If you have orders for a PCS to Fairchild Air Force Base, welcome to the Inland Northwest. PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station, the military term for moving from one duty station to another. Fairchild is a busy, mission-focused installation on the western edge of Spokane, Washington, and it is home to one of the most important aerial refueling fleets in the Air Force. This 2026 guide is written for the airmen, civilians, and families who are moving here to live and work.
A move is a lot to manage. Our goal is to make the Fairchild part feel clearer. We will walk through what the base does, where families live, how housing pay works, schools, healthcare, the local climate, and things to do once you are settled.
What and Where Is Fairchild AFB?
Fairchild Air Force Base sits about 12 miles southwest of downtown Spokane, in eastern Washington. It is the home of the 92d Air Refueling Wing, which is the host unit for Team Fairchild and, according to the Team Fairchild fact sheet, the largest KC-135 Stratotanker unit in the Air Force.
The 92d ARW operates 68 KC-135 R/T Stratotanker aircraft. The KC-135 is the Air Force's primary aerial refueling jet, and the wing provides in-flight refueling to U.S. and allied aircraft in support of conventional and strategic deterrence operations worldwide. The wing is also responsible for cargo airlift and aeromedical evacuation.
The 141st Air Refueling Wing is a Washington Air National Guard (ANG) associate unit with more than 1,200 citizen-airmen that shares the 92d ARW's KC-135R aircraft. It has a state mission supporting the governor and a federal aerial refueling mission under Air Mobility Command when mobilized.
Also on the installation is the 336th Training Group, home to the Air Force's Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) school. SERE trains at-risk personnel to survive, evade capture, and resist exploitation. The 336th TRG's motto is "Return with Honor." The basic course runs 19 days and includes field training in the Colville and Kaniksu National Forests about 70 miles north of the base. The group trains approximately 20,000 students a year across four locations.
Team Fairchild includes more than 11,800 active-duty, ANG, and tenant personnel, making it the largest employer in eastern Washington.
For an overview of all Washington installations, see what military bases are in Washington. You can also compare notes with families headed to Joint Base Lewis-McChord on the western side of the state.
Where to Live When PCSing to Fairchild AFB
Most families who move to Fairchild either live in on-post housing or settle in one of the surrounding communities. Your choice typically comes down to commute time, schools, budget, and the feel you want. Ask your sponsor and the housing office about current on-post availability and wait times.
Approximate one-way drive times to Fairchild AFB. Times vary with traffic and which gate you use.
Airway Heights
Airway Heights is right at the base's front door, about 10 minutes from the main gate. It is the most convenient off-post choice, with grocery stores and restaurants close by. Most airmen who want a short commute start here.
Medical Lake
Medical Lake is a small city about 12 minutes from the gate, set near a lake of the same name. It has a quiet, small-town character with a tight-knit community and a quick drive to work.
Cheney
Cheney is a college town about 20 minutes southwest of the base, home to Eastern Washington University. Housing ranges from established neighborhoods to newer construction. The Cheney School District serves both Cheney and Airway Heights and has earned the Purple Star Award for its support of military families.
Spokane
Central Spokane is about 20 minutes from the base and offers the full range of city amenities: restaurants, hospitals, theaters, and professional sports. Neighborhoods vary widely, so touring in person or talking to a local agent pays off.
Spokane Valley
Spokane Valley, east of downtown, is a large suburban area roughly 30 minutes from the gate with a wide range of housing prices and strong retail access. It is a popular choice for families who want more space.
Liberty Lake
Liberty Lake is about 35 minutes from the base and borders northern Idaho. It is one of the region's newer communities, with planned neighborhoods, a natural lake, and a well-regarded school district. Families looking for newer construction often look here.
Fairchild AFB BAH and the Cost of Living
If you live off post, the military helps cover housing costs through BAH, which stands for Basic Allowance for Housing. BAH is a monthly, tax-free payment. The amount depends on three things: your rank, whether you have dependents, and your duty station's Military Housing Area (MHA). Fairchild AFB falls within the Spokane, Washington MHA.
Because rates change each year and vary by rank and dependent status, we do not publish a rate table here. To find your exact figure, use the official DoD BAH calculator: travel.dod.mil BAH Rate Lookup. Enter your rank and ZIP code to see the current rate. Always confirm yours before signing a lease or making an offer.
For a sense of buying costs, the typical home value in Spokane was about $395,325 as of March 31, 2026, according to Zillow. That is a typical value, not a median sale price. As of the week of June 18, 2026, Freddie Mac reported the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.47 percent. Whether buying or renting makes more sense depends on how long you expect to be stationed here and your personal financial picture, so run the numbers for your own situation.
If you are considering buying, start with our guide to what are the benefits of a VA loan. A VA loan is a home loan backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and it is one of the strongest benefits available to eligible service members.
