Welcome to Langley Air Force Base, the first military base built in the United States specifically for air power. It is home of the 1st Fighter Wing (1 FW), Air Combat Command (ACC) and the 480th Intelligence Wing (480 IW). Langley is the oldest continually active Air Force base in the world and has a rich history, cementing its ties not only with the Air Force, but with the Hampton Roads area.When you arrive at Langley, you will become part of a tradition that dates back to Dec. 30, 1916. You are about to become part of America's First Team.

The history of Langley represents significant chapters in the evolution of the Air Force. Originally set up as the Army's Aviation Experimental Station and Proving Grounds, the people who have served at Langley are as important as the prominent parts they've played in aerospace events. Boasting both the first and second oldest fighter units in America's aviation history, present day Langley based units have been called home by such air power greats as Eddy Rickenbacker, Raul Lufberry, Douglas Campbell and Frank Luke Jr., known as the "Arizona Balloon Buster." Langley personnel have often lead the way in global action and have flown lighter-than-air aircraft, Spads, Jenny's, F-86 Sabre Jets, F-4 Phantom II's, F-15 Eagle and the newest arrival, the F-22A Raptor. Langley AFB is also home to the Air Combat Command, the largest major command in the USAF. The base serves a large population made up of over 125,000 active duty, guard and reserve, family members, civilians, contractors and retirees. Wing and MAJCOM combine for a total of about 8,800 Airmen, 2,000 DoD Civilians, 13,000 family members and 800 non-appropriated fund employees.

The Langley Air Force Base is located in Hampton, Independent City, Va., part of the Hampton Roads historic region. The community is rich in history and beauty. Hampton is located 62 miles south of Richmond, the state capital and 40 miles north of Virginia Beach, the largest city in Virginia. Hampton is graced with miles of shoreline and breathtaking water views. Hampton has a distinct small-town feel with little traffic and an abundance of amenities.Historic sites, extraordinary museums, and countless miles of scenic waterways and hiking trails are here for exploration. Almost two million people call the Hampton Roads area "home." The moderate four-season climate, location and military environment attract many military retirees and families to the coast of Virginia. Within this guide you will find invaluable information about your new home, the base and local community.