BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER
Buckley Space Force Base is located just east of Denver in Aurora, Colorado, and has an estimated population of around 11,500. The base houses air and space assets on its grounds. Some of the units stationed here are the 120th Fighter Squadron, the 2nd Space Warning Squadron, 566th Intelligence Squadron, and the Buckley Garrison. Buckley Space Force Base originally served as a bombing range, and was eventually turned into an airfield, and finally a base.
The land was donated by the city of Denver in 1938. Buckley Space Force Base is named after a pilot who was killed in France during a mid-air collision. This name change occurred in 1941. Since then, Buckley Space Force Base has played important roles in the conflicts of the modern era, and had a major part to play in the Cold War. These days, Buckley is involved in the transition involving the newly incorporated Space Force, and the site is expected to have a lot to do with this newest branch of the military. Buckley is home to the Navy Operation Support Center, or NOSC Denver.
Find out all you need to know about what you’ll be in for by reading our Buckley SFB in-depth welcome center guide.
1. Where Is Buckley Space Force Base?
2. Google Map View
3. Getting There – Directions to the Base
4. Entering Buckley Space Force Base and Base Amenities
- Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
- Buckley Space Force Base Visitor Center
- Buckley Space Force Base DEERS Office
- Buckley Space Force Base Gate Hours
- Buckley Space Force Base Commissary
- Buckley Space Force Base Exchange
- Buckley Space Force Base Barber Shops
- Buckley Space Force Base Post Office
- Buckley Space Force Base Finance Office
- Buckley Space Force Base Legal Office
- Buckley Space Force Base Library
- Buckley Space Force Base Hotels
5. Where Should I Live Near Buckley Space Force Base?
6. What Schools are Near Buckley Space Force Base?
7. What’s the Weather Like in Buckley Space Force Base?
8. Things to Do Around Buckley Space Force Base
Where is Buckley SFB?
Buckley Space Force Base
18500 E 6th Ave
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 1 (720) 847-5613
Buckley Space Force Base Map
Directions to Buckley SFB
Getting to Buckley Space Force Base is made pretty simple by the nearby presence of Denver, one of America’s major cities. And when you get to Denver via train, bus, or air, it’s just a short half hour drive to Buckley Space Force Base.
Greyhound Bus
There’s a Greyhound bus stop at 4300 E Colonnade Center Drive, and there are several routes that will take you there from around the U.S.
Denver International Airport
The Denver International Airport is also a great option. It serves flights from all across the globe, and will certainly get you into the city from anywhere you’ve previously served. You can easily rent a car at the airport or one of the several other locations around the city.
Denver’s Union Station
Taking the train to Denver’s Union Station is another great option.
Amtrak
Amtrak offers routes to the city from other major cities in the country.
Driving Directions
If you’re heading off to Buckley in your own vehicle, then follow these directions below.
From the North
1. Take I-90 E
2. Take exit 456 toward Sheridan
3. Continue on US-87 S and follow signs to Casper
4. Stay left on I-25 S
5. Take exit 228 for E-470 S
6. Take exit 19 for 6th Parkway
7. Follow signs along E 6th Parkway to Buckley Space Force Base
From the South
1. Take I-10 E to I-25 N
2. Take exit 200 for I-225 N
3. Take exit 9 for CO-30 E/6th Avenue
4. Merge onto CO-30 E
5. Turn right onto Aspen Avenue
6. Follow signs to Buckley Space Force Base
From the East
1. Take I-70 E
2. Take exit 2L for I-35 S
3. Merge onto I-670 W
4. Merge onto I-70 W
5. Take exit 288 for I-70 BUS/Colfax Ave
6. Turn left onto E Colfax Ave
7. Turn right onto S Picadilly Road
8. Turn right and then keep right onto E 6th Avenue
9. Follow signs to Buckley Space Force Base
From the West
1. Take I-515 N to I-15 N toward Salt Lake City
2. Take exit 132 for I-70 E
3. Take exit 285 for Airport Boulevard
4. Use left lanes to turn onto E 6th Avenue
5. Follow signs to Buckley Space Force Base
Buckley SFB Transportation Office
Of course, your best bet after any PCS is to contact the transportation office at the base where you’re headed. Buckley’s transportation office can help you plan for your move and give you valuable resources to help make sure things go smoothly.
