Military Bases in Arkansas
The unofficial guide to life in Arkansas for military families.
Air Force Bases
Little Rock AFB
Located in Jacksonville, Arkansas
Little Rock AFB sits in Jacksonville, Arkansas, serving as the premier C-130 training base for the U.S. Air Force. The installation is home to the 19th Airlift Wing and offers extensive on-base housing, quality schools, and quick access to local amenities in nearby Little Rock.
Arkansas’ Airlift Command Center
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Arkansas, Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville is the state’s primary military installation, serving as a global hub for airlift and C-130 training. Located just northeast of Little Rock, this base supports critical air mobility missions. This guide to military bases in Arkansas offers insights into its role, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in the Natural State.
Historical Foundations
Little Rock Air Force Base was established in 1955, built to support Strategic Air Command bombers before transitioning to Tactical Air Command’s airlift mission in 1970. Named for its proximity to Arkansas’ capital, it became the Air Force’s premier C-130 training hub. The Arkansas Air National Guard’s 189th Airlift Wing, co-located at the base, traces its roots to 1943, supporting WWII air operations. Pine Bluff Arsenal, founded in 1941, produced chemical munitions during WWII and the Cold War. Camp Pike, established in 1917, evolved into a joint training center. These facilities have shaped Arkansas’ military legacy.
Economic Impact
Little Rock Air Force Base contributes over $800 million annually to Pulaski County, employing 7,500 personnel and sustaining 10,000 jobs in Jacksonville and Little Rock. The base’s 6,100-acre campus supports local businesses through contracts and spending. Families access 1,200 housing units, DoDEA school partnerships (e.g., Jacksonville North Pulaski Schools), and TRICARE clinics. MWR programs, like 2025 Little Rock River Market festivals and Ozark hiking trips, enhance community life. Additional facilities, like Pine Bluff Arsenal and Camp Pike, add $200 million and 3,000 jobs, boosting Pine Bluff and North Little Rock.
Key Military Facilities
Little Rock Air Force Base (Jacksonville): Hosts the 19th Airlift Wing and 314th Airlift Wing, operating C-130Hs and C-130Js for 3,500 airlift missions, with 7,500 personnel.
Arkansas Air National Guard 189th Airlift Wing (Jacksonville): Co-located at Little Rock AFB, trains C-130H pilots for 1,500 missions, with 1,000 personnel.
Camp Pike Joint Training Center (North Little Rock): Supports Arkansas National Guard and Reserve training for 2,000 personnel annually.
Pine Bluff Arsenal (Pine Bluff): Manages chemical weapons storage and ammunition production, with 1,000 personnel.
Strategic Importance
Little Rock Air Force Base is a cornerstone of U.S. air mobility. The 19th Airlift Wing conducts 3,500 C-130H and C-130J missions annually, supporting global deployments, with 2024 operations delivering humanitarian aid to the Pacific. The 314th Airlift Wing trains 1,200 C-130 pilots yearly, ensuring airlift readiness. The 189th Airlift Wing, co-located, supports 1,500 missions, including 2024 disaster relief. Camp Pike trains 2,000 Guard and Reserve personnel for multi-domain operations. Pine Bluff Arsenal manages 10% of Army chemical munitions, with 2024 upgrades enhancing safety. These facilities maintain mission success despite unconfirmed 2024 security concerns.
Notable Distinctions
Little Rock Air Force Base, known as “Home of the Hercules,” is the Air Force’s largest C-130 base, hosting the only C-130J schoolhouse. The 189th Airlift Wing is Arkansas’ premier Air Guard unit. Pine Bluff Arsenal is one of two Army chemical weapons facilities. The bases offer 1,200 housing units, school partnerships, and MWR events like 2025 Pine Bluff Delta festivals, fostering vibrant communities in Arkansas’ diverse landscapes.
U.S. service members on PCS to Arkansas or TDY in Arkansas will find mission-critical roles and welcoming communities at Little Rock Air Force Base. From Little Rock’s bustling River Market to Pine Bluff’s rich Delta heritage, Arkansas’ bases provide robust support, quality education, and unique cultural experiences for military families.