Overview of Barksdale Air Force Base
Located in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, Barksdale Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base that has been in operation since 1933. The base is named after Lt. Eugene Hoy Barksdale, a World War I aviator who died in a plane crash in 1926. Barksdale Air Force Base is home to the Air Force Global Strike Command and is a major center for bomber operations.
History of the Base
Barksdale Air Force Base was originally established as Barksdale Field in 1933, with the construction of the base beginning in 1931. The base was designed to serve as a bomber training facility, and it played a significant role in the training of bomber crews during World War II. In the years following the war, the base continued to serve as a training facility, with a focus on strategic bomber operations. Today, the base is home to the Air Force Global Strike Command, which is responsible for the nation’s nuclear bomber force.
Mission and Operations
The primary mission of Barksdale Air Force Base is to provide strategic bomber support to the United States military. The base is home to the 2nd Bomb Wing, which operates the B-52H Stratofortress bomber. The 2nd Bomb Wing is one of the largest bomb wings in the Air Force, with over 60 aircraft and more than 7,000 personnel. In addition to bomber operations, the base also serves as a major center for airlift and tanker operations.
Units and Squadrons
Barksdale Air Force Base is home to a number of units and squadrons, including:
- 2nd Bomb Wing: The 2nd Bomb Wing is the primary unit at Barksdale Air Force Base, and it is responsible for operating the B-52H Stratofortress bomber.
- 2nd Operations Group: The 2nd Operations Group is responsible for the operational flying training of the 2nd Bomb Wing.
- 2nd Maintenance Group: The 2nd Maintenance Group is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the B-52H Stratofortress bomber.
- 2nd Mission Support Group: The 2nd Mission Support Group is responsible for providing support services to the 2nd Bomb Wing, including security, communications, and logistics.
Economic Impact
Barksdale Air Force Base has a significant economic impact on the local community, with the base generating over $1 billion in economic activity each year. The base is also a major employer in the region, with over 10,000 military and civilian personnel working at the base. In addition to its economic impact, the base also plays a significant role in the local community, with a number of base personnel participating in volunteer programs and community events.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Economic Impact | $1.03 billion |
| Employment | 10,403 |
| Payroll | $433 million |
| Contract Awards | $133 million |
đź’ˇ Note: The economic impact and employment figures are subject to change and may not reflect the current values.
To summarize, Barksdale Air Force Base is a major center for bomber operations and plays a significant role in the nation’s defense. The base has a rich history, and its mission and operations are critical to the country’s military capabilities. The base also has a significant economic impact on the local community and is a major employer in the region.
What is the primary mission of Barksdale Air Force Base?
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The primary mission of Barksdale Air Force Base is to provide strategic bomber support to the United States military.
What type of aircraft is operated by the 2nd Bomb Wing?
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The 2nd Bomb Wing operates the B-52H Stratofortress bomber.
What is the economic impact of Barksdale Air Force Base on the local community?
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Barksdale Air Force Base generates over $1 billion in economic activity each year and is a major employer in the region.
Related Terms:
- Barksdale Air Force Base address
- Military bases in Louisiana
- Army base in Louisiana
- Barksdale Louisiana map
