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Joint Base Andrews: The Nation's Air Gateway

Discover the vital role of Joint Base Andrews, serving as the primary air portal for the nation's capital and the home of Air Force One.

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Base Overview

Strategic Location

Joint Base Andrews (JBA), formerly Andrews Air Force Base, is a crucial U.S. Air Force installation situated near Camp Springs, Maryland, within the suburban Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. It operates under the jurisdiction of the United States Air Force (USAF) and serves as a primary air transportation hub for the nation's capital.

Presidential Operations

JBA is famously known as the home base for two Boeing VC-25A aircraft, which operate as Air Force One when the President of the United States is aboard. The base facilitates the typical arrival and departure of the President when traveling by air from Washington, D.C.

Joint Base Formation

In 2009, Andrews Air Force Base merged with Naval Air Facility Washington to form Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility Washington. This consolidation aimed to optimize installation management and support services, with the U.S. Air Force designated as the lead organization.

Historical Evolution

Origins and Early Development

The base's origins trace back to 1942 when President Roosevelt directed the use of land near Camp Springs, Maryland, for an airfield. Initially designated Camp Springs Air Base, construction began shortly after. It officially opened as Camp Springs Army Air Base in May 1943, becoming operational with the arrival of Republic P-47 Thunderbolts.

  • 1942: Designated Camp Springs Air Base; construction commenced.
  • 1943: Opened as Camp Springs Army Air Base; became operational with fighter aircraft.
  • 1944: Expanded runways and served as a base for fighter units.
  • 1945: Named Andrews Field in honor of Lt. Gen. Frank Maxwell Andrews.

Post-War and Strategic Role

Following World War II, Andrews Field transitioned under Air Force control. It served various commands, including Strategic Air Command (SAC) and Military Air Transport Service (MATS). The base saw the arrival of jet aircraft and played a role in training and VIP transport.

  • 1947: Transferred from Army to Air Force control.
  • 1950s: Received advanced fighter-interceptor aircraft and hosted annual air shows.
  • 1961: Became the primary base for presidential aircraft, "Air Force One."
  • 1963: Naval Air Facility (NAF) Washington relocated to Andrews.

Modernization and Joint Base

Throughout the late 20th century, Andrews AFB continued to evolve, supporting various Air Force commands and hosting significant units. The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process in the early 2000s led to the significant consolidation with NAF Washington, culminating in the establishment of Joint Base Andrews in 2009.

  • 1970s-1980s: Reorganizations and designation changes, including hosting Headquarters Command, USAF.
  • 1991: 89th Military Airlift Wing redesignated as the 89th Airlift Wing, becoming the host unit.
  • 2005: BRAC recommendations led to the merger with NAF Washington.
  • 2009: Establishment of Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility Washington.
  • 2010: 11th Wing became the host organization for Joint Base Andrews.

Core Mission and Operations

Presidential and VIP Support

Joint Base Andrews is paramount for supporting the executive branch of the U.S. government. It is the home of the 89th Airlift Wing, known as "The President's Wing," which provides global Special Air Mission airlift for the President, Vice President, Cabinet members, and other high-ranking officials.

National Capital Region Support

The base's host unit, the 316th Wing, is responsible for maintaining emergency reaction rotary-wing airlift and other contingency response capabilities critical to national security within the National Capital Region. It ensures rapid response and support for national defense.

Ceremonial and Contingency Roles

Beyond airlift, JBA provides essential installation support, including security, services, and airfield management. It also plays a significant role in ceremonial support, featuring the United States Air Force Band and Honor Guard, and supports contingency operations with immediate response assets.

Key Units and Commands

316th Wing

The 316th Wing serves as the host unit for Joint Base Andrews, assigned to the Air Force District of Washington (AFDW). It provides installation security, services, and airfield management, supporting the President, other senior leaders, and over 50 tenant organizations.

89th Airlift Wing

Known as "The President's Wing," the 89th Airlift Wing is responsible for Special Air Mission airlift. It operates the aircraft that serve as Air Force One and Air Force Two, ensuring global mobility for U.S. leadership.

Medical Services

The Malcolm Grow USAF Medical Center is a key facility on base, providing comprehensive healthcare services to military personnel, families, and veterans. It has been a significant part of the base's infrastructure since its establishment.

Organizational Structure

Major Commands

Joint Base Andrews falls under the purview of several major commands throughout its history, reflecting its strategic importance. Currently, it is primarily supported by Air Mobility Command (AMC) and the Air Force District of Washington (AFDW).

  • Air Mobility Command (AMC): Oversees airlift and aerial refueling operations.
  • Air Force District of Washington (AFDW): Manages Air Force activities within the National Capital Region.
  • Historically, it also supported Strategic Air Command (SAC) and Air Force Systems Command.

Numbered Air Forces & Wings

The base hosts various numbered Air Forces and wings integral to its mission. These include units focused on airlift, air base support, and specialized operations, contributing to the overall operational readiness and support structure.

  • 89th Airlift Wing (Special Air Mission)
  • 316th Wing (Host Unit, Installation Support)
  • Historically, units from SAC, such as bombardment and fighter wings, were stationed here.

Geographical Context

Location and Area

Joint Base Andrews is situated in Prince George's County, Maryland, approximately 15 km (9 miles) southeast of Washington, D.C. It is delineated as a census-designated place (CDP) by the U.S. Census Bureau, covering an area of 6.9 square miles (18.0 km2).

Airfield Infrastructure

The base features significant airfield infrastructure, including two primary runways. The western runway measures 11,300 feet (3,400 m), and the eastern runway is 9,750 feet (2,970 m) long, accommodating a wide range of aircraft operations.

Base Demographics

Population Data

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the resident population of the Andrews AFB CDP was 3,025. The demographic makeup reflects the military community stationed at the base, with a significant portion of the population under the age of 44.

2020 Census Highlights:

  • Total Population: 3,025
  • Racial Composition: Predominantly White (NH) and Black or African American (NH).
  • Hispanic or Latino population (any race) constituted approximately 15.80%.
  • The median age was around 24 years, indicating a young population base.

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Andrews Air Force Base Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not reflect the most current operational status or official information.

This is not official U.S. Air Force information or military advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for official military documentation, operational directives, or consultation with qualified military personnel. Always refer to official sources for accurate and up-to-date information regarding military installations and operations.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.