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Patrick Space Force Base

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Patrick Space Force Base

On December 9, 2020, Patrick Air Force Base was redesignated as Patrick Space Force Base.

This installation is located in Florida between Satellite Beach and Cocoa Beach and hosts both the 45th Space Wing as well as the Air Force Technical Application Center. The base is also home to the Defense Equal Opportunity and Treatment Center. Patrick AFB plays a major role in U.S. space operations, international nuclear test tracking, and much more.

Find information about Patrick Air Force Base including the main commercial and DSN numbers for the base, information on basic services, base transportation, lodging for TDY and PCSing personnel, and inprocessing.

Mission & Units

Patrick Space Force Base is home to the 45th Space Wing, which handles spacecraft processing, launch, tracking, and “data services” according to the official site. Patrick Air Force base is the center for launch operations for all DoD space programs. 

The base is also the site of the Air Force Technical Application Center (AFTAC), Defense Equal Opportunity and Treatment Center (DEOMI), and the 920th Rescue Wing (AFRES). Operations here include responsibility for operating Cape Canaveral Air Force Station as well as the entire Eastern Range. The base employs more than 13,000 military, contractors, and civilians.

Important units at Patrick include:

  • 5th Wing Plans/Programs
  • 21st Surveillance Squadron
  • 22nd Surveillance Squadron
  • 23rd Analysis Squadron
  • 24th Analysis Squadron
  • 301st Rescue Squadron (301 RQS)
  • 333rd USAF Recruiting Squadron
  • 39th Rescue Squadron (39 RQS)
  • 45th Civil Engineering Squadron
  • 45th Aeromedical Dental Sq
  • 45th Civil Engineering Squadron
  • 45th Comptroller Squadron
  • 45th Contracting Squadron
  • 45th Force Support Squadron
  • 45th Launch Group 45 LCG
  • 45th LCSS
  • 45th Medical Group
  • 45th Medical Operations Squadron (MDOS)
  • 45th Medical Support Squadron (MDSS)
  • 45th Mission Support Group
  • 45th Operations Group
  • 45th Operations Support Squadron (OSS)
  • 45th Security Forces Squadron
  • 45th Space Communications Squadron
  • 45th Space Wing
  • 45th Weather Squadron
  • 5 Space Launch Squadron (5SLS)
  • Air Force Technical Applications Center
  • DEOMI
  • Det 1 45th MSG
  • Naval Ordnance Test Unit (NOTU)
  • 709th Technical Maintenance Squadron
  • 920th Maintenance Group (920 MXG)
  • 920th Mission Support Group (920 MSG)
  • 920th Operations Group (920 OG)
  • 920th Rescue Wing (920RQW)
  • DET 1, 45 Mission Support Gp Cape Canaveral AFS
  • DET 2, 45 Mission Support Gp, Ascension Air Force Station
  • DET 3, 45 Operations/Launch Group

History

Air Force base history tends to start with World War Two and Patrick SFB history is no exception. What’s unique about Patrick is that instead of getting its start as an Army Airfield or other Army installation (which is fairly common for many Air Force bases) Patrick began as Naval Air Station Banana River.

That installation was a subordinate operation of NAS Jacksonville and originally functioned as an anti-submarine warfare base. The Air Station continued operating for about two years after the end of World War Two, and was inactive for a time until the Air Force took control of the base in 1948 when the area was redesignated as the Joint Long Range Proving Ground.

Come 1950, the proving ground was redesignated again, this time named after an Army Major General who was a pilot, engineer, and the founder of Army Air Corps. Mason Patrick’s name has been associated with the base ever since.

1950 was also the year Patrick AFB began operating in the space realm where it has remained ever since. It has functioned as an admin and operations center for Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and a great deal of the military involvement in the U.S. space program has been focused at Patrick.

The base would find a bit of popular culture exposure in the 1960s as it was the location for exterior shots for the television comedy, I Dream Of Jeannie. 

Patrick AFB’s role in space operations includes supporting the Air Force Technical Applications Center, which is responsible for monitoring nuclear testing worldwide.

In modern times, Patrick Air Force Base still plays a crucial role in the American space program. The 45th Space Wing here operates three airfields and is responsible for maintaining the some 15-million-square-mile Eastern Range from launch sites at Cape Canaveral Air Station and a network of “downrange instrumentation” associated with the space program.

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, 2020 was the year everything changed for Patrick as far as its primary mission is concerned. In December of that year, the base was officially redesignated as Patrick Space Force Base.

However, since the installation has already been involved in space missions it was acknowledged that the redesignation was largely ceremonial, but in terms of future operations under the command of U.S. Space Force, the change is historic as it marked the start of a new era in the American military.

Contacts

Main Address And Telephone Numbers

Airman and Family Readiness Center
842 Falcon Avenue, Bldg 722
Patrick SFB, FL 32925-3439

  • 321-494-5676
  • 312-854-5675

Important Contact Numbers

  • Barracks Single Service Member Housing (321) 494-3647
  • Base Operator (321) 494-1110
  • Beneficiary Counseling Assistance Coordinators (321) 494-8459
  • Emergency 911
  • Emergency Relief Services (321) 494-5675
  • Hospital Medical Treatment Facility (321) 494-8241
  • ID CAC Card Processing (321) 494-4252
  • Information and Referral Services (321) 494-5675
  • Legal Services JAG (321) 494-7357
  • Personnel Support Office (321) 494-4252
  • Suicide Prevention Hotline (800) 273-8255
  • VA Facilities (321) 637-3788
  • Welcome Visitors Center(321) 494-5428

Surrounding Area

Patrick is uniquely situated to enjoy Florida outdoor adventures (fishing tours are popular here) including activities on the water, under the water (diving, snorkeling, etc.) and even above the water with helicopter tours by companies like Cocoa Beach Helicopters.

