Military Bases in Minnesota
Helping military families thrive in Minnesota.
Air Force Bases
Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station
Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a key Air Force Reserve base supporting airlift, aeromedical evacuation, and training missions.
Minnesota’s Air Reserve Gateway
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Minnesota, Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is the state’s premier military installation, serving as a combat-ready Air Force Reserve hub. Home to the 934th Airlift Wing, known as the “Flying Vikings,” it supports global airlift missions. This guide to military bases in Minnesota offers insights into its role, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Historical Foundations
Minnesota’s military history began with early aviation and grew through global conflicts. Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station traces its origins to 1920, when a hangar was built at Speedway Field for airmail service. Renamed Wold-Chamberlain Field in 1923 for WWI pilots Ernest Wold and Cyrus Chamberlain, it became a military hub in 1928 as Naval Reserve Air Station Minneapolis, transitioning to Naval Air Station Twin Cities in 1943 for WWII cadet training. Transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 1948, it was redesignated a Joint Air Reserve Station in 2003, reflecting multiservice use. These roots underscore Minnesota’s aviation and defense legacy.
Economic Impact
Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station contributes over $500 million annually to the Twin Cities economy, employing 5,000 personnel, including 1,300 reservists and 250 full-time Active Guard and Reserve members. Located in Hennepin County, the base supports Minneapolis and St. Paul through contracts and local spending. Families access 500 housing units, DoDDS schools (Minneapolis Public Schools partnership), and TRICARE clinics. MWR programs, like 2025 Mall of America outings and Minnesota Zoo visits, enhance community life. Additional facilities like Duluth Air National Guard Base and Arden Hills Army Training Site add $200 million and 2,000 jobs, boosting regional economies.
Key Military Facilities
Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station (Minneapolis): Hosts the 934th Airlift Wing, operating C-130H Hercules for global airlift, with 1,300 reservists and 5,000 total personnel.
Duluth Air National Guard Base (Duluth): Home to the 148th Fighter Wing, flying F-16C Fighting Falcons for air defense, with 1,000 personnel.
Arden Hills Army Training Site (Arden Hills): A Minnesota National Guard facility for the 34th Infantry Division, training 1,500 soldiers annually.
Strategic Importance
Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station is a vital Air Force Reserve hub. The 934th Airlift Wing conducts 1,000 C-130H missions annually, supporting tactical airlift for troops, cargo, and medical evacuations worldwide, with 2024 training enhancing NATO interoperability. Duluth Air National Guard Base’s 148th Fighter Wing provides 1,200 F-16C sorties for homeland defense and NATO air policing, maintaining 24-hour alert status. Arden Hills Army Training Site trains 1,500 soldiers of the 34th Infantry Division for combat and disaster response, with 2024 medical evacuation exercises alongside MSP ARS. These facilities ensure national security despite unconfirmed 2024 drone reports near MSP ARS.
Notable Distinctions
Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station, spanning 3,400 acres at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, is Minnesota’s only Air Force Reserve base, hosting the “Flying Vikings” of the 934th Airlift Wing. Duluth Air National Guard Base is a key F-16C hub, supporting active air defense missions. Arden Hills Army Training Site is a primary training ground for the historic 34th Infantry Division. The bases offer 500 housing units, school partnerships, and MWR events like 2025 St. Paul Winter Carnival visits and Duluth’s Lake Superior outings, fostering vibrant communities in Minnesota’s urban and scenic landscapes.
U.S. service members on PCS to Minnesota or TDY in Minnesota will find mission-critical roles and dynamic communities at Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station. From Minneapolis’s urban vibrancy to Duluth’s Lake Superior shores, Minnesota’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and unforgettable cultural experiences for military families.