Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL), sprawling across more than 42,000 acres in central New Jersey, stands as a unique and powerful cornerstone of American military might. As the Department of Defense’s first and only tri-service joint base, JB MDL seamlessly integrates Air Force, Army, and Navy missions, creating unparalleled operational synergy. Its strategic East Coast location provides rapid deployment capabilities and vital support for global contingencies. The base is a major economic engine for New Jersey and enjoys strong community partnerships.

The Air Force component, centered at the former McGuire Air Force Base, is an Air Mobility Command (AMC) powerhouse. The host 87th Air Base Wing provides installation support across the entire joint base, while the 305th Air Mobility Wing (“Can Do Wing”) operates a massive fleet of C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifters and the new KC-46 Pegasus aerial refuelers. They are joined by the Air Force Reserve’s 514th Air Mobility Wing and the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 108th Wing (flying KC-135s and C-32s), forming a potent Total Force team for global reach and air refueling.

The Army component, at the historic Fort Dix, serves as a primary mobilization and training center for Army Reserve and National Guard units preparing for deployment worldwide. Army Support Activity Fort Dix manages these operations, supporting thousands of Soldiers annually as they train and equip for diverse missions. This vital mission ensures the readiness of the nation’s reserve components.

The Navy component at Lakehurst, the site of historic airship operations, is now a hub for naval aviation research, development, test, and evaluation. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst is the Navy’s premier authority for aircraft launch and recovery equipment (catapults and arresting gear) and aviation support systems, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of naval air operations from carriers and expeditionary airfields. Military families stationed at JB MDL benefit from its proximity to major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and New York City, as well as the Jersey Shore.