Stationed at MacDill AFB? What to Expect at Your New Duty Station

Welcome to MacDill Air Force Base. The base is an Air Mobility Command (AMC) base, delivering air refueling anywhere in the world. Ready to Defend! The base is home to 51 tenant units from all branches of service, including U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, and the 927th Air Refueling Wing.

The unique multi-service aspect sets this base apart from others. Located on the tip of the Interbay Peninsula in Hillsborough County, the base sits just 4 miles south of downtown Tampa and is bordered on both sides by water. The location and amenities of MacDill AFB are sure to please any water lover!

Where Is MacDill AFB?

Address: 9211 Marina Bay Drive, Tampa, FL 33621

The Dale Mabry/Main gate and visitor control center for MacDill Air Force Base are located at 6911 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33621.

Base Operator: (813) 828-1110

Getting to MacDill AFB

Whether you’re coming to MacDill AFB for a PCS or just to visit, here is some information to help your arrival go smoothly.

MacDill AFB Gate Access From Popular Cities

MacDill AFB is within an hour of three major airports, making travel to the base easy.

• Tampa International Airport (TPA) is about 30 minutes from the base and offers the widest variety of domestic and international flights.
• St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is about 45 minutes from base and is the most cost-efficient domestic travel airport nearby.
• Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is about an hour from base and is typically used for regional and seasonal domestic flights.

Nearby major cities include Downtown Tampa (about 25 minutes), Brandon/Riverview (about 45 minutes), Apollo Beach (about 45 minutes), and St. Petersburg (about an hour).

Gates & Hours of Operation

MacDill AFB has a few gates, but the three primary gates are the Dale Mabry Gate (main gate), the Bayshore Gate, and the Tanker Way Gate. Primary gate information is listed below. For a full list and detailed gate procedures, visit Gate Operations on the MacDill AFB website.

Dale Mabry Gate

The Dale Mabry Gate is the main gate to MacDill AFB. The visitor control center is located just outside this gate and is where visitors may obtain a pass for entering through all other gates unaccompanied.

ALL access requests must originate from the sponsor. Commercial traffic may enter through this gate between 1500 and 0530 Monday through Friday and all day on weekends.

Location: 6801 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

VCC Hours: Monday through Friday, 0600-1800; Saturday, 0800-1600; Sunday, 0900-1500

VCC Phone: (813) 828-2737

Bayshore Gate

The Bayshore Gate is located at the southern end of Bayshore Blvd in Tampa, Florida. This gate brings you into the northern edge of MacDill AFB. Open to all DoD ID card holders and visitors with a pass.

Location: Bayshore Blvd, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0515-1830; Saturday & Sunday, 0700-1830

Tanker Way Gate

The Tanker Way Gate is the primary commercial vehicle and delivery gate. This gate brings you into the southern edge of MacDill AFB. Open to all DoD ID card holders and visitors with a pass.

Location: N Boundary Blvd, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours:

POV Traffic: Monday through Friday 0600-0900

Commercial Vehicle Traffic: Monday through Friday 0600-1630

(Commercial traffic entering outside these hours will enter through Dale Mabry Gate)

Coming to MacDill AFB? Here’s What You Need For Base Access

Anyone visiting with a Department of Defence (DoD) Common Access Card and/or retired military ID can access the base through any gate.

If visitors (18+) do not have a DoD Common Access Card or retired military ID, they must go to the Visitor Control Center (VCC) with a US ID in the form of a Real ID and/or Enhanced Driver’s License.

If visitors do not have a Real ID/Enhanced driver's license, a retired military ID, a DoD Common Access Card, or a service-connected Veterans Card, they must bring another form of US ID, such as a passport, Social Security card, or birth certificate to the visitor control center.

MacDill AFB Visitor Control Center

The MacDill AFB Visitor Control Center can help visitors gain access to the base. Visitors without a DoD ID Card must be sponsored by an approved DoD personnel. Information about sponsoring visitors may be found on the MacDill AFB Visitor Access page.

Address: 6801 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, MacDill AFB, FL 33621 (outside main gate)

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0600-1800; Saturday, 0800-1600; Sunday, 0900-1500

Phone: (813) 828- 2737

What ID Do You Need For Base Access?

To access the installation as a guest of Valid DoD ID holder, you are required to present one of the following:

• Common Access Card (CAC)
• Real ID-compliant identification
• US Passport
• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington

Base Amenities & Facilities

MacDill AFB has all the amenities you need to make this new duty station your home. Below are some of the key resources you’ll want to be familiar with.

