Overview
Located on Tampa, Florida’s Interbay Peninsula, MacDill Air Force Base is a pivotal hub for U.S. military operations, excelling in air refueling, global command, and special operations. Spanning 5,695 acres along Tampa Bay in Hillsborough County, MacDill supports a workforce of 16,799, comprising 7,608 military personnel (6,652 active-duty, 956 non-extended AD/ANG/Reserve) and 8,147 civilians (2,876 appropriated fund, 312 non-appropriated fund, 420 exchange/commissary, 4,539 contractors). The base serves 11,147 military dependents, 240,000 DoD (TRICARE) beneficiaries, 37,900 military retirees, and 34,600 surviving spouses and dependents in the region. Named for Colonel Leslie MacDill, an aviator killed in a 1938 crash, the base was established on 24 May 1939, with construction beginning on 6 September 1939.
MacDill hosts two flying wings, two joint command headquarters, and 33 mission partners, collectively known as “Team MacDill.” Major commands include United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), and the Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE). With personnel from over 40 nations, including more than 50 general officers, MacDill is a global joint and allied hub. Operating 24 KC-135 Stratotankers and transitioning to the KC-46 Pegasus, MacDill ensures rapid global mobility, command coordination, and special operations support, cementing its vital role in U.S. and allied defense.
History
Established in 1939 to address the need for a southeastern U.S. airfield, MacDill AFB was completed in 1941, just before World War II. Initially a training center for B-17 Flying Fortress and B-26 Marauder crews, it played a critical role in the war effort. During the Cold War, MacDill shifted to a tactical fighter mission, hosting F-4 Phantom IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons through the Vietnam War and into the early 1990s. The arrival of USCENTCOM in 1983 and USSOCOM in 1987 redefined its focus on global command and special operations. In 1994, the 6th Air Base Wing became the host unit, and by 1996, MacDill fully transitioned to air refueling with the KC-135 Stratotanker. Recent investments in infrastructure, including facilities for the KC-46 Pegasus, ensure MacDill’s readiness for future challenges.
Mission
MacDill AFB provides unparalleled air refueling, global command, and special operations support to U.S. and allied forces. The base enables rapid mobility, sustains airpower projection, and serves as a strategic hub for USCENTCOM, USSOCOM, and JCSE. These commands orchestrate military operations, special forces missions, and secure communications across critical regions, ensuring MacDill’s central role in global security and power projection.
Major Units
6th Air Refueling Wing
As the host wing, the 6th Air Refueling Wing manages base operations and air refueling, operating 24 KC-135 Stratotankers. With 3,122 personnel across four groups, 16 squadrons (including the 99th Air Refueling Squadron in Birmingham, Alabama, with 149 personnel), and 15 Wing Staff Agencies, the wing supports USCENTCOM, USSOCOM, and 33 mission partners. It is transitioning to the KC-46 Pegasus, enhancing future air refueling capabilities.
927th Air Refueling Wing
An Air Force Reserve Command associate wing, the 927th ARW augments air refueling missions, supporting global personnel and cargo transport, as well as aeromedical evacuations. Comprising three groups and 10 squadrons, including the 63rd Air Refueling Squadron and 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, the 927th ARW integrates seamlessly with active-duty operations.
United States Central Command (USCENTCOM)
Established at MacDill on 1 January 1983, USCENTCOM oversees military operations across 21 nations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. It fosters regional stability and advances U.S. interests through allied partnerships, operating between the European, Africa, and Indo-Pacific Commands.
United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
Activated at MacDill on 16 April 1987, USSOCOM develops and deploys Special Operations Forces for global missions. Working with the Joint Force, U.S. government interagency, allies, and partners, USSOCOM conducts persistent, networked operations to counter state and non-state actors, advancing U.S. policies and objectives.
Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE)
A subordinate unit of U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), JCSE provides scalable, secure communications for joint and coalition forces. JCSE deploys rapidly to deliver enroute, early-entry, and scalable C4 support to regional combatant commands, USSOCOM, and other agencies, ensuring reliable command and control connectivity.
Community Engagement
MacDill AFB is a vital part of the Tampa Bay community, supporting military families, retirees, and 240,000 DoD (TRICARE) beneficiaries. The biennial Tampa Bay AirFest showcases the base’s capabilities and strengthens public ties. In 2023, MacDill generated a $4.1 billion economic impact, including $1.5 billion in payroll and $2.6 billion in job creation, supporting 18,200 indirect jobs. Ongoing infrastructure upgrades, such as KC-46 Pegasus facilities, reflect MacDill’s commitment to the region and its modernization efforts.
Future Outlook
Strategically positioned to address emerging global challenges, MacDill leverages its location and diverse mission partners to maintain readiness. Investments in KC-46 Pegasus integration and advanced command facilities ensure the base can adapt to evolving threats. With a legacy of excellence, MacDill remains a cornerstone of U.S. defense, delivering airpower, command precision, and critical communications to safeguard national interests.
Contact Information
Address: Public Affairs Office, 8208 Hangar Loop Drive, MacDill AFB, FL 33621
Phone: (813) 828-2217
Website: www.macdill.af.mil
(Current as of April 2025)