Selfridge ANGB is a strategic Air Force guard base located in the northern part of the United States, close to Mount Clemens. Its name comes after the first pilot who died in a crash while on an Orville Wright plane – Thomas Selfridge. He passed away in November, 1908.
History
It all started when the US Army took over 640 acres of land from an aviation field in 1917. The operation started as an answer to the World War I that was just starting in Europe. The start was not as good as expected. One year later, the entire place was flooded by the Clinton River. All the citizens were evacuated to Mount Clements, in schools or churches. By 1920, the US Army decided to purchase the previously leased territory. At the first view, it was a lot to work there. The maintenance operations were relatively primitive, as grass, for instance, was mowed with horse pulled equipments. At the same time, the whole place was covered by mud and small swamps. A little later, the government approved a major investment to improve the facilities at the base.
Prior to World War II, the base received multiple units for training. An unpleasant incident took place during the war. One of the commanders was charged for shooting his driver. It seems his regular driver was off-duty, therefore a new one took over. Unfortunately for him, he was black. As the commander’s orders were clear about white drivers, he decided to take away private William MacRae’s life. Other than that, World War II was successfully passed on at the base, which was significantly extended once it was over.
The Cold War saw a solid, advanced and professional Selfridge ANGB. Multiple units were dispatched at the base throughout the war. These days, the base is more than just a training spot. For instance, it also hosts the operational center of the US Customs and Border Protection.
Units
The guard base is currently the home of the 127-th Wing, with 24 different subdivisions. It also hosts the center for Navy Operations Support, the Border Patrol units, the Coast Guard Air Station from Detroit or one of the battalions of Naval Mobile Construction, among a few other units. Aside from the 127-th Wing, all the other units are actually tenants.
Facilities
The facilities at Selfridge ANGB can successfully place the base among the most advanced ones in the world. The citizens benefit from a good health care system, as well as schools and multiple services to help the new or the current inhabitants. The entertainment is also popular in the area, with theaters, concerts, cinemas and bars.
Housing
The housing system procedures depend on your purpose there. If you have just been dispatched with your family, you have a big chance to get a home from the US Army, for lower costs and maintenance. If you are there temporary, you may opt for a hotel in the area. The off site housing system is generally privatized.
