Bolling Air Force Base, located in Southwest Washington, DC is a relatively small base that houses the United States Air Force Honor Guard and the USAF Band. In addition to these two main components, there are also smaller squadrons on the base as well. These all contribute to the “Chief’s Own” base. Bolling is also home to many Navy, Army, Marines and Coast Guard.
Bolling has 672 homes currently on the base, but is starting construction on new officer housing. Bolling housing is privatized, owned by Pinnacle, and is called The Landings at Bolling. The housing office is currently located just beside the main gate of the base, behind the post office. The Landings at Bolling consists mostly of townhomes, ranging from 3-4 bedrooms. Three bedroom homes are often three story and four bedroom homes are two story. Certain eligibility requirements must be met for each different style home and area you live in on base. Most of the Senior NCO homes and higher grade officer homes are located on the waterfront with a beautiful view of the Potomac River. The base does have dorms for single airmen, and several married couples do choose to live off base in apartments a few miles away in Alexandria to save on rent.
The base runs adjacent to the Potomac and the view at night is breathtaking. There are numerous parks on the base, mainly throughout the housing community. A few parks are located on the waterfront with view of Reagan National Airport and the monuments in the distance.
The annual 4th of July celebration is a must attend on base if you don’t feel like fighting through the crowds downtown. The fireworks from downtown are very well viewed right from many of the homes back decks or lawns as well as from the Bolling Green (waterfront parks).
The Bolling Services team hosts several events throughout the year, with plenty to do for the entire family. Bolling has a main library which hosts story time on Tuesday and Thursday every week for children. The base has a large pool complex which is free for all military ID holders. There are numerous recreational fields throughout the base and children and adults are often seen playing soccer, tball, softball and more. Bolling’s Youth Center also hosts events for the teens and recreational activities on most weekends.
Bolling has a decently sized Commissary, complete with fresh sushi and a deli. In the same building as the commissary, there is a newly opened Starbucks. Across from the commissary is the AAFES BX/PX which is on the small side. The BX/PX does have a food court with an Anthony’s Pizza, Charley’s, and Subway. Outside of the base exchange, you can find the base Burger King, complete with drive thru service. The hours for all AAFES facilities are limited, so don’t plan on stopping by too late in the evenings.
The base does not currently have an AAFES theater, but one can be found only 11 miles away at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Also, you will not find a school on Bolling, currently, but there is talk of having one eventually. The base, however, does provide a school bus system to most public and private schools in the area. For more information on the school bus program contact the Family Services Squadron. Bolling also does not have an Emergency Room or hospital, only a small clinic.
Two fitness complexes are located on the base and they offer a wide selection of workout machines as well as classes for all levels and ages.
Down the street from the fitness center is the thrift shop and Airman’s attic where lots of great bargains can be found.
Perhaps the best part of being stationed at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, DC, is not the base itself, but the community surrounding it. Living on Bolling, you are minutes away from all the sights the District has to offer. Most museums are free, but be prepared to pay for parking or ride the metro. In DC, you’ll want to visit all the Smithsonian museums as well as the National Zoo. For other events, such as the Nationals games or concerts, check with the Pentagon Services Office or the Ft. Myer USO office for discounts or free offers. Don’t be afraid to ask for your military discount at other attractions, as most do offer some sort of a discount. The Spy Museum is a little pricey, but does offer a military discount, and is very fun and educational.
If you are soon to be stationed at Bolling Air Force Base, get excited! As long as traffic doesn’t stress you out too badly, you are sure to love living in the heart of our nation’s capitol.
