Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

File:Wright Field 1920.JPG

Prehistoric Indian mounds of the Adena culture at Wright-Patterson are along P Street and, at the Wright Brothers Memorial, a hilltop mound group.{{cite web|url=http://www.cast.uark.edu/nadag/projects_database/Bevan17/Bevan17-abs.htm |title=P Street Mound, OH (33GR31)] |website=North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics |publisher=University of Arkansas |access-date=14 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302041228/http://www.cast.uark.edu/nadag/projects_database/Bevan17/Bevan17-abs.htm |archive-date=2 March 2013}}{{cite web|first=W. Eugene |last=Barnett |title=Archeologist stresses need to preserve Adena mounds |date=2 November 2018 |url=https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1680642/archeologist-stresses-need-to-preserve-adena-mounds/ |website=Wright-Patterson AFB |access-date=15 June 2023}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Aircraft operations on land now part of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base began in 1904–1905 when Wilbur and Orville Wright used an {{convert|84|acre|m2|adj=on}} plot of Huffman Prairie{{r|Walker}} for experimental test flights with the Wright Flyer III. Their flight exhibition company and the Wright Company School of Aviation returned 1910–1916 to use the flying field.{{Full citation needed|date=September 2013}}{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}

World War I transfers of land that later became WPAFB include {{convert|2075|acre|km2|adj=on}} (including the Huffman Prairie Flying Field) along the Mad River leased to the Army by the Miami Conservancy District, the adjacent {{convert|40|acre|m2}} purchased by the Army from the District for the Fairfield Aviation General Supply Depot, and a {{convert|254|acre|km2|adj=on}} complex for McCook Field just north of downtown Dayton between Keowee Street and the Great Miami River. In 1918, Wilbur Wright Field agreed to let McCook Field use hangar and shop space as well as its enlisted mechanics to assemble and maintain airplanes and engines under the direction of Chief of Air Service Mason Patrick.Tate, Dr. James P. (1998). The Army and its Air Corps: Army Policy Toward Aviation 1919–1941, Air University Press, p. 18

After World War I, 347 German aircraft were brought to the United States—some were incorporated into the Army Aeronautical Museum{{Cite web |url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/ |title=National Museum of the United States Air Force |publisher=NationalMuseum.af.mil }}{{Verify source|date=September 2013}} (in 1923 the Engineering Division at McCook Field "first collected technical artifacts for preservation"). The training school{{Specify|reason=Is this referring to the "Air School of Application"?|date=September 2013}} at Wilbur Wright Field was discontinued. Wilbur Wright Field and the depot merged after World War I to form the Fairfield Air Depot. The Patterson family formed the Dayton Air Service Committee, Inc which held a campaign that raised $425,000 in two days and purchased {{convert|4520.47|acre|km2}} northeast of Dayton, including Wilbur Wright Field and the Huffman Prairie Flying Field.{{r|Maurer}}

In 1924, the committee presented the deeds to President Calvin Coolidge for the construction of a new aviation engineering center. The entire acreage (including the Fairfield Air Depot) was designated Wright Field,{{Cite web |date=2015 |title=Wright Patterson Air Force Base: The First Century |url=https://www.wpafb.af.mil/Portals/60/documents/Index/History-of-WPAFB.pdf |access-date=17 June 2024 |website=Wright Patterson Air Force Base |page=7 }} which had units such as the Headquarters, 5th Division Air Service (redesignated 5th Division Aviation in 1928),[https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA562278.pdf Article title] and its 88th Observation Squadron and 7th Photo Section.{{r|Maurer}} New facilities were built 1925–27 on the portion of Wright Field west of Huffman Dam to house all of the McCook Field functions being relocated.{{fact|date=October 2024}}

Wright Field was "formally dedicated" on 12 October 1927 when "the Materiel Division moved from McCook Field to the new site"{{r|AAF}}{{rp|352}} At the time of the dedication expenditures of approximately $5 million had been involved in the new facility after 18 months work, with the total amount expected to rise to between $7 and $8 million.Associated Press, "High Government and Aviation Officials Help Dedicate Wright Field - Built World's Premiere Field For $7,000,000 - 4,500 Acre Airport Is Almost On Spot Where Wrights Fashioned First Plane - Work Takes 18 Months - Ceremonies at Dayton Are Attended by Secretary Of War and Others," The San Bernardino Daily Sun, San Bernardino, California, Thursday 13 October 1927, Volume LXI, Number 43, page 2. The ceremonies included the John L. Mitchell Trophy Race (won by Lt. I. A. Woodring of the 1st Pursuit Group—Speed: 158.968 mph){{r|AAF}}{{rp|352}} and Orville Wright raising the flag over the new engineering center.{{Specify|reason=Of what unit? the Engineering Division, Materiel Division, or some other?|date=September 2013}}

On 1 July 1931, the portion of Wright Field east of Huffman Dam (land known today as Areas A and C of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base which included the Fairfield Air Depot and the Huffman Prairie Flying Field) was redesignated "Patterson Field" in honor of Lieutenant Frank Stuart Patterson. Lt. Patterson was the son of Frank J. Patterson, co-founder of National Cash Register.

Shortly before the end of WW1, 1Lt Patterson and observer 2Lt LeRoy Swan, both of the 137th Aero Squadron, were killed at Wright Field in the crash of their de Havilland DH.4 after its wings collapsed during a dive while firing at ground targets with a new synchronized-through–the–propeller machine gun.{{Cite web|url=https://www.daytonhistorybooks.com/page/page/4686341.htm|title=A Close Tie|website=www.daytonhistorybooks.com}} Patterson's grave and memorial arch is at Woodland Cemetery and Aborateum in Dayton, Ohio.

File:US National Park Service marker for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.jpg

The area's World War II Army Air Fields had employment increase from approximately 3,700 in December 1939 to over 50,000 at the war's peak.{{cite web |url=http://www.ascho.wpafb.af.mil/ARMING/ARMING.HTM |title=Arming the Skies Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in World War II |publisher=ASC History Office |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216172907/http://www.ascho.wpafb.af.mil/ARMING/ARMING.HTM |archive-date=16 February 2008 }}{{Verify source|date=September 2013}} Wright Field grew from approximately 30 buildings to a {{convert|2064|acre|km2|adj=on}} facility with some 300 buildings and the Air Corps' first modern paved runways. The original part of the field became saturated with office and laboratory buildings and test facilities. The Hilltop area was acquired from private landowners in 1943–1944 to provide troop housing and services.

The portion of Patterson Field from Huffman Dam through the Brick Quarters (including the command headquarters in Building 10262) at the south end of Patterson Field along Route 4 was administratively reassigned from Patterson Field to Wright Field. To avoid confusing the two areas of Wright Field, the south end of the former Patterson Field portion was designated "Area A", the original Wright Field became "Area B", and the north end of Patterson Field, including the flying field, "Area C."

In February 1940 at Wright Field, the Army Air Corps established the Technical Data Branch (Technical Data Section in July 1941, Technical Data Laboratory in 1942). After Air Corps Ferrying Command was established on 29 May 1941, on 21 June an installation point of the command opened at Patterson Field.{{r|Futrell}}{{rp|144}} The Flight Test Training unit of Air Technical Command was established at Wright Field on 9 September 1944 (moved to Patterson Field in 1946, Edwards AFB on 4 February 1951).

