Bolling Air Force Base

Bolling AFB is one of the two small military facilities forming the more powerful Joint Base Anaconda-Bolling from Washington DC. The other base is Naval Support Facility Anaconda. The merged occurred on October, 1-st, 2010, as a result of the recommendations coming from the 2005 commission for base realignment. The merge is one of the 12 similar actions forced by the 2005 law. The base is operated by the US Navy. At the same time, there is just one connection with the Air Force – a 900 square meter helipad. The newly formed place hosts around 17000 individuals, including civilian families and military personnel. At the same time, there are almost 50 units hosted here, from home units to tenant and associate units.

History

The base was built with defensive characteristics in 1917. It represented the only airport close to the US Capitol. Soon after the construction was approved by the US government, the area was separated in two different spots – one of them was run by the US Navy, while the other one was operated by the US Army. They evolved into two different military bases. Bolling AFB was officially opened in the summer of 1918. It was named in the memory of Raynal C. Bolling, a highly ranked officer who was killed during World War I. He was killed in France, while trying to protect his driver and himself from a German attack.

Until World War II, the place was mostly used for research operation and testing sessions for the latest and most advanced aircrafts. At the same time, its initial mission was to protect the capital against any potential attacks. Over the years, one of the most important changes in the aircrafts history was the switch from the Sacred Cow to the Air Force One. The Sacred Cow was the only official plane of Franklin Roosevelt. The switch was done with Truman’s signature in 1947. By those times, the Sacred Cow was used for VIP flights as well and not just presidential operations. After Air Force One stepped in, it was exclusively used for the president’s transportation.

Over the last few decades, Bolling AFB went through a wide variety of updates in order to stay tuned to the latest defense techniques. It was constantly improved and hosted multiple units throughout its history.

Units

There are close to 50 units hosted at this base. There are federal agencies and multiple Coast Guard, Army and Marine Corps units, not to mention about the service commands. Among the most popular units for the civilians, you can count the ceremonial ones – Ceremonial Guard, Honor Guard, USAF Chaplains and USAF Band.

Housing

Prior to getting to Bolling AFB, you need to contact the housing office. You will get all the information you need by phone. It is very important to act early in order to get an on site home. Those who like the off site system can go for a privatized real estate agency. The privatized system is a little more expensive though.