Branch: U.S. Air Force (Lead Service)
Location: Prince George’s County, Maryland
Installation Type: Joint Base
Status: Active

Overview

Joint Base Andrews (JBA) was established in 2009 under the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, merging Andrews Air Force Base (established 1942, named after Lieutenant General Frank Maxwell Andrews) with Naval Air Facility Washington. Located approximately 10 miles southeast of Washington, D.C. in Prince George’s County, Maryland, JBA is perhaps the most publicly recognized Air Force installation in the world as the home of Air Force One and the primary air gateway for the U.S. President and senior government officials. The 89th Airlift Wing, known as the “Airpower for America’s Leaders,” provides executive airlift for the President, Vice President, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, and other senior officials.

Mission & Units

• Primary Mission: Provide worldwide special air mission (SAM) airlift for the President, Vice President, Cabinet members, and senior U.S. and foreign government officials, while maintaining a combat-ready installation in support of National Capital Region defense.
• Major Units:
• 316th Wing (host wing) — installation commander and support functions
• 89th Airlift Wing — special air mission (SAM) operations; Air Force One operations; VC-25A, C-40, C-37, C-32 aircraft
• Air Force District of Washington (AFDW) — command headquarters for Air Force NCR
• 11th Wing (JBAB — but administrative link)
• Andrews Air Force Base Air National Guard — 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard (F-16 operations)
• Air Force Reserve — 459th Air Refueling Wing (KC-135)
• Tenant Units:
• Joint Task Force — National Capital Region Medical (JTF-CapMed)
• Defense Media Activity (DMA)
• United States Air Force Ceremonial Brass
• Multiple intelligence and support agencies
• Naval Air Facility Washington (Navy component)

Location & Access

• Nearest Major City: Washington, D.C. — approximately 10 miles northwest; Camp Springs and Clinton, MD are immediately adjacent
• Nearest Commercial Airport: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) — approximately 13 miles northwest; Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) — approximately 25 miles north
• Gate Access: Multiple gates; main gate on Allentown Road. Valid CAC or military ID required. Visitor passes issued at the Visitor Control Center with advance coordination and ID verification. RealID or passport required for civilian access. Security posture is elevated due to Air Force One operations and proximity to the National Capital Region; vehicle inspections routinely conducted.

Population

• Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 5,000-6,500 (Air Force, Navy, Guard, and Reserve)
• Family Members: Approximately 7,000-9,000
• Civilian Employees: Approximately 6,000-8,000
• Total Installation Population: Approximately 20,000-25,000

Key Facilities

• Medical: 779th Medical Group — Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center; primary and specialty care, surgery, dental, mental health, and pharmacy; one of the more capable Air Force medical facilities in the NCR; referrals to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Bethesda) for inpatient and advanced specialty care
• Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary on base
• Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — large Base Exchange (BX) with retail, food court, auto shop, Class VI, and specialty outlets; one of the larger BX complexes in the Air Force
• Fitness & Recreation: Multiple fitness centers including the Fitness and Sports Center; outdoor recreation, youth programs, golf course, bowling center, Arts and Crafts Center, auto hobby shop
• Schools: Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) serves on-base families; no DoDEA schools on JBA; Andrew’s families are zoned to local public schools; private school options available throughout the D.C. metro area
• Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) on base — high demand; waitlists expected; School Age Program and Family Child Care (FCC) network available; before/after school care programs offered
• Veterinary Services: Joint Base Andrews Veterinary Treatment Facility — routine wellness, vaccinations, dental, and preventive care for active duty family pets and military working dogs
• Legal Assistance / JAG: 316th Wing Judge Advocate and 89th AW JAG — legal assistance by appointment; walk-in powers of attorney and notary services available during duty hours

Housing

• On-Base Housing: Managed by Corvias Military Living — approximately 1,100-1,400 family housing units; range of floor plans from junior enlisted to senior officer; housing quality generally good with ongoing renovation programs
• Average Wait Time: Varies by grade and bedroom requirement; wait times of 1-6 months are common; some senior grades may have longer waits
• Off-Base Housing: Prince George’s County and surrounding areas; popular communities include Clinton, Camp Springs, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf (MD), Alexandria (VA), and National Harbor; average rent for a 3-bedroom home ranges from approximately $1,800-$3,000/month; home purchase market is competitive
• BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

• Sponsorship Program: Request a sponsor through the gaining unit’s orderly room or first sergeant; for the 89th Airlift Wing, contact the unit directly as protocols may differ; A&FRC can assist with sponsor coordination
• In-Processing: Report to the 316th Wing in-processing center; bring all PCS orders, records, and supporting documents; plan for 3-5 duty days; 89th AW personnel have additional squadron-level in-processing requirements
• EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Managed through the 779th Medical Group and A&FRC; enrollment and screening required before PCS orders are issued; D.C. metro area offers extensive special needs resources; contact EFMP coordinator at Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics

Local Area & Quality of Life

• Climate: Humid subtropical with four distinct seasons — hot, humid summers, cold winters with snow possible, pleasant springs and falls; cherry blossom season (March-April) is a regional highlight
• Cost of Living: High relative to the national average — Maryland and D.C. metro area costs are substantially above average for housing, childcare, and daily expenses; BAH reflects the high-cost area
• Nearby Attractions: National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and monuments in D.C. (20-30 minute drive); National Harbor entertainment complex (adjacent); Six Flags America (approximately 15 miles); Chesapeake Bay (approximately 1 hour); Annapolis, MD (approximately 35 miles); Shenandoah National Park (approximately 2 hours)
• Spouse Employment: Excellent employment market — federal government, contracting, healthcare, education, and technology sectors all offer strong opportunities throughout the D.C./Maryland/Virginia (DMV) area; Metro accessibility expands employment options significantly

Contact & Resources

• Official Website: https://www.andrews.af.mil/
• Main Installation Phone: (301) 981-1110
• MWR Website: https://www.andrewsfss.com/
• ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) — Joint Base Andrews; (301) 981-7087

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: andrews.af.mil, militaryinstallations.dod.mil, 89aw.af.mil, mybaseguide.com/andrews; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law