Military Bases in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to a number of active and historic military bases, playing a vital role in the defense of the United States. These bases support a wide variety of missions, from training and readiness to research and development. They also provide a significant economic boost to the state, employing thousands of people and supporting businesses in the surrounding communities.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the military bases in Tennessee. We will discuss their history, their missions, and the economic impact they have on the state. We will also provide some tips for visiting these bases, whether you are interested in learning about their history or supporting the troops.
Active Military Bases in Tennessee
There are four active military bases in Tennessee:
Arnold Air Force Base:


Arnold Air Force Base is located in Tullahoma, Tennessee. It is home to the Air Force Materiel Command’s Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC), which is the largest aerospace test and evaluation complex in the world. AEDC conducts tests on a wide variety of aerospace systems, from aircraft and missiles to spacecraft and weapons.
Site information | |
---|---|
Owner | Department of Defense |
Operator | US Air Force |
Controlled by | Air Force Materiel Command |
Condition | Operational |
Website | www.arnold.af.mil |
Site history | |
Built | 1950 |
In use | 1950 – present |
Garrison information | |
Current commander | Colonel Jeffrey T. Geraghty |
Garrison | Arnold Engineering Development Center |
Airfield information | |
Identifiers | ICAO: KAYX, FAA LID: AYX |
Elevation | 325 metres (1,066 ft) AMSL |
RunwaysDirectionLength and surface03/211,829 metres (6,001 ft) asphalt |
McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base:


McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is home to the 134th Air Refueling Wing, which operates KC-135 Stratotankers. The 134th Air Refueling Wing provides air refueling support to aircraft of all branches of the military.
Site information | |
---|---|
Owner | Department of Defense |
Operator | US Air Force (USAF) |
Controlled by | Tennessee Air National Guard |
Condition | Operational |
Website | www.134arw.ang.af.mil |
Site history | |
Built | 1952 |
In use | 1952 – present |
Garrison information | |
Garrison | 134th Air Refueling Wing |
Airfield information | |
Identifiers | IATA: TYS, ICAO: KTYS, FAA LID: TYS, WMO: 723260 |
Elevation | 298.3 metres (979 ft) AMSL |
RunwaysDirectionLength and surface5R/23L2,743.2 metres (9,000 ft) Asphalt5L/23R3,048.0 metres (10,000 ft) Concrete | |
Shared with | McGhee Tyson Airport |
Naval Support Activity Mid-South:


Naval Support Activity Mid-South is located in Millington, Tennessee. It is home to the Navy’s regional headquarters for the Southeast United States. NSA Mid-South also provides support to a variety of Navy commands, including the Navy Personnel Command, the Navy Recruiting Command, and the Navy Manpower Analysis Center.
Site information | |
---|---|
Owner | Department of Defense |
Operator | US Navy |
Controlled by | Navy Region Southeast |
Condition | Operational |
Website | Official website |
Site history | |
Built | 1917 (as Park Field) |
In use | 1917 – present |
Events | Navy Ten Nautical Miler |
Garrison information | |
Current commander | Captain Mike Mosbruger |
Fort Campbell:


Fort Campbell is located on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee. It is home to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). Fort Campbell is one of the largest military bases in the United States, with over 250,000 active duty personnel and family members.
Site information | |
---|---|
Controlled by | U.S. Army |
Site history | |
Built | 1941 |
In use | 1942–present |
Garrison information | |
Current commander | MG Joseph P. McGee |
Past commanders | MG John F. Campbell, 101st ABN |
Historic Military Bases in Tennessee
In addition to the active military bases, Tennessee is also home to a number of historic military bases. These bases played an important role in American history, and they are now open to the public for tours and other activities.
Some of the most notable historic military bases in Tennessee include:
Fort Donelson: Fort Donelson was a Confederate fort located on the Cumberland River in western Tennessee. It was captured by Union forces in February 1862, a major turning point in the American Civil War. Fort Donelson is now a National Battlefield Park.
Fort Pillow: Fort Pillow was a Union fort located on the Mississippi River in western Tennessee. It was captured by Confederate forces in April 1864, in a massacre that left over 200 black Union soldiers dead. Fort Pillow is now a National Historical Site.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park: Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park preserves the sites of two major battles of the American Civil War. The Battle of Chickamauga was fought in September 1863, and the Battle of Chattanooga was fought in November 1863. The park is home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Chickamauga Battlefield, the Chattanooga Battlefield, and the Missionary Ridge Battlefield.
Memphis National Civil War Museum: The Memphis National Civil War Museum tells the story of the American Civil War in the city of Memphis. The museum is home to a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that document the war in Memphis.
Visiting Military Bases in Tennessee
If you are interested in learning more about the military bases in Tennessee, there are a number of ways to visit them. You can take a tour of an active military base, visit a historic military base, or attend an event at a military base.
Contact Us
If you are interested in learning more about Air Force Special Warfare, please contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you determine if US Army is the right career for you.
What are the four active military bases in Tennessee?
The four active military bases in Tennessee are Arnold Air Force Base, McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Naval Support Activity Mid-South, and Fort Campbell.
What are some of the historic military bases in Tennessee?
Some of the most notable historic military bases in Tennessee include Fort Donelson, Fort Pillow, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, and Memphis National Civil War Museum.
How can I visit a military base in Tennessee?
If you are interested in visiting a military base in Tennessee, you should contact the base in advance to inquire about visitor policies and procedures. Most bases require visitors to have a pass or permit, and some bases may have restrictions on what areas of the base visitors can access.
What are some of the events that are held at military bases in Tennessee?
Military bases in Tennessee often host a variety of events, including air shows, open houses, and concerts. These events are a great way to learn more about the military and to support the troops.
What is the economic impact of military bases in Tennessee?
Military bases in Tennessee have a significant economic impact on the state. They employ thousands of people and support businesses in the surrounding communities. In 2020, the economic impact of military bases in Tennessee was estimated to be $12 billion.