The US Army’s largest installations serve vital roles in strategic operations, leveraging the force augmenting power of rapid deployability through their airfields. These bases support an array of rotary-wing aircraft central to modern militarymissions, as well as providing facilities for fixed-wing aircraft from their brethren in the United States Air Force that help to move Army troops and equipment anywhere on the globe at a moment’s notice.
These bases house some of the Army’s most essential airfields, where training, logistics, and tactical support activities are conducted to keep the Army rolling. These airfields and their aircraft play a critical role in various missions, from troop deployment and medical evacuation to combat operations and air assault missions. Here’s a brief overview of the top five largest US Army bases with airfields supporting a robust aviation program.
1 Fort Bliss
Biggs Army Airfield
Fort Bliss spans over 1.7 million acres across Texas and New Mexico, making it one of the largest Army installations. Biggs Army Airfield is a central hub for training and logistical support missions. “Biggs Airfield accommodates Army aviation’s operational and maintenance missions with a capacity for C-130 and rotary-wing aircraft,” according to the Army.
Photo: US Army | DVIDS Hub
Biggs provides essential support for Apache, Chinook, Black Hawk, and Little Bird helicopters and larger cargo aircraft. The vast stretches of open fields and tarmac provide ample space. Thanks to this expanse of open area, Fort Bliss allows for expansive air maneuvers and extensive runway operations, making it an essential site for multi-dimensional militarytraining in air and ground tactics.
2 Fort Cavazos
Robert Gray Army Airfield
With a footprint of 214,000 acres, Fort Cavazos (formerly known as Fort Hood) hosts the Robert Gray Army Airfield, supporting combat aviation brigades. The airfield offers comprehensive logistical support for various aircraft and is a key point for Apache, Chinook, Black Hawk, and Little Bird Helicopter operations.
Photo: US Army | DVIDS Hub
According to MyBaseGuide,