About this Unit
Westover Air Force Base, located in Chicopee, Massachusetts, was established in 1940 as a key installation for the United States Army Air Corps. During World War II, the base served as a major training site and embarkation point for aircrews and equipment bound for the European theater. In the ensuing decades, Westover became a vital component of the Strategic Air Command, hosting heavy bombers and tankers during the Cold War. Today, as Westover Air Reserve Base, it is home to the 439th Airlift Wing, providing strategic airlift capabilities with its fleet of C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: Westover Air Force Base (now Westover Air Reserve Base), located in Chicopee, Massachusetts, was constructed in 1939 and quickly became a major hub for military aviation during World War II.
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Strategic Bombardment Center: During WWII, Westover served as a key site for training bomber crews, particularly those flying B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators.
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Cuban Missile Crisis Role: In October 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Westover played a vital role as a Strategic Air Command (SAC) base, with bombers and tankers on high alert.
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Largest Air Reserve Base: Westover is the largest Air Reserve base in the United States, covering over 2,500 acres and boasting one of the longest runways in the Northeast at 11,597 feet.
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Presidential Visits: Westover has hosted multiple U.S. Presidents, including John F. Kennedy, who visited the base in 1960 during his successful campaign for the presidency.
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Home of the C-5 Galaxy: The base is home to the 439th Airlift Wing, which operates the massive C-5M Super Galaxy, one of the largest military transport aircraft in the world.
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Cold War Significance: As a SAC base, Westover housed B-52 bombers and KC-135 tankers, and was a target for Soviet missiles during the height of the Cold War.
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Vietnam War Support: Westover played a critical logistics role during the Vietnam War, with numerous flights carrying troops and supplies to Southeast Asia.
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Base Realignment and Transition: In 1974, Westover transitioned from an active-duty SAC base to an Air Force Reserve base as part of broader military realignments.
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Community Engagement: Westover AFB is renowned for its annual airshows and open houses, drawing thousands of visitors and fostering strong community-military relations in Western Massachusetts.
