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 […]
Military bases in 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.
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