Redstone Arsenal

The mission statement of Redstone Arsenal is to "continuously provide high quality, effective, and efficient installation operations support and quality of life programs to all of Team Redstone." This mission reflects the Arsenal's commitment to supporting its tenants and the surrounding community, ensuring a good work-life balance and maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.

Redstone Arsenal is a United States Army Installation located in Huntsville, AL - in a wetland area serviced by the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Redstone is listed as a census-designated place in Madison County, AL and is also named as a part of the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. The installation serves as the host to more than 65 tenant activities, the FBI, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, and most recently, the United States Space Command. Originally, Redstone Arsenal was built in the 1940's at part of World War II efforts, specifically for manufacturing and storing chemicals and munitions. The installation now serves as a Federal Center of Excellence for the following areas: Logistics & Acquisition Services; Space Operations & Missile Defense; Research, Development, Test & Engineering; and Intelligence & Homeland Defense.

Redstone Arsenal began as three separate entities in 1941 and 1942, as part of the War Department's efforts for World War II. Huntsville Arsenal manufactured chemicals, Redstone Ordnance Plant manufactured munitions, and Huntsville Chemical Warfare Depot stored the conventional and chemical-filled munitions. At the end of World War II, Redstone shifted from production to demilitarization and salvaging munitions, and it began deactivating the arsenal's manufacturing facilities. Designated as the home of Army missiles in 1948, it dropped from a peak World War II employment of 19,000 to a little-used post of a few hundred workers. Because of the large available space, empty buildings, and ease of access to rail, highway, and water traffic, the Army chose Redstone Arsenal as the place to consolidate its newly formed rocket program. In the 50's, the arsenal became the center of Army missilery and rocketry, and subsequential achievements helped lay the foundation for U.S. space exploration. By the 60's, Redstone became home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, and continued to focus on ground and air defense missile systems. Rocket-motor testing worked around the clock to achieve manned space flight. The Saturn V rocket that eventually carried the three American astronauts to the moon in 1969 was based on work performed at Redstone Arsenal. In the 1970's and 80's, during the Cold War, Redstone pursued development of advanced weapons systems. By the 1990's, the Marshall Space Flight Center delivered the Hubble Space Telescope. In the 2000's Redstone saw tremendous growth after changes from the largest BRAC, bringing to the Arsenal, Army Materiel Command's four-star headquarters, Space and Missile Defense Command's three-star headquarters, the majority of DoD's Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command's two-star headquarters. Redstone has now served for 50 plus years as the Army's center for missile and rocket programs. Today, numerous federal organizations call Redstone Arsenal "home" with more than 65 tenant agencies currently housed on the installation.

Huntsville is the most populous city in Alabama, and was ranked as the 100th most populous city in the 2020 census. As of July 2025, Huntsville is among the top 20 fastest growing cities in the U.S. Huntsville is the county seat of Madison County, with portions extending into Limestone County, Marshall County, and Morgan county. Huntsville is one of the most up and coming recognized cities in the Southeast and is consistently named as one of the best places to live and work by a variety of national publications. Technology, space, and defense industries pose a major presence here accompanied by several Fortune 500 companies.

Redstone Arsenal's workforce breakdown includes nearly 900 active duty soldiers and reserve military, roughly 27,300 civilians, and just over 17,000 contractors - totaling approximately 45,500. The annual economic impact on Alabama is $36.2 billion dollars.

Redstone Arsenal's 38,000 plus acres are bordered by Huntsville, AL on the north and east with the Tennessee River forming the southern boundary. Access to recreation opportunities and services are easy and convenient. Local attractions will keep your family busy while you can also enjoy the ease of traveling to other metropolitan areas such as Birmingham, AL (100 miles), Atlanta, GA (246 miles), Chattanooga, TN (103 miles), Nashville, TN (125 miles), Memphis, TN (216 miles) or Destin, FL (358 miles).

Huntsville International Airport is located at 1000 Glen Heard Road approximately five miles from Redstone Arsenal via Gate 9. Several major airlines arrive and depart daily. Public transportation includes taxies, shuttle services, rental cars, and Uber. To reach Redstone Arsenal from the airport, go straight on Glenn Heard Road to the intersection of I-565. Turn right towards Huntsville. Take the exit towards Redstone Arsenal/Research Park.

Have a current military or Department of Defense issued identification (military, retired military or Department of Defense employee or contractor) or registered Driver's License with the star ID to show gate security to obtain access to post. Department of Defense vehicle stickers are currently not required. Gates 9 and 1 offer facial recognition lanes. All others, stop by the Gate 9 Visitor Center for more information.

Redstone Arsenal does not provide taxi, shuttle, or bus services. When requesting an off-post taxi or Uber, please ensure the company/driver has access to post.

The Redstone Arsenal information line may be reached at 256-876-2151. Please listen carefully to all options available. This is an automated line.

Additional information may be obtained by calling the Gate 9 Visitors Center at 256-876-7738.