Kegelman Air Force Auxiliary Field (CKA)

Kegelman Air Force Auxiliary Field (CKA), also known by its ICAO code KCKA, is a strictly military aviation facility located approximately 12 miles east of Cherokee, Oklahoma. Serving as a primary training annex for Vance Air Force Base in Enid, the airfield is a critical component of the United States Air Force's pilot training infrastructure. The facility is situated on a 937-acre site near the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and is under the operational control of the 71st Flying Training Wing (71 FTW). The airfield's infrastructure is exclusively designed for military flight training and does not feature a traditional passenger terminal or any civilian amenities. It consists of a single, well-maintained 6,800-foot asphalt runway (17/35) that is used almost around-the-clock for practice patterns, 'touch-and-go' landings, and instrument approaches. The facility houses essential support infrastructure including military personnel offices, a dedicated fire station, and a high-performance NEXRAD weather radar tower. Known among military aviators by the callsign 'Dogface,' the field provides a less congested environment for student pilots to master basic flight maneuvers away from the primary traffic at Vance AFB. Currently, Kegelman AF Aux Field primarily facilitates training for the T-6A Texan II aircraft used in the undergraduate pilot training (UPT) curriculum. Access to the airfield is strictly restricted to authorized Department of Defense personnel and government contractors; there is no public access, fueling for civilian aircraft, or transient storage. While the field provides a vital node for national defense training, travelers requiring commercial or general aviation services in Northwest Oklahoma typically utilize the Enid Woodring Regional Airport (WDG) or the major hubs at Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City. The field remains a fundamental, if discreet, asset for the readiness and proficiency of the next generation of Air Force pilots.