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Peterson Space Force Base Guide

Joe Wallace

Formerly an Air Force installation, Peterson Space Force Base is in Colorado Springs, a military community with five nearby bases, including Peterson. The base shares runway space with the Colorado Springs Airport as it has for the entire duration of its existence in the state.

Peterson is home to Space Base Delta 1. It supports over 100 partner agencies, including North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Space Command, Space Operations Command, and the 302nd Reserve Airlift Wing.

History of Peterson Space Force Base

Peterson SFB was originally opened in 1942 as Colorado Springs Army Air Base. This base was in charge of photo-reconnaissance during World War Two. The same year the base opened, the first Colorado resident to die in a flight accident made headlines; Lieutenant Edward Peterson was a 14th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron member who died when his F-4 crashed. In 1942 the base was redesignated in his honor as Peterson Army Air Base.

About a year later, Peterson began expanding; bomber training began at the installation, and by 1944 the base added pilot training to the mix.

But it wouldn’t last. The base was deactivated in 1945. Two years later, the creation of the Air Force as a separate entity brought Peterson back to life as an Air Force Base. After serving as a Strategic Air Command airfield for a few years, the base was deactivated yet again in 1949.

Skip ahead to 1951 to find Peterson alive and well again with a redesignation to Peterson Air Force Base in 1975.

The future of Peterson began being written in 1982 when the Air Force activated a brand new major command or MAJCOM, Air Force Space Command. This milestone included the activation of the 1st Space Wing in 1983.

Fast-forward to the present, and we see Peterson redesignated yet again as a Space Force base; in 2020, the 21st Space Wing was reorganized as part of Space Base Delta 1, with Peterson AFB being redesignated as Peterson Space Force Base in the summer of 2021.

Peterson SFB Surrounding Area

If you have never been assigned to a military base in Colorado, there are some unique challenges in this state. Colorado, like California, is a pioneering state regarding legal recreational marijuana.

In spite of cannabis being legal at the state level here, military members are still obligated to obey federal law. But Colorado is not a one-note state, so to speak, where local culture is concerned.

For local craft beer lovers, those PCSing to the area have enjoyed a wide range of options, including Colorado Mountain Brewery at the Roundhouse and Cerberus Brewing Company. Attractions in the surrounding area include the beauty of Cheyenne Mountain and the nearby attraction Shrine Of The Sun.

You can get breathtaking helicopter tours, go on foot to Pikes Peak, or explore The Garden of the Gods. Denver is a reasonable drive from Colorado Springs, less than 90 minutes away, depending on the weather and traffic.

Related: Comprehensive Military Benefits Guide

Mission and Units

Since the dawn of the Space Force, some Air Force bases, including the former Peterson AFB, underwent major changes as part of converting to Space Force operations. Essential missions and units at Peterson have included:

• 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron
• 21st Civil Engineer Squadron
• 21st Communications Squadron
• 21st Comptroller Squadron
• 21st Contracting Squadron
• 21st Dental Squadron
• 21st Force Support Squadron
• 21st Logistics Group
• 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron
• 21st Medical Group
• 21st Medical Operations Squadron
• 21st Medical Squadron
• 21st Medical Support Squadron
• 21st Mission Support Group
• 21st Operations Group
• 21st Operations Support Squadron
• 21st Security Forces Squadron
• 21st Space Wing
• 302nd Reserve Wing incl 52 AS
• 367th USAF Recruiting
• 561st Network Operations Squadron
• 721st Communications Squadron
• 721st Medical Squadron
• 721st Security Forces Squadron
• 721st Support Group
• HQ Air Force Space Command
• NORAD USSPACECOM NORTHCOM

Related: Active Duty Military Benefits Guide

In-Processing and Check-In

Those traveling to the base on PCS orders should check in with their unit Commander Support Staff (CSS).

For those who are PCSing with no CSS to check in with, report to the 21st Military Personnel Section in Building 350 during normal duty hours. For assistance, call 719-556-0008 or DSN 834-0008. All new arrivals after duty hours must check in with the Peterson TLF instead.

Peterson SFB Child Care

Child care at Peterson AFB is in high demand, and waiting lists may apply. It Care is offered on base by a pair of Child Development Centers. CDC care is for children between six weeks and five years old with current immunizations.

Options may include full daycare and hourly care, but due to high demand, it may be wise to explore other childcare options, such as the Peterson SFB Family Child Care program offering licensed care in on-base homes.

Explore your childcare options here when you get your orders to Peterson AFB. Call 719-554-9573 or DSN 312-692-9573 for more assistance.

Housing

All military bases in the Colorado Springs area have privatized their housing programs. Visit the Air Force Housing website to submit applications for waiting lists or get more information on housing at Peterson Space Force Base.

PCS and TDY Lodging

If you travel to the area on PCS or TDY orders, contact the Pikes Peak Lodge for temporary lodging at Peterson Air Force Base.

Pet facilities are limited, those traveling on official orders have priority, and if there is no room at the Lodge, you should obtain a certificate of non-availability before paying for off-base options. Exploring your reservation options as soon as you have orders to the area is best.

For reservations, call 888-AF LODGE or 888-235-6343, Ext. 738.

Related: PCSing Overseas as a Military Spouse

Transportation

You’ll find taxi, shuttle, and ride-sharing services from the local airports, but much depends on when you arrive.