Two densely populated housing and service areas across Highway 444, Wood City and Skyway Park, were geographically separated from the central core of Patterson Field and developed almost self-sufficient community status. (Wood City was acquired in 1924 as part of the original donation of land to the government but was used primarily as just a radio range until World War II. Skyway Park was acquired in 1943.) They supported the vast numbers of recruits who enlisted and were trained at the two fields as well as thousands of civilian laborers, especially single women recruited to work at the depot. Skyway Park was demolished after the war. Wood City was eventually transformed{{When|date=October 2013}} into Kittyhawk Center, the base's modern commercial and recreation center.

In the fall of 1942, the first twelve "Air Force" officers to receive ATI{{Specify|reason=Perhaps there is a source that says "ATI" stands for Air Technical Intelligence?|date=September 2013}} field collection training were assigned to Wright Field for training in the technical aspects of "crash" intelligence (RAF Squadron Leader Colley identified how to obtain information from equipment marking plates and squadron markings.{{Citation needed|date=October 2013}} In July 1944 during the Robot Blitz, Wright Field fired a reconstructed German pulse-jet engine{{cite book |last=Ordway |first=Frederick I III |author-link=Frederick I. Ordway III |author2=Sharpe, Mitchell R |year=1979 |title=The Rocket Team |url=http://www.apogeebooks.com/indices/RocketTeamindex.htm |format=index |series=Apogee Books Space Series 36 |publisher=Thomas Y. Crowell |location=New York |page=174b |isbn=1-894959-00-0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304025247/http://www.apogeebooks.com/indices/RocketTeamindex.htm |archive-date=4 March 2012 }} (an entire V-1 flying bomb was {{sic|"reversed engineered"}} by 8 September at Republic Aviation.){{Cite book |last=Mindling |first=George |year=2009 |title=U.S. Air Force Tactical Missiles |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P5WMDJ0HyP8C&q=republic |isbn=978-0-557-00029-6 |page=27 |publisher=Lulu.com |access-date=12 September 2013}}

The first German and Japanese aircraft arrived in 1943, and captured equipment soon filled six buildings, a large outdoor storage area, and part of a flight-line hangar for Technical Data Lab study (TDL closed its Army Aeronautical Museum). The World War II Operation Lusty returned 86 German aircraft to Wright Field for study, e.g., the Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter, while the post-war Operation Paperclip brought German scientists and technicians to Wright Field, e.g., Ernst R. G. Eckert (most of the scientists eventually went to work in the various Wright Field labs.){{Dubious|reason=Most Paperclip scientists went to Fort Bliss/White Sands.|date=September 2013}}

Project Sign (Project Grudge in 1949, Project Blue Book in March 1952) was WPAFB's T-2 Intelligence investigations of unidentified flying objects (UFO) reports that began in July 1947.{{Citation needed|date=September 2013}} In 1951, the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) began analysis of crashed Soviet aircraft from the Korean war.{{cite web |url=http://www.ascho.wpafb.af.mil/korea/contents.HTM |title=On The Front Line Of R&D Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in the Korean War, 1950–1953 |publisher=ASC History Office |access-date=4 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213145443/http://www.ascho.wpafb.af.mil/korea/contents.htm |archive-date=13 December 2007 }}{{Verify source|date=September 2013}} In March 1952, ATIC established an Aerial Phenomena Group to study reported UFO sightings, including those in Washington, DC, in 1952. By 1969, the Foreign Technology Division (FTD) and its predecessor organizations had studied 12,618 reported sightings: 701 remained unexplained when the Air Force closed its UFO investigations, and a 1968 report concluded that "there seems to be no reason to attribute [the unexplained sightings] to an extraterrestrial source without much more convincing evidence."{{Cite journal |last=Bernstein |first=Burton |date=25 April 1988 |title=AuH2O |journal=The New Yorker ("Profiles" Section) |page=43}}{{Verify source|date=September 2013}}

The FTD sent all of its case files to the USAF Historical Research Center, which transferred them in 1976 to the National Archives and Records Service in Washington, DC, which became the permanent repository of the Project Sign/Grudge/Blue Book records. In a 1988 interview, Senator Barry Goldwater claimed he had asked Gen. Curtis LeMay for access to a secret UFO room at WPAFB and an angry LeMay said, "Not only can't you get into it but don't you ever mention it to me again."

The Army Air Forces Technical Base (Air Force Technical Base before being designated a USAF base) was formed on 15 December 1945, under Brig Gen Joseph T. Morris, during the World War II drawdown by merging Wright Field, Patterson Field, Dayton Army Air Field, and—acquired by Wright Field for 1942 glider testing—Clinton Army Air Field.{{r|Futrell}}{{rp|141}} The Jamestown Radar Annex became a leased installation of the Technical Base in 1946, and the "custodial units at Dayton and Clinton County AAFlds were discontinued in 1946".{{r|Mueller}}

An 8000-foot concrete runway with 1000-foot runoffs at each end was built 1946–1947 in Area C to accommodate very heavy bombers, initially referred to locally as the "B-36 runway". The 1947 All-Altitude Speed Course at Vandalia became a detached installation of the Technical Base. After the USAF was created in September 1947, Morris' base headquarters was redesignated Headquarters, Air Force Technical Base, on 15 December 1947.{{r|Mueller}}

File:Wright-Patterson Air Force Base - 10 Oct 2000.jpg

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was redesignated from the Air Force Technical Base on 13 January 1948{{r|Mueller}}—the former Wright Field Areas A and B remained,{{Citation needed|reason=Does "remain" mean that the designations "Area A" and "Area C" were used before "Air Force Base"?|date=September 2013}} while Patterson Field became "Area C" and Skyway Park became "Area D" of the installation. In 1951, all locally based flying activities were moved to the Area B flight line. The 1948 All-Altitude Speed Course, later the Missile Tracking Annex, at Sulphur Grove, Ohio became a detached installation of Wright-Patt.{{r|Mueller}}

Headquarters, Air Engineering Development Division, was at WPAFB from 1 January 1950 to 14 November 1950, followed by the Air Research and Development Command from 16 November 1950 to 24 June 1951 (began move to Baltimore{{Where|date=September 2013}} on 11 May 1951).{{r|Mueller}} By 1952 the WPAFB headquarters of the Wright Air Development Center (WADC) included a Plans and Operations Department (WOO) and Divisions for Aeronautics (WCN), Flight Test (WCT), Research (WCR), Weapons Components (WCE), Weapons Systems (WCS).{{Cite report |format=memorandum report: serial number WADC-TR-52-43 |date=March 1952 |last=Altman |first=Captain Samuel P |title=Equations of Motion of the F-80 Aileron Boost |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA075871.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913171405/http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA075871 |url-status=live |archive-date=13 September 2013 |publisher=Flight Test Division: All-Weather Section |access-date=12 September 2013 }} On 15 February, WADC medical examinations "for the final selection of the Mercury astronauts were started"Memo, George Low to NASA Administrator, subject: Status Report No. 8, Project Mercury, 4 March 1959. Cited in {{Cite web|title=Project Mercury - A Chronology. Part 2 (A)|url=https://history.nasa.gov/SP-4001/p2a.htm|access-date=2023-03-26|website=history.nasa.gov}} This identifies the Boost Centrifuge Program was conducted at Johnsville, Pennsylvania.) at the Aerospace Medical Laboratory{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/#q=%22Aerospace+Medical+Laboratory%22+mercury|title=Google|website=www.google.com}} (Wright-Patt test pilots Neil Armstrong and Ed White became NASA astronauts.){{cite web | url=http://www.ascho.wpafb.af.mil/birthplace/CHAP6.HTM | archive-url=https://archive.today/20030712183831/http://www.ascho.wpafb.af.mil/birthplace/CHAP6.HTM | url-status=dead | archive-date=12 July 2003 | title=The Evolution of Aeronautical Development at the Aeronautical Systems Center | year=1999 | access-date=18 November 2009}}

From 6 March 1950 to 1 December 1951, Clinton County Air Force Base was assigned as a sub-base of WPAFB,{{r|Mueller}} and from 1950 to 1955, Wright-Patt had two Central Air Defense Force fighter-interceptor squadrons (1 from 1955 to 1960).

