88th Air Base Wing

88th Air Base Wing: Strength through Support!

As the host unit at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the 88th Air Base Wing operates the airfield, maintains all infrastructure and provides security, communications, medical, legal, personnel,finance, transportation, air traffic control, weather forecasting, public affairs, recreation and chaplain services for more than 100 associate units. The 88th Air Base Wing is comprised of more than 5,000 officers, enlisted, Air Force civilian and contractor employees. The Wing reports to Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, a major development and acquisition product center of the Air Force Materiel Command.

88th ABW Leadership

Colonel Thomas P. Sherman
Commander

Colonel Dave R. Anzaldúa
Vice Commander

Janet M. Wirth
Vice Director

Chief Master Sgt. Stephen A. Arbona
Command Chief Master Sgt.

88th Air Base Wing Motto
Strength Through Support

Mission Statement
To strengthen our people and optimize partnerships to deliver world-class capabilities

Vision
Building and sustaining the base of the future

88th ABW Priorities
Strong Base

Take Fight Forward

Support Airmen and Families

Our History

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is one of the nation's most important military installations. The base has a rich aviation heritage. It was here in 1904 and 1905 on Huffman Prairie Flying Field where the Wright Brothers "really learned to fly". Here they flew the first turn, circle, and figure eight. From 1910 to 1916 the brothers operated a flying school at Huffman Prairie. Among their 119 students were Henry "Hap" Arnold who commanded the Army Air Forces in World War II and H. Roy Brown, the Canadian ace who was credited with shooting down the Red Baron in World War I.

Today, just off the end of Runway 23, a marker, sign and replica of the Wright Brothers 1905 hanger and catapult launcher commemorate the exact location of their early aviation accomplishments. In 1992, Huffman Prairie became one of four sites in the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.
Wright-Flyer
Steeped in tradition, Wright Patterson Air Force Base has been a leader in military aviation development from the time of airplane inventors Wilber and Orville Wright to today's aerospace age.

About the Wing

The 88th Air Base Wing is the host organization for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. We maintain more than 8,000 acres of land, a physical plant of over 16 million square feet and provide operational support for more than 100 associate units located at Wright-Patterson. There are two runways supporting an average of 47,000 aircraft operations annually in addition to handling the payroll, keeping records on the workforce, maintaining infrastructure, providing security, communications, medical, transportation, air traffic control, weather forecasting, legal and chaplain services.

The Wing is responsible for three primary missions: operating the installation; training and deploying expeditionary Airmen in support of joint operations, and defending the base and its people.

The 88th Medical Group operates the second largest U.S. Air Force medical center, and deploys medical personnel to support global operations and exercises. The 88th Communications Group provides computer network, telephone and radio support to more than 20,000 base with more than 36,000 active phone lines. The 88th Mission Support Group oversees the largest Force Support Squadron in the Continental U.S. The Wing also hosts the annual U.S. Air Force Marathon.

The Present

The base is headquarters for a vast, worldwide logistics system, a world-class laboratory research function, and is the foremost acquisition and development center in the U.S. Air Force. Dozens of associate organizations representing a broad spectrum of Air Force and Department of Defense activities call Wright-Patterson home. The base is comparable to a medium sized city with services ranging from shopping facilities to child care centers. Wright-Patterson's economic impact to the greater Dayton region is approximately $4 billion.
KC-46 Tanker illustration
Approximately 27,000 military members, civilian and government contractor employees work on the base making Wright-Patterson the largest single site employer in the state of Ohio and one of the largest employers among Air Forces bases worldwide.

Many major advances in aviation technology can be traced to Wright-Patterson. The birthplace, home and future of aerospace - that's what Wright-Patterson is about. The heritage of a legendary past spurs aerospace acquisition specialists, scientists and engineers, and logisticians, educators and trainers to "keep 'em flying," faster, higher, farther and safer than man has ever flown before.

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U.S. Air Force
wpafb-17 Jul

Attention all active duty, reserve, and guard military members. Did you know that you can earn college credits for free by taking tests? To learn more, visit the Wright Patt Education & Training located in building 50 on Area B.

