Davis Monthan AFB
Davis-Monthan AFB Relocation Information
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Image via defense.gov
Welcome to Davis-Monthan AFB!
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, a part of the U.S. Air Force's Air Combat Command headquartered at Langley AFB, is located in Tucson, Arizona. The base’s host unit is the 355th Wing, which is responsible for training and deploying A-10C Thunderbolt II pilots.
Davis-Monthan (often referred to as “D-M”) has an extensive aircraft inventory including 84 A-10Cs, 15 EC-130H Compass Calls, 7 HC-130J Combat Kings, 15 HH-60G Pavehawks, a contingent of F-16 Fighting Falcons along with 4,000 assorted aircraft in the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group. (source: dm.af.mil)
A pilot assigned to the A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team takes off from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Dec. 10, 2020. Thunderbolt IIs are the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sergio A. Gamboa)
The 355th's mission is to provide attack airpower and Airmen in support of Combatant Commanders anywhere in the world. The Wing also provides the Desert Lightning Team mission-focused base support. The 563rd Rescue Group directs flying operations for the USAF's only active duty rescue wing dedicated to combat search and rescue. Davis-Monthan is also home to 12th Air Force (AFSOUTH), the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, the 55th Electronic Combat Group, the 214th Attack Group of the Arizona Air National Guard, 943rd Rescue Group of the Air Force Reserve, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, among many others.
According to dm.af.mil:
“The legacy and heritage history of the 355th Fighter Wing (FW) began on 12 November 1942 when it was activated as the 355th Fighter Group (FG) at Orlando Army Air Base, Florida. The 355 FG became fully operational on 9 September 1943 at Steeple Morden, England. By war’s end the 355 FG logged more than 17,000 sorties in P-47s and P-51s while destroying 862.5 enemy aircraft. The 355 FG was inactivated on 20 November 1946.”
After World War II, the Army established a storage facility for B-29 and C-47 aircraft at Davis-Monthan AFB. This facility is now known as the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (309 AMARG). It includes more than 4,400 aircraft and 13 aerospace vehicles from the Air Force, Navy-Marine Corps, Army, Coast Guard, and several federal agencies including NASA. Affectionately referred to as “The Boneyard,” it is the largest aircraft boneyard in the world. Click here for information about tours along with a virtual look at the boneyard.
D-M was named the “#1 base in the Air Force” in both 2012 and 2018. It operates the busiest single runway in the entire USAF.
Tails of Retired AF planes in Tucson , public domain image
Aerial view of the Boneyard at Davis-Monthan AFB .U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith, in the Public Domain.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Davis-Monthan AFB
1) What is the airplane graveyard?
Also known as the ‘boneyard,’ Davis-Monthan AFB’s low humidity and climate make for optimal conditions as a major storage facility for preserving historical aircraft, some of which have been refurbished and brought back into service. This facility is known as the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (309 AMARG - see above for more info).
2) Who is Davis-Monthan AFB named for?
Originally known as the Tucson Municipal Flying Field, what is now known as Davis-Monthan AFB was christened Davis-Monthan Field in 1927 by none other than Charles Lindbergh, who months earlier crossed the Atlantic in the Spirit of St. Louis. The site was formally dedicated in honor of Lieutenants Samuel H. Davis and Oscar Monthan, two Tucson area aviators who both died in plane crashes after World War I.
Sunset in Saguaro National Park. Image from Canva.
3) Is Davis-Monthan a good place to live?
D-M has been recognized as the top base in the U.S. Air Force twice in the past decade. With its arid desert climate and proximity to Tucson, Arizona, many military families come to embrace life in the Sonoran Desert region of the Southwest.
4) What county is Davis-Monthan in?
Davis-Monthan AFB is located in Pima County, Arizona.
Tucson Skyline. Image from Canva.
5) What is the zip code for Davis-Monthan AFB?
The zip code for Davis-Monthan AFB is 85707.
6) What is the BAH for Davis-Monthan AFB?
