Mission
432d Wing consists of combat-ready Airmen who fly the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft to support American and Coalition warfighters. The remotely piloted aircraft provides real-time reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision attack against fixed and time-critical targets. The Hunters conduct remotely piloted aircraft initial qualification training for aircrew, intelligence, weather, and maintenance personnel.
History
Creech Airforce Base is the home of the “Hunters” of the 432d Wing and 432d Air Expeditionary Wing.
Creech AFB arose from a small training site erected in the aftermath of the aerial attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The airfield, that now bears General Creech's name, was originally built by the Army in the early 1940s to support the war effort during World War II. A month after the December 7 attack on Pearl Harbor, the Army began building a training camp near the community of Indian Springs, Nevada. By the end of 1942, the service had contracted for regular facilities and by the end of February 1943 the base was being used as a divert field and base to air-to-air gunnery training. The little post was in service supporting B-17s and T-6s until March 1945 when the Army put the base in stand-by status, which was then maintained by a small housekeeping staff.
When the Las Vegas Army Airfield inactivated in January 1947, Indian Springs also closed. The base re-opened in January 1948 and two years later received its first permanently assigned Air Force unit. In August 1951, the base became an auxiliary field and in July 1952 transferred from the Air Training Command to the Air Research and Development Command, which reported to the Air Force Special Weapons Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The base transferred to the Tactical Air Command in 1961. It officially became Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field during the 1980s. Following the inactivation of Tactical Air Command in 1992, the base became a component of Air Combat Command. Following the inactivation of Tactical Air Command in 1992, the base became a component of Air Combat Command.
On June 20, 2005, Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field officially changed its name to Creech Air Force Base in honor of Gen. Wilbur L. “Bill” Creech. As the commander of the Tactical Air Command from 1978 to 1984, Gen. Creech shaped the Air Force of today with a call for new weapons and tactics. He revolutionized the Air Force by espousing a philosophy of decentralized authority and responsibility. He was also known as the “father of the Thunderbirds”, the Air Force's premiere air demonstration squadron.
On May 1, 2007, the 432d Wing stood up and is now home to the MQ-9 Reaper, a remotely piloted aircraft. For more information, please visit the installation's homepage.
Population
There are approximately 4,000 military who work at Creech AFB. Creech AFB receives support from Nellis AFB, which is located approximately 60 minutes away, in the northeast corner of the Las Vegas valley.
As of 2024, the Las Vegas metro population reached 665,640. The current Las Vegas valley metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million. The Las Vegas valley is home to the three largest incorporated cities in Nevada: Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas.
Creech AFB has approximately 4,000 personnel comprised of active-duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen as well as Department of Defense civilians and contractors assigned to Creech AFB. The 432d WG has command and control over one geographically separated active-duty unit and more than 250 Air National Guard personnel that are a part of units in California, North Dakota, Texas and Arizona.
Location
Creech AFB is located in Indian Springs about 30 miles northwest of Las Vegas and 50 miles west/northwest of Nellis AFB. Nellis AFB provides daily round-trip shuttle bus service between bases for dorm residents. A park-and-ride facility is located on U.S. 95 (Directly off of Exit 93, north of the Hwy 215 interchange) in northwest Las Vegas for car pool use and many personnel participate in the Mass Transportation Benefit Program (vanpool) available at Creech AFB.
Many military personnel live in the northwest corner of the Las Vegas valley, an area which has grown tremendously over the last few years. Popular zip codes include 89130, 89131, 89143, 89166, 89084, and 89085.
The local area has an average annual humidity of 28 percent, and the climate is very dry. Summer temperatures average from the mid-90s to mid-110s and the nights cooler. Winter temperatures average from the mid-30s to upper 60s. High velocity windstorms, dust storms, and rainstorms which may cause flash flooding to occur occasionally throughout the year.
Directions
Creech Air Force Base is located in Indian Springs, NV, approximately 50 miles from Nellis Air Force Base, 315 miles from Los Angeles , 334 miles from Phoenix, 458 miles from Salt Lake City and 319 miles from Grand Canyon National Park.
Traveling from the civilian airport to Creech AFB -- If arriving by civilian airline, Creech AFB is located about 60 miles northwest from Harry Reid International Airport. Merge onto I-215 West, merge onto I-15 North, and merge onto US-95 North. Creech AFB main gate is located on the right as you approach Indian Springs.
Traveling from the Civilian Airport to Nellis AFB for Lodging - If arriving in Las Vegas by civilian airline Nellis AFB is located about 15 miles from Harry Reid International Airport. Follow signs to Interstate 15 (I-15) North to the Craig Road exit. Go right, or east, onto Craig Road. Nellis AFB main gate is located east of Interstate 15 at the end of Craig Road.
Taking Bus from Harry Reid International Airport to Nellis AFB - Personnel can board the Westcliff Express (WAX) Northbound at zero level and take it to the Downtown Transportation Center for a transfer to the Max (Bus #113 North). The Max would then take them to the base. For schedules, visit their website.
Cost for the trip is $12 one way. Ticket is good for 24 hours as a day pass. The approximate travel times would be around 1 hour and 32 minutes from the airport to the base.
Traveling from Las Vegas Bus Stations to Nellis AFB via bus - From Las Vegas Bus Stations take Line 109 Bus and Line 113 Bus.
Contact Information
Commercial: 702-652-1110
DSN: 312-682-1110
