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ABOUT 87th Air Base Wing
- Origins Date Back to WWII: The 87th was originally established as the 87th Troop Carrier Wing in 1949, though its modern lineage as the 87th Air Base Wing (ABW) began in 2009.
- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst: The 87th ABW is the host wing for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, the only tri-service joint base in the Department of Defense, combining Air Force, Army, and Navy installations.
- Critical Logistics Hub: The wing manages installation support for one of the most significant air mobility and logistical hubs on the East Coast, supporting global operations for Air Mobility Command.
- Supports Multiple Commands: The 87th ABW provides support not just to the Air Force, but also to Army and Navy units stationed at the joint base, serving more than 80 mission partners.
- Named for WWII Fighter Group: The number “87” honors the 87th Fighter Group, a famed WWII air unit, continuing its legacy of service.
- Large Community Impact: The wing supports a population of more than 40,000 active duty, reserve, guard, civilian, and family members, making it one of the largest military communities in the region.
- 9/11 Response: After the September 11 attacks, units at the joint base, supported by the 87th ABW, played key roles in humanitarian aid flights and homeland defense missions.
- Presidential Support: Air Force One and other presidential aircraft routinely operate out of McGuire, with the 87th ABW providing critical ground and logistics support.
- Environmental Stewardship: The wing manages thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive land, including Pine Barrens forest, and is involved in conservation and restoration projects.
- Wide Range of Missions: The 87th ABW’s responsibilities include security, fire protection, medical support, civil engineering, family services, and emergency management, making it the backbone of daily operations for the joint base.