BAH for Davis-Monthan AFB ranges from $1,653 for E-1 to $2,166 for E-9 with dependents, and from $1,899 for O-1 to $2,544 for O-7 with dependents. See housing section for more info.
Base Location & Information
Other Arizona military installations:
Davis-Monthan AFB is located within the city limits of Tucson in southern Arizona, the "Grand Canyon State." The mountains and desert provide a beautiful backdrop for this unique base. The city center of Sahuarita, AZ, is about 23 miles south and slightly west of the base, while Vail, AZ, is approximately the same distance but south and slightly east of the base. Tucson is located 108 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 miles north of the U.S./Mexico border.
Rattlesnake bridge in Tucson. Image from Canva.
When you think of Arizona, what comes to mind may be dude ranches, horseback riding, Native American culture, and the Wild West. But Tucson is also home to championship golf courses, resort hotels, spas, world-class restaurants, and a thriving performing arts scene. Davis-Monthan AFB is about 7 miles from downtown Tucson. Nicknamed the Old Pueblo, Tucson is known for its Spanish-style architecture and Mexican culture. The Tucson metro area is large and commute times vary depending on which part of the area you live. The average commute in Tucson is about 21 minutes.
San Xavier Del Bac Mission outside Tucson. Image from Canva.
Downtown Tucson is comprised of six distinct districts, all connected by the Sun Link Streetcar. Start on Tucson’s 12th Avenue for the best 23 miles of Mexican food!
The beautiful Sonoran Desert covers this region. The giant saguaro, a symbol of the American Southwest, is prevalent here. And while you’ll automatically equate Tucson with desert, know that mountain ranges await in all directions! The Tucson area is known to be military-friendly and supportive of the base. D-M also has a large contingent of civil service and contracted employees.
Base map via dm.af.mil
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Arrival Lodging
Arrival lodging at Davis-Monthan is run by the Air Force Inns. For reservations with children or for pet-friendly rooms, contact the lodging office directly for accurate reservations.
Address:
3230 Davenport
Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, 85707
Reservations:
Main:520-228-3309
Main: 520-261-4410
DSN: 228-3309/3230
Fax:520-228-3312
Email: DMAFBL@us.af.mil
Davis-Monthan AFB Housing
Image via Lend Lease
Military housing at Davis-Monthan AFB is privatized. There are a variety of two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom homes located in three different neighborhoods and feature floor plans designed for family gatherings and entertaining.
Neighborhoods were built with emphasis on community and resident interaction in mind. On base housing is managed by Lend Lease Soaring Heights Communities.
Contact:
8090 E. Ironwood Street
Tucson, AZ 85708
phone:(888) 226-8601
fax: (520) 745-5054
Davis-Monthan AFB Housing Office: (520) 228-3687/5705
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Davis-Monthan AFB Off-Base Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near Davis-Monthan AFB - Davis-Monthan AFB Homes
Image from Canva
City or suburbs? You’ll find both in the Tucson area. Davis-Monthan AFB is located in an average cost of living area for the state of Arizona. The Tucson region is considered one of the most affordable places to live in the Southwest.
Base Search
City Search
Image from Canva
Davis-Monthan AFB BAH
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Davis-Monthan AFB is near Tucson with many options to buy or rent. The cost of living at Davis-Monthan is lower than the national average. Some sample Davis-Monthan AFB BAH rates for zip code 85707:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,653
- E-1 without dependents: $1,239
- E-9 with dependents: $2,166
- E-9 without dependents: $1,974
- O-1 with dependents: $1,899
- O-1 without dependents: $1,440
- O-7 with dependents: $2,544
- O-7 without dependents: $2,115
Area Weather & Climate
Image from Canva
Tucson is located along the banks of the Santa Cruz River. It is situated in a high desert valley surrounded by four mountain ranges: the Santa Catalinas, the Rincons, the Santa Ritas, and the Tucsons. The Saguaro National Park is located here. Tucson sits at an elevation of about 2,400 feet and has a semi-arid, high altitude climate. The winter months are some of the warmest and driest in the continental U.S., but you can drive to Mt. Lemmon and hit the ski slopes.
