WESTOVER ARB
AIR FORCE
Chicopee, MA
United States
WESTOVER ARB
AIR FORCE
Chicopee, MA
United States
Westover ARB
Base Essentials
Welcome to Westover Air Reserve Base, home of the nation’s largest Air Reserve base and longest runway in Massachusetts! The base covers about 2,500 acres and employs over 5,000 military and civilian personnel, contractors and tenants. Westover has been in operation since 1940; serving as a bomber training base and a port of embarkation/debarkation during World War II, as a staging point for the Berlin Airlift, Headquarters of the Military Airlift Command system through 1955, and then as a major base of operations for the Strategic Airlift Command until 1974. Since then, Westover has been an A...
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AFRC
Status
Reserve/Partial
Est.
1940
Acres
2,500
Active Duty
—
Civilian
—
Population
700,000
Economic Impact
—
Westover ARB History
Named AfterMajor General Oscar Westover
Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, Massachusetts, was established in 1940 and is the largest Air Force Reserve base in the northeastern United States. It is home to the 439th Airlift Wing, which operates the C-5M Super Galaxy strategic airlifter. Westover's runway is one of the longest in New England, enabling heavy airlift operations. The base provides strategic airlift capability for the Reserve Component and supports both military and humanitarian missions worldwide.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
439th Airlift Wing (C-5M / AFRC)
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Historic Timeline
1940
Established as Westover Field
1955
Becomes Largest Air Force Base by Area
1974
Transitions to Air Force Reserve
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1940
Established as Westover Field
Westover Field was established in 1940 near Chicopee, Massachusetts, named for General Oscar Westover, Chief of the Army Air Corps, who was killed in a 1938 air crash. The base served as a major transatlantic departure point during WWII.
1955
Becomes Largest Air Force Base by Area
At its Cold War peak, Westover was one of the largest Air Force bases in the world by land area and hosted Strategic Air Command B-52 and KC-135 units as a primary nuclear deterrence base in the northeastern United States.
1974
Transitions to Air Force Reserve
Westover was transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 1974 following post-Vietnam drawdowns, becoming Westover Air Reserve Base. The 439th Airlift Wing continues to operate C-5M Super Galaxies from the installation.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Westover ARB.
Westover ARB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Westover ARB.
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 Westover ARB.
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Westover Air Reserve Base Housing & Temporary Lodging Options
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22 of the Best Westover ARB Restaurants
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Westover ARB Schools: Daycare - High School
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Westover Air Reserve Base: In-Depth Welcome Center
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15 of the Best Things to Do Near Westover ARB
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Westover ARB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
439th Force Support Squadron — Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)
In-Processing
Westover ARB is an Air Force Reserve installation and the largest reserve base in the country by acreage. Permanent-party personnel arriving at Westover report to their unit's Commander Support Staff during duty hours. The CSS schedules all required in-processing appointments. After-hours arrivals report to the on-base lodging facility before contacting CSS the next duty day.
In-processing at a reserve installation like Westover is less centralized than at active-duty bases. The A&FRC coordinates newcomer orientation for military members, DOD civilians, and their families, covering base services and the Springfield, Massachusetts area. As a predominantly C-5M Super Galaxy airlift installation, most permanent-party are Air Force Reserve personnel working alongside a smaller active-duty component.
Westover ARB is located near Chicopee and Springfield in western Massachusetts. The Pioneer Valley offers affordable housing, excellent universities, and natural beauty — including the Berkshires and Connecticut River Valley. The Boston metro area is about 90 miles east.
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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 Westover ARB.
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Westover ARB.
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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
Popular Neighborhood
Suburban
Families
Short Commute
Neighborhood details coming soon
Nearby Community
Urban
Singles
Nightlife
Neighborhood details coming soon
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Westover ARB.
State Income Tax
Military Pay
Retirement Pay
Vehicle Tax
Vehicle Registration
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Property Tax
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Spouse Income Tax
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Combat Zone
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Pet Policies at Westover ARB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Westover ARB.
Emergency Vet
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On-Base Vet Clinic
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Restricted Breeds
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Prohibited Animals
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Dog Parks
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Boarding & Kennels
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Pet Guidance
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Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Westover ARB.
Commissary
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Exchange
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Medical
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Childcare & Youth
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MWR & Recreation
Employment & Education
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Westover ARB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Westover Road Gate (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 Westover ARB.
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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 Westover ARB.
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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.