Buckley AFB Transportation Office
18401 E. A-Basin Ave. Building #606
Buckley Air Force Base, CO 80011
Phone: 1 (720) 847-6685
Entering Buckley SFB and Base Amenities
If you’re coming by car, make sure to have your license and registration ready. If you’re driving a rental you picked up in Denver or beyond, your rental agreement will work just fine in place of registration.
Take all of your hand-carried documents with you, including hotel reservations and marriage certificates. Make sure that any dependents have their dependent IDs on them to show at the gate.
If they don’t have those yet then make sure to get them to the DEERS office as soon as possible to register.
Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
Follow the instructions from your orders and report to where you need to go first, which will likely be your Unit Command Support Staff in building 606 for in-processing.
Buckley DEERS & ID Card Office
18401 E A Basin Ave
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: (720) 847-4357
Buckley SFB Visitor Center
Any family members or visitors not accompanying you to the base will be reporting here. Guests and tourists will also need to show up at the visitor center for further instructions. That’s what it’s there for--to make sure any guests are fully informed of how to proceed on base and what they’ll need to do while they’re here.
Buckley Space Force Base Visitor Center
372 N. Aspen St Building #41
Buckley Air Force Base, CO 80011
Phone: 1 (720) 847-9381
Hours:
- Monday through Friday: 0600-1400
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
DEERS Office Buckley SFB
This is where you’ll need to go to get your dependents registered for their ID cards. It’s also where you’ll go if you lose your own card or need to register for your first one.
Buckley Space Force Base DEERS Office
18401 East A-Basin Ave Bldg 606
Buckley AFB, CO 80011
Phone: 1 (720) 847-4357
Buckley Space Force Base DEERS Office Hours
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 0800-1530
- Tuesday and Thursday: 0800-1600
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Buckley SFB Gate Hours
Make sure to check up on gate hours before you attempt to enter the base. These hours change with little notice.
- Mississippi Gate: 24/7
- 6th Avenue Gate: Monday through Friday: 0500-1800, Saturday and Sunday 0500-1700
- Telluride Gate: Closed
Buckley SFB Commissary
Stop by the commissary on base to stock your cupboards with a wide selection of goods at affordable prices. Shopping at the commissary is easy and convenient, and they work hard to keep quality produce at a great value.
Buckley Space Force Base Commissary
365 North Telluride St Bldg #1
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 1 (720) 847-7100
Buckley Space Force Base Commissary Hours
- Tuesday through Saturday: 0900-1900
- Sunday and Monday: Closed
Buckley SFB BX
The exchange on base is the place to go for a variety of things. There are several stores and services here, a food court, and barber shops. Get your eyes or your car checked, pick up some new digs, and fill up your stomach with a selection of the finest convenience foods.
Buckley Space Force Base Exchange
365 N Telluride St.
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 1 (720) 859-9626
Buckley Space Force Base Exchange Hours
- Monday through Saturday: 0900-1800
- Sunday: 1000-1700
Buckley SFB Barber Shops
1. Buckley Space Force Base Exchange
Phone: 1 (720) 859-0933
Hours:
- Monday through Friday: 0900-1700
- Saturday: 0900-1600
- Sunday: 1000-1600
2. Oni Barber Shop
15343 E 6th Ave
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 1 (303) 364-6666
3. Mi Gente Barber Shop
1350 Chambers Rd
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 1 (720) 620-6564
4. Most Wanted Barber Shop
14155 E Colfax Ave # A-5
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 1 (720) 298-6504
5. The Clip Joint
700 Billings St STE K
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 1 (303) 360-6660
Buckley Space Force Base Official Mail Center
The Buckley Official Mail Center (OMC) is located at: 237 N Telluride Street (Bldg. 207)
The OMC is not a post office and does not provide any outgoing personal mail services. We can open up General Delivery mailboxes for personnel who are PCSing in/out of Buckley AFB on official military orders as well as those who are on TDY orders to Buckley SFB. Dorm mailboxes will be set up for those personnel who will be residing in the dorms. To set up an advanced General Delivery mailbox, contact the Official Mail Manager.