The hottest months in Tucson, Arizona are June-July, with an average high temperature of 98.9°F. The hottest day on record was July 28, 1995 when the temperature hit 115.0°F. During January, the overnight temperature is an average of 41.1°F with the lowest temperature of 16.7°F being recorded on February 3, 2011. (from ClimateSpy)
The area’s annual rainfall is about 11 inches. The wettest month is usually July. Snow is rare, with annual snowfall at about 0.6 inches, usually in January-February.
Davis-Monthan AFB Area Schools
There are 11 major public school districts in the Tucson area. The schools located on base are Borman Elementary School, a traditional school in Tucson Unified School District (grades K-5), and Sonoran Science Academy (grades 6-12), a private (tuition-free) charter school.
Source: Tucson.com
Palo Verde High School and Roberts Naylor K-8 school are the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) neighborhood schools that also serve students. DMAFB students can attend public, private, homeschool and charter schools throughout the Tucson area, as Arizona allows open enrollment, meaning your child(ren) can attend a different school if there are open slots outside of the Davis-Monthan AFB neighborhood schools.
Connect with the Davis Monthan School Liaison (520) 228-6040 for additional information.
3515 S. Fifth Street
Bldg. 3200, Room 116
Tucson, AZ 85707
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Support for Military & Families
View from above Tucson. Image from Canva.
If you’re looking to volunteer, connect, or further your employment, DMAFB is a great place to be!
The Tucson area is nicknamed Optics Valley, as there are dozens of area businesses related to the optics industry. Other local major employers include Raytheon Missile Systems, Amazon, the University of Arizona, State of Arizona, Davis-Monthan AFB, Pima County, and Banner University Medical Center.
Davis-Monthan Military Spouse Employment Initiative: Multiple companies in Tucson recognize the value that military spouses bring to the workplace and have expressed interest in and employing them. These companies are sorted by sectors of the economy. Each of these sectors has a coordinator, who is highly knowledgeable in their field and in the companies in Tucson. Coordinators are available to answer general questions the applicant might have regarding the companies in their sector, and about the general state of that sector in the Tucson economy. Click the link above to learn more.
DM50 is a nonprofit volunteer group that advocates for Davis-Monthan and its airmen. They’ve raised more than $1.5 million to improve the quality of life for military personnel at Davis-Monthan and to protect the future of the base. Connect with DM50.
Some helpful links:
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Things to Do Near Davis-Monthan AFB
Sonoran Desert. Image from Canva.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Explore this world-renowned zoo, natural history museum, botanical garden, art gallery and classes.
Colossal Cave Mountain Park: Just 15 minutes southeast of Tucson, you’ll find a cave tour, campgrounds, hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the grandeur of the Sonoran Desert.
Reid Park Zoo: This non-profit zoo is located within Reid Park in Tucson, Arizona. The zoo features more than 500 animals. Celebrate your child’s birthday at the zoo; learn about classes, camps, and bringing a group; and find volunteer opportunities.
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area: Take advantage of the recreational opportunities set in this beautiful canyon, including hiking, swimming, biking, and picnicking. You may even want to hop on one of the narrated shuttle bus tours!
Saguaro National Park: Tucson is home to the nation’s largest cacti, the saguaro. These are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of Tucson.
Downtown Tucson. Image from Canva.
Day trips near Davis-Monthan AFB:
Bisbee and Tombstone: Experience Arizona history less than two hours south in the towns of Bisbee and Tombstone, home of the O.K. Corral. On the way, stop by the communities of Sonoita-Elgin or Willcox for wine tasting and beautiful views!
Phoenix: Less than two hours away, visit the Arizona capital city and the area known as the Valley of the Sun. Visit spa resorts, golf courses, and nightclubs, or spend the day shopping or visiting sites like the Desert Botanical Garden.
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Base Address:
2720 Craycroft Road
Tucson
,
85707-3526