---
title: What Military Bases are in Arizona?
slug: what-military-bases-are-in-arizona
description: Military bases in Arizona (AZ)—Luke AFB, Fort Huachuca and more active posts—plus PCS housing tips, VA-loan guidance, and veteran-friendly real-estate agents.
publishedAt: 2023-07-19T14:40:58.000Z
updatedAt: 2026-05-02T00:00:00.000Z
author: VeteranPCS
categories: [US Military Bases]
canonical: https://www.veteranpcs.com/blog/what-military-bases-are-in-arizona
---

# What Military Bases are in Arizona?

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](https://www.arizonahighways.com/)

## **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**

[Visit Camp Navajo](https://dema.az.gov/)

## **3. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base**

📍 **Location:** Tucson, AZ
🎯 **Mission:** Home of the **A-10C Thunderbolt II training program** and aircraft storage operations

Established in **1925**, Davis-Monthan AFB is home to:

- **355th Wing** – Trains and deploys **A-10C Thunderbolt II pilots**
- **309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG)** – Stores and maintains **retired military aircraft**
- **55th Electronic Combat Group** – Conducts **electronic warfare operations**
- **943rd Rescue Group** – Part of the **Air Force Reserve**

[Visit Davis-Monthan Air Force Base](https://www.dm.af.mil/)

## **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:** The world's **largest F-16 and F-35 fighter pilot training base**

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-16 and F-35 pilot training unit**
- **944th Fighter Wing** – Air Force Reserve fighter training
- **162nd Wing** – Arizona Air National Guard operations

[Visit Luke Air Force Base](https://www.luke.af.mil/)

## **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**

[Visit Yuma Proving Ground](https://www.yuma.army.mil/)

## **Moving to Arizona? We Can Help!**

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**
