Arizona is home to a large and active military community, with over 100,000 active-duty service members, reservists, and National Guard members. The state's military installations play a crucial role in national defense, aviation training, weapons testing, and intelligence operations.
This guide provides an overview of each military base in Arizona, including its mission, history, and significance.
List of Military Bases in Arizona
- Barry M. Goldwater Range
- Camp Navajo
- Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
- Fort Huachuca
- Luke Air Force Base
- Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma
- Yuma Proving Ground
1. Barry M. Goldwater Range
Location: Southwestern Arizona Mission: Military training range for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat
The Barry M. Goldwater Range (BMGR) is one of the largest military training ranges in the world, covering over 1.9 million acres. It is used by the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Army for:
- Aerial combat training
- Live-fire exercises
- Bombing and missile testing
Visit the Barry M. Goldwater Range
2. Camp Navajo
Location: Bellemont, AZ (near Flagstaff) Mission: Munitions storage, National Guard training, and industrial operations
Originally opened in 1942 as the Navajo Ordnance Depot, Camp Navajo played a key role in World War II ammunition storage. Today, it is:
- The largest National Guard training facility in Arizona
- A munitions storage and industrial facility
- Managed by the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs
3. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
Location: Tucson, AZ Mission: Combat search and rescue, electronic attack, and aircraft storage operations
Established in 1925, Davis-Monthan AFB is home to:
- 355th Wing – Now a rescue hub flying HH-60W and HC-130J aircraft. Its A-10 units inactivated on Sept. 18, 2026, per Stars and Stripes
- 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) – Stores and maintains retired military aircraft
- 55th Electronic Combat Group – Flies the new EA-37B Compass Call, per Air & Space Forces Magazine. The 492nd Special Operations Wing is also moving in over the next few years
- 943rd Rescue Group – Part of the Air Force Reserve
Visit Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
For a closer look at both active-duty Air Force bases and the two Air National Guard wings, see our guide to Air Force bases in Arizona.
4. Fort Huachuca
Location: Sierra Vista, AZ Mission: Home of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and Network Enterprise Technology Command
Established in 1877, Fort Huachuca originally protected settlers from Apache attacks. Today, it serves as a critical center for Army intelligence and cybersecurity operations, housing:
- Military Intelligence training programs
- Cybersecurity and electronic warfare units
- Drone testing and unmanned aerial systems development
Visit Fort Huachuca
5. Luke Air Force Base
Location: Glendale, AZ Mission: Home of the largest fighter wing in the world and the Air Force's primary active-duty F-35A pilot training wing
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Named after WWI flying ace Frank Luke Jr., Luke AFB trains fighter pilots for the Air Force, Air National Guard, and international allies. It is home to:
- 56th Fighter Wing – Primary F-35A pilot training unit. U.S. F-16 training at Luke ended on Sept. 30, 2024, per Luke AFB
- 944th Fighter Wing – Air Force Reserve fighter training
- The Arizona Air National Guard's 162nd Wing flies from Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, and the 161st Air Refueling Wing flies from Goldwater Air National Guard Base in Phoenix
6. Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma
Location: Yuma, AZ Mission: One of the busiest Marine Corps air stations, specializing in air-to-ground combat training
Established in 1942, MCAS Yuma is home to:
- F/A-18 Hornets and AV-8B Harriers
- CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters
- Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1 (MAWTS-1) – Trains pilots in advanced air combat tactics
Visit MCAS Yuma
7. Yuma Proving Ground (YPG)
Location: Yuma, AZ Mission: Military weapons and equipment testing facility
Originally established in 1942 as Yuma Test Station, Yuma Proving Ground is one of the largest military testing facilities in the world. It specializes in:
- Weapons testing for aircraft, ground vehicles, and artillery
- Electronic warfare systems evaluation
- Desert warfare training for military personnel
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If you're PCSing to Arizona, our VeteranPCS agents and lenders can assist with:
- Finding a military-friendly real estate agent
- Navigating the VA Loan process
- Exploring housing options near Arizona military installations
Plan Your PCS to Arizona
Where you settle in Arizona depends a lot on your base. If you are reporting to Luke Air Force Base in the West Valley, our guide to PCSing to Luke AFB and Phoenix and our wider greater Phoenix Valley guide for military families and veterans break down the suburbs, commutes, and prices worth knowing. Marines headed to MCAS Yuma can start with our complete guide to MCAS Yuma, and anyone still getting their bearings statewide will find our comprehensive guide to PCSing to Arizona useful for schools, climate, and cost of living. Before you make an offer, it is worth understanding the benefits of a VA loan so you can buy with no money down.
When you are ready for a local read on a specific base or neighborhood, you can ask a VeteranPCS agent near Luke Air Force Base for current listings and prices.
Know another family with orders to Arizona? Share this guide with your military network so they can plan their move with real numbers too.
