Dover AFB
Dover AFB Relocation Information
Welcome to Dover AFB
Dover AFB is home to the Department of Defense's largest aerial port and approximately 11,000 Airmen and joint service members, civilians and families. Its personnel are responsible for global airlift aboard assigned C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. Additionally, the 436th Airlift Wing hosts key partners, such as the Air Force Reserve's 512th Airlift Wing, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO), the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) and the Joint Personal Effects Depot (JPED), jointly responsible for the dignified return of fallen American service members. Dover AFB is located in the center of the “Delmarva:” Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia peninsula. Delaware is known as the “First State.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Dover AFB
1) What city is Dover AFB in?
Dover AFB is in the city of Dover, Delaware.
2) Is Dover AFB open for tours?
Tours are given Tuesdays through Thursdays. Get more information at Dover AFB Tours.
3) What major cities are near Dover AFB?
Washington, DC; Philadelphia, PA; Baltimore, MD; and Wilmington, DE, are all within a two-hour commute of Dover AFB.
4) What is the zip code for Dover AFB?
The zip code for Dover AFB is 19902. Other nearby zip codes include 19904 and 19934.
5) What is the BAH for Dover AFB?
BAH for Dover AFB ranges from $2,163 for E-1 to $2,946 for E-9 with dependents, and $2,292 for O-1 to $3,084 for O-6 with dependents.
Base Location and Information
A C-5M Super Galaxy taxis to a parking spot after landing at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik.
Dover AFB is located approximately two miles southeast of the city center of Dover, Delaware. About five miles south of Dover AFB is the city of Magnolia. South of Dover are Frederica, Lynch Heights, Milford, and finally Lincoln, DE, located about 20 miles from the base. Approximately five miles west of Dover AFB is the city of Camden, DE. Southwest of Camden is Felton, DE, with its city center approximately 13 miles from Dover AFB.
The largest city near the base is Dover which offers big city conveniences and a short commute to work. Delaware experiences all four seasons, and has easy access to some of America’s major cities along the Eastern Seaboard.
Arrival Lodging
For reservations with children and pet-friendly rooms, contact the lodging office for the latest information.
Dover AFB Lodging contact info:
Phone: 302-677-2840
Email: 436SVSLodgingReservations@dover.af.mil
Dover AFB Housing
Military housing at Dover AFB is privatized and managed by Eagle Heights Hunt Military Community.
Dover AFB housing contact info:
Address: 1069 High Street, Dover DE 19901
Office: (302) 337-4700
Leasing: (877) 851-2616
Check in with the Dover AFB Military Housing Office for housing details: (302) 337-4700, DSN 445-6969
Dover AFB Off-Base Housing
Photo from Canva
Dover AFB is near Dover, the state capital, and Camden, Delaware. The cost of living in Dover is slightly above the national average.
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Dover AFB BAH
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S.-based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
The Dover AFB BAH is close to/above the cost of living in the area. Some sample Dover AFB BAH rates for zip code 19902:
- E-1 with dependents: $2,163
- E-1 without dependents: $1,761
- E-9 with dependents: $2,946
- E-9 without dependents: $2,298
- O-1 with dependents: $2,292
- O-1 without dependents: $2,046
- O-6 with dependents: $3,084
- O-6 without dependents: $2,904
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Area Weather & Climate
Delaware experiences all four seasons. Summers are pleasant with low humidity, and snow is possible in winter. Hurricanes are possible in Delaware, with the hurricane season from June through November. Make plans to be prepared in advance.
Dover AFB Area Schools
Dover AFB school-aged children attending public schools are assigned to the Caesar Rodney School District. Military families have many options for school, whether public, private, or homeschooling.
School district map from Caesar Rodney School District
Dover AFB schooling information and contacts:
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Support for Military and Families
For military spouses looking to further their employment while stationed at Dover AFB, top career fields include government, trade, transportation, education and health services, leisure and hospitality, manufacturing, professional and business services, construction, and finance.
Major employers near Dover AFB:
- Dover AFB
- Bayhealth Medical Center
- Dover Downs
- Delaware State University
- Playtex
- Capital School District
- Kraft Foods
- Bank of America
Volunteer organizations to connect with at Dover AFB:
- USO Delaware
- Read Aloud Delaware
- The Shepherd Place
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware
- Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity
- Volunteer Delaware
- Friends of the Fallen
Higher education near Dover AFB:
- Dover Education and Training Center
- Delaware State University & Wesley College
- Wilmington University
- Delaware College of Art and Design
- University of Delaware
- Goldey-Beacom College
Helpful Links
Things to Do Near Dover AFB
Start your off-base explorations near Dover AFB with these ideas.
- Air Mobility Command Museum: Museum dedicated to airlift and air refueling history.
- First State Heritage Park: Urban park featuring Revolutionary War tours for seasonal programs, craft workshops, and special events highlighting historical times.
- Dover International Speedway: Opened in 1969, it’s the largest concrete-only NASCAR venue. It also hosts the Firefly Music Festival, a top 5 U.S. music festival designation by Rolling Stone Magazine.
- Delaware Seashore State Park: 20 miles of shoreline for fishing or beachcombing, featuring waterfront campground and cottages.
- Killens Pond State Park: Features a waterpark and pondside trail loop with an elevated boardwalk ideal for walkers and bikers. Also enjoy wildlife viewing and camping.
- Wilmington and Western Railroad: Built in the 1860s to serve the water-powered mills along the Red Clay Creek, it’s now a tourist railroad with historic guides providing a great way to see the city.
- The House of Coffi: Local coffee shop in historic Dover with beans roasted on site for the coffee connoisseur and caffeine junkies.
More Area Info
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Base Address:
442 13th St, Dover, DE
Dover AFB
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19902-5263