Nellis Air Force Base has been part of the Las Vegas Valley for more than 80 years. Established in 1941 as Las Vegas Army Air Field, the base became a permanent Air Force installation and grew into one of the most strategic military facilities in the western United States. Today Nellis is home to the United States Air Force Warfare Center, the Nevada Test and Training Range, and thousands of active-duty personnel, civilians, and family members who live and work in Southern Nevada.
The base occupies roughly 11,300 acres northeast of the Las Vegas Strip, adjacent to North Las Vegas. Its mission includes advanced combat training, weapons testing, and readiness operations that support U.S. military objectives worldwide. The Nevada Test and Training Range, which Nellis oversees, covers 2.9 million acres of restricted airspace and is the largest peacetime training range in the country.
For the Las Vegas community, Nellis represents more than a military installation. The base contributes significantly to the local economy through salaries, contracts, and construction. Thousands of military personnel and their families live in North Las Vegas, northeast Las Vegas, and surrounding communities. They shop at local stores, enroll children in Clark County schools, attend local churches, and participate in community events.
The relationship between Nellis and the wider valley runs both directions. Las Vegas residents benefit from the economic stability the base provides. Military families benefit from the amenities, climate, and opportunities that Southern Nevada offers. Community events such as aviation shows, base open houses, and volunteer programs help maintain the connection between those who serve and those who call Las Vegas home.
For military personnel considering a move to the Las Vegas area, understanding the relationship between Nellis and the surrounding community is an important first step. The base is not isolated from the city. It is embedded in the fabric of the valley, and that proximity offers real advantages for those who choose to live off base.
