--- title: What Military Bases are in Massachusetts? slug: what-military-bases-are-in-massachusetts description: >- A guide to active military bases in Massachusetts, from Hanscom Air Force Base to Natick Soldier Systems Center, plus PCS tips and veteran-friendly agents. publishedAt: '2025-07-13T09:00:00.000Z' updatedAt: '2026-06-19T00:00:00.000Z' author: VeteranPCS categories: - US Military Bases canonical: 'https://www.veteranpcs.com/blog/what-military-bases-are-in-massachusetts' componentSlug: us-military-bases stateSlug: massachusetts --- # What Military Bases are in Massachusetts? Massachusetts has a small but important military footprint. The state is home to **five major active installations**, supporting the **Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard**, plus Air Force Reserve and National Guard units that train and fly alongside them. Whether you are **PCSing to Massachusetts** (Permanent Change of Station, the military term for an official move to a new duty station), thinking about a move, or just curious about military history, this guide gives you a clear overview of the **key military bases** in the state. ## Overview of Military Installations in Massachusetts Massachusetts military bases cover a wide range of missions. They include **technology acquisition, soldier research and development, strategic airlift, fighter and air defense operations, and search and rescue**. Much of the work in the state is focused on the brains behind the force, from buying the Air Force's electronic and command systems to designing the gear soldiers wear and carry. Together these installations keep military families moving in and out of the Boston area and Western Massachusetts every year on PCS orders. ### Active Military Bases in Massachusetts - **Hanscom Air Force Base** - **Westover Air Reserve Base** - **Barnes Air National Guard Base** - **Natick Soldier Systems Center** - **Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod (Joint Base Cape Cod)** ## Air Force Bases in Massachusetts ### Hanscom Air Force Base Hanscom AFB, near **Bedford** northwest of Boston, is unusual because it is built around acquisition rather than a flying mission. Its host unit is the **66th Air Base Group**, part of the **Air Force Life Cycle Management Center**, and it supports more than **10,000 military members, civilians, and contractors**. The base is home to several **Air Force Program Executive Offices**, including offices for **Cyber and Networks** and **Electronic Systems**, which buy and field the digital, communication, and command systems the Air Force depends on. **Key Missions:** - Acquisition of electronic and command-and-control systems - Cyber, network, and communications programs - Base support for active duty, Reserve, and Guard members Learn more on the [Hanscom Air Force Base fact sheet](https://www.hanscom.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/379461/hanscom-air-force-base/) and the [Air Force Life Cycle Management Center website](https://www.aflcmc.af.mil/). ### Westover Air Reserve Base Westover ARB, in **Chicopee** in Western Massachusetts, is the largest Air Force Reserve base. Its host unit, the **439th Airlift Wing**, operates the **C-5M Super Galaxy**, the largest aircraft in the Air Force inventory. With more than **1,660 personnel**, the wing provides worldwide movement of troops, supplies, equipment, and medical patients. **Key Missions:** - Strategic airlift with the C-5M Super Galaxy - Worldwide movement of troops, cargo, and patients - Air Force Reserve readiness and training See the official [439th Airlift Wing fact sheet](https://www.westover.afrc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/164940/439th-airlift-wing-fact-sheet/) and the [C-5 Galaxy fact sheet](https://www.westover.afrc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/164938/c-5-galaxy-fact-sheet/). ### Barnes Air National Guard Base Barnes ANGB, in **Westfield** in Western Massachusetts, is home to the **104th Fighter Wing** of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. The wing is one of the oldest flying units in the state and is assigned to **Air Combat Command**. Its **131st Fighter Squadron** flies the **F-15 Eagle** and provides air sovereignty and alert coverage for the air defense of the northeastern United States. **Key Missions:** - Air sovereignty and alert for the Northeast - Fighter operations with the F-15 Eagle - Combat-ready airpower for Air Combat Command Read more on the [104th Fighter Wing fact sheet](https://www.104fw.ang.