Tinker AFB PCS Guide: BAH, Housing, Schools & OKC Intel

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Tinker AFB is the largest single-site employer in Oklahoma with 26,000+ personnel (military + civilian). As the Air Force's premier depot, it offers stable depot life with LOW deployment tempo, affordable Oklahoma City metro living, and family-friendly communities.

Key Numbers:

• BAH vs. Rent: Comfortable surplus (OKC rent is cheap—BAH covers 3BR house with $400-800 buffer)
• Median 3BR Rent: $1,400-1,800/month (very affordable)
• School Quality: Excellent suburbs (Edmond, Moore 8-9/10), avoid OKC proper (4-6/10)
• Deployment Tempo: LOW (depot life = stable, few deployments)

What This Guide Covers: OKC housing neighborhoods with real prices, school ratings by name, depot culture, and tornado safety reality.

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Quick Facts

Installation Overview:

• Official Name: Tinker Air Force Base
• Location: Midwest City/Oklahoma City, OK (10 miles southeast of downtown OKC)
• Size: 5,000 acres
• Population: 26,000 total (6,000 active duty + 12,000 civilians + 8,000 contractors)
• Branch: Air Force (AFMC - Air Force Materiel Command)
• Major Units: Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex (OC-ALC), 552nd ACW (E-3 AWACS), 507th ARW (Reserve KC-135)
• Mission: Depot-level maintenance and modification for B-1, B-52, KC-135, E-3, E-6, Navy E-6B
• Climate: Four seasons (hot humid summers 90-100°F, mild winters 30-50°F, tornadoes Apr-Jun)
• Nearest Major City: Oklahoma City (10 miles west)

Want real-time data? This guide provides current rates and static intel. For live housing prices, current school ratings, and personalized recommendations, use Base Navigator → (Premium)

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BAH Rates

Key Insight: Oklahoma City rent is very affordable—BAH comfortably covers rent with $400-800/month buffer for utilities and savings. E5 BAH ($1,800-2,200) covers nice 3BR house in good suburbs (Edmond, Moore, Midwest City) with cash left over. This is a financial win for most airmen.

BAH rates sourced from Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), updated annually. See official source →

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Housing Neighborhoods (Ranked)

Top Tier Off-Base (Best Schools, Commute 20-30 min)

1. Edmond (Zip: 73034, 73013)

• Distance: 15 miles north (25 min via I-35/I-44)
• Median 3BR Rent: $1,600-2,000/month
• School District: Edmond Public Schools (9/10 - best in OKC metro)
• Why Here: Top schools, safe neighborhoods, upscale OKC suburb
• Commute: I-35 south to I-44 east—moderate traffic AM rush (30 min)
• Grocery/Shopping: Edmond has everything (Target, Whole Foods, Memorial Rd shopping)
• Reality: Best choice for families with school-age kids—worth the drive for 9/10 schools. Most Tinker officers/senior NCOs choose Edmond.

2. Moore (Zip: 73160)

• Distance: 10 miles west (15 min via I-40/Sooner Rd)
• Median 3BR Rent: $1,400-1,700/month
• School District: Moore Public Schools (8/10 - strong academics, competitive sports)
• Why Here: Family-friendly, affordable, excellent schools, short commute
• Commute: I-40 east to Air Depot Blvd—light traffic, easy 15 min
• Grocery/Shopping: Moore Warren Theatre, Target, Walmart, restaurants
• Reality: Best value for families—8/10 schools, affordable rent, short commute. Tornado history (2013 EF5) but rebuilt strong with shelters.

3. Midwest City (Zip: 73110, 73130)

• Distance: Adjacent to base (5-10 min via Air Depot Blvd)
• Median 3BR Rent: $1,200-1,500/month
• School District: Mid-Del Schools (7/10 - decent, improving)
• Why Here: Closest town to Tinker, military-friendly, cheapest rent
• Commute: Shortest (5-10 min to gates)
• Grocery/Shopping: Town Center Plaza (Target, mall, dining)
• Reality: Most affordable option with decent schools—military families dominate. Not as upscale as Edmond but best for short commute + low rent.

