Where is Barksdale Air Force Base?
A Brief Introduction to Barksdale Air Force Base
Barksdale Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located approximately 10 miles southwest of Shreveport, Louisiana, in the United States of America. The base serves as the headquarters of Eighth Air Force and is a major part of the Air Forces Strategic Command.
Location and Geography
• Latitude: 32.4556° N
• Longitude: 93.6654° W
• Elevation: 183 feet (56 meters)
• Total Area: 12,700 acres
Map to Barksdale Air Force Base
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+---------------+History of Barksdale Air Force Base
Originally named Barksdale Field in 1924, it was renamed Barksdale Air Force Base in 1942. The base has played a significant role in the United States Air Force and Defense, primarily conducting bomber operations, air refueling, and reconnaissance missions. Since its establishment, the base has undergone several expansions, modernizations, and refurbishments to keep pace with the ever-evolving Air Force.
Current Base Operations
Today, Barksdale Air Force Base is home to:
• 8th Air Force: The premier strategic bomber organization, tasked with conducting long-range bomber operations, including theater security packages, crisis response, and global strike support.
• Airborne Command and Control: Ensuring secure communication links between airborne assets and ground-based command centers through Airborne Command Post (ABCP) Operations.
• Wings: Two operational fighter wings, the 4th Fighter Wing (F-16C Block 30) and 53rd Wing (B-52H), providing air-to-air combat and conventional bombing capabilities respectively.
• Other tenant units: Including Reserve and Guard units, as well as other major commands, contributing to overall base operations and support services.
Key Facilities and Aircraft
- Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Center: Provides real-time air support for tactical ground operations.
- B-52 Bomber Maintenance Hangars: Dedicated facilities for maintaining B-52H Stratojet bombers, ensuring mission readiness.
- Strategic Air Command Museum: Showcasing a collection of historic military aircraft, offering educational displays, interactive exhibits, and cultural events.
- Airborne Command Post: A modified Boeing VC-25 (747-200B) designated as Airborne One, serving as an airborne command center and communication hub during national emergencies.
What’s Nearby
- Shreveport Municipal Airport (SHV): Approximately 5 miles (8.1 kilometers) from Barksdale AFB.
- Shreveport Downtown Heliport (50LA): A short-distance helicopter flight from the base.
- Lake Bistineau: A 26,000-acre lake (10,515 hectares) located approximately 30 minutes from the base, suitable for recreational activities.
Recreational and Support Activities
- Fit to Fight Fitness Center: A state-of-the-art fitness center, equipped with modern exercise machines, group fitness classes, and personalized training.
- Base Golf Course: An 18-hole golf course, offering private and public play, suitable for recreational players and professional tournament events.
- Child Development Center (CDC): Providing child care services to military families, including infant care, preschool, and school-age programs.
- Commissary and Base Exchange: Providing grocery shopping and retail services to the base community.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 100 Williamson Rd, Barksdale Base, LA 71110
Phone: (318) 456-2500
Email: barksdale.af.louisiana@usaf.mil
DSN: 753-2500
Summary
Barksdale Air Force Base is a prominent United States Air Force installation, situated in northwest Louisiana. With a rich history, the base is actively involved in strategic bomber operations, air refueling, and reconnaissance missions. Serving as the headquarters of Eighth Air Force and a key component of the Air Forces Strategic Command, Barksdale Air Force Base plays a significant role in national defense, while also providing essential recreational and support services to military personnel and their families.
Additional Resources
- Barksdale Air Force Base Official Website
- Eighth Air Force Official Website
- Air Forces Strategic Command Official Website
