Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is located in an average cost of living area for the state of Arizona, however, house sale prices and rentals have increased in the past few years. The median home price in Tucson currently, is approximately $385,000, up 8.5% since 2023. The median for a 3-bedroom rental in Tucson is $1,685.
Recommend applying for base housing as soon as you obtain orders or contact the DMAFB Housing office at 520-228-3687/5705 or 355CES.HMO@us.af.mil to obtain a list of vetted property management listings and rental properties. They can also provide you with a list of military-friendly housing websites. To apply for base housing before you get here, visit https://www.housing.af.mil
If planning to rent, please save an adequate amount of money to pay for 1st month's rent, security deposit and pet deposit, if applicable.
There are always out-of-pocket expenses that must be paid up-front when PCS'ing. Many expenses are reimbursable when you file your travel voucher during in-processing, but you still need to plan ahead and have a savings to cover the expenses up-front.
A quick note: Vehicle tires tend to ware out sooner than the average life-span of the tire due to the hot summers in AZ. Check your tire tread regularly and plan to replace your tires every 1.5 to 3 years. A set of 4 new tires can cost from $400 to $2500 depending on the vehicle and tire make. Always have this amount set aside in your savings.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.
The 355th Wing mission is "RESCUE & ATTACK"
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is located within the city limits of Tucson, Ariz. The 355th Wing is the installation host providing medical, logistical, and operational support to all D-M tenant units on base such as 12th Air Force (AFSOUTH), the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group AKA "the Boneyard", the 55th Electronic Combat Group, 943rd Rescue Group & 924th Fighter Group (AFRC) and the 214th Attack Group (ANG), 355th Operations Group, 563rd Rescue Group, 355th Maintenance Group, 355th Mission Support Group, 355th Medical Group.
Davis-Monthan was activated in 1924. Charles Lindbergh officially conducted the base opening ceremonies. The base was named for two local early aviators, who died in separate flight accidents: 1st Lt Samuel H. Davis, killed December 22, 1921 and 2nd Lt Oscar Monthan, killed March 27, 1924.
The 355th FG flew its first combat mission, a fighter sweep over Belgium, on 14 September 1943 and afterwards served primarily as escort for B-17 / B-24 bombers that attacked industrial areas of Berlin, marshalling yards at Karlsruhe , an airfield at Neuberg, oil refineries at Misburg, synthetic oil plants at Gelsenkirchen , locks at Minden and other objectives. The group flew fighter sweeps, area patrols, and bombing missions, striking such targets as air parks, locomotives, bridges, radio stations and armoured cars.
We are now the 355th Wing.
DM has a community of approximately 46,000, composed of approximately 11,000 total force Airmen, 5,800 dependents, 29,000 retirees and 34 unique mission partners including, but not limited to:
Davis-Monthan AFB is located in Tucson, AZ. Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona located in the diverse Sonoran Desert region of the Southwestern United States. Tucson has about 1 million people, and is in Pima County. Other nearby small towns within commuting distance include Marana, Oro Valley, Vail, Corona de Tucson, Sahuarita, and Green Valley. Tucson is located 108 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 miles north of the U.S. - Mexico border. It is about 7 miles from downtown Tucson to Davis-Monthan; this takes about 14 minutes to commute, but the metro area is large and travel times can vary significantly. The average commute in Tucson is about 30 minutes.Major local employers include Amazon, Raytheon Missile Systems, the University of Arizona, State of Arizona, Davis-Monthan AFB (3rd largest employer), Pima County, and Banner University Medical Center. There are also many local businesses, including dozens of businesses related to the optics industry, giving the area a nickname Optics Valley.
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is surrounded by a very supportive and friendly community of retirees and supporters of airpower. As a host to the 12 AF, we have active duty members of all ranks, from General to Airman. We also have a large and active corps of civil service employees who diligently support the active duty members on the base through their day-to-day efforts.
Joint service events are becoming more popular with Navy, Marine Corps and Army detachments nearby. The Air Force ROTC unit from the University of Arizona is attached to DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB.
Davis-Monthan AFB is located 7 miles southeast of downtown Tucson, AZ (Pima County). Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona located in the diverse Sonoran Desert region of the Southwestern United States. Other nearby small communities include Marana, Oro Valley, Vail, Sahuarita, and Green Valley. Tucson is located 108 miles southeast of Phoenix and 62 miles north of the U.S. - Mexico border. It is about 7 miles from downtown Tucson to Davis-Monthan; this takes about 14 minutes to commute, but the metro area is large and travel times can vary significantly. The average commute in Tucson is about 30 minutes.Major local employers include Raytheon Missile Systems, Amazon, FEDEX, the University of Arizona, State of Arizona, Davis-Monthan AFB, Pima County, and Banner University Medical Center. There are also many local businesses, including dozens of businesses related to the optics industry, giving the area a nickname Optics Valley.
Directions from Tucson International Airport
From the airport, head North on Tucson Boulevard, make a right turn on Valencia Road headed East. Make a left turn on Alvernon Way headed North. Alvernon Way will merge with Golf Links Rd. Continue on Golf Links until you come to Craycroft Road. Make a right turn on Craycroft Road headed South. You will approach Davis-Monthan AFB main gate and visitor center.
The Tucson International Airport is located approximately 10 miles from the center of town. Transportation options include rental cars, shared ride vans, taxis, and the city bus. All departing shuttles, vans, buses, and taxis are located on the commercial roadway on the lower level in front of the terminal. Uber Service is also available.
Rental Cars
Seven rental car agencies are located at TIA:
Arizona Stagecoach operates shared-ride van service for each arriving flight. Service includes transportation to hotels, resorts, the University of Arizona, and business or residence locations. Call 520-889-1000Shared-Ride Van Service
Bus Service
Sun Tran, Tucson's public bus system, provides service to/from TIA every hour. Check with the Airport Information Centers or call 520-792-9222 for schedules.
Uber and Lyft Services are also available.
Services for Disabled
Please call the specific ground transportation company ahead of time to assure that properly equipped vehicles are available.
Directions from I-10 East or West
Exit 265 onto Alvernon Way headed North. West bound I-10 leads you right to it. East bound I-10 you must turn left under I-10. Alvernon Way will merge with Golf Links Rd. Continue on Golf Links until you come to Craycroft Road. Make a right turn on Craycroft Road headed South. You will approach Davis-Monthan AFB main gate and visitor center.
Gate Hours
Gate Operations for the installation 520-228-3200
Craycroft Gate: 24/7
Swan Gate: Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.(direct commercial vehicles/trucks here)
North Wilmot: Mon-Fri (located by MDG clinic & Boneyard):
South Wilmot (29B): Mon-Fri (best gate to use for those who live south, southeast, or southwest of the base):
Only individuals with a current DOD ID card have access onto base without needing a sponsor. If you do not possess a current DOD ID card, please stop at the visitors' center at the Craycroft gate to obtain a base pass. You will need to show proof of valid drivers license, current vehicle registration and insurance.
To get around on base, people drive, walk or ride a bicycle. However, Base Transportation (355 LRS) may be able to provide transportation to official appointments on-base. Pick up location must be from workplace. Please call 520-228-4808 to request transportation. Transportation is not available from domicile to place of work.
Uber will be allowed on base if the driver has a military ID.
The public bus transportation system stops at the main gate visitor's center. (Craycroft Ave.)
Contact the DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB INFORMATION LINE at 520-228-1110 or DSN 312-228-1110.
Law Enforcement Desk (SFS) = 520-228-3200
Release 2024.03.06.1