15 Louisiana Military Bases: Essential Facts & Figures

An Overview of Louisiana’s Military Bases

Louisiana, known for its vibrant culture and rich history, is also home to a significant number of military bases that play a vital role in the nation’s defense and security. These bases contribute to the state’s economy and provide numerous opportunities for military personnel and their families. In this blog post, we will explore the 15 military bases located in Louisiana, uncovering essential facts and figures that showcase their importance.

1. Barksdale Air Force Base

• Location: Bossier City, Louisiana
• Branch: United States Air Force
• History: Established in 1932, Barksdale Air Force Base has a long and prestigious history. It served as a training base during World War II and later became a strategic command center during the Cold War. Today, it is a key hub for the Air Force’s bomber fleet.
• Key Units: Barksdale is home to the 2nd Bomb Wing, responsible for operating the B-52 Stratofortress bombers. The base also hosts the Air Force Global Strike Command, which oversees the nation’s nuclear bomber force.
• Economic Impact: With over 7,000 military and civilian personnel, Barksdale contributes significantly to the local economy. It generates an estimated $800 million in economic output annually, supporting various businesses and services in the region.

2. Fort Polk

• Location: Vernon Parish, Louisiana
• Branch: United States Army
• History: Fort Polk was established in 1941 as a training facility for infantry troops. It played a crucial role during World War II and later became a vital training center for the Army’s combat units.
• Key Units: The base is home to the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), which conducts realistic training exercises for military units. It also hosts the 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, responsible for providing support to combat operations.
• Population: Fort Polk has a population of approximately 12,000 military personnel and their families. The base’s impact extends beyond its boundaries, with a significant number of civilian employees and contractors supporting its operations.

3. Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans

• Location: Belle Chasse, Louisiana
• Branch: United States Navy and United States Marine Corps
• History: Originally established as a naval air station in 1941, NAS JRB New Orleans has a rich aviation history. It served as a training base during World War II and later became a joint reserve base, hosting various reserve units.
• Key Units: The base is home to multiple reserve units, including the Navy Reserve’s Tactical Support Squadron 22 and the Marine Corps Reserve’s 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. These units provide vital support and training capabilities.
• Economic Impact: NAS JRB New Orleans contributes significantly to the local economy, employing over 1,500 military and civilian personnel. It generates an estimated $180 million in economic activity annually, benefiting the surrounding communities.

4. Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Belle Chasse

• Location: Belle Chasse, Louisiana
• Branch: United States Navy and United States Marine Corps
• History: NAS JRB Belle Chasse was established in 1955 as a naval air station. It has since evolved into a joint reserve base, supporting both the Navy and Marine Corps reserve units.
• Key Units: The base hosts a variety of reserve units, such as the Navy Reserve’s Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 85 and the Marine Corps Reserve’s 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. These units provide critical aviation support and training.
• Population: NAS JRB Belle Chasse has a population of approximately 1,200 military personnel and their families. It serves as a vital training and mobilization center for reserve forces in the region.

5. England Air Force Base (Closed)

• Location: Alexandria, Louisiana
• Branch: United States Air Force (Former)
• History: England Air Force Base was a strategic air command base during the Cold War. It played a crucial role in the nation’s defense, hosting bomber and fighter aircraft. The base was closed in 1992 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.
• Economic Impact: Despite its closure, England Air Force Base’s legacy continues to impact the local economy. The former base has been redeveloped, attracting businesses and creating new opportunities for the community.

6. Camp Beauregard

• Location: Pineville, Louisiana
• Branch: Louisiana National Guard
• History: Camp Beauregard is a historic military installation established in 1921. It served as a training camp during World War II and has since become a vital training center for the Louisiana National Guard.
• Key Units: The base hosts various National Guard units, including the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the 139th Regional Support Group. These units provide critical support and response capabilities during emergencies and natural disasters.
• Community Impact: Camp Beauregard has a strong connection with the local community. It regularly hosts public events, providing an opportunity for civilians to engage with military personnel and learn about their mission.

7. Keesler Air Force Base

• Location: Biloxi, Mississippi (Nearby Louisiana)
• Branch: United States Air Force
• History: Keesler Air Force Base was established in 1941 and has a long history of providing specialized training for airmen. It is known for its world-class weather training and serves as a vital hub for the Air Force’s meteorology and communications programs.
• Key Units: The base is home to the 81st Training Wing, responsible for training meteorologists, weather forecasters, and communication specialists. It also hosts the 2nd Weather Squadron, which provides critical weather support to military operations.
• Economic Impact: Keesler Air Force Base contributes significantly to the local economy, employing over 12,000 military and civilian personnel. It generates an estimated $1.2 billion in economic output annually, benefiting both Mississippi and Louisiana.

8. Naval Air Station Pensacola (Nearby Louisiana)

• Location: Pensacola, Florida (Nearby Louisiana)
• Branch: United States Navy
• History: NAS Pensacola is one of the Navy’s oldest and most historic bases. It serves as the primary training center for naval aviation, dating back to the early 20th century.
• Key Units: The base is home to the Naval Aviation Schools Command, which provides training for naval aviators, naval flight officers, and naval aircrewmen. It also hosts the Naval Education and Training Command, overseeing the Navy’s education and training programs.
• Population: NAS Pensacola has a population of approximately 16,000 military personnel and their families. It is a major hub for naval aviation training, attracting students from various branches of the military.

