Joint Base Cape Cod
Joint Base Cape Cod Relocation Information
Aerial view of Joint Base Cape Cod. Photo by TSgt Thomas Swanson/DVIDS.
Welcome to Joint Base Cape Cod
Just south of the Cape Cod Canal, Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) encompasses nearly 22,000 acres, approximately 30 square miles. The large base has five military commands:
- The Massachusetts Army National Guard, Camp Edwards
- The Massachusetts Air National Guard, Otis Air National Guard Base
- The 253rd Combat Communications Group, Otis Air National Guard Base
- The 6th Space Warning Squadron, Space Force, Cape Cod Air Force Station
- The U.S. Coast Guard, Air Station Cape Cod
The base’s history began before World War II as a Massachusetts National Guard Training Camp in 1911. After the war, the area became Otis Air Force Base, and the site is often still referred to by this name. Today, JBCC states its mission is for the military commands to work to protect the land, sea, and air of the northeastern United States.
Of the 22,000 acres, 15,000 acres are dedicated to the northern training area. Within this undeveloped area, 37 state-listed species live in a variety of habitats. The JBCC also sits atop an underground aquifer that supplies drinking water to Upper Cape Cod.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Base Cape Cod
1. Where is Joint Base Cape Cod located?
JBCC is on the Upper Cape in Massachusetts, spanning parts of Bourne, Sandwich, Mashpee, and Falmouth.
2. Is JBCC open to the public?
JBCC is a restricted military installation. Some events (e.g., open houses, memorial events) may periodically allow public access.
3. What is Camp Edwards?
Camp Edwards is the 15,000-acre northern training area of JBCC used by the Massachusetts Army National Guard for field, maneuver, and weapons training. Tactical Training Base Kelley is a simulated forward operating base used for immersive pre-deployment and field training within Camp Edwards.
4. What is Otis Air National Guard Base?
Otis Air National Guard Base is the Air National Guard portion of JBCC and hosts air operations, intelligence units, and the 102nd Intelligence Wing.
5. Why is JBCC associated with environmental cleanup?
Past military activities led to groundwater contamination, placing JBCC (formerly MMR) on the EPA Superfund list. Cleanup operations have been active for decades. The northern 15,000 acres are part of the Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve, an environmentally protected area containing a major aquifer and protected wildlife habitat.
6. Do service members live on base?
Yes, limited Coast Guard family housing exists on and off base. Many service members live off base in neighboring towns. See Off-Base Housing for more info.
7. What is the zip code for Joint Base Cape Cod?
The zip code for JBCC is 02542.
8. What is the BAH for Joint Base Cape Cod?
The BAH for JBCC ranges from $3,696 for E-1 to $4,548 for E-9 with dependents, and from $3,942 for O-1 to $5,283 for O-7 with dependents. See the BAH section for more info.
Base Location and Information
Joint Base Cape Cod Address
Bourne Gate (Main Gate): Joint Base Cape Cod, Connery Ave, Buzzards Bay, MA 02542
Joint Base Cape Cod has multiple addresses for each branch of service. JBCC is near the towns of Bourne, Sandwich, Falmouth, and Mashpee. Geographically, it is south of the Cape Cod Canal, which offers bike paths and scenic routes for recreation.
The Cape Cod area has significant seasonal traffic during the summer. This can affect the commute times for service members living off base, depending on which town they live in. During the summers, commuters can expect to add 20-40 minutes to a usually short drive around Bourne Bridge, Sagamore Bridge, Route 28, and Route 6.
Nearby Base:
Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England
Arrival Lodging
Temporary lodging at JBCC is at the Wings Inn through the USCG Base Cape Cod’s MWR. There are one-and two-bedroom suite options, free Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly room options.
Wings Inn Reservation Office Contact Info
5204 Ent Street
Buzzards Bay, MA 02542
Business Phone/Lodge Host: 508-968-6461
Joint Base Cape Cod Housing
JBCC has on-base housing for the U.S. Coast Guard at Base Cape Cod, but most other service members live off-base. The USCG Housing Information Page states, “Coast Guard and Department of Defense personnel occupy 161 government-owned housing units on Joint Base Cape Cod. The housing area is comprised of single ranch, single flat-top, and multiplex townhouse units with full basements and private yards in a wooded setting.” There is one on-base site and several off-base housing sites, which include the Base Cape Cod Housing Site, Harwich Housing Site, Martha's Vineyard Housing Site, and Nantucket Housing Site.
Joint Base Cape Cod Off-Base Housing
Photo by Durrace from Getty Images via Canva.com
Bourne, Sandwich, Mashpee, and Falmouth are off-base towns surrounding JBCC where many service members choose to live. The area’s cost of rent changes seasonally. According to the USCG official website, since summer is a high-traffic, tourist season, weekly rental prices can be just as expensive as monthly winter rent. This also affects traffic and commute times as well.
