FAIRCHILD AFB: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

Introduction

Fairchild is an air force base located in Washington state. It began as a repair and supply depot during World War II, and over the years it expanded into a fully operational air force base. During the war, the original plot of land for the supply depot was purchased in part with help from citizens and businesses in Spoke. The donations totaled $125,000 in 1942 money. During the Cold War, the base was home to ICBM silos and missileers. Today, all of the silos are inactive and currently used by local farmers. Fairchild AFB houses 8,600 active-duty airmen, reservists, and contractors representing units like the 92nd Air Refueling Wing and the 336th Training Group. Fairchild is the largest employer in easter Washington, making up 13% of the state’s economy. Find out all you need to know about what you’ll be in for by reading our Fairchild AFB in-depth welcome center guide.

1. Where Is Fairchild AFB?
2. Google Map View
3. Getting There – Directions to the Base
4. Entering Fairchild AFB and Base Amenities
   • Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
   • Fairchild AFB Visitor Center
   • Fairchild AFB DEERS Office
   • Fairchild AFB Gate Hours
   • Fairchild AFB Commissary
   • Fairchild AFB Exchange
   • Fairchild AFB Barber Shops
   • Fairchild AFB Post Office
   • Fairchild AFB Finance Office
   • Fairchild AFB Legal Office
   • Fairchild AFB Library
   • Fairchild AFB Hotels
5. Where Should I Live Near Fairchild AFB?
6. What Schools are Near Fairchild AFB?
7. What’s the Weather Like in Fairchild AFB?
8. Things to Do Near Fairchild AFB

Where is Fairchild AFB?

300 N Short Street Fairchild AFB, WA 99011

Phone

: 1 (509) 247-5495

Fairchild AFB Map

Fairchild AFB Directions

As it’s so close to Spokane, Washington, there are plenty of convenient ways to go about getting to base.

Spokane Transit Authority

Among the easiest is to take the Spokane Transit Bus #61, which stops on base Monday through Friday from 0700-1730. On the weekends it runs between 0600-2000. If you’re carrying luggage with you though, this might not be the most convenient option. It’s good for a day trip into the city, but not for moving your personal belongings onto base for the first time. There are plenty of rental cars available in Spokane, and if you’re coming from the airport, there are multiple suppliers on the grounds.

Spokane Greyhound

The Greyhound station in Spokane is a great choice if you’re coming by yourself with limited luggage. You can get a cab or rental car into base from here, as well as the #61 bus.

Spokane Greyhound Station

900 W Airport Dr Spokane, WA 99224

Phone

: 1 (800) 231-2222

Spokane International Airport

Spokane International Airport is a major airport that serves global and domestic flights to and from locations all over the world. This is a great way to get to Fairchild AFB, as there are rental cars and cabs available from the terminal.

Spokane International Airport

9000 W Airport Dr Spokane, WA 99224

Phone

: 1 (509) 455-6455

Fairchild AFB Transportation Office

The absolute best way to navigate yourself to Fairchild AFB and plan a successful move is to first contact the Transportation Office. Make that call before you do anything else. The staff is prepared to help you with anything you need to move yourself and your personal belongings onto base. They can help with storage and other logistical issues as well.

Fairchild AFB Transportation Office

400 S. Gate Rd. Building #2045 Fairchild AFB, WA, 99011

Phone

: 1 (509) 247-2312

Hours

: Monday - Friday 0800-1500

Entering Fairchild AFB and Base Amenities

To enter Fairchild AFB, you’ll need your ID with you. You’ll also need your license and registration if you’re driving in, and if you’re in a rental then the rental agreement will suffice. Make sure your family has their dependent IDs as well. If they don’t have any, they’ll need to apply for them at the DEERS office.

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

Bring your documents and check in with your unit of assignment. Here you’ll get all of the information you’ll need to get set up on base. Bring your orders as well as your personal documents to confirm your identity.

Fairchild AFB Visitor Center

The visitor center on base is where civilians and family members will check-in for events and other occasions to get their passes and visit the facilities. Tourists who are arriving on base will also start here.

Fairchild AFB Visitor Center

S302 E. Arnold St. Building #2071 Fairchild AFB, WA 99208

Phone

: 1 (509) 247-5495

Fairchild AFB DEERS Office

The DEERS office is the place to go to get your military ID or replace your ID if you’ve lost it. It’s also where your dependents will go to apply for the dependent ID cards that will enable them to get in and out of base hassle-free. Make an appointment online to ensure that you have their full attention.

