Selfridge Air National Guard Base

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About Selfridge Air National Guard Base

Selfridge Air National Guard Base, located in Harrison Township, Michigan, has served as a key military installation since its establishment in 1917 as Selfridge Field. Originally opened as a training base for pilots during World War I, Selfridge has played a pivotal role in American air defense throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Over the decades, it has hosted a variety of units, including the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard, and supported missions ranging from fighter operations to air refueling and homeland security. Today, Selfridge ANGB remains a vital hub for joint military and reserve operations, contributing significantly to national defense and disaster response efforts.

Unit Members

Larry Baker

U.S. Air Force

Selfridge Air National Guard BaseView Profile

Clinton Davis

U.S. Air Force

Selfridge Air National Guard BaseView Profile

Photos

New Years Eve

U.S. Army • 2002

Jeff Deputy 5th SFG

U.S. Army • 1986

4th of July

U.S. Army • 1972

Jeff Viet Nam with Rocket

U.S. Army • 1969

About Selfridge Air National Guard Base

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Historical Beginnings: Selfridge Air National Guard Base, located in Harrison Township, Michigan, was established in 1917, making it one of the oldest continually operating military airfields in the United States. • Named After a Pioneer: The base is named in honor of Lieutenant Thomas E. Selfridge, the first person to die in a powered aircraft crash, who was killed in 1908 while flying with Orville Wright. • Role in World War I: During World War I, Selfridge served as a training field for pilots and mechanics, rapidly expanding to accommodate the war effort. • Tuskegee Airmen Connection: The famous Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps, received training at Selfridge in the 1940s. • Diverse Aircraft Operations: Throughout its history, the base has hosted a wide variety of aircraft, from biplanes in the early 20th century to modern fighter jets like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II. • Cold War Significance: During the Cold War, Selfridge was a key component of continental air defense, hosting interceptor squadrons tasked with protecting the Great Lakes region. • Joint Service Presence: Selfridge is unique in hosting units from all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. • Home of the 127th Wing: The 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard is the primary unit at Selfridge, flying both KC-135 Stratotanker and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. • Air Shows and Community Engagement: The base is known for its biennial Selfridge Open House and Air Show, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and showcasing military aviation. • Environmental Stewardship: Selfridge has received recognition for its environmental initiatives, including wildlife preservation, wetland restoration, and innovative stormwater management projects.