Intro
Discover the strategic locations of Alabamas military presence with our interactive map. Explore the 7 major military bases in Alabama, including Redstone Arsenal, Maxwell Air Force Base, and Fort McClellan. Learn about their roles, histories, and economic impact on the state, and get an inside look at the militarys significant presence in Alabamas defense landscape.
Alabama, known as the "Heart of Dixie," has a rich military history and is home to numerous major military bases that play a crucial role in the country's defense and security. The state's strategic location, favorable climate, and strong support for the military make it an ideal location for various branches of the armed forces to establish their bases.
The presence of these military bases not only contributes to the state's economy but also provides a sense of security and pride for the local communities. In this article, we will explore seven major military bases in Alabama, their history, and their current roles.
1. Redstone Arsenal
Located in Huntsville, Alabama, Redstone Arsenal is a United States Army base that serves as the headquarters for the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM). The base is also home to the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command and the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Command (AMRDEC).
Redstone Arsenal has a long history dating back to 1941, when it was established as a chemical warfare depot. Over the years, the base has evolved to become a major hub for the development and testing of military aircraft, missiles, and other defense systems.
Redstone Arsenal Facts
- Established in 1941
- Home to over 35,000 military personnel, civilians, and contractors
- Spans over 38,000 acres
- Supports over $300 million in economic development annually
2. Maxwell Air Force Base
Located in Montgomery, Alabama, Maxwell Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base that serves as the headquarters for Air University (AU), a major component of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC).
Maxwell Air Force Base has a rich history dating back to 1910, when it was established as a training base for the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Over the years, the base has evolved to become a major hub for military education and training, with a focus on airpower and joint operations.
Maxwell Air Force Base Facts
- Established in 1910
- Home to over 12,000 military personnel, civilians, and contractors
- Spans over 1,100 acres
- Supports over $100 million in economic development annually
3. Fort Rucker
Located in Dale County, Alabama, Fort Rucker is a United States Army base that serves as the primary training base for Army Aviation. The base is home to the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and the U.S. Army Aviation School.
Fort Rucker has a long history dating back to 1942, when it was established as a training base for the U.S. Army Air Forces. Over the years, the base has evolved to become a major hub for Army Aviation training, with a focus on helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft operations.
Fort Rucker Facts
- Established in 1942
- Home to over 5,000 military personnel, civilians, and contractors
- Spans over 63,000 acres
- Supports over $200 million in economic development annually
4. Anniston Army Depot
Located in Anniston, Alabama, the Anniston Army Depot is a United States Army base that serves as a major maintenance and repair facility for military vehicles and equipment.
The depot has a long history dating back to 1941, when it was established as a maintenance facility for the U.S. Army Tank Corps. Over the years, the depot has evolved to become a major hub for military vehicle maintenance and repair, with a focus on supporting operations in the Middle East and other parts of the world.
Anniston Army Depot Facts
- Established in 1941
- Home to over 3,000 military personnel, civilians, and contractors
- Spans over 15,000 acres
- Supports over $100 million in economic development annually
5. Dannelly Field
Located in Montgomery, Alabama, Dannelly Field is a United States Air National Guard base that serves as the home of the 187th Fighter Wing.
Dannelly Field has a long history dating back to 1941, when it was established as a training base for the U.S. Army Air Forces. Over the years, the base has evolved to become a major hub for Air National Guard operations, with a focus on supporting homeland defense and overseas operations.
Dannelly Field Facts
- Established in 1941
- Home to over 1,000 military personnel, civilians, and contractors
- Spans over 1,200 acres
- Supports over $50 million in economic development annually
6. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center
Located in Mobile, Alabama, the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center is a United States Coast Guard base that serves as the primary training facility for Coast Guard aviators.
The base has a long history dating back to 1966, when it was established as a training facility for Coast Guard helicopter pilots. Over the years, the base has evolved to become a major hub for Coast Guard aviation training, with a focus on supporting search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and homeland security operations.
Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Facts
- Established in 1966
- Home to over 500 military personnel, civilians, and contractors
- Spans over 200 acres
- Supports over $20 million in economic development annually
7. Maxwell-Gunter Annex
Located in Montgomery, Alabama, Maxwell-Gunter Annex is a United States Air Force base that serves as a major logistics and maintenance facility for the Air Force.
The annex has a long history dating back to 1941, when it was established as a maintenance facility for the U.S. Army Air Forces. Over the years, the annex has evolved to become a major hub for Air Force logistics and maintenance, with a focus on supporting operations in the Middle East and other parts of the world.
Maxwell-Gunter Annex Facts
- Established in 1941
- Home to over 2,000 military personnel, civilians, and contractors
- Spans over 1,000 acres
- Supports over $100 million in economic development annually
These seven major military bases in Alabama play a crucial role in the state's economy and defense. From Army Aviation training to Coast Guard aviation training, these bases support a wide range of military operations and contribute to the state's rich military history.
Alabama Military Bases Image Gallery
What is the largest military base in Alabama?
+Redstone Arsenal is the largest military base in Alabama, covering over 38,000 acres and home to over 35,000 military personnel, civilians, and contractors.
What is the primary function of Fort Rucker?
+The primary function of Fort Rucker is to provide training for Army Aviation personnel, including helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft operations.
What is the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center?
+The Coast Guard Aviation Training Center is a training facility for Coast Guard aviators, providing training for search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and homeland security operations.