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Mid-Tier Off-Base (Good Value, Commute 15-25 min)

4. Norman (Zip: 73069, 73072)

• Distance: 20 miles south (25 min via I-35)
• Median 3BR Rent: $1,500-1,900/month
• School District: Norman Public Schools (8/10 - strong academics)
• Why Here: University of Oklahoma town, college vibe, good schools
• Commute: I-35 north to I-40 east—moderate traffic AM/PM
• Grocery/Shopping: Campus Corner, Sooner Mall, OU sports culture
• Reality: Good for families who want college town culture—OU football dominates fall weekends. Rent slightly higher than Moore but excellent schools.

5. Yukon (Zip: 73099)

• Distance: 15 miles west (20 min via I-40)
• Median 3BR Rent: $1,400-1,700/month
• School District: Yukon Public Schools (7/10 - solid)
• Why Here: Small-town feel, newer construction, family-friendly
• Commute: I-40 east to Air Depot Blvd—light traffic
• Reality: Quiet suburb feel, good value, but no standout schools (7/10). Choose Moore or Edmond if schools are priority.

6. Choctaw (Zip: 73020)

• Distance: 8 miles east (15 min via I-40)
• Median 3BR Rent: $1,300-1,600/month
• School District: Choctaw-Nicoma Park Schools (7/10)
• Why Here: Rural feel, affordable, close to base
• Commute: I-40 west to Air Depot Blvd—short, easy
• Reality: Small-town vibe—good for families who want space and lower cost. Schools decent but not Edmond-level.

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Avoid These Areas

• Downtown Oklahoma City: Urban density, higher crime, poor schools (4-6/10)
• South OKC (below I-240): Higher crime, aging infrastructure, weak schools
• Del City (north of Tinker): Lower-income, 5/10 schools, higher crime than suburbs

Pro Tip: Stay in the suburbs (Edmond, Moore, Midwest City, Norman) for best schools and safety. OKC proper has pockets of crime and weak schools.

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Schools

Top School Districts (Off-Base)

Edmond Public Schools (Best in Metro):

• Edmond North High School - 9/10 rating - Strong AP programs, competitive academics
• Edmond Memorial High School - 9/10 rating - Excellent sports, arts programs
• Edmond Santa Fe High School - 9/10 rating - Newest campus, modern facilities

Moore Public Schools (Excellent):

• Moore High School - 8/10 rating - Strong athletics, good academics
• Southmoore High School - 8/10 rating - Newer school, solid programs
• Westmoore High School - 8/10 rating - Competitive sports, growing reputation

Norman Public Schools (Strong):

• Norman High School - 8/10 rating - College-prep culture (OU proximity)
• Norman North High School - 8/10 rating - Competitive academics, OU pipeline

Mid-Del Schools (Midwest City - Decent):

• Midwest City High School - 7/10 rating - Military-family-friendly, improving
• Carl Albert High School - 7/10 rating - Solid sports, decent academics

Reality: Edmond = best schools (9/10) but 25-min commute. Moore = best value (8/10 schools, 15-min commute, affordable). Midwest City = closest (7/10 schools, 5-min commute, cheapest rent).

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No On-Base Schools

Tinker has no DoDEA schools. All military kids attend local public schools. This makes choosing the right neighborhood critical for school quality.

Compare school ratings across neighborhoods: Base Navigator → shows real-time school data for OKC metro

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Local Intel

Cost of Living

Overall: 15% lower vs. national average — OKC is affordable (Top 10 cheapest metros)
Housing: 25% lower vs. national average — Rent is CHEAP compared to most military towns
Groceries: 10% lower vs. national average — Walmart/Homeland competitive
Gas: National average — $3.00-3.50/gallon typical

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

• Rent (3BR Moore): $1,500
• Utilities (electric, water, internet, trash): $250 (electric spikes in summer—AC runs 24/7)
• Groceries: $800 (commissary + local grocery mix)
• Gas: $200 (15-mile daily commute)
• Childcare (if needed): $900-1,200/month (daycare) or $0 (on-base CDC wait list 3-6 months)
• Misc (dining, entertainment): $400

Total: $4,150/month (with childcare) or $2,950 (without)

BAH Coverage: E5 BAH with dependents = ~$2,000/month (2025). BAH covers rent + utilities + $250 buffer. You'll use base pay for groceries/gas/childcare.