Medical Centers

Whether you’re on base or off, MacDill has two locations to serve you. The Main MacDill Base clinic is located on the installation, and a satellite clinic is located in nearby Brandon, Florida, to serve those residing off base.

Main MacDill Base Clinic

The Main MacDill Base Clinic is an outpatient medical facility providing primary and urgent care, pharmacy, lab testing, radiology, and preventative services to service members, retirees, and family members on base.

Address: 3250 Zemke Avenue, MacDill Air Force Base, FL 33621

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0700-1630

Appointments Phone: (813) 827-2273

Sabal Park Clinic

The Sabal Park Clinic is a medical facility providing primary care, limited pharmacy, lab testing, radiology, and preventative services to service members, retirees, and family members in the nearby Brandon area.

Address: 9210 King Palm Drive, Tampa, FL 33619

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0700-1630

Appointments Phone: (813) 827-2273

Finance Office

The Finance Office is dedicated to making sure service members get accurate pay and resolving pay issues.

Address: 2606 Brown Pelican Ave., MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Appointment Hours: Monday through Friday 0730-1630

Walk-in Hours: Monday through Friday 0900-1200

Phone: (813) 828 5377

Legal Office

The Legal Office is available to service members, retirees, and family members. The office provides legal services such as Power of Attorney, notary, basic and living wills, and information on other legal matters.

Address: 8208 Hangar Loop Dr., Building 299, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0800-1600

Phone: (813) 828-4421

Email: 6arw.ja.generallaw@us.af.mil

Commissary

The MacDill AFB Commissary is a grocery store on base offering cost savings to service members and families.

Address: 2908 North Boundary Blvd, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Sunday through Saturday, 0700-1900

Phone: (804) 481-3836

Base Exchange

The MacDill AFB Exchange Mall is a shopping complex that aims to meet the needs of service members and families. You will find everything from department store items, military clothing, a barber shop, laundry services, a UPS Store, a Class Six, a tattoo shop, and so much more.

Address: 3108 N. Boundary Blvd, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 0900-1900; Sunday 1000-1800 (individual store hours may vary)

Phone: (813) 840-0511

Post Office

The United States Postal Service has an office on base for all your mailing needs.

Address: 8106 Condor Street, Tampa, FL 33621-5408

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0800-1630

Phone: (813) 828-4680

Gas Station

MacDill AFB has one primary gas station on base offering pay-at-pump services and a convenience store.

Address: 7105 Kingfisher Street, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0600-2000; Saturday, 0900-1700; Sunday, 0900-1700

Phone: (813) 840-2506

Force Support Squadron (FSS)

The 6th Force Support Squadron (FSS), in combination with Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR), on MacDill AFB, offers a multitude of support to families calling MacDill AFB home. From ID Cards, Child and Youth Services (CYS), to golf, fine dining, and everything in between, FSS wants to make sure you thrive at your new duty station. Check out their website to see all they have to offer.

Address: 8011 Tampa Point Blvd, Bldg 373, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Hours vary by resource. Check out the list below for a few favorites.

Phone: (813) 828-4151

MacDill AFB ID/DEERs Office

The MacDill ID/DEERs Office can help with getting or renewing military ID cards and enrolling or updating DEERs for service members, veterans, and families. You can schedule an appointment, utilize walk-in hours, or use the Online Card Renewal System.

Address: 8604 Hangar Loop Dr, Building #411, Tampa, FL 33621

Appointment Hours: Monday through Thursday, 0800-1100 & 1300-1600; Fridays, 0800-1100 & 1300-1500

Walk-in Hours: Monday through Thursday, 0800-1100 (served in order of arrival) & 1300-1600 (Active Duty in Uniform, DoD Contractors, and DoD Civilian Employees have priority)

Phone: (813) 828-6673

Email: 6fss.fsmps.deersidcards@us.af.mil

Golf Course

The Bay Palms Golf Course is a golfer’s paradise with two 18-hole courses. The complex also offers practice putting, a driving range, a clubhouse, and so much more! This golf complex definitely hits a hole-in-one!

Address: 1803 Golf Course Ave, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Call for Tee times. Pro shop hours Mar-Nov, 0630-1800; Nov-Mar, 0630-1730

Phone: (813) 828-0046

Library & Education Center

The MacDill AFB Library shares space with the Education Center. Resources include over 70 digital resources, roughly 35,000 tangible resources, programs for patrons of all ages, and computers

Address: 8102 Condor Street, Building 252, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 0900-1700, Wednesday, 0900-1900

Phone: (813) 828-3607

Auto Hobby Shop

The DIY Auto Hobby Shop provides a space for auto maintenance and hobby work. Featuring 14 work bays, hydraulic lifts, and computerized equipment, you will find everything you need to get the job done right.

