New Hampshire has a small but important military footprint. The state is home to two major active installations, supporting the Air National Guard (part of the Air Force) and the Space Force. Whether you are PCSing to New Hampshire (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 New Hampshire
New Hampshire's two active installations cover very different missions. One is an air refueling wing that keeps aircraft flying around the world, and the other is a satellite tracking station that helps command and control spacecraft. Both are spread across the southern part of the state, and both keep military families moving in and out on PCS orders each year. New Hampshire's footprint is small, so it is easy to get a clear picture of where service members are stationed.
Active Military Bases in New Hampshire
- Pease Air National Guard Base (157th Air Refueling Wing)
- New Boston Space Force Station
Air National Guard Bases in New Hampshire
Pease Air National Guard Base
Pease Air National Guard Base, near Portsmouth and Newington on New Hampshire's Seacoast, is home to the 157th Air Refueling Wing of the New Hampshire Air National Guard. The wing's mission is air refueling, which means its aircraft fly fuel to other planes in midair so they can stay in the sky longer and travel farther. The 157th flies the KC-46A Pegasus, the newest tanker in the Air Force fleet, and operates a fleet of 12 of these aircraft. The KC-46A can refuel other planes, carry cargo, and move patients during medical evacuation flights. The wing's flying unit is the 133rd Air Refueling Squadron.
Key Missions:
- Air refueling for Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and partner aircraft
- Cargo and aeromedical evacuation support
- Home and overseas emergency response for New Hampshire and the nation
Learn more on the 157th Air Refueling Wing About Us page and the KC-46A Pegasus fact sheet.
Space Force Bases in New Hampshire
New Boston Space Force Station
New Boston Space Force Station sits in Hillsborough County in south central New Hampshire, near the town of New Boston. It was transferred from the Air Force to the Space Force in the summer of 2020. The station began as a satellite tracking site in 1959, and its hillside is dotted with large white domes, called radomes, that protect its antennas. The station is run by the 23rd Space Operations Squadron, which operates the largest remote tracking station in the worldwide Satellite Control Network. From here, crews help track satellites, send them commands, and receive their data, keeping the nation's spacecraft working as planned.
Key Missions:
- Satellite command, control, and tracking
- Operating the largest Satellite Control Network tracking station
- Supporting assured access to space for the joint force
See the official New Boston Space Force Station page and the 23rd Space Operations Squadron fact sheet.
Planning Your Next Move?
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Moving to New Hampshire? Let Us Help You Find a Home
Relocating to New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire, contact us today to connect with an agent or lender who understands the unique needs of military families.
Plan Your PCS to New Hampshire
New Hampshire's active footprint sits on the Seacoast at Pease Air National Guard Base near Portsmouth, with New Boston Space Force Station to the south, so most families settle in the Portsmouth and Seacoast area. Keep the timeline on track with the ultimate PCS checklist and timeline, and if you have never moved before, our guide on what you need to know to prepare to PCS walks you through the basics. If you plan to buy, start with the benefits of a VA loan and our 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.
Free First-Time Homebuyer Guide
Make your move less stressful with our step-by-step first-time homebuyer guide.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.When you are ready for a local read on a specific base or neighborhood, you can ask Alyssa Saunders, a VeteranPCS agent in the New Hampshire Seacoast area, for current listings and prices.
Know another family with orders to New Hampshire? 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 New Hampshire?
Pease Air National Guard Base, near Portsmouth, is the state's largest active installation. It is home to the 157th Air Refueling Wing, which flies a fleet of 12 KC-46A Pegasus tankers. New Boston Space Force Station is the state's other active base.
2. How many military bases are in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is home to two major active installations: Pease Air National Guard Base and New Boston Space Force Station. Together they support the Air National Guard and the Space Force.
3. What does Pease Air National Guard Base fly?
Pease ANGB flies the KC-46A Pegasus, the newest air refueling tanker in the Air Force fleet. The 157th Air Refueling Wing operates 12 of these aircraft to refuel other planes in flight, carry cargo, and support medical evacuation.
4. Is Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in New Hampshire?
No. Despite its name, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is located on Seavey Island in Kittery, Maine, just across the Piscataqua River from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It is a Maine installation, not a New Hampshire one.
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