Dyess Air Force Base is in the southwest corner of Abilene, about 180 miles west of Dallas.

From the east. If you're traveling by car from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I-20 brings you directly to Abilene. Exit I-20 at Highway 83/84. Go to the South 7th Street exit then turn right. Go straight about 1 1/2 miles to Arnold Boulevard, then turn left. This takes you to the front gate.

From the west. On I-20, take the I-20 Business exit just outside of the Tye city limits. Drive one mile to the "Dyess AFB" exit sign. Continue on that road to the Dyess front gate.

From the north. On U.S. Highway 277/83/84, travel to the South 7th Street exit and turn right. At Arnold Boulevard, turn left—you'll see the main gate on your right in a few minutes. From the south. On Highways 83 and 84, exit at South 7th Street and turn left. At Arnold Boulevard, turn left again and follow to main gate. If you're traveling north on U.S. 277 from the San Angelo area, exit left at Rebecca Lane. You'll see the main gate on your left in a few minutes.

Dining facilities and service stations are limited along these routes, so it's advisable to dine and fill up in larger cities. Greyhound has a depot in downtown Abilene, about a 20 minute taxi ride to the base. Air service comes through Abilene Municipal Airport, about 15 miles from the base.

Once you arrive, make your first stop the Dyess Inn at 441 Fifth St. It's open 24 hours a day. They'll set you up with a place to stay as you begin in processing. Most rooms are within walking distance to the dining facility, club, base exchange and commissary. Another word of advice—people on official travel should make billeting reservations early. Call (325) 696-2681 or DSN 461-2681.

The Dyess Inn boasts 173 suites and 26 shared bathroom rooms in 10 facilities. Priority l (orders) reservations are accepted on a first come, first serve basis without regard to rank. Priority 2 (space available) reservations are accepted 24 hours in advance of arrival date for up to three nights, space permitting. The Dyess Inn continues a long tradition of hospitality in the Abilene area with a fine staff and facilities to demonstrate the primary goal of outstanding customer service in a comfortable, relaxed environment.

No pets are allowed in any lodging room or on the premises, but a list of local kennels is available at the reception center. All rooms are non-smoking. The temporary lodging facility offers 39 modern efficiency apartments for families. Each unit offers sleeping space for five people, a crib, color television, kitchen complete with utensils, refrigerator, thermostat-controlled heating and air conditioning and a private bath. A completely handicap-accessible unit is also available for guests with special needs. Free laundry facilities are available. A playground for children is also available. When no temporary living facilities are available on base, the desk clerk on duty has complete information on local hotels and restaurants.