LOCATION - March Air Reserve Base is located in north west Riverside County which, along with San Bernardino County, is called the "Inland Empire" region of Southern California. Riverside County encompasses an area of nearly 7,200 square miles, and boasts a population of 1.3 million people. Over the last decade, it has consistently been one of the, if not the, fastest growing areas in the country. The base is situated between the cities of Riverside and Moreno Valley California. This is a high cost of living area in comparison with the rest of the United States; however, in comparison with other metropolitan areas of the state of California (Los Angeles/San Francisco/San Diego) the cost of living is lower. The city of Riverside prides itself on its historic connection to the navel orange, which was introduced to North America from Brazil by the first settlers to Riverside in 1873. Riverside is home to the one surviving Parent Navel Orange Tree, from which all American West Coast navel orange trees are descended.
HISTORY - On March 20, 1918, Alessandro Flying Training Field became March Field, named in honor of Second Lieutenant Peyton C. March, Jr., son of the Army Chief of Staff, who had been killed in a flying accident in Texas the previous month. In April, 1923 March Field closed its doors and was reopened in March of 1927. In the months ahead many Air Force leaders completed their initial flight training at March Field. From 1949 to 1953, the B-29 Superfortresses dominated the flightline at March Air Force Base and in 1960 the first Reserve unit was assigned flying C-119s. The first B-52B bomber, "The City of Riverside" came to March in September 1963 and the first KC-135, "The Mission Bell" arrived on October 4, 1963. For the next twenty years this venerable team would dominate the skies over what had come to be called the Inland Empire as the 22d Bombardment Wing played a feature role in the Strategic Air Command's mission. In 1982 the 22d became an air refueling wing with the new KC-10 tanker and the California Air National Guard arrived, bringing with them the F-4C's. In 1993, March Air Force Base was selected for realignment. As part of the Air Force's realignment and transition, March's two Reserve units, the 445th Airlift Wing and the 452d Air Refueling Wing were deactivated and their personnel and equipment joined under the 452d Air Mobility Wing on April 1, 1994. On April 1, 1996, March officially became March Air Reserve Base. For more details about the history of March Field visit the March public homepage.
MISSION - Team March is a multi-faceted team with numerous and varying missions. The host wing is the 452d Air Mobility Wing whose members are "professionals committed to excellence and to the highest state of readiness in support of national objectives; providing efficient and effective service while enhancing the environment, the installation, and its heritage in partnership with the local community". Team March is comprised of many diverse organizations such as; Headquarters 4th Air Force, which directs the activities and supervises the equipping and training of Air Force Reservists in unit programs across the U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Guam; the Air National Guard (ACC and AMC); Department of Homeland Security; Air Force Audit Agency; the Defense Media Center, comprised of the Television-Audio Support Activity (T-ASA) which designs, procures, installs, and supports radio and television, visual information, media archival, storage and duplication, and combat camera systems with commercial, off-the-shelf equipment and supplies and the Armed Forces Network Broadcast Center, the sole programming source for military radio and television outlets overseas in over 177 countries around the world; 653rd Regional Support Group (U.S. Army); and the Navy/Marine Corps Reserve Center. See topic Major Unit Listings for more details.
POPULATION SERVED - March ARB serves a large diverse population. Reservists (both ARTs and TRs), Guardsmen, and active duty from all branches of the military have a presence on March ARB. The number of assigned personnel is well over 5000. A civilian population of approximately 1750 adds to that number and when the number of retirees and their family members served by March ARB is added the service population number jumps to approximately 70,000.
SPONSORSHIP - Sponsors are assigned to inbound Traditional Reservists to the 452 Air Mobility Wing through the Military Personnel Flight (MPF). You should receive a sponsor package prior to your first UTA at March ARB with reporting and in-processing information. Your sponsor will meet you following Newcomer's Orientation which is held in the MPF, 1351 Graeber St., Bldg 2314. Depending on your unit, your first sergeant may be there to meet you as well. ARTs and civilian employees will receive newcomer's information and reporting procedures through the Civilian Personnel Flight which is located in the same building as the MPF.
TEMPORARY QUARTERS - The March Inn currently has 455 rooms in 10 buildings and 15 houses (not TLF) for temporary lodging. Generally, the March Inn has numerous guest rooms available Sundays through Thursdays, but due to the base's reserve training mission, lodging occupancy is generally not available on many weekends. It's best to call and determine which weekends are scheduled for the Reserve and Air National Guard Unit Training Assemblies. Advance reservations may be made up to 2 months prior to arrival if rooms are available. If you are in a duty status and rooms are not available you will be billeted in off base quarters and provided a non-availability statement.
RELOCATION SERVICES - As March ARB is a Reserve installation only limited relocation services are available. Newcomers briefing is held the Saturday of each UTA. Please contact us at (951) 655-5350 or DSN 447-5350 if you have questions regarding your relocation to March.