Barksdale Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located in northwest Louisiana, approximately 4 miles east of Bossier City. The base is under the jurisdiction of the Air Force Global Strike Command and serves as the headquarters for the 8th Air Force. The address for Barksdale Air Force Base is:
697 Madame Benigna Ln, Barksdale AFB, LA 71110
Base Overview
Barksdale Air Force Base has a rich history dating back to 1932, when it was established as Barksdale Field. Over the years, the base has undergone significant transformations, with its primary mission evolving to support strategic bomber operations. Today, Barksdale AFB is home to the 2nd Bomb Wing, which operates the B-52H Stratofortress bomber aircraft. The base also hosts various tenant units, including the 8th Air Force, the 307th Bomb Wing, and the 917th Wing.
Base Facilities and Infrastructure
Barksdale Air Force Base spans over 22,000 acres, with a diverse range of facilities and infrastructure to support its various missions. The base is equipped with two runways, a control tower, and a variety of hangars, maintenance shops, and administrative buildings. Additionally, Barksdale AFB has a range of amenities, including a base exchange, a commissary, a hospital, and recreational facilities such as a golf course, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.
| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
| Runways | 2 (11,000 ft and 10,000 ft) |
| Hangars | 12 (including 4 B-52 hangars) |
| Maintenance Shops | 15 (including propulsion, avionics, and sheet metal shops) |
| Administrative Buildings | 20 (including headquarters, operations, and personnel buildings) |
Units and Operations
Barksdale Air Force Base is home to a range of units, including the 2nd Bomb Wing, the 8th Air Force, and the 307th Bomb Wing. The base’s primary mission is to support strategic bomber operations, with a focus on the B-52H Stratofortress. The 2nd Bomb Wing is responsible for operating and maintaining the B-52 fleet, while the 8th Air Force provides command and control for bomber operations. The 307th Bomb Wing, on the other hand, is a reserve unit that supports the base’s mission with additional personnel and resources.
Mission and Operations
The mission of Barksdale Air Force Base is to provide strategic bomber capabilities to support national security and defense initiatives. The base’s operations include bomber training, maintenance, and deployment, as well as command and control for bomber operations. The base also hosts various exercises and training events, including the annual Barksdale Air Show.
- Bomber Operations: The base's primary mission is to support strategic bomber operations, with a focus on the B-52H Stratofortress.
- Training and Maintenance: The base provides training and maintenance support for bomber aircraft, including the B-52H.
- Command and Control: The 8th Air Force provides command and control for bomber operations, while the 2nd Bomb Wing operates and maintains the B-52 fleet.
What is the primary mission of Barksdale Air Force Base?
+The primary mission of Barksdale Air Force Base is to provide strategic bomber capabilities to support national security and defense initiatives.
What type of aircraft is operated by the 2nd Bomb Wing?
+The 2nd Bomb Wing operates the B-52H Stratofortress bomber aircraft.
What is the role of the 8th Air Force at Barksdale Air Force Base?
+The 8th Air Force provides command and control for bomber operations at Barksdale Air Force Base.