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-16 Jul

It's Mission Monday! You can't develop awesome new tech for our warfighters without knowing how it'll be used. Huge shout out to the folks at AFRL who have made the annual Tech Warrior program a stunning success! #AirPower #TeamWrightPatt #MissionMonday" target="_blank">http://www.afsbirsttr.af.mil/ #AirPower #TeamWrightPatt #MissionMonday</a>

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-13 Jul

Pegasus on track for October delivery

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-13 Jul

Former Pro Bowl wide receiver, Steve Smith Sr., hosted a football camp for military children. ProCamps visits military bases all over the world to teach children football skills and to honor their unique contributions and sacrifices.

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-12 Jul

While the high temps can make pool days even more fun, it can also make life difficult and even dangerous. See how to protect yourself when the mercury keeps rising ... #TeamWrightPatt #StayCool" target="_blank">https://go.usa.gov/xUbDD #TeamWrightPatt #StayCool</a>

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-10 Jul

We LOVE having you on social media, but we also want you to be safe! From profile pics to social rosters, learn how what you put out into the digital ether can put you and your family in danger and what to do to prevent it... #AirPower #TeamWrightPatt" target="_blank">https://go.usa.gov/xUbDv #AirPower #TeamWrightPatt</a>

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-09 Jul

It's Mission Monday! Wright-Patts airfield wouldn't be able to supports flights without our AWESOME Airmen of Airfield Operations! Thank you for all you do getting our birds in the air and safely back again! #AirPower #TeamWrightPatt #MissionMonday

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-06 Jul

New commanders mean a new perspective. Find out what's important to Col. Sherman, what he sees for the future of Wright-Patt and the story behind a very special knife on his desk ... #TeamWrightPatt #AirPower" target="_blank">https://go.usa.gov/xUbWy #TeamWrightPatt #AirPower</a>

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-06 Jul

Wright-Patterson Airmen are making a difference each and every day in making our United States Air Force the best in the world! If you don't want to take our word for it, here's what Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski, Air Force Materiel Command commander, has to say! #AirPower #TeamWrightPatt #AFMC #Airmen

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-05 Jul

Ever wonder what the heck the wet bulb temp means? We explain it and also point out ways to recognize and reduce heat stress symptoms. Bottom line stay hydrated! #beattheheat #teamwrightpatt" target="_blank">https://go.usa.gov/xUThG #beattheheat #teamwrightpatt</a>

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-05 Jul

Education can make so many of your dreams possible. Come on out and get some insight from more than 50 colleges along with education specialists from a wide variety of organizations who want to see you fulfill your potential! #AirPower #TeamWrightPatt" target="_blank">https://go.usa.gov/xUYKG #AirPower #TeamWrightPatt</a>

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-04 Jul

242 years ago today, the Continental Congress adopted our beloved Declaration of Independence and our Nation began its long reign as a beacon of freedom for the entire world. However you enjoy today, be it marked with fireworks, barbecues and family or otherwise, please take a moment to remember all of our brave men and women across the globe doing the hard work of keeping us the greatest Nation ever seen! Happy birthday U.S.A! #AirPower #TeamWrightPatt #4thofjuly

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-03 Jul

USAFSAM is celebrating 100 years of service this year and they're still making news! Read up on their latest efforts to train mid-levels leaders to provide the best Trusted Care! #AirPower #TeamWrightPatt" target="_blank">https://go.usa.gov/xUYKC #AirPower #TeamWrightPatt</a>

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-02 Jul

Congratulations to our very own 88th Medical Group for earning accreditation by The Joint Commission! Read up on what they're doing to give patients the best in Trusted Care and then tell us about your great experiences there! #AirPower #TeamWrightPatt" target="_blank">https://go.usa.gov/xUYBG #AirPower #TeamWrightPatt</a>

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-02 Jul

It's Mission Monday! Huge thanks to the 88th Logistics Readiness Squadron who check for accurate radio frequency power readings used on communication equipment in aircraft and satellite communications. You keep us Flying, Fighting and Winning! #TeamWrightPatt #MissionMonday

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-28 Jun

Did you know, a third of the food we consume is pollination dependent? Last year, Wright-Patt was the first military installation to earn the "Bee City USA" designation. Our 88th Civil Engineering Environmental Branch continues to raise awareness on the importance of pollinators by hosting expos that are open to the public.

