JOINT BASE ANDREWS
AIR FORCE
Camp Springs, MD
United States
JOINT BASE ANDREWS
AIR FORCE
Camp Springs, MD
United States
Joint Base Andrews
Base Essentials
Home of Air Force One and the 89th Airlift Wing in the DC suburbs — a high-visibility posting with top-tier on-base services, proximity to the capital, and DC-area housing costs.
Base Details
Type
Joint Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AFDW
Status
Active
Est.
1942
Acres
4,300
Active Duty
5,000
Civilian
4,000
Population
6,300,000
Economic Impact
$2.8 billion
Joint Base Andrews History
Named AfterLieutenant General Frank Maxwell Andrews
Joint Base Andrews in Camp Springs, Maryland, is best known as the home of Air Force One — the presidential aircraft operated by the 89th Airlift Wing. Established in 1942, it serves as the primary air transport hub for the President, Vice President, cabinet members, and senior military leaders. The base also hosts fighter and airlift units and the Air Force District of Washington headquarters. Andrews is one of the most visible and security-sensitive installations in the military.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
89th Airlift Wing (Air Force One)
—
—
Air Force District of Washington
—
—
Historic Timeline
1942
Established as Camp Springs Army Air Field
1947
Designated Primary Air Force Base for Washington
2009
Designated Joint Base Andrews
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1942
Established as Camp Springs Army Air Field
The installation opened in 1942 as Camp Springs Army Air Field in Prince George's County, Maryland. It was renamed Andrews Air Force Base in 1945 in honor of Lieutenant General Frank M. Andrews, a champion of strategic air power killed in an Icelandic air crash in 1943.
1947
Designated Primary Air Force Base for Washington
Andrews was designated the primary Air Force installation supporting the nation's capital in 1947, hosting VIP and government transport operations from its earliest days. Air Force One — the presidential transport — has operated from Andrews since the Eisenhower administration.
2009
Designated Joint Base Andrews
Andrews AFB was redesignated Joint Base Andrews in 2009 under the 2005 BRAC consolidation directive, absorbing Naval Air Facility Washington. It remains the most visible military installation in the country as the primary gateway for presidential and senior government travel.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Joint Base Andrews.
Joint Base Andrews Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Joint Base Andrews.
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 Joint Base Andrews.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Joint Base Andrews.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
316th Force Support Squadron — Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)
Phone
(301) 981-4989Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Personnel arriving at Joint Base Andrews report to their unit's Commander Support Staff during duty hours with their PCS package. Given the installation's proximity to the National Capital Region and its role supporting Air Force One, security and badging requirements are more involved than at other installations. CSS schedules all mandatory appointments. After-hours arrivals report to the Gateway Inn lodging facility, the 24/7 arrival point.
All permanent-party members attend the mandatory Newcomer's Right Start Orientation covering JBA's multi-wing mission environment, base services, and National Capital Region community resources. The A&FRC at (301) 981-4989 coordinates relocation assistance and orientation to the DC/Maryland suburbs — one of the most expensive housing markets in the military system.
Joint Base Andrews is home to the 89th Airlift Wing (Air Force One and VVIP airlift) and numerous intelligence and defense agency tenants. Located in Prince George's County, Maryland, it offers direct Metro access to Washington, D.C. Begin housing research well before your report date — the DC metro housing market is extremely competitive.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Joint Base Andrews.
On-post family housing at Joint Base Andrews is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The on-post neighborhoods include a variety of 2–5 bedroom homes and townhouses; demand is competitive given Andrews's location in the National Capital Region. Contact Balfour Beatty at (301) 981-3800 for availability and waitlist information. JB Andrews is located in Prince Georg…
Local Market
$3,000/mo
rent
/
$620,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Joint Base Andrews
120
20% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Joint Base Andrews.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office
4
High Schools
View schools
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Joint Base Andrews sits in Prince George's County, Maryland, serving as the primary airfield for Washington, D.C. — most famously as the home of Air Force One. Families navigate the competitive Washington metro housing market but benefit from easy access to federal employment, a robust military network, and the cultural offerings of the nation's capital.
Clinton / Camp Springs
Suburban
The communities immediately surrounding Andrews are primarily in Prince George's County — Clinton, Camp Springs, and Suitland. These provide the shortest commutes to the main gate. PG County Schools vary significantly by school zone, and many military families research individual school ratings carefully before choosing a neighborhood. Home prices are below Montgomery County and Northern Virginia.
Commute: 10 min
Schools: Prince George's County Public Schools
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Families with kids
Dual military
Shortest commute to Andrews, most affordable near the base, Metro accessible via Green Line in some areas
Waldorf
Suburban
Charles County's Waldorf is a popular choice for Andrews families who want newer suburban development and Charles County Public Schools, which are generally better-regarded than PG County options. The commute via Route 5 or US-301 runs 20–30 minutes. Waldorf has extensive retail along Route 228 and US-301, with several grocery options and a mall.
Commute: 25 min
Schools: Charles County Public Schools
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Charles County schools preferred over PG County, newer development, strong retail, affordable suburban
Bowie
Suburban
A well-established Prince George's County suburb on US-50 toward Annapolis, Bowie has the best schools in PG County and strong home values. The commute to Andrews is 20–25 minutes via Route 50 or the Beltway. Bowie's newer Town Center development and access to the Patuxent River park system make it one of the nicest Maryland suburbs near the DC area.
Commute: 22 min
Schools: Prince George's County Public Schools (Bowie cluster)
Families with kids
Retirees
Dual military
Best PG County schools, Bowie Town Center, strong home values, Patuxent River parks
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Joint Base Andrews.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Maryland provides a deduction for active duty military pay for Maryland legal residents: up to $15,000 for members under…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Maryland for Maryland income tax purposes — incl…
Vehicle Registration
Maryland charges a 6% excise tax on vehicle purchases (titling tax). Military members who are not Maryland legal residen…
Property Tax
Maryland property taxes include a state rate plus county rates. Anne Arundel County (Fort Meade), Harford County (Aberde…
Pet Policies at Joint Base Andrews
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Joint Base Andrews.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Joint Base Andrews.
Commissary
1
Joint Base Andrews Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center (779th Medical Group) — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Joint Base Andrews.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main Gate (West) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Joint Base Andrews.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Joint Base Andrews.
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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.