Population
The 439th Airlift Wing Westover ARB is comprised of a diverse population; servicing Reservists (both ART’s & TR’s), Guardsmen, and active duty service members from all branches of the military, a civilian employee population, and multiple military and civilian tenant organizations. Westover is the nation’s largest Air Force Reserve Base and is home to more than 4000 military and civilian employees.
465,825 people in Hampden County, and 54,838 people in the city of Chicopee, according to July 2023 Census.
Location
The 439th Airlift Wing is a unit of the Air Force Reserve Command. The Wing is assigned to Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, Massachusetts located in the northeast region of the United States of America.
History
Westover is the nation's largest Air Force Reserve base and operates C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft. Westover has been in operation since 1940; serving as a bomber training base and a port of embarkation/debarkation during World War II, as a staging point for the Berlin Airlift, Headquarters of the Military Airlift Command system through 1955 and then as a major base of operations for the Strategic Airlift Command until 1974. Since May 19, 1974 Westover has been an Air Force Reserve base. For more history visit Westover's homepage.
Mission
Westover ARB is capable of providing worldwide air movement of troops, supplies, equipment, and medical patients. The 439th Airlift Wing also involves airdrop and combat off-load operations. Support units provide; communications, engineering, logistical, medical, and security requirements. Please visit the Westover homepage for more information on our mission.
Population
The 439th Airlift Wing, Westover ARB is comprised of a diverse population; servicing Reservists (both ART’s & TR’s), Guardsmen, and active duty service members, from all branches of the military, a civilian employed population and multiple military and civilian tenant organizations. Westover is the nation’s largest Air Force Reserve Base, and is home to more than 4000 military and civilian workers.
465,825 people in Hampden County and 54,838 people in the city of Chicopee (according to July 2023 Census).
Directions
From Connecticut/South
Take I-91 North to I-291 in Springfield to Fuller Road and take exit marked Westover ARB. Follow the Westover signs to Patriot Ave gate (James Street gate doesn't have 24 hour or visitor access).
From New York State/West
Take Mass Pike (I-90) East to Exit 49 ("old exit 5") and follow the Westover signs to the base to Patriot Ave gate (James Street gate doesn't have 24 hour or visitor access).
From Boston Area
Take the Mass Pike (I-90) West to Exit 49 ("old exit 5") in Chicopee. Follow the Westover signs to the base to Patriot Ave gate (James Street gate doesn't have 24 hour or visitor access).
From Vermont/North
Take I-91 South to Mass Pike (I-90). Head East to Exit 49 ("old exit 5") and follow the Westover signs to the base to Patriot Ave gate (James Street gate doesn't have 24 hour or visitor access)
GPS Address
Entering Westover ARB into most GPS devices will not get you to a valid 24 hour open gate. To reach the Main Gate, please enter 2255 Westover Rd, Chicopee, MA 01011 into your GPS. This address is for a nearby business, disregard the turnoff for the business and continue straight on Westover Rd. to Patriot Av. the main gate will be on your left just prior to the road ending.
Contact Information
Please dial 413-557-1110 for the Instillation phone directory for Westover Air Reserve Base.