Davis–Monthan Air Force Base, Military air base in Tucson, Arizona, United States.
Description
Davis–Monthan Air Force Base is a military air installation in southeastern Tucson, Arizona. The site includes runways, hangars for combat aircraft, administrative buildings, and a large desert storage area for planes.
History
The site opened as a municipal airfield in 1925 and received military status in 1927 during a ceremony with aviator Charles Lindbergh. After World War II, much of the area was converted into storage for retired military aircraft.
Culture
The name honors Samuel Davis and Oscar Monthan, two Tucson pilots who died in service during World War I. Around 11,000 military and civilian personnel work here today, making the base a key part of daily life in the city.
Practical
Access requires security clearance at Craycroft Gate, where visitors must present identification and vehicle documents. The visitor center provides information on accessible areas and occasional public events during select times of the year.
Did you know?
More than 4,000 retired military aircraft stand outdoors here, preserved by the dry desert climate that slows deterioration. Some are kept for parts, while others remain in storage for potential future use.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Arizona).
Around the world, thousands of airplanes, ships, and vehicles reach the end of their service life and are sent to storage or dismantling sites. These locations mark the final destinations of transportation machines: some wait in the Arizona desert where over 4,000 military aircraft are preserved...
General William Blanchard Golf Course
1.7 kmA10 Thunderbolt
2.4 kmF4 Phantom
2.4 kmC 130
2.4 kmU2
2.3 kmO1 Bird Dog
2.5 kmOV 10 Bronco
2.5 kmF86
1.1 kmBoeing KB-50J Superfortress
3 kmLockheed EC-121T
3.1 kmConvair B-36J
3.1 kmBoeing B-52D Stratofortress
3.1 kmBoeing KC-135A Stratotanker
3.1 kmBoeing EC-135J
3 kmBoeing EB-47E Stratojet
3 kmMonument featuring aircraft, aircraft model, tourist attraction
2.4 kmMonument featuring aircraft, aircraft model, tourist attraction
2.4 kmTourist attraction, monument featuring aircraft, aircraft model
2.4 kmAircraft model, tourist attraction, monument featuring aircraft
2.4 kmBoeing C-97G Stratofreighter
3.1 kmBoeing KC-97K Stratofreighter
3.1 kmDouglas B-23 Dragon
3.1 kmAvro Shackleton AEW.2
3.1 kmAircraft model, monument featuring aircraft
3.1 kmMonument featuring aircraft, aircraft model
3.1 kmGrumman E-1B Tracer
3.1 kmGrumman S-2F Tracker
3.1 kmMonument featuring aircraft, aircraft model
3.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes