What is Stratcom?

You will see "Stratcom" mentioned many times in connection with Offutt Air Force Base in Douglas County, just outside of Omaha. It is the local contraction of Strategic Air Command. Stratcom plays a large part locally. Not only does it provide a few jobs for the local community, but Stratcom is also part of Omaha's history. Indeed, Crook's Fort, which originally occupied Offut Field, the location of stratcom, was one of the reasons for the very existence of Omaha.

Crook's Fort first became associated with the air force at the end of WWI when the 61st Balloon Company was first stationed there in 1918. From then on, it was to become an important place to the air force, right up to today. It was renamed Offutt Field in 1924 in honor of the first Omaha casualty of WWI, Lt. Jarvis J. Offutt who died in France.

Offutt Air Base and WWII

Stratcom as it is now actually came into being during WWII, when Offutt Field was singled out for the honor of Strategic Air Command due to its inland and central location. It was a long way from the ocean in all directions and considered a better protection to the Red Menace than any other prospective base for Stratcom. Stratcom was actually responsible for a network of military bases and the administration of the US nuclear missile program.

Stratcom played a prominent role in the Vietnam war effort too. At the height of the Vietnam war, Stratcom was host to over 36,000 air force personnel and their families. At the time, an additional 2000 civilians worked at Stratcom.