Grissom Air Reserve Base

Grissom Air Reserve Base at a glance

Grissom Air Reserve Base is the north-central Indiana home of the Air Force Reserve's 434th Air Refueling Wing. Known as the Hoosier Wing, it operates KC-135R aircraft and prepares forces to support worldwide air mobility missions. Operations, maintenance and mission support organizations sustain both the tanker mission and the base's host responsibilities.

Grissom's aviation history began with a different service. The site opened as Bunker Hill Naval Air Station in 1942 to train naval aviation personnel, closed after World War II and reopened for Air Force use in 1954. It received the Grissom name in 1968 in honor of astronaut Virgil 'Gus' Grissom. That history distinguishes the present reserve tanker base from its original naval training role.

Also searched as: Grissom ARB, 434th Air Refueling Wing, Bunker Hill Naval Air Station.

Sources: 434th Air Refueling Wing fact sheet; History of Grissom Air Reserve Base

Mission and major activities

• The 434th Air Refueling Wing provides KC-135R aerial refueling forces.
• Trains personnel for air mobility missions and deployment.
• Sustains Grissom's host installation services.

Sources: 434th Air Refueling Wing fact sheet

History and identity

Bunker Hill Naval Air Station opened on July 1, 1942. The Air Force reopened the site in 1954 and renamed it for astronaut Gus Grissom in May 1968.

Sources: History of Grissom Air Reserve Base

Location and community

Grissom is in north-central Indiana, as described by the installation's official introduction.

Sources: About Grissom

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. Before choosing a home, compare the commute, lease terms, school needs and your household budget. Ask the housing office about the options that apply to your situation.
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 PCS planning resources   Housing allowance information

Sources: History of Grissom Air Reserve Base

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for Grissom Air Reserve 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 Grissom Air Reserve 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. 434th Air Refueling Wing fact sheetSupports: overview, mission
2. History of Grissom Air Reserve BaseSupports: overview, history, planning note
3. About GrissomSupports: local context

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.