Dover Air Force Base in Dover, DE
Dover Air Force Base is an active United States Air Force installation near Dover, Delaware. This guide covers base access, directions, housing, schools, childcare, medical care, services, and recreation. It also includes useful phone numbers for visitors and military families.
Base Overview
| Official name | Dover Air Force Base |
|---|---|
| Military branch | United States Air Force |
| Base status | Active |
| Street address | 331 Main Gate Way, Dover, DE 19902 |
| Main phone number | 302-677-3000 (base operator) |
| Visitor Center phone | 302-677-3645 |
| Official website | Dover Air Force Base |
Location and Directions
Dover Air Force Base is about two miles south of Dover on the Delmarva Peninsula. Drivers can use Exit 93 from Delaware Route 1 to reach the Main Gate. Wilmington Airport is about 45 minutes north of the base. Baltimore-Washington International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport are each about two hours away.
| Airport | Approximate drive |
|---|---|
| Wilmington Airport | 45 minutes north |
| Baltimore-Washington International Airport | About two hours |
| Philadelphia International Airport | About two hours |
No military shuttle or mass transit service runs from these airports to the base. Rental cars, shuttles, taxis, and rideshare services may be available.
Visitor Information
The Visitor Control Center is at 331 Main Gateway, Building 331. It is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; it is closed on holidays. Call 302-677-3645, or call 302-677-6664 after hours. Unofficial guests without an authorized access credential, DBIDS pass, or official access-list authorization must go through the center with their sponsor. Dover AFB does not accept DBIDS cards issued by other installations. Confirm current identification and access rules before traveling.
Housing and Lodging
Dover Family Housing has about 980 homes, including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and single-family homes. Military housing newcomers should contact the Housing Management Office at 302-677-6969 before signing an off-base lease or purchase agreement. The office is at 1069 High Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; it is closed on weekends and holidays.
Unaccompanied Airmen quarters are managed by Central Dorm Management at 302-677-2074. Temporary lodging is available at Eagle's Rest Inn at 302-677-2840 or 302-677-2841. Airmen arriving after duty hours should report to Building 800, the lodging office and 24-hour reception point.
Facilities and Services
Base services include a commissary, AAFES Exchange, military clothing store, gas station, convenience stores, post office, legal office, finance office, passenger terminal, USO Delaware, and Airman's Attic. The Military and Family Readiness Center is at 846 Sumner Drive, Building 846. Call 302-677-6930. Its hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Schools and Childcare
| School | Grades |
|---|---|
| Major George S. Welch Elementary School | Kindergarten through grade 5 |
| Dover Air Force Base Middle School | Grades 6-8 |
| Caesar Rodney High School | Grades 9-12 |
The Caesar Rodney School District serves families living in base housing. The School Liaison Program can be reached at 302-677-4622 or 302-943-9461. The Child Development Center at 212 Chad Street offers weekly and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years, subject to availability. Call 302-677-3716. The Youth Center offers school-age care, before- and after-school care, summer camp, youth recreation, and teen programs. Family Child Care offers certified care from infancy through age 12 when available.
Medical Services
| Medical detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Facility | 436th Medical Group |
| Address | 300 Tuskegee Boulevard, Dover Air Force Base, DE 19902 |
| Appointments | 302-730-4633 |
| Appointment hours | Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |
The 436th Medical Group provides healthcare and patient-centered treatment for Dover AFB personnel and TRICARE beneficiaries. Federal holidays, designated family days, and monthly training days may affect operations.
Recreation and Amenities
Recreation options include the Fitness Center, base pool, Eagle Creek Golf Course, Eagle Lanes Bowling Center, Arts and Crafts Center, Auto Hobby Shop, Outdoor Recreation, Aero Club, Air Mobility Command Museum, dining facilities, and clubs.
| Facility | Phone |
|---|---|
| Fitness Center | 302-677-3962 |
| Outdoor Recreation | 302-677-3959 |
| Eagle Creek Golf Course | 302-677-2988 |
| Eagle Lanes Bowling Center | 302-677-3950 |
| Air Mobility Command Museum | 302-677-5938 |
Things to Know
- Dover AFB is near Dover and can be reached from Delaware Route 1 at Exit 93.
- Contact the Visitor Control Center before arrival because access rules can change.
- Contact the Housing Management Office before signing an off-base lease or purchase agreement.
- Childcare availability, eligibility, fees, and hours should be confirmed with the program.
- Dover AFB operates C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main phone number for Dover Air Force Base?
Call the base operator at 302-677-3000.
How do visitors get access to Dover AFB?
Unofficial guests must process through the Visitor Control Center with their sponsor unless they have another authorized access method.
What airport is closest to Dover AFB?
Wilmington Airport is about 45 minutes north of the base.
Which school district serves base housing?
The Caesar Rodney School District serves families living in base housing.
Where can eligible patients make medical appointments?
Call the 436th Medical Group at 302-730-4633.