Joint Base Andrews: Military Base Guide

ABOUT JOINT BASE ANDREWS

 

During the Civil War, Union soldiers repurposed a small country church into a headquarters as troops camped in the surrounding fields. In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the construction of an airfield named Camp Springs on the grounds. It was later renamed Andrews Field after Lt. Gen. Frank M. Andrews and evolved into Andrews Air Force Base when the Air Force became a separate service in 1947. In 2009, the final rounds of BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) combined Andrews Air Force Base with Naval Air Facility Washington to become Joint Base Andrews.

Both Joint Base Andrews and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling fall under the command of the Air Force District of Washington (AFDW), which is headquartered at Joint Base Andrews. The 11th Wing is the host wing, while the 79th Medical Wing, Naval Air Facility Washington, USAF Honor Guard, USAF Band, and USAF Chaplaincy also call Joint Base Andrews home. Perhaps the most famed unit at Andrews is the 89th Wing, or "The President's Wing." This elite Air Mobility Command transports and receives VIPs from around the globe. Popes, kings, queens, prime ministers—you name it—all pass through the "Gateway to the Capital."

On-base housing at Joint Base Andrews is a popular choice, and many people opt for on post over the communities immediately surrounding the base. Depending on your preferences for commutes, schools, and home prices, there are many other excellent home choices in Virginia and Maryland.

 

KEY CONTACTS

 

Liberty Park at Andrews

— Housing Office, 2097 San Antonio Blvd., Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762 — PH: (866) 944-7504

Military & Family Support Center

— 1191 Menoher Dr., Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762 — PH: (301) 981-7087

School Liaison Office

— 1191 Menoher Dr., Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762 — PH: (301) 981-9211

Note: Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. As always, call first to confirm hours and availability of services.

Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time.