File:Wright Field Map 1954.JPG

In 1954, {{convert|465|acre|order=flip}} of land adjacent to the Mad River at the northeast boundary of the base, near the former location of the village of Osborn, were purchased for a Strategic Air Command dispersal site. Area D structures were demolished in 1957 (donated to the state in 1963 for Wright State University). In February 1958 the Wright Field (Area B) runways were closed to all jet traffic (1959 Area C operations included 139,276 takeoffs and landings, Area B had 44,699.) The West Ramp complex was built between August 1958 and July 1960.{{cite web |url=http://www.ascho.wpafb.af.mil/B52/B-52%20Book.pdf |title=Development of the B-52 The Wright Field Story |publisher=ASC History Office |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081001200007/http://www.ascho.wpafb.af.mil/B52/B-52%20Book.pdf |archive-date=1 October 2008 }}{{Verify source|date=September 2013}}

The 4043rd Strategic Wing began KC-135 Stratotanker operations in February 1960 and B-52 Stratofortress operations in June 1960. On 1 July 1963, the wing was re-designated the 17th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) and continued its mission under this unit until 7 July 1975, when the last of its 11 B-52s was transferred to Beale Air Force Base, California. From 1957–1962, WADC's Hurricane Supersonic Research Site in Utah was a detached installation of Wright-Patt.{{r|Mueller}}

The NORAD Manual Air Defense Control Center for 58th Air Division interceptors was at Wright-Patterson AFB by 1958,{{Cite NORAD Historical Summary |version=1958 |access-date=22 April 2013}} and Brookfield Air Force Station near the Pennsylvania state line became operational as an April 1952 – January 1963 sub-base of WPAFB.{{r|Mueller}} The 1954–79 "Wright-Patterson Communications Facility #4" was at Yellow Springs, Ohio (which also had the 1965–77 Celestial Guidance Research Site.){{r|Mueller}}

WPAFB also had an Army Air Defense Command Post for nearby Project Nike surface-to-air missile sites of the Cincinnati-Dayton Defense Area were at Wilmington (CD-27, {{Coord|39|24|03|N|083|52|54|W}}); Felicity (CD-46, {{Coord|38|50|37|N|084|08|33|W}}); Dillsboro (CD-63), and Oxford (CD-78, {{Coord|39|33|30|N|084|47|31|W}}). The AADCP activated in the spring of 1960 and moved to Wilmington—with BIRDIE CCCS—by 1965{{Cite web|url=http://ed-thelen.org/ppl-o.html|title=Nike People|website=ed-thelen.org}} (closed March 1971). [https://web.archive.org/web/20130222055330/http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/WilkinsAirForceStation.aspx Wilkins Air Force Station] was a 1961–8 Air Defense Command station of Wright-Patt, and Gentile Air Force Station (later the Gentile Defense Electronics Supply Center) was assigned to the base on 1 July 1962.{{r|Mueller}}

In December 1975, Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft transferred to the 4950th Test Wing at WPAFB. Following the July 1992 merging of WPAFB labs, the base's Wright Laboratory included a Flight Dynamics Directorate.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TU-jpA7FVOYC&pg=PA387|title=Handbook of Aviation Human Factors|first1=Daniel J.|last1=Garland|first2=John A.|last2=Wise|first3=V. David|last3=Hopkin|date=1 January 1999|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-0-8058-1680-8|page=387}} Superfund sites (39 initial areas) of WPAFB were found to be contaminated with chlorinated volatile organic compounds and benzene compounds (soils and groundwater), and an EPA/USAF Federal Facilities Agreement was signed in 1981 for remediation and continued investigation (the Installation Restoration Program for WPAFB identified 65 areas, including 13 landfills, 12 earth fill disposal zones, 9 fuel or chemical spill sites, 6 coal storage piles, 5 fire-training areas, 4 chemical burial sites, and 2 underground storage tanks).[http://www.epa.gov/R5Super/npl/ohio/OH7571724312.html OH7571724312, NPL Fact Sheet | Region 5 Superfund | US EPA]. Epa.gov. Retrieved on 17 August 2013. In November 1995, the "Dayton Peace Accords" held at WPAFB{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/search?q=Dayton+Agreement#q=%22Dayton+Peace+Accords%22&tbm=nws&tbs=ar:1|title=Dayton Agreement - Google Search|website=www.google.com}} created the "Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina" signed in Paris on 14 December.

Huffman Prairie was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990 and named part of the 1992 Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.{{cite web |url=http://www.ascho.wpafb.af.mil/Foulois/Foulois.HTM |title=The Foulois House Its Place in the History of the Miami Valley and American Aviation |publisher=ASC History Office |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216172912/http://www.ascho.wpafb.af.mil/Foulois/Foulois.HTM |archive-date=16 February 2008 }}{{Verify source|date=September 2013}} The West Ramp facility switched from the 4950th Test Wing to AFRC's 445th Airlift Wing with C-17 Globemaster III transports.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}} The permanent party work force at WPAFB as of 30 September 2005, numbered 5,517 military and 8,102 civilian.{{cite web | url = http://www.afa.org/magazine/may2006/0506bases.pdf| title = Guide to Air Force installations worldwide| publisher = Air Force Magazine 2006 USAF Almanac| access-date = 18 April 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070221041333/http://www.afa.org/magazine/may2006/0506bases.pdf |archive-date = 21 February 2007}}

In 1995, Alija Izetbegović, the President of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Franjo Tuđman, the President of Croatia; and Slobodan Milošević, the President of Serbia, arrived at Wright-Patterson AFB to commence negotiations to end the Bosnian War, an ethnic conflict that by 1995 was between the Bosnia and Herzegovina's Bosniaks and the Croats (who had put aside their differences) on one side versus Bosnia and Herzegovina's Serbs on the other side. American diplomat Richard Holbrooke led the negotiations. Eventually an agreement was made to have Bosnia and Herzegovina have two internal entities, a Bosniak-Croat federation known as the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a Serb territory known as Republika Srpska.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the base sent airmen from the 88th Medical Group to Detroit for two months, where they set up a COVID-19 vaccination site in support of the Federal Emergency Management whole-of-government COVID response.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2543662/wright-patt-airmen-deploy-for-covid-19-effort/ |title=Wright-Patt Airmen deploy for COVID-19 effort| date=19 March 2021 |first1=Darrius|last1=Parker|work=88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs}}{{cite web|url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/wright-patt-airmen-returning-home-after-assisting-with-vaccination-efforts-in-michigan/75IR3JW4MNBE5NG5WWXG66FJHI/ |title=Wright-Patt Airmen deploy for COVID-19 effort| date=18 May 2021 |first1=Micah|last1=Karr|work=Dayton Daily News}} The base sent medical Air Force professionals to New York City after airmen from the 445th Airlift Wing were deployed to aid the city's response.{{cite web|url=https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/business/coronavirus-relief-wright-patt-covid-commandoes-fly-nyc/O3FXOLggWQ86U1r5Q1wALN/ |title=Coronavirus relief: Wright-Patt 'COVID Commandos' fly to NYC| date=8 April 2020 |first1=Thomas|last1=Gnau|work=Springfield News-Sun}}

