Intro
Discover the top 10 military facilities in Virginia, a hub for defense operations. Explore the states significant military presence, including bases, installations, and training centers. Learn about the key roles of Fort Belvoir, Quantico, and Langley AFB, and how they contribute to national security, military training, and defense research, showcasing Virginias importance in military operations.
Virginia is home to a significant number of military facilities, playing a crucial role in the country's defense and security. The state's strategic location, mild climate, and access to the Atlantic Ocean make it an ideal location for various military bases and installations. Here are the top 10 military facilities in Virginia, highlighting their importance, capabilities, and contributions to national defense.
1. Pentagon
Located in Arlington County, the Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense (DoD). As the world's largest office building, it serves as the nerve center of the US military, housing over 23,000 employees from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. The Pentagon is a symbol of American military power and a key decision-making hub for national defense.
Key Facts:
- Completed in 1943
- Covers an area of 34 acres
- Has over 17.5 miles of corridors
- Houses the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of Defense
2. Joint Base Langley-Eustis
Joint Base Langley-Eustis is a US military facility located in Hampton, Virginia. It is a major base for the US Air Force and US Army, providing critical support for military operations, training, and logistics. The base is home to the 633rd Air Base Wing, the US Army Training and Doctrine Command, and the US Army Aviation Logistics School.
Key Facts:
- Established in 1917
- Covers an area of 3,152 acres
- Employs over 9,000 military personnel and civilians
- Supports various military units, including the 1st Fighter Wing and the 7th Transportation Brigade
3. Naval Station Norfolk
Naval Station Norfolk is the world's largest naval base, located in Norfolk, Virginia. It serves as the headquarters of the US Fleet Forces Command and the US Atlantic Fleet. The base is home to over 75 ships, 134 aircraft, and 13 piers, making it a critical hub for naval operations, maintenance, and logistics.
Key Facts:
- Established in 1917
- Covers an area of 6,200 acres
- Employs over 100,000 military personnel and civilians
- Supports various naval units, including the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group
4. Fort Belvoir
Fort Belvoir is a US Army base located in Fairfax County, Virginia. It serves as the headquarters of the US Army Intelligence and Security Command and the US Army Military District of Washington. The base is home to various military units, including the 902nd Military Intelligence Group and the US Army Engineer School.
Key Facts:
- Established in 1917
- Covers an area of 8,656 acres
- Employs over 50,000 military personnel and civilians
- Supports various military units, including the US Army Cyber Command
5. Quantico Marine Corps Base
Quantico Marine Corps Base is a US Marine Corps facility located in Quantico, Virginia. It serves as the headquarters of the US Marine Corps and the US Marine Corps Combat Development Command. The base is home to various military units, including the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School and the FBI Academy.
Key Facts:
- Established in 1917
- Covers an area of 55,000 acres
- Employs over 10,000 military personnel and civilians
- Supports various military units, including the US Marine Corps Forces Command
6. Fort Lee
Fort Lee is a US Army base located in Prince George County, Virginia. It serves as the headquarters of the US Army Combined Arms Support Command and the US Army Logistics University. The base is home to various military units, including the US Army Quartermaster School and the US Army Transportation School.
Key Facts:
- Established in 1917
- Covers an area of 3,300 acres
- Employs over 20,000 military personnel and civilians
- Supports various military units, including the US Army Ordnance School
7. Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story is a US military facility located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It serves as the headquarters of the US Navy's Expeditionary Combat Command and the US Marine Corps' Expeditionary Warfare School. The base is home to various military units, including the US Navy's SEAL Team 2 and the US Marine Corps' 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Key Facts:
- Established in 1942
- Covers an area of 2,120 acres
- Employs over 10,000 military personnel and civilians
- Supports various military units, including the US Navy's Special Warfare Command
8. Marine Corps Base Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico is a US Marine Corps facility located in Quantico, Virginia. It serves as the headquarters of the US Marine Corps' Officer Candidates School and the FBI Academy. The base is home to various military units, including the US Marine Corps' The Basic School and the US Marine Corps' Infantry Officer Course.
Key Facts:
- Established in 1917
- Covers an area of 55,000 acres
- Employs over 10,000 military personnel and civilians
- Supports various military units, including the US Marine Corps' Forces Command
9. Fort Eustis
Fort Eustis is a US Army base located in Newport News, Virginia. It serves as the headquarters of the US Army Transportation Corps and the US Army Aviation Logistics School. The base is home to various military units, including the US Army's 7th Transportation Brigade and the US Army's 128th Aviation Brigade.
Key Facts:
- Established in 1918
- Covers an area of 3,200 acres
- Employs over 10,000 military personnel and civilians
- Supports various military units, including the US Army's 597th Transportation Brigade
10. Naval Air Station Oceana
Naval Air Station Oceana is a US Navy facility located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It serves as the headquarters of the US Navy's Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic and the US Navy's Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 2. The base is home to various military units, including the US Navy's SEAL Team 2 and the US Marine Corps' 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Key Facts:
- Established in 1943
- Covers an area of 6,000 acres
- Employs over 10,000 military personnel and civilians
- Supports various military units, including the US Navy's Special Warfare Command
These top 10 military facilities in Virginia play a vital role in supporting the country's defense and security. From the Pentagon to Naval Station Norfolk, these bases are critical hubs for military operations, training, and logistics. Their contributions to national defense are undeniable, and their presence in Virginia is a testament to the state's importance in the country's military landscape.
What is the largest military base in Virginia?
+Naval Station Norfolk is the largest military base in Virginia, covering an area of 6,200 acres and employing over 100,000 military personnel and civilians.
What is the purpose of the Pentagon?
+The Pentagon serves as the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense (DoD), housing over 23,000 employees from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
What is the name of the US Army base located in Fort Belvoir?
+The US Army base located in Fort Belvoir is the US Army Intelligence and Security Command.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the top 10 military facilities in Virginia. If you have any further questions or would like to share your thoughts, please feel free to comment below.