Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., Bolling is located in the nation’s capital. Bolling’s men and women proudly accept their responsibility as a showcase for the Air Force because of its proximity to the Pentagon, Capitol Hill and the White House.
The base officially opened July 1, 1918, and was named in honor of the first high-ranking Air Service officer killed in World War I, Col. Raynal C.
Bolling, who died March 26, 1916.
Bolling’s early years chronicled the growth of the entire U.S. Air Force and served as a proving ground for the new Air Service as it spread its wings. Bolling Field also served as a research and testing ground for new aviation equipment and it’s first mission provided aerial defense of the capital and accommodated pilot proficiency.
Already well established as one of the world’s best aviation bases, Bolling rapidly grew during the years 1939 through 1945 as it met once again the challenge of a world war. The core units at Bolling at the beginning of 1939 were one housekeeping squadron, the base headquarters, the 14th Air Base Squadron and two air base maintenance squadrons -- the first and second staff squadrons.
For the remainder of World War II, Bolling served as a training and organization base for men and units going overseas and became the aerial gateway to the nation’s capital.
Because of airspace congestion around National Airport, fixed-wing flying activities left Bolling in 1962 for nearby Andrews Air Force Base. This meant Bolling’s role would change to that of a support base and a new era would begin.
The land that formerly made up the runways became the site of family housing and office buildings. Today it serves as the home of the 11th Wing, “The Chief’s Own.” and continues to be the keeper of the heritage for the entire U.S. Air Force.
Main
phone numbers:
Command Post . . 202-767-4011
Mailing
address: Bolling AFB, Washington, DC 20332
Population:
11,893 active duty; 29,732 family members; 1,638
civilians
Housing: 178
officer family units; 617 enlisted family units; 414
family units in Landover, MD; 642 dormitory spaces for
unaccompanied service members (202)404-1838
Temporary
lodging: 194 temporary units
(202)7676-5316
Family
Support Center: (202)767-0450
Schools: None
on base.
Child
Care: Center for 101, six-month wait; 53
approved homes (202)767-2890
Health
care: Clinic. Appointments/TriCare (888)999-1212; also see Andrews AFB, MD
Bolling AFB - Washington, D.C.
has a
large size commissary - (202)767-4695,
a small exchange, a mall, and one shoppette (202)562-3000. Recreation at Bolling AFB - Washington, D.C.
includes arts and crafts, bowling, library, auto hobby,r
ecreation center, golf, gym, tennis, swimming, outdoor
activities, camping, and fishing.
