March Joint Air Reserve Base

March Joint Air Reserve Base is a United States Air Force Reserve installation located in Riverside County, California, situated between the cities of Riverside, Moreno Valley, and Perris. Established by the U.S. Army Air Service in 1917, the facility opened as Alessandro Flying Training Field in March 1918 and was renamed March Field that same month in honor of Second Lieutenant Peyton C. March, Jr. During the inter-war period, the installation transitioned from a primary flight training site to an operational base for bombardment and pursuit groups. It served as a Strategic Air Command facility for approximately 50 years during the Cold War. Following the 1993 Base Realignment and Closure process, the base was transferred from active-duty status to the Air Force Reserve Command on April 1, 1996.

The installation is operated by the Air Force Reserve Command and hosts the headquarters for the Fourth Air Force. The 452nd Air Mobility Wing serves as the host unit, providing air mobility operations and support for numerous tenant organizations. Stationed units include the 163rd Attack Wing and Detachment 1 of the 144th Fighter Wing of the California Air National Guard. The base also hosts the 912th Air Refueling Squadron, an active-duty associate unit. Other resident organizations include units from the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, and the California Army National Guard.

The facility encompasses 2,075 acres and supports heavy airlift and aerial refueling operations. Aircraft stationed at the base include squadrons of C-17 Globemaster III transports and KC-135R Stratotankers. The 163rd Attack Wing operates the MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial system. Additionally, the installation maintains an alert site utilizing F-16C Fighting Falcons in support of USNORTHCOM and NORAD missions. Infrastructure includes the Air and Marine Operations Center for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the March Inland Port, which facilitates civilian air cargo activities. An intermittent California Department of Forestry air unit also utilizes the facility.