Address: 8223 Hanger Loop Drive, Building 305, Tampa, FL 33621

Hours: Wednesday through Friday, 1100-1900; Saturday, 0900-1700

Phone: (813) 373-6545

Bowling

The MacDill Lanes Bowling facility promotes a 12-lane facility complete with automatic scoring, league play, lessons, parties, Hangar 6 Grill, and more.

Address: 8216 Hangar Loop Dr., Bldg #298, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 1100-2100; Sunday, 1200-1900 (Thursdays are league nights from 1700-2100)

Phone: (813) 828-4005

Fitness Centers

The Short Fitness Center strives to meet the mental and physical needs of service members, retirees, and families by offering a diversified program that includes a 1/4 track, 4-mile jogging path, weight training equipment, and personal trainers.

Address: 8115 Cypress Stand St, Bldg, 303 MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0500-2030; Saturday and Sunday, 0600-1300 (24 hour access registration available)

Phone: (813) 828-4496

Childcare

The MacDill AFB has two Child Development Centers (CDCs) offering hourly and weekly childcare for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. The programs all follow “Creative Curriculum,” which is based on this stage of development for the children enrolled.

CDC #2 Address: 8660 Hangar Loop Dr. Bldg. #395, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

CDC #3 Address: 8718 Hangar Loop Dr. Bldg. #384, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0630-1745

CDC #2 Phone: (813) 828-2244

CDC #3 Phone: (813) 828-0195

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

The Exceptional Family Member Program is designed to support those who are responsible for managing care and services for family members with special needs.

The EFMP Medical Office is for enrollments and assignments. The EFMP Family Support Office can help with individualized assistance, workshops, and information about programs.

EFMP Medical Address: 3250 Zemke Avenue, Building 1078, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

EFMP Family Support Address: 8105 Condor Street, Building 18, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

EFMP Medical Hours: Monday through Friday 0730-1530

EFMP Family Support Hours: Monday. Wednesday, Friday 0800-1600; Thursday, 1100-1600

EFMP Medical Phone: (813) 827-9909

EFMP Medical Phone: (813) 828-0122 or (813) 828-0136

Military & Family Readiness Center

The Military and Family Readiness Center provides support services that contribute to the resiliency of this military community. The center offers things like financial readiness, Bundles for Babies, and hurricane preparedness.

Address: 8105 Condor St. Bldg. #18, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Monday. Wednesday, Friday 1000-1600; Thursday, 1100-1600

Phone: (813) 828-0145

MacDill AFB Dining Facilities

There are numerous ways to dine on base at MacDill. Below are a few favorites.

8 Iron Grill

The 8 Iron Grill has American favorites for breakfast and lunch, with grab-and-go options available too. Located within the Bay Palms Golf Course Clubhouse, you can grab a bite before you hit the green or stop by after to relax the day away.

Address: 1803 Golf Course Ave, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Monday through Sunday, 0630-1330

Phone: (813) 828-1507

Diner’s Reef

The Diner’s Reef is a dining facility that supports the 6th Air Refueling Wing, 33 mission partners, 52 coalition partners, and 927 ARW & JCSE with a wide variety of menu options. This facility is not just for service members. Anyone with base access can enjoy the Diner’s Reef! View the menu ahead of your visit on their website linked above.

Address: 8118 Hillsborough Loop Drive, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Breakfast Hours: Monday through Friday, 0600-0900, Saturday & Sunday, 0630-0830

Lunch Hours: Monday through Sunday, 1100-1330

Dinner Hours: Monday through Sunday, 1630-1830

Good Day Hours: Monday through Friday, 0600-1830; Saturday & Sunday, 0630-1830

Phone: (813) 828-4810 or (813) 828-2413

Rickenbacker’s

Rickenbacker’s, located inside the MacDill Inn, offers gourmet coffees and teas, espresso, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and deli sandwiches. Perfect for a grab-and-go when you’re heading out on an adventure.

Address: 7637 Bayshore Blvd., Bldg #350, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0700-1900

Phone: (813) 828-7425

Seascapes

Seascapes is your tropical retreat right inside MacDill AFB. With a laid-back atmosphere right on the beach, you’ll melt the day away in no time. Seascapes serves a variety of cocktails and yummy dishes like Seabowls, Cuban sandwiches, Fish & Chips, and more.