: Air Materiel Command, 9 March 1946

: Air Force Logistics Command, 1 April 1961

: Air Force Materiel Command, 1 July 1992

In addition to the command headquarters, major units formerly assigned to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base include:

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• Air Materiel Command Technical Intelligence Department, 10 October 1947 – 21 May 1951

: Redesignated: Air Technical Intelligence Center, 21 May 1951 – 1 July 1961

• USAF Technical Intelligence School, 1 May 1953 – 1 July 1961
• 1702d Air Transport Group, 1 October 1948 – 17 July 1950

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• 58th Air Division, 8 September 1955 – 1 February 1959
• 4043d Strategic Wing, 1 April 1959 – 1 February 1963
• 17th Bombardment Wing, 1 July 1963 – 30 September 1975

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Located adjacent to the base proper is the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The oldest and largest military aircraft museum in the world,{{Cite web | url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Home/About-Us/ | title=About Us}} it houses such aircraft as the only XB-70 Valkyrie in existence, an F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter, and the World War II B-17 bomber, Memphis Belle.

File:Global Medic 130726-F-AF679-968.jpg of the 89th Airlift Squadron based at Wright-Patterson AFB.]]

Wright-Patterson AFB is "one of the largest, most diverse, and organizationally complex bases in the Air Force"{{cite web|url=http://www.development.ohio.gov/research/files/B409000000.pdf|title=WPAFB Introduction Information|access-date=6 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803171240/http://www.development.ohio.gov/research/files/B409000000.pdf|archive-date=3 August 2010}} with a long history of flight tests spanning from the Wright Brothers into the Space Age.

It is the headquarters of the Air Force Materiel Command, one of the major commands of the Air Force. "Wright-Patt" (as the base is colloquially called) is also the location of a major USAF Medical Center (hospital), the Air Force Institute of Technology, and the National Museum of the United States Air Force, formerly known as the U.S. Air Force Museum.

The 88th Air Base Wing consists of more than 5,000 officers, enlisted Air Force, civilian and contractor employees responsible for three primary mission areas: operating the installation; deploying expeditionary Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism; and defending the base and its people.

It is also the home base of the 445th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command, an Air Mobility Command-gained unit which flies the C-17 Globemaster heavy airlifter. Wright-Patterson is also the headquarters of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Wright-Patterson is the host of the annual United States Air Force Marathon which occurs the weekend closest to the Air Force's anniversary.

The base conducts neurotechnology research.{{YouTube|id=tgnq9jPIHJ8|title=How To Hack A Human Brain}} published 17 Jan 2020 Vice News at 10:30 of 14:09

Flying and notable non-flying units based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wpafb.af.mil/Units/index1/|title=88th Air Base Wing|website=Wright-Patterson AFB|publisher=US Air Force|access-date=19 November 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.445aw.afrc.af.mil/Portals/117/Documents/Fact%20Sheets/AFR%20Wing%20Fact%20Sheet%20-%20655%20ISRW_April%202019.pdf?ver=2019-04-16-091224-727|title=Wing Fact Sheet 655th ISRW|date=10 April 2019|website=445th Airlift Wing|publisher=US Air Force}}

Units marked GSU are Geographically Separate Units, which although based at Wright-Patterson, are subordinate to a parent unit based at another location.

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Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC)

• Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command
• Air Force Life Cycle Management Center{{cite web|url=https://www.aflcmc.af.mil/Portals/79/Org%20Charts/AFLCMC-Org-Chart-Dec-14-2022-No-Phone.pdf?ver=WxnJfI2Uw9Lr7wscH7-ztg%3d%3d|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218194024/https://www.aflcmc.af.mil/Portals/79/Org%20Charts/AFLCMC-Org-Chart-Dec-14-2022-No-Phone.pdf?ver=WxnJfI2Uw9Lr7wscH7-ztg%3D%3D|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 December 2022|title=AFLCMC Organization Chart|website=aflcmc.af.mil|access-date=29 March 2023}}
• Headquarters Air Force Life Cycle Management Center
• 21st Intelligence Squadron
• 645th Aeronautical Systems Group
• Business & Enterprise Systems Directorate
• Financial Systems Division (GSU)
• Propulsion Directorate
• Propulsion Acquisition Division (GSU)
• Rapid Sustainment Directorate
• Fighters & Advanced Aircraft Directorate
• Advanced Aircraft Division
• Special Programs Division
• F-15 FMS Division
• Bombers Directorate
• Strike Systems Division
• B-2 Spirit Division
• Air Force Security Assistance & Cooperation Directorate
• International Logistics Support Division
• Global Facilities Support Division
• Financial Management & Comptroller Division
• International Division
• Contract Execution Division
• Central Division
• Policy & Programs Division
• Operations Division
• Information Technology Services Division
• Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces Directorate
• RQ-4 Global Hawk & U-2 Dragon Lady Division
• Medium Altitude Unmanned Aerial Systems Division
• Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Sensors & FMS Division
• Special Operations Forces & Personnel Recovery Division
• Helicopter Program Office
• Attack Systems Directorate
• Joint Strike Fighter Directorate
• Mobility & Training Aircraft Directorate
• International Acquisition Programs Division
• T-7 Division
• KC-46 Division
• Agile Combat Support Directorate
• Portfolio Analysis Division
• Foreign Military Sales Division
• Simulators Division
• Human Systems Division
• Presidential & Executive Aircraft Directorate
• VC-25B "Next Air Force One" Division
• Acquisition Excellence Directorate
• Personnel Directorate
• Engineering Directorate
• Judge Advocate Office
• Financial Management Directorate
• Information Protection Directorate
• Logistics Directorate
• Contracting Directorate
• Plans & Programs Directorate
• Small Business Office
• Safety Office
• Program Execution Directorate
• Test & Evaluation Division
• Personnel Execution Directorate
• Technical Engineering Directorate
• Architecture & Integration Directorate
• Financial Management Mission Execution Directorate
• Logistics Services Directorate
• Contract Execution Directorate
• Plans & Programs Execution Directorate
• Center Information Technology Office
• Intelligence Directorate
• 88th Air Base Wing (Host wing)
• Headquarters 88th Air Base Wing
• United States Air Force Marathon Office
• 88th Comptroller Squadron
• 88th Operations Support Squadron
• 88th Medical Group{{Cite web|url=https://wrightpatterson.tricare.mil/About-Us|title=88th Medical Group - Wright-Patterson Air Force Base > About Us|website=wrightpatterson.tricare.mil}}
• 88th Inpatient Operations Squadron
• 88th Dental Squadron
• 88th Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron
• 88th Healthcare Operations Squadron
• 88th Surgical Operations Squadron
• 88th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron
• 88th Medical Support Squadron
• 88th Civil Engineer Group
• 88th Civil Engineer Squadron
• 788th Civil Engineer Squadron
• 88th Mission Support Group
• 88th Communications Squadron
• 88th Force Support Squadron
• 88th Security Forces Squadron
• 88th Logistics Readiness Squadron
• National Museum of the United States Air Force
• Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center
• Detachment 6 (GSU)
• Air Force Installation Contracting Center (GSU){{Cite web |title=AFICC Supported Orgs |url=https://www.afimsc.af.mil/Portals/89/Images/AFICAunitpage/AFICC%20Supported%20Orgs%202022.png?ver=h-hEUp6OfCwL16OH9tMBaw%3d%3d |website=Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center |access-date=8 Aug 2023}}
• Acquisition Support Directorate
• Contingency Contracting Directorate
• Enterprise Solutions Support Directorate
• Personnel & Resources Directorate
• Resource Management Directorate
• Small Business Directorate
• 771st Enterprise Sourcing Squadron
• Air Force Research Laboratory
• Headquarters Air Force Research Laboratory
• 711th Human Performance Wing
• Airman Systems Directorate
• Human Systems Integration Directorate
• US Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine
• Air Force Research Laboratory D'Azzo Research Library
• Air Vehicles Directorate
• Materials and Manufacturing Directorate
• Propulsion Directorate
• Sensors Directorate

