The complete guide to Holloman Air Force Base

Jessica Evans
Updated onJan 18, 2023 12:21 PM PST
6 minute read
holloman AFB airman

Airman 1st Class Luis Bedoya, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment technician, does his part, by ensuring equipment used for Remotely Piloted Aircraft is fully operational to support the mission of the U.S. Air Force at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Sept. 18. Bedoya, from Attleboro, Mass., celebrates the U.S. Air Force birthday by continuing regular operations with his fellow Airmen while listening to the radio. “I have wanted to wear this uniform since I was a kid,” said Bedoya, “I have never imagined myself anywhere else. It’s an honor to be featured as a part of this great tradition.” On September 18, 1947 the U.S. Air Force was officially recognized as an independent military service, leaving behind its former role, the U.S. Army Air Corps. This year marks 67 years of the U.S. Air Force leading the world in air superiority, space and cyberspace. “The future of our nation is forever bound up in the development of Air Power,” Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell, United States Army Air Service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stacy Moles / Released).

SUMMARY

If a duty station to the Land of Enchantment is in your future, then this is the base guide for…

If a duty station to the Land of Enchantment is in your future, then this is the base guide for you! Holloman Air Force Base is located in New Mexico. This is one of the AF’s busiest installations because it’s home to the Air Combat Command. The ACC was created in 1992 with the joining of the Strategic Air Command and the Tactical Air Command. It’s responsible for providing combat forces to warfighters, which means a posting to Holloman will be busy and enriching! Holloman is all about the latest tech, so be prepared. In fact, the 846th Test Squadron set a world land speed record for a railed vehicle, clocking in at 6,453 miles per hour which is the equivalent of Mach 8.5. Read on to find out everything you need to know about Holloman AFB in New Mexico. Ever wonder how the Air Force tests ejection seats? Here's how!

Holloman Air Force Base Location

Holloman Air Force Base is located about six miles west of Alamogordo, New Mexico, on Highway 70/82; 90 miles north of El Paso, Texas, and 60 miles east of Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornets park on the flightline at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 13, 2018. The RCAF’s time at Holloman has allowed them to increase flight hours, encouraged interoperability and allowed for invaluable training that is not always possible. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Chase Cannon)

Directions 

Holloman AFB can be reached by car using the following routes.

Heading in from the north? Take I-25 S to US-380 E and US-54 W. Follow signs for Holloman AFB.

Driving from El Paso? Take US-54 E to Alamogordo and follow signs.

Making the trek from the east? Take I-40 W to US-54 W and follow signs.

Coming from the west? Take I-10 E to US-70 E and follow signs.

Transportation

Flying to the closest airports: Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport, El Paso International Airport, Roswell International Air Center

Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport (6 miles) is a nearby regional airport but does not currently have commercial air service. 

El Paso International Airport (74 miles) is the closest airport to Holloman AFB and is served by 5 major airlines and 2 regional airlines.

Roswell International Air Center (96 miles) is served solely by American Airlines.

Driving to Holloman may take a while (since it’s just 98 miles from the US-Mexico border), but it will be the easiest way to get around the area!

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Legacy of Liberty air show over Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, May 6, 2022. The Thunderbirds are slated to perform nearly seventy air shows this season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew D. Sarver)

Contacts at Holloman AFB

Airman and Family Readiness Center: (575) 572-7754

Barracks/Single Service Member Housing: (575) 572-3295

Base Operator: (575) 572-1110

Chapel: (575) 572-5676

Chaplain (Duty Hours): (575) 572-2636

Child Development Center: (575) 572-3753

Civilian Personnel Office: (575) 572-7202

Command Post: (575) 572-4900

Commissary: (575) 572-7572

Community Engagement Office: (575) 572-1824/7381

Dental Clinic: (575) 572-3742

Employment Assistance Program: (575) 572-7754

Equal Opportunity Office: (575) 572-3032

Family Advocacy Program: (575) 572-7061

Health Promotions Dietitian: (575) 572-5047

Hospital/Medical Treatment Facility: (575) 572-5587

Household Goods/Transportation Office: (575) 572-5228

Housing Office: 575-572-2285

ID/CAC Card Processing: (575) 572-7506

Information and Referral Services: (575) 572-7754

Inspector General: (575) 572-2123

Legal Assistance: (575) 572-7217

Lodging Reservations: 575-572-3311

Medical Appointment Line: (575) 572-2778

Mental Health Clinic: (575) 572-5676

NAF Human Resources Program: (575) 572-5454

Outdoor Recreation: (575) 572-5369

Pharmacy: (575) 572-1549

Public Affairs Office: (575) 572-7381

School Liaison Officer: (575) 572-7754

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response 24/7 Hotline: (575) 572-6789

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office: (575) 572-1548/1444

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

Veterinary Clinic: (575) 572-3303

Visitor Reception Center: (575) 572-5951

Youth Center: (575) 572-3753

Netherlands defense and military officials pose in front of an MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft static display, Feb. 1, 2019, on the flightline on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Netherlands defense and military officials visited Holloman to tour the facilities where their MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators are being trained. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Autumn Vogt)

Mission and Units 

Holloman is all about readiness. Its main mission is to build combat-ready aircrew while developing and leading airmen. 

