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The Arnold AFB Tennessee – named after the Air Force father Henry Arnold – is currently the largest, most advanced and professional flight simulation center in the world. There are around 60 propulsion wind tunnels, rocket test cells, turbines, space chambers and ballistic ranges hosted at this place. At the same time, the entire personnel is fully professional. All these aspects can bring nothing but respect to this base. It is located in Tennessee, close to Tullahoma. It spreads over two counties – Franklin and Coffee.
History
The fact that this is one of the most advanced bases in the world doesn’t mean that it has a huge and long lasting history. Believe it or not, it was built in 1941. It came as a response to the World War II and a preparation of the United States to join the war. Initially named Camp Peay, it was renovated and enlarged a few years later. It got to cover 85000 acres. At the same time, it was renamed to Camp Forrest, after a Civil War general. After the latest enlargements, the camp became one of the biggest in the world. It used to train most types of troops, but especially artillery and infantry. Later that war, the authorities decided to build a hospital as well, not to mention about recreational areas, such as golf, tennis or archery fields. By 1942, the base was also turned into a prison for war prisoners. The Americans brought here Italians, Japaneses and Germans. The World War II growth of this base coincided with the growth of Tullahoma. There were about 4500 citizens. By the end of the war, there were 75000, as many troops decided to remain there. As the city grew, the initial citizens had a hard time due to the blocked roads, the camping soldiers in open fields and a wide variety of restrictions. Many of them moved away from the area.
After the war ended, most of the buildings were sold away, as the camp was supposed to lower down. The Cold War represented the age of improvements for this base. Billions of dollars were invested to make it what it is today. It was also renamed to Arnold AFB Tennessee in 1952. The end of the Cold War brought in a new series of developments.
Units
The main inhabitant of the base is the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC). The AEDC plays a major role in the development of absolutely any aerospace program. Some other tenant organizations include the center for Advanced Missile Signature or the center for Naval Surface Warfare.
Housing
The on site Wingo Inn provides temporary facilities for the newcomers. Although it is generally operated by the US Army, the newcomers will have to pay while they stay there. The inn is also used for temporarily dispatched troops at Arnold AFB Tennessee. While looking for a permanent home, you can choose between dozens of on site houses with the latest facilities included. They are affordable and require an application to get in. Simply get in touch with the housing office prior to your arrival. You may also choose the off site housing, whether you want the army operated system or the privatized one.
