Reese National Security Complex

The Reese National Security Complex is a special place for research and business. It is found on the land where the old Reese Air Force Base used to be, near the town of Lubbock. This area is called the community of Reese Center.

This complex helps scientists and companies work together on new ideas and important projects. It turned from a military base into a place where people can create and discover new things. Many people visit and use the facilities there for their work.

History

After the Cold War ended, the Department of Defense reduced the number of bases and personnel. In 1995, Reese Air Force Base was chosen to close, though many people in the community disagreed. A local group called the Lubbock Reese Redevelopment Committee was formed to help plan for the future of the base.

The base officially closed on September 30, 1997. The group was then renamed the Redevelopment Authority and began managing the property. In the years since, there has been investigation into a special type of foam used by firefighters that may have affected the groundwater. The Air Force continues to check for this substance at its bases.

Texas Tech University Oversight

Texas Tech University worked with the Lubbock Reese Redevelopment Authority to change the name of the Reese Technology Center to the Texas Tech University Reese National Security Complex (RNSC) in 2025. This new name shows a bigger research mission that was allowed by a law called House Bill 5092, which was passed in 2025.

Wind technology research facility

The Reese National Security Complex is now home to the Scaled Wind Farm Technology (SWiFT) Facility. This is a special place where scientists and companies work together to study wind energy. Some of the partners include Texas Tech University, the National Wind Institute, Sandia National Laboratories, the U.S. Department of Energy, Vestas, and Group NIRE.

Besides the SWiFT Facility, the center also has other important tools for wind research. These include the Wind Engineering Research Field Laboratory and VorTECH, a machine that can mimic very strong winds, like those in a tornado.