Welcome

Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Cnaveral Air Force Station are the home of the 45th Space Wing and the world's premier gateway to space. The unit's 9,742 personnel are tasked with delivering assured space launch, range and combat capabilities for the Nation. The wing is organized into four groups to accomplish its mission: the launch group, the operations group, the mission support group and the medical group.

As the Department of Defense's East Coast Space Port and providers of launch support services, the 45th Space Wing is a far-reaching organization. Its Eastern Range covers more than 10,000 miles from the Florida mainland through the South Atlantic into the Indian Ocean. The base serves a varied population which includes Air Force, Navy, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, active and reserve personnel, DoD civilians, retirees and their eligible family members.

Patrick AFB is nestled between the whitesand shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful Banana River, south of Cocoa Beach and 12 miles north of Melbourne, Fla. Canaveral AFS lies just north of Port Canaveral, with the Banana River to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

This guide features important information to help you quickly settle in - on-base facilities, housing, dining, shopping, child care and entertainment - and enjoy your new home, the base and the local community.

Welcome!

ARRIVAL
BY PLANE
Melbourne International Airport
One Air Terminal Parkway
Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 723-6227
http://www.mlbair.com

From Melbourne
International Airport
For those arriving by air, the closest airport to Patrick AFB is the Melbourne International Airport, which is approximately 15 miles away. Upon exiting the airport, turn left onto NASA Boulevard. Continue to U.S. Route 1. Take U.S. 1 North to Pineda Causeway (State Road 404). Go east on Pineda Causeway to State Road A1A. Turn left onto SR A1A and proceed approximately four miles to the main gate of Patrick AFB.

A passenger shuttle service to Patrick AFB is available on the ground level adjacent to the baggage claim. Make reservations by calling (800) 826-4544; it is recommended that reservations be made at least 24 hours in advance. The cost varies but is approximately $25 per person.

Orlando International Airport
1 Airport Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32827
(407) 851-6400
http://www.orlandoairports.net
The Orlando International Airport is 58 miles northwest of Patrick AFB. When leaving the airport, stay to the right and take State Road 528 east toward Cape Canaveral (a tollbooth will require a $1.25 fee). Go south at SR A1A and continue south. The base will be on the right side in approximately 20 miles. Several shuttles go to Patrick AFB on an hourly basis. Pick-up is on ground level Space 18. Reservations can be made by calling (888) 784-4144; it is recommended that reservations be made at least 24 hours in advance. The cost to Patrick AFB varies but is approximately $40 per person, one way.

BY CAR
Take Interstate 95 South to Exit 205 (SR 528) east toward Cape Canaveral. SR 528 will become SR A1A. The base will be about 20 miles south on the right side. Or take 1-95 South to Exit 191 (Wickham Road). Turn left at the light and continue approximately six miles to Pineda Causeway. Turn left and follow the signs to Patrick AFB.

If you are headed south on Interstate 75 take the Florida Turnpike. From the turnpike exit in Orlando at SR 528 East. Follow the above directions for SR 528 to SR A1A to Patrick AFB.

Patrick Air Force Base has two gates. The Main Gate is open 24 hours a day and is located on Highway A1A. The South Gate is located on South Patrick Drive and is accessible from Pineda Causeway. Pass and registration is located at the Main Gate. Visitor passes are available at both gates.

BY BUS
Greyhound Lines
(800) 231-2222
http://www.greyhound.com
Greyhound has terminals in Orlando and at Melbourne International Airport. For detailed information, see the website. Special round-trip tours to area attractions are available.

OTHER TRANSPORTATION
Space Coast Area Transit
(321) 633-1878
http://www.ridescat.com
The Space Coast Area Transit operates public transportation throughout Brevard County, which is where the Patrick AFB resides. Fixed routes operate on a set schedule at designated stops, providing extensive coverage throughout cities within the county.

IN-PROCESSING
Newly arriving military members are welcomed during normal duty hours by the base INTRO manager, located in the MPS Customer Service section of the 45th Force Support Squadron, Building 537, North Side. Those arriving after normal duty hours must report to the 24-hour arrival point, the Space Coast Inn, located in Building 1332, for lodging assignments. Please call (321) 494-2073 for lodging information.

