Selfridge Air National Guard Base

• Historical Beginnings: Selfridge Air National Guard Base, located in Harrison Township, Michigan, was established in 1917, making it one of the oldest continually operating military airfields in the United States. • Named After a Pioneer: The base is named in honor of Lieutenant Thomas E. Selfridge, the first person to die in a powered aircraft crash, who was killed in 1908 while flying with Orville Wright. • Role in World War I: During World War I, Selfridge served as a training field for pilots and mechanics, rapidly expanding to accommodate the war effort. • Tuskegee Airmen Connection: The famous Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps, received training at Selfridge in the 1940s. • Diverse Aircraft Operations: Throughout its history, the base has hosted a wide variety of aircraft, from biplanes in the early 20th century to modern fighter jets like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II. • Cold War Significance: During the Cold War, Selfridge was a key component of continental air defense, hosting interceptor squadrons tasked with protecting the Great Lakes region. • Joint Service Presence: Selfridge is unique in hosting units from all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. • Home of the 127th Wing: The 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard is the primary unit at Selfridge, flying both KC-135 Stratotanker and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. • Air Shows and Community Engagement: The base is known for its biennial Selfridge Open House and Air Show, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and showcasing military aviation. • Environmental Stewardship: Selfridge has received recognition for its environmental initiatives, including wildlife preservation, wetland restoration, and innovative stormwater management projects.