Mission
Fort Detrick is a U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC) installation supporting a multi-governmental community that conducts biomedical research and development, medical material management, worldwide communications, and the study of foreign plant pathogens.
The US Army Garrison, Fort Detrick, provides sustainable base operations support, quality of life programs, and environmental stewardship to facilitate the sustainment of vital national interests.
The US Army Garrison, Fort Detrick, supports five cabinet-level agencies: The Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Health and Human Services.
Within the DoD, Fort Detrick supports elements of all four military services. Major Department of the Army mission partners include the US Army Medical Research and Development Command and the 21st Signal Brigade.
History
The first military presence at Fort Detrick was the 1930s encampment of the 104th Aero Squadron of the Maryland National Guard. It was named Camp Detrick to honor Squadron Surgeon Maj. Frederick L. Detrick who served in France during World War I. The U.S. Biological Laboratories were established at Detrick Field in 1943, achieving pioneering efforts in decontamination, gaseous sterilization, and agent purification. In 1956, Fort Detrick continued its mission of biomedical research. The installation has matured as a center for advanced biomedical research and development, medical materiel management, and long-haul telecommunications for the White House, Department of Defense and other governmental agencies. For more information, go to the Fort Detrick homepage at https://home.army.mil/detrick/.
Population
- 1,189 active duty service members.
- 10,412 civilians, contractors and others.
- 11,601 grand total for Fort Detrick and Forest Glen Campus.
Each branch of the U.S. military is represented at Fort Detrick totaling 11,601 military, federal employees, and contractors assigned here as of February 2024.
Location
Fort Detrick is located in Frederick, Maryland, in the heart of Frederick County, the third fastest growing county in Maryland. Fort Detrick is the center of the biomedical technology growth that has occurred in the county. Frederick is situated to the West of Baltimore, MD, (46 miles) and Washington, DC, (45 miles). It adjoins Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The base operator's phone number is 301-619-8000 or DSN 312-343-8000.
Directions
If arriving to Ft. Detrick by air, you will land at one of three different airports: Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) (55 miles); Washington Dulles International (IAD) (45 miles); Reagan National (DCA) (54 miles).
If traveling to Ft. Detrick by bus, shuttle or taxi: There are many civilian Airport Shuttle Services which offer 24 hour door-to-door transportation from BWI, National, and Dulles Airports to Frederick/Fort Detrick. Cost is ranges from $60-$125 for 1 person and $10-$15 for each additional person. A 24 hour advance notice is recommended (although shuttles are available without 24 hour notice) at the following pick-up areas: outside the baggage claim area at BWI and DCA. At IAD it is at 2F, outside in the parking lot. They accept cash and major credit cards.
Bus Service
Check your local Frederick Greyhound Bus Terminal for the latest bus schedules to and from local airports. 301-663-3311
Taxi Service
Civilian taxi service is available to a variety of local areas. Fares for trips from airports to Fort Detrick are expensive and can range from $100 and up.
USO Locations
USO Locations & Operation Hours: USO International Gateway Lounge, BWI Airport, lower level. Hours 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. USO Ronald Reagan National Airport, Terminal A, upper level. Hours 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Rail Transportation
MARC train departs Airports to Union Station. Upon arrival at Union Station you can take the Brunswick Line to Frederick, Brunswick, Point of Rocks and Harpers Ferry. There are 3 trains per day that leave Union Station towards Frederick. Go to www.mta.maryland.gov/marc-station-information for current rates and schedules.
Directions from Washington DC: Take 1-270 North to Frederick and it will merge with U.S. Route 15 North (270 North becomes 15 North). Take the Motter Avenue exit (exit 16) and follow the signs to Fort Detrick's Nallin Farm Gate. The gate is located on the left directly across the street from 7-eleven on Amber Drive.
Directions from Baltimore, Maryland: Take 1-70 West to Frederick and follow the signs to Route 15 North, exit 53A. Take the Motter Avenue exit (exit 16) and follow the signs to Fort Detrick's Nallin Farm Gate. The gate is located on the left directly across the street from 7-eleven on Amber Drive.
Base Access
Fort Detrick is a closed post. If you do not have a CAC Card, you must enter through the Nallin Farm Gate off of Opposumtown Pike. Please stop at the visitors center directly to the right as you enter the gates. You must have your ID card, drivers license, POV registration and proof of POV insurance to obtain visitors pass and access entry to the installation. Follow gate guard's instructions after entering the installation.
Base Transportation
Currently, there is no base transportation on this installation.
Contact Information
Fort Detrick's main installation phone line call number is 301-619-8000/2197.