The history of Andrews Air Force Base dates back to the Civil War when the Union occupied a small country church as its headquarters for Soldiers camped nearby. Today, that church is known as Chapel Two, and the base community still uses it for worship services.

In the early part of the 20th century, the present site of Andrews was often discussed for a potential civilian airfield. In August 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the Secretary of War to acquire the land and to build a military airfield. Construction began later that year. April 19, 1943, the first permanent unit, the 463rd Base Headquarters and Air Base Squadron, arrived from Westover Field, Mass., with 105 enlisted men and five officers.

Camp Springs Army Air Field became operational May 2, 1943, when the first Republic P-47 Thunderbolt arrived; 75 other P-47s arrived during the first month. The field's early mission was to train fighter pilots for overseas combat duty.

Camp Springs became Andrews Field in 1945 to honor of one of the Air Force's founding fathers, Lt. Gen. Frank M. Andrews. He died in an airplane crash May 3, 1943, ironically the day after the base that now bears his name opened. Shortly after the Air Force became a separate service in 1947, the base's name changed to Andrews Air Force Base.

In the years following World War II, Andrews served as headquarters for Continental Air Command, Strategic Air Command and the Military Air Transport Service. It was also headquarters to the Air Research and Development Command and its successor, the Air Force Systems Command, from 1950 to 1992.

The year 1947 marked the arrival of the first permanently assigned jet-powered aircraft, an F-80 Shooting Star, at Andrews.With the onset of the Korean War in June 1950,

Andrews became involved in combat readiness training for B-25 medium bomber crews.

However, almost since its establishment, Andrews has been known for its special air mission--the transportation of senior government and military leaders. President Harry S. Truman was the first to fly a Presidential flight out of Andrews Nov. 24, 1946. In 1959, Detachment 1, 1254th Air Transport Group received its first jet aircraft, a VC-137. While the President's official aircraft, a C-121, Columbine III, remained at Washington National Airport, the president often used the new VC-137 for longer trips. President John F. Kennedy's official aircraft, a C-118, permanently transferred from Washington National in March 1962, and Andrews officially became the "Home of Air Force One."

In 1963, the Naval Air Facility moved to Andrews and is currently headquartered on the east side of the base.

A tragic time for the nation occurred Nov. 22, 1963, with the assassination of President Kennedy in Dallas. The President's body arrived at Andrews later that evening, accompanied by his widow Jacqueline B. Kennedy and newly sworn-in President Lyndon B. Johnson. Thousands of mourners jammed the air terminal, including one of the largest gatherings of news media representatives ever assembled at any time on Andrews.

Andrews has also been the scene of many joyful returns and reunions. Among the many occasions, Andrews welcomed the first prisoners of war back from Vietnam in 1973, saw the return of the U.S. hostages from Iran in 1981, and welcomed former Prisoner of War Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch home from Iraq in 2003.

The 89th Airlift Wing became the host unit for Andrews in 1991. The 89th lives up to Andrew's rich history as the elite Air Mobility Command wing for transporting VIPs around the world. Not only does Andrews provide service for America's senior officials, but also kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers and military leaders from foreign nations fly onboard the 89th's aircraft and transit through the base on a routine basis.

Everyday, Andrews receives global attention. In June 2004, the world watched as the remains of former President Ronald Reagan arrived at Andrews for the state funeral services in Washington. A few days later, thousands of mourners paid their respects on Andrew's flightline as President Reagan's body departed for California.

In June 2006 the 316th Wing, under the Air Force District of Washington, became the host unit of Andrews.

The 316th Wing is proud to be host of the base bearing the name of one of the true founding fathers of today's most powerful air and space force.

Andrews today is also home to Air Mobility Command's 89th Airlift Wing, the Air Force Office of Special Investigation headquarters, 79th Medical Wing, the D.C. Air National Guard's 113th Wing, the Air Force Reserve's 459th Air Refueling Wing and several other partner units.

Andrews has evolved from the muddy fields and wooden buildings of the 1940s to become one of the most modern air bases, and solidifying itself as "The Gateway to the Nation's Capital."