Joint Base Andrews

Joint Base Andrews is a United States military installation situated in Prince George's County, Maryland near Washington, D.C., serving as a primary aerial gateway for national leadership and strategic airlift. The installation hosts units from the United States Air Force, United States Navy, and other federal organizations, supporting executive transport, aeromedical evacuation, and contingency operations. Its runways and facilities enable operations for high-profile aircraft including the Boeing VC-25A, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, and Boeing E-4B Nightwatch.

History

Established during World War I as Camp Springs (Maryland), the airfield later became Andrews Field in honor of Lt. Gen. Frank M. Andrews. During World War II the installation expanded to support training and air defense tied to the Eastern Defense Command and Air Transport Command. In the early Cold War era Andrews hosted strategic airlift and presidential airlift missions connected to the National Capital Region and supported operations during the Korean War and Vietnam War. In 2009 the 2005 BRAC decisions consolidated Andrews Air Force Base with Naval Air Facility Washington to form the current joint base under the Base Realignment and Closure process, aligning command relationships with the Air Force Installation Management structure.

Mission and Units

The host wing, the 316th Wing, provides installation support and readiness for tenant units including the 89th Airlift Wing—responsible for special airlift missions for national leaders—and the 459th Air Refueling Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit flying refueling missions. Other resident organizations encompass the Presidential Airlift Group, Air Force District of Washington, Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Navy Operational Support Center Washington. Joint Base Andrews supports interagency partners such as the United States Secret Service for executive transport, the Department of State for diplomatic airlift, and the Federal Aviation Administration for airspace integration.

Facilities and Infrastructure

The base features multiple primary runways capable of supporting heavy strategic airlifters and strategic communications aircraft, with apron, hangar, and maintenance complexes used by units like the 89th Airlift Wing and Air National Guard. Andrews maintains dedicated facilities for the Presidential Airlift Group including hangars configured for the Boeing VC-25A and Boeing C-32. Base infrastructure includes an air traffic control tower coordinated with the Potomac TRACON and Washington Center (ARTCC), fuel storage and distribution systems supporting KC-135 Stratotanker operations, and specialized facilities for aeromedical evacuation linked to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Housing, recreational, and family support facilities serve military dependents and reserve personnel affiliated with the Navy Reserve and Air Force Reserve Command.

Operations and Notable Aircraft

Operations at the installation encompass executive airlift, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and contingency response. The 89th Airlift Wing operates aircraft historically tied to presidential transport including the Boeing VC-25A ("Air Force One") and the Boeing C-32 for vice-presidential and cabinet airlift. The base also supports the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch National Airborne Operations Center and transient strategic airlifters such as the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and Lockheed C-5 Galaxy during contingencies. Refueling missions by units flying the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker extend reach for combatant commanders like those of United States European Command and United States Central Command. Andrews has hosted visits by foreign leaders arriving on state aircraft from nations represented by embassies in Washington, D.C. and supported emergency operations during events such as Hurricane Katrina relief and homeland security contingencies.

Environmental and Community Impact

The installation lies adjacent to communities in Prince George's County, Maryland and interfaces with municipal authorities in Camp Springs, Maryland and neighboring Suitland, Maryland. Noise abatement procedures coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration and local governments to mitigate impacts from aircraft such as the Boeing VC-25A and Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker. Environmental programs at the base address stormwater management in the Anacostia River watershed and remediation efforts for historical fuel storage sites under guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency. Community outreach includes partnerships with Prince George's Community College, military family service organizations, and workforce initiatives linked to regional economic development in the National Capital Region.

Category:Installations of the United States Air Force Category:Military installations in Maryland