Whether you want to take a quick escape during lunch, or relax after a long day, Seascapes has what you need!

Address: 9951 Marina Bay Dr., Bldg #682, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 1100-1500; Thursday, 1100-2100, Friday, 1100-2200; Saturday, 1500-2100

Phone: (813) 840-1451

MacDill AFB Housing

Housing Office

The Military Housing Office can help you make decisions about where to live and how to apply.

Address: 8414 Fortress Drive, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0800-1600

Phone: (813) 828-5404

Email: macdill.housing@us.af.mil

Unaccompanied Housing

Unaccompanied housing (UH) is provided for all military personnel with no dependents, E1 to E3, and E4 with less than 3 years of service. Unaccompanied military E4s with more than 3 years of service and above are not required to live in the dorms and may reside off base.

Address: 2424 Administration Avenue, Building 370, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0730-1630

Phone: (813) 828-2790

Email: 6CES.CEHD.MacdillDorms@us.af.mil

Privatized Housing

MacDill AFB has privatized families living on base. Harbor Bay is the privatized owner, responsible for management, maintenance, and construction. Harbor Bay offers multiple floor plans across 5 communities, bike paths, parks and playgrounds, a pool and splash pad, and so much more! As soon as you know you’re coming to MacDill AFB, get on the list to reserve your spot on base.

Address: 8414 Fortress Drive, Tampa, FL 33621

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0730-1630

Phone: (813) 840-2600

Email: harborbay@tmo.com

On-Base Housing Pet Policy

Harbor Bay recognizes the joy pet ownership can bring to families living on base. In an effort to protect community members, there are a few rules for owning a pet if you live on base. Check out the FAQ section of their website for more information.

Off-Base Housing & Military Preferred Living Areas

MacDill AFB is located on the interbay peninsula in Tampa, Florida. Just 10 minutes from downtown, this is a highly active community with gorgeous communities. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so if you’re thinking about living off base, consider the commute times from surrounding neighborhoods. We’re listing a few of the favorites below.

Ballast Point

Ballast Point is on the west side of Hillsborough Bay, just north of MacDill AFB. The population is nearly 6,000 people. With beautiful Ballast Point Park, featuring gorgeous views of downtown and walkways along the water, you will love to call this neighborhood home.

• Travel Time to MacDill AFB: 15 minutes
• Median Home Value: $600,000
• School Ratings: Public schools in Ballast Point are part of the Hillsborough County School District, which receives a B+ rating from the school ranking site, Niche.

Brandon & Riverview

Brandon & Riverview are adjacent family-oriented communities, just north of MacDill AFB. Both communities have a population of about 115,000 people. Brandon is the older community of the two, offering mature trees, compact neighborhoods, and slightly lower home values.

Riverview is the newer community featuring newer, master-planned developments. No matter your choice, both communities have much to offer for the military commuter.

• Travel Time to MacDill AFB: 20-40 minutes (depending on traffic and toll routes)
• Median Home Value: $400,000
• School Ratings: Public schools in both communities are part of the Hillsborough County School District, which receives a B+ rating from the school ranking site, Niche.

Apollo Beach

Apollo Beach is an unincorporated area of Hillsborough County known for relaxed coastal living with plenty of amenities. The population of Apollo Beach is roughly 33,400 people. This growing area has many waterfront properties, making it a dream for those who want to live on the water.

With amenities like the Apollo Nature Preserve and Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center, you will have plenty to do nearby. Don’t miss the opportunity to live the true Florida experience in Apollo Beach.

• Travel Time to MacDill AFB: 30-45 minutes
• Median Home Value: $450,000
• School Ratings: Public schools in both communities are part of the Hillsborough County School District, which receives a B+ rating from the school ranking site, Niche.

St. Petersburg

Located across the bay from MacDill AFB, this Pinellas County coastal community offers a different vibe than those found near Tampa. While the population is a little over 260,000, you will get a more relaxed feeling than if you were in the Tampa area.

• Travel Time to MacDill AFB: 30-45 minutes
• Median Home Value: $450,000
• School Ratings: Public schools in both communities are part of the Pinellas County School District, which receives an A- rating from the school ranking site, Niche.

Schools

Schools on MacDill AFB operate under the Hillsborough County Public School District. Tinker K-8 is the only school located on MacDill AFB for students in Pre-K-8th grade. High school students living on base are zoned for Robinson High School.

Bus transportation to schools on and off base is provided by the district. Surrounding area schools are operated within the Hillsborough County School District and the Pinellas County School District. For more information, visit each school or district website by clicking the links below.

