Fort Detrick is a United States Army Medical Command installation and was the center for the American biological weapons program from 1943 to 1969.
Location
Fort Detrick is located in Frederick, Maryland. Fort Detrick is the center of the biomedical technology growth that has occurred in the county. Frederick is situated to the West of Baltimore, MD, (46 miles) and Washington, DC, (45 miles). It adjoins Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
History
The first military presence at Fort Detrick was the 1930s encampment of the 104th Aero Squadron of the Maryland National Guard. It was named Camp Detrick to honor Squadron Surgeon Maj. Frederick L. Detrick who served in France during World War I. The U.S. Biological Laboratories were established at Detrick Field in 1943, achieving pioneering efforts in decontamination, gaseous sterilization, and agent purification. In 1956, Fort Detrick continued its mission of biomedical research. The installation has matured as a center for advanced biomedical research and development, medical materiel management, and long-haul telecommunications for the White House, Department of Defense and other governmental agencies.
Mission
Fort Detrick is a U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command installation supporting a multi-governmental community that conducts biomedical research and development, medical material management, worldwide communications, and the study of foreign plant pathogens.
Population Served
Each branch of the U.S. military is represented among approximately 7,800 military, federal, and contractor employees assigned here.
Base Transportation
Currently, there is no base transportation on this installation.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship is very important at Fort Detrick. To request a sponsor go to the Request Sponsor web page and submit your request online, or send an e-mail to the Relocation Assistance Officer.
Temporary Quarters
There is no on-post lodging. Statements of non-availability are not required. There are many hotels that are within 2 miles of post that offer low PCS rates.
Relocation Assistance
Newcomer’s Orientation is held quarterly in the Community Activities Center.
Contact Information
The base operator’s phone number is 301-619-8000 or DSN 312-343-8000 or visit their Telephone Directory.