Barksdale Air Force Base is home to the Air Force’s newest command – Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC). The AFGSC was activated in August 2009 and is responsible for the nation’s 3 intercontinental Balistic Missile Wings, 2 B-52 Stratofortress Wings and the ONLY B-2 Spirit Wing.
Location
Barksdale Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located approximately 4.72 miles east-southeast of Bossier City, Louisiana.
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History
Emerging from the cotton fields of Northwestern Louisiana in the early 1930s, Barksdale Air Force Base has grown into a major source of revenue and employment for the region.
Barksdale AFB was established in 1932 as Barksdale Field and is named for World War I aviator and test pilot 2nd Lieutenant Avon Barksdale (1896–1926). The name of the airfield was changed to Barksdale Air Force Base on February 13, 1948, concurrent with the establishment of the United States Air Force as a separate military branch.
Barksdale has proudly served the Ark-La-Tex ( Arkansas , Louisiana and Texas ) for more than 68 years. As a key Air Force Global Strike Command base, Barksdale has a pivotal role in providing a large part of the nation’s deterrent force. Barksdale is home to the Air Force’s newest command, Air Force Global Strike Command. AFGSC was activitated August, 2009, and is responsible for the nation’s three intercontinental Balistic Missile Wings, two B-52 Stratofortress Wings and the only B-2 Spirit Wing.
Mission
“To protect our nation and its global interests by providing devastating B-52 combat capability and unmatched expeditionary combat Airmen. ANYTIME…ANYWHERE”
Population Served
Barksdale AFB has a population of roughly 7,800 Active Duty and Reservists, 7,700 Family Members, 2,150 Civilian Employees and 40,000 Retirees.
Sponsorship
Contact your Commander’s Support Staff, Military Personnel Flight or Airman and Family Readiness Center at your current base to request a sponsor. This request should be part of every PCS move. Your sponsor will answer any questions you have about the base and the local are, make lodging/dorm arrangements and meet you upon arrival. Your sponsor will be there to help you and your family until you are settled into your new community.
Temporary Quarters
Reservations at the Barksdale Inn may be made in advance and are encouraged during peak relocation periods (May, June, July and August). The availability of rooms varies. PCS and TDY personnel are encourage to make reservations as early as possible to ensure a trouble-free and uninterrupted stay. Families PCSing in are eligible to occupy quarters for 30 days.
The Barksdale Inn can be contacted at (318)456-3091 or DSN: (312)781-3091 or visit http://www.housing.af.mil/barksdale/
Relocation Assistance
The Airman & Family Readiness Center has many resources and services available to make your transition to Barksdale easier. Household items such as pots and pans, dishes, silverware, irons and futons are available for those who are waiting for their household goods to arrive. Free child care is available through the Child Care for PCS program for 20 hours per child within 60 days of your arrival. Internet access is available through the Discovery Resource Center.
If in doubt about what is available or who to call once you arrive, the Relocation Team will help. Contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center at (318)456-8400, DSN 781-8400, or visit the center at 419 Curtiss Road.
Contact Information
Base Operator
Comm: (318) 456-1110
DSN: 781-1110
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
(318) 456-3066/5502
DSN 781-3066/5502
e-mail Public Affairs