9. Naval Air Station Meridian (Nearby Louisiana)

• Location: Meridian, Mississippi (Nearby Louisiana)
• Branch: United States Navy
• History: NAS Meridian was established in 1941 and has a rich history of training naval aviators. It serves as a critical training center for the Navy’s aviation programs.
• Key Units: The base is home to the Naval Air Training Command, which oversees the training of naval aviators and flight officers. It also hosts the Naval Air Station Meridian Training Air Wing One, responsible for advanced jet training.
• Economic Impact: NAS Meridian contributes significantly to the local economy, employing over 3,000 military and civilian personnel. It generates an estimated $300 million in economic activity annually, benefiting both Mississippi and Louisiana.

10. Naval Air Station Whiting Field (Nearby Louisiana)

• Location: Santa Rosa County, Florida (Nearby Louisiana)
• Branch: United States Navy
• History: NAS Whiting Field was established in 1943 and has a long history of training naval aviators. It is known for its advanced helicopter and fixed-wing training programs.
• Key Units: The base is home to the Naval Air Training Command’s Training Air Wing Five, which provides advanced training for helicopter and fixed-wing pilots. It also hosts the Naval Air Station Whiting Field Aviation Training Center, offering specialized aviation training.
• Population: NAS Whiting Field has a population of approximately 4,000 military personnel and their families. It is a vital training center for naval aviation, attracting students from various branches.

11. Naval Air Station Patuxent River (Nearby Louisiana)

• Location: St. Mary’s County, Maryland (Nearby Louisiana)
• Branch: United States Navy
• History: NAS Patuxent River is a historic naval air station established in 1943. It serves as the Navy’s primary center for aircraft testing and evaluation.
• Key Units: The base is home to the Naval Air Systems Command, which oversees the development, acquisition, and testing of naval aircraft and systems. It also hosts the Naval Test Wing Atlantic, responsible for conducting flight tests and evaluations.
• Economic Impact: NAS Patuxent River contributes significantly to the local economy, employing over 18,000 military and civilian personnel. It generates an estimated $2.5 billion in economic output annually, benefiting both Maryland and Louisiana.

12. Joint Base San Antonio (Nearby Louisiana)

• Location: San Antonio, Texas (Nearby Louisiana)
• Branch: United States Air Force and United States Army
• History: Joint Base San Antonio is a result of the merger of several military installations, including Lackland Air Force Base and Fort Sam Houston. It is one of the largest joint bases in the United States.
• Key Units: The base is home to the Air Education and Training Command, responsible for training airmen across various specialties. It also hosts the Army North, which provides command and control for Army forces in the United States.
• Population: Joint Base San Antonio has a population of over 25,000 military personnel and their families. It serves as a major training and education center, attracting students and personnel from across the military.

13. Fort Sam Houston (Part of Joint Base San Antonio)

• Location: San Antonio, Texas (Nearby Louisiana)
• Branch: United States Army
• History: Fort Sam Houston is a historic Army post established in 1879. It has a rich history of serving as a training and mobilization center during various conflicts.
• Key Units: The base is home to the Army Medical Department Center and School, responsible for training medical personnel for the Army. It also hosts the Army North, which provides command and control for Army forces in the United States.
• Community Impact: Fort Sam Houston has a strong connection with the local community. It regularly hosts public events and provides support to local initiatives, fostering a positive relationship with the surrounding area.

14. Fort Bliss (Nearby Louisiana)

• Location: El Paso, Texas (Nearby Louisiana)
• Branch: United States Army
• History: Fort Bliss is a large Army installation established in 1848. It has a long history of serving as a training and mobilization center, particularly during the Mexican-American War and World War II.
• Key Units: The base is home to the 1st Armored Division, one of the Army’s premier armored divisions. It also hosts the Army’s Air Defense Artillery School, responsible for training air defense specialists.
• Population: Fort Bliss has a population of approximately 30,000 military personnel and their families. It is a major hub for armored warfare training and serves as a vital component of the Army’s force structure.

15. Fort Hood (Nearby Louisiana)

• Location: Killeen, Texas (Nearby Louisiana)
• Branch: United States Army
• History: Fort Hood is one of the largest Army installations in the United States, established in 1942. It has a rich history of serving as a training and mobilization center during various conflicts.
• Key Units: The base is home to the 1st Cavalry Division, one of the Army’s most renowned divisions. It also hosts the III Corps, which provides command and control for Army forces in the United States and overseas.
• Population: Fort Hood has a population of over 45,000 military personnel and their families. It is a major hub for Army operations, training, and mobilization, playing a critical role in the nation’s defense.

Louisiana’s Military Presence

Louisiana’s military bases play a crucial role in the nation’s defense and security, contributing to the state’s economy and providing opportunities for military personnel. From the historic Barksdale Air Force Base to the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, each base has its own unique story and impact. These bases not only serve as training and mobilization centers but also foster strong connections with the local communities, benefiting both the military and civilian populations.

As we conclude our exploration of Louisiana’s military bases, we hope to have provided valuable insights into their significance and impact. Remember, these bases are not just locations on a map; they are vital components of our nation’s defense, and their presence in Louisiana strengthens our national security.

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