Barksdale Air Force Base Louisiana Guide

Located in Bossier City, Louisiana, Barksdale Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base that serves as the headquarters for the Air Force Global Strike Command. The base has a rich history dating back to 1933 and has played a significant role in the country's defense and military operations. With its diverse range of units and activities, Barksdale Air Force Base is an essential part of the local community and the nation's military infrastructure.

The base is named after Lieutenant Eugene Hoy Barksdale, a test pilot who was killed in a plane crash in 1926. Over the years, the base has undergone numerous transformations and expansions, with various units and commands being established and disbanded. Today, Barksdale Air Force Base is home to several key units, including the 2nd Bomb Wing, the 307th Bomb Wing, and the 8th Air Force.

The base's primary mission is to provide combat-ready forces to support the nation's defense and security objectives. This includes operating and maintaining a fleet of B-52H Stratofortress bombers, as well as providing training and support for aircrew and maintenance personnel. The base is also home to several other units, including the 2nd Medical Group, the 2nd Mission Support Group, and the 2nd Operations Group.

In addition to its military operations, Barksdale Air Force Base is also an important part of the local community. The base employs thousands of people, both military and civilian, and has a significant economic impact on the surrounding area. The base also hosts several community events throughout the year, including air shows, festivals, and parades.

History of Barksdale Air Force Base

The history of Barksdale Air Force Base dates back to 1933, when the United States Army Air Corps established a bombing range in the area. The range was used for training and testing purposes, and it quickly became an essential part of the country's military infrastructure. In 1942, the base was officially established as Barksdale Army Air Field, and it began to play a significant role in the war effort.

During World War II, the base was used as a training facility for bomber crews and as a staging area for aircraft deploying to Europe and the Pacific. The base also served as a maintenance and repair facility for aircraft, and it was home to several key units, including the 46th Bombardment Group and the 333rd Bombardment Group.

In the years following the war, the base underwent significant transformations and expansions. In 1947, the base was renamed Barksdale Air Force Base, and it became a key part of the newly established United States Air Force. The base continued to play a significant role in the country's military operations, and it was home to several key units, including the 2nd Bombardment Wing and the 8th Air Force.

Mission and Units

The primary mission of Barksdale Air Force Base is to provide combat-ready forces to support the nation's defense and security objectives. This includes operating and maintaining a fleet of B-52H Stratofortress bombers, as well as providing training and support for aircrew and maintenance personnel.

The base is home to several key units, including the 2nd Bomb Wing, the 307th Bomb Wing, and the 8th Air Force. The 2nd Bomb Wing is the base's host unit and is responsible for operating and maintaining the B-52H fleet. The wing is composed of several squadrons, including the 11th Bomb Squadron, the 20th Bomb Squadron, and the 96th Bomb Squadron.

The 307th Bomb Wing is a reserve unit that is also based at Barksdale Air Force Base. The wing is responsible for providing training and support for aircrew and maintenance personnel, and it is composed of several squadrons, including the 93rd Bomb Squadron and the 343rd Bomb Squadron.

The 8th Air Force is a numbered air force that is headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base. The force is responsible for providing combat-ready forces to support the nation's defense and security objectives, and it is composed of several wings and units, including the 2nd Bomb Wing and the 307th Bomb Wing.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Barksdale Air Force Base has a diverse range of facilities and infrastructure to support its military operations and personnel. The base has several runways and taxiways, as well as numerous hangars and maintenance facilities.

The base is also home to several key facilities, including the Barksdale Air Force Base Hospital, the Base Exchange, and the Commissary. The hospital provides medical care and services to military personnel and their families, while the Base Exchange and Commissary provide shopping and dining options.

In addition to its military facilities, the base also has several recreational and entertainment facilities, including a golf course, a swimming pool, and a movie theater. The base also has several parks and playgrounds, as well as a library and a fitness center.

Community Involvement

Barksdale Air Force Base is an important part of the local community, and it has a significant economic and social impact on the surrounding area. The base employs thousands of people, both military and civilian, and it has a diverse range of community programs and initiatives.

The base hosts several community events throughout the year, including air shows, festivals, and parades. The base also has several partnerships with local organizations and businesses, and it provides support and resources for a range of community programs and initiatives.

In addition to its community programs and initiatives, the base also has several outreach and engagement programs. The base has a public affairs office that provides information and support to the local media and community, and it also has a community relations program that provides support and resources for local events and activities.

Gallery of Barksdale Air Force Base

Barksdale Air Force Base Image Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of Barksdale Air Force Base?

The primary mission of Barksdale Air Force Base is to provide combat-ready forces to support the nation's defense and security objectives.

What units are based at Barksdale Air Force Base?

Barksdale Air Force Base is home to several key units, including the 2nd Bomb Wing, the 307th Bomb Wing, and the 8th Air Force.

What facilities and infrastructure are available at Barksdale Air Force Base?

Barksdale Air Force Base has a diverse range of facilities and infrastructure, including runways, taxiways, hangars, and maintenance facilities, as well as several key facilities such as the Barksdale Air Force Base Hospital, the Base Exchange, and the Commissary.

How does Barksdale Air Force Base contribute to the local community?

What events and activities are hosted by Barksdale Air Force Base?

Barksdale Air Force Base hosts several community events throughout the year, including air shows, festivals, and parades. The base also has several partnerships with local organizations and businesses, and it provides support and resources for a range of community programs and initiatives.

As we conclude our exploration of Barksdale Air Force Base, we hope that you have gained a deeper understanding of the base's rich history, its diverse range of facilities and infrastructure, and its significant contributions to the local community. Whether you are a military personnel, a civilian, or simply someone interested in learning more about this important Air Force base, we encourage you to continue exploring and learning about Barksdale Air Force Base. Share your thoughts and experiences with us, and let's work together to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of this vital part of our nation's military infrastructure.