Hunter Army Airfield
Hunter Army Airfield PCS Guide
Base History & Name
A U.S. Army UH-60L Black Hawk utility helicopter flies during Exercise Global Eagle at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, Nov. 14, 2024. The 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade from Hunter Army Airfield provided critical support, executing raid missions, aerial movements, and medical evacuations....
Hunter Army Airfield began as Savannah Municipal Airport in the 1920s, serving both civilian and military aviation needs. During World War II, the U.S. Army Air Forces took control and transformed it into Hunter Army Airfield to support training and logistics for the war effort.
The installation was named Hunter Field in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Frank O'Driscoll Hunter, a World War I flying ace. Hunter Field played a key role in anti-submarine patrols and pilot training during the conflict.
Postwar expansion saw the base shift between Air Force and Army control, reflecting changing military priorities. In 1949, it was redesignated as Hunter Air Force Base and became a Strategic Air Command (SAC) base.
The base hosted B-47 Stratojet bombers and KC-97 tankers during the Cold War. It was a vital part of America's nuclear deterrent strategy, supporting rapid deployment and refueling missions.
In 1967, the Air Force closed the base and transferred it to the Army, regaining the name Hunter Army Airfield. The installation became a critical support hub for nearby Fort Stewart and the 3rd Infantry Division.
Over the decades, Hunter Army Airfield has hosted units such as the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. It has provided airlift and logistical support for deployments to conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere.
Today, Hunter Army Airfield is a premier power projection platform. Its long runway and strategic location enable rapid deployment of troops and equipment worldwide.
The installation supports joint training and humanitarian missions. It remains a cornerstone of the Savannah community and U.S. Army operations in the Southeast.
Namesake
After the war, Hunter continued his military career, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He contributed to the development of U.S. air power and was recognized for his leadership and valor. Naming the airfield after him honors both his service and his connection to the Savannah region.
Major Units & Training Programs
A NASA scientist with the FireSense Project shows members of the U.S. Forest Service real-time data from a prescribed burn in a training area at Fort Stewart, Georgia, April 14, 2025. Scientists from NASA’s FireSense Project were on the ground and in the sky April 14-18, to collect data and...
Major Units
3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division
Provides aviation support including air assault, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation for ground forces. Plays a critical role in rapid deployment and mobility for Army operations.
1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment
An elite special operations unit specializing in direct action raids, airfield seizures, and special reconnaissance. Rapidly deployable for global contingency missions.
U.S. Army Garrison Hunter Army Airfield
Provides installation support and services to tenant units, enabling readiness and operational effectiveness for assigned forces.
Training Schools
Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) – 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment
Overview
A rigorous selection and training program that screens and prepares soldiers for assignment to the 75th Ranger Regiment, emphasizing physical fitness, marksmanship, small unit tactics, and leadership.
Course Length
8 weeks
Who Attends
Army soldiers volunteering for service in the 75th Ranger Regiment
Arrival & In-Processing
Lt. Col. Derick Taylor, Hunter Army Airfield garrison commander, checks the identification card of a visitor, Dec. 13, 2024, at the installation's Rio Gate. Taylor spent multiple days at the gates getting to know the force-protection team and learning about gate procedures while assessing...
Welcome to Hunter Army Airfield! Arriving prepared helps ensure a smooth transition for you and your family. Knowing what to expect at the gate and during in-processing will save you time and reduce stress. For additional base information, visit the official Hunter Army Airfield website.
Hunter Army Airfield's main entrance is the Montgomery Street Gate, which is open 24/7 for authorized personnel. All vehicles and occupants must present a valid Military ID, Common Access Card (CAC), or an approved visitor pass. State driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act; non-compliant IDs require supplemental documentation. Expect 100% ID checks at all times and random vehicle inspections as part of the base's robust security posture. Family members and visitors must obtain a pass at the Visitor Control Center before entry. Sponsors should coordinate with the VCC for guest access.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Proof of Housing (if applicable)
Hunter Army Airfield offers a robust sponsor program for incoming personnel. Contact your gaining unit or the Soldier & Family Assistance Center to request a sponsor. Units typically assign sponsors who will reach out before your arrival to assist with local information and in-processing steps.
Formal in-processing takes place at the Welcome Center, Building 1286, located near the main gate for easy access upon arrival. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Key steps include Personnel and Finance briefings, Housing office registration, Medical and Dental check-ins, and unit-specific orientation. Most personnel complete in-processing within 2-3 business days, though some steps may vary by assignment.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Montgomery Street Gate. The VCC is open Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and assistance with sponsoring guests onto the installation. All visitors must check in at the VCC before accessing the base.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
U.S. Army Pfc. Fredrick Swingle, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, loads a moving truck with bags during the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks move out at Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 28, 2022. Fort Bragg is in a process of moving Soldiers out of the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks and into more suitable barracks on the installation. (U.S. Army Photo By Pfc. Austin Robertson)
When you receive PCS orders to Hunter Army Airfield, start by reviewing your orders and contacting the base Transportation Office. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to schedule your move, track shipments, and manage documents. You can choose a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where the government arranges movers, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a DITY move, where you move your belongings and may receive reimbursement. Most personnel use a mix of these options depending on their needs.
You are entitled to Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) for up to 10 days in the CONUS area to offset hotel costs while house-hunting or waiting for quarters. Dislocation Allowance (DLA) helps cover relocation costs not reimbursed elsewhere. Make sure you keep all receipts and submit claims promptly. DPS is your main tool for managing your move—log in early, update your info, and track your shipment status. Hunter Army Airfield’s location in Savannah, GA, offers convenient access but can mean busy moving periods in summer, so plan ahead.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor from your gaining unit as soon as possible.
- Keep orders, IDs, and important paperwork with you during travel.
- Contact the Transportation Office early to secure preferred moving dates.
- Label boxes clearly with your name and destination address.
- Take photos of high-value items for your records.
- Plan for Savannah’s humid climate—protect sensitive items from heat and moisture.
- If moving in summer, book temporary lodging well in advance.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your move.
Find official per diem, TLE, and DLA rates.
Guides and support for every step of your PCS.
Base-specific info for arriving families.
Schools & Childcare
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Families at Hunter Army Airfield rely on local public schools, as there are no DoDEA schools on base. The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) serves the installation and offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs. The School Liaison Officer (SLO) is your go-to resource for school registration, district policies, and special education support. Contact the SLO early to smooth your transition and get help navigating local school options.
Childcare Options
Child Development Center (CDC)
The CDC offers full-day, part-day, and hourly care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The center is NAEYC-accredited and features age-appropriate learning activities.
School Age Center (SAC)
The SAC provides before- and after-school care, holiday camps, and summer programs. Activities include homework help, arts, and sports. Accredited by the Council on Accreditation.
Family Child Care (FCC) Program
FCC offers flexible, home-based childcare by certified providers on base. Options include full-day, part-day, and hourly care for a wide range of ages.
Local Schools
Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS)
SCCPSS is the main district for Hunter Army Airfield families. The district offers magnet programs, STEM tracks, and gifted education. School ratings vary; some schools score above state averages in reading and math (GreatSchools.org).
Charles Ellis Montessori Academy
This district magnet school serves K-8 and is known for its Montessori curriculum. It has strong parent involvement and a focus on hands-on learning. Ratings are consistently above district averages (GreatSchools.org).
Savannah Arts Academy
Savannah Arts Academy is a top-rated public magnet high school with a strong arts and academic program. It ranks among Georgia's best high schools (U.S. News & World Report).