Davis–Monthan Air Force Base

Named in honor of Tucsonans and World War I pilots Lt. Samuel H. Davis and Chief Engineer Oscar Monthan, Davis Monthan was first called Davis-Monthan Landing Field in 1925. The opening of the landing field was such an event, Charles Lindbergh flew his Spirit of St. Louis airplane to Tucson in 1927 to help dedicate what was then the largest municipal airport in the United States.

In January 1948, it was renamed Davis Monthan Air Force Base, and it remains one of Tucson’s most treasured – and respected – locations sitting just east of downtown. It’s home to more than 11,000 airmen from 34 unique mission partners. The 355th Wing is the host unit with a mission of deploying, employing and sustaining combat search and rescue and attack air power throughout the world.

They have power in numbers locally, being the third largest employer in Tucson and contributing more than $2.6 billion annually to the economy.

PHOTO COURTESY DAVIS-MONTHA AIR FORCE BASE