Introduction

Welcome to Kirtland Air Force Base. Kirtland AFB's missions include research and development; test and evaluation; combat search and rescue; and supporting the Air Force's nuclear enterprise. Kirtland AFB employs approximately 20,000 military and civilian personnel. The base, situated on approximately 50,000 acres, is home to the 377th Air Base Wing; the 58th and 150th special operations wings; the 21st Ordnance Company; the Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate and Space Vehicles Directorate; the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center; the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center; the Air Force Safety Center; the Distributed Mission Operations Center; the Joint Navigation Warfare Center; the Space Rapid Capabilities Office; and Space and Missile Systems Center. For a full list of units and organizations at Kirtland AFB, visit the base’s website. Continue reading for our in-depth guide on Kirtland AFB so you can get to know your new base and its surrounding community. 1. Where Is Kirtland Air Force Base? 2. Google Map View 3. Getting There – Directions to the Base 4. Entering Kirtland Air Force Base and Amenities

• Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
• Kirtland Air Force Base Visitor Center
• Kirtland Air Force Base Gate Hours
• Kirtland Air Force Base DEERS Office
• Kirtland Air Force Base Commissary
• Kirtland Air Force Base BX
• Kirtland Air Force Base Barber Shops
• Kirtland Air Force Base Post Office
• Kirtland Air Force Base Finance Office
• Kirtland Air Force Base Legal Office
• Kirtland Air Force Base Library
• Kirtland Air Force Base Hotels

5. Where Should I Live Near Kirtland Air Force Base? 6. What Schools are Near Kirtland Air Force Base? 7. What’s the Weather Like in Kirtland Air Force Base? 8. Things to Do Around Kirtland Air Force Base

Where Is Kirtland Air Force Base?

Visitor Control Center

Truman Gate at Truman Street SE Albuquerque, NM 87116

Phone:

1 (505) 846-7509

Kirtland AFB Map

Directions to Kirtland Air Force Base

Kirtland AFB is found in the high desert of north-central New Mexico in Bernalillo County. The base is in the southeastern portion of Albuquerque. To the north of base is Rio Rancho. Santa Fe is found to the northeast.

Albuquerque International Sunport

The closest major airport is Albuquerque International Sunport, which is about 5 miles from the base. Driving Directions From Albuquerque International Sunport

1. Take Yale Boulevard SE to Gibson Boulevard SE.
2. Take Gibson Boulevard SE for approximately 1.9 miles, then turn right on Truman Street SE.
3. Enter the base via Truman Gate.
4. Turn right (South) and enter Kirtland AFB through the Truman Gate.

Public Transit Near Kirtland AFB

ABQ Ride, Albuquerque's mass transit provider, provides bus service from Albuquerque International Sunport to Kirtland AFB. Visit the ABQ Ride website for more information on fares, routes, and schedules.

Kirtland AFB Transportation Office

Getting ready for a PCS move and in need of some help? Call the Kirtland AFB Transportation Management Office to get started.

Kirtland AFB TMO

Building 20245 1451 Fourth Street SE Albuquerque, NM 87117

Phone:

1 (505) 846-1858

Kirtland AFB TMO Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0900 to 1500.

Entering Kirtland Air Force Base and Amenities

If you do not have a valid military ID, you may have to stop at the Visitor Control Center to gain base access. Click here for more information on the Visitor Control Center at Kirtland AFB.

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

In-processing services are conducted in the base's Welcome Center at 1451 Fourth St. SE. The Welcome Center has representatives from finance, medical, housing, pass and ID, military personnel flight, and TMO agencies to make in-processing services streamlined. Units will provide their newly arriving airmen with in-processing information and checklists. Your sponsor can also help with in-processing and help you learn about your new community. For more information on in-processing, visit Kirtland AFB's newcomer's website.

Kirtland AFB Visitor Center

The Visitor Control Center issues temporary vehicle passes and can provide directions and information on the base.

Visitor Control Center

Truman Gate at Truman Street SE Albuquerque, NM 87116

Phone:

1 (505) 846-7509

Kirtland AFB Gate Hours

• Eubank Gate:

  Open 24/7.

• Truman Gate:

  Open 24/7.

• Maxwell Gate:

  Open 24/7.

• Wyoming Gate:

  Open Monday through Friday 0530 to 1900.

• Carlisle Gate:

  Open Monday through Friday 0530 to 0830 and 1530 to 1730.

• Gibson Gate:

  Open daily 0530 to 2100.

• South Valley Gate:

  Closed.

DEERS Kirtland AFB

Military Personnel Flight Office Kirtland AFB

Building 20245 1451 Fourth St. SE Albuquerque, NM 87117

Phone:

1 (505) 846-2354, 1 (505) 853-7683, or 1 (505) 846-2017

Kirtland AFB MPF Office Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0800 to 1500, by appointment only. For more information on making an appointment, visit the MPF's website.

Kirtland AFB Commissary

Building 20180 7801 Gibson Blvd. SE Albuquerque, NM 87117

Phone:

1 (505) 846-4903

Kirtland AFB Commissary Hours

• Monday through Sunday -

  0900 to 1800.

