Mountain Home Air Force Base

Mountain Home AFB is a military base run by the Air Force in the Elmore County, Idaho. It host the famous Gunfighters. Its general objective is to support air combat power operations, regardless of their location over the world. A small part of the base – the residential area – is a census designated place. In 2010, it hosted just over 3200 inhabitants.

History

The base construction began in the autumn of 1942. By the summer of 1943, it was complete. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in August. The base was built with the clear purpose to consolidate the military power of the United States of America. The first training sessions started as soon as the base was open. They used to train on the B 17 Flying Fortress aircrafts. The 396-th Bombardment Group was deployed as the first unit on site, in order to help with the training operations. Before the war ended, the US Air Force brought in some B 24 Liberator aircrafts too, not to mention about the pursuit planes to add some realism to the training sessions. However, they didn’t have too much work to do, as the Japanese forces withdrew later that year. Since there was no other use for the installation, it was inactivated in 1945. It remained in this position for 3 more years. In 1948, it was reactivated by the newly formed Air Force.

Throughout the history, the base mission and hosting units constantly changed. In 1985, for instance, its mission was to control two of the largest radars in the world – OTH B. These operations were ceased in 1997 though. One of the most important incidents in the history refers to the 2003 Thunderbird crash. Chris Stricklin, one of the most experienced pilots at the base, tried to execute a Split S maneuver during a ceremony. Unfortunately, he didn’t go high enough for the maneuver to be successfully completed. When he realized there was no way to do it, he tried and managed to direct the plane away from the crowd, then ejected himself less than a second before the crash. No one was hurt in the crash, except for the $20M aircraft. The video was broadcast throughout the entire world.

Units

The 366-th Fighter Wing with its four groups is the host unit at Mountain Home AFB. It is directly operated by the Air Combat Command. Its general mission is to train and prepare professional airmen and pilots. It is known among the Air Force as the Gunfighters unit. It includes almost 5000 military troops, as well as over 5000 family members.

Housing

The Balfour Beatty Communities is the housing office responsible with the opportunities at Mountain Home AFB. It is a privatization attempt of the US government. There are plenty of options for you and your family, as long as you fill in a complete application. The government housing brings in the advantage of a close military community, close to everything you might need. The privatized system is more open, yet more expensive as well.