JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST
JOINT BASES
Wrightstown, NJ
United States
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST
JOINT BASES
Wrightstown, NJ
United States
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Base Essentials
Welcome to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the only tri-service base in the Department of Defense. The joint base has units here from all six armed forces branches. This installation, set in the middle of the Garden State of New Jersey, just across the river from the city of brotherly love, is truly one of a kind. As you get settled along the East Coast, you’re probably wondering how you can best spend your time off. Well, this area is filled with tons of places to visit, all within a short drive. There are plenty of fun things to do in New Jersey. The area is known for its access to great b...
Base Details
Type
Joint Base
Branch
JOINT BASES
Command
AMC
Status
Active
Est.
2009
Acres
42,000
Active Duty
9,000
Civilian
7,000
Population
400,000
Economic Impact
$4.8 billion
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst History
Named AfterMajor Thomas Buchanan McGuire Jr. (Medal of Honor); Major General John Adams Dix
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in central New Jersey was formed in 2009 by combining McGuire Air Force Base, Fort Dix, and Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst. McGuire hosts the 87th Air Base Wing and KC-10 and KC-46 aerial refueling operations. Fort Dix provides basic and advanced training for Army Reserve soldiers. Lakehurst is famous as the site of the 1937 Hindenburg disaster and continues to support Navy aviation testing. The joint base is one of the most versatile multi-service installations on the East Coast.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
87th Air Base Wing
—
—
305th Air Mobility Wing (KC-10/KC-46)
—
—
Army Reserve training units
—
—
Historic Timeline
1917
Camp Dix Established for WWI Training
1937
Hindenburg Disaster at NAS Lakehurst
1948
McGuire Air Force Base Established
2009
Only Tri-Service Joint Base in the United States
—
View Key Moments
(4)
1917
Camp Dix Established for WWI Training
Camp Dix was established in the New Jersey Pine Barrens during World War I to train soldiers for the American Expeditionary Forces. Named after Civil War Gen. John Adams Dix, the camp processed hundreds of thousands of soldiers through training before their deployment to France.
1937
Hindenburg Disaster at NAS Lakehurst
On May 6, 1937, the German hydrogen airship LZ 129 Hindenburg caught fire and exploded while attempting to dock at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, killing 36 of the 97 people aboard. Recorded on newsreel film and broadcast live on radio, the disaster effectively ended the era of commercial airship travel.
1948
McGuire Air Force Base Established
McGuire Air Force Base was established adjacent to Fort Dix as a primary air transport installation, named after World War II triple-ace Maj. Thomas McGuire — the second-highest-scoring American fighter ace with 38 aerial victories, killed in action over the Philippines in January 1945.
2009
Only Tri-Service Joint Base in the United States
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst was established on October 1, 2009, merging McGuire AFB, Fort Dix, and NAS Lakehurst into a single joint base under one commander. It remains the only tri-service joint base in the United States, combining Air Force, Army, and Navy missions on contiguous New Jersey land.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
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 McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Information
23 Fun Things To Do in New Jersey Near JBMDL
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Automotive
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Where Did the Hindenburg Crash?
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The Army’s NetModX Is Advancing Aerial Communications at JBMDL
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The Elmwood Park Zoo Delivers Affordable Adventures
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Military & Family Readiness Center (MFRC)
Phone
(609) 754-3154Hours
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM; Wed: 7:45 AM – 1:00 PM
In-Processing
Air Force personnel on the McGuire section report to the Military Personnel Flight (MPF) Customer Service at 2916 Falcon Lane (walk-in 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM; appointment-only 12:00 – 3:00 PM; (609) 754-0250 ext. 2). Army personnel at Fort Dix contact their gaining unit's orderly room or sponsor. Navy personnel at Lakehurst report to the Navy MILPERS Office in Building 150, Room B127 during business hours (7:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Mon–Fri), or to Visitor Quarters in Building 481 after hours to have orders stamped.
Base Newcomers Orientation is held twice monthly on Tuesdays, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM at the MFRC, Building 3435, Broidy Road. Service members complete their unit in-processing checklist within the first several duty days, covering ID Cards/DEERS, Finance, Medical/Dental enrollment, and Housing. Contact your unit's CSS or the MFRC at (609) 754-3154 for orientation dates.
The MFRC Relocation Readiness Program offers individual counseling with personalized needs assessments, a Loan Closet for PCS families, information on local schools and childcare, Smooth Move seminars, and settling-in services. The Welcome Center at 3021 McGuire Boulevard (outside the McGuire Main Gate) is open Mon–Fri 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Sat 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM for visitor access coordination; phone (609) 754-3628.
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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 Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
On-post housing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is managed by Lendlease, which operates family communities across the installation in the New Jersey Pine Barrens with 2- to 4-bedroom homes serving the joint base's combined Air Force, Army, and Navy population. Lendlease provides 24/7 maintenance services, community centers, playgrounds, and an online portal for…
Local Market
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
115
15% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Specialists
2
Elementary Schools
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2
Middle Schools
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2
High Schools
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4
Colleges & Universities
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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
Bordentown / Florence
Suburban
Bordentown and Florence sit north of JB MDL along the Delaware River and have become popular with military families who want a more suburban character with good New Jersey school options. The area has grown with new residential development and offers commutable access to post without the rural isolation of communities to the south. MARC-like NJ Transit access to Philadelphia and Trenton is a bonus.
Commute: 15–25 min
Gate: Main Gate (Wrightstown-Cookstown Rd)
Schools: Bordentown Regional School District
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Delaware River access for outdoor recreation. Philadelphia is 35 min for big-city amenities. One of the more livable corridors near JB MDL with a genuine community feel beyond the base perimeter.
Medford
Suburban
Medford is an upscale Burlington County township southeast of JB MDL that consistently ranks among the best places to live in New Jersey. Excellent schools, low crime, and well-maintained neighborhoods make it popular with officers and senior NCOs. It's pricier than most JB MDL communities, but BAH in the Philadelphia metro area is substantial and covers it well.
Commute: 20–30 min
Gate: Main Gate (Wrightstown-Cookstown Rd)
Schools: Medford Township Public Schools
Families with kids
Retirees
Dual military
New Jersey Pinelands access for hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. Top-rated schools are the primary draw. Marlton and Cherry Hill shopping corridors are close. Philadelphia International Airport 40 min for travel convenience.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully taxed
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
New Jersey taxes active duty pay of NJ residents at graduated rates up to 10.75% — among the highest in the nation. Nonr…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses accompanying a service member stationed in NJ are exempt from New Jersey income tax on wage…
Vehicle Registration
Active duty members entering service may receive a refund for the remainder of their vehicle registration period. Deploy…
Property Tax
$250 veterans property tax deduction for all honorably discharged veterans on their primary residence. 100% permanently…
Pet Policies at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
JB MDL Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(609) 562-6636Hours
Mon–Fri (call to confirm current schedule)
Restricted Breeds
7
Prohibited Animals
12
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Commissary
1
JB MDL Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
BX
Medical
1
87th Medical Group — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
McGuire 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
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, JB MDL Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Call (609) 754-2153 for current hours.
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03
Is there a BX on base?
Yes, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst has a BX (Base Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
87th Medical Group is the primary military treatment clinic serving Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Call (609) 754-9301 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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07
What school district serves the base?
Pemberton Township School District (rated 6/10) serves most military families at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Visit https://www.pemb.k12.nj.us for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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08
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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09
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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10
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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11
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 McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
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12
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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13
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 McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
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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.