Military Bases in Delaware
The unofficial guide to living in Delaware for military families.
Air Force Bases
Dover AFB
Located in Dover Air Force Base, Delaware
Dover AFB in Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, serves as a critical hub for the U.S. Air Force’s airlift operations. Home to the 436th Airlift Wing, it is known for its large aircraft fleet and the Charles C.
Delaware’s Military Installations
Welcome to Delaware, home to the U.S. Air Force’s vital hub, Dover Air Force Base. Located near the state capital in Dover, this base powers global airlift and honors fallen heroes. This guide to military bases in Delaware explores its role, history, economic contributions, and community life, helping U.S. service members and families settle in during PCS or TDY assignments in the First State.
A Legacy of Flight
Dover Air Force Base took shape in 1941, when the Army Air Corps leased Dover’s municipal airport for WWII training. By 1943, it became Dover Army Airbase, hosting anti-submarine patrols and P-47 Thunderbolt squadrons. Renamed Dover AFB in 1948 with the Air Force’s creation, it grew into a major airlift hub during the Korean and Cold Wars. The base’s mortuary affairs mission, established in the 1950s, became a solemn duty, ensuring dignity for fallen service members.
Lifting the Local Economy
Dover AFB fuels Delaware’s economy, adding nearly $900 million each year. As Kent County’s largest employer, it supports thousands of jobs in Dover, from local shops to construction firms. Families settle into 1,500 housing units at Eagle Heights, access DoDEA schools in the Caesar Rodney School District, and use the base’s medical clinic. Community events, like the 2024 First State Airshow, connect service members to Delaware’s welcoming spirit.
Essential Base Facilities
Dover AFB drives airlift and support missions. Here’s a look at its prominent facilities:
Dover Air Force Base (Dover): Home to the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings, flying C-5 Galaxies and C-17 Globemasters for global missions.
Air Mobility Command Museum (Dover): Showcases historic aircraft, drawing visitors with 2024 exhibits.
Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs (Dover): Honors fallen heroes with dignified transfers.
Eagle Heights Family Housing (Dover): Provides 980 homes with community centers and trails.
Strategic Impact
Dover AFB is a cornerstone of U.S. air mobility. Its C-5 and C-17 aircraft deliver cargo and troops worldwide, supporting 2024 missions to over 100 countries. The Carson Center handles dignified transfers, a solemn duty for fallen service members. The base’s aerial port, the largest in the Department of Defense, moves more cargo than major commercial hubs. These efforts ensure global reach, with no credible 2024 threats reported.
Community and Culture
Dover AFB builds a tight-knit community. Housing, schools, and healthcare keep families grounded. Events like airshows or base festivals spark connection. Explore Dover’s historic capitol, stroll Rehoboth Beach’s boardwalk, or savor blue crabs at local eateries. From Wilmington’s riverfront to the state’s peach orchards, Delaware’s base blends duty with coastal charm, making assignments memorable.