Military Bases in New York

New York’s Military Installations

For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to New York, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Fort Drum, Fort Hamilton, United States Military Academy at West Point, and Youngstown Air Reserve Station are key installations, supporting Air Force reserve operations, Army training, and officer education. From Niagara’s western frontier to Brooklyn’s urban core, these bases drive New York’s military significance. This guide to military bases in New York offers insights into their roles, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in the Empire State.

Historical Foundations

New York’s military history spans centuries. Fort Hamilton, established in 1825 in Brooklyn, fortified New York Harbor during the Civil War and WWII, named for Alexander Hamilton. The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802 as Fort Clinton, became the Army’s premier officer training institution, shaping leaders like Ulysses S. Grant. Fort Drum, activated in 1908 as Pine Camp, expanded during WWII to train infantry, becoming the permanent home of the 10th Mountain Division in 1985. Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, starting as a 1928 municipal airport, became a military base in 1942, and Youngstown Air Reserve Station, built in 1952, supported WWII fighter detachments. These bases reflect New York’s enduring defense legacy.

Economic Impact

New York’s bases contribute over $3 billion annually, employing 20,000 personnel. Fort Drum, spanning 107,265 acres, generates $1.5 billion and 15,000 jobs in Watertown and Jefferson County. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is Ohio’s largest single-site employer, sustaining 35,000 jobs and contributing $5.2 billion annually to Dayton and Greene and Montgomery Counties. Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station employs 3,000, adding $400 million to Niagara County’s economy. Fort Hamilton, the smallest base, supports 2,000 jobs and $200 million in Brooklyn. USMA at West Point contributes $500 million, sustaining 3,000 jobs in Orange County. Youngstown Air Reserve Station adds $300 million and 1,700 jobs in Mahoning Valley. Families access 1,500 housing units, DoDDS schools (e.g., West Point’s DoDEA schools, Watertown City Schools), and TRICARE clinics, with MWR programs like 2025 Niagara Falls tours and Fort Drum ski trips.

Key Military Facilities

• Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (Niagara Falls): Hosts the 914th Air Refueling Wing with KC-135 Stratotankers, supporting 3,000 personnel and a Military Entrance Processing Station for all branches.

• Fort Drum (Watertown): Home to the 10th Mountain Division, training 15,000 soldiers for mountain and arctic warfare across 107,265 acres.

• Fort Hamilton (Brooklyn): Supports Army National Guard and Reserve units, including the 12th and 21st Infantry Regiments, with 2,000 personnel in a 147-acre urban garrison.

• United States Military Academy at West Point (West Point): Trains 4,400 cadets annually to become Army officers, with 3,000 personnel and Keller Army Community Hospital.

• Youngstown Air Reserve Station (Vienna): Hosts the 910th Airlift Wing with C-130J Super Hercules, supporting 1,700 personnel and aerial spray missions.

• Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base (Westhampton Beach): Home to the 106th Rescue Wing with HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, supporting 1,000 personnel.

Strategic Importance

New York’s bases are critical to U.S. defense and NATO operations. Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station’s 914th Air Refueling Wing conducts 1,500 KC-135 missions annually, supporting global air refueling, with 2024 operations enhancing readiness. Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division trains 15,000 soldiers for deployments, with 2025 exercises focusing on arctic warfare. Fort Hamilton manages reserve operations, processing recruits via its Military Entrance Processing Station. USMA at West Point graduates 1,000 officers yearly, shaping Army leadership. Youngstown Air Reserve Station’s 910th Airlift Wing executes 1,200 C-130J missions, including unique aerial spray capabilities. Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base’s 106th Rescue Wing supports 500 search-and-rescue missions, aiding disaster relief. These bases ensure strategic readiness.

Notable Distinctions

Fort Drum, at 107,265 acres, is New York’s largest base, home to the 10th Mountain Division, known for rapid global deployments. USMA at West Point is the oldest U.S. Army garrison, training elite officers since 1802. Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is the state’s last federal Air Force installation, with a 2024 Armed Forces Reserve Center. Fort Hamilton is the smallest urban base, uniquely located in Brooklyn. Youngstown Air Reserve Station is one of two Air Force Reserve bases with aerial spray missions. The bases offer 1,500 housing units, school partnerships, and MWR events like West Point’s 2025 Hudson River tours, fostering vibrant communities across New York’s diverse landscapes.

U.S. service members on PCS to New York or TDY in New York will find dynamic missions and welcoming communities at Niagara Falls, Fort Drum, Fort Hamilton, West Point, and Youngstown. From Niagara’s breathtaking falls to Brooklyn’s urban energy, New York’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and rich cultural experiences for military families.