Savings Potential: Excellent—OKC is cheap. Expect to save $500-1,000/month if disciplined.

State Taxes: Oklahoma has state income tax (0.5-5% progressive). Military pay is taxable. Expect $100-200/month withheld for state.

Pro Tip: Tinker is a financial winner—cheap rent + stable depot pay + low deployment tempo = best savings opportunity of any assignment.

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Traffic & Commute Reality

AM Rush (0630-0800):

• I-35 South to I-44 East (Edmond): Moderate (25-30 min)
• I-40 East to Air Depot Blvd (Moore/Yukon): Light (15-20 min)
• Air Depot Blvd (Midwest City): Light (5-10 min)

PM Rush (1600-1730):

• I-44 West to I-35 North (Edmond): Moderate (30-35 min)
• Air Depot Blvd West to I-40 (Moore/Yukon): Light (15-20 min)

Weekend Traffic:

• Light overall—OKC is sprawling, no major gridlock

Pro Tip: OKC traffic is very manageable compared to other military metros (San Diego, DC, Tacoma). 15-30 min commutes typical.

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Commissary & Exchange

Tinker Commissary:

• Large, well-stocked (full grocery selection)
• Open 7 days/week (0900-1900 weekdays, 0800-1800 weekends)
• Save 20-30% vs local grocery stores (Homeland, Walmart competitive but commissary still wins)

Tinker Exchange (BX):

• Full-service (electronics, clothing, food court, barber, Class Six)
• Gas station (5-10 cents/gallon cheaper than off-base)

Off-Base Shopping:

• Walmart Supercenter (everywhere) - Competitive pricing
• Homeland (local chain) - Decent quality, slightly pricier than Walmart
• Target (Edmond, Moore, Norman) - Convenient for household goods

Reality: Commissary saves money but OKC off-base groceries are already cheap (Walmart competitive). Use commissary for big shopping trips, Walmart for quick runs.

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Weather & Climate (Tornado Reality)

Four Seasons:

• Spring (Mar-May): 60-80°F, TORNADO SEASON (peak Apr-May)
• Summer (Jun-Aug): 90-100°F, humid, afternoon thunderstorms
• Fall (Sep-Nov): 60-80°F, mild, beautiful (best season)
• Winter (Dec-Feb): 30-50°F, occasional ice storms, rare snow

Tornado Reality:

• Oklahoma is Tornado Alley (Moore hit by EF5 in 2013, killed 24 people)
• Every home needs tornado plan (safe room, shelter, or interior bathroom)
• Tornado sirens test first Saturday of month (learn the sound)
• Weather radio essential (download WeatherNation app, turn on alerts)

Military Considerations:

• Base sirens/alarms for severe weather (Giant Voice)
• On-base housing has tornado shelters (community shelters within 5-min walk)
• Off-base: newer homes (post-2013) have safe rooms, older homes use interior bathrooms/closets
• Tornadoes are REAL—not Hollywood exaggeration. Take warnings seriously.

Pro Tip: Moore rebuilt after 2013 with mandatory safe rooms in new construction. Edmond/Midwest City older homes may not have shelters—budget $3,000-5,000 to add one if buying.

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What's It Like to Live at Tinker AFB?

Depot Culture & Quality of Life

Deployment Reality:
Tinker is LOW deployment tempo. As an Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) depot, most jobs are maintenance, engineering, and logistics—not combat. Expect TDYs (weeks/months) more than deployments. Most airmen spend entire tour at Tinker without deploying.