Air Education and Training Command (AETC)

• Air University{{cite web|url=https://www.afit.edu/docs/AFIT_organizational_Structure.pdf|title=AFIT organizational structure|website=afit.edu|access-date=29 March 2023}}
• Detachment 1 (GSU)
• Air Force Institute of Technology (GSU)
• Mission Support Directorate
• Communications & Information Directorate
• Financial Management Directorate
• Requirements, Plans & Programs Directorate
• Safety Directorate
• Security Directorate
• Judge Advocate
• The Civil Engineer School
• Civilian Institution Programs
• The Graduate School of Engineering & Management
• The School of Strategic Force Studies
• The School of Systems & Logistics
• Air Force Recruiting Service{{Cite web|url=https://www.recruiting.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/714513/338th-recruiting-squadron/https://www.recruiting.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/714513/338th-recruiting-squadron/|title=338th Recruiting Squadron|website=Air Force Recruiting Service}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• 360th Recruiting Group
• 338th Recruiting Squadron (GSU)

Air Mobility Command (AMC)

• 375th Air Mobility Wing
• 375th Operations Group
• Detachment 4 (GSU){{Cite web|url=https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/834080/detachment-standardizes-aeromedical-qualification-training-for-total-force/https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/834080/detachment-standardizes-aeromedical-qualification-training-for-total-force/|title=Detachment standardizes aeromedical qualification training for Total Force|website=Wright-Patterson AFB}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

{{Col-break}}

Air Combat Command (ACC)

• Sixteenth Air Force
• 688th Cyberspace Wing
• 690th Cyberspace Operations Group
• 83rd Network Operations Squadron
• Detachment 3 (GSU){{Cite web|url=https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/399714/data-center-consolidation-reaches-major-milestone/https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/399714/data-center-consolidation-reaches-major-milestone/|title=Data center consolidation reaches major milestone|website=Wright-Patterson AFB}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• First Air Force
• Headquarters Civil Air Patrol-United States Air Force (HQ CAP-USAF)
• Great Lakes Region Liaison Office (GSU){{Cite web|url=https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1125084/flexible-reserve-opportunities-supporting-air-force-auxiliary/https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1125084/flexible-reserve-opportunities-supporting-air-force-auxiliary/|title=Flexible reserve opportunities supporting Air Force auxiliary|website=Air Force Reserve Command}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Air Force District of Washington (AFDW)

• US Air Force Bands
• The United States Air Force Band of Flight{{Cite web|url=https://www.music.af.mil/Bands/The-United-States-Air-Force-Band/|title=Bands|website=www.music.af.mil}}

Air Force Field Operating Agency (FOA)

• National Air and Space Intelligence Center{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasic.af.mil/About-Us/|title=About Us|website=www.nasic.af.mil}}
• Directorate of Communications and Information
• Directorate of Personnel
• Directorate of Facilities and Logistics
• Directorate of Plans and Operations
• Air and Cyberspace Intelligence Group
• Aircraft Analysis Squadron {{Cite web|url=https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432259/aircraft-analysis-squadron-afisra/http://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432259/aircraft-analysis-squadron-afisra/|title=Aircraft Analysis Squadron (AFISRA)|website=Air Force Historical Research Agency}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Operational Requirements Squadron {{Cite web|url=https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1428490/operational-requirements-sq-nasic/http://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1428490/operational-requirements-sq-nasic/|title=Operational Requirements Sq (NASIC)|website=Air Force Historical Research Agency}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Information Warfare Analysis Squadron{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3143101/information-warfare-analysis-squadron-activates-under-new-commander/https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3143101/information-warfare-analysis-squadron-activates-under-new-commander/|title=Information Warfare Analysis Squadron activates under new commander|website=National Air and Space Intelligence Center}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Integrated Command, Control, Communications, Computers Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Analysis Squadron{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1314864/nasic-forms-new-unit-during-re-designation-ceremony/https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1314864/nasic-forms-new-unit-during-re-designation-ceremony/|title=NASIC forms new unit during re-designation ceremony|website=National Air and Space Intelligence Center}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Geospatial and Signatures Intelligence Group
• Persistent Infrared Analysis Squadron{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3084345/gsp-receives-new-commander/https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3084345/gsp-receives-new-commander/|title=GSP receives new commander|website=National Air and Space Intelligence Center}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Measurements and Signatures Intelligence Analysis Squadron{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3130088/leadership-changes-hands-for-the-measurements-and-signatures-intelligence-analy/https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3130088/leadership-changes-hands-for-the-measurements-and-signatures-intelligence-analy/|title=Leadership Changes Hands for the Measurements and Signatures Intelligence Analysis Squadron|website=National Air and Space Intelligence Center}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Geospatial Intelligence Analysis Squadron{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3130084/leadership-changes-hands-for-the-geospatial-intelligence-analysis-squadron/https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3130084/leadership-changes-hands-for-the-geospatial-intelligence-analysis-squadron/|title=Leadership Changes Hands for the Geospatial Intelligence Analysis Squadron|website=National Air and Space Intelligence Center}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Global Exploitation Intelligence Group
• Regional Threats Analysis Squadron{{cite web|url=https://usafunithistory.com/PDF/F-S/REGIONAL%20THREATS%20ANALYSIS%20SQ.pdf|title=Regional Threats Analysis Squadron|website=usafunithistory.com|access-date=29 March 2023}}
• Future Threats Analysis Squadron {{Cite web|url=https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432372/future-threats-analysis-squadron-afisra/http://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432372/future-threats-analysis-squadron-afisra/|title=Future Threats Analysis Squadron (AFISRA)|website=Air Force Historical Research Agency}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Foreign Materiel Exploitation Squadron{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3073708/leadership-changes-hands-for-the-foreign-materiel-exploitation-squadron/https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3073708/leadership-changes-hands-for-the-foreign-materiel-exploitation-squadron/|title=Leadership changes hands for the Foreign Materiel Exploitation Squadron|website=National Air and Space Intelligence Center}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Global Activities Squadron{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3139221/global-activities-squadron-welcomes-new-commander/https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3139221/global-activities-squadron-welcomes-new-commander/|title=Global Activities Squadron welcomes new Commander|website=National Air and Space Intelligence Center}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Signals Analysis Squadron{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3139259/signals-analysis-squadron-receives-new-commander/https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3139259/signals-analysis-squadron-receives-new-commander/|title=Signals Analysis Squadron receives new commander|website=National Air and Space Intelligence Center}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Space, Missiles and Forces Intelligence Group
• Ballistic Missile Analysis Squadron
• Special Analysis Squadron
• Air Force Office of Special Investigations{{cite web|url=https://www.osi.af.mil/Portals/29/AFOSI%20Unit%20Locations%20Directory.pdf?ver=2019-10-07-122714-533|title=Unit Locations|website=osi.af.mil|date=October 2019|access-date=29 March 2023}}
• 1st Field Investigations Region (GSU)
• Headquarters 1st Field Investigations Region
• Headquarters Operating Location Alpha
• 10th Field Investigations Squadron
• Procurement Fraud
• Detachment 4 (GSU)
• Special Projects
• Headquarters Operating Location Charlie (GSU)
• Detachment 2 (GSU)
• Air Force Legal Operations Agency
• Air Force Claims Service Center (GSU){{Cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/127492/air-force-claims-service-center-opens/https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/127492/air-force-claims-service-center-opens/|title=Air Force Claims Service Center opens|website=Air Force}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Air Force Audit Agency{{Cite web|url=https://www.afaa.af.mil/Employment/Career/|title=Working at AFAA|website=www.afaa.af.mil}}
• Acquisition, Logistics, and Financial Management Directorate (GSU)
• Field Activities Directorate
• Operating Location Wright-Patterson (GSU)
• Air Force Manpower Analysis Agency
• Operating Location Wright-Patterson (GSU){{Cite web|url=https://www.afmaa.af.mil/Organization/AFMAA-Units/|title=Air Force Manpower Analysis Agency > Organization > AFMAA Units|website=www.afmaa.af.mil}}
• Air Force Personnel Center
• Operating Location Wright-Patterson (GSU){{Cite web|url=https://www.afpc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/422563/afpc-stands-up-operating-location-at-wright-patterson/https://www.afpc.af.mil/News/Article/422563/afpc-stands-up-operating-location-at-wright-patterson/|title=AFPC stands up operating location at Wright-Patterson|website=Air Force's Personnel Center}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Air Reserve Personnel Center
• Headquarters Individual Reservist Readiness Integration Organization (HQ RIO)
• Detachment 4
• Operating Location Wright-Patterson (GSU){{Cite web|url=https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/About/HQ-RIO/|title=Headquarters RIO > About > HQ RIO|website=www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil}}

Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC)

• Fourth Air Force
• 445th Airlift Wing{{Cite web|url=https://www.445aw.afrc.af.mil/Units/|title=Units|website=www.445aw.afrc.af.mil}}
• Headquarters 445th Airlift Wing
• 445th Aeromedical Staging Squadron
• 445th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
• 445th Operations Group
• 89th Airlift Squadron – C-17A Globemaster III
• 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron
• 445th Operations Support Squadron
• 445th Maintenance Group
• 445th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
• 445th Maintenance Squadron
• 445th Mission Support Group
• 87th Aerial Port Squadron
• 445th Civil Engineer Squadron
• 445th Communications Element
• 445th Force Support Squadron
• 445th Logistics Readiness Squadron
• 445th Military Personnel Flight
• 445th Security Forces Squadron
• Tenth Air Force
• 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing
• Headquarters 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing
• 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group
• 14th Intelligence Squadron
• 64th Intelligence Squadron
• 71st Intelligence Squadron

Civil Air Patrol (CAP)

• Great Lakes Region
• Ohio Wing
• Group 7 (GSU)
• Headquarters Group 7{{Cite web|url=https://ohwg.cap.gov/about/ohio-wing-units|title=Ohio Wing Units|website=ohwg.cap.gov}}
• Wright Patterson Composite Squadron

Space Operations Command (SpOC)

• Space Delta 7{{Cite web|url=https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2344291/73rd-isrs-activates-becomes-part-of-us-space-force/https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2344291/73rd-isrs-activates-becomes-part-of-us-space-force/|title=73rd ISRS activates, becomes part of U.S. Space Force|website=Wright-Patterson AFB}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/3398601/wright-patterson-afb-to-host-76th-isr-squadron/|title=Wright-Patterson AFB to host 76th ISR Squadron|website=US Space Force}}
• 73rd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (GSU)
• 76th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (GSU)
• National Space Intelligence Center{{Cite web|url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/3065435/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spoc.spaceforce.mil%2FAbout-Us%2FFact-Sheets%2FDisplay%2FArticle%2F3065435%2Fspace-delta-18|title=Space Delta 18|website=Space Operations Command (SpOC)}}
• 1st Space Analysis Squadron
• 2nd Space Analysis Squadron

United States Army Reserve (USAR)

• Military Intelligence Readiness Command
• National Intelligence Support Group
• 2100th Military Intelligence Group (GSU){{Cite web|url=https://www.usar.army.mil/Commands/Functional/MIRC/MIRC-Units/|title=U.S. Army Reserve > Commands > Functional > MIRC > MIRC Units|website=www.usar.army.mil}}

Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES)

• Force Headquarters Group
• 4th Law Enforcement Battalion
• Military Police Company Charlie (GSU){{Cite web|url=https://www.marforres.marines.mil/Units/Force-Headquarters-Group/4th-Law-Enforcement-Battalion/Military-Police-Company-C-4th-Law-Enf-Bn/|title=Military Police Company C, 4th Law Enf. Bn.|website=www.marforres.marines.mil}}

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED)

• Naval Medical Research Center
• Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton (GSU)

Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU)

• Defense Institute of Security Cooperation Studies

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

• Defense Automated Addressing System{{Cite web|url=https://www.dla.mil/About-DLA/|title=About the Defense Logistics Agency|website=www.dla.mil}}

{{Col-end}}

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base includes Area A (former Patterson Field and Wood City area) and Area B (former Wright Field). The USGS Geographic Names Information System separately designates the military installation, the airport, and the census-designated place (CDP). The CDP area, entirely in Greene County, primarily in Bath Township and extending south into Beavercreek Township, is {{Convert|25.9|sqkm|order=flip}}, with {{convert|0.2|sqkm|order=flip|1}} of it (0.80%) being water. The southwest end of the base, now the National Museum of the United States Air Force, is within the city of Riverside in Montgomery County.

In 2010, Wright-Patt had a total of 27,406 military, civilian and contract employees. As of the census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=31 January 2008|title=U.S. Census website}} of 2000, there were 6,656 people, 1,754 households, and 1,704 families residing on the base. The population density was 219.8/km² (569.2/sq mi). There were 2,096 housing units at an average density of 69.2/km² (179.2/sq mi). The racial makeup of the base was 76.11% White, 15.25% Black or African American, 0.45% Native American, 2.30% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 2.09% from other races, and 3.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.45% of the population.

There were 1,754 households, out of which 78.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 89.0% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 2.8% were non-families. 2.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.60 and the average family size was 3.64.

On the base the population was spread out, with 42.5% under the age of 18, 11.6% from 18 to 24, 41.5% from 25 to 44, 4.2% from 45 to 64, and 0.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 23 years. For every 100 females there were 105.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.1 males.

The median income for a household on the base was $43,342, and the median income for a family was $43,092. Males had a median income of $30,888 versus $21,044 for females. The per capita income for the base was $15,341. About 1.6% of families and 1.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.4% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

As of 30 September 2005, Wright-Patterson had base housing amounting to 2,012 single-family units, 300 units for unaccompanied enlisted personnel, and 455 visitor or temporary living units.

