WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

Introduction

Welcome to Whiteman Air Force Base, located in central Missouri and home of the 509th Bomb Wing. The base is named for Second Lieutenant George A. Whiteman who is believed to be one of the first Airmen killed during World War II. The base began its history in 1942 as a glider base. Following WWII, the base became the home for bomber wings and, during the Cold War, missiles. Towards the end of the Cold War, the missiles were phased out and the base became home to the B2 Spirit bomber and the 509th Bomb Wing. Today Whiteman AFB is home to 3,800 active duty military, 5,000 family members, and 900 civilian employees. Whiteman is also a joint tenant facility for military members from the Army, Navy and Air Force. Continue reading for our in-depth guide on Whiteman Air Force Base to help aid you in your transition to your new home. 1. Where Is Whiteman AFB? 2. Google Map View 3. Getting There – Directions to the Base 4. Entering Whiteman AFB and Base Amenities

• Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
• Whiteman AFB Visitor Center
• Whiteman AFB DEERS Office
• Whiteman AFB Gate Hours
• Whiteman AFB Commissary
• Whiteman AFB Exchange
• Whiteman AFB Barber Shops
• Whiteman AFB Post Office
• Whiteman AFB Finance Office
• Whiteman AFB Legal Office
• Whiteman AFB Library
• Whiteman AFB Hotels

5. Where Should I Live Near Whiteman AFB? 6. What Schools are Near Whiteman AFB? 7. What’s the Weather Like in Whiteman AFB? 8. Things to Do Near Whiteman AFB

Where Is Whiteman Air Force Base?

The base is located just west of the town of Whiteman AFB, Mississippi along the Gulf Coast.

Whiteman Air Force Base

101 Spirit Blvd Whiteman AFB, MO 65305

Phone:

1 (660) 687-2833

Whiteman AFB Map

Whiteman AFB Directions

Driving Directions to Whiteman AFB

From Kansas City International Airport (From the West)

1. Take I-29 S/US-71 and continue for 86.5 miles.
2. Take US-71 S and US-50 E to MO-23 in Knob Noster
3. Take the MO-23 exit from US-50E.
4. Turn left onto Spirit Blvd
5. Follow signs to Whiteman Air Force Base

Flights to Whiteman AFB

Kansas City International Airport is the nearest major airport located about one hour and twenty minutes away. There are no shuttles to the base.

Greyhound Bus

Visit their website for up-to-date ticket and travel information.

Whiteman AFB Nearest Greyhound Bus Station

100 S Holden St Warrensburg, MO 64093

Amtrak

There is no direct train service to the Whiteman AFB area.

Whiteman AFB Transportation Office

When moving, the Personal Property Processing Office (PPPO) will arrange for the delivery of your household goods. Whether you are doing a Do it yourself (DITY) or government move with a moving company, PPPO will organize all aspects of your move and is where you will submit your claim for reimbursement for the move.

Whiteman AFB Traffic Management Office

727 2nd St, STE 129 Whiteman AFB, MO, 65305

Phone:

1 (660) 687-4118

Whiteman AFB PPPO Office Hours

• Monday through Friday:

  0730-1600

Entering Whiteman AFB and Base Amenities

Guards will conduct a 100% ID check at all gates. All visitors must have a valid military ID or proceed to the visitor control center for a pass. Due to current COVID measures, be sure to show your IDs with the barcodes facing the guard so that they may scan them without touching them. Pass information and entry requirements can be found here.

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

All permanent party personnel will be greeted by their sponsor, either at the airport, billeting or at the Visitor's Center. You will then be directed to check in to your gaining unit and your unit’s orderly room. The orderly room will schedule your check-in appointment at the Whiteman Welcome Center (Bldg 527). The Whiteman Center will process you and your family through personnel, finance, and medical. During in-processing, you will be given a schedule for all required briefings and times. All newcomers must attend a base orientation. Families are encouraged to attend as well. You will be directed to the appropriate processing section and should bring:

• 10 Copies of your orders
• Medical and dental record
• Military ID and driver's license
• Dependent information (marriage certificate if you got married in transit, childrens’ birth certificates, etc.)