Fairchild AFB DEERS Office

7 W. Arnold Street Building #2040 Fairchild AFB, WA 99011

Phone

: 1 (509) 247-9200

Fairchild AFB Gate Hours

Gate hours are subject to change without warning. It’s a good idea to check on the base website to stay informed of the most up-to-date information.

• Main Gate

  : Open 24/7

• McFarlane Gate

  : Only open for events and special occasions

• Rambo Road Gate

  : Open to personnel 24/7, but not open to the general public

• Graham Gate

  : Open 24/7

Fairchild AFB Commissary

The commissary on base is a convenient place to get an assortment of groceries at affordable prices. You can also keep up with their flyers and sales to get even deeper discounts off of already great rates.

Fairchild AFB Commissary

105A W. Spaatz Rd Fairchild AFB, WA 99011

Phone

: 1 (509) 244-6191

Fairchild AFB Commissary Hours

• Monday

  : Closed

• Tuesday-Saturday

  : 0800-1900

• Sunday

  : 0900-1800

Fairchild AFB Exchange

The Fairchild AFB Exchange houses a number of convenient stores and services. Here you find clothing and tactical gear, a food court, help with taxes, hair salons, and much more. It’s a great central location to take care of many of your needs while living on base.

Fairchild AFB Exchange

101 W. Spaatz Rd. Bldg 2465 Fairchild AFB, WA 99011

Phone

: 1 (509) 244-2832

Fairchild AFB Exchange Hours

• Monday-Saturday

  : 0900-1800

• Sunday

  : 1000-1700

Fairchild AFB Barber Shops

Keep your hair in regulation by visiting any of these shops in or around base.

1. Fairchild Barber Shop

101 W Spaatz Rd Fairchild AFB, WA 99011

Phone

: 1 (509) 244-8826

2. Chong’s Barber Shop

13032 W Sunset Hwy # B Airway Heights, WA 99001

Phone

: 1 (509) 435-3916

3. B C Mac’s Barber Shop

10506 W Aero Rd Spokane, WA 99224

Phone

: 1 (509) 842-6500

4. Sue’s Hair Center

13220 W Sunset Hwy Airway Heights, WA 99001

Phone

: 1 (509) 244-2770

5. International Beauty Education Center

12832 W Sunset Hwy Airway Heights, WA 99001

Phone

: 1 (509) 475-2951

Fairchild AFB Post Office

You can find everything you’ll need to send and receive mail and packages here at the post office on base. Pick up supplies, or send a package back home.

Fairchild AFB Post Office

100 N Chennault Ave Ste 100 Fairchild Air Force Base, WA 99011

Phone

: 1 (509) 244-6398

Fairchild AFB Finance Office

Stop by the finance office at Fairchild AFB for help with planning for your future. The staff here will assist you in basic things like opening a checking account and managing your monthly budget, in addition to running the numbers for long-term planning. Get help with thinking about retirement, investing, and more. Make sure to make an appointment.

Fairchild AFB Finance Office

220 W. Bong Street Building #2245 Fairchild AFB, WA 99011

Phone

: 1 (509) 247-3748

Fairchild AFB Finance Office Hours

• Monday - Friday

  : 0900-1500

Fairchild AFB Legal Office

92 ARW Headquarters Fairchild AFB, WA 99011

Phone

: 1 (509) 247-2838

Fairchild AFB Legal Office Hours

Due to COVID-19, the legal office has limited operating hours. Please check their website or call for the most up to date information.

Fairchild AFB Library

The library on base is a great place to find new material for entertainment in your leisure time or to take your kids for its wealth of children’s programming. They offer programs on STEM education, knitting, hiking, holiday-themed events, and more. Stop by to see everything they have to offer.

Fairchild AFB Library

2 W Castle St Fairchild AFB, WA 99011

Phone

: 1 (509) 247-5556

Fairchild AFB Hotels

1. Northern Quest Resort and Casino

100 N Hayford Rd Airway Heights, WA 99001

Phone

: 1 (877) 871-6772

2. Hilton Garden Inn

9015 W, US-2 Spokane, WA 99224

Phone

: 1 (509) 244-5866

3. Wingate by Wyndham

2726 South, Flint Rd Spokane, WA 99224

Phone

: 1 (509) 343-2398

4. SpringHill Suites by Marriott

8967 W Airport Dr Spokane, WA 99224

Phone

: 1 (509) 838-9540

5. Best Western Plus Peppertree

3711 S Geiger Blvd Spokane, WA 99224

Phone

: 1 (509) 624-4655

Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide’s Fairchild AFB Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels nearby.

