military bases in michigan
General Military Questions

Military Bases In Michigan

There are a total of 10 active military bases in Michigan, which include Army and Air Force bases.

Because Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes, it is one of the only inland states to have Coast Guard bases.

Army Bases In Michigan

Camp Grayling

Location: Grayling, MI

Camp Grayling
Image: Wikimedia.org

In Use: 1913-Present

Overall Mission: Camp Grayling primarily serves as a training facility for the Michigan National Guard and is their main training facility.

It is the largest National Guard training facility in the country, at over 147,000 acres.

Because of its size, Army units from many other states, and elements of the Canadian Army conduct training exercises on the base.

It’s considered the largest military base in Michigan, sheerly because of its size.

Units Stationed:

  • Joint Maneuver Training Center (ISU)
  • 745th Explosive Ordnance Disposal
  • 1434th Engineer Company
  • 1440th Engineer Detachment
  • 1439th Engineer Detachment
  • 1442nd Engineer Detachment
  • 1071st Maintenance Company

Official Site: https://www.miarmyguard.com/location/camp-grayling

Related ArticleMilitary Bases In Virginia

Detroit Arsenal

Location: Warren, MI

Detroit Arsenal
Image: Wikimedia.org

In Use: 1941-Present

Overall Mission: The Detroit Arsenal was built by Chrysler in 1941 to produce tanks for the war effort.

The site is still responsible for the development and production of tanks and other heavy vehicles.

Units Stationed:

  • United States Army CCDC Ground Vehicle Systems Center
  • United States Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command

Official Site: https://home.army.mil/detroit/index.php/my-fort

Fort Custer Training Center

Location: Battle Creek, MI

Fort Custer
Image: Wikimedia.org

In Use: 1917-Present

Overall Mission: Fort Custer is an Army training base that hosts training exercises for the Army, National Guard, and National Guard units from surrounding states.

It is also home to the Naval Reserve support center, which provides support for Navy troops in the area.

Units Stationed:

  • 177th Regiment
  • Regional Training Institute
  • Augusta Armory
  • Regional Maintenance Training Site

Official Site: https://www.minationalguard.com/fort-custer-training-center/

Related ArticleMilitary Bases In Texas

Lansing National Guard Armory

Location: Lansing, MI

Michigan Army National Guard, Lansing
Image: Wikimedia.org

In Use: 1924-Present

Overall Mission: The Marshall Street Armory in Lansing is responsible for recruiting and retention.

Air units of the Army National Guard are also stationed on the base.

Units Stationed:

  • Recruiting & Retention Battalion
  • Detachment 15 Operational Support Airlift
  • 1208th Engineering Survey & Design Team
  • 119th Field Artillery Battalion

Official Site: https://www.miarmyguard.com/location/lansing-119th-armory

Air Force Bases In Michigan

Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center

Location: Alpena, MI

Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center
Image: Wikimedia.org

In Use: 1941-1945; 1954-Present

Overall Mission: Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center closed briefly at the end of WWII and reopened in 1954.

Currently, it functions as a training and readiness center for the Air National Guard.

The base has supported emergency relief efforts throughout the country, as well as assisting with military operations, including Iraqi Freedom.

Units Stationed:

  • Combat Readiness Training Center

Official Site: https://www.alpenacrtc.ang.af.mil/

Selfridge ANG Base

Location: Harrison Township, MI

Selfridge ANG Base
Image: Wikimedia.org

In Use: 1917-Present

Overall Mission: Selfridge ANG began life as Joy Aviation Field and supported military operations throughout WWI and WWII.

It is one of the largest joint reserve bases in the country.

It provides air support for the Navy and Army Reserves and support for emergencies.

Units Stationed:

  • 1st Battalion
  • 127th Wing
  • 24th Marines
  • Marine Wing Support Group 47

Official Site: https://www.goang.com/locations/michigan/selfridge-air-national-guard-base.html

Battle Creek ANG Base

Location: Battle Creek, MI

Battle Creek ANG Base
Image Source: Wikipedia

In Use: 1943-Present

Overall Mission: Battle Creek Air National Guard base is one of three Air National Guard Bases in Michigan.

It is home to the 110th Wing, which operates the MQ-1 Predator and the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft. 

Units Stationed:

  • 110th Operations Group
  • 172nd Air Support Squadron
  • 272d Cyber Operations Squadron
  • 217th Air Operations Group

Official Site: https://www.110wg.ang.af.mil/

Coast Guard Bases In Michigan

USCG Air Station Traverse City

Location: Traverse City, MI

USCG Air Station Traverse City
Image: Flicker.com

In Use: 1946-Present

Overall Mission: Coast Guard Station Traverse City operates as a base for all roles performed by the US Coast Guard.

This includes search and rescue operations, and providing support for homeland security and law enforcement.

It operates over Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and most of Lake Huron.

Units Stationed:

  • Three Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters
  • Crew and support personnel for the attached.

Official Site: https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-9/

USCG Station Saginaw River

Location: Essexville, MI

USCG Station Saginaw River
Image: Wikimedia.org

In Use: 1842-Present

Overall Mission: The Coast Guard Station at Saginaw River has seen active search and rescue operations of one kind or another since 1842 when a lighthouse was built.

It performs search and rescue operations and supports law enforcement and other operations in the area.

Official Site: https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-9/Ninth-District-Units/Sector-Detroit/Units/Saginaw-River/

USCG Air Station Detroit

Location: Selfridge ANG Base, MI

USCG Air Station Detroit
Image: Wikimedia.org

In Use: 1966-Present

Overall Mission: The Coast Guard base in Detroit is the central operating point for all Coast Guard Stations in the state. 

In addition to the standard search and rescue and law enforcement roles, USCG Station Detroit also undertakes ice-breaking operations.

Official Site: https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-9/Ninth-District-Units/Sector-Detroit/

Rob V.
Latest posts by Rob V. (see all)
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally vetted. Learn more.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *