--- title: What Military Bases are in Pennsylvania? slug: what-military-bases-are-in-pennsylvania description: >- A guide to active military bases in Pennsylvania, from Carlisle Barracks to Tobyhanna Army Depot, with PCS housing tips, VA-loan help, and veteran agents. publishedAt: '2025-07-08T09:00:00.000Z' updatedAt: '2026-06-19T00:00:00.000Z' author: VeteranPCS categories: - US Military Bases canonical: 'https://www.veteranpcs.com/blog/what-military-bases-are-in-pennsylvania' componentSlug: us-military-bases stateSlug: pennsylvania --- # What Military Bases are in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania has a long and proud military history. The state is home to **seven major active installations**, supporting the **Army, Navy, and Air Force**, plus a major Defense Logistics Agency site and reserve and Guard units that train alongside them. Whether you are **PCSing to Pennsylvania** (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 Pennsylvania Pennsylvania military bases cover a wide range of missions. They include **strategic leader education, depot-level repair of electronics and missile defense systems, naval supply and ship engineering, airlift, special operations, and large-scale supply distribution**. The state trains senior leaders, fixes the gear that keeps the joint force ready, and keeps thousands of military families moving in and out each year on PCS orders. ### Active Military Bases in Pennsylvania - **Carlisle Barracks** (home of the U.S. Army War College) - **Tobyhanna Army Depot** - **Letterkenny Army Depot** - **Naval Support Activity Philadelphia** - **Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station** (911th Airlift Wing) - **193rd Special Operations Wing** (Pennsylvania Air National Guard) - **DLA Distribution Susquehanna** (New Cumberland) ## Army Bases in Pennsylvania ### Carlisle Barracks Carlisle Barracks, in **Carlisle** near Harrisburg, was established in **1757** and is the **second oldest Army post** in the United States. Since **1951** it has been the home of the **U.S. Army War College**, the Army's highest educational institution. The post's job is to support the War College as it educates senior military, civilian, and international leaders for the responsibilities of strategic leadership. **Key Missions:** - Strategic-level leader education at the U.S. Army War College - Base and life support for students and faculty - Preparing military, civilian, and allied leaders for joint and multinational service Learn more from the official [Carlisle Barracks mission and vision page](https://home.army.mil/carlisle/about/mission) and the [Carlisle Barracks history page](https://home.army.mil/carlisle/about/history). ### Tobyhanna Army Depot Tobyhanna Army Depot sits in the **Pocono Mountains** of northeastern Pennsylvania, near Scranton. It is the **Department of Defense's largest center** for the repair, overhaul, and fabrication of electronics systems, from tactical field radios to ground terminals for satellite communications. About **3,700 people** work there, and its missions support all branches of the armed forces. **Key Missions:** - Repair and overhaul of military electronics and communications systems - Fabrication, systems integration, and post-production software support - Full-spectrum logistics support for the joint warfighter Read more on the [Tobyhanna Army Depot website](https://www.tobyhanna.army.mil/) and in the Army's [full-spectrum support overview](https://www.army.mil/article/280374/21st_century_maintenance_tobyhanna_army_depot_provides_full_spectrum_support_to_the_joint_warfighter). ### Letterkenny Army Depot Letterkenny Army Depot, in **Chambersburg**, is the Department of Defense's premier center for **air and missile defense** ground support equipment and **Patriot missile recertification**. More than **1,500 people** direct repair and modernization work there on systems such as the Avenger and Patriot, supporting U.S. and allied forces. **Key Missions:** - Overhaul and repair of air and missile defense systems - Patriot missile recertification and precision fires support - Modernization of tactical systems for multi-domain operations See the official [Letterkenny Army Depot website](https://www.letterkenny.army.mil/) and the [Letterkenny About page](https://www.letterkenny.army.mil/About/). ## Navy Bases in Pennsylvania ### Naval Support Activity Philadelphia Naval Support Activity Philadelphia, in **South Philadelphia**, is the Navy's main footprint in Pennsylvania. It is home to **NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support (WSS) Philadelphia**, which provides program and supply support for aircraft such as the **F/A-18** and **V-22** along with engines and avionics. It is also home to the **Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Philadelphia Division**, which engineers and tests shipboard machinery, propulsion, and electric power systems for the fleet. **Key Missions:** - Supply and weapon systems support for Navy and Marine Corps aviation - Engineering and testing of shipboard machinery and propulsion systems - Cyber-secure solutions and fleet readiness support Learn more from the [NAVSUP WSS Philadelphia welcome