Typical Depot Life:

• Shift Work: Depot operations run 24/7 (day/swing/night shifts common)
• Civilian Mix: 12,000 civilians + 8,000 contractors = depot culture (not combat culture)
• Stable Career: Depot = predictable schedules, technical training, resume-building skills
• Few Deployments: AWACS crews (552nd ACW) deploy, but depot maintainers stay CONUS

Quality of Life (Pros):

• ✅ LOW deployment tempo: Stable family life, predictable schedules
• ✅ Affordable living: OKC is cheap—save $500-1,000/month easily
• ✅ Strong schools: Edmond (9/10), Moore (8/10) excellent for families
• ✅ Big city amenities: OKC has pro sports (Thunder NBA), dining, arts, entertainment
• ✅ Midwestern hospitality: Friendly, military-appreciative community

Quality of Life (Cons):

• ❌ Tornadoes: Real threat Apr-May (shelters essential)
• ❌ Hot summers: 90-100°F, humid (AC bills $200-300/month)
• ❌ Flat/boring landscape: Oklahoma is FLAT—no mountains, no ocean
• ❌ Depot culture: Not "tip of the spear"—less exciting than combat units
• ❌ Flyover state: OKC is isolated (Dallas 3.5 hrs, Denver 10 hrs, coasts 14+ hrs)

Honest Assessment:
Tinker is the best financial/family assignment in the Air Force. Low deployment tempo + cheap rent + good schools + stable depot life = ideal for families who prioritize stability over adventure. Worst for: Airmen who want combat culture, outdoor recreation (mountains/ocean), or "exciting" assignments.

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Cost of Living Breakdown

Real Numbers (E5 with Dependents):

Moore Example (Best Value):

• Rent: $1,500/month (3BR house, good neighborhood)
• Utilities: $250/month (electric, water, internet, trash)
• Commute: 15 min (gas $200/month)
• Groceries: $800/month (commissary + Walmart mix)
• Childcare: $1,000/month (off-base daycare) or $0 (on-base CDC)
• Misc: $400

Total Monthly: $4,150 (with childcare) or $3,150 (without)

Edmond Example (Best Schools):

• Rent: $1,800/month (3BR house, 9/10 school district)
• Utilities: $250/month
• Commute: 25 min (gas $250/month)
• Groceries: $800/month
• Childcare: $1,000/month
• Misc: $400

Total Monthly: $4,500 (with childcare) or $3,500 (without)

BAH Reality:
E5 BAH with dependents (Oklahoma City) = ~$2,000/month (2025). BAH covers rent + utilities + $250-450 buffer. Groceries/gas/childcare come from base pay, but OKC is cheap—savings potential is excellent.

Savings Potential:

• With Childcare: Modest ($200-500/month)
• Without Childcare: Excellent ($500-1,000/month)

State Income Tax:
Oklahoma taxes military pay (0.5-5% progressive). E5 with dependents expect $100-200/month withheld. Sales tax 4.5% state + 4% local = 8.5-9% total (typical for most purchases).

Pro Tip: Tinker = best savings assignment. OKC rent is 25% below national average. Maximize commissary use, avoid eating out, and you'll save $10,000-15,000/year easily.

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Spouse Employment & Family Life

Job Market Reality

Overview:
Oklahoma City has a strong job market for military spouses. OKC is a major metro (1.4 million people) with diverse economy—government, energy, healthcare, aviation, logistics. Unemployment low (3-4%), wages decent for cost of living.

