Welcome

Welcome to the 21st Space Wing and Peterson Air Force Base. The wing's mission is to operate and sustain global missile warning and space control capabilities and installations to dominate the high ground for America and its allies. As the Air Force's most widespread and diverse wing, the "Knights" of the 21st Space Wing can be found in 39 units at 31 locations in eight countries around the world. In addition to our operational missions, the wing also professionally operates Peterson AFB and Cheyenne Mountain AFS, supporting our five major mission partners—North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Northern Command, Air Force Space Command, Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Strategic Command, and the 302nd Airlift Wing (Reserve), and a host of others.

Peterson AFB is located in El Paso County on the east side of Colorado Springs off U.S. Highway 24 and is co-located with the Colorado Springs Airport. Colorado Springs is the second largest city in the state, and the county has a population of more than 600,000 people. The Colorado Springs area also hosts the U.S. Air Force Academy to the north, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station to the west, Fort Carson Army Post to the south, and Schriever AFB to the east.

Colorado Springs is sometimes referred to as the "nation's military space capital," and is clearly one of the premier military communities in our nation. Colorado Springs takes great care of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, civilian employees and military families who proudly call this city their home. In fact, the relationship between the base and the city is excellent. Whether you are a temporary visitor or a permanent resident, Colorado Springs has something for everyone. It is a world-class international community with breathtaking scenery, first-class accommodations, a variety of exciting attractions, a diverse selection of restaurants and cuisine, major shopping centers, and eclectic local businesses to make any family vacation or business trip an experience to remember.

Often ranked as one of the most fit cities in the United States, residents and visitors alike have virtually unlimited options when it comes to recreational and sporting activities. Hiking, mountain biking, running, rafting, boating, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, golfing and ballooning are some of the most popular activities that are enjoyed year-round in our temperate climate, and just up the road are some of the best winter sports opportunities in the world.

When it comes to magnificent scenery and natural beauty, Colorado Springs has it all. Situated along the majestic Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is home to the famous 14,110-foot Pikes Peak. These "purple mountain majesties" inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write "America the Beautiful" a century ago.

The city's altitude is 6,035 feet, and some newcomers experience slight fatigue at first. New arrivals should allow time for their bodies to adjust to the elevation. Summers can be hot and winters cold in Colorado, but the dry climate is generally quite agreeable, whatever the season.

The Colorado Springs Airport, which shares runways with Peterson AFB, serves five airlines with more than 90 flights daily, offering non-stop service to 13 U.S. cities and easily connects to Denver International Airport. Our unique combination of geography and climate make Peterson AFB an enviable assignment. But the real strength of Peterson AFB is the men and women who work here, their energy, commitment and professionalism. One of our wing priorities is to make Peterson AFB the best place to work, live and visit in the Air Force. I hope your experience here reflects our initiative towards this end state. Once again, welcome to Peterson AFB and best wishes from the wing for a rewarding and enjoyable stay with Team Pete.

Chris Crawford
Colonel, USAF
Commander