Al Dhafra Air Base

Al Dhafra Air Base at a glance

Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates is the location of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The wing's public role centers on aviation operations within the U.S. Central Command region, carried out with joint and coalition partners. Official descriptions connect that work with maintenance, sustainment and installation support across multiple military specialties.

The expeditionary wing was established in 2002 and draws on a longer unit lineage. Its public fact sheet describes cooperation with Army, Marine Corps, Navy and coalition organizations, rather than a mission belonging only to a single aircraft squadron. A base guide should follow that documented institutional role and use current official announcements for force changes. Older articles can provide historical context without establishing which aircraft or units are present today.

Also searched as: Al Dhafra, ADAB, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing.

Sources: 380th Air Expeditionary Wing fact sheet; 380th wing command responsibilities; Al Dhafra public wing introduction

Mission and major activities

• The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing supports expeditionary aviation activity in the Central Command region.
• Integrates operations, maintenance and sustainment with joint and coalition partners.

Sources: 380th Air Expeditionary Wing fact sheet; 380th wing command responsibilities

History and identity

The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing was established in 2002, continuing a unit lineage predating its modern expeditionary role.

Sources: 380th Air Expeditionary Wing fact sheet

Location and community

Al Dhafra Air Base is in the United Arab Emirates.

Sources: 380th wing command responsibilities

Before you arrive

Use these questions with your sponsor or gaining organization. They are a starting point for planning, including assignments, courses and training periods that differ from a routine permanent change of station.

1. Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
2. Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
3. For an overseas assignment, ask your sponsor about family travel authorization, required documents, medical screening, pets and vehicle shipment before making reservations.
4. Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
5. Make a short list of contacts for medical care, schools, childcare and family support, where applicable to your assignment.

Official overseas moving resources   Housing allowance information

Sources: Al Dhafra public wing introduction

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for Al Dhafra Air Base and ask which services your household can use. For a training site, rotational location or Reserve component assignment, confirm arrangements with your unit rather than assuming the services of a large residential installation are available.

From this mission to your next career

The mission at Al Dhafra Air Base suggests the following areas to consider when describing your experience. These are LockLeed career suggestions based on the public mission, not a list of vacancies or qualifications held by everyone assigned here.

Write down the equipment, systems, processes and teams you personally supported. Add a specific result you can discuss publicly, then match that evidence to the civilian role you want. Keep operational details and sensitive information out of your application.

Official transition resources   Explore SkillBridge programs

Frequently asked questions

Sources and editorial notes

Installation facts above are drawn from the official sources below. Career suggestions and planning questions are LockLeed editorial guidance. Use official offices for current policies, eligibility and arrangements.

1. 380th Air Expeditionary Wing fact sheetSupports: overview, mission, history
2. 380th wing command responsibilitiesSupports: overview, mission, local context
3. Al Dhafra public wing introductionSupports: overview, planning note

Reviewed 2026-09-30. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Map points are approximate and are not routing or reporting instructions.