Andrews Air Force Base

Andrews Air Force Base
Robert Knudsen. White House Photographs. · CC0 · source
Name	Andrews Air Force Base
Caption	Aerial view of Andrews Air Force Base and surrounding area
Location	Prince George's County, Maryland
Type	United States Air Force installation
Built	1917
Used	1917–present
Controlled by	United States Air Force

Andrews Air Force Base is a United States Air Force installation located in Prince George's County, Maryland, immediately east of Washington, D.C. and near Joint Base Anacostia–Bolling. Established in 1917, the installation has served as a hub for executive airlift, intelligence, and ceremonial missions, hosting high-profile aircraft and units that support the President of the United States, Vice President of the United States, and other senior officials. Its strategic location and historic role have linked it to numerous events, organizations, and operations across American military and diplomatic history.

History

The site was commissioned during World War I in 1917 and later developed through the interwar period alongside installations such as Langley Field and McChord Field. During World War II, it expanded operations supporting AAF Transport Command and hosted units that interacted with Tuskegee Airmen training routes and Air Transport Command logistics. Postwar reorganization tied the base to Air Force District of Washington responsibilities and Cold War-era planning involving Strategic Air Command posture and coordination with Pentagon leadership. In the 1950s and 1960s the installation became central to presidential airlift alongside aircraft like the Lockheed VC-121E and later the Boeing VC-137C. Events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and operations during the Vietnam War saw the base used for contingency airlift and command support. Throughout the late 20th century, the installation adapted to reorganizations connected to Military Airlift Command and the establishment of Air Mobility Command, while participating in operations tied to Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. More recent history includes integration with joint basing initiatives and interactions with entities such as United States Northern Command and Transportation Security Administration planning.

Mission and Units

The base hosts units responsible for executive airlift, aeromedical evacuation, intelligence, and ceremonial functions. Key tenants have included 89th Airlift Wing and elements of 316th Wing in support roles. The base provides dedicated support for aircraft such as the Boeing VC-25A that serve the President of the United States and coordinates with units from Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard components. Other organizations on-site have included detachments of Defense Intelligence Agency, elements of the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, and liaison offices connected to United States Secret Service and United States Marine Corps ceremonial detachments. Its mission set aligns with operational support for diplomatic missions, contingency response tied to North American Aerospace Defense Command, and ceremonial operations involving the United States Congress and national commemorations.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Infrastructure includes runways capable of accommodating strategic and executive aircraft, hangars retrofitted for specialized maintenance, and support facilities for VIP operations adjacent to secure ramps and Air Traffic Control installations. The base maintains hardened command-and-control facilities and logistics centers linked to the Pentagon and regional continuity planning by Federal Emergency Management Agency planners. On-base amenities historically included housing neighborhoods similar to those at Fort Belvoir and medical support facilities like those coordinated with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Training and readiness facilities foster coordination with units from Joint Chiefs of Staff elements and frequent interactions with visiting delegations from foreign entities such as embassies near Foggy Bottom.

Aircraft and Operations

Aircraft operations have ranged from smaller executive transports to large strategic platforms. Notable types historically assigned or operating into the base include the Douglas C-54 Skymaster, Lockheed C-141 Starlifter, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, and the Boeing VC-25A "Air Force One" missions. Operations include routine executive airlift, aeromedical evacuation flights tied to United States Transportation Command taskings, contingency airlift for crisis response, and support sorties during national events such as state funerals that involve coordination with the United States Navy and United States Army ceremonial elements. Flight operations integrate with regional airspace management involving Federal Aviation Administration and NORAD intercept protocols when required.

Role in National Security and Ceremonial Duties

The installation plays a prominent role in national-level missions, providing dedicated platforms for heads of state and senior officials, and conducting ceremonial transport and support for events at locations like the United States Capitol and Arlington National Cemetery. Its functions intersect with agencies such as the United States Secret Service for protective transport and with Department of State assets for diplomatic movements. During national emergencies and continuity operations it coordinates with United States Northern Command and Federal Emergency Management Agency for rapid airborne response and evacuee transport. The base has been central to high-profile operations tied to presidential travel during crises including evacuations linked to Hurricane Katrina and other contingency movements supporting interagency response.

Environmental and Community Impact

The installation's proximity to suburban communities in Prince George's County, Maryland and nearby Annapolis, Maryland has produced coordinated efforts addressing noise abatement, land use planning, and environmental compliance with agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency. Community relations initiatives have involved partnerships with Prince George's County Public Schools and local economic development bodies to mitigate impacts and promote workforce integration. Environmental programs have addressed issues common to legacy military sites, including fuel remediation efforts and conservation measures linked to the Chesapeake Bay watershed and regional habitat restoration coordinated with state agencies like the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Category:United States Air Force bases Category:Installations of the United States military in Maryland