Bolling AFB, Washington D.C.

Bolling AFB, DC 20032 | Base Operator: (703) 545-6700

Bolling AFB: Overview

Bolling AFB is home to the 11th Wing (11 WG) of the United States Air Force (USAF), which is assigned to the Air Force District of Washington. The mission of the 11 WG, which is also the largest wing in the USAF, is mostly ceremonial due to the fact that it is located in such close proximity to the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, the Capitol, and the Pentagon. For example, the 11 WG frequently conducts funeral support at Arlington National Cemetery in the form of full military honors, which includes music and military funeral protocol.

The namesake of this base is Col. Raynal C. Bolling, who was killed during WWI. Col. Bolling was the first officer of such elevated rank to be killed while serving in the First World War. The base was established October 2, 1917 and was originally known as the Flying field at Anacostia. Shortly thereafter, the base was renamed as the Anacostia Experimental Flying Field. Then, on July 1, 1918, the name of the installation was changed to Bolling Field. The original mission of the units stationed at Bolling Field was to provide aerial defense of the Washington DC area. In addition, pilot training was conducted here, since it was one of the first bases of its kind. During World War II, the installation became the Army Air Force Headquarters. It also served as a training and mobilization base for troops being transferred overseas and heading to combat. Following the establishment of the USAF as a separate service, the name of the installation was modified to reflect this event. Therefore, it was changed to Bolling Air Force Base.

Bolling AFB: Education

While stationed at Bolling AFB, you may want to seriously consider earning your degree from an online college. This way, you can receive a high-quality education in your spare time. Online schools allow you to attend classes according to your schedule no matter where you are. The days of putting your education on hold due to a TDY or PCS are over. You may want to request information from a number of these schools. Start by clicking the "Find A School" button below:

Bolling AFB: Location

Bolling AFB occupies a portion of the Washington DC area along the bank of the Potomac River. The base is conveniently located near Interstate 295, which provides easy access to Interstate 95, Interstate 395, or Interstate 495, better known as the Beltway. Being stationed at Bolling AFB provides an individual with access to all that our nation’s capital has to offer, such as the Smithsonian Museums and all of the great monuments erected in honor of our nation’s finest.

Bolling AFB: Interesting Facts

The days of Bolling AFB hosting flying units ended in 1962. This decision was due in part to the air traffic congestion of having Andrews AFB and Washington National Airport in the immediate vicinity.
The 11th Wing is also known as the “Chief’s Own” due to the nature of its mission.
The “Spirit of St. Louis” arrived at Bolling Field in 1927 following Charles Lindbergh’s famous flight across the Atlantic from New York to Paris.

For more information about Bolling AFB, please visit www.cnic.navy.mil/jbab.