Westover Air Reserve Base
Westover Air Reserve Base Relocation Information
Welcome to Westover Air Reserve Base
Westover Air Reserve Base is the nation’s largest Air Force Reserve Base, and it has been in operation since 1940. The base has had many missions and purposes since then. During WWII, it served as a bomber training base and port of embarkation and debarkation. Up until early 1955, the base was a staging point for the Berlin Aircraft, a headquarters of the Military Air Transport Service system.
The Westover Air Reserve Base website states that, “from that time until 1974, the base was a major Strategic Air Command installation. Since May 19, 1974, Westover ARB has been an Air Force Reserve Command base. From then until October 1987, the 439th Tactical Airlift Wing operated the C-130 Hercules and C-123 Provider aircraft. The wing converted to C-5As in 1987, and the unit eventually became designated as the 439th Airlift Wing.”
In recent years, Westover has also been a part of many humanitarian aid missions including hurricane Sandy relief, hurricane Katrina relief, assisting after the Iran earthquake, and Operation Restore Hope in Haiti. The base has also been a part of many conflict and contingency missions.
Located in Chicopee, MA, Westover is home to over 5,500 military and civilian workers today. The base is part of the Air Force Reserve Command. Known as "Citizen Airmen," Air Force Reservists are a part of national defense, and they’re vital to the effectiveness of our military in combat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Westover Air Reserve Base
1. How large is Westover Air Reserve Base?
The base covers approximately 2,500 acres, making it the largest Air Force Reserve Base in the United States. It includes two long runways shared with the adjacent Westover Metropolitan Airport: one over 11,500 feet and a second around 7,000 feet.
2. What cities are near Westover Air Reserve Base?
Westover Air Reserve Base is in Chicopee, MA, and parts of the base extend into Ludlow, MA. Other nearby towns include Springfield, Holyoke, South Hadley, and Wilbraham.
3. Is Westover Air Reserve Base open to the public?
The base is not typically open to the public except for special events like The Great New England Air and Space Show. The base usually requires visitors to go through base security and registration at the Visitor Center and typically needs a background check or a valid ID.
4. What is the zip code for Westover Air Reserve Base?
The zip code for Westover Air Reserve Base is 01022.
5. What is the BAH for Westover Air Reserve Base?
The BAH for Westover Air Reserve Base ranges from $2,268 for E-1 to $3,522 for E-9 with dependents, and from $2,451 for O-1 to $4,038 for O-7 with dependents. See the BAH section for more info.
Base Location and Information
Westover Air Reserve Base Address
2255 Westover Road
Chicopee, MA 01022
Westover Air Reserve Base is in Chicopee, MA, and parts of the base extend into Ludlow, MA. The drive to Boston takes about 90 minutes, and it's also 10-15 minutes from the city center of Springfield.
Chicopee is a mid-sized city in Hampden County, MA, on the Connecticut River and part of the Springfield metropolitan area. It has an urban-residential character with a population of approximately 55,000 people and a mix of residential, industrial, and commercial areas. Westover ARB is one of the area’s largest employers.
The city historically developed as a manufacturing and industrial center, taking advantage of river access and later interstate highways. Chicopee sits at a crossroads of Interstate 90 (Mass Pike) and Interstate 91, giving residents convenient regional access to Springfield, Holyoke, Hartford (CT), Worcester, and Boston.
Arrival Lodging
The Flyers Inn is Westover Air Reserve Base’s temporary lodging. It welcomes active duty, reservists, National Guard, retirees, and their dependents, as well as widows/widowers, DOD-employed civilians and retirees, and 100% disabled veterans.
Suites and rooms are available. Check with the Flyers Inn for details on accommodations.
The Flyers Inn
650 Airlift Drive, Bldg. 2201
Chicopee, MA 01022
Contact: (413) 593-5421
Westover Air Reserve Base Housing
Photo from Westover Family Housing
Westover ARB offers privatized housing at Westover Family Housing through Hunt Military Communities. It has a community of 123 homes and offers housing options including quads, duplexes, and single-family homes with three, four, and limited five-bedroom availability.
Westover Air Reserve Base Off-Base Housing
Photo by Durrace from Getty Images via Canva.com
For service members and their families looking to live off base, there are multiple neighborhoods within commuting distance of Westover ARB. Neighborhoods immediately outside the base in Westover/Chicopee feature mostly single-family homes, ranch and colonial styles, and parks like Chicopee Memorial State Park. There are also local dining options and shops on Westover Road and Memorial Drive.
Other neighborhoods within commuting distance of Westover ARB include Fairview, Sandy Hill, and Burnett Road. Chicopee Center and Aldenville have historic central neighborhoods with older housing, walkable streets, parks, and community amenities. Chicopee Center is close to parks like Dana Park and offers easy regional access.
Base Search
Westover Air Reserve Base 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.
Westover Air Reserve Base is in Chicopee, MA. Sample Westover Air Reserve Base BAH rates for zip code 01022:
- E-1 with dependents: $2,268
- E-1 without dependents: $1,752
- E-9 with dependents: $3,522
- E-9 without dependents: $2,643
- O-1 with dependents: $2,451
- O-1 without dependents: $2,145
- O-7 with dependents: $4,038
- O-7 without dependents: $3,474
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Area Weather and Climate
Chicopee, MA, has four distinct seasons, but due to its location in the northeastern US, it can be cold with precipitation throughout the year. Winters are long and cold, with significant snowfall. Spring has a cool-to-mild climate, and the summer highs reach between 70 and 80 degrees with humidity and thunderstorms. Early fall is comfortable, but towards the end of the season, the first frosts begin.
Westover Air Reserve Base Area Schools
School-aged children residing in the area will attend Chicopee Public Schools, but depending on where the service member and their family live, other public school districts include West Springfield Public Schools, Ludlow Public Schools, and Holyoke 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.
While there is no School Liaison Officer (SLO) at Westover ARB, military families with school-aged children can access the Airman & Family Readiness Center for resources.
Support for Military and Families
Military Families at Westover ARB can find support through the Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), which offers relocation assistance, deployment support, financial counseling, education referrals, and information on local schools and community services. It can help families connect to benefits, programs, and community partners. A&FRC often coordinates workshops on topics like PCS planning, budgeting, and family readiness.
Things to Do Near Westover Air Reserve Base
- Chicopee has many parks to visit, including Chicopee Memorial State Park and Chicopee River Reservoir.
- Springfield is the largest city closest to Westover ARB. It has museums like the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden.
- Ludlow has a small town, family-friendly atmosphere with attractions like the Lupa Zoo.
Base Address:
57 Patriot Avenue
Chicopee
,
01022