Discover the Seven Largest US Air Force Bases by Troop Count

The United States Air Force (USAF) stands as the third largest military branch in terms of active-duty personnel, currently comprising over 300,000 service members. The USAF trails the US Navy, which has approximately 350,000 members, and the US Army, with more than 450,000. As a critical component of the Department of Defense, the Air Force operates from several major bases, each playing a vital role in national defense. With recent funding surpassing that of the Army in 2025, the USAF is focused on maintaining and enhancing these essential installations, which include joint facilities shared with other military branches.

Largest Air Force Bases by Manpower

Among the seven largest USAF bases by population, each location is unique in its mission and capabilities. Below is a detailed overview of these installations, showcasing their significance and troop counts.

1. Joint Base San Antonio – 67,000 troops
Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) is the largest military installation in the Department of Defense by population, combining three major facilities: Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, and Randolph Air Force Base. JBSA is operated by the USAF’s 502nd Air Base Wing. The base supports a diverse community, including approximately 32,000 active-duty military members, over 25,000 civilians, and additional contractors. Notably, JBSA-Lackland is the sole site for Air Force Basic Military Training, graduating over 80,000 students annually.

2. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson – 40,000 troops
Located in Anchorage, Alaska, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) is a strategic hub for US interests in the Arctic and Pacific regions. Formed in 2010 through the merger of Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson, it supports a community of approximately 40,000 individuals, including 22,000 active-duty personnel. JBER is home to the F-22 Raptor and serves as a base for the Alaskan Command and NORAD Region.

3. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base – 38,000 troops
Near Dayton, Ohio, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is a significant installation for research, development, and logistics. It employs around 38,000 personnel, primarily civilian employees and contractors, vital for managing Air Force weapon systems. The base hosts the headquarters of the Air Force Materiel Command and the Air Force Research Laboratory, focusing on scientific research and technology development.

Additional Major Bases

4. Hill Air Force Base – 27,000 troops
Hill Air Force Base in Northern Utah is critical for logistics and F-35 operations, employing roughly 27,000 personnel. The base’s largest organization is the Ogden Air Logistics Complex, responsible for maintenance on multiple aircraft, including the F-35 Lightning II. Hill AFB is also involved in the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent program, overseeing the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile.

5. Eglin Air Force Base – 20,000 troops
Eglin Air Force Base, situated in the Florida Panhandle, is the USAF’s largest installation by land area. It is essential for testing and developing air-delivered weapons, with a workforce exceeding 20,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel. The base hosts the 96th Test Wing, testing all Air Force weapons and systems, and also supports training for F-35 pilots across multiple branches.

6. Nellis Air Force Base – 14,000 troops
Located just outside Las Vegas, Nellis Air Force Base is known as the ‘Home of the Fighter Pilot.’ It functions as a key center for advanced combat aviation training, managing large-scale training exercises like Red Flag. Nellis oversees the Nevada Test and Training Range, a vast area dedicated to military training, and employs around 14,000 personnel.

7. Travis Air Force Base – 13,000 troops
Travis Air Force Base in Northern California serves as the busiest air terminal for the US military and a pivotal component of the Air Mobility Command. With a workforce of over 13,000, it operates aircraft that provide rapid global mobility. The 60th Air Mobility Wing plays a crucial role in strategic airlift and air refueling missions, while the 60th Medical Group manages the David Grant USAF Medical Center.

These installations not only exemplify the strength and capabilities of the United States Air Force but also underline the critical importance of military readiness and infrastructure in ensuring national security. Each base serves a unique purpose, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the USAF and its mission to protect and defend the nation.