Vance AFB, OK: Your Guide To Pilot Training & More!

06 May, 2025

Could a single air base, nestled in the heartland of America, truly shape the future of aviation? Vance Air Force Base, located in Enid, Oklahoma, stands as a testament to the enduring power of training and the unwavering commitment to excellence in the United States Air Force.

Step into the world of Vance Air Force Base, a cornerstone of pilot training for over eight decades. Welcome to the 71st Student Squadron (STUS), where the journey of aspiring aviators begins. Each year, Team Vance welcomes and trains over 370 air force and allied student pilots, shaping them into the skilled professionals who will one day take to the skies. Vance Air Force Base (IATA: END), situated in the southern reaches of Enid, Oklahoma, approximately 65 miles (105 km) north-northwest of Oklahoma City, is far more than just a base; it's a legacy. Originally established as a flight school, it prepared over 9,000 pilots for the Army Air Corps between 1941 and 1945, laying the groundwork for its later transformation. Activated on January 13, 1948, under the Air Training Command of the newly formed Air Force, Vance has continuously evolved, adapting to the changing demands of air power.

The base itself is named in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Leon Robert Vance Jr., a local World War II hero and Medal of Honor recipient. His bravery and sacrifice are immortalized in the very foundations of the base, serving as a constant reminder of the values of courage, dedication, and service. The history of Vance Air Force Base is interwoven with the evolution of aviation. From its early days as a training ground for World War II pilots to its modern role in shaping the next generation of airmen, the base has consistently adapted to the changing demands of air power. Today, Vance Air Force Base stands as the northernmost Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (JSUPT) base within the Air Education and Training Command (AETC), upholding the tradition of excellence in aviation.

Category	Details
Name	Vance Air Force Base (VAFB)
Location	Enid, Oklahoma, USA
Coordinates	Located 90 miles north by northwest of Oklahoma City
Elevation	1,307 feet above sea level
Host Unit	71st Flying Training Wing (71 FTW)
Mission	Training Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps pilots for various aircraft
History	Established as a flight school in World War II, activated on January 13, 1948, under the Air Training Command
Named After	Lieutenant Colonel Leon Robert Vance Jr., Medal of Honor recipient
Key Activities	Pilot training, records maintenance, family support, and community engagement
Important Programs	Military Personnel Flight (MPF), Family Housing, and the Military & Family Readiness Center
Official Website	https://www.vance.af.mil/

The geographic setting is significant, with Vance Air Force Base situated in Garfield County, approximately 94 miles northwest of Oklahoma City. Its location provides optimal conditions for flight training, with clear skies and expansive airspace. This strategic positioning, combined with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instructors, ensures that the pilots trained at Vance receive the best possible preparation for their future missions. The base's infrastructure supports a wide range of training activities, from basic flight instruction to advanced tactical exercises. Comprehensive aeronautical data, including information on runways, taxiways, navigation aids (NAVAIDs), radio frequencies, and FBO information, is readily available to facilitate safe and efficient operations. The base operates under a structured environment, with the Vance Air Force Base Visitor Control Center setting the schedule, and closing at 1200 on the last Friday of every month, highlighting the importance of organization and protocols.

For those seeking information and resources, Vance Air Force Base offers a wealth of support. The Vance Air Force Base Base Guide serves as an essential tool for service members and their families, providing information on various aspects of base life. The Military Personnel Flight (MPF) plays a vital role in records maintenance, data reporting, and strength accounting for active duty USAF personnel stationed at Vance. The MPF also offers online services, including dependent and retiree renewals, initial enrollment in DEERS, replacement of ID cards, and changes in affiliation, streamlining administrative processes and enhancing efficiency. In addition to military-specific services, Vance provides a supportive environment for families. Vance Family Housing offers military-assisted housing, creating a stable and comfortable home environment. The Military & Family Readiness Center is another key resource, assisting total force airmen, army, navy, marine, guard, and reservists, as well as DoD civilians, retirees, and their families. The center addresses a wide range of work and family issues, providing counseling and resources to ensure the well-being of the military community.

The 71st Flying Training Wing (71 FTW) is the host unit, responsible for the critical mission of training Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps pilots. The 71st Student Squadron, the administrative command for pilot training, provides essential support for students, offering links, contacts, policies, and resources tailored to newcomers and their families. At Vance, they strive to create an inclusive environment that cultivates the development and training of airmen. The Air Force recognizes the importance of the management of unaccompanied enlisted quarters (UEQ) facilities to an airman's development process. Facilities, mission, units, news, events, and contact information are readily accessible, ensuring the flow of information and providing comprehensive support. The commitment to excellence extends to all aspects of base operations. From education and training options for active duty, civilian, and base personnel to tuition assistance and testing services, Vance Air Force Base is dedicated to providing the resources needed for success. The base trains the world's best pilots and is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the men and women who serve there.

The base has had to adapt to the needs of its community, as seen in the closing of the Vance Air Force Base Visitor Control Center on the last Friday of every month at noon. Additionally, the base has had to prepare for changes in the community. The community has also had to make sacrifices to continue base operations. Daniel McCraw, the commander of the 71st Security Forces Squadron, and Staff Sgt. Sydney Adams, a 71st SFS military working dog trainer, participated in the retirement of Ares, a military working dog, at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, in December. The base recognizes that the management of unaccompanied enlisted quarters (UEQ) facilities is critical to an airman's development process.

The commitment to excellence at Vance is exemplified not only in its training programs but also in its community outreach efforts. The base plays a vital role in supporting families. The Military & Family Readiness Center, for instance, offers assistance on a wide range of work and family issues, from financial planning to relocation assistance. The availability of Vance Family Housing and other support services underscores the importance of providing a stable and supportive environment for military personnel and their families. The spirit of teamwork and mutual support pervades the base, creating a positive and enriching experience for everyone involved. With its strong foundation of historical significance and dedication to its mission, Vance Air Force Base is poised to continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of aviation for generations to come.

Vance Air Force Base Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality

Details

Details

Vance air force base hi res stock photography and images Alamy

Details

Detail Author:

Name : Logan Dietrich
Username : solon65
Email : elwin98@ebert.com
Birthdate : 1992-10-08
Address : 521 Mary Hollow Townechester, KS 83460-7998
Phone : +1-715-704-7999
Company : Swift, Effertz and Huel
Job : Mathematical Science Teacher
Bio : Laborum sed iusto omnis totam nostrum mollitia ea. Eius non earum quam officiis unde ut ad. Perspiciatis dolorem aut earum.

Socials

tiktok:

url : https://tiktok.com/@gerson.dicki
username : gerson.dicki
bio : Doloremque quaerat ad voluptas dolor nihil rem neque cumque.
followers : 1195
following : 1379

twitter:

url : https://twitter.com/gerson_dicki
username : gerson_dicki
bio : Dolores a ut hic voluptatum voluptas quis libero. Placeat qui a illo aut quia. Exercitationem molestias est voluptas et.
followers : 4654
following : 730

instagram:

url : https://instagram.com/gerson_dicki
username : gerson_dicki
bio : Sapiente nesciunt error earum dicta id et reprehenderit id. Sed qui quo voluptas nam.
followers : 4408
following : 1254