Kirtland AFB BX

Building 20176 7901 Gibson Blvd. SE Kirtland AFB, NM 87117 Phone: 1 (505) 232-8771

Kirtland AFB BX Hours

• Monday through Saturday -

  0900 to 1800.

• Sunday -

  1000 to 1800.

Kirtland AFB Barber Shops

For up-to-date barbershop hours, please call 1 (505) 266-5181.

BX Barber Shop

Building 20176 7901 Gibson Blvd. SE Kirtland AFB, NM 87117

Phone:

1 (505) 266-5181

BX Barber Shop Hours

• Monday through Saturday -

  0900 to 1700.

Kirtland AFB Post Office

1400 First St. SE Albuquerque, NM 87116

Phone:

1 (505) 346-0561

Kirtland AFB Post Office Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  1030 to 1400 and 1500 to 1700.

Kirtland AFB Finance

If you're looking for financial advice or assistance on money matters, the talented and professional counselors of the Kirtland AFB Airman & Family Readiness Flight can help.

Airman & Family Readiness Flight Office

Building 20245, Suite 126 1451 Fourth St. SE Kirtland AFB, NM 87117

Phone:

1 (505) 846-0741 or 1 (505) 846-0751

Kirtland AFB Airman & Family Readiness Flight Office Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0715 to 1600.

Kirtland AFB Legal Office

Building 20604 2000 Wyoming Blvd. Kirtland AFB, NM 87117

Phone:

1 (505) 846-4217 Kirtland AFB Legal Office Hours Legal assistance is available by appointment only. Visit the legal office's website for more information.

Kirtland AFB Library

Kirtland AFB does not have a library on base. The nearest library is about 20 minutes away in downtown Albuquerque.

Main Public Library

501 Copper Ave NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 b 1 (505) 768-5141

Kirtland AFB Hotels

There are many hotels near Kirtland AFB, so you're sure to find one to fit your budget. For a full list of military lodges and affiliated resorts in the area, visit the Department of Defense Lodging website.

Kirtland Inn

22016 Club Road SE Albuquerque, NM 87116

Phone:

1 (505) 846-9653

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

Where To Live Near Kirtland Air Force Base?

Cities Near Kirtland Air Force Base

While many military family members call base housing their home, others choose to live in nearby communities. Albuquerque, Carnuel, Cedar Crest, Edgewood, Rio Rancho, Tijeras, and other neighboring communities provide housing, employment, and other services for Kirtland AFB military families. The cost of living is slightly lower than the national average in the Kirtland AFB region, so rental housing and real estate is reasonable.

Suggested Read:

Kirtland AFB Housing: 2 On-Base Options

Best Places to Live Near Kirtland Air Force Base

Albuquerque

Kirtland AFB is in the southwestern portion of the city of Albuquerque. The city has a population of approximately 560,500 people. Albuquerque and its communities offer residents a host of recreational opportunities, outdoor activities, cultural events, and big-city amenities. Albuquerque is home to the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, a vibrant and historic Old Town, one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, and colorful hot air balloon launches and festivals. Albuquerque's BioPark includes a zoo, an aquarium, a botanic garden, and fishing lakes at Tingley Beach. The city also manages more than 288 park sites, with dog parks, trails, play areas, sports courts, and other recreational amenities.  

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

Kirtland AFB Schools

There are many options for your child's education near Kirtland AFB. New Mexico offers traditional public schools, as well as public charter schools and private schools. For younger children, there are a variety of local daycares and child care programs on and off base. Children who live on base may attend Albuquerque Public Schools. There are no DoDEA schools on base. The Kirtland AFB school liaison office website has more information on area school districts, registration information, parent resources, and more. The website also has contact information for the base's school liaison officer, who can provide information and guidance on area schools as well as educational resources for your children.

Kirtland AFB Weather

Kirtland AFB has a mild, dry desert climate. In the summer, daytime temperatures soar to the high 80s and low 90s, but the low humidity and cooler nights offer respite. In the winter, average highs are in the 40s and 50s and average lows are in the 20s. Kirtland AFB only gets about 9 inches of rain and about 10 inches of snow annually.

Things to Do Around Kirtland AFB

Kirtland AFB and the surrounding region are home to many historical sites, museums, art galleries, theaters, great restaurants and breweries, and vibrant shopping districts. On base, there are a multitude of recreational opportunities, including arts and crafts, bowling, camping, golfing, swimming, and more. Outside the gates, with Albuquerque and Santa Fe nearby, there's no shortage of things to do. Get out and explore!

Suggested Reads:

15 Of the Best Things to Do Near Kirtland AFB and 15 of the Best Restaurants Near Kirtland AFB  

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

Conclusion

Moving to a new base comes with challenges, but Kirtland AFB is a great place to call home. Head to local hangouts, spend the day exploring Albuquerque, and discover other area gems to experience everything this region and world-class base have to offer you during your time here.  

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