Tinker K-8

Tinker K-8 is the only school on base at MacDill AFB and is for students Pre-K through 8th grade. This school has a uniform policy. Tops are to be polo or plain in the colors red, white, dark blue, or goldenrod.

Bottoms are to be khaki, black, or dark blue pants, skirts, shorts, or jeans. No biker, running, or jean shorts are permitted. Sports at Tinker K-8 include basketball, volleyball, track and field, soccer, and flag football.

Address: 8207 Tinker Street, MacDill AFB, FL 33621

Phone: (813) 840-2043 or (813) 233-3664

Robinson High School

Robinson High School is one of 32 high schools in the Hillsborough County District. High School students living on base are zoned for this school as well as off-base students residing in the Ballast Point, Bayshore Beautiful, Interbay, Bayside West, Fair Oaks, and Port Tampa City communities.

School zoning can depend on a few factors. It is best to verify with an address. Check your address for school zoning here.

Address: 6311 South Lois Avenue, Tampa, FL 33616

Phone: (813) 272-3006 or (813) 272-3014

Hillsborough County School District

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, and the 3rd largest district in Florida, the Hillsborough County School District serves more than 200,000 students across more than 233 K-12 School buildings.

Leading the way in career and technical education and offering accelerated academic opportunities, the Hillsborough County School District has a 90.9% graduation rate. School zoning can depend on a few factors. It is best to verify with an address. Check your address for school zoning here.

Address: 901 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33602

Phone: (813) 272-4000

Pinellas County School District

Based in Largo, Florida, the Pinellas County School District serves over 104,000 students across 140 schools and centers. Earning an “A” for 2023-2025 school years, Pinellas County School District has a 93.4 graduation rate, proving they are committed to student success.

School zoning can depend on a few factors. It is best to verify with an address. Check your address for school zoning here.

Address: 301 4th St. SW, Largo, FL33770

Phone: (727) 588-6000

Local Employment Assistance & Resources

Employment Assistance Program

The Employment Assistance Program provides support to spouses and dependent family members seeking career development and job search assistance. Services are available 24/7 by calling (866) 580-9078.

Local Employment Resources

City of Tampa

Official job listings for the City of Tampa.

Hillsborough County

Official job listings for Hillsborough County.

Hillsborough County Public Schools

See openings in Hillsborough County Public Schools.

City of Largo

Official job listings for the City of Largo.

Pinellas County

Official job listings for Pinellas County.

Pinellas County Public Schools

See openings in Pinellas County Public Schools.

MacDill AFB Civilian Opportunities

Federal Jobs

Federal employment opportunities are available at MacDill AFB and are open to both military-affiliated applicants and the public.

These positions often provide competitive benefits and long-term stability. You can find employment for NAF positions, Defence Commissary Agency (DeCA), Child Development Centers, and more. Find your federal job using the USAJOBS website here.

Make the Most of Your Time at MacDill AFB

MacDill Air Force Base offers a unique, highly sought-after assignment right in the heart of the Tampa Bay area. With its waterfront views, comprehensive on-base amenities, and close proximity to the vibrant communities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Apollo Beach, transitioning to this installation provides incredible opportunities for both work and play.

Whether you choose to live in the privatized housing on the Interbay Peninsula or commute from one of the many family-friendly neighborhoods nearby, you will find that MacDill is well-equipped to support your military career and your family's quality of life. Take advantage of the sunny Florida weather, lean into the diverse, multi-service community, and get ready to enjoy everything your new coastal duty station has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live on MacDill AFB without children?

Yes, housing options on base are determined by rank and marital status.

Can I live on MacDill AFB if I'm not married?

Yes, Soldiers E3 and E4 with under 3 years of service and below are required to live in the dorms.

What are the PT hours for MacDill AFB?

The U.S. Air Force typically manages physical training hours at the squadron or unit level; therefore, MacDill AFB does not host a base-wide PT time.

Can I use coupons at the commissary?

Yes. As part of the Defence Commissary Agency (DeCA), the MacDill AFB Commissary will accept manufacturer paper coupons, print-at-home coupons, and digital coupons.

Is MacDill AFB hands-free?

Yes. MacDill AFB prohibits holding and using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.

Does MacDill AFB see many hurricanes?

While the base is at high risk for hurricanes and tropical storms, landfall is rare. It is still crucial to be prepared, as damage comes from indirect hits as well. MacDill AFB is dedicated to service member safety. View the MacDill AFB hurricane preparedness page here.