Davis–Monthan Air Force Base

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Location: Arizona

Inception: 1925

Official opening: September 23, 1927

Website: https://dm.af.mil

GPS coordinates: 32.16639,-110.88306

Latest update: December 12, 2025 00:01