Whiteman Air Force Base Visitor Center

101 Spirit Blvd. Whiteman AFB, MO 65305

Phone:

1 (660) 687-2834 and 1 (660) 687-7959

Hours:

Open 24/7

Whiteman AFB DEERS

In order to schedule an appointment with the ID Card or DEERS office, use this link. Walk-ins are welcome between 0800-1630 Monday through Thursday. Appointments only and Fridays.

Whiteman AFB ID Card Section/DEERS

509 Spirit Blvd Whiteman AFB, MO 65305

Phone

: 1 (660) 687-6426

Whiteman AFB DEERS Hours

• Monday through Friday:

  0800-1630

Whiteman AFB Gate Hours

You must have a valid driver’s license, valid insurance, paper registration, smog check for any vehicle registered outside of California. Motorcycles require a valid motorcycle license and BRC/ARC certification.

• Spirit Gate (West) -

  24/7

• Arnold Gate (North) -

  0600-1800 Monday through Friday

• LeMay Gate (South) -

  Commercial Gate open 0600-1800 Monday through Friday

Whiteman Commissary

Pick up groceries, dine, and shop in the department store-style exchanges located conveniently on base.

Whiteman AFB Commissary

700 Arnold Ave, Bldg 411 Whiteman AFB, MO 65305

Phone:

1 (660) 687-5655

Whiteman Commissary Hours

• Tuesday through Saturday:

  0900-1830

• Sunday:

  1000-1830

• Monday:

  Closed

Whiteman Main BX

711 Vandenberg Ave, Bldg 529 Whiteman AFB, MO 65305

Phone:

1 (660) 435-2524

Whiteman AFB Exchange Hours

• Monday through Saturday:

  0900-1900

• Sunday:

  1100-1800

Whiteman AFB Barber Shops

1. Main Exchange Barbershop

711 Vandenberg Ave, Bldg 529 Whiteman AFB, MO 65305

Phone:

1 (660) 563-3882

Hours:

• Monday through Friday:

  0900-1800

• Saturday:

  0900-1700

Whiteman AFB Post Office

Get your letters and packages delivered where they need to go properly and on time with the help of the Whiteman AFB Post Office.

Whiteman AFB Post Office

740 Arnold Ave, Ste 1 A Whiteman AFB, MO 65305

Phone:

1 (800) 275-8777

Hours:

• Monday through Friday:

  1000-1600

• Sunday:

  1230-1430
• PO Boxes accessible 24/7

Whiteman AFB Finance

The Finance Office offers financial help to all service members and their families. Please call ahead to make an appointment.

Whiteman AFB Personal Financial Management

509 Spirit Blvd, Ste 115 Whiteman AFB, MO 65305

Phone:

1 (660) 687-2006

Whiteman AFB Finance Office Hours

• Monday through Friday

  : 0800-1500

Whiteman AFB Legal Office

Active duty, dependents, and retirees are eligible for legal assistance in most areas. For a full list of what services the office can perform and which services on which they can only provide legal advice, check their website here.

Legal Services Office

509 Spirit Blvd, Ste 203 Whiteman AFB, MO 65305

Phone:

1 (660) 687-6809

Whiteman AFB Legal Office Walk In Hours

• Monday through Thursday

  : 0730 to 1630

• Friday:

  1200-1630

Whiteman AFB Library

Most military bases and their respective libraries have plenty of online classes and educational opportunities. Stop by and ask about services offered and check out videos and books in the online collections.

Whiteman AFB Library

511 Spirit Blvd Whiteman AFB, MO 65305

Phone:

1 (660) 687-5614

Hours:

• Monday through Thursday:

  0830-1600

• Friday through Sunday:

  0900-1800

Whiteman AFB Hotels

1. Whiteman Inn

325 Spirit Blvd Whiteman AFB, MO 65305

Phone:

1 (660) 687-1844

Hours:

24/7

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

Where Should I Live Near Whiteman Air Force Base?

