LOCATION
Hanscom AFB touches the towns of Bedford, Concord, Lincoln and Lexington, MA - the birthplace of America; approximately 20 miles northwest of Boston, MA, 25 miles south of Nashua, New Hampshire, and 85 miles from Portland, Maine. We are about 4 hours from New York City. This is one of the top three areas of the country for cost of living. Utilities, car insurance and other associated living costs may be higher than you are used to! Please prepare financially for your move here.
HISTORY
LG Hanscom Field was built in 1941 and served originally as a training base for P-40 Warhawk pilots bound for North Africa. The base soon took on the air defense of Boston as an additional mission. By the 1950's the Army Air Force and MIT were coordinating early computer and electronics research. The base's operational mission diminished, while its role in the development of air defense systems grew. Today acquisitions excellence is Hanscom's primary mission at the Electronic Systems Center.
MISSION
Hanscom AFB manages development and acquisition of electronic command and control systems. These systems gather and analyze information of potentially hostile forces, enabling commanders to make quick decisions and rapidly pass them on to their forces. They help to direct the muscle of America's air-power to the right target at the right time. Please visit the Hanscom AFB home page for more information on our mission and history.
POPULATION SERVED
Hanscom is the only active duty AF base left in New England; therefore, we assist AF recruiters, GSU's, AFROTC, and joint service personnel in six states and serve around 40,000 retirees in the area. On base there are 1500 active duty AF personnel, 2000 DoD Civilians and around 6000 contractors.
SPONSORSHIP
You may request a sponsor through your current MPF Relocations Section. If time is getting short, contact our Sponsor Section (DSN 478-8873, 781-377-8873) Your sponsor may be extremely helpful by contacting you to determine specific needs, sending a package of base information, researching questions for you, referring you to appropriate base agencies, picking you up at the airport and showing you around the base once you arrive. If you do not connect with your sponsor, the Base Lodging facility is your after-duty hours arrival point; if you arrive during duty hours; head to your unit for check-in.
TEMPORARY QUARTERS
Please call as far in advance as possible to make reservations at the Temporary Lodging Facility. Local hotels are very expensive. Pets are not allowed. Jr Enlisted Personnel: Please work closely with your sponsor and First Sergeant to arrange for a dorm room to be ready on your arrival.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE
Stop by the Family Support Center, Bldg 1218, for a personal welcome, extensive area information, personal invitation to all arrival events, and loan locker items to borrow while you are awaiting your household goods. Use the lending library, computers, phones, fax and more in the Resource Center. Attend an Installation Commander's Welcome (spouses welcome), held twice per month, on Monday mornings from 8 - 11:45 and the Newcomers' T Adventure, a monthly orientation to Boston and the local public transportation system. Families are welcome on the T Adventure. Bring the children to the Family Welcome, held monthly - an informal, informative session covering many of the Commander's Welcome topics. 781-377-4222
CRITICAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION
Base personnel live in six states, so the housing research area is wide. Driving here can be challenging - drivers speed. October - April expect black ice or snow/ice. Good wipers, plenty of windshield wiper fluid, and a full tank of gas are critical. Watch for moose and other wildlife in the roads from dusk to dawn.