We invite you to our activities and encourage you to visit us while you are in the "Land of Enchantment". Kirtland AFB is conveniently located 5 minutes from the airport just off Gibson. The base is nestled above the Rio Grande Valley between the Sandia and Monzano Mountains. The ideal weather with clear blue skies and sunshine nearly 300 days of the year.

The Exchange

Our team of professionals proudly serve the men and women of the military, air national guard, reserves and retirees in the area. We want to make your life easier and are committed to providing merchandise and services with NO SALES TAX. Our pledge is to make your visit a memorable one. Enjoy and let us know how we are doing! We welcome your comments and suggestions to make further improvements for you and the Kirtland community. Your satisfaction is our reward!

KIRTLAND HISTORY

Kirtland's story had it's beginnings in the 1920's, when a private air field was built on what is now the east side of the base and in the late 1930's, when Albuquerque's airport was built, two large military complexes existed which are unified as one base today. In 1942, the base was renamed for Col Roy C. Kirtland, a military aviation pioneer who was one of the first students to fly with the Wright brothers. While both Kirtland Field and Sandia Base made their contributions to the war effort, Los Alamos Laboratory scientists raced to develop the first nuclear weapons. In 1976 Kirtland became the hub of Air Force space technology, which later merged with the weapons lab to become Phillips Labs, then the Air Force Research Laboratory.

KIRTLAND TODAY

Kirtland AFB is the third largest installation in the Air Force Materiel Command occupying 51,558 acres and the mission encompasses world class munitions maintenance; readiness training; research, development and testing and base support to more than 200 tenant units to include: Department of Defense, Sandia National Laboratories, Phillips Lab, Air National Guard, 140th Fighter Wing, 58th Special Operations Wing, Air Force Inspection Agency, Air Force Research Laboratory for Directed Energy and Space Vehicles, NCO Academy, AF Safety Center, FA Health Care System, AF Operational Test and Evaluation Center.

ALBUQUERQUE

Attractions include history in the old town with beginnings 70 years before the American Revolution when King Phillip of Spain gave colonists permission to settle in an area of the Rio Grande Valley. The Pueblo-Spanish style architecture makes the old town a beautiful place to visit where a wide variety of Southwestern artwork is available. Albuquerque is rich in tradition, culture and creativity as part of the legacy of the original inhabitants of the Southwest thousands of years ago. Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Museum which tells the story from prehistoric times to present. Don't miss the Petroglyph National Monument, Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway or the Kodak International Balloon Fiesta held annually from the first Saturday through the second Sunday of October. The surrounding area offers much to see and do in a spectacular natural setting which has earned the state moto: Land of Enchantment.

My staff and I welcome you to Albuquerque and Kirtland AFB where we are Always Available For Excellent Service (The Exchange)!

Sincerely,

Daniel M. Enderle
General Manager
(505) 232-8771
Kirtland AFB