Welcome to Fairchild AFB! Your New Duty Station Guide
Content
ADVERTISEMENT
Welcome to Fairchild Air Force Base, home to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing. Located in eastern Washington, near Spokane, the base hosts Team Fairchild, comprising the 141st Air Refueling Wing, the 336th Training Group, the Armed Forces Reserve Center, and other tenant organizations. Fairchild AFB controls 6,151 acres and 1,687 buildings to support 11,868 active-duty, Air National Guard, and tenant unit members, dependents, and civilian employees. Surrounded by Airway Heights, Medical Lake, and Cheney, you will find great community support both on and off base.
Where Is Fairchild Air Force Base?
Address: 300 N Short Street, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Nobody Prepared You for Military Life
But we can help. Join over 100k spouses already getting the advice, resources, and military tea they need to thrive.
Procedures for Entering Fairchild AFB
Whether you’re coming to Fairchild AFB for a PCS or just to visit, here is some information to help your arrival go smoothly.
Getting to Fairchild AFB From Popular Cities
Fairchild AFB is within 30 minutes of Spokane International Airport. Other major cities and drive times are listed below.
Pullman, WA: Drive time from Pullman to base is about 1.5 hours.
Yakima, WA: Drive time from Yakima to base is about 2.5 hours.
Seattle, WA: Drive time from Seattle to base is about 4.5 hours.
Gates & Hours of Operation
Fairchild AFB has a few gates, but the two primary gates are the Main Gate off US Highway 2 and Graham Gate off South Graham Road.
ADVERTISEMENT
Main Gate
The Visitor Control Center is located just outside this gate and is where visitors may obtain a pass for entering through all other gates unaccompanied.
Location: US Hwy 2, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
VCC Hours: Monday through Friday, 0600-1600
VCC Phone: (509) 247-5492
Graham Gate
Location: South Graham Road, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Rambo Road Gate (only open to authorized personnel)
Location: Rambo Road, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
ADVERTISEMENT
McFarlane Gate (contingency gate only open for special events)
Location: Fairchild AFB Blvd
Incoming Personnel
All Soldiers reporting to Fairchild AFB should check in with the unit of assignment for further check-in procedures.
Coming to Fairchild AFB? Here’s What You Need For Base Access
Anyone visiting with a Department of Defence (DoD) Common Access Card and/or retired military ID can access the base through any gate.
If visitors (18+) do not have a DoD Common Access Card or retired military ID, they must go to the Visitor Control Center (VCC) with a US ID in the form of a Real ID and/or Enhanced Driver’s License.
If visitors do not have a Real ID/Enhanced driver's license, a retired military ID, a DoD Common Access Card, or a service-connected Veterans Card, they must bring another form of US ID, such as a passport, Social Security card, or birth certificate, to the Visitor Control Center.
ADVERTISEMENT
Visitor Control Center
Fairchild AFB has one Visitor Control Center that can help visitors gain access to the base.
Location: 4302 Mitchel Road, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Monday through Friday, 0600-1600
Phone: (509) 247-5492
What ID Do You Need For Base Access?
Anyone with a valid DoD-issued ID card is permitted onto the base. To access the installation as a guest of a valid DoD ID holder, you are required to present one of the following:
- U.S. Military ID (all members of the U.S. Armed Forces, military retirees and dependent ID card holders, Gov't Civilian CAC card holders)
- Veterans Health Identification Card issued by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Passport Card
- State-issued Identification, such as a driver’s license or identification card issued by a state that meets the REAL ID standards or an Interim Driver’s License issued by a state that meets the REAL ID standards
Base Amenities & Facilities
Fairchild AFB has all the amenities you need to make this new duty station your home. Below are some of the key resources you’ll want to know.
92nd Medical Group
92nd Medical Group is complete with primary care clinics, pharmacy, lab testing, and more to serve service members, retirees, and families.
