Introduction to Barksdale AFB
Barksdale Air Force Base, located in Bossier City, Louisiana, is a United States Air Force base that serves as the headquarters of the Air Force Global Strike Command. The base is named after Eugene Hoy Barksdale, a World War I aviator who died in 1926. With a rich history dating back to 1933, Barksdale AFB has played a significant role in the country’s defense and military operations. The base is home to the 2nd Bomb Wing, which operates the B-52 Stratofortress bomber aircraft.
History of Barksdale AFB
The history of Barksdale AFB is a long and storied one, with the base playing a crucial role in various military operations throughout the years. The base was established in 1933 as Barksdale Field, and it was initially used as a training facility for bomber aircraft. During World War II, the base was expanded and became a major training center for B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator bomber crews. In the 1950s and 1960s, the base was used as a Strategic Air Command base, with the B-47 Stratojet and B-52 Stratofortress bombers being stationed there.
Units and Commands
Barksdale AFB is home to several units and commands, including: * 2nd Bomb Wing: The 2nd Bomb Wing is the host unit at Barksdale AFB and operates the B-52 Stratofortress bomber aircraft. * Air Force Global Strike Command: The Air Force Global Strike Command is headquartered at Barksdale AFB and is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the country’s nuclear-capable bombers. * 8th Air Force: The 8th Air Force is a numbered air force that is headquartered at Barksdale AFB and is responsible for the operation of the B-52 Stratofortress bomber aircraft.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Barksdale AFB has a range of facilities and infrastructure to support its military operations, including: * Runways: The base has two runways, both of which are over 10,000 feet long and are capable of supporting the operation of large aircraft such as the B-52 Stratofortress. * Hangars: The base has several hangars that are used to maintain and repair aircraft. * Barracks: The base has barracks to house military personnel. * Family housing: The base has family housing for military personnel and their families.
Quality of Life
The quality of life at Barksdale AFB is generally good, with a range of amenities and facilities available to military personnel and their families. These include: * Commissary: The base has a commissary that sells groceries and other household items at discounted prices. * Base exchange: The base has a base exchange that sells a range of goods, including clothing, electronics, and furniture. * Recreation center: The base has a recreation center that offers a range of activities, including sports, fitness classes, and entertainment. * Childcare: The base has childcare facilities that provide care for children of military personnel.
Education
There are several education options available to military personnel and their families at Barksdale AFB, including: * On-base schools: The base has several schools that cater to children of military personnel, including elementary, middle, and high schools. * Off-base schools: There are also several schools in the surrounding area that cater to children of military personnel. * Higher education: There are several higher education institutions in the surrounding area, including LSU Shreveport and Bossier Parish Community College.
Healthcare
The base has a range of healthcare facilities and services, including: * Base hospital: The base has a hospital that provides medical care to military personnel and their families. * Clinics: The base has several clinics that provide specialized medical care, including dental, optometry, and mental health clinics. * Pharmacy: The base has a pharmacy that dispenses prescription medication to military personnel and their families.
👉 Note: Military personnel and their families should check with the base hospital or clinics for information on healthcare services and eligibility.
Getting There
Barksdale AFB is located in Bossier City, Louisiana, and is easily accessible by car or air. The base is approximately 10 miles east of Shreveport, Louisiana, and is near several major highways, including Interstate 20 and Interstate 49. The nearest airport is Shreveport Regional Airport, which is approximately 10 miles west of the base.
Accommodations
There are several accommodation options available to military personnel and their families at Barksdale AFB, including: * On-base housing: The base has several housing options available, including single-family homes and apartments. * Off-base housing: There are also several off-base housing options available, including apartments, houses, and condos. * Hotels: There are several hotels in the surrounding area that cater to military personnel and their families.
Employment
There are several employment opportunities available to military spouses and family members at Barksdale AFB, including: * Base jobs: The base has several job openings available, including administrative, technical, and labor positions. * Off-base jobs: There are also several job openings available in the surrounding area, including in the cities of Shreveport and Bossier City. * Remote work: With the rise of remote work, there are also several opportunities available for military spouses and family members to work from home.
Community
The community at Barksdale AFB is strong and supportive, with a range of activities and events available to military personnel and their families. These include: * Base events: The base hosts several events throughout the year, including festivals, parades, and concerts. * Volunteer opportunities: There are several volunteer opportunities available to military personnel and their families, including working with local charities and organizations. * Support groups: The base has several support groups available, including groups for military spouses, families, and veterans.Recreation
There are several recreational activities available to military personnel and their families at Barksdale AFB, including: * Outdoor recreation: The base has several outdoor recreational facilities, including parks, trails, and lakes. * Indoor recreation: The base has several indoor recreational facilities, including gyms, pools, and recreation centers. * Entertainment: The base has several entertainment options available, including movie theaters, bowling alleys, and restaurants.| Facility | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|
| Commissary | 9am-7pm, Monday-Saturday |
| Base Exchange | 9am-7pm, Monday-Saturday |
| Recreation Center | 5am-10pm, Monday-Thursday |
| Gym | 5am-10pm, Monday-Thursday |
In summary, Barksdale AFB is a United States Air Force base that serves as the headquarters of the Air Force Global Strike Command. The base has a rich history, a range of facilities and infrastructure, and a strong sense of community. With its location in Bossier City, Louisiana, the base is easily accessible by car or air, and there are several accommodation options available to military personnel and their families. Whether you’re looking for employment, education, or recreational activities, Barksdale AFB has something to offer.
What is the main mission of Barksdale AFB?
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The main mission of Barksdale AFB is to provide strategic bomber capability to the United States Air Force.
What units are stationed at Barksdale AFB?
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The units stationed at Barksdale AFB include the 2nd Bomb Wing, the Air Force Global Strike Command, and the 8th Air Force.
What facilities are available to military personnel and their families at Barksdale AFB?
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The facilities available to military personnel and their families at Barksdale AFB include a commissary, base exchange, recreation center, gym, and childcare facilities.
