About this Unit
Dover Air Force Base (AFB), located in Dover, Delaware, was established in 1941 as Dover Army Airfield to support World War II training and coastal defense operations. During the war, it served as a training site for fighter and bomber crews and as a coastal patrol installation. Post-war, the base transitioned to an important hub for Military Air Transport Service (MATS) and later the Military Airlift Command (MAC), specializing in strategic airlift missions. Today, Dover AFB is home to the 436th Airlift Wing and the 512th Airlift Wing, operating the C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III, and is renowned for its role in global air mobility, as well as the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, which handles dignified transfers of fallen service members.
Historical Facts
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Historic Origins: Dover Air Force Base (AFB) in Delaware was established in 1941, originally serving as a municipal airport before being converted for military use during World War II.
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Strategic Airlift Hub: Dover AFB is one of the largest and busiest air transport bases in the United States, primarily supporting the Air Mobility Command (AMC) with its fleet of C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
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Mortuary Affairs Mission: Dover AFB houses the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, the Department of Defense's largest mortuary, where the remains of U.S. service members killed overseas are returned, prepared, and honored.
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Operation Desert Storm: During Operation Desert Storm (1990–1991), Dover AFB played a key role in airlifting personnel, equipment, and supplies to support coalition forces in the Middle East.
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Air Force One Connections: Dover AFB has at times supported Air Force One operations, serving as an alternate airfield for presidential aircraft.
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Largest C-5 Fleet: The base is home to the largest fleet of C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft in the world, capable of carrying oversized military cargo globally.
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Humanitarian Relief: Dover AFB routinely supports humanitarian missions, including relief flights for natural disasters such as the Haiti earthquake in 2010 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
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Home of the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings: The "Eagle Wing" (436th) and "Liberty Wing" (512th) operate side-by-side—one active duty, one Air Force Reserve—making Dover a unique example of "Total Force" integration.
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Runway Superlatives: The base boasts one of the longest runways on the East Coast (12,900 feet), accommodating the world’s largest aircraft.
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Community Connection: Dover hosts an annual open house and air show, welcoming thousands of visitors to see aerial demonstrations, static displays, and experience military life up close.
