Davis-Monthan AFB | Base Overview & Info (2024)

Mission

The 355th Wingmission is "RESCUE & ATTACK"

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is located within the city limits of Tucson, Ariz. The 355th Wing is the installation host providing medical, logistical, and operational support to all D-M tenant units on base such as 12th Air Force (AFSOUTH), the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group AKA "the Boneyard", the 55th Electronic Combat Group, 943rd Rescue Group & 924th Fighter Group (AFRC) and the 214th Attack Group (ANG), 355th Operations Group, 563rd Rescue Group, 355th Maintenance Group, 355th Mission Support Group, 355th Medical Group.

History

Davis-Monthan was activated in 1924. Charles Lindbergh officially conducted the base opening ceremonies. The base was named for two local early aviators, who died in separate flight accidents: 1st Lt Samuel H. Davis, killed December 22, 1921 and 2nd Lt Oscar Monthan, killed March 27, 1924.

The 355th FG flew its first combat mission, a fighter sweep over Belgium, on 14 September 1943 and afterwards served primarily as escort for B-17 / B-24 bombers that attacked industrial areas of Berlin, marshalling yards at Karlsruhe , an airfield at Neuberg, oil refineries at Misburg, synthetic oil plants at Gelsenkirchen , locks at Minden and other objectives. The group flew fighter sweeps, area patrols, and bombing missions, striking such targets as air parks, locomotives, bridges, radio stations and armoured cars.

We are now the 355th Wing.

Population

DM has a community of approximately 46,000, composed of approximately 11,000 total force Airmen, 5,800 dependents, 29,000 retirees and 34 unique mission partners including, but not limited to:

  • 12th Air Force (SOUTHCOM)
  • 55th Electronic Compact Group
  • 25th Operational Weather Squadron
  • 924th Fighter Group (AFRC)
  • 309th AMARG (Boneyard)
  • 943rd Rescue Group (AFRC)
  • 610th Command and Control Squadron (AFRC)
  • 214th Attack Group (ANG)
  • Red-Flag Rescue
  • A-10 Demo Team
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • JTF North

Davis-Monthan AFB is located in Tucson, AZ. Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona located in the diverse Sonoran Desert region of the Southwestern United States. Tucson has about 1 million people, and is in Pima County. Other nearby small towns within commuting distance include Marana, Oro Valley, Vail, Corona de Tucson, Sahuarita, and Green Valley. Tucson is located 108 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 miles north of the U.S. - Mexico border.

It is about 7 miles from downtown Tucson to Davis-Monthan; this takes about 14 minutes to commute, but the metro area is large and travel times can vary significantly. The average commute in Tucson is about 30 minutes.

Major local employers include Amazon,Raytheon Missile Systems, the University of Arizona, State of Arizona, Davis-Monthan AFB (3rd largest employer), Pima County, andBanner University Medical Center. There are also many local businesses, including dozens of businesses related to the optics industry, giving the area a nickname Optics Valley.

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is surrounded by a very supportive and friendly community of retirees and supporters of airpower. As a host to the 12 AF, we have active duty members of all ranks, from General to Airman. We also have a large and active corps of civil service employees who diligently support the active duty members on the base through their day-to-day efforts.

Joint service events are becoming more popular with Navy, Marine Corps and Army detachments nearby. The Air Force ROTC unit from the University of Arizona is attached to DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB.

Location

Davis-Monthan AFB is located 7 miles southeast of downtown Tucson, AZ (Pima County).Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona located in the diverse Sonoran Desert region of the Southwestern United States. Other nearby small communities include Marana, Oro Valley, Vail, Sahuarita, and Green Valley. Tucson is located 108 miles southeast of Phoenix and 62 miles north of the U.S. - Mexico border.

It is about 7 miles from downtown Tucson to Davis-Monthan; this takes about 14 minutes to commute, but the metro area is large and travel times can vary significantly. The average commute in Tucson is about 30 minutes.