Top Employers (Spouse-Friendly):

• Tinker AFB (NAF/GS civilian jobs): Admin, IT, HR, logistics ($40K-70K/year)
• OU Health/Integris Health: Nursing, admin, medical support ($35K-60K/year)
• Devon Energy/Chesapeake: Energy sector, admin, accounting ($45K-75K/year)
• Paycom/Love's Travel Stops: Corporate HQ, HR, tech, admin ($40K-65K/year)
• Amazon Fulfillment (Edmond): Warehouse, shift flexibility ($15-18/hr)
• Remote Work: Many tech/admin jobs remote-friendly (keep CONUS salary = best option)

Typical Salaries (OKC Metro):

• Retail/Hospitality: $12-16/hr
• Office Admin: $18-25/hr ($37K-52K/year)
• Registered Nurse: $30-40/hr ($62K-83K/year)
• IT/Tech: $60K-90K/year (OKC tech scene growing)
• Teacher (OK public schools): $40K-50K/year (low pay, but cost of living helps)

Reality Check:
OKC wages are 10-20% below national average BUT cost of living is 15% below national average—purchasing power is equal or better. $50K/year in OKC = $65K/year in San Diego purchasing power.

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Childcare Availability

On-Base CDC:

• Tinker Child Development Center - $600-1,100/month (rank/income based)
• Wait List: 3-6 months typical (apply immediately after PCS orders)
• Hours: 0600-1800 weekdays (shift-worker-friendly)

Off-Base Daycare:

• Cost: $900-1,200/month (full-time, infant/toddler)
• Availability: Good—OKC has many licensed daycares (more supply than big cities)
• Quality: Variable (research carefully, visit in person, check OK DHS licensing)

Pro Tip: On-base CDC saves $300-600/month vs off-base. Apply day you get PCS orders—wait list is manageable (3-6 months).

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Family Life & Recreation

What Makes Tinker Great for Families:

• ✅ Excellent schools (Edmond 9/10, Moore 8/10)
• ✅ Affordable living (save $500-1,000/month)
• ✅ Low deployment tempo (family stability)
• ✅ Big city amenities (Thunder NBA, OKC Zoo, museums, dining)
• ✅ Friendly community (Midwest hospitality, military-appreciative)

Challenges for Families:

• ❌ Tornadoes (real threat, need shelters/plans)
• ❌ Flat landscape (no mountains, no ocean, limited outdoor recreation)
• ❌ Hot summers (90-100°F, high utility bills)
• ❌ Flyover state (isolated from coasts/major metros)

Family Activities (Free/Low-Cost):

• Tinker MWR: Free pools, gyms, bowling, movie theater, lake access
• Martin Park Nature Center: Free hiking, nature programs
• Myriad Botanical Gardens: Free (downtown OKC), splash pad, playgrounds
• Lake Thunderbird: 30 min south (boating, fishing, camping)

Family Activities (Paid):

• OKC Zoo: $12 adult, $9 child (one of best zoos in region)
• Science Museum Oklahoma: $18 adult, $13 child (hands-on exhibits)
• Thunder NBA Games: $20-150 (Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center)
• Frontier City: Amusement park ($50-70/day pass)

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Common Questions About Tinker AFB

Q: Is Tinker AFB a good duty station?
A: Yes, especially for families prioritizing stability and savings. Low deployment tempo (depot life), cheap rent ($1,400-1,800 for 3BR), excellent schools (Edmond 9/10, Moore 8/10), and Midwest hospitality make Tinker ideal for family assignments. Tornadoes are real (shelter plans essential) but overall quality of life is high. Best for those who want financial stability over adventure.

Q: Should I live in Edmond or Moore?
A: Edmond if schools are top priority (9/10 districts, $1,600-2,000 rent, 25-min commute). Moore if value matters (8/10 schools, $1,400-1,700 rent, 15-min commute, best bang-for-buck). Midwest City if budget is tight (7/10 schools, $1,200-1,500 rent, 5-min commute). Most families choose Moore (best balance) or Edmond (best schools).

Q: How bad are the tornadoes?
A: Real but manageable. Oklahoma averages 50-60 tornadoes/year (most weak). Major tornadoes are rare but devastating (Moore 2013 EF5 killed 24). Every family needs tornado plan: Safe room (ideal), interior bathroom/closet (backup), weather radio (essential). Base sirens alert to threats. Modern homes (post-2013) have built-in safe rooms. Tornado season is Apr-May—rest of year minimal risk.

