Military Bases in Indiana
Prep for your move to Indiana with this guide.
Air Force Bases
Grissom ARB
Located in Peru, Indiana
Grissom ARB in Peru, Indiana, is a key Air Force Reserve base supporting air refueling and military operations across the Midwest. Home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the base features both on-base and off-base housing options, with access to quality schools and local amenities.
Army Bases
Camp Atterbury
Located in Edinburgh, Indiana
Camp Atterbury sits just outside Edinburgh, Indiana and serves as a key training center for the Army National Guard and Reserve units. This base is known for its expansive ranges, mobilization missions, and support for joint military and civilian operations.
Navy Bases
NSA Crane
Located in Crane, Indiana
NSA Crane, located in Crane, Indiana, is a major U.S. Navy installation known for its advanced technical support and munitions operations. The base supports critical research, development, and logistics for the Navy and other military branches.
Indiana Military Installations
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Indiana, Grissom Air Reserve Base in Kokomo, Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in Edinburgh, and Naval Support Activity Crane in Martin County are key installations, supporting air refueling, guard training, and naval engineering. These bases anchor Indiana’s military presence in the Midwest. This guide to military bases in Indiana offers insights into their roles, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in the Hoosier State.
Historical Foundations
Indiana’s military history grew during the 20th century. Grissom Air Reserve Base, established in 1942 as Bunker Hill Naval Air Station, trained naval aviators during WWII and was renamed in 1968 for astronaut Lt. Col. Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, an Indiana native killed in the Apollo 1 fire. Camp Atterbury, founded in 1941, trained infantry post-Pearl Harbor, named for Brigadier General William W. Atterbury. Naval Support Activity Crane, activated in 1941, began as a WWII munitions depot and evolved into a research hub. These bases reflect Indiana’s enduring defense contributions.
Economic Impact
Indiana’s bases contribute over $2 billion annually, employing 15,000 personnel. Grissom Air Reserve Base, spanning 1,700 acres, generates $75 million and 2,500 jobs in Miami and Cass Counties, boosting Kokomo’s economy. Camp Atterbury, covering 34,000 acres, adds $500 million and 5,000 jobs in Edinburgh and Bartholomew County. NSA Crane, with 64,000 acres, sustains $1 billion and 6,000 jobs in Martin County, supporting Crane and Bloomington. Families access 1,500 housing units, DoDEA school partnerships (e.g., Kokomo Schools), and TRICARE clinics, with MWR programs like 2025 Indianapolis cultural events.
Key Military Facilities
Grissom Air Reserve Base (Kokomo): Hosts the 434th Air Refueling Wing, operating KC-135R Stratotankers for 2,000 refueling missions, with 2,500 personnel.
Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center (Edinburgh): Supports Indiana National Guard and Army Reserve, training 10,000 troops annually, with 5,000 personnel.
Naval Support Activity Crane (Crane): Home to Naval Surface Warfare Center, developing munitions and electronics, with 6,000 personnel.
Fort Benjamin Harrison (Indianapolis): Hosts Indiana National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters, training 2,000 personnel.
Strategic Importance
Indiana’s bases are critical to U.S. defense. Grissom Air Reserve Base’s 434th Air Refueling Wing conducts 2,000 KC-135R missions annually, supporting global air refueling, with 2024 “elephant walk” exercises showcasing readiness. Camp Atterbury trains 10,000 troops yearly across 34,000 acres, with 2024 exercises preparing forces for urban and multi-domain operations. NSA Crane develops 50% of Navy small arms and electronics, with 2024 advancements in hypersonic systems. Fort Benjamin Harrison supports 2,000 Guard personnel, enhancing regional readiness. These bases ensure mission success despite unconfirmed 2024 security concerns.
Notable Distinctions
Grissom Air Reserve Base is one of five Air Force Reserve bases nationwide, hosting a joint-use civilian airport. Camp Atterbury is one of two National Guard bases for joint maneuver training, with a 185-acre urban training complex. NSA Crane is the Navy’s third-largest installation by land area, specializing in electronic warfare. The bases offer 1,500 housing units, school partnerships, and MWR events like Kokomo’s 2025 automotive festivals, fostering vibrant communities in Indiana’s heartland.
U.S. service members on PCS to Indiana or TDY in Indiana will find mission-critical roles and welcoming communities at Grissom, Camp Atterbury, and NSA Crane. From Kokomo’s automotive heritage to Indianapolis’ urban vibrancy, Indiana’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and rich cultural experiences for military families.