Welcome to Dover Air Force Base, a historic cornerstone of American military aviation. Situated in the heart of Delaware, this base has served as a pivotal hub for air operations since its establishment during the tumultuous years of World War II.
The story of Dover Air Base begins in 1941, when the United States was on the brink of joining the global conflict of World War II. Recognizing the strategic importance of a northeastern location for air defense and logistics, the U.S. Army Air Corps selected this site in Dover, Delaware, to construct what was initially known as the Dover Army Airfield. By December 1941, as the nation plunged into war, the base was already bustling with activity, training airmen and preparing for various missions that would support the Allied effort.
Throughout World War II, Dover played a critical role in training pilots and crews for combat. It was here that the B-26 Marauder medium bombers took flight, piloted by brave men who would carry out bombing missions over Europe. The base’s strategic location also made it a key point for ferrying aircraft to other bases across the Atlantic.
As the war ended, Dover’s significance did not diminish. Instead, it transitioned into a vital component of the U.S. Air Force’s Strategic Air Command during the Cold War. The base became home to a fleet of large cargo and refueling aircraft, including the iconic C-5 Galaxy, one of the world’s largest military transport aircraft.
Throughout the decades, Dover Air Base has been the backdrop of numerous historical events. It played a crucial role in humanitarian missions, such as the Berlin Airlift, and later, in operations like Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Notably, Dover has also been a solemn place of honor, as the site of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, where fallen service members are respectfully returned home.
Many notable figures have passed through Dover, including military leaders and even presidents who have come to honor the base’s contributions or to participate in ceremonial duties.
Today, Dover Air Force Base remains an active and essential part of the U.S. Air Force’s Air Mobility Command. Its legacy is one of service, sacrifice, and strategic importance. As you pass by or explore remotely, reflect on the many stories of courage and resilience that have unfolded here, contributing to the broader narrative of American military history.
