About this Unit
Little Rock Air Force Base (AFB), located in Jacksonville, Arkansas, was officially opened in 1955 and quickly became a key installation for the United States Air Force. Initially established as a Strategic Air Command base, it later transitioned to Tactical Air Command and eventually Air Mobility Command. The base is renowned as the home of the C-130 Hercules, hosting the 19th Airlift Wing and serving as a premier center for C-130 training and operations. Over the decades, Little Rock AFB has played a critical role in supporting global airlift and humanitarian missions, earning a reputation for excellence in mobility and training.
Historical Facts
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Strategic Location: Little Rock Air Force Base (AFB), located in Jacksonville, Arkansas, was officially opened in 1955 and chosen for its central location, making it a strategic site for rapid deployment across the United States.
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Home of the C-130: Little Rock AFB is known as the “Home of the C-130,” hosting the largest C-130 Hercules fleet in the world, used for tactical airlift missions globally.
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314th Airlift Wing: The base is the headquarters of the 314th Airlift Wing, responsible for training all Department of Defense C-130 aircrew, including international partners from over 47 countries.
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Cuban Missile Crisis Role: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, Little Rock AFB played a key part in the nation's nuclear deterrence strategy, hosting nuclear-armed Titan II ICBMs in underground silos nearby.
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Humanitarian Missions: Aircraft and crews from Little Rock AFB have participated in countless humanitarian missions, including relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina and the Haiti earthquake in 2010.
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International Training: The base is a hub for international military cooperation, training aircrews from allies such as Iraq, Israel, and Japan on the C-130 platform.
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Titan II Missile Complex: From the early 1960s to the mid-1980s, Little Rock AFB operated 18 Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile silos, one of which is now a historical site.
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Major Deployments: Little Rock AFB units have been deployed to every major U.S. conflict since its opening, including Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
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Economic Impact: The base is one of Arkansas’ largest employers, contributing over $813 million annually to the local economy and supporting thousands of military and civilian jobs.
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Distinguished Visitors: Over the decades, Little Rock AFB has hosted several high-profile visitors, including President John F. Kennedy and numerous military dignitaries, emphasizing its national importance.
