Joint Base Andrews
Joint Base Andrews, located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, is one of the most visible and strategically important military installations in the United States. It is widely known as the “Home of Air Force One,” serving as the primary air travel hub for the President of the United States and other senior government officials. The base is under the jurisdiction of the United States Air Force’s 316th Wing, which provides critical installation support, security, and services to over 50 tenant organizations and federal agencies, as well as thousands of Airmen and their families in the National Capital Region. This broad mission set makes Joint Base Andrews a truly joint environment, hosting units from all branches of the U.S. armed forces and playing a vital role in national security and diplomatic efforts.
Among its many critical missions, Joint Base Andrews is home to the 459th Air Refueling Wing (459 ARW), an Air Force Reserve Command unit. The 459 ARW operates KC-135R Stratotankers, providing essential in-flight refueling capabilities to extend the global reach of the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied nations. This wing plays a significant role in supporting deployments and exercises worldwide, ensuring that combat and mobility aircraft can sustain operations over long distances. In addition to the KC-135s, Joint Base Andrews also hosts the 89th Airlift Wing, which operates the specialized aircraft for executive airlift, including the VC-25A (Air Force One). The combination of these diverse flying and support units underscores Joint Base Andrews’ multifaceted contribution to both U.S. domestic and international military objectives.
