnaissance Office’s Aerospace Data Facility.
Buckley is also home to more than 90 tenant units including the Army Aviation Support Facility and the Air Reserve Personnel Center.
Buckley SFB History
Established in 1938 as an Army Air Corps installation, “Demolition Bombing Range – Lowry Auxiliary Field” was renamed Buckley Field in 1941. The name honors a WWI fighter pilot killed in combat in France.
Then, it served as a training base. After, ownership transferred to the Navy and it became Naval Air Station Denver. By 1961, it was in the hands of the Air Force.
Things to Do Around Buckley Space Force Base
The gorgeous weather means you’ll never run out of things to do near Buckley SFB! And since it’s relatively close to several other Air Force installations, you can always find something to do. Nearby Army post Ft. Carson is also within driving distance.
Hotels
Best Western Plus Gateway Inn & Suites (720) 748-4800
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver – Aurora (303) 337-2800
Hampton Inn & Suites (720) 500-0010
Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center (303) 365-1234
Food Scene
To say that Denver is known for its beer is definitely an understatement. The state boasts hundreds of microbreweries featuring every kind of beer you could ever want. But aside from the suds, there are a ton of delicious eats to try, too! Don’t skimp on adding green chile sauce to everything. It’ll liven up even the most basic dish. And while you’re adding sauce to everything, be sure to try a smothered burrito. There’s nothing like a smothered burrito no matter the meal. If you need something sweet, grab a cinnamon roll from your local bakery. They’re damn-near iconic in the Mile High City!
Activities
With Denver so close, you’re never going to run out of options for the weekend or vacation ideas. There’s everything you could want there – from museums to activities, concerts and sports. If you want to stick closer to home, Aurora offers everything from quality eateries to trendy neighborhoods to explore. Of course, hiking and nature walks should always be in the plans, too.
Buckley SFB Housing
Unaccompanied housing is available to Airmen ranks E-1 to E-3 and E4s with less than three years of service. E4s with more than three years of service can live in the local community.
Call the Housing Management Office as soon as you receive orders to Buckley. Housing is privatized, as it is with most DoD installations.
Hunt Military Communities owns and manages several neighborhoods within the base.
If you don’t mind the commute, living in Denver gives you plenty of options. You’ll be in the
center of so much happening that it might not feel like you’re posted to a duty station at all!
Schools Near Buckley Space Force Base
Mik-kids who live on base will attend Murphy Creek schools until 8th grade and then Gateway High School. There are several private schools in the Aurora and Denver areas. Additionally, Buckley Space Force Base offers a child care program that includes in-home care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buckley AFB or Space Force?
Buckley was an Air Force installation until the Space Force formed in 2021. Now it’s a Space Force Base.
Which Air Force bases are now Space Force?
Several Air Force bases are now part of the Space Force. These include Peterson and Cheyenne in Colorado, along with Vandenberg and Patrick. Heading to Vandenberg? Check out our resource guide!
Can you go from the Air Force to the Space Force?
Absolutely! Speak with a Space Force recruiter to learn more.
Will the Space Force deploy?
Eventually, the Space Force plan is to put service members into orbit. But that’s probably a long way off. For now, Space Force deploys to terra firma locations like the Arabian Desert.