LOCATION - McChord AFB is located in western Washington State in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. On a clear day, you can see majestic Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Mountains to the east, and the Puget Sound and a view of the Olympic Mountains only a few miles to the west. McChord is located in the city of Lakewood, 10 miles south of Tacoma, 35 miles south of Seattle and 25 miles north of the State Capitol, Olympia. It's proximity to metropolitan areas and the mountains make the McChord area a great place to live, no matter what your interests.
McChord is only a part of the military community in Western Washington, with Fort Lewis and Madigan Army Medical Center only a few miles away and several Naval installations, including Bremerton, Bangor, Everett and Whidbey Island within a one or two hour drive.
We're sure someone has told you how much it rains, however we do see the sun, and the area has some glorious summer days!
HISTORY - McChord Field was formally dedicated on 3 July 1940, in memory of Colonel William C. McChord, Chief, Army Air Corps Training and Operations Division who was killed in a plane crash on 18 August 1937. On 1 January 1948, the field was re-designated McChord Air Force Base. McChord AFB has played a major role in almost every military action in recent history from Vietnam to Desert Storm and Desert Shield, to Bosnia and the former Yugoslavia. In addition, members of the 62nd Airlift Wing have played significant roles in rescue and relief efforts after the eruptions of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Pinatubo and the more recent tsunami in Southeast Asia. McChord and the 62nd Airlift Wing continue to play a major role in Iraq and the Global War on Terror through airlift efforts and the transportation of troops from nearby Fort Lewis and Naval installations.
MISSION - We provide, safe and effective airlift and airlift support to our worldwide customers; ensure the combat readiness of our people; acquire and maintain equipment necessary for rapid, global force projection and combat support; and provide facilities, support and service to achieve mission excellence and promote a quality way of life.
Major Command: Air Mobility Command
Primary Weapon Systems: C-17 Globemaster III
SPONSORSHIP - While you may find a wealth of information here, your sponsor should be an excellent resource and can help answer many of your specific questions and make some necessary arrangements for you to help make your PCS to McChord as smooth as possible. If you are not assigned a sponsor, you should contact the Commander's Support Staff Section for your new squadron at McChord to request one. You can find telephone numbers for most squadrons under the Major Units Listing. You can have your mail forwarded to the following general delivery address: General Delivery, PSC Box 5000, 735 Fifth St., McChord AFB WA 98438. We recommend you have your sponsor take a copy of your orders to the BITC office, so they know you'll be arriving at McChord and will hold your mail for you.
When you arrive at McChord, the first place you check in is with your unit CSS. When you in-process with the Military Personnel Flight, they will give you instructions and appointments for your in-processing and Newcomer's Orientation, which is held every Thursday at the Northwest Connection Club and Community Center. We strongly encourage your spouse to attend, so he or she can learn about the base and the local area.
TEMPORARY QUARTERS - Temporary lodging is available at the Evergreen Inn, but it fills up fast, especially during high PCS season. Reservations are strongly recommended. Keep in mind that NO PETS ARE ALLOWED IN LODGING. If you are unable to find a room at the Evergreen Inn, lodging may be available at neighboring Fort Lewis or in one of the many nearby hotels.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE - The Family Support Center Relocation Assistance Program offers a number of services to make your PCS as smooth as possible. We can provide information on the local area and community. Our loan closet is open from 7:30 am until 4:30 pm and has a number of items you can borrow, like sleeping mats, dishes, pots and pans, irons, baby seats and beds and small appliances while you are waiting for your household goods to arrive. Free childcare can be obtained from the Air Force Aid Society (Child Care for PCS Program) by visiting the Family Support Center upon your arrival. Our Career Focus program can also offer job hunting assistance to family members when you arrive. If you have any questions, or if we can assist you in some way, please contact us at (253) 982-2695.
CRITICAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION - In the future, McChord Air Force Base will be joining with Fort Lewis as Joint Base Lewis - McChord in accordance with BRAC recommendations.
It may be necessary for you to live off-base for a period of time upon your arrival. There is also a waiting list for childcare. You should consider making advance application for both housing and child care before your arrival.