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Article/447660/104th-fighter-wing/) and the [104th Fighter Wing home page](https://www.104fw.ang.af.mil/). ## Army Bases in Massachusetts ### Natick Soldier Systems Center Natick Soldier Systems Center, in **Natick** about 18 miles west of Boston, is the Army's center for soldier research and development. It is home to the **DEVCOM Soldier Center**, which treats the soldier as a complete system. The center is responsible for the research, development, and fielding of the military's **food, clothing, shelters, airdrop systems, and protective equipment**, including body armor, helmets, and footwear. **Key Missions:** - Research and development of soldier equipment - Food, clothing, shelter, and airdrop systems - Protective gear such as body armor and helmets Details are on the [DEVCOM Soldier Center website](https://sc.devcom.army.mil/) and the [U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center page](https://www.army.mil/natick). ## Coast Guard Bases in Massachusetts ### Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod (Joint Base Cape Cod) Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod sits on **Joint Base Cape Cod** (the Massachusetts Military Reservation) on upper Cape Cod. It is the only Coast Guard air station in the Northeast and keeps a constant alert with both fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft, including the **HC-144 Ocean Sentry** and the **MH-60**. The reservation is shared with the **102nd Intelligence Wing** of the Massachusetts Air National Guard and Army National Guard units at **Camp Edwards**. **Key Missions:** - Search and rescue across the Northeast - Homeland security and law enforcement at sea - Protection of living marine resources and aids to navigation Learn more on the [Air Station Cape Cod missions page](https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-1/District-Units/Air-Station-Cape-Cod/Missions/) and the [102nd Intelligence Wing fact sheet on Otis and the Massachusetts Military Reservation](https://www.102iw.ang.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/452385/otis-air-national-guard-base-and-the-massachusetts-military-reservation/). ## Moving to Massachusetts? Let Us Help You Find a Home Relocating to Massachusetts for a military assignment comes with unique challenges, but **VeteranPCS** is here to help. Whether you need help understanding a **VA Loan** (a home loan backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, often with no down payment), finding **military-friendly communities**, or working with **experienced real estate agents**, we are committed to making your **PCS move** simple. Our network of **veteran and military-friendly real estate agents** can assist with: - Finding **on-base or off-base housing** - Connecting with **VA loan specialists** - Understanding the **best communities near each installation** If you are getting ready to move to Massachusetts, **contact us today** to connect with an **agent or lender** who understands the unique needs of military families. ## Plan Your PCS to Massachusetts Massachusetts's military presence is spread across the Boston area and beyond, from Hanscom Air Force Base near Bedford to the Natick Soldier Systems Center, so your move depends on your gaining unit. Keep the timeline on track with the [ultimate PCS checklist and timeline](/blog/the-ultimate-pcs-checklist-and-timeline-for-active-duty-military-personnel), and if you have never moved before, our guide on [what you need to know to prepare to PCS](/blog/preparing-to-pcs-what-you-need-to-know) walks you through the basics. If you plan to buy, start with [the benefits of a VA loan](/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-va-loan) and our [complete guide to buying your first home with a VA loan](/blog/complete-guide-to-buying-your-first-home-with-a-va-loan). Picking the right local expert matters too, so see [how to choose the right real estate agent for your military PCS move](/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-real-estate-agent-for-your-military-pcs-move). When you are ready to start your search, you can [connect with a VeteranPCS agent who serves Massachusetts](https://www.veteranpcs.com/contact-agent) and knows the communities around each base. Know another family with orders to Massachusetts? Share this guide with your military network so they can plan their move too. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### 1. What is the largest military base in Massachusetts? **Westover Air Reserve Base**, in Chicopee, is the largest Air Force Reserve base and the largest active installation in Massachusetts. It is home to the 439th Airlift Wing, which flies the C-5M Super Galaxy and has more than 1,660 personnel. ### 2. How many military bases are in Massachusetts? Massachusetts is home to **five major active installations**, supporting the Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard, along with Air Force Reserve and National Guard units. ### 3. What is the main Air Force base in Massachusetts? **Hanscom Air Force Base**, near Bedford, is the Air Force's main installation in Massachusetts. It focuses on the acquisition of electronic and command-and-control systems rather than a flying mission. **Westover Air Reserve Base** and **Barnes Air National Guard Base** round out the state's Air Force presence. ### 4. What is the main Army presence in Massachusetts? The **Natick Soldier Systems Center**, in Natick, is the main Army installation in Massachusetts. It is home to the DEVCOM Soldier Center, which researches and develops soldier equipment such as food, clothing, shelters, and protective gear. [**Connect with our Agents & Lenders in Massachusetts Today**](https://veteranpcs.com/massachusetts) and make your move stress-free.