In May 2016, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency ordered a drinking water well on the base to be shut down because of water contamination with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a persistent chemical used in firefighting foam.{{cite web | url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/local-military/wright-patterson-to-determine-whether-to-shut-down/nrRtf/ | title=Wright-Patterson yet to decide if it will shut down contaminated wells on base | publisher=Cox Media Group. | work=Dayton Daily News | date=20 May 2016 | access-date=25 May 2016 | author=Barrie Barber}} April 2016 water samples from two wells showed 110 parts per trillion of PFOS, which is above the new EPA lifetime threshold of 70 parts per trillion. In June 2016, the EPA asked the base commander to speedily clean up the wells to prevent the contaminants from reaching more wells on base and Dayton's seven drinking water wells at Huffman Dam.{{cite web | url=http://www.mydaytondailynews.com/news/news/local-military/epa-asks-wright-patterson-to-speed-up-clean-up-of-/nrZZR/ | title=EPA asks Wright-Patterson to speed up clean up of drinking water wells| publisher=Cox Media Group. | work=Dayton Daily News | date=3 June 2016 | access-date=6 June 2016 | author=Barrie Barber}} Base officials stated in June 2020 that the on-base ground water tests confirmed that current PFOS contamination is below EPA required levels,{{Cite web|url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/cleaning-forever-chemicals-drinking-water-not-easy-task/2L1JtBG8xZ820UNHz6HUlL/|title = Cleaning up 'forever' chemicals in drinking water not easy task}} a claim the City of Dayton disputes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/wright-patt-responds-to-dayton-water-contamination-allegation/7QP5WED6AZHMNM7SGUTIW4LWTE/|title = Wright-Patt disputes city's claim that it's threatening community's drinking water}}

Hangar 18 in Area B is purported to be the repository of a crashed UFO from Roswell, New Mexico and UFO research in general.{{Cite web|url=https://www.history.com/news/hangar-18-ufos-aliens-wright-patterson|title = Does Hangar 18, Legendary Alien Warehouse, Exist?}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/ufos-wright-patt-local-man-said-went-quest-find-the-truth/NiY0aQFG90vYH6PnHcKxjN/|title = UFOs at Wright Patt? Local man said he went on quest to find the truth}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1579776/5-little-known-facts-about-wright-patt/|title = 5 Little Known Facts about Wright- Patt}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.military.com/off-duty/2020/12/18/6-urban-legends-about-wright-patterson-air-force-base.html|title = 6 Urban Legends About Wright-Patterson Air Force Base|date = 18 December 2020}}

Thrash metal band Megadeth released the song "Hangar 18" on their 1990 album Rust in Peace.

The base was featured in the young adult book series The 5th Wave and the 2016 film of the same name as the base of operations for "The Others".

The base appears as the third level of the 1998 game Twisted Metal 3 which houses a large spacecraft that can be accessed.

• Marcus Freeman, football player and coach, born on the base
• Steve Hertz, baseball player and coach, born on the base

{{Reflist |refs=

{{cite book |last=Arnold |first=Henry H.--Foreword |author-link=Henry H. Arnold |date=June 1944 |edition=AAF Organizations Special |orig-date=May 1944 |title=AAF: The Official Guide to the Army Air Forces |location=New York |publisher=Pocket Books }}

{{Cite report |last=Futrell |first=Robert F. |publisher=Air Historical Office |date=July 1947 |title=Development of AAF Base Facilities in the United States: 1939–1945 |volume=ARS-69: US Air Force Historical Study No 69 (Copy No. 2) |url=http://www.afhra.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-090601-058.pdf |access-date=26 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908061635/http://www.afhra.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-090601-058.pdf |archive-date=8 September 2012 }}

{{Cite report |author=Maurer, Maurer |title=Aviation in the US Army, 1919–1939 |isbn=0-912799-38-2 }}

{{Cite report |last=Mueller |first=Robert |year=1989 |chapter=Wright-Patterson Air Force Base |title=Air Force Bases |chapter-url=https://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001330255/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-026.pdf |volume=I: Active Air Force Bases Within the United States of America on 17 September 1982 |publisher=Office of Air Force History |isbn=0-912799-53-6 |pages=597–610 |access-date=15 August 2013 |quote=Maj Curry was commander of the Engineering Div (later, Materiel Div) at McCook Fld and made the move to Wright Fld in 1927. … On 15 Dec 1945, Wright Fld, Patterson Fld, Dayton AAFld, OH, and Clinton AAFld, OH, were organized into the Army Air Forces Technical Base and commanded by Brig Gen Joseph T. Morris. This organization was redesignated HQ Air Force Technical Base, Dayton, OH, on 9 December 1947. The custodial units at Dayton and Clinton County AAFlds were discontinued in 1946. Wright and Patterson Flds were redesignated Wright-Patterson AFB commanded by Brig Gen Morris on 13 January 1948. … Brookfield GF Site (RF-62E), Brookfield, OH, Apr 1952 (opl)-Jan 1963 (tsfrd to Niagara Falls AF Msl Site, NY … )}}

{{cite book |last1=Walker |first1=Lois F |last2=Wickam |first2=Shelby Z |year=1986 |title=From Huffman Prairie to the Moon: A History of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base | publisher= Office of History, 2750th Air Base Wing, WPAFB| isbn= 0-16-002204-5 }}
Parts [http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part01.pdf 1], {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606035406/http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part01.pdf |date=6 June 2011 }} [http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part02.pdf 2], {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606035427/http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part02.pdf |date=6 June 2011 }} [http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part03.pdf 3], {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606035502/http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part03.pdf |date=6 June 2011 }} [http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part04.pdf 4], {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006072238/http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part04.pdf |date=6 October 2011 }} [http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part05.pdf 5], {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606035554/http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part05.pdf |date=6 June 2011 }} [http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part06.pdf 6], {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220132202/http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part06.pdf |date=20 February 2016 }} [http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part07.pdf 7], {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606035704/http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part07.pdf |date=6 June 2011 }} [http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part08.pdf 8], {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606035813/http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part08.pdf |date=6 June 2011 }} [http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part09.pdf 9], {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606035908/http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part09.pdf |date=6 June 2011 }} [http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part10.pdf 10], {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606035940/http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part10.pdf |date=6 June 2011 }} [http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part11.pdf 11], {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606040009/http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part11.pdf |date=6 June 2011 }} & [http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part12.pdf 12.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606040049/http://contrails.iit.edu/history/Huffman/H-part12.pdf |date=6 June 2011 }}

}}

{{commons category|Wright-Patterson Air Force Base}}

{{external media

| width = 10em

| title = Maps by Year

| image1 = [http://www.loc.gov/resource/hhh.oh1649.sheet/?sp=3 1944]

| image2 = [https://www.37trw.af.mil/Portals/57/Images/37th%20History%20Office/USAF%20Installations%20Master%20Plans/AMC/Wright-PattersonAFB%20Plan.PDF 1952]

| image3 = [http://medicine.wright.edu/sites/medicine.wright.edu/files/page/attachments/WPAFB_Maps_0.pdf 2007]

| image4 = [http://web.archive.org/web/20110423020701/http://www.wpafb.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-070524-046.pdf 2010]

}}

• [http://aflcmc.afacquisitioncareers.com/ Logistics Management Careers]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100613050614/http://www.ascho.wpafb.af.mil/REMARKABLE/REMARKABLE.HTM Wright Field Heritage (Archived)]
• [http://contrails.iit.edu/ Contrails (former WADC collection)]
• {{FAA-diagram|00108}}
• {{FAA-procedures|FFO}}