Holloman Air Force Base is a vibrant AF installation. Not only is it home to the 49th Wing, but it is also responsible for training F-16 pilots, supporting Air Transportable Clinics and Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources. Additionally, it’s an Air Education and Training Command base. That means it maintains the world’s longest aircraft testing track. 

Other units at Holloman AFB include the 704th Test Group and the 54th Fighter Group, which trains an average of 180 students per year. Moreover, the 635th Materiel Maintenance Group calls Holloman home. The 635th is responsible for the storage, inspection, repair, deployment and accountability of bare base assets belonging to Air Combat Command.

There are also about 20 associate units on base.

Holloman AFB History

Like lots of DoD installations, Holloman’s roots align with WWII. Back in 1942, it was known as Alamogordo Air Field. Uniquely, it was designed as a training area for British Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth pilots. Instead, it ended up operating as an Army Air Base. There, B-17 crews and B-24 crews trained in prep for wartime missions. 

After the war, the installation got its current name and a new goal as a developmental center. Holloman started testing drones, missiles and UAV-type hardware. 

Later, it hosted the F-117 until it was retired. These days it flies F-22 Raptors. It’s also home to the German Air Force Tactical Training Center, supporting nearly 700 personnel and 25 Tornado fighter jets. Speaking of retired aircraft, can you believe it's been 10 years since the AF retired the F-117?

A B-25 Devil Dog from Georgetown, Texas, sits on the flight line May 6, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The B-25 was named after Major General William “Billy” Mitchell one of the pioneers of military aviation and is one of the many displays scheduled for the 2022 Legacy of Liberty Air Show and Open House. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nicholas Paczkowski)

Things to Do Around Holloman AFB

Hotels

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamogordo (7.5 miles)

Hampton Inn Alamogordo (7.4 miles)

Quality Inn & Suites Near White Sands National Monument (7.4 miles)

Restaurants

Margo’s Mexican Food (8.3 miles) - Locally owned, casual Mexican

Fatwood Barbeque (7.9 miles) - barbecue restaurant

Hi-D-Ho Drive-In (8 miles) - hamburger restaurant

Activities

White Sands National Park (7.2 miles) is 275 square miles of desert where you can go camping, hiking, picnicking and dune sledding.

Toy Train Depot (9.6 miles) is a museum with large model trains and static displays, and you can also take a train ride through Alameda Park.

Alameda Park Zoo (9.1 miles) has 12 acres that are home to nearly 200 animals, an education center, a picnic area and a playground.

Volunteers set up concession booths May 6, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The 2022 Legacy of Liberty Air Show and Open House, scheduled for May 7 and 8, will be the largest event hosted by Holloman in 11 years and will feature dozens of static aircraft displays, capabilities demonstrations, aerial performances and family activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nicholas Paczkowski)

Holloman AFB Housing

Call the Military Housing Office as soon as you receive orders to Holloman. That way, you’ll be able to discuss in real-time the current housing climate and learn what to expect.

You and your Air Force family have options when you call Holloman home. You can choose to live on or off base. Moreover, you can get answers to your questions about housing in the local community by visiting the Housing Referral Office. The RHO provides all DoD personnel with personalized services to assist in finding the best home for your needs and your budget. 

Lend Lease/Soaring Heights Communities operates, and manages on-base Holloman housing.

Unaccompanied housing is offered for unaccompanied Airmen in the ranks of E-1 to E-3 and E-4 with less than 3 years of service. Each Airman is provided a private sleeping room, furnishings, bed linens and supplies required for comfortable living. Unaccompanied Airmen in the rank of E-4 with greater than 3 years of service and above can live in the local community.

Schools Near Holloman AFB 

Mil-kids who call Holloman home have two school choices. Of course, these public schools are tuition free and are legally required to accept and provide an education to all children in Holloman AFB, NM. As with other education related PCS question, it's best to contact the School Liaison Office for more information. 

Chief Master Sgt. Wendy Rowe, 49th Materiel Maintenance Group, encourages Airman 1st Class Madeline Ericson, 49th Wing Judge Advocate civil law paralegal, as she finishes the Air Force Birthday 5K at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Sept. 18. On Sept. 18, 1947, the U.S. Air Force was officially recognized as an independent military service, leaving behind its former role, the U.S. Army Air Corps. This year marks 67 years of the USAF leading the world in air superiority, space and cyberspace. "The future of our nation is forever bound up in the development of Air Power," Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell, United States Army Air Service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leah Ferrante/Released)

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Albuquerque from Holloman AFB?

Albuquerque is about 217 miles northwest of Holloman AFB.

What is Holloman AFB known for?

In the first place, Captain Joseph Kittinger, Jr. achieved fame at Holloman for the highest open gondola manned flight. Then, he earned the accolade for highest balloon flight, highest bailout and longest free-fall jump.

What county is Holloman AFB in?

Holloman AFB is located in Otero County, New Mexico.

What aircraft are at Holloman AFB?

The 49th Wing at Holloman AFB utilizes the F-22 Raptor. In addition to the Raptor, Holloman is home to T-38 Talons, the MQ-1 Predator and the MQ-9 Reaper (both of which are Unmanned Aircraft Systems), the QF-4 Drone, the F-4 Phantom II, and the German Air Force Tornado.

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