Barksdale Air Force Base

Barksdale Air Force Base. It is a major installation of the United States Air Force located adjacent to Bossier City, Louisiana. The base serves as the headquarters for the Air Force Global Strike Command and is home to the 2d Bomb Wing, operating the B-52 Stratofortress. With a rich history dating to the early 1930s, it plays a critical role in the nation's nuclear deterrence and long-range strike capabilities.

History

The base was established in the early 1930s, named for World War I aviator Eugene Hoy Barksdale. Its early years saw use by the United States Army Air Corps for training and as a major facility for the B-17 Flying Fortress during World War II. Following the war, it transitioned to Strategic Air Command, hosting bombers like the B-29 Superfortress and B-47 Stratojet throughout the Cold War. It was a key site during the Cuban Missile Crisis and has continued as a central hub for B-52 Stratofortress operations for decades. Historical structures, including the original Hangar 9, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Units and operations

The host unit is the 2d Bomb Wing, part of the Eighth Air Force under Air Force Global Strike Command. The wing operates a fleet of B-52 Stratofortress aircraft, providing global nuclear deterrence and conventional strike capabilities. Other major tenant units include the 307th Bomb Wing, the Air Force Reserve Command associate unit, and the headquarters for both the Eighth Air Force and Air Force Global Strike Command. The base also supports the Joint Force Headquarters for the Louisiana National Guard and hosts detachments from the Air Combat Command and Air Mobility Command.

Facilities and infrastructure

The installation encompasses over 22,000 acres, featuring one of the longest runways in the Air Force at over 11,000 feet. Its flight line and maintenance facilities support the permanent B-52 Stratofortress fleet. The base includes extensive weapons storage areas, a Warfighter Training Center, and the Barksdale Global Power Museum. Housing, medical facilities at the David Grant Medical Center clinic, and the Bossier Parish-adjacent community support a large military population. Critical infrastructure supports the National Military Command Center and continuity of operations missions.

Role and significance

As the headquarters for Air Force Global Strike Command, it is a cornerstone of the United States' strategic bomber force and nuclear triad. The base's B-52 Stratofortress units are on continuous alert, capable of executing missions worldwide in support of National Command Authority directives. It serves as a premier platform for joint force projection, participating in exercises like Red Flag and operations in U.S. Central Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command areas. Its role in national security and power projection makes it one of the Air Force's most vital installations.

Environmental and community relations

The base maintains an active program addressing environmental stewardship, managing issues related to historic use of firefighting foams containing PFAS and participating in cleanup programs under the Environmental Protection Agency. It engages closely with the Shreveport-Bossier City community through public tours, air shows like the Defenders of Liberty Air & Space Show, and partnerships with local governments and chambers of commerce. Educational outreach with schools and support for local events like the Louisiana State Fair foster strong community ties. Programs also exist to manage noise compatibility and land use with surrounding parishes.

Category:United States Air Force bases Category:Bossier Parish, Louisiana