NOTE: Customers who are passing through the area, not on orders, cannot get services (receive mail) at the Buckley Official Mail Center and must go to the local USPS location to rent a post office box.
The OMC business hours are Monday – Friday 0800 – 1700; Closed on Federal Holiday’s and Family Days.
For more information, contact the Official Mail Manager, Mr. Stephen W. Boyd at 1 (720) 847-9710.
The Buckley Official Mail Center (OMC)
237 N Telluride Street
Bldg. 207
Buckley AFB, CO 80011
Phone: 1 (720) 847-9710
Hours: Monday – Friday 0800 – 1700
Buckley AFB (Space Force Base) Finance Office
The finance office is the place you’ll want to go to get help in planning the best way to manage your money. The staff here are professionals who can comb over your assets and give you the best return on your money for the long and short term.
You’ll be able to talk over retirement planning, investing, planning for college, and simpler things like opening checking accounts. Make sure to call and make an appointment so that the staff will have time to focus on your specific needs.
Buckley Space Force Base Finance Office
18401 E. A-Basin Ave Building #606
Buckley Air Force Base, CO 80011
Phone: 1 (720) 847-6416
Buckley Space Force Base Finance Office Hours
- Monday through Friday: 0800 to 1600
Buckley SFB Legal Office
The legal office at Buckley Space Force Base is where you’ll want to go if you run into any legal snags. Here the team of legal experts will help you with any issue you might need to have taken care of. This extends from larger legal issues to smaller things like notarizing documents. You’ll need to make an appointment to have a consultation with a lawyer, so call before you go.
Buckley Space Force Base Legal Services
Building #1030
Buckley Air Force Base, CO 80011
Phone: 1 (720) 847-6444
Buckley Space Force Base Legal Services Hours
Call for hours of operation.
Buckley SFB Library
There’s no physical location on base, but the Air Force Library Program provides a huge number of useful services to airmen and their families. Included in this list are genealogy searches, tutorials on investment, academic research, help with building a business plan, school tutoring, live concerts, and so much more.
In addition to the Air Force system, the nearby Aurora Public Library has everything you need for a good local collection to take out books and other resources.
Aurora Public Library
14949 E Alameda Parkway
Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: 1 (303) 739-6600
Hotels Near Buckley SFB
1. Best Western Plus Gateway Inn & Suites
800 S Abilene St
Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: 1 (720) 748-4800
2. Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center
13200 E 14th Pl
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: 1 (303) 365-1234
3. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver - Aurora
13696 E Iliff Pl
Aurora, CO 80014
Phone: 1 (303) 337-2800
2525 S Anaheim St
Aurora, CO 80014
Phone: 1 (720) 500-0010
Where Should I Live Near Buckley SFB?
The Denver metro area is full of great places to settle into. In the Rocky Mountains region, you’ll find a lot of great communities from urban to extremely remote. City dwellers will be happy with the amenities that Denver has to offer, and those looking to stay off the radar will have the option to hole up in the mountains making their own artisanal jam. The surrounding suburbs offer everything in between for a happy and healthy family life if that’s what you’re looking for.
If you’re considering living on base, check out the available on-base housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off base.
Cities Near Buckley SFB
Denver is a half hour away from Buckley Space Force Base. It’s a major American city with a population of over 716,000 people.
