DOVER AFB
AIR FORCE
Dover, DE
United States
DOVER AFB
AIR FORCE
Dover, DE
United States
Dover AFB
Base Essentials
Home of the C-5M and Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations on Delaware's Atlantic coastal plain — a small posting near Dover with East Coast beach access and moderate mid-Atlantic cost of living.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AMC
Status
Active
Est.
1941
Acres
4,000
Active Duty
4,200
Civilian
2,000
Population
180,000
Economic Impact
$1.6 billion
Dover AFB History
Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, was established in 1941 and has served as a major airlift hub for over eight decades. Home to the 436th Airlift Wing, Dover operates the C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III, providing strategic airlift capability worldwide. The base also houses the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, the Department of Defense's sole port mortuary responsible for preparing fallen service members for their final journey home. Dover continues to be one of the busiest aerial ports in the military airlift system.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
436th Airlift Wing
—
—
512th Airlift Wing (AFRC)
—
—
Historic Timeline
Timeline events coming soon
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Dover AFB.
Dover AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Dover 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 Dover AFB.
Information
19 of the Best Restaurants Near Dover AFB
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Information
Dover AFB Schools: Daycare - High School
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Military News
Malmstrom AFB PCB Levels Raise Cancer Risk for Missileers
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Information
Coast Guard Basic Training: Everything You Need to Know
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Career & Pay
Paychecks Restored: Coast Guard Funded as 76-Day DHS Shutdown Ends
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Dover AFB.
Welcome Center
Coming soon
In-Processing
Report to your gaining unit and link up with your sponsor. Wing in-processing is held every Tuesday at 0730 at the Military Personnel Flight (MPF), located in Building 520. Bring your PCS orders, duty information sheet, and sealed in-processing package. MPF is open Mon–Fri 0800–1600 and closed the first Wednesday of each month. In-processing covers Personnel, Finance, Housing, and Medical.
If arriving after hours, on a weekend, or on a holiday, report to the Eagle’s Rest Inn (Building 800, 14th Street) for billeting. Front desk: (302) 677-2840 or (302) 677-2841. To reserve lodging in advance, call (302) 677-5983 or the AF Lodge national line at 1-888-235-6343.
The Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) hosts the Air Force Right Start newcomer orientation and can be reached at (302) 677-6930. For housing questions, contact the Housing Management Office at (302) 677-6969. Privatized family housing through Hunt Military Communities: (302) 678-3603.
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Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
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 Dover AFB.
On-post family housing at Dover AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The on-post neighborhoods offer 2–4 bedroom homes convenient to the flight line and installation facilities. Dover's Mid-Atlantic location means reasonable proximity to major metro areas, but the local community is small-city in character. Dover, Delaware is the state capital and a mid-siz…
Local Market
$1,600/mo
rent
/
$310,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Dover AFB
95
5% Below National Average
Housing
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See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Dover AFB.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
1
Middle Schools
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2
High Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Dover AFB is the home of the Air Force's largest cargo aircraft wing and the nation's primary port of entry for fallen military heroes. Located in Kent County, Delaware, Dover sits in the center of the Delmarva Peninsula. Delaware has no sales tax and relatively low property taxes, which are meaningful financial advantages for military families.
Dover
Small Town
Delaware's state capital and the most convenient residential option for the base, Dover has government offices, a historic green, a Christiana Care hospital campus, and Kent County-area retail. Capital School District and Smyrna School District serve different parts of Dover. Housing is modest and affordable compared to the Baltimore-Philadelphia corridor, and the no-sales-tax shopping is a real perk.
Commute: 10 min
Schools: Capital School District
Families with kids
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Retirees
State capital amenities, no Delaware sales tax, affordable housing, close to base, Delaware beaches day trip
Smyrna
Small Town
About 15 minutes north of Dover on US-13, Smyrna has become a popular choice for Dover families because Smyrna School District is one of Delaware's better-rated public systems. The town has grown with newer subdivisions along Duck Creek and offers a quieter small-town feel with easy Dover access. Home prices are slightly below the Baltimore-area average, making BAH stretch well.
Commute: 18 min
Schools: Smyrna School District
Families with kids
Retirees
Pet owners
One of Delaware's top school districts, quiet residential town, newer growth neighborhoods, affordable
Milford
Small Town
South of Dover on US-13, Milford straddles Kent and Sussex counties and is a growing small city with a vibrant Mispillion Riverwalk, local breweries and dining, and a strong arts community. Milford School District serves the area. Delaware beaches are 45 minutes east on Route 1. Milford is a good choice for families wanting a more character-driven small-city feel outside the Dover metro.
Commute: 22 min
Schools: Milford School District
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Retirees
Pet owners
Charming Riverwalk, growing arts scene, Delaware beaches nearby, genuine small-city character
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Dover AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Delaware provides a deduction for active duty military pay for Delaware legal residents. Military pay received while ser…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Delaware for Delaware income tax purposes. A qua…
Vehicle Registration
Delaware charges no sales tax on vehicle purchases — a meaningful advantage for vehicle buyers. Military members may mai…
Property Tax
Delaware has low property tax rates — among the lowest in the Northeast. Kent County (Dover AFB area) has some of the lo…
Pet Policies at Dover AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Dover AFB.
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 Dover AFB.
Commissary
1
Dover AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
436th Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dover AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main Gate 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 Dover AFB.
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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 Dover AFB.
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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.