Hunter Army Airfield

Hunter Army Airfield. Located adjacent to Savannah, Georgia, this installation is a key power projection platform for the United States Army. It primarily supports the rapid deployment of light infantry and special operations forces, hosting major elements of the 1st Infantry Division and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). The airfield's strategic position on the Atlantic coast facilitates global reach for the United States Armed Forces.

History

The airfield's origins trace to 1929 when the City of Savannah developed it as a municipal airport. With the onset of World War II, the United States Army Air Corps took control, renaming it for World War I fighter ace Frank O'Driscoll Hunter. It served as a training base for P-40 Warhawk and P-39 Airacobra units. Post-war, it transitioned to United States Air Force control during the Cold War, hosting Strategic Air Command B-47 Stratojet bombers. The installation was transferred to the United States Army in 1967 to support the newly formed 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), a pivotal moment in its evolution toward an army aviation hub. It has since been a launch point for major operations including the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Facilities and operations

The airfield features a single primary runway capable of handling heavy airlift aircraft such as the C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III. Its air traffic control tower and extensive ramp space support complex joint operations. Key facilities include a modern Special Operations Forces complex for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), maintenance hangars for AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, and a Military Air Logistics terminal. The installation operates under the oversight of the United States Army Installation Management Command and works closely with the adjacent Georgia Air National Guard's 165th Airlift Wing at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.

Based units

Hunter Army Airfield is home to several major United States Army commands. The most prominent tenant is the 1st Infantry Division's 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, which operates a fleet of AH-64E Apache and UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. The famed 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) maintains one of its battalions here, flying modified MH-60 and MH-47 aircraft. Other significant units include elements of the 3rd Infantry Division, the 224th Military Intelligence Battalion, and supporting units from the United States Army Reserve and United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Role and significance

The installation serves as a critical enabler for the United States Department of Defense's global response capabilities. Its primary strategic role is to provide an unparalleled rapid deployment hub for light infantry and special operations forces of the United States Special Operations Command. This allows for the swift projection of power to theaters worldwide, a concept central to the National Defense Strategy. Its co-location with the Port of Savannah, one of the busiest container ports in the nation, creates a unique multimodal deployment complex. This synergy significantly enhances the strategic mobility of the XVIII Airborne Corps and other United States Army Forces Command units.

Future developments

Planned investments are focused on modernizing infrastructure to support next-generation aircraft and increased operational tempo. This includes upgrades to runway safety areas, expansion of aircraft parking aprons, and construction of new simulators for the Future Vertical Lift program. The United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence is involved in integrating new technologies here. Furthermore, there is ongoing analysis to enhance joint interoperability with United States Marine Corps units at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and United States Air Force assets across the Southeastern United States, ensuring Hunter remains a cornerstone of national defense posture.

Category:United States Army airfields Category:Buildings and structures in Savannah, Georgia Category:Military installations in Georgia (U.S. state)