Where Should I Live Near Fairchild AFB?

There are a few great options scattered around base. The most obvious is Spokane. But if city life isn’t your speed, then you’ll want to check out some of the smaller communities located in the nearby area. There are a lot of great areas within driving distance, which will make your commute a breeze if you choose to live off base. If your goal is to live on base, then check out our guide to Fairchild AFB Housing.

Cities Near Fairchild AFB

Spokane, Washington is a major U.S. city and just a short 20-minute drive away from Fairchild AFB. It has everything you could want and many neighborhoods to choose from. Airway Heights and Medical Lake are two other smaller cities in the area that offer a lot of great housing options. Read on to find out more about these communities. Best Places to Live Near Fairchild AFB

Spokane

Spokane, Washington was founded in 1873 and now has a population of around 220,000 people. The city takes up 70-square miles along the Spokane River in eastern Washington state. A fun fact about Spokane is that it’s the birthplace of Father’s Day. There are tons of different neighborhoods here, all with a unique personality and style. There are old neighborhoods full of striking buildings for architecture lovers, an International District for multicultural flare, downtown neighborhoods close to the center of business for those with family members in finance, an art district, and more. In a major city like Spokane, it’ll be hard not to find a neighborhood where you fit in.

Airway Heights

Airway Heights is a small city with a population of over 6,000. The city is set on 6-square miles of land. It’s the site of Airway Heights Corrections Center, a large employer and the center of business in the city. Also present in the city is the Northern Quest Casino and the Spokane County Raceway Park. So there are definitely plenty of options for entertainment in town. You’ll find affordable housing prices here as well, . Airway Heights is just 10 minutes away by car.

Medical Lake

Medical Lake is another small city close to Fairchild AFB. The population here is above 5,000, and the city fits on 3.5 square miles of land. There are industries here, such as a psychiatric hospital. The housing costs will be cheaper than Spokane, and the commute can’t be beat. Medical Lake is just over a 10-minute car ride from base.

Four Lakes

Four Lakes is an unincorporated community close to base. It’s a place for those who really want to get away to a quiet home life away from the action. The population of Four Lakes as of the 2010 census was 512. It takes up an area of close to 3.5 square miles. Four Lakes is surrounded by farms and local businesses. There isn’t a lot to see here, and if that’s your style, then this community is for you.

Hot Tip: Look for Fairchild AFB homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.

Fairchild AFB Schools

Fairchild AFB is served by the Medical Lake School District. There’s an elementary school on base, Michael Anderson Elementary, that’s named for an astronaut from the space shuttle program. The middle and high schools are located in Medical Lake. In terms of daycare, the Child Development Center on base has options for children that are free for parents and include helpful programs that give you children a head start in life. For a thorough list of the schooling options around Fairchild AFB, check out our full guide here.

Fairchild AFB Weather

Fairchild can be cloudy and wet for most of the year. The rainy season lasts almost eight months. You’ll also see a good amount of snow in the winter months, lasting from November to March. The temperatures here vary greatly by season, dipping down into the 20s in winter and rocketing up into the 80s at the hottest point of summer.

Things to Do Near Fairchild AFB

With the city of Spokane next door, you’ll find a ton of options for entertainment and culture. And Washington state is a great place for the outdoorsman. The base is very close to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. There are tons of hiking trails and hunting grounds around. The Spokane River is right beside you, too, in case you’re in the mood for a little early morning fishing trip. Check out our complete guide to things to do near Fairchild AFB for more.

Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for Fairchild AFB at MyBaseGuide.

Conclusion

Fairchild AFB is a great place to be stationed. The Pacific Northwest is a scenic gem of the U.S., and there’s plenty to do here. From the urban access to the mountains and outdoors, you’re going to find yourself getting into things you’d never expect. And housing is very affordable, too. There are several accessible communities to discover and settle down in, and potentially even raise a family. Above all, make sure to take advantage of all the area has to offer and enjoy your stay here at Fairchild AFB.  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

 

Last Updated:

9/29/2021