CoBases – US Military Bases

Category: Idaho

There is only one military base in Idaho (ID) – Mountain Home Air Force Base. This is the reserve landing site for space shuttles, and it provides combat airpower and combat support capabilities.

While not as prominently recognized for its military presence as some other states, Idaho still plays a valuable role in the United States defense network. The state’s contributions to the military are characterized by specialized training facilities, vast training ranges, and research and development in areas such as nuclear energy.

The most notable military installation in Idaho is Mountain Home Air Force Base, located in the southwestern part of the state. This base is home to the 366th Fighter Wing, also known as the “Gunfighters.” The base’s primary mission is to provide combat airpower and support capabilities to respond rapidly to operational needs anywhere in the world. The surrounding terrain and airspace are ideal for training pilots in various combat scenarios.

Another significant military presence in Idaho is the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). While not a traditional military base, INL plays a critical role in national security through its research and development in nuclear energy, cybersecurity, and other advanced technologies. It is one of the national laboratories of the United States Department of Energy. It has a strong partnership with the U.S. Navy, particularly in developing nuclear propulsion systems for aircraft carriers and submarines.

Idaho also offers expansive and remote training ranges like the Orchard Combat Training Center. These ranges are utilized by both the Army and the Air Force for large-scale training exercises and weapons testing. The terrain in these areas is conducive to simulating the conditions troops might face in various global hotspots.

While Idaho’s military footprint may not be as large as some other states, its contributions are specialized and significant. The state’s facilities enhance the readiness of the U.S. military and support cutting-edge research and development that contributes to the United States’ technological edge in defense capabilities.

  • Mountain Home Air Force Base

    Mountain Home AFB Facts

    • Location: Elmore County, near Mountain Home, Idaho
    • Website:
      Visit Mountain Home AFB Website ›
    • Phone: (208) 828-2111
    • Longitude:
      -115.866966
    • Latitude:
      43.050074
    • DSN:
      728-1110

    Idaho Mountain Home has a large air force base in the city of Mountain Homes in Idaho as Mountain Home Air Force Base. The base was built in 1943 but it has been closed several times because of different reasons, but it is in operations since 1951. The base is commissioned 366th Fighter Wing from Air Combat Command, which is comprised of some of the most expensive and sophisticated fighter jet planes of US Air Force including F-22A, B-2 Bomber and F-117 Nighthawk.

    Military plane f15e Mountain Home AFB

    Mountain Home Air Force Base Main Entrance Gate

    Its primary mission is to respond and support air combat planes, and operate in worldwide air combat operations. Besides being US Air Force base it is also a census controlled area having population of 3238. The base is parked with some of the best combat jet planes of US Air Force, especially large number of F-15s. The base was built during World War II and it was first used for training of US Air Force crew largely for B-24 Liberator that was a widely used air plane during the war. The base was commissioned different divisions in different times and they all arrived mostly to receive training. Before the end of the war, the base became in-active for some reasons until the base was redesigned and was renamed to Mountain Home Air Force Base.

    Plane fly over Mountain Home AFB

    B2 Flies over Mountain Home Air Force Base

    The base is home to many modern fighter jet planes but it also host air shows every year where jet air planes such as Thunderbird showcases flying skills of US Air force by forming combinations of planes with smoke in air. They follow pre-designed routines and formations to entertain people who arrive at base on special occasions. They fly number of air planes such as Northrop T-38, McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, F-105 Thunderchief and more. The air show comprises of different squadrons who showcases their flying skills.