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March Field

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Article Genealogy
Parent: United States Army Air Corps Hop 4
Expansion Funnel Raw 48 → Dedup 0 → NER 0 → Enqueued 0
1. Extracted48
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March Field
March Field
source
NameMarch Field
CaptionThe March Field Air Museum preserves the installation's aviation heritage.
LocationRiverside County, near Riverside, California
TypeUnited States Air Force Base
Coordinates33, 52, 50, N...
Built1918
Used1918–present
ControlledbyUnited States Army Air Service (1918–1926), United States Army Air Corps (1926–1941), United States Army Air Forces (1941–1947), United States Air Force (1947–present)
GarrisonAir Force Reserve Command

March Field. Established in 1918 as a training base for the United States Army Air Service, it has played a continuous and pivotal role in American military aviation for over a century. Located in Southern California's Inland Empire, the installation evolved from a World War I-era airfield into a major strategic Bomber base and is now a cornerstone of the Air Force Reserve Command. Its history is deeply intertwined with the development of air power, the growth of the San Bernardino Valley, and the broader narrative of the United States Air Force.

History

The base was established in 1918 by the United States Army Air Service and named for Second Lieutenant Peyton C. March Jr., a pilot killed in a training accident. During the interwar period, it served as a key base for the United States Army Air Corps, hosting pursuit groups and serving as the headquarters for the 1st Wing. The onset of World War II triggered massive expansion, with the base becoming a primary training center for B-29 Superfortress crews under the Second Air Force. In the postwar era, it transitioned to a Strategic Air Command (SAC) stronghold, hosting B-52 Stratofortress and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during the Cold War. The base was realigned in 1996, transitioning from an Air Combat Command installation to its current role as March Air Reserve Base.

Geography and facilities

The installation is situated on over 7,000 acres in Riverside County, California, adjacent to the city of Moreno Valley and near Interstate 215. Its airfield features multiple runways capable of handling heavy military aircraft, including the massive C-5 Galaxy. Key facilities include the March Air Reserve Base headquarters, extensive aircraft maintenance hangars, and a large fuel storage area. The site also houses the March Field Air Museum, which displays historic aircraft like the SR-71 Blackbird and B-17 Flying Fortress. The base's location in the semi-arid San Bernardino Valley provides favorable flying conditions year-round.

Major commands and units

Throughout its history, the installation has hosted numerous major United States Air Force commands. It was a critical hub for the Strategic Air Command from 1949 until SAC's inactivation in 1992. Following a brief period under Air Combat Command, it became a primary installation for the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC). The host unit is the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, an AFRC wing that operates the C-17 Globemaster III for global airlift. Other tenant units include the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing of the California Air National Guard, which flies the MQ-9 Reaper, and the 4th Air Force headquarters. The United States Army Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve also maintain a presence.

Role and significance

The base's significance lies in its century-long contribution to American air power projection and military readiness. As a SAC base, it was a key node in the nation's nuclear deterrent posture against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Its transformation into a premier Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard base underscores its ongoing role in providing strategic airlift, aerial refueling, and reconnaissance capabilities for operations like Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Economically, it is a major employer in the Inland Empire and has profoundly influenced the development of surrounding communities like Riverside and Moreno Valley.

The installation has served as a filming location for several notable productions, leveraging its iconic aircraft and historic setting. It featured prominently in the 1964 film Fail Safe, which depicted a nuclear crisis. The base and its aircraft appeared in the 1985 science fiction movie Real Genius. More recently, it has been used for filming scenes involving military aircraft in various television series and documentaries. The annual "March Field Air Fest" air show attracts thousands of visitors and highlights the base's connection to the public and its role in showcasing United States Air Force capabilities.

Category:United States Air Force bases Category:Riverside County, California Category:1918 establishments in California