Andrews Air Force Base

Andrews Air Force Base. A major installation of the United States Air Force located in Prince George's County, Maryland, it serves as the primary airfield for presidential and VIP air transport. The base is headquarters for the Air Force District of Washington and the 316th Wing, supporting global mobility and homeland defense missions. Its strategic location near the national capital region makes it a critical hub for National Capital Region aviation operations and ceremonial events.

History

The base was established in 1942 as Camp Springs Army Air Field, activated in 1943 to support World War II training operations. It was renamed in 1945 to honor Lt. Gen. Frank Maxwell Andrews, a pioneer of United States Army Air Forces and advocate for strategic air power. During the Cold War, it expanded significantly, becoming a key Strategic Air Command facility and the home for Air Force One. The base was central to operations during the Cuban Missile Crisis and has supported every presidential administration since Harry S. Truman. Major historical events include the return of POW/MIA personnel from the Vietnam War and serving as the arrival point for state dignitaries.

Facilities

The installation encompasses over 4,000 acres and features a dual-runway airfield capable of handling the largest military aircraft. Its most prominent facility is the 89th Airlift Wing's specialized hangars for the Boeing VC-25 and Boeing C-32 executive transport fleets. Other key infrastructure includes the Air Force District of Washington headquarters, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Field Investigations Region, and the Base Exchange complex. The Malcolm Grow Medical Center provides critical care, while the Base Chapel and Annex support community needs. Recreational amenities include the Golf Course and Fitness Center.

Based units

The principal host unit is the 316th Wing, which provides installation support and expeditionary combat forces. The renowned 89th Airlift Wing operates Special Air Mission aircraft, including those designated for the President of the United States. The 1st Helicopter Squadron provides executive rotary-wing transport across the Washington, D.C. area. Other significant tenants include the Air Force District of Washington, the 113th Wing of the District of Columbia Air National Guard flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the 459th Air Refueling Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command. The United States Marine Corps fields the HMX-1 "Nighthawks" squadron for executive helicopter support.

Role and operations

Its primary mission is to organize, train, and equip forces for global mobility, homeland response, and national capital region security. The base ensures continuous operation of Air Force One and executive airlift through the 89th Airlift Wing, directly supporting the White House and United States Department of Defense. It functions as a vital National Guard and Reserve mobilization site and a forward operating location for North American Aerospace Defense Command. The 316th Wing maintains rapid deployment capabilities for Air Combat Command and conducts joint exercises with entities like the United States Secret Service and United States Capitol Police.

In popular culture

The base is frequently depicted as the departure and arrival point for the presidential aircraft in films such as *Air Force One (film)* and *Independence Day (1996 film)*. It serves as a backdrop in television series including *The West Wing* and *NCIS (TV series)*. The annual Joint Service Open House air show has been featured in numerous documentaries and news programs. The base's association with Air Force One and presidential movements makes it a recurring symbol in political thrillers and video games like the *Call of Duty* franchise.

Category:United States Air Force bases Category:Buildings and structures in Maryland