About this Unit
The 1100th USAF Hospital was a United States Air Force medical unit assigned to Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. It provided comprehensive medical, dental, and emergency services to military personnel, their families, and authorized civilians in the National Capital Region. Established during the Cold War era, the hospital played a vital role in supporting the health and readiness of personnel assigned to key Air Force commands in the nation's capital. Over the years, the 1100th USAF Hospital adapted to evolving medical technologies and military needs until its eventual inactivation as part of broader Air Force medical restructuring.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Activation: The 1100th USAF Hospital was activated at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C., in the early 1950s to serve the medical needs of military personnel and their families in the National Capital Region.
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Presidential Connections: Due to its location, the hospital often provided care to members of the presidential support staff and, at times, to high-ranking government officials.
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Vietnam War Support: During the Vietnam War, the 1100th USAF Hospital played an important role in receiving wounded personnel evacuated to the United States, providing them with specialized care and rehabilitation.
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Medical Innovation: The hospital was an early adopter of advanced Air Force medical practices, including telemedicine communications and rapid patient transport via the Air Force’s aeromedical evacuation system.
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Disaster Response: Staff from the 1100th were frequently called upon to support disaster relief operations, including the response to the 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 crash in Washington, D.C.
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Training Hub: The hospital served as a training center for Air Force medical personnel, providing rotations for new doctors, nurses, and medical technicians before deployment to overseas bases.
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Support to Air Force One: Medical teams from the 1100th provided standby medical support for Air Force One missions departing from and arriving at Andrews AFB and Bolling AFB.
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Community Outreach: The hospital regularly participated in community health fairs, offering free medical screenings and health education to local civilian populations in the D.C. area.
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Organizational Changes: Over time, the 1100th USAF Hospital underwent several reorganizations, eventually being realigned or redesignated as part of broader Air Force medical restructuring in the National Capital Region.
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Legacy: Though the 1100th USAF Hospital no longer exists as a standalone unit, its legacy continues through the consolidated Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Medical Clinic, which traces its roots in part to the original 1100th unit.
