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Langley Air Force Base is United States Air Force installation located in Hampton, Virginia. As a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission, the base was selected to merge with nearby complimenting facilities. In October of 2010 Langley Air Force Base merged with Fort Eustis, creating Joint Base Eustis-Langley, one of 12 joint force bases in the United States military. This allows for a combination of assets and reduction of costs, despite the fact the sister bases are nearly 17 miles from one another.
Langley Air Force Base is currently under the command of Air Force Air Combat Command (ACC) and is one of the more popular Air Force Bases in the United States. The base puts on an air show every spring, giving civilians an opportunity to see some of the most advanced aircraft in the Air Force in flight. One of the most popular attractions is the world renowned F22 Raptors, the US Air Force’s newest and most advance plane.
Mission
The primary mission of Langley Air Force Base is support the rapid deployment of United States air assets and maintain air superiority in all conflicts for the United States and its allies. The base is also tasked with providing air defense capabilities for the east coast of the country. This portion of the base’s mission has remained relatively unchanged for close to a century. The base was originally constructed prior to US Involvement in World War I and was used a balloon common station and an airfield. It has also been tasked with a number of schools and ariel training programs throughout its history.
History
The area of Langley Air Force Base was selected in the years prior to World War I. The site was selected for its coastal proximity, level ground and the potential for expansion if need be. Construction of the base was finished in 1917, just as the United States was entering World War I. Smaller construction projects continued into 1918, but the base was a fully operational Army Air Corps airfield in throughout the First World War.
In the time between World War I and II, Langley Air Force Base was used as a testing, training and proving ground for pilots and aircraft. New upgrades to aircraft and new versions of planes were frequently tested at the base. At the start of World War II the base was given the new task of developing and perfecting submarine detection equipment and techniques. Researchers at Langley excelled with this new mission and were able to create systems and equipment that resulted in the sinking of several German and Japanese submarines. As a result of its success, Langley became the home of the United States Tactical Air Command. This command was replaced in 1992 by the new Air Combat Command, which still resides on the base.
Housing
Langley Air Force Base offers several options for both on and off base housing. Several real estate companies in the area deal exclusively with housing needs for military personnel and their families. Long term housing options can usually be quickly found through these civilian agents. On post housing must be applied for in advance and requires contacting the base housing office.