It sits near the foothills of the Rockies and includes many separate neighborhoods and districts, all with unique personalities and vibes.
Aurora is another city that’s closer than Denver, and comes in at a cozier 325,000 people. It offers everything you’ll need to find a happy household in a medium-sized urban area that’s set against the backdrop of the mountains.
Best Places to Live Near Buckley SFB
Denver
This one’s a no-brainer. Denver is one of the hippest, most desirable cities to live in nowadays. Younger people are moving here in droves. The air is crisp and clean at elevation and the natural world calls at every turn. It’s a thriving city with a rich history and 78 officially recognized neighborhoods. The city has everything you could ask for. It’s a great place for someone coming from another major city, or for the outdoorsman as well. Cuisines of all sorts are at the tips of your fingers here, as well as culture, schools, and more.
Aurora
Aurora is another great city to settle down in. By virtue of being smaller than Denver, it’s a calmer atmosphere as well. The city is home to a spectacular number of neighborhoods to choose from. There’s a lot of diversity here, because a lot of diaspora populations end up here. You can count on finding a wide spectrum of food and culture. Aurora also provides the scenery you’d look for in a western, with its set-piece streets stacked with old world charm.
Watkins
Watkins is a census-designated place in Arapahoe County, the same county that includes Aurora. This is a place for those looking to get off the beaten path but also stick close to base. It has a population of just 600 people. For those who want to disappear into a quiet life in the mountains, this is a great place to do that.
Bennett
Just east of Watkins, Bennett is an official town. It has a population of 2,300 people and serves as a middle ground between a place to disappear and a place to melt into the crowd. It has a fascinating history and was once home to the “Colorado Spam King.” The land is very open and the whole place is just under six square miles. Bennet is under a half hour drive from base, so it’s close enough to have a comfortable commute as well as a quiet family life.
Buckley SFB Schools
Buckley Space Force Base is served by the Aurora Public School District. Kids who live on base that are enrolled in public school will be attending Murphy Creek from kindergarten through 8th grade and Gateway High School from 9th-12th grades.
There are also several private schools in Aurora and nearby Denver to choose from.
Buckley Space Force Base Family Child Care Program is there for service members who have little ones to account for while they go about their work. As part of the Air Force Family Child Care Program, the services they offer are extensive and include in-home care from the ages of 2 weeks to 12 years.
Buckley SFB Weather
It might be no surprise to hear this, but it gets cold in the mountains at elevation. The winters at Buckley are going to be chilly, so you better take notice and layer up. Space heaters and hand warms might become your new best friends.
Of course, even though it gets below freezing regularly in the winter, summers are generally pretty nice. You’ll see a comfortable range of temperatures in the hotter months. And spring and fall are generally cooler. It’ll be cloudy a decent amount of the time, but you’ll still get great views of those snowy peaks.
Buckley SFB Things to Do
The wealth of opportunities for entertainment around base is truly endless. With nearby Denver, anything you could want in terms of museums, theaters, activities, hobbies, and more is available to you.
There are quality restaurants at every corner, and the trendiest neighborhoods to explore. Being that you’ll be living in one of the two major mountain ranges in America, planning things to do outdoors isn’t going to be a problem.
For the hiking aficionado, this is a paradise posting. There’s plenty of hunting and fishing to do around base, and licenses can be acquired through normal channels, nothing special is required for military personnel.
If you’re looking for an exhaustive list of all the possible things to do near base, read our full guide to get all the ideas you could ask for.
Conclusion
Buckley SFB in Aurora, CO is a great place to be assigned. As an airman at Buckley, you’ll have the scenic Rockies surrounding you at all times. The Denver metro area has plenty to do and see, and the outdoors are open for all adventurers.
There’s nothing like a hike through the Rocky Mountains or a brewery tour through the independent breweries around Denver. And why not both on the same day? Take advantage of all the area has to offer while you’re here. Prepare yourself to truly enjoy one of America’s national treasures.
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