Joint Base Anacostia–Bolling

Joint Base Anacostia–Bolling is a Joint Base of the United States Armed Forces located in the District of Columbia. It was established in 2010 from the merger of the historic Naval Support Facility Anacostia and Bolling Air Force Base, consolidating operations under the United States Air Force as the lead service. The installation serves as a critical hub for national security, intelligence, and ceremonial support functions in the National Capital Region. Its strategic location along the Potomac River provides key support to the Pentagon, White House, and numerous United States Department of Defense and United States Intelligence Community agencies.

History

The origins of the base trace back to 1918 with the establishment of the first aviation field on the site, initially named Bolling Field in honor of Colonel Raynal C. Bolling. This field served as a crucial center for United States Army Air Service operations and the development of early military aviation. The adjacent Naval Air Station Anacostia was commissioned in 1919, becoming a premier facility for United States Navy aviation testing and the home of the Naval Research Laboratory. Throughout World War II, both installations played vital roles, with Bolling Field processing personnel and Anacostia supporting naval aviation logistics. Post-war, the facilities evolved, with Bolling transitioning to the United States Air Force upon its creation in 1947. The Base Realignment and Closure process ultimately led to the 2010 merger, forming the present joint base.

Facilities and operations

The installation encompasses over 900 acres and features a single runway primarily supporting VIP transport and special air mission aircraft operated by the 89th Airlift Wing. Key facilities include the Defense Intelligence Agency's National Defense Intelligence College, the Anacostia Naval Annex, and the Coast Guard Headquarters. It hosts the Joint Service Headquarters and provides critical support to the United States Secret Service and the White House Military Office. Operations are centered on providing base operating support, ceremonial functions for the Armed Forces Retirement Home and Arlington National Cemetery, and logistical services for over two dozen tenant organizations. The Riverwalk and Malcolm Grow Medical Clinic are notable amenities for personnel.

Based units

The host unit is the 11th Wing of the United States Air Force, which provides installation management. Prominent tenant commands include the United States Coast Guard's Headquarters and the United States Air Force District of Washington. Key intelligence and defense agencies with a presence are the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and elements of the United States Navy's Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The base also supports the United States Army's Military District of Washington and houses the Air Force Office of Special Investigations' Region 1. Other significant tenants are the Defense Health Agency and the Air Force Legal Operations Agency.

Environmental concerns

Due to its long industrial and military history, the base has been a site of environmental remediation efforts under the Superfund program administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Soil and groundwater contamination, primarily from historic use of PCBs, solvents, and petroleum hydrocarbons, has been documented. Cleanup activities are coordinated with the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment and involve the Army Corps of Engineers. Ongoing monitoring addresses potential impacts on the Potomac River and Anacostia River watersheds. The installation complies with federal mandates including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Clean Water Act.

See also

* Pentagon * Fort McNair * Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. * Naval Support Activity Washington * Andrews Air Force Base

Category:Military installations in Washington, D.C. Category:United States Air Force bases Category:Joint bases of the United States