Is F.E. Warren a nuke base?

Yes, F.E. Warren is home to the 90th Missile Wing, which operates the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile as part of the Air Force's nuclear deterrent mission, and is slated to receive the new Sentinel ICBM system.

What does F.E. Warren AFB do?

Its primary mission is ICBM operations under Air Force Global Strike Command, it's been the country's first ICBM base since the late 1950s, first with Atlas missiles, then Minuteman I, then Minuteman III.July, the warmest month, averages a high around 84°F warm but rarely extreme, especially compared to lower-elevation cities.

How many people are on F.E. Warren AFB?

Roughly 3,500 active-duty personnel plus about 1,500 civilian workers, making it one of the largest employers in the Cheyenne area.

Is F.E. Warren a Space Force base?

No, F.E. Warren remains an Air Force installation under Air Force Global Strike Command, not a Space Force base, though Wyoming does have a small Space Force presence elsewhere in the state.

Living Near F.E. Warren Air Force Base: A Renter's Guide to Cheyenne, WY

August 31, 2026

If you're headed to Cheyenne on PCS orders, F.E. Warren Air Force Base...

If you're headed to Cheyenne on PCS orders, F.E. Warren Air Force Base is the reason, it's one of the city's largest employers, with roughly 3,500 active-duty personnel and around 1,500 civilian workers on base. Here's what renters should know about the base and the neighborhoods around it.

What F.E. Warren AFB Actually Does

Established in 1867 as Fort D.A. Russell, F.E. Warren is the oldest continuously active installation in the Air Force. It's home to the 90th Missile Wing, part of Air Force Global Strike Command, which operates the LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and the base is slated to be the first to receive the Air Force's new LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM as Minuteman III is phased out.

Where Base Families Tend to Live

Cheyenne's west side, closest to Warren's main gate, is the most common choice for base families for the obvious reason: proximity. Newer developments on the south side (areas like Saddle Ridge and Buffalo Ridge) are also popular for families wanting newer construction, with a commute to the base of around 15 minutes via Pershing or Dell Range. Laramie County School District #1 serves both areas. A smaller number of Warren families commute from Fort Collins, Colorado, about 45 minutes south on I-25, though that commute means dealing with Cheyenne's notorious wind during winter months.

The PCS Season and Renting in Cheyenne

Warren's PCS cycle peaks March through July, as service members get orders and try to settle in before the school year starts, which means that stretch is also when Cheyenne's rental market sees the most turnover and competition. If you're renting rather than buying during a PCS move (common for shorter tours or while you decide on a neighborhood), starting your search early in that window matters.

What to Know Before You Arrive

Budget for wind and winter: see our Cheyenne, WY Weather Guide for what to expect across all four seasons.
Factor in the whole cost of living, not just rent, see our Cost of Living guide for what Wyoming's lack of state income tax means for your paycheck.
Compare renting vs. buying before committing VA loan zero-down financing makes ownership accessible fast, but if your tour length or next assignment is uncertain, renting keeps you flexible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is F.E. Warren a nuke base?

Yes, F.E. Warren is home to the 90th Missile Wing, which operates the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile as part of the Air Force's nuclear deterrent mission, and is slated to receive the new Sentinel ICBM system.
What does F.E. Warren AFB do?

Its primary mission is ICBM operations under Air Force Global Strike Command, it's been the country's first ICBM base since the late 1950s, first with Atlas missiles, then Minuteman I, then Minuteman III.July, the warmest month, averages a high around 84°F warm but rarely extreme, especially compared to lower-elevation cities.
How many people are on F.E. Warren AFB?

Roughly 3,500 active-duty personnel plus about 1,500 civilian workers, making it one of the largest employers in the Cheyenne area.
Is F.E. Warren a Space Force base?

No, F.E. Warren remains an Air Force installation under Air Force Global Strike Command, not a Space Force base, though Wyoming does have a small Space Force presence elsewhere in the state.