Address: 701 Hospital Loop, Suite 306, Fairchild AFB, Washington 99011
Hours: Hours vary by clinic. Check your assigned home clinic for detailed information.
Appointments Phone: (509) 247-2361
Finance Office
The Finance office is dedicated to making sure service members understand finances, budgeting for the future, and more.
Address: 220 W. Bong Street, Building #2245, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Monday through Friday, 0900-1500
Phone: (509) 247-3748
Legal Office
The Legal Office is available to service members, retirees, and family members. The office provides legal services such as Power of Attorney, notary, basic and living wills, and information on other legal matters.
Address: 1 E. Bong Street, Fairchild Air Force Base, WA 99011
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 0900-1500
Phone: (509) 247-2838
Commissary
The Fairchild AFB Commissary is a grocery store on base offering cost savings to service members and families.
Address: 105A W. Spaatz Rd, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 0800-1900; Sunday, 0900-1800; Monday. 1100-1700
Phone: (509) 503-9335
Exchange
The Fairchild AFB Exchange Mall is a shopping complex that aims to meet the needs of service members and families. You will find everything from department store items, a barber shop, a food court, and more.
Address: 101 W. Spaatz Road, Bldg 2465, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 0900-1900; Sunday & Monday, 0900-1800
Phone: (509) 244-2832
Post Office
The United States Postal Service has an office on base for all your mailing needs.
Address: 100 N Chennault Ave. Suite 100, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Monday through Friday, 0800-1700; Saturday, 1000-1200
Phone: (509) 244-6398
Traffic Management Office
The Traffic Management Office can oversee your property shipments and help your PCS run smoothly.
Address: BLDG 2245, RM 127, 220 W Bong Street, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 0800-1500; Thursday & Friday, 0800-1400
Phone: (509) 247-5815
ID/DEERs Office
The Fairchild AFB ID/DEERs Office can help with getting or renewing military ID cards and enrolling or updating DEERs for service members, veterans, and families. You can schedule an appointment, utilize walk-in hours, or use the Online Card Renewal System.
Address: 7 W. Arnold Street, BLDG 2040, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Monday through Friday, 0730-1500
Phone: (509) 247-9292 option 1
Barber Shops
Make sure your hair is within regulation at any one of the barber shops in or around Fairchild AFB.
Fairchild Barber Shop
Address: 101 W Spaatz Rd, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Phone: (509) 244-8826
Chong’s Barber Shop
Address: 13032 W Sunset Hwy # B, Airway Heights, WA 99001
Phone: (509) 435-3916
BC Mac’s Barber Shop
Address: 10506 W Aero Rd, Spokane, WA 99224
Phone: (509) 842-6500
Sue’s Hair Center
Address: 13220 W Sunset Hwy, Airway Heights, WA 99001
Phone: (509) 244-2770
Force Support Squadron (FSS)
Fairchild AFB Force Support Squadron offers a multitude of support to families calling Fairchild AFB home. From youth sports and childcare to golf, fine dining, and everything in between, FSS wants to make sure you thrive at your new duty station. Check out their website to see all they have to offer.
Address: 7 W. Arnold Street, BLDG 2040, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Monday through Friday, 0730-1500
Phone: (509) 247-9292
Library
The library at Fairchild AFB is a vibrant community hub where patrons feel the excitement of reading and learning come together.
Address: 2 W Castle St, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Monday through Friday, 0930-1800; Saturday, 1000-1730
Phone: (509) 247-5556
Auto Hobby Shop
The DIY Auto Hobby Shop provides a space for auto maintenance and hobby work. Featuring work bays, hydraulic lifts, and computerized equipment, you will find everything you need to get the job done right.
Address: 220 W Castle St, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 0900-1700
Phone: (509) 247-2310
Bowling
The Alley at the Red Morgan Community Center features six lanes of immersive string bowling, specialty game modes, and fun for all ages.
