Location
Arnold Air Force Base, home of the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC), is located in Middle Tennessee nearly equal distance between Nashville and Chattanooga. The base property lies in two neighboring counties, Coffee and Franklin. A great number of military and civilian personnel live in the surrounding cities of Manchester, Tullahoma, and Winchester. These cities offer southern hospitality at its best and a very reasonable cost of living. Nashville, “Music City”, is approximately an hour’s drive away and offers an abundance of cultural and entertainment activities including NFL and NHL sports teams, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the world famous Grand Ole Opry.
History
Shortly before the end of World War II, General Henry H. Arnold asked Dr. Theodore von Karman to study Germany’s rapid development of advanced jet aircraft and other systems which almost allowed then-Nazi-dominated nation to win World War II. At Gen. Arnold’s request Dr. von Karman formed a Scientific Advisory Group to chart a long-range research and development course for the future of the U.S. Air Force. The result was Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC). President Harry Truman dedicated AEDC on June 5th 1951. Since then, AEDC has contributed to the development of nearly every national aerospace program. Today, the center operates 58 aerodynamic and propulsion wind tunnels, rocket and turbine engine test cells, space environmental chambers, arc heaters, ballistic ranges and other specialized units.
Mission
The AEDC mission is to test and evaluate aircraft, missile and space systems and subsystems at the flight conditions they will experience during a mission and to help customers develop and qualify the systems for flight, improve system designs and establish performance before production, and to help users troubleshoot problems with operational systems. AEDC also conducts a research and technology program to develop advanced testing techniques and instrumentation and to support the design of new test facilities. The continual improvement helps satisfy testing needs and keeps pace with rapidly advancing aircraft, missile and space system requirements.
Population Served
Arnold AFB employs approximately 55 active duty, 350 federal civil servants, and 2100 civilian contractors.
Base Transportation
Currently there is no base transportation available on this installation.
Sponsorship
The sponsorship program is a great way to gather information about your new location. All in-bound personnel will be assigned a sponsor after receiving orders. Please contact your assigned unit to inquire about a sponsor. During PCS, a temporary duty address or your billeting address can be set up to receive your personal mail until you establish permanent quarters.
Temporary Quarters
The Wingo Inn is located on the beautiful shores of Woods Reservoir. The facility was recently renovated and all rooms received new furnishings, televisions and a VCR/DVD player. If traveling on orders, please contact the Wingo Inn front desk for reservations at 931-454-3099. For those traveling space available, reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance. Pets are not authorized within the Wingo Inn. The Wingo Inn will provide a list of local kennels if requested. Hours of Operation are Monday thru Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Relocation Assistance
The Military Personnel Office facilitates in-processing and newcomer orientations. For Questions contact DSN 340-7824/4823 or Comm: 931-454-7824/4823.
Critical Installation Information
rnold AFB requires a unique security badge for entry to the Arnold Engineering Development Center. For military personnel the Military Personnel Office will submit the required paperwork to the Pass and Registration building for processing when they receive your orders. To obtain your security badge, you should coordinate with your sponsor to meet you at the Pass and Registration building, located adjacent to the Main Gate, upon arriving at Arnold AFB.
All firearms must be registered on base. For additional information on registering firearms contact Security Forces at 931-454-5223.
Frequently Called Numbers on Base
Emergency Fire/Police/Ambulance 911 on base telephone system
(931) 454-3117 from base housing or cell phone
Crime Stop (Security Forces Desk) (931) 454-5662
Fire Dept Desk (931) 454-5648
Military Family Housing Office (931) 454-7687
Ascend Federal Credit Union (931) 454-7277
Arnold Lakeside Club (ALC) (931) 454-3350
Barber Shop (931) 454-6987
Base Exchange (931) 454-7153
Commissary (931) 454-7249
Community Activities Center/Auto Shop/
Marina/FamCamp/Tickets & Tours (931) 454-6084
Directory Assistance Arnold AFB (931) 454-3000
Daycare Coordinator Office (931) 454-3277
Fitness Center (931) 454-6440
Golf Course (931) 454-7076
Lodging (Wingo Inn) (931) 454-3099
Medical Aid Station (931) 454-5351
Retired Activities Office (931) 454-4574