F.E. Warren AFB
Historic ICBM Base and 90th Missile Wing — 3 Miles West of Cheyenne
Why People Move Here
F.E. Warren Air Force Base is a 5,866-acre active military installation 3 miles west of downtown Cheyenne, home to the 90th Missile Wing of Air Force Global Strike Command — one of three strategic ICBM bases in the United States, responsible for 150 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles. Established in 1867 as Fort David Allen Russell and renamed in 1930 for Wyoming's first state governor, it is the oldest continuously active Air Force installation and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Census-designated place population is ~2,863 (2020). On-base housing is privatized through Balfour Beatty Communities across six neighborhoods — including historic brick officer quarters on 'The Hill' and the Atlas, Carlin Heights, Lake, and Peacekeeper Heights neighborhoods — and is restricted to active-duty military and authorized dependents. Daily life centers on the Commissary, Base Exchange, Freedom Hall Fitness Center, and the Warren ICBM and Heritage Museum.
Key Statistics
Data sourced from census records, school district reports, and local transit authorities.
Commute Times
School Districts
Freedom Elementary School (K-6)
Part of LCSD1- Located ON F.E. Warren AFB at 4500 Happy Jack Rd
- Part of Laramie County School District #1 — one of 30 elementary schools in LCSD1
- 323 students with a 14:1 student-teacher ratio
- Purple Star School recognition for serving military-connected students
- Math and reading proficiency both ~52% (at or above grade level)
- School Liaison Officer on base assists with PCS moves and transitions
Laramie County School District #1 (LCSD1)
B-Largest district in Wyoming by enrollment
- Middle and high school students from Warren AFB attend LCSD1 schools off-base
- Three comprehensive high schools: Central (Niche B), East (Niche B-), South (Niche C+)
- Verify enrollment eligibility by address — LCSD1 uses boundary maps
FAQ — F.E. Warren AFB
Can civilians live on F.E. Warren AFB?
No. Housing on F.E. Warren AFB is restricted to active-duty military personnel and dependents authorized for base housing. Civilians cannot purchase or rent homes on the installation. The 6 on-base neighborhoods — including historic officer brick quarters on 'The Hill,' Historic Sergeant's Row, Carlin Heights, Atlas, Lake, and Peacekeeper Heights — are privatized through Balfour Beatty Communities and assigned based on rank and dependents. Civilians and contractors working at Warren AFB typically live off-base in Cheyenne.
What is the 90th Missile Wing?
The 90th Missile Wing is the host wing at F.E. Warren AFB, reporting to Air Force Global Strike Command. It is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and security of 150 Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) distributed across missile alert facilities in Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado. Warren is one of three strategic missile bases in the United States, alongside Minot AFB (ND) and Malmstrom AFB (MT). The wing was re-designated from the 90th Space Wing on July 1, 2008.
What schools serve children at F.E. Warren AFB?
Freedom Elementary School (K-6) is located on base at 4500 Happy Jack Rd and is part of Laramie County School District #1 (LCSD1). It serves 323 students with a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and holds Purple Star School recognition for supporting military-connected students. Middle and high school students attend LCSD1 schools off-base — typically Central, East, or South High School. A School Liaison Officer on base assists with PCS transitions. Verify enrollment eligibility by address.
What are the on-base amenities at F.E. Warren?
Daily-life services on base include the DECA Commissary (6205 Missile Drive, Building 720 — full grocery with bakery, deli, produce, and online ordering), the AAFES Base Exchange (BX) with a food court, electronics, dry cleaner, eye doctor, and 24-hour gas pumps, the Freedom Hall Fitness Center (weights, cardio, group classes), a base library, a chapel, the Youth Center and Child Development Center, and a wide MWR Outdoor Recreation program. The Warren ICBM and Heritage Museum is open to the public and documents the base's history from its 1867 cavalry origins.
How far is F.E. Warren AFB from downtown Cheyenne?
The main gate on Randall Avenue is about 3 miles west of downtown Cheyenne — roughly a 5-minute drive to the Wyoming State Capitol and the Cheyenne Depot. Cheyenne Regional Medical Center is ~8 minutes east of the base, and Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS) is ~10 minutes. Denver International Airport is ~1 hour 45 minutes south via I-25, and Buckley Space Force Base (Aurora, CO) is ~1 hour 40 minutes.
What is the history of F.E. Warren AFB?
F.E. Warren is the oldest continuously active Air Force installation in the United States. It was established in 1867 by the U.S. Army as Fort David Allen Russell to protect the Union Pacific Railroad construction, then renamed Fort Francis E. Warren in 1930 by President Hoover's proclamation, honoring Wyoming's first state governor and territorial governor. It transferred to the newly formed U.S. Air Force in 1947 and has hosted ICBM operations since 1958 (beginning with Atlas missiles). Today's 90th Missile Wing operates Minuteman III ICBMs, with Sentinel (LGM-35A) modernization underway. The installation is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Compare Communities
Other communities in Central.