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 Whiteman Air Force Base

Whiteman AFB is located an hour east of Kansas City Missouri and just on the south side of the town of Knob Noster.

Best Places to Live Near Whiteman Air Force Base

Knob Noster, MO

This town is your only real choice if you want to have a short commute. It is a small, typical military town of 2,769. It is mostly families and has a single school district with one elementary, one middle, and one high school. The cost of living is low and crime is very low, however, employment for non-military family members may be harder to find. Real estate is well below the state and national average.

Concordia, MO

A tiny town of 2,399 residents, it is 17.6 miles from base adding to a little longer commute but totally doable. There are only two schools, an elementary school from K-6th grade and a high school 7-12th grade. Real estate is well below the state and national average.

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

Whiteman AFB Schools

As there are no DoD schools on base, students who live on the base will attend school in the Knob Noster School District

Knob Noster School District

401 East Wimer St. Knob Noster, MO 65336

Phone:

1 (660) 536-3026 This school district has one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. You can view the school system’s annual report card here.

Whiteman AFB Weather

The summer in Whiteman AFB is hot, muggy, and wet. Winters are very cold and windy, typical of the midwest, and it is partly cloudy year round. Throughout the year, temperatures vary from as low as 23 degrees in the winter to as high as 90 degrees in the summer. The summer humidity begins in early June, peaks in July and August, and ends in September, giving way to a cool, clear autumn. Summers are very rainy, particularly in May and June so be sure to have a rain jacket on hand.

Things to Do Around Whiteman AFB

Nearby Attractions

With Whiteman AFB being located only an hour east of the city, it’s easy to take a day trip to the city for shopping, restaurants, night life, and even a Kansas City Royals game at Kauffman Stadium, one of the oldest stadiums in Major League Baseball. Enjoy a family day at the Kansas City Zoo, or have an educational day at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the moving National WWI Museum and Memorial, or the Negro League Baseball Museum. Cap the day off with some food and a cold beer at the Boulevard Brewing Company.

Outdoor Activities

Knob Noster State Park is just outside the base, offering a nice quiet lakeside park with walking trails and campgrounds. If you enjoy golf, check out the Royal Oaks Golf Course for a nice afternoon on the links. Take a vineyard tour at Montserrat Vineyards in Knob Noster and enjoy the panoramic views of what was once an old Civil War lookout point.

Suggested Read:

15 Of the Best Things to Do Around Whiteman AFB

Restaurants Near Whiteman AFB

Here are three top restaurants located near the base recommended by TripAdvisor.

1. Grumpy’s Cafe

, American, Breakfast & Brunch, Cafe 104 W McPherson St Knob Noster, MO 65336

Phone:

1 (660) 563-1273 A local favorite spot for classic breakfast, brunch, or burgers with seasoned fries.

2. Tequila Jalisco Mexican Restaurant

, Mexican 600 E Allen St Knob Noster, MO 65336

Phone:

1 (660) 563-9780 A Mexican spot with all your favorite dishes with sizzling fajitas, chile relleno, and margaritas to go around!

3. Mama Pins

, Thai 109 N State St Knob Noster, MO 65336

Phone:

1 (660) 563-8027 Delicious handmade That food with good serving sizes, zesty spices, and friendly service! Looking to explore more options? Check out our blog, 20 of the Best Whiteman AFB Restaurants.

Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for Whiteman Air Force Base at MyBaseGuide.

Conclusion

Welcome to Missouri! With this out-of-the-way base, you’ll want to explore the surrounding areas to keep things fresh and interesting. The amenities on base will be your best resource so be sure to take full advantage of them as you get settled and get to work. Be sure to check all the ones listed above and talk to the folks in your new unit for the best local knowledge. Enjoy your new home!  

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