Address: 10 W. Ent St., Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 1100-2000; Friday, 1100-2100; Saturday, 1100-1800; Sunday, 1100-1600
Phone: (509) 247-1800
Fitness Center
Fairchild AFB Fitness Center strives to meet the mental and physical needs of service members, retirees, and families by offering a diversified program that includes weight training equipment, fitness classes, personal trainers, and more.
Address: 300 W. Castle St., Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Staffed Hours: Monday through Friday, 0500-1900 (24-hour access registration available)
Phone: (509) 247-2792
Aquatics
Cool off in the summer heat or swim laps at the indoor pool. Fairchild AFB aquatics has all your water needs with a splash pad and one indoor pool.
Splash Pad
Address: 610 W. Castle St., Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Seasonal Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Phone: (509) 247-5920
Fitness Center Pool
Address: 300 W. Castle St., Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Hours vary for lap swim, aqua fitness, and open swim. Check the website linked above for a full list of hours.
Phone: (509) 247-2242
Childcare
Fairchild AFB has a child development center, family child care, school-age care, and more to support family needs of active-duty service members.
Child Development Center
Address: 201 E Fairchild Hwy, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Phone: (509) 247-2403
Family Child Care
Address: 7 West Arnold Street Building, 2040 Room B3, WA 99011
Phone: (509) 247-5336
School Age Care
Phone: (509) 247-5601
School Liaison
Address: 7 W Arnold St, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Phone: (509) 247-2559
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
The Exceptional Family Member Program is designed to support those who are responsible for managing care and services for family members with special needs. The EFMP Medical Office is for enrollments and assignments. The EFMP Family Support Office can help with individualized assistance, workshops, and information about programs.
Address: Building 9000, Room 101, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Monday through Friday 0730-1630
Phone: (509) 247-5574 or (509) 247-2268
Fairchild AFB Dining Facilities
There are numerous ways to dine on base at Fairchild AFB in addition to traditional DFACs. Below are a few favorites.
Alder House
Located inside the Red Morgan Center, you’ll find delicious food with a side of fun that the whole family can enjoy.
Address: 10 W. Ent St., Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Monday through Friday, 1100-1330 & 1600-1900; Saturday, 1100-1600; Sunday, 1100-1400
Phone: (509) 247-1805
Exchange Food Court
The Main Exchange Food Court has all your favorites from Bravo Burrito, Lola’s Ohdabo, The Hungry Moose, and more.
Address: 101 W. Spaatz Road, Bldg 2465, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 0900-1900; Sunday & Monday, 0900-1800
Phone: (509) 244-2832
Fairchild AFB Housing
Housing Office
The Fairchild AFB Housing Services Office can help you make decisions about where to live and how to apply.
Address: 210 E. Bong Street, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Monday through Friday, 0730-1600
Phone: (509) 247-5185
Unaccompanied Housing
Unaccompanied housing (UH) is mandatory and provided for single soldiers E1 to E3 and E4 with less than 3 years of service with no dependents. Unaccompanied military E4 with more than 3 years of service are not required to live in the barracks and may reside off base.
Address: 6 W. Bong Street, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Monday through Friday, 0730-1630
Phone: (509) 247-3275
Privatized Housing/Balfour Beatty Communities
Fairchild AFB has privatized families living on base. Fairchild AFB partners with Balfour Beatty Communities to provide housing for military families of Fairchild AFB, responsible for management, maintenance, and construction. Balfour Beatty Communities offers 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom layouts, parks and playgrounds, acommunity garden, and so much more! As soon as you know you’re coming to Fairchild AFB, get on the list to reserve your spot on base.
Address: 210 E. Bong Street, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011
Hours: Monday through Friday (except Wednesday), 0800-1700; Wednesday, 0800-1900
Phone: (931) 431-9003
Off-Base Housing/Military Preferred Living Areas
Fairchild AFB is located just 12 miles from Spokane in eastern Washington. You’ll find plenty of city life nearby with smaller suburbs great for living off base. Some popular nearby towns include Airway Heights and Medical Lake. Read more about what these favorite communities have to offer below.
