About this Unit
MacDill Air Force Base, located near Tampa, Florida, was established in 1939 as Southeast Air Base, Tampa, and later named in honor of Colonel Leslie MacDill. During World War II, the base served as a vital training location for bomber crews, particularly for B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-26 Marauders. In the Cold War era, MacDill became a Strategic Air Command base, hosting B-47 Stratojets and KC-135 Stratotankers. Today, MacDill AFB is home to the 6th Air Refueling Wing and serves as headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), playing a crucial role in global military operations.
Historical Facts
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Origins During World War II: MacDill Air Force Base, located near Tampa, Florida, was established in 1939 as MacDill Field and played a key role as a training base for bomber crews during World War II.
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Namesake: The base is named after Colonel Leslie MacDill, a World War I aviator who died in a plane crash in 1938.
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Strategic Location: Its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico made MacDill ideal for training and deployment during WWII, with easy access to both the Atlantic and Gulf theaters.
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Home to Strategic Air Command: During the Cold War, MacDill became a major installation for the Strategic Air Command, operating B-47 Stratojet bombers and KC-97 tankers.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: In October 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, MacDill AFB was a crucial staging area for U.S. forces, with increased alert status and heavy military traffic.
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Host of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM): Since 1983, MacDill AFB has been the headquarters of CENTCOM, responsible for U.S. military operations in the Middle East and Central Asia.
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Special Operations Command (SOCOM): The base is also home to U.S. Special Operations Command, overseeing all special operations forces in the U.S. military.
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Presidential Visits: Due to its strategic importance, MacDill AFB has hosted multiple visits from U.S. Presidents, including Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden.
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Famous Aircraft: MacDill has seen a wide range of aircraft, from WWII B-26 Marauders and B-17 Flying Fortresses to modern KC-135 Stratotankers and E-8 Joint STARS.
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Community Role: The base is a significant contributor to the Tampa Bay economy and is known for its strong relationship with the local community, hosting air shows and open house events.
