Dyess AFB Open House & Air Show

Dyess Air Force Base is in the southwest corner of Abilene, about 180 miles west of Dallas. From the east. If you’re traveling by car from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I-20 brings you directly to Abilene. Exit I-20 at Highway 83/84. Go to the South 7th Street exit, then turn right. Go straight about 1 1/2 miles to Arnold Boulevard, then turn left. This takes you to the front gate.

From the west. On I-20, take the I-20 Business exit just outside of the Tye city limits. Drive one mile to the “Dyess AFB” exit sign. Continue on that road to the Dyess front gate. From the north. On U.S. Highway 277/83/84, travel to the South 7th Street exit and turn right. At Arnold Boulevard, turn left–you’ll see the main gate on your right in a few minutes.

From the south. On Highways 83 and 84, exit at South 7th Street and turn left. At Arnold Boulevard, turn left again and follow to main gate. If you’re traveling north on U.S. 277 from the San Angelo area, exit left at Rebecca Lane. You’ll see the main gate on your left in a few minutes.

Dining facilities and service stations are limited along these routes, so it’s advisable to dine and fill up in larger cities. Greyhound has a depot in downtown Abilene, about a 20 minute taxi ride to the base. Air service comes through Abilene Municipal Airport, about 15 miles from the base.

7th AOF best in Air Force Posted 5/7/2012 by Airman 1st Class Damon Kasberg

7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

5/7/2012 – DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — The 7th Operations Support Squadron, Airfield Operations Flight, Airfield Management was recently awarded the Headquarters Air Force Ronald B. McCarty Airfield Management Facility of the Year of 2011.

Their performance during the Headquarters Air Traffic System Evaluation Program Inspection in December 2011 was an extraordinary accomplishment where they achieved an overall score of 95 percent.

“I was at a loss of words, and if you know me, that isn’t what I’m known for,” said Master Sgt. Thomas W. Autorino, 7th Bomb Wing airfield manager. “I’m so proud of everyone. This award is the epitome of a team award; it’s not an individual award, but a facility award. From our youngest airmen to our flight commander, we couldn’t have done this without everyone’s tireless support and above-and-beyond efforts.”

To receive this award, the 7th AOF competed against 18 bases in the Air Combat Command. After winning in the ACC level, they had to compete against the other bases that won in their MAJCOM.

“What sets Dyess’ Airfield Management section apart from all others is their ingenuity in solving long-standing Air Force-wide issues within the airfield management community and being the test-bed for numerous “first-ever” successes.” said Autorino.

Maj. D. Scott Harris, Air Combat Command inspection lead, said that Dyess Airfield Management has an extremely knowledgeable and mature team who provide outstanding support to the 7th Bomb Wing, tenant and transient community.

“We’re not going to stop now,” said Autorino. “Naturally we’re on a high and thinking about next year. We’re going to go two-for-two at the Air Force level and try to win it again.