Bourne is known for being commuter-friendly to JBCC, and it is also a more affordable area with more year-round housing. Sandwich is known for its historic charm and highly regarded public schools. Mashpee has newly developed neighborhoods and sought-after amenities and shopping. Close to Martha’s Vineyard, Falmouth has a vibrant community with activities and attractions, but there will be higher prices and heavier seasonal traffic.
City Search
Joint Base Cape Cod BAH Information
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.
JBCC is near Buzzards Bay, MA. Sample JBCC BAH rates for zip code 02542:
- E-1 with dependents: $3,696
- E-1 without dependents: $2,949
- E-9 with dependents: $4,548
- E-9 without dependents: $ 3,954
- O-1 with dependents: $3,942
- O-1 without dependents: $3,465
- O-7 with dependents: $5,283
- O-7 without dependents: $4,485
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Area Weather and Climate
The area around Joint Base Cape Cod has milder winters and cooler summers compared to inland Massachusetts. JBCC still has four distinct seasons with comfortable year-round temperatures. Wind is more present than in inland towns, and the weather can change quickly because the base is between Cape Cod Bay and Buzzards Bay.
Joint Base Cape Cod Area Schools
Since JBCC is surrounded by four different towns, there are multiple public school systems in the area. Public school assignment in Massachusetts is based on the town of residence, not on which base a family is stationed. Typically, children in grades K-12 will fall under one of these districts:
- Bourne Public Schools
- Mashpee Public Schools
- Falmouth Public Schools
- Sandwich Public Schools
For families considering private education, Private School Review is a helpful resource for researching local options. Those interested in homeschooling should adhere to the regulations outlined on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.
JBCC does not have a base-specific School Liaison Officer (SLO), but according to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, civilian schools in Bourne, Sandwich, Mashpee, and Falmouth participate in the Interstate Compact for Military Children, meaning families can get statewide assistance with enrollment, educational transitions, graduation requirements, and more.
Support for Military and Families
Different support options are offered for each branch stationed at JBCC.
The USCG Base Cape Cod offers MWR Services:
- Child Development Center (CDC)
- Falcon Gold Club & Grill
- Ticket Office
- Youth Programs
- Sports and Recreation
- Beach Pass Program
The National Guard at JBCC Family Program includes:
- Family Readiness support
- Deployment planning
- Education and referral services
- Information on benefits and entitlements
- Connections to military community resources
The Air National Guard also lists military and family resources on its website.
The Cape Cod Spouses Club has a mission to support the morale and well-being of service members and their families through charitable and social activities. Joint Base Cape Cod’s website has more information and useful links on military and family support.
Things to Do Near Joint Base Cape Cod
Things to Do in Falmouth
- Woods Hole Science Aquarium is a small, free public aquarium with a touch tank, local marine species, and occasional seal feedings.
- Nobska Lighthouse is located at Nobska Point at Woods Hole and is a popular tourist destination with great views.
- The Shining Sea Bikeway is a 10.7-mile paved path through Woods Hole and Falmouth for biking and walking.
- The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) each offer tours to the public.
- Stoney Beach, or Hermit-Crab Beach, is a family-friendly public beach perfect for exploring and shell collecting.
Things to Do in Bourne
- The Bourne Recreation Area is great for fishing, picnicking, walking or biking along the Cape Cod Canal with lovely views of boats passing through.
- Ryan Family Amusements offers classic arcade games, rides, and family fun in Buzzards Bay.
- Butterflies of Cape Cod is a seasonal butterfly habitat and educational experience.
Things to Do in Sandwich
- Sandwich Boardwalk is an iconic boardwalk over marshland leading to Cape Cod Bay.
- Heritage Museums & Gardens has over 100 acres of beautiful gardens, automobiles, folk art collections, and a historic carousel.
- East Sandwich Beach and First Beach are quiet beaches for relaxing, beach combing, and casual swimming.
Things to Do in Mashpee
- Town of Mashpee Beach offers local beach access on Mashpee’s freshwater/pond areas for relaxing by the water.
- Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge has over 5,000 acres of marshes, woodlands, cranberry bogs, and trails that are perfect for hiking, birdwatching, photography, or quiet nature walks.
- The Cape Cod Children's Museum offers an engaging indoor space with interactive exhibits.
- Mashpee Mini Golf is a classic family mini-golf near downtown.
More Area Info
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Base Address:
U. S. Coast Guard Air Station
Air Station Cape Cod
,
02542-5024