Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex are active U.S. Air Force installations in Montgomery, Alabama. Maxwell is in northwest Montgomery, and Gunter Annex is north of downtown. This guide covers directions, visitor rules, housing, schools, medical care, and services.

Base Overview

Official name Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex
Military branch United States Air Force
Base status Active
Visitor Center phone 334-953-4283
Official website Maxwell Air Force Base official website

Location and Directions

Maxwell is in northwest Montgomery, in central Alabama. From Montgomery airport, take Highway 80 toward I-65 North and downtown, then take the I-65 downtown exit and the Herron Street exit. Turn left at the third traffic light onto Maxwell Boulevard; the gate is about two miles ahead. Gunter Annex is north of downtown and is reached from I-65 North, Northern Boulevard, and Federal Drive.

Visitor Information

Visitors without a Department of Defense-approved credential need a pass, a sponsor connected to the Department of Defense, and a background check. Accepted identification includes a REAL ID-compliant credential, U.S. passport or passport card, TWIC, VHIC, or another accepted combination. Drivers must show vehicle registration and proof of insurance. The Visitor Control Center is next to the Maxwell Boulevard Gate and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; it is closed on weekends and federal holidays. Passes are available after hours at the Maxwell Boulevard Main Gate or Gunter's Congressman Dickenson Gate. Foreign national visitors must submit an Installation Access Request at least three weeks ahead. Confirm current access rules before traveling.

Housing and Lodging

Military family housing at Maxwell is privatized and managed by Maxwell Family Housing, a Hunt Military Community. Off-installation housing is also available. The housing office is at 400 E Maxwell Blvd. and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; it is closed on weekends and holidays.

Service Details Phone
Housing office 400 E Maxwell Blvd.; Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 334-953-5718
334-953-2781
University Inn- Maxwell 450 North LeMay Plaza, Building 682; open 24 hours daily 334-953-2055
PCS lodging Up to 30 days for PCS-in military members and up to seven days for PCS-out members, subject to rules and availability 334-416-2501 after hours

Facilities and Services

Air Force organizations at the installation include Air University, the 42nd Air Base Wing, the 908th Airlift Wing, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, and the Air Force Program Executive Office-Business and Enterprise Systems. The Military and Family Readiness Center offers relocation, deployment, employment, financial, information, referral, and transition support. The Digital Resource Center and Outdoor Recreation also provide library and outdoor activity services.

Schools and Childcare

Maxwell Elementary and Middle School serves Pre-K through eighth grade. It is at 800 Magnolia Blvd., Building 538, and can be reached at 334-223-2900. Students in base housing on Maxwell, including FamCamp, and on Gunter Annex are zoned for this school through eighth grade. Students in grades nine through twelve are generally assigned to Montgomery Public Schools, with assignments differing between Maxwell and Gunter.

Maxwell and Gunter each have a Child Development Center for children from six weeks through five years old, or until kindergarten. The centers are open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Families should request care through MilitaryChildCare.com. Youth programs include before- and after-school care, camps, sports, open recreation, and leadership programs.

Medical Services

The 42nd Medical Group Medical Clinic is at 300 South Twining Street, Building 760, Maxwell AFB. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is closed on weekends and holidays. Call 334-953-3368 for the clinic. Services include family medicine, pediatrics, women's health, immunizations, pharmacy, laboratory work, diagnostic imaging, and TRICARE services. Some services, such as aerospace medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, and health care support, are listed for active-duty members.

For a law-enforcement, medical, or fire emergency on base, call 953-9911 from a cell phone or 911 from a base phone. The 24-hour medical phone is 800-237-3229.

Recreation and Amenities

Installation recreation programs include outdoor recreation, library resources, youth programs, fitness, and community activities. Outdoor Recreation is at 206 W Selfridge Blvd., Building 851, and is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Lake Martin Recreation Area has camping and RV sites, cabins, picnic areas, a playground, a swimming area, fishing, a boat ramp, boat rentals, and boat storage.

Things to Know

  • Maxwell and Gunter are part of one Air Force installation, but Gunter Annex is in a separate location.
  • Traffic is busiest around 7:45 to 8:15 a.m., so allow extra time.
  • May through August are high-volume PCS months. Inbound personnel should coordinate with the Traffic Management Flight ahead of time.
  • A visitor pass does not replace an accepted identification credential.
  • Gate hours, access rules, services, school details, and child-care eligibility can change. Confirm current information before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Maxwell Air Force Base?

Maxwell is in northwest Montgomery, Alabama.

Where is Gunter Annex?

Gunter Annex is north of downtown Montgomery and is accessed through the Congressman Dickenson Boulevard gate.

What phone number can visitors call?

Call the Visitor Control Center at 334-953-4283.

What school serves younger students on base?

Maxwell Elementary and Middle School serves students from Pre-K through eighth grade.

Does the installation have temporary lodging?

Yes. University Inn- Maxwell provides lodging, and lodging is also available at Gunter.