Great Falls Air National Guard Base

Great Falls Air National Guard Base is located three miles southwest of Great Falls in Cascade County, Montana. Situated on Gore Hill, the facility was established in November 1928 and was leased by the U.S. War Department during World War II. Designated as Gore Field during its military use, the base served as the home for the 7th Ferrying Group, Air Transport Command, of the U.S. Army Air Forces. During the war, more than 7,500 bombers and fighter aircraft passed through the installation for transit to Europe and the Pacific. The U.S. Army expanded the facility by 740 acres, constructing various buildings and infrastructure. The Department of Defense deeded the property back to the City of Great Falls in June 1948, though the military maintained reversionary rights until 1961.

The base hosts the Montana Air National Guard’s 120th Airlift Wing, known as the "Vigilantes." Operationally-gained by the Air Mobility Command, the unit conducts medium airlift missions. The base also provides support for fixed-wing military aircraft visiting Malmstrom Air Force Base, as the latter's runway is restricted to helicopter operations.

The 120th Airlift Wing operates Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft, having reequipped with the platform in 2014. Previously, the unit was designated the 120th Fighter Wing and flew McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle aircraft. The military installation is part of a broader 2,113-acre airport site.