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-26 Jun

Armed Forces Voters Week starts this week! Did you know that service members and their families can save time by voting on-line? The right to vote is a choice and a privilege. Register to vote today at FVAP.gov Find out more here: https://go.usa.gov/xUak7

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-26 Jun

Wow, what a video! Hear directly from Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski on how AFMC is delivering war-winning capabilities for our Nation! #AirPower #TeamWrightPatt Air Force Materiel Command

U.S. Air Force
wpafb-26 Jun

Our new wing and installation commander, Col. Thomas P. Sherman, gave us some great insight into his leadership focus at his first Commander's Call since taking command last Tuesday. Unity, trust and respect are things we can all get behind! #AirPower #TeamWrightPatt

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-16 Oct

It's "snow" secret that winter weather can get pretty rough here at Wright-Patt, but the folks at the 88th Civil En… https://t.co/0zeRdKRYpx

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-15 Oct

It's Mission Monday!! Huge shout out to all of Wright-Patt's Airmen who train so hard throughout the year to ensure… https://t.co/vJoxIFiXG9

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-15 Oct

RT @USAF_ACC: F-22 #Raptors stationed at @TeamTyndall that were evacuated to @WrightPattAFB ahead of #HurricaneMichael arrived at @JBLEnews…

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-12 Oct

Wright-Patterson is proud to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month with a series of seminars and… https://t.co/wsWhztOYuy

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-12 Oct

Come out and see a fantastic show Saturday, Oct. 13 at the @AFmuseum as Wright-Patt's @bandofflight teams up with c… https://t.co/MWFftEzqH7

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-11 Oct

RT @AFACQ_Jobs: SAF/AQH IS GOING ON ROAD SHOW ; They will be visiting the following locations ; Hill AFB, Gunter AFB, MacDill AFB, Edwards…

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-11 Oct

Elected officials and leaders experienced life amongst raging flames and fought to save lives in a moving ambulance… https://t.co/77O4nL36Za

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-10 Oct

RT @usairforce: Always prepared! #Airmen @WrightPattAFB train to make the installation an emergency safe haven for @DeptofDefense every yea…

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-10 Oct

What flies more than twice as fast as a speeding bullet and serves as a "flying wind tunnel?" It's more super than… https://t.co/EcmMjwhKBj

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-09 Oct

Air Force Uniform Office to conduct a fit test on Women's Service Dress slacks. #EveryAirmanEveryDay https://t.co/JySgNVdSba

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-09 Oct

Wright-Patterson celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and honors one of our local Airmen making a difference every da… https://t.co/R2uNsEobit

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-08 Oct

Country music star Alexis Gomez has been busy practicing with Wright-Patt's own Air Force Band of Flight for a conc… https://t.co/n5I3scwEA1

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-08 Oct

It's Mission Monday! Huge thanks to all of the volunteers and folks who helped make the Cavs visit to Wright-Patt a… https://t.co/B762dtoDXO

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-05 Oct

Congratulations to all of our month of September enlisted advancements! Let's hear it for them!… https://t.co/5jLHgjRLkb

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-05 Oct

How do you help a business understand what warfighter's need? Put them in the field! Learn how 39 small businesses… https://t.co/rLbHFwyv1t

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-05 Oct

October is Energy Action Month! Check out how you can "make energy a consideration in all you do" and protect the A… https://t.co/WdAgPKUNTY

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-04 Oct

Come on out and join us Friday as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with food and fun! #TeamWrightPatt… https://t.co/XoGSwtYEFK

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-01 Oct

RT @cavs: Planes, gains, and armed forces families. Don't miss these highlights from our #WGScrimmage at @WrightPattAFB, presented by @fir…

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-30 Sep

RT @cavs: Silhouettes. https://t.co/jd470iAZs4

U.S. Air Force
@wrightpattafb-30 Sep

The court is set for the @cavs #WGScrimmage for your @usairforce Airmen. We will be live at 3 pm for the press con… https://t.co/r8AIRSDbJ8

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The 88th Air Base Wing Mission Video
Providing Strength Through Support Every Day