Upon arrival at Patrick AFB, contact your sponsor. They will accompany you through in-processing. If you haven't been assigned, or been in contact with your sponsor, contact Patrick's INTRO manager before arriving and a sponsor will be assigned. Please contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center at (321) 494-5675 if you do not have a sponsor after you arrive at Patrick AFB.

Relocation counseling, sponsorship assistance and information on personal finances are available at the Airman & Family Readiness Center.

Contact the TMO at (321) 494-5964 for any move related questions, such as household goods, hold baggage or other household move issues. All military members must first in-process through their squadron command support staff section before taking their records to INTRO. All hand-carried records and documents should be available for the base INTRO manager to begin in-processing.

PERSONAL MAIL
Military personnel in PCS status to Patrick AFB who want to receive personal mail should go to the Postal Service Center, Building 424 or call (321) 494-8740 to inquire about getting a mail box. Personal mail cannot be delivered through the 45th Force Support Squadron. For more information, call the PAFB official mail manager at (321) 494-4195.

TEMPORARY LODGING
The Space Coast Inn
Building 720
(321) 494-6591
Prior to arriving at Patrick, it is necessary to make reservations for temporary lodging. The Space Coast Inn provides lodging excellence in support of the 45th Space Wing readiness and peacetime mission. Due to seasonal high occupancy rates, you are urged to contact lodging well in advance to secure your reservation.

New arrivals have priority but it is advised that you or your sponsor take care of your billeting arrangements as soon as possible. Reservations can be made by your sponsor or by directly calling (321) 494-6590.

Check-in is at 3 p.m. and room charges must be paid in advance with cash, check or a valid credit card. Sundry items (snacks, beverages and microwave meals) are provided in some rooms. They are "pay per usage" items and are inventoried daily. Any items used are posted to your room account. Amenities (mouthwash, lotion, etc.) are provided free of charge upon check in. Coffee, tea, condiments and bath soap are provided and replenished daily, or as needed for all visiting officer and enlisted quarters. The Space Coast Inn is open 24 hours a day, year round, and is pet friendly

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAY
SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES
"Providing highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement" is the mission of the DHSMV. To that end, new residents can obtain driver's licenses, identification cards, vehicle registration and numerous other services. Find many of the required forms and general information at http://www.flhsmv.gov.

SEAT BELT ENFORCEMENT
Legislators passed Florida's Primary Safety Belt Law in June 2009. An officer can stop a motor vehicle if people riding in the front seat or passengers younger than 18 years old fail to buckle up. Violators will be issued tickets. And, under the Child Restraint Law, a driver can be stopped and cited if a child younger than 4 years-old is not in a child seat.

STATE DRIVER'S LICENSE
Florida law requires identification, proof of date of birth, proof of residential address, and proof of social security number from all customers before a driver license or identification card can be issued. The name assigned to the social security number must match the name that will appear on the Florida driver license or identification card. If you have recently changed your name, update your records with the Social Security Administration before you apply for your license or identification card. See http://gathergoget.com/checklist/ checklist.aspx to view a complete list of acceptable documents.

Although out-of-state licenses or IDs are not accepted as primary identification, they are accepted to reciprocate for driver license exams. You will not be required to take the exams again, unless special conditions prevail, for example if the driver demonstrates something that indicates they may not be able to safely drive a vehicle. Every person who visits a driver license office will have to take the vision test; other testing may be applicable.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Find the Florida DHSMV's package of forms to assist active-duty military members to title and register a motor vehicle or vessel, such as Military Insurance Exemption Information and the Military Initial Registration Fee Exemption Affidavit, at http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/forms/miltitle.html.

MOTORCYCLES
All motorcycles operated on Patrick AFB and Cape Canaveral AFS must be registered. In addition to a valid driver's license, registration and proof of insurance, cyclists are required to complete the base motorcycle safety course to obtain permanent registration. Contact the 45th Space Wing Safety Office at (321) 494-2202 to register for the course. The Department of Defense mandates the wearing of all personal protective equipment on base and off base for all motorcycle operators.

FIREARMS REGISTRATION
Firearms are not permitted in any lodging facility or dormitory. Upon your arrival, you must contact the Security Forces Armory at (321) 494-3463 during duty hours or the Law Enforcement Desk after hours at (321) 494-2008 to store your weapons. Those living in base housing may retain their firearms and ammunition in their quarters by filling out an Air Force Form 1314 with your commander's signature. Once signed, the form must be brought to the 45th Security Forces Squadron Pass & ID section for registration.