Military Bases in Michigan
The unofficial survival guide for military families in Michigan.
Air Force Bases
Selfridge ANGB
Located in Mount Clemens, Michigan
Selfridge ANGB sits in Mount Clemens, Michigan, serving as a joint military installation for the Air National Guard. This base is known for its diverse tenant units, supporting both air and ground operations, and offers on-base housing, access to quality schools, and a range of local amenities.
Michigan’s Joint Defense Cornerstone
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Michigan, Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township is the state’s premier Air Force installation, hosting the Michigan Air National Guard’s 127th Wing and units from all five military branches. Located on Lake St. Clair near Mount Clemens, Selfridge supports air refueling, fighter operations, and homeland security. This guide to military bases in Michigan offers insights into its role, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in the Great Lakes State.
Historical Foundations
Michigan’s military history began with early 20th-century aviation fields. Selfridge Air National Guard Base, established in 1917 as Joy Aviation Field, trained pilots and gunners for WWI, named for 1st Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge, the first military aviation casualty in 1908. It became a U.S. Air Force base in 1947 and transferred to the Michigan Air National Guard in 1971, becoming the nation’s largest joint reserve base until the late 1990s. Camp Grayling, founded in 1913, grew into the largest National Guard training facility in the U.S. These bases highlight Michigan’s enduring defense legacy.
Economic Impact
Selfridge Air National Guard Base contributes $850 million annually to Macomb County, employing 5,000 military and civilian personnel and sustaining 5,000 jobs in Harrison Township and Mount Clemens. The base’s 3,600-acre campus supports local businesses through contracts and spending. Families access 500 housing units, DoDDS schools (L’Anse Creuse Public Schools partnership), and TRICARE clinics. MWR programs, like 2025 Lake St. Clair boating and Selfridge Military Air Museum visits, enrich community life. Additional facilities like Camp Grayling and Battle Creek Air National Guard Base add $600 million and 3,000 jobs, boosting Crawford and Calhoun Counties.
Key Military Facilities
Selfridge Air National Guard Base (Harrison Township): Hosts the 127th Wing with KC-135 Stratotankers and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, transitioning to KC-46A Pegasus tankers in 2029 and F-15EX Eagle IIs in 2025, with 5,000 personnel.
Battle Creek Air National Guard Base (Battle Creek): Home to the 110th Wing, operating MQ-9 Reaper drones for ISR and strike missions, with 1,000 personnel.
Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center (Grayling): The largest National Guard training facility, spanning 147,000 acres, training 10,000 troops annually for joint exercises.
Detroit Arsenal (Warren): A U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command site, developing tanks and vehicles, with 3,000 personnel.
Strategic Importance
Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a linchpin for U.S. defense and homeland security. The 127th Wing’s 171st Air Refueling Squadron conducts 1,500 KC-135 missions annually, supporting global air refueling, while the 107th Fighter Squadron flies 1,200 A-10 sorties for close air support, transitioning to F-15EX fighters in 2025. A 2024 announcement confirmed 12 KC-46A Pegasus tankers arriving in 2029, replacing eight KC-135s. Battle Creek’s 110th Wing operates MQ-9 Reapers for 1,000 ISR missions. Camp Grayling trains 10,000 troops, including Canadian forces, and Detroit Arsenal develops advanced tanks. These bases ensure readiness despite unconfirmed 2024 drone reports.
Notable Distinctions
Selfridge Air National Guard Base, at 3,600 acres, is a unique joint-service base hosting all five military branches, with a 2025 Northern Border Coordination Center enhancing homeland security. Camp Grayling is the largest National Guard training facility, spanning 147,000 acres. Battle Creek Air National Guard Base is a key MQ-9 Reaper hub. Selfridge offers 500 housing units, school partnerships, and MWR events like Mount Clemens’ 2025 air shows and Battle Creek’s historic festivals, fostering vibrant communities in Michigan’s diverse landscapes.
U.S. service members on PCS to Michigan or TDY in Michigan will find mission-critical roles and welcoming communities at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. From Mount Clemens’ Lake St. Clair shores to Grayling’s northern wilderness, Michigan’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and rich cultural experiences for military families.