Military Bases in Maryland
Your guide to navigating military life in Maryland.
Air Force Bases
Joint Base Andrews
Located in Andrews Afb, Maryland
Joint Base Andrews in Andrews Afb, Maryland, is a premier Air Force installation known for hosting Air Force One and serving as a critical hub for airlift missions. The base supports both Air Force and Navy operations, offering on-base housing, top-rated schools, and access to Washington D.C. amenities.
Army Bases
Aberdeen Proving Ground
Located in Aberdeen, Maryland
Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Maryland, is a key U.S. Army installation known for weapons testing, research, and development. The base supports advanced technology missions and is home to several Army research centers.
Fort Detrick
Located in Frederick, Maryland
Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland, is a key U.S. Army installation known for its role in biomedical research and global health initiatives. The base is home to the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, with on-base housing, nearby schools, and access to Frederick’s amenities.
Fort Meade
Located in Fort Meade, Maryland
Fort Meade in Fort Meade, Maryland, is a major U.S. Army installation and the headquarters for U.S. Cyber Command, NSA, and DISA. The base is known for its secure operations, robust on-base housing, and proximity to top-rated schools and Baltimore-Washington amenities.
Navy Bases
NAS Patuxent River
Located in Lexington Park, Maryland
NAS Patuxent River in Lexington Park, Maryland, is a major U.S. Navy installation known for its cutting-edge research, development, testing, and evaluation of naval aviation systems. The base supports a large military and civilian workforce, offers on-base housing, and has access to quality schools and local amenities.
NSA Annapolis
Located in Annapolis, Maryland
NSA Annapolis in Annapolis, Maryland, serves as a key Navy support installation and is home to the U.S. Naval Academy, making it a hub for officer training and education. The base offers on-base housing, access to top-rated schools, and proximity to downtown Annapolis amenities.
NSA Bethesda
Located in Bethesda, Maryland
NSA Bethesda in Bethesda, Maryland, serves as a premier support installation for military medicine, anchoring the renowned Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This U.S. Navy base is known for its world-class healthcare facilities, on-base housing options, and access to top-rated local schools.
NSF Indian Head
Located in Indian Head, Maryland
NSF Indian Head sits in Indian Head, Maryland, and serves as a key U.S. Navy installation specializing in energetics and ordnance research. The base is known for its advanced testing facilities, supporting both Navy and joint military missions.
United States Naval Academy
Located in Annapolis, Maryland
United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, serves as the premier undergraduate college for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. This historic campus is renowned for its rigorous academic and leadership programs, scenic waterfront, and iconic traditions.
Maryland’s Military Installations
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Maryland, Joint Base Andrews, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Fort Detrick, Fort George G. Meade, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Naval Support Activity Annapolis, Naval Support Activity Bethesda, and Naval Support Facility Indian Head are premier installations, supporting Air Force, Army, and Navy missions. From presidential airlift to cyber defense, these bases drive Maryland’s strategic importance. This guide to military bases in Maryland offers insights into their roles, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in the Old Line State.
Historical Foundations
Maryland’s military history spans centuries. Naval Support Activity Annapolis, established in 1845 as the U.S. Naval Academy, trained naval officers, named for its Chesapeake Bay location. Fort George G. Meade, founded in 1917 as Camp Meade, trained WWI troops and was renamed for General George G. Meade in 1928. Joint Base Andrews, formed in 2009 from Andrews Air Force Base (1942), supported WWII air operations. Aberdeen Proving Ground, opened in 1917, became the Army’s weapons testing hub. Fort Detrick, established in 1931, focused on biological research. Naval Air Station Patuxent River (1943), Naval Support Facility Indian Head (1890), and Naval Support Activity Bethesda (1943) grew from WWII needs, shaping Maryland’s defense legacy.
Economic Impact
Maryland’s bases contribute over $20 billion annually, employing 100,000 personnel. Fort George G. Meade generates $8 billion and 56,000 jobs in Anne Arundel County. Joint Base Andrews adds $4 billion and 20,000 jobs in Prince George’s County. Aberdeen Proving Ground sustains $3 billion and 21,000 jobs in Harford County. NAS Patuxent River contributes $2 billion and 22,000 jobs in St. Mary’s County. NSA Bethesda, Fort Detrick, NSA Annapolis, and NSF Indian Head collectively add $3 billion and 20,000 jobs. Families access 3,000 housing units, DoDDS schools (e.g., Anne Arundel County Public Schools), and TRICARE clinics. MWR programs, like 2025 Annapolis sailing and Andrews air shows, enrich community life.
Key Military Facilities
Joint Base Andrews (Camp Springs): Hosts the 316th Wing, operating Air Force One and F-16Cs, with 8,000 personnel.
Aberdeen Proving Ground (Aberdeen): Army Test and Evaluation Command hub, testing weapons like M1 Abrams, with 21,000 personnel.
Fort Detrick (Frederick): Home to U.S. Army Medical Research Command, advancing biodefense, with 4,000 personnel.
Fort George G. Meade (Odenton): Hosts U.S. Cyber Command and NSA, with 56,000 personnel managing cyber operations.
Naval Air Station Patuxent River (Lexington Park): Naval Air Systems Command tests F-35s and V-22 Ospreys, with 22,000 personnel.
Naval Support Activity Annapolis (Annapolis): Includes the U.S. Naval Academy, training 4,400 midshipmen, with 3,000 personnel.
Naval Support Activity Bethesda (Bethesda): Home to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, serving 2,500 personnel.
Naval Support Facility Indian Head (Indian Head): Develops explosives and ordnance, with 1,300 personnel.
Carderock Division NSWC (West Bethesda): Naval Surface Warfare Center for ship design, with 2,000 personnel.
Strategic Importance
Maryland’s bases are linchpins for U.S. defense. Joint Base Andrews’ 316th Wing operates Air Force One and conducts 2,000 F-16C missions annually, with 2024 upgrades enhancing presidential airlift. Fort George G. Meade’s U.S. Cyber Command and NSA manage 80% of DoD cyber operations, with 2025 initiatives advancing cybersecurity. Aberdeen Proving Ground tests 50% of Army weapons, including hypersonics. Fort Detrick’s medical research develops vaccines for global health threats. NAS Patuxent River tests 200 aircraft types, including 2024 F-35C trials. NSA Annapolis trains 4,400 naval officers, NSA Bethesda treats 1 million patients yearly, and NSF Indian Head produces 30% of Navy explosives. These bases ensure readiness despite unconfirmed 2024 drone reports.
Notable Distinctions
Fort George G. Meade is the Army’s cyber hub, hosting NSA and Cyber Command. Joint Base Andrews is the only base operating Air Force One. Aberdeen Proving Ground is the Army’s oldest active proving ground. NAS Patuxent River is the Navy’s premier flight test center. The bases offer 3,000 housing units, school partnerships, and MWR events like Bethesda’s 2025 medical symposiums and Patuxent’s air expos, fostering vibrant communities in Maryland’s historic and coastal regions.
U.S. service members on PCS to Maryland or TDY in Maryland will find mission-critical roles and dynamic communities at Andrews, Aberdeen, Detrick, Meade, Patuxent, Annapolis, Bethesda, and Indian Head. From Annapolis’ Chesapeake Bay to Bethesda’s urban energy, Maryland’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and rich cultural experiences for military families.