Q: What are the schools like at Tinker?
A: No on-base schools—all kids attend local public schools. Edmond = best (9/10 rating, top in OKC metro). Moore = excellent value (8/10, strong sports/academics). Norman = strong (8/10, college-prep culture). Midwest City = decent (7/10, improving). Avoid OKC proper/Del City (4-6/10). Choose neighborhood based on school priorities.

Q: What's the deployment tempo like at Tinker?
A: Very low—Tinker is AFMC depot, not combat. Most jobs are maintenance/engineering/logistics. Expect TDYs (weeks/months) more than deployments. AWACS crews (552nd ACW) deploy occasionally, but depot maintainers rarely leave CONUS. This is a family-stable assignment with predictable schedules.

Q: Can my spouse find a job in OKC?
A: Yes—strong job market. OKC metro has 1.4 million people, diverse economy (government, energy, healthcare, aviation). Top employers: Tinker civilian jobs ($40K-70K), OU Health ($35K-60K), Devon Energy ($45K-75K), Paycom ($40K-65K), remote work (best option). Wages 10-20% below national avg but cost of living 15% lower = equal/better purchasing power.

Q: What's the best neighborhood for Tinker families?
A: Moore (best value: 8/10 schools, $1,400-1,700 rent, 15-min commute). Edmond (best schools: 9/10 rating, $1,600-2,000 rent, 25-min commute). Midwest City (cheapest: 7/10 schools, $1,200-1,500 rent, 5-min commute). Avoid OKC proper/Del City (crime, weak schools). Most Tinker families choose Moore or Edmond.

Q: Is OKC boring for young airmen?
A: Depends on priorities. OKC has Thunder NBA, Bricktown entertainment district, OU sports, decent dining/nightlife—but it's no San Diego/Austin. Outdoor recreation limited (flat, no mountains/ocean). Best for: Families, savers, homebodies. Worst for: Single airmen wanting vibrant nightlife or outdoor adventure. It's Midwest suburbia—stable, affordable, family-friendly, but not "exciting."

Q: How do I prepare for tornado season?
A: Before PCS: Download WeatherNation app (alerts), learn tornado terminology (watch vs warning), identify safe room locations. After arrival: Practice tornado drills with family (interior room, lowest floor, no windows), buy weather radio, stock emergency kit (water, flashlight, first aid). During tornado warning: Seek shelter immediately (safe room/interior bathroom), stay informed (radio/phone alerts), avoid windows. Base provides Giant Voice alerts.

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Next Steps

Planning Your Tinker PCS

1. Choose Neighborhood Based on Schools
Edmond (9/10), Moore (8/10), or Midwest City (7/10)—school quality varies significantly.

2. Apply for On-Base CDC
Tinker Child Development Center wait list is 3-6 months—apply day you get PCS orders.

3. Calculate Your Budget
Use our PCS Copilot → to generate your custom 180-day timeline with JTR-compliant entitlements and OKC-specific cost projections.

Based on Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Official regulations →

4. Research Tornado Safety
If buying home, budget $3,000-5,000 for safe room installation (post-2013 construction includes them). Renters: identify interior safe spaces.

5. Understand Depot Life
Tinker is AFMC (not ACC/AFSOC)—depot culture = shift work, technical skills, stable career. LES Auditor → ensures your pay reflects depot differentials/shift premiums.

6. Ask Questions
Use Ask Military Expert → for specific Tinker questions—our AI has 6,539 military knowledge embeddings including depot life intel.

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Official Resources & References

This guide synthesizes data from official Department of Defense sources. For additional information:

• Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) - Official military pay and allowances
• Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) - PCS entitlements and regulations
• MilitaryOneSource - Free 24/7 counseling and family support
• Defense Travel Management Office - Official BAH rates and per diem
• Tinker AFB Official Site - Base information, contacts, welcome packets
• Oklahoma Mesonet - Weather alerts, tornado tracking, safety information

Last verified: January 24, 2025. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.

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