Mission
Air Force Global Strike Command is charged with developing and providing combat-ready forces for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations ... Safe - Secure – Effective… to support the President of the United States and combatant commanders.
The "Mighty Eighth" is a warfighting headquarters constantly ready to deploy global air power and command an air operation wherever needed. The 2nd Bomb Wing is the oldest, largest and best bomb wing in the world, always ready to use its B-52 Stratofortress bombers to deter, defend against, and defeat enemy aggression by providing global combat capability.
As the host unit, the 2d Bomb Wing (2 BW) delivers devastating combat capability through deployable aircraft and personnel capable of executing both nuclear and conventional combat missions, while maintaining an elite force of expeditionary Airmen in support of combatant commanders around the world. The 2 BW oversees all aircraft maintenance and provides standardized weapons loading and academics training in support of the wing's annual 1,100 sorties and 6,000 flying hours. As the 2 BW celebrates its 60th year at Barksdale, it remains a vital component to United States national security objectives and home to the world's most versatile bomber fleet.
The 307th Wing is an Air Force Reserve unit flying the B-52.Barksdale is also home to 31 associate units, including Det. 2, 57th Wing (B-52 Weapons School), the 49th Test Squadron (bomber operational testing), and the 548th Combat Training Squadron (Air Warrior II).
https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/in-depth-overview/barksdale-air-force-base
History
Emerging from the cotton fields of Northwestern Louisiana in the early 1930s, Barksdale Air Force Base has grown into a major source of revenue and employment for the region.
For more than86 years, Barksdale AFB has proudly served the Ark-La-Tex (Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas) area. As a key Air Force Global Strike Command base, Barksdale AFB has a pivotal role in providing a large part of the nation's deterrent force.
Barksdale AFB is home to the 2nd Bomb Wing, 2nd Operations Group, 2nd Maintenance Group, 2nd Mission Support Group, the 2nd Medical Group, Barksdale Global Power Museum (which maintains the historical aircraft and artifacts that grace the base) and the Air Force Reserve's 307th Wing. Also calling Barksdale home isAir Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), and the "Mighty Eighth" Air Force, of World War II fame.
For a detailed history of Barksdale Air Force Base, please visit this Factsheet on Barksdale AFB. You may also visit the installation homepage.
Population
The current population of Bossier City, Louisianais63,291based on our projections of the latest US Census estimates. Bossier City, Louisiana is the 8th largest city in Louisiana based on official 2023 estimates from the US Census Bureau.Spanning over44miles,Bossier Cityhas a population density of1,557people per square mile.
The current population ofShreveport, Louisianais177,562based on our projections of the latest US Census estimates.Shreveport, Louisiana is the 3rd largest city in Louisiana based on official 2023 estimates from the US Census Bureau.Spanning over123miles,Shreveporthas a population density of1,680people per square mile.
The current population of Bossier City, Louisianais63,291based on our projections of the latest US Census estimates. Bossier City, Louisiana is the 8th largest city in Louisiana based on official 2023 estimates from the US Census Bureau.Spanning over44miles,Bossier Cityhas a population density of1,557people per square mile.
The current population ofShreveport, Louisianais177,562based on our projections of the latest US Census estimates.Shreveport, Louisiana is the 3rd largest city in Louisiana based on official 2023 estimates from the US Census Bureau.Spanning over123miles,Shreveporthas a population density of1,680people per square mile.
Barksdale AFB serves a large population of approximately 15,000 made up of over 5,000 Active Duty members, 1,300 Reservists, 5,500 Military Family Members, and 2,500 Civilian Employees (appropriated, non-appropriated and contract). In addition, Barksdale services approximately 40,000 retirees and their family members living within a 50 mile radius of the base.
Location
Barksdale Air Force Base is in Bossier City, Louisiana in northwest Louisiana. The base is three hours east of Dallas, TX and three hours west of Jackson, MS. Additionally, you will have easy access to other major cities in Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi, and the region known as the "Ark-La-Tex" (Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas). The zip code for the base is 71110. The climate, location, and military environment make this area a popular place for military retirees and their families to call home. Shreveport has great places to work and play and is located just across the Red River from Bossier City in Caddo Parish. For more base contact information you can reach our base automated menu system at 318-456-1110 or DSN 781-1110.
Directions
Driving From the Airport:
If you arrive by air, Shreveport Regional Airport is the airport at which you will arrive. The airport is located at 5103 Hollywood Avenue, west of downtown Shreveport.
The airport is designated as a small hub served by four airlines to seven destinations.
- Allegiant Airlines - With service to Las Vegas, NVand seasonally to Destin, FL, Orlando/Sanford, FLand Los Angeles, CA.
- American Airlines - With service to Charlotte, NC and Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
- Delta Airlines - With service to Atlanta, GA
- United Airlines - With service to Denver, COand Houston, TX
Combined, there are more than 40 daily scheduled arriving and departing flights among the carriers at Shreveport. Along with the flights to seven direct destinations, travelers from Shreveport can connect to more than 250 other domestic and international destinations through one-stop service at one of the cities listed above.
There is not a military shuttle to Barksdale AFB from Shreveport Regional. You have the option, if not met by your sponsor or another person from the base you contacted, of taking a taxi, rental car, or rideshare service.
Barksdale AFB is located in Bossier City, Louisiana, and provides easy access to other major cities in Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi. Interstate 20 runs East/West through Shreveport/Bossier City with Jackson, Mississippi 220 miles to the east and Dallas, Texas 185 miles to the west. Little Rock, Arkansas is 175 miles northeast of the metropolitan area and Baton Rouge is 250 miles to the southeast. Interstates 49S and 10E provide access to the "Big Easy", New Orleans, 325 miles to the southeast.
Barksdale is located on the southwest side of Bossier City and can be easily accessed from both Interstate 20 and 49.
Traveling from the East
From the east on I-20W, take Exit 22, Airline Drive, turn left at the traffic light. Take another left at the next light onto Old Minden Road (LA-72). Stay in the right lane as it merges onto Northgate Drive, ending at the Bossier (North) Gate of Barkdale AFB. 6:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday-Friday; 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday; Closed Sunday and holidays.
Traveling from the West
From the west on I-20E, take US 71S/Barksdale Boulevard Exit 20C. Turn left at the sixth traffic light onto Barksdale Blvd (Hwy 71). Stay in the left lane for approximately 1/2 mile to the Shreveport (West) Gate. Open 24 hours daily.
Traveling from the South
From the south on I-49, exit onto Bert Kouns Industrial Loop and travel east to 70th Street crossing the Red River into Bossier City. Turn left at the intersection of 70th Street and U.S. Highway 71. Continue through five traffic lights. Turn right into Barksdale via the Shreveport (West) Gate. Open 24 hours daily.
Contact Information
There is NOT a live operator at Barksdale AFB. To reach the BAFB automated menu system for frequently dialed numbers, please dial 318-456-1110 or DSN 312-781-1110. For additional agency contact phone numbers, visit our website at www.barksdale.af.mil.
