There are a total of eleven active military bases in Michigan, which include Army and Air Force bases.
Because Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes, it is one of the only inland states to have Coast Guard bases.
Army Bases In Michigan
Camp Grayling
Location: Grayling, MI
In Use: 1913-Present
Overall Mission: Camp Grayling primarily serves as a training facility for the Michigan National Guard and is their main training facility.
It is the largest National Guard training facility in the country, at over 147,000 acres.
Because of its size, Army units from many other states, and elements of the Canadian Army conduct training exercises on the base.
It’s considered the largest military base in Michigan, sheerly because of it’s size.
Units Stationed:
- Joint Maneuver Training Center (ISU)
- 745th Explosive Ordnance Disposal
- 1434th Engineer Company
- 1440th Engineer Detachment
- 1439th Engineer Detachment
- 1442nd Engineer Detachment
- 1071st Maintenance Company
Official Site: https://minationalguard.dodlive.mil/camp-grayling/
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Detroit Arsenal
Location: Warren, MI
In Use: 1941-Present
Overall Mission: The Detroit Arsenal was built by Chrysler in 1941 to produce tanks for the war effort.
The site is still responsible for the development and production of tanks and other heavy vehicles.
Units Stationed:
- United States Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center
- United States Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command
Official Site: https://home.army.mil/detroit/index.php/my-fort
Fort Custer
Location: Battle Creek, MI
In Use: 1917-Present
Overall Mission: Fort Custer is an Army training base that hosts training exercises for the Army, National Guard, and National Guard units from surrounding states.
It is also home to the Naval reserve support center, which provides support for Navy troops in the area.
Units Stationed:
- 431st Quartermaster Company
- rank 401st Transportation Company
Official Site: https://www.minationalguard.com/fort-custer-training-center/
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Michigan Army National Guard
Location: Lansing, MI
In Use: 1962-Present
Overall Mission: The Michigan Army National Guard Base in Lansing is responsible for recruiting and retention.
Air units of the Army National Guard are also stationed on the base.
Units Stationed:
- Recruiting & Retention Battalion
- Detachment 15 Operational Support Airlift
- 1208th Engineering Survey & Design Team
- 119th Field Artillery Battalion
Official Site: https://www.miarmyguard.com/location/lansing-119th-armory
Air Force Bases In Michigan
Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center
Location: Alpena, MI
In Use: 1941-1945; 1954-Present
Overall Mission: Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center closed briefly at the end of WWII, and reopened in 1954.
Currently it functions as a training and readiness center for the Air National Guard.
The base has supported emergency relief efforts throughout the country, as well as assisting with military operations, including Iraqi Freedom.
Units Stationed:
- Combat Readiness Training Center
Official Site: https://www.alpenacrtc.ang.af.mil/
Selfridge ANG Base
Location: Harrison Township, MI
In Use: 1917-Present
Overall Mission: Selfridge ANG began life as Joy Aviation Field, and supported military operations throughout WWI and WWII.
It is one of the largest joint reserves bases in the country.
It provides air support for the Navy and Army reserves, and support for emergencies.
Units Stationed:
- 1st Battalion
- 127th Wing
- 24th Marines
- Marine Wing Support Group 47
Official Site: https://www.goang.com/locations/michigan/selfridge-air-national-guard-base.html
Springfield ANG Base
Location: Springfield, MI
In Use: 1955-Present
Overall Mission: Springfield Air National Guard base is one of three Air National Guard Bases in Michigan.
It is home to the 178th wing, which supports emergency operations throughout the state.
Units Stationed:
- 178th Wing
Official Site: https://www.178wing.ang.af.mil/
Coast Guard Bases In Michigan
USCG Air Station Traverse City
Location: Traverse City, MI
In Use: 1945-Present
Overall Mission: Coast Guard Station Traverse City operates as a base for all roles performed by the US Coast Guard.
This includes search and rescue operations, and providing support for homeland security and law enforcement.
Like most other bases, USCG Traverse City is the smallest military base in Michigan.
Units Stationed:
- Three Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters
- Crew and support personnel for the attached.
Official Site: https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-9/
USCG Station Saginaw River
Location: Saginaw River, MI
In Use: 1842-Present
Overall Mission: The Coast Guard Station at Saginaw river has seen active search and rescue operations of one kind or another since 1842 when a lighthouse was built.
It performs search and rescue operations, and supports law enforcement and other operations in the area.
Official Site: https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-9/Ninth-District-Units/Sector-Detroit/Units/Saginaw-River/
USCG Air Station Detroit
Location: Detroit
In Use: 1874-Present
Overall Mission: The Coast Guard base in Detroit is the central operating point for all Coast Guard Stations in the state.
In addition to the standard search and rescue and law enforcement roles, USCG Station Detroit also undertakes ice breaking operations.
Official Site: https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-9/Ninth-District-Units/Sector-Detroit/
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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