DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB
AIR FORCE
Tucson, AZ
United States
DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB
AIR FORCE
Tucson, AZ
United States
Davis-Monthan AFB
Desert Lightning Team
Base Essentials
Home of the famed aircraft 'boneyard' (309th AMARG since 1940) and a combat-aviation hub in Tucson, AZ — named for WWI pilots Davis and Monthan. A 13,600-foot-runway Air Combat Command posting with Sonoran desert geography and a community of about 8,000.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
ACC
Status
Active
Est.
1927
Acres
10,800
Active Duty
7,000
Civilian
3,000
Population
1,050,000
Economic Impact
$2.2 billion
Davis-Monthan AFB History
Named AfterSecond Lieutenant Samuel H. Davis; Second Lieutenant Oscar Monthan
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, was established in 1927 as a municipal airfield and became a military installation in 1940. Named after two local aviators killed in service, it was a major bomber training base during World War II. Today it is home to the 355th Wing under Air Combat Command, flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II. Davis-Monthan is also famous for hosting the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, known as "The Boneyard," the world's largest aircraft storage and preservation facility. The base's future will be shaped by the eventual retirement of the A-10 fleet and potential new mission sets.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
355th Wing
—
—
309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (The Boneyard)
—
—
Historic Timeline
1925
Tucson Airfield Approved for Military Operations
1927
Field Dedicated by Charles Lindbergh
1941
Becomes Davis-Monthan Field
1948
Renamed Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
1976
355th Wing Receives First A-10 Thunderbolt II
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1925
Tucson Airfield Approved for Military Operations
On October 6, 1925, the U.S. Army declared Tucson’s second airfield suitable for military operations. Twenty days later the field’s flight log received its first entry as a small detachment began servicing transient aircraft bound for California.
1927
Field Dedicated by Charles Lindbergh
World-famous aviator Charles Lindbergh dedicated the Tucson landing field on September 27, 1927, naming it for 1st Lts. Samuel H. Davis and Oscar Monthan, two Tucsonans killed in separate aerial accidents while serving in the U.S. Army.
1941
Becomes Davis-Monthan Field
The base officially became Davis-Monthan Field on December 1, 1941. By late May 1941 the 31st Air Base Group had begun operations, and the day after Pearl Harbor the field’s personnel went on 24-hour alert as bombardment units shipped out for the Pacific.
1948
Renamed Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
After the Air Force was created as a separate service, the installation officially became Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on January 13, 1948. The base became a major aircraft storage and preservation location thanks to Tucson’s dry climate and alkali soil, a mission that continues today.
1976
355th Wing Receives First A-10 Thunderbolt II
In March 1976 the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing received its first four A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, beginning the close air support legacy that defines Davis-Monthan today. The wing took over host unit responsibilities later that year as the base transitioned from Strategic Air Command to Tactical Air Command.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Davis-Monthan AFB.
Davis-Monthan AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Davis-Monthan AFB.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Davis-Monthan AFB.
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Davis-Monthan AFB: In-Depth Welcome Center
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Davis-Monthan AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Visitor Center
Phone
(520) 228-5690Hours
24/7 (after-hours arrival point)
In-Processing
Upon arrival, report to your gaining unit during duty hours (0730–1630). If arriving after hours, proceed to the Inn at Davis-Monthan (Building 2350) for temporary lodging — call (520) 228-3230 (24-hour front desk).
All newcomers must check in with the Davis-Monthan Welcome Center (DMWC) at Building 3200, Room 123, 3515 Fifth Street. Phone: (520) 228-4425. Staff will walk you through base in-processing steps.
Right Start orientation is hosted by the Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting at 0730. Call (520) 228-5690 to confirm the schedule and register.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Davis-Monthan AFB.
1,173
units
/
AZ015
MHA
Military family housing at Davis-Monthan AFB is privatized and managed by Soaring Heights Communities (Actus Lend Lease). Three on-base neighborhoods — Kachina Village, Palo Verde Village, and Sonoran Vista — feature two- to four-bedroom single-family homes and duplexes. The community is notable for an 80,000-panel solar array that powers the neighborhoods. Amenitie…
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Cost of Living Around Davis-Monthan AFB
95
5% Below National Average
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Davis-Monthan AFB.
School Liaison Officer
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Colleges & Universities
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2
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
The greater Tucson metropolitan area surrounds Davis-Monthan AFB and offers a broad selection of rental housing at competitive rates. Staff sergeants (E-5) and above who live off base will find affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments throughout the city. The Housing Management Office maintains listings of furnished and unfurnished apartments and homes, including both long- and short-term rentals, and can be consulted before signing any lease or contract.
Tucson Metro Area
Tucson offers a wide range of affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments and rental homes close to Davis-Monthan AFB. Rental availability and prices vary by season.
Schools: Tucson Unified School District
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Davis-Monthan AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Active duty pay for service outside AZ is exempt. Pay earned while stationed in AZ is taxable.
Spouse Income Tax
MSRRA applies. Spouses may maintain domicile in another state.
Vehicle Registration
Non-resident military members may keep home-state plates.
Property Tax
Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax exemption up to $4,188.
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Pet Policies at Davis-Monthan AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Davis-Monthan AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
—
Prohibited Animals
—
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
Temporary Lodging
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Davis-Monthan AFB.
Commissary
1
Davis-Monthan Commissary
Exchange
BX
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sunday
Medical
5
355th Medical Group — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
Youth Programs
MWR & Recreation
4
Fitness Center
Golf Course
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Davis-Monthan AFB.
01
When should newcomers check in if arriving after duty hours?
Newcomers arriving after normal duty hours, on weekends, or on holidays should check in at the 24-hour arrival point: The Inn on Davis-Monthan, Building 2350, on 10th Street (520-748-1500).
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02
When are mass inprocessing briefings held?
Inprocessing briefings are held at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Professional Development Center, Building 2441, to the right of the base exchange.
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03
Is on-base vehicle registration required?
No. On-base vehicle registration and issuance of decals is no longer required to drive a privately owned vehicle on D-M.
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04
What is the general speed limit on base?
The speed limit is 30 mph on D-M unless otherwise posted. Housing areas are 15 mph, dormitory areas are 20 mph, and parking lots are 5 mph.
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05
How do I apply for on-base (Soaring Heights) housing?
Contact the Housing Management Office at 8090 E. Ironwood St. as soon as you know you are moving to Davis-Monthan. The HMO will provide the latest information on privatized housing and the application process.
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06
Does the dining facility offer meals for families during PCS moves?
Yes. Military members may bring dependents to the Desert Inn dining facility for a period not to exceed 30 days after arrival. Prices are a la carte, and the military sponsor must accompany civilian family members.
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07
When must pets be registered with veterinary services?
Everyone living on base must register their dogs or cats with veterinary services within 10 duty days of arrival.
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08
What motorcycle training is required for novice riders?
Novice motorcycle riders must complete both the Basic Riders Course and the Intermediate Riders Course. Contact your unit's motorcycle safety representative for more information.
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Question
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.