About Joint Base Andrews

Known as Andrews Air Force Base from 1947 to 2009, the base was recently renamed by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

Andrews is located in Historic Prince George's County, Maryland adjacent to Washington, D.C., Calvert, Charles, Montgomery and Anne Arundel Counties in Maryland. Established in 1695, Prince George's County abounds in historically significant state and Federal landmarks to explore and enjoy. Chapel Two located on base dates back to the Civil War and is still in use for worship services.

In the early 1940s, land was acquired for a military airfield and construction began. The Camp Springs Army Airfield became operational in 1943 and was renamed Andrews Field in 1945 to honor one of the Air Force's founding fathers, Lt. Gen. Frank M. Andrews.

Over the years, Andrews has served as headquarters for many Air Force commands, and today is one of the most modern air bases in the world, playing a critical and dynamic role in the defense of our nation. It is also known as the home of Air Force One, "The President's Wing," which transports the president, vice president, cabinet members and other high-ranking U.S. and foreign government officials around the world.

A primary mission of Joint Base Andrews is receiving wounded from battlefields and transporting them locally and throughout the United States for treatment.

Annually, Andrews is the site of the huge and extremely popular Air Show, where the public is invited to witness the military elite flying teams performing their death-defying maneuvers.

Andrews experiences all four seasons, though with a relatively temperate climate: mild winters with an occasional snowfall; beautiful springs that fade into summers (which can get humid); and brilliant fall foliage, giving local residents plenty of opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities all year round. Temperatures range from winter lows in the 30s to highs in the 90s in summer, with beautiful spring and fall in between.

Andrews is conveniently located on the Capitol Beltway, offering its 13,000 employees working in more than 60 separate organizations on the base easy access to housing, educational opportunities, Metro Washington work centers, first class medical treatment, museums, entertainment and sports events. The base is 35 miles from Thurgood Marshall BWI Airport, 42 miles from Dulles International Airport and 15 miles from Reagan National Airport. The County is also home to "FEDEX FIELD" where the Washington Redskins play their football games. The stadium is located adjacent to the Capitol Beltway and during night games, it looks as if a huge lighted flying saucer has landed!

Prince George's County has something for everyone in the housing market, from large estate homes to first-time homebuyer properties, as well as many rentals. At $71,260, the County's median household income is higher than the national average, and housing is also higher, both for purchase ($152,000 median in February 2012) and rental ($1,734 median in 2012.)

The Regional Metro Bus and Subway systems are convenient for commuters and visitors. Locals also depend on "The Bus," serving most areas of Prince George's County.

Federal, State and Local Governments have many employees who live in Prince George's County, but several large corporations and businesses also call the county home. NASA Goddard in Greenbelt, the University of Maryland University College in Largo, the Census Bureau in Suitland, Prince Georges Community College in Largo and of course Andrews Air Force Base are proud to call Prince George's County home.

Shopping is plentiful with new centers opening regularly to serve a growing customer base. Malls and shopping centers feature Big Box Stores and chic boutiques, and everything in between!

The Prince George's County Public School System is the 2nd largest in the State and 18th in size in the nation. The county presently has 152 Elementary, 45 Middle and 34 High Schools. Catholic Church Schools, private schools, vocational, technical and specialty programs offer varied opportunities and provide local residents multiple options for a well-rounded education.
 
Prince George's Community College is continually growing, with the main campus located in Largo and many classes available in other throughout the county. The school offers a full curriculum of courses, with specialty programs geared toward the needs of county employers and residents, as well as preparing students for higher education, continuing education in many fields and fun informational courses.

Joint Base Andrews and Prince George's County is a wonderful place to live, work, learn, explore and play. Take in all that the area has to offer and you will be richly rewarded.

Prince George's County website

Joint Base Andrews website