Major local employers include Raytheon Missile Systems, Amazon, FEDEX, the University of Arizona, State of Arizona, Davis-Monthan AFB, Pima County, andBanner University Medical Center. There are also many local businesses, including dozens of businesses related to the optics industry, giving the area a nickname Optics Valley.

Directions

Directions from Tucson International Airport

From the airport, head North on Tucson Boulevard, make a right turn on Valencia Road headed East. Make a left turn on Alvernon Way headed North. Alvernon Way will merge with Golf Links Rd. Continue on Golf Links until you come to Craycroft Road. Make a right turn on Craycroft Road headed South. You will approach Davis-Monthan AFB main gate and visitor center.

The Tucson International Airport is located approximately 10 miles from the center of town. Transportation options include rental cars, shared ride vans, taxis, and the city bus. All departing shuttles, vans, buses, and taxis are located on the commercial roadway on the lower level in front of the terminal. Uber Service is also available.

Rental Cars

Seven rental car agencies are located at TIA:

  • Alamo Reservations: 800-327-9633 Local 844-370-9822
  • Avis Reservations: 800-331-1212 Local 520-294-1494
  • Car Rentals from Budget Reservations: 800-527-0700 Local 520-889-8800
  • Dollar Car Rental Reservations: 800-800-5252 Local 866-434-2226
  • Enterprise Reservations: 800-736-8222 Local 520-298-7087
  • Hertz Reservations: 800-654-3131 Local 520-263-0271
  • National Reservations: 800-227-7368 Local 877-222-9058
  • Thrifty Car Rental Reservations: 800-847-4389 Local 520-745-0360

Arizona Stagecoach operates shared-ride van service for each arriving flight. Service includes transportation to hotels, resorts, the University of Arizona, and business or residence locations. Call 520-889-1000Shared-Ride Van Service

Bus Service

Sun Tran, Tucson's public bus system, provides service to/from TIA every hour. Check with the Airport Information Centers or call 520-792-9222 for schedules.

Uber and Lyft Services are also available.

Services for Disabled

Please call the specific ground transportation company ahead of time to assure that properly equipped vehicles are available.

Directions from I-10 East or West

Exit 265 onto Alvernon Way headed North. West bound I-10 leads you right to it. East bound I-10 you must turn left under I-10. Alvernon Way will merge with Golf Links Rd. Continue on Golf Links until you come to Craycroft Road. Make a right turn on Craycroft Road headed South. You will approach Davis-Monthan AFB main gate and visitor center.

Gate Hours

Gate Operations for the installation 520-228-3200

Craycroft Gate: 24/7

Swan Gate: Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.(direct commercial vehicles/trucks here)

North Wilmot: Mon-Fri (located by MDG clinic & Boneyard):

  • 5:30 to 8 a.m. open to all traffic
  • 1:30 to 6 p.m. open to outbound traffic "ONLY"

South Wilmot (29B): Mon-Fri (best gate to use for those who live south, southeast, or southwest of the base):

  • 5 to 9 a.m. open to all traffic
  • 1:30 to 6 p.m. open to all traffic

Base Transportation

Only individuals with a current DOD ID card have access onto base without needing a sponsor. If you do not possess a current DOD ID card, please stop at the visitors' center at the Craycroft gate to obtain a base pass. You will need to show proof of valid drivers license, current vehicle registration and insurance.

To get around on base, people drive, walk or ride a bicycle. However, Base Transportation (355 LRS) may be able to provide transportation to official appointments on-base. Pick up location must be from workplace. Please call 520-228-4808 to request transportation. Transportation is not available from domicile to place of work.

Uber will be allowed on base if the driver has a military ID.

The public bus transportation system stops at the main gate visitor's center. (Craycroft Ave.)

Contact Information

Contact the DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB INFORMATION LINE at 520-228-1110 or DSN 312-228-1110.

Law Enforcement Desk (SFS) = 520-228-3200

Davis-Monthan AFB | Base Overview & Info (2024)

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