Patrick Space Force Base is heavily involved with U.S. space missions, and space tourism is a major player in the local attractions; you can visit Cape Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Center, and the Air Force Air And Space Museum.

Patrick is about two hours from Tampa, Florida, which features plenty of sports–the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays, plus minor league teams. You can also visit theme parks such as Busch Gardens and enjoy local boat and fishing tours. Like nearby MacDill Air Force Base, Patrick is just over an hour’s drive from Orlando, Florida and just over 70 miles to Disney World. 

Inprocessing and Check-In

All inbound troops are directed to initially check in with the gaining unit command support staff on the first duty day of arrival before attempting any other in-processing.

Your sponsor may accompany you to a variety of inprocessing appointments including the base-level INTRO briefing all new arrivals will attend. If you do not have a sponsor and arrive to the local area without one, call the Patrick Airman and Family Readiness Center at (321) 494-5676.

Services

Health Care

Patrick SFB features healthcare provided by the 45th Medical Group and offers basic outpatient services–there is no emergency room. Services at Patrick healthcare facilities include:

  • Primary Care Clinic
  • Family Practice Clinic
  • Flight Medicine Clinic
  • Pediatric Clinic
  • Internal Medicine
  • Optometry
  • Women’s Health Clinic
  • Physical Therapy
  • Orthopedic Clinic
  • Pharmacy
  • Diagnostic Imaging (Radiology)
  • Laboratory
  • Immunizations

Call the clinic at 321-494-8241 for information about appointments and alternative care options where applicable.

Child Care

The Child Development Center provides care for children ages six weeks to five years of age. As soon as you have orders to Patrick, fill out DD Form 2606 and submit it to the Patrick SFB CDC via fax at DSN 321-494-5848, before arrival. Waiting lists apply–you will be added to the wait list upon receipt of your paperwork. 

There are also Family Child Care (FCC) options offered in certified private military housing. This options is available for children ages two weeks to 12 years. Call 321-494-7028 for FCC options.

Household Goods

All airmen PCSing to Patrick Space Force Base are directed to track and manage their household goods shipments via the Defense Personal Property System at Move.mil. You can also get local assistance from the Patrick TMO section by calling 321-494-4964.

Dependent And Retiree ID Card Renewal, Replacement, New Issue

All ID card services are handled by the Patrick Military Personnel Flight. You can set up an appointment (walkins are discouraged and may subject to long wait times) via the RAPIDS online scheduler. You will need two unexpired forms of approved ID which may be subject to REAL ID Act requirements.

The sponsor’s presence is required unless you have a power of attorney or other approved form (ask first) granting permission to obtain ID cards or make DEERS changes on behalf of the service member.

Schools

There are no DoD schools on Patrick SFB. Those who live in Patrick housing usually attend Brevard County Schools which may include the following:

  • Privatized Housing off base (Pelican Coast) Holland Elementary School, DeLaura Middle School, Satellite Beach High School
  • Privatized Housing on base- (River’s Edge, Oceanside) Roosevelt Elementary School, DeLaura Middle School, Satellite Beach High School

Bus transportation is provided by the Brevard County School District when schools are further than two miles away. 

Transfer requirements for area schools includes immunizations:

  • Diphtheria
  • Pertussis
  • Tetanus
  • Polio Vaccine
  • MMR 
  • Hepatitis B 

According to the official site, no child will be enrolled in school “unless one of the following conditions can be met:”

  • A certificate of immunization or its equivalent from a physician, health department official, or previous school record;
  • A certificate of exemption (temporary medical)
  • A certificate of exemption (permanent medical)
  • A certificate of exemption from immunization on religious grounds

Contact the Patrick School Liaison Office for more information by calling 321-494-1991.

Housing

Housing at Patrick SFB is privatized and operated by Hunt Military Communities. Hunt offers military families 3-4 bedroom homes “with either river or ocean views” according to the official site. All those PCSing to Patrick should contact Hunt prior to entering into legally binding agreements for housing.

Unaccompanied service members may be required to live on-base; all PCSing to the area who are between E1-E4 with less than 3 years of service, considered single or “geographic bachelors” must contact the Patrick AFB The Unaccompanied Housing Office by calling (321) 494-3647.

All new arrivals are directed to explore their housing options (pre-arrival) in the area via the Air Force Housing website and you can call (888) 678-4589 to speak to the Hunt Military Communities office ahead of time.

PCS and TDY Lodging

Those traveling to the base in need of PCS or TDY temporary quarters should make reservations with The Space Coast Inn. PCS and TDY season make it challenging to get a room at the Inn; new arrivals have priority but high demand requires booking early. 

From March 1 to September 30 each year, only one unit per family or traveler is permitted. Pet facilities may be very limited–ask ahead of time and don’t assume availability as you may be required to kennel your pets in the local area.

Call for reservations: 321-494-6591

Transportation

Patrick SFB is near two Florida airports: Melbourne International and Orlando International. Rush hour in the area is a force to be reckoned with; contact your sponsor for advice on dealing with arrival times and how to get from the airport to TLF, check-in, or elsewhere.

The usual ride sharing and commercial taxis are available depending on demand, time of day, etc. Don’t hesitate to get advice from your sponsor about your arrival–you’ll be glad you did.

Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License

Car insurance costs here may be higher than you expect. Florida law dictates that privately owned vehicles (POVs) in Florida for more than 90 days must carry personal injury protection and property damage liability insurance coverage.

Operating a privately owned vehicle on Patrick requires a current, valid military ID, state registration, current driver’s license, and any decals or stickers required at entry time. Out-of-state service members bringing a vehicle to Florida may be required to pay and register their POV depending on the size and nature of the vehicle. Visit the official site of the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Department.