--- title: What Military Bases are in Louisiana? slug: what-military-bases-are-in-louisiana description: Find every active military base in Louisiana—Fort Polk & Barksdale AFB among five posts—plus PCS housing tips, VA-loan guidance, and veteran-friendly agents. publishedAt: 2024-07-16T14:54:18.000Z updatedAt: 2026-05-02T00:00:00.000Z author: VeteranPCS categories: [US Military Bases] canonical: https://www.veteranpcs.com/blog/what-military-bases-are-in-louisiana --- # What Military Bases are in Louisiana? Louisiana has a **rich military history** dating back to the colonial era when European settlers formed militias to defend their territories. One of the most significant moments in the state's military past was the **Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812**, a decisive American victory that reinforced Louisiana’s strategic importance. Today, the state is home to **five major military installations**, each playing a vital role in national defense. ### **Barksdale Air Force Base** Located in **northwestern Louisiana**, Barksdale Air Force Base was established in **1931** and officially opened the following year as **Barksdale Field**, named after World War I aviator **Major Edwin Browning Barksdale**. During **World War II**, the base served as a critical **training center for B-26 bomber crews**, preparing them for missions in both **Europe and the Pacific**. Today, Barksdale is home to the **2nd Bomb Wing**, which operates **B-52 Stratofortress bombers**. The base played a key role in **Operation Desert Storm**, launching the first conventional airstrikes against Iraqi targets. Barksdale remains a crucial part of **U.S. strategic airpower**, supporting **global strike and deterrence missions**. For more details, visit the official base website: **Barksdale Air Force Base** ### **Camp Beauregard** Camp Beauregard was established in **1917** in response to **America’s entry into World War I**. It was designed as a **training facility for thousands of soldiers preparing for deployment to Europe**. After the war, military activity at the camp slowed, and it was transferred to the **Louisiana National Guard**. As **World War II** approached, the federal government reacquired Camp Beauregard in **1940**, using it as a **staging area for troops** heading to both the **European and Pacific theaters**. Today, the camp remains an essential **training ground for the Louisiana National Guard**, supporting **modern military training exercises and disaster response efforts**. For more details, visit the official base website: **Camp Beauregard** ### **Fort Polk (Formerly Fort Johnson)** **Fort Polk **is located near **Leesville, Louisiana **and** **has long been a key **training site for military operations**. It is home to the **Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC)**, where **Army units undergo advanced combat training before deployment**. In **2023**, the base was renamed **Fort Johnson** in honor of **Sergeant William Henry Johnson**, a **highly decorated African American soldier from World War I** who demonstrated extraordinary bravery in combat. The fort's name was reverted back to Fort Polk in 2025. The fort continues to be a **major training center** for **light infantry and special operations forces**. ### **Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans** NAS JRB New Orleans was established in **1941**, just before the **U.S. entered World War II**, as a **Naval Reserve Aviation Base** along the shores of **Lake Pontchartrain**. It was initially used to **train reserve naval aviators** who would go on to serve in the Pacific and European theaters. Today, the base houses **units from multiple military branches**, including: - A **Navy Reserve aggressor squadron** - The **159th Fighter Wing of the Louisiana Air National Guard** - A **Marine Corps Reserve light helicopter attack squadron** NAS JRB New Orleans remains an important **joint operations hub**, supporting **national defense, training, and disaster response missions**. For more details, visit the official base website: **Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans** ### **USCG Base New Orleans** Originally established in **1934** as the **Lighthouse Services New Orleans Depot**, this facility played a crucial role in **maintaining aids to navigation**, such as **lighthouses and buoys**, ensuring safe maritime travel along the **Gulf Coast and Mississippi River**. Today, **USCG Base New Orleans** provides **logistics and operational support for the U.S. Coast Guard**. It is home to an **air station focused on search and rescue (SAR) missions**, helping protect mariners and enforce maritime security in the **Gulf of Mexico** and surrounding waterways. For more details, visit the official base website: **USCG Base New Orleans** ### **PCS to Louisiana? We Can Help** If you are preparing for a **Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move to Louisiana**, our **military-friendly real estate agents and lenders** are here to assist you. Whether you're relocating to **Barksdale, Fort Polk, or another base**, we can help you **navigate the housing market, secure VA loans, and find the best home for your family**. **Connect with a real estate expert today!** ### **Frequently Asked Questions** **1. What is the primary mission of Fort Polk?** Fort Polk (formerly Fort Johnson) is home to the **Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC)**, where **Army units train for combat deployments** in **realistic battlefield environments**. **2. What role does Barksdale AFB play in national defense?** Barksdale AFB houses the **2nd Bomb Wing**, operating **B-52 Stratofortress bombers** that support **U.S. strategic deterrence and long-range strike capabilities**. **3. Does NAS JRB New Orleans only support the Navy?** No, NAS JRB New Orleans is a **joint installation** housing units from the **Navy, Air National Guard, and Marine Corps Reserve**. **4. What are the primary missions of USCG Base New Orleans?** The base supports **search and rescue (SAR), maritime law enforcement, and navigational safety operations** in the **Gulf of Mexico and surrounding waterways**. **5. Is housing available near these military bases?** Yes, housing options exist both **on-base and in nearby military-friendly communities**. Our real estate experts can help you find the best option for your needs. Are you getting ready to **PCS to Louisiana**? Let our **veteran-friendly real estate agents** guide you through the process. [**Reach out today**](https://www.veteranpcs.com/louisiana) to get started!