page](https://www.navsup.navy.mil/NAVSUP-Enterprise/NAVSUP-Weapon-Systems-Support/Welcome-Philadelphia/) and the [NSWC Philadelphia Division page](https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Warfare-Centers/NSWC-Philadelphia/). ## Air Force Bases in Pennsylvania ### Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, in **western Pennsylvania**, is home to the **911th Airlift Wing**, an Air Force Reserve unit. The wing flies the **C-17 Globemaster III** after converting from the smaller C-130 cargo plane. It provides airlift, aeromedical evacuation, and combat support for missions around the world. **Key Missions:** - C-17 airlift operations and aircrew training - Aeromedical evacuation - Agile combat support for the Air Force Reserve See the official [911th Airlift Wing fact sheet](https://www.afrc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/4404947/911th-airlift-wing/) and the [Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station website](https://www.pittsburgh.afrc.af.mil/). ### 193rd Special Operations Wing The 193rd Special Operations Wing is a **Pennsylvania Air National Guard** unit based at **Harrisburg International Airport** in Middletown, with training at nearby **Fort Indiantown Gap**. It became the first Air National Guard unit to fly the **MC-130J Commando II** as part of its mission with Air Force Special Operations Command. The wing provides trained combat and support forces anytime, anywhere. **Key Missions:** - MC-130J special operations flying mission - Combat and support forces for Air Force Special Operations Command - Special operations training at Fort Indiantown Gap Read more on the [193rd Special Operations Wing fact sheet](https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/439262/193rd-special-operations-wing/) and the [193rd Special Operations Wing website](https://www.193sow.ang.af.mil/). ## Defense Logistics Agency in Pennsylvania ### DLA Distribution Susquehanna DLA Distribution Susquehanna, with primary operations in **New Cumberland** and added facilities in Mechanicsburg, is a major **Defense Logistics Agency** distribution hub. It provides over **nine million square feet** of covered storage and ships military repair parts, medical supplies, hardware, and many other items to keep the Department of Defense ready. **Key Missions:** - Receipt, storage, and shipment of military materiel - Distribution of repair parts, medical supplies, and hardware - Distribution services that support readiness across the force See the official [DLA Distribution Susquehanna page](https://www.dla.mil/Distribution/Locations/Susquehanna.aspx) and the [DLA Distribution overview](https://www.dla.mil/Distribution/). ## Moving to Pennsylvania? Let Us Help You Find a Home Relocating to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania, **contact us today** to connect with an **agent or lender** who understands the unique needs of military families. ## Plan Your PCS to Pennsylvania Pennsylvania's installations are spread across the state, from Carlisle Barracks near Harrisburg to Tobyhanna Army Depot in the northeast and Naval Support Activity Philadelphia in the southeast, so your move depends on your gaining unit. Families headed to the Philadelphia side can start with our guide to the [best places to live near Philadelphia military bases](/blog/best-places-to-live-near-philadelphia-military-bases). Keep the move organized with the [ultimate PCS checklist and timeline](/blog/the-ultimate-pcs-checklist-and-timeline-for-active-duty-military-personnel), and 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, 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 for a local read on a specific base or neighborhood, you can ask Valerie Nash, a VeteranPCS agent in Harrisburg, for current listings and prices. Know another family with orders to Pennsylvania? 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 Pennsylvania? **Tobyhanna Army Depot**, in the Pocono Mountains near Scranton, is one of the largest military installations in Pennsylvania. It is the Department of Defense's largest electronics maintenance depot, with about **3,700 employees**. **Carlisle Barracks**, home of the U.S. Army War College, is also a well-known post and the second oldest Army post in the country. ### 2. How many military bases are in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania is home to **seven major active installations**, supporting the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with a major Defense Logistics Agency site and many reserve and Guard units. ### 3. What is the main Army base in Pennsylvania? **Carlisle Barracks** is the best-known Army post in Pennsylvania as the home of the U.S. Army War College. **Tobyhanna Army Depot** and **Letterkenny Army Depot** are two large Army depots that repair electronics and missile defense systems. ### 4. What is the main Navy base in Pennsylvania? **Naval Support Activity Philadelphia** is the Navy's main hub in Pennsylvania. It is home to NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Philadelphia and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division. [**Connect with our Agents & Lenders in Pennsylvania Today**](https://veteranpcs.com/pennsylvania) and make your move stress-free.