About this Unit
Offutt Air Force Base, located near Omaha, Nebraska, has played a pivotal role in U.S. military history since its establishment in 1918 as Fort Crook. Transformed into an airfield in the 1920s, it became the site of the Martin Bomber Plant during World War II, where the famous Enola Gay and Bockscar B-29 bombers were built. In 1948, Offutt AFB became the headquarters of Strategic Air Command (SAC), the nerve center for America’s strategic nuclear deterrent throughout the Cold War. Today, Offutt serves as the headquarters for U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), maintaining its legacy as a central hub for global command and control operations.
Historical Facts
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Strategic Location: Offutt Air Force Base is located near Omaha, Nebraska, and has been a vital military installation since 1896, originally established as Fort Crook.
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Birthplace of Strategic Air Command: Offutt AFB was chosen as the headquarters for the Strategic Air Command (SAC) in 1948, making it the nerve center for America’s Cold War nuclear deterrence.
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World War II History: The base was home to the Glenn L. Martin Nebraska Company, which produced over 500 B-29 Superfortresses during World War II, including the Enola Gay and Bockscar, the aircraft that dropped atomic bombs on Japan.
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Presidential Command Center: On September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush was taken to Offutt AFB for security and to hold a National Security Council teleconference after the terrorist attacks.
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Home of USSTRATCOM: Today, Offutt AFB is the headquarters of United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), responsible for strategic deterrence, global strike, and nuclear operations.
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Underground Command Bunker: The base houses a sophisticated underground command and control center designed to withstand nuclear attack and direct military operations.
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Weather Squadron: The 557th Weather Wing, formerly the Air Force Weather Agency, is stationed at Offutt and provides worldwide weather, climate, and space weather information.
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Flooding Impact: In March 2019, historic flooding caused significant damage to Offutt AFB, submerging a third of the base and prompting extensive rebuilding efforts.
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RC-135 Operations: Offutt AFB is home to the 55th Wing, which operates the RC-135 "Rivet Joint" reconnaissance aircraft, conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions globally.
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Notable Visitors: Offutt has hosted numerous U.S. presidents, military leaders, and international dignitaries due to its strategic importance and advanced communication facilities.
