Davis-Monthan Air Force Base

Branch: U.S. Air Force
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Installation Type: Air Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is located within the city limits of Tucson, Arizona, and is home to the Air Force Materiel Command’s 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) – the iconic “Boneyard” – which stores over 3,000 military aircraft in the desert climate. Established in 1927, Davis-Monthan is also the home of the 355th Wing, which flies the A-10 Thunderbolt II and other platforms. The installation serves dual roles as a combat air force base and the nation’s primary aircraft storage and regeneration facility, making it unique among U.S. Air Force installations.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Provide combat-ready air power with A-10 and associated airframes; operate and maintain the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) for aircraft storage, preservation, and regeneration in support of Department of Defense requirements.
Major Units: 355th Wing (host wing); 355th Operations Group; 355th Maintenance Group; 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) – “The Boneyard”; 563rd Rescue Group (HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters, HC-130J aircraft)
Tenant Units: 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) headquarters; Joint Task Force-North; Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations; Air National Guard and Reserve units

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Tucson, AZ – installation is within city limits of Tucson (population approximately 550,000)
Nearest Commercial Airport: Tucson International Airport (TUS) – adjacent to the base, approximately 3 miles
Gate Access: Golf Links Road Gate and other access points; CAC/military ID required; visitor passes at Visitor Control Center; Tucson International Airport proximity means civilian aircraft regularly fly near base airspace

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 7,000
Family Members: Approximately 12,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 5,000 (including large AMARG contractor workforce)
Total Installation Population: Approximately 24,000

Key Facilities

Medical: D-M Clinic (primary care clinic on base); 355th Medical Group; referrals to civilian Tucson hospitals for complex care; Tucson has excellent civilian medical options (Banner University Medical Center, Tucson Medical Center)
Commissary: Yes – commissary on base
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes – AAFES main exchange, auto center, food court
Fitness & Recreation: Fitness centers; outdoor pools; golf course; auto skills center; outdoor recreation; MWR programs; Tucson’s warm climate enables year-round outdoor activities
Schools: Tucson Unified School District and other Tucson area districts serve military children; no DoDEA schools on base
Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) on base; waitlists possible; contact Child and Youth Services at (520) 228-5861
Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility on base; wellness exams, vaccines, preventive care; call for appointments
Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal Assistance Office, 355th Wing; appointment-based; (520) 228-7170

Housing

On-Post Housing: Privatized housing managed by Balfour Beatty Communities (BBC); approximately 1,000 units; condition generally good; Tucson climate is hard on older structures; renovation ongoing
Average Wait Time: Varies; typically 30-60 days for enlisted; off-post housing abundant in Tucson
Off-Post Housing: Tucson offers extensive off-post options; neighborhoods east and southeast of base are popular; average rent approximately $1,300-$2,000/month for 3-bedroom; Tucson is relatively affordable for a major Southwestern city; Sahuarita and Vail are popular suburban options
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at Defense Travel Management Office (dtmo.mil)

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Contact gaining unit; 355th Wing sponsorship program available
In-Processing: Report to 355th Wing In-Processing Center; typically 2-3 days; newcomer orientation includes desert safety and wildlife briefings (rattlesnakes, scorpions, Gila monsters common in desert areas)
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Airman and Family Readiness Center; enrollment required; Tucson has good specialist medical services

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Hot desert (BWh climate); very hot dry summers (average high 100F/38C in June); mild winters (average low 38F/4C in January); monsoon season July-September with afternoon thunderstorms; over 350 sunny days per year; low humidity except during monsoon
Cost of Living: Low to moderate; Tucson is affordable relative to national average; no state income tax on military pay in Arizona; excellent value for housing and daily expenses
Nearby Attractions: Saguaro National Park (East and West districts surrounding Tucson); Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; Biosphere 2; Madera Canyon and Mt. Lemmon (skiing in winter, 9,157 ft); Tombstone, AZ (1.5 hours); Mexico border and Nogales (1 hour); Grand Canyon (4 hours)
Spouse Employment: Tucson offers employment in defense contracting, technology (Raytheon is a major employer), healthcare, University of Arizona, and government; growing tech sector; Airman and Family Readiness Center assists

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.dm.af.mil
Main Installation Phone: (520) 228-1110
MWR Website: https://dmforcesupport.com
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), Davis-Monthan AFB; (520) 228-5440; relocation, financial readiness, employment, family support

Last updated: 2026-02-23
Sources: https://www.dm.af.mil; https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/in-depth-overview/davis-monthan-air-force-base; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davis%E2%80%93MonthanAirForce_Base; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law