{{US-airport-mil|FFO}}

• Historic American Engineering Record documentation, filed under Dayton, Montgomery County, OH:
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79 |id=oh1649 |title=Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Area B |photos=7 |dwgs=4 |data=51 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-A |id=oh1650 |title=Area B, Building 27, Vertical Wind Tunnel |photos=14 |dwgs=4 |data=6 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-B |id=oh1651 |title=Area B, Building 19, Five-Foot Wind Tunnel |photos=16 |dwgs=4 |data=7 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-C |id=oh1652 |title=Area B, Building 20A, Propeller Test Complex |photos=16 |dwgs=3 |data=4 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-D |id=oh1653 |title=Area B, Building 12, Technical Data Building |photos=15 |dwgs=4 |data=6 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-E |id=oh1654 |title=Area B, Building 31, Aircraft Assembly Hangar |photos=15 |dwgs=4 |data=6 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-F |id=oh1655 |title=Area B, Building 65, Static Structural Test Laboratory |photos=9 |dwgs=3 |data=4 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-G |id=oh1656 |title=Area B, Building 1/9, Flight Test Hangars |photos=3 |dwgs=2 |data=3 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-H |id=oh1657 |title=Area B, Building 4, Modification Hangar & Flight Research Lab |photos=6 |dwgs=2 |data=4 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-J |id=oh1659 |title=Area B, Building 20, Propeller Laboratory |photos=8 |data=3 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-K |id=oh1660 |title=Area B, Building 32, Original Wright Field Shops |photos=7 |data=3 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-L |id=oh1661 |title=Area B, Building 5, Engineering Shops |photos=2 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-M |id=oh1662 |title=Area B, Building 6, Signal Corps Special Forces Hangar |photos=4 |dwgs=1 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-N |id=oh1663 |title=Area B, Building 7, Engineering Shops Office |photos=1 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-O |id=oh1664 |title=Area B, Building 8, Operations & Flight Test Building |photos=9 |dwgs=2 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-P |id=oh1665 |title=Area B, Building 11, Administration Building No. 1 |photos=4 |dwgs=2 |data=3 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-Q |id=oh1666 |title=Area B, Building 16, Wright Field Laboratory |photos=4 |dwgs=1 |data=4|cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-R |id=oh1667 |title=Area B, Building 21, Old Armament Building |photos=1 |data=3 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-S |id=oh1668 |title=Area B, Building 22, Armament Laboratory & Gun Range |photos=10 |dwgs=3 |data=5 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-T |id=oh1669 |title=Area B, Building 22B, 200-Yard Gun Range Structure |photos=9 |data=3 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-U |id=oh1670 |title=Area B, Building 23, Static Test Laboratory No. 1 |photos=9 |dwgs=2 |data=4 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-V |id=oh1671 |title=Area B, Building 38, Maintenance Building No. 3 |photos=2 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-W |id=oh1672 |title=Area B, Building 51, Foundry-Garage |photos=11 |data=4 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-X |id=oh1673 |title=Area B, Building 55, Centrifuge Building |photos=1 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-Y |id=oh1674 |title=Area B, Building 56, Wright Field Warehouse |photos=2 |data=3 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-Z |id=oh1675 |title=Area B, Building 81/82, Main Gate, Guard House & Passenger Station |photos=7 |dwgs=2 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AA |id=oh1676 |title=Area B, Building 821, Radar Test Building |photos=7 |data=3 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AB |id=oh1677 |title=Area B, Building 17, Aircraft Radio Laboratory |photos=1 |data=3 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AC |id=oh1678 |title=Area B, Building 28, Aircraft Radio Laboratory |photos=2 |data=3 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AD |id=oh1679 |title=Area B, Building 39, Maintenance Building No. 1 |photos=1 |data=3 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AE |id=oh1680 |title=Area B, Building 36, Maintenance Building No. 2 |photos=1 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AF |id=oh1681 |title=Area B, Building 57, Air Force Supply Warehouse |photos=1 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AG |id=oh1682 |title=Area B, Building 59, Dynamometer Storage Building |photos=2 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AH |id=oh1683 |title=Area B, Building 66, Central Heating Plant |photos=4 |dwgs=3 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AI |id=oh1684 |title=Area B, Building 67, Emergency Power Plant |photos=2 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AJ |id=oh1685 |title=Area B, Building 76, Wright Field Firehouse |photos=1 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AK |id=oh1686 |title=Area B, Building 86, Main Pump House |photos=1 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AL |id=oh1687 |title=Area B, Building 14, Materiel Command Administration Building No. 1 |photos=2 |dwgs=3 |data=3 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AM |id=oh1688 |title=Area B, Building 15, Materiel Command Administration Building No. 2 |photos=3 |data=3 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AN |id=oh1689 |title=Area B, Building 18, Power Plant Laboratory Complex |photos=9 |data=4 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AP |id=oh1691 |title=Area B, Buildings 25 & 24, 10-foot & 20-foot Wind Tunnel Complex |photos=31 |dwgs=3 |data=11 |cap=2 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AQ |id=oh1692 |title=Area B, Building 29, Aero Medical Laboratory |photos=2 |data=4 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AR |id=oh1693 |title=Area B, Building 61, Torque Stands Oil Storage Building |photos=1 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AS |id=oh1694 |title=Area B, Building 61A, Torque Stand Fuel Pumping Facility |photos=1 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AT |id=oh1695 |title=Area B, Building 62, Ordnance Storage No. 1 |photos=1 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AU |id=oh1696 |title=Area B, Building 63, Ordnance Storage No. 2 |photos=1 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AV |id=oh1697 |title=Area B, Building 64, Aircraft Parts Warehouse |photos=1 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AW |id=oh1698 |title=Area B, Building 70, Fuel & Oil Test Laboratory |photos=1 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AX |id=oh1699 |title=Area B, Building 71, Power Plant Engine Test Torque Stands |photos=6 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AY |id=oh1700 |title=Area B, Building 71A, Propulsion Research Laboratory |photos=9 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-AZ |id=oh1701 |title=Area B, Building 71B, Power Plant Laboratory |photos=2 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-BA |id=oh1702 |title=Area B, Building 71D, Propulsion Laboratory, Fuels & Lubricants |photos=1 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-BB |id=oh1703 |title=Area B, Building 30, Audio-Visual Laboratory |photos=2 |data=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-BC |id=oh1704 |title=Area B, Building 26, Supersonic Test Laboratory |photos=1 |data=5 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-79-BD |id=oh1705 |title=Area B, Building 250, Rotor Test Tower |photos=3 |data=3 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-103 |id=oh1757 |title=Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Brick Officers' Quarters, Area A |photos=14 |dwgs=1 |data=51 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-103-A |id=oh1758 |title=Brick Officers' Quarters, Type A, Area A |photos=8 |dwgs=1 |cap=1 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-103-B |id=oh1759 |title=Brick Officers' Quarters, Type B |photos=14 |dwgs=3 |cap=2 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-103-C |id=oh1760 |title=Brick Officers' Quarters, Types C & D, Area A |photos=17 |dwgs=2 |cap=2 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-103-D |id=oh1761 |title=Brick Officers' Quarters, Types E & F, Area A |photos=19 |dwgs=2 |cap=2 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-103-E |id=oh1762 |title=Brick Officers' Quarters, Types G & H, Area A |photos=16 |dwgs=2 |cap=2 |link=no}}
• {{HAER |survey=OH-103-F |id=oh1763 |title=Brick Officers' Quarters, Officers' Club, Area A |photos=10 |dwgs=3 |cap=