Holloman Air Force Base, Military training center in Alamogordo, United States
Holloman Air Force Base is an air installation in southern New Mexico where American and German military personnel conduct flight operations and training together. The grounds span over 240 square kilometers (93 square miles) across a dry basin flanked by two mountain ranges, housing hangars, runways, and training facilities.
The installation was established in 1942 as a training station during World War Two and received its current name in 1948 to honor an officer who died in an accident. In the following decades, the site was used for testing new aircraft types and rocket technology before assuming its present role as an international training center.
Since the 1990s, German pilots have used the wide desert skies for military exercises that would be difficult to carry out in Europe. The collaboration between both air forces has led to a lasting presence of German military personnel on site, who work alongside American service members.
Access to the installation is strictly regulated, and visitors require prior clearance from military authorities. The dry desert climate provides clear visibility and strong sunlight, so protective clothing and plenty of water are important when spending time outdoors.
Weather conditions in the region allow flight operations on more than 300 days per year, making the location particularly suitable for continuous training. This fact was a decisive reason for establishing the German training unit in this remote desert area.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