Plan your PCS travel with your sponsor and discuss your arrival logistics, especially if you are flying into Denver airport and need transportation to Petersen, which is about an hour and a half away.. Rush hour conditions in Denver may add significant driving time.

Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License

To operate a motor vehicle on base, you must have an unexpired license and registration, you must show proof of insurance, and you are subject to 100% ID checks and vehicle searches.

Some drivers may qualify to register as non-residents.

This has advantages; you’ll need to obtain a form from the Judge Advocate’s office or your command support staff indicating the driver is a non-resident service member exempt from paying Colorado state vehicle tax.

Before choosing to do so, remember that registering to vote at the DMV (after relocating to Colorado) makes you a state resident and you may be subject to Colorado state vehicle taxes as a result.

Schools

No DoD schools are operating on Peterson SFB. There are also no local school districts operating at Peterson AFB or nearby Schriever SFB.

There are numerous school districts in the county, including:

• Ellicott School District 22
• Falcon District 49
• Colorado Springs School District 11
• Academy School District 20

New student registration requirements include but may not be limited to:

• Birth certificate, passport, or dependent  ID
• Immunization records (within 30 days)
• Proof of residency
• Individualized Education Plan (IEP), where applicable
• Information about the student’s previous school
• Children entering kindergarten must be five years old on or before October 1.

Colleges and Universities

There are several four-year colleges and universities in the area, and multiple alternative options including:

• Colorado State University
• University of Colorado Springs
• Colorado Technical University
• Colorado College
• Pikes Peak Community College
• National American University

Peterson Space Force Base Contacts

Main Base Address And Phone Numbers

Peterson Space Force Base
1334 W. Stewart Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80916

• 719-556-6660
• 312-834-6660

Important Peterson SFB Phone Numbers

• Base Operator (719) 554-7321
• Civilian Personnel Office (719) 556-4775
• Emergency 911
• Emergency Relief Services (719) 556-6141
• ID CAC Card Processing (719) 556-0008
• Information and Referral Services (719) 556-6141
• Legal Services JAG (719) 556-4871
• Personnel Support Office (719) 556-0007
• Suicide Prevention Hotline (800) 273-8255
• VA Facilities (719) 327-5660
• Welcome Visitors Center (719) 556-6660

Related: Ultimate Guide to GI Bill Benefits

Military Bases and VA and Veteran Facilities in Colorado

Find a listing of military bases, as well as VA resources and veteran facilities in the state of Colorado.  If you are traveling to Alabama on PCS orders, look up the BAH in your new duty location using our BAH Calculator.

 

PCSing to Colorado

If you are relocating to Colorado in a permanent change of station move, know that you’ll typically be required to check in with the base housing office at your new assignment before entering into any legally binding housing agreement off post.

It’s also good to remember than in a larger military community like the one in Colorado Springs, healthcare could include longer wait times due to higher demand in military clinics. There are a large number of military bases in and near Colorado Springs, so newcomers have multiple options depending on which base they are assigned to. You can look find veterans benefits in Colorado before you arrive to see what programs and services are options for you.

Army Bases in Colorado

• Fort Carson
• USAREC, Denver Battalion

Space Force Bases in Colorado

• Buckley Space Force Base
• Cheyenne Mountain Complex
• Peterson SFB
• Schriever SFB
• USAF Academy

Get more info on VA benefits for veterans, retirees, separating service members, spouses, dependents, and disabled veterans. Learn more about the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, monthly housing allowances, VA loans, and TRICARE.

Did you know? The State of Colorado can help you file claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Contact a county regional office near you to learn how to get professional assistance from a veteran service officer filing VA disability claims or applying for other VA benefits. Learn more.

Colorado Guard and Reserve Tuition Assistance

The State of Colorado offers tuition assistance to qualifying Guard and Reserve members who serve in the state. The Colorado state Tuition Assistance Program “awards up to 100% of tuition” and cannot exceed $5000 in benefits per semester.

Colorado VA Healthcare Centers

Academy VA Clinic

4102 Pinion Drive
Suite 1552
USAF Academy, CO 80840-2502
719-333-1507

Valor Point VA Domiciliary

7350 West Eastman Place
Lakewood, CO 80227-5006
720-376-6100

Golden VA Clinic

1020 Johnson Road
Golden, CO 80401-6002
303-914-2680
Mental health: 303-914-2680

Salida VA Clinic

920 Rush Drive
Salida, CO 81201-9669
719-539-8666

York Street VA Clinic

3836 York Street
Community Resource & Referral Center (CRRC)
Denver, CO 80205-3540
303-294-5600

VA Benefits Offices in Colorado

Denver VA Regional Benefit Office

155 Van Gordon Street
Lakewood, CO 80228
800-827-1000

VA Regional Benefit Satellite Office at PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom VA Clinic

3141 Centennial Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
719-327-5660

Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) at Fort Carson

This facility is for Active Duty members only.

1626 O’Connell Blvd.
Building 813
FT Carson, CO 80913
800-827-1280

VA Cemeteries in Colorado

Fort Logan National Cemetery

4400 W Kenyon Ave
Denver, CO 80236
303-761-0117

Colorado VA Vet Centers

Denver Vet Center

7465 East First Avenue
Suite B
Denver, CO 80230
303-326-0645

Other Military Bases in the Continental United States

• Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona
• Luke Air Force Base, Arizona
• Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas
• Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri
• Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada

Look up the BAH in your new duty location by searching for your zip code’s housing allowance using our BAH Calculator. You can also review our complete list of Military Bases by State.