Airway Heights, WA
Airway Heights is about 10 minutes from Fairchild AFB and home to over 6,000 residents. The city is home to Airway Heights Corrections Center, Northern Quest Casino, and Spokane County Raceway Park, giving you plenty of options for entertainment and employment.
Median listing home price: $475,000
Median rental rate: $1,500
Schools: Cheney Public School District serves more than 5,600 students P-K through 12th grade across 13 schools. According to Niche, a popular school-ranking site, Cheney Public Schools receive a C+ rating.
Medical Lake, WA
Medical Lake is just over 10 minutes from Fairchild AFB and home to nearly 5,000 residents. This community has a slower pace than the city of Spokane, offering waterfront parks and great fishing.
Median listing home price: $470,000
Median rental rate: $1,300
Schools: Medical Lake School District serves more than 1,850 students P-K through 12th grade across 5 schools. According to Niche, a popular school-ranking site, Medical Lake Schools receive a B+ rating.
Fairchild AFB Schools
Base Schools (K-12)
Fairchild AFB has one elementary school, Michael Anderson Elementary, that is operated under the Medical Lake School District. Middle School and High School students attend Medical Lake Middle School and Medical Lake High School, respectively.
Off-Base Schools (K-12)
Students residing in nearby communities off base are either included in the Medical Lake School District, Cheney Public School District, or the Spokane Public School District. Check individual district websites to determine the schools you are zoned for based upon your address.
Local Employment Assistance & Resources
Employment Readiness Program
The Employment Readiness Program provides support to spouses and dependent family members seeking career development and job search assistance. Services are available by appointment by calling (509) 247-2246.
Local Employment Resources
Official job listings for the City of Spokane.
See openings in Spokane Public Schools.
Official job listings for the City of Medical Lake.
See openings in Medical Lake Public Schools.
Official job listings for the City of Airway Heights.
See openings in Cheney Public Schools.
Fairchild AFB Civilian Opportunities
Federal Jobs
Federal employment opportunities are available at Fairchild AFB and are open to both military-affiliated applicants and the public. These positions often provide competitive benefits and long-term stability. You can find employment for NAF positions, Defence Commissary Agency (DeCA), Child Development Centers, and more. Find your federal job using the USAJOBS website here.
Enjoy Your Time at Fairchild AFB!
Relocating to a new duty station can be an overwhelming experience, but Fairchild Air Force Base is well-equipped to make your transition as smooth as possible. With comprehensive amenities, you will find everything you need to get settled.
Furthermore, the welcoming surrounding communities of Airway Heights, Medical Lake, and nearby Spokane offer excellent off-base housing, great school districts, and plenty of local recreation in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Whether you are arriving for a quick visit or preparing for a permanent change of station, Fairchild AFB is ready to welcome you home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live on Fairchild AFB without children?
Yes, housing options on base are determined by rank and marital status.
Can I live on Fairchild AFB if I'm not married?
Yes, Soldiers E4 with less than three years of service and below are required to live in the barracks.
Can I use coupons at the commissary?
Yes. As part of the Defence Commissary Agency (DeCA), the Fairchild AFB Commissary will accept manufacturer paper coupons, print-at-home coupons, and digital coupons.
Is Fairchild AFB hands-free?
Yes. Fairchild AFB and State laws prohibit holding and using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.
Continue Reading
Goodfellow Air Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center
Information
Fairchild AFB Housing: 4 On-Base Options
Information
U.S. Air Force Academy: In-Depth Welcome Center
Information
Join the Conversation
BY DARLENA GARY
Military Spouse and Contributing Writer at MilSpouses
A versatile storyteller with over eight years of experience in marketing, technical writing, and corporate communications, Darlena holds a Master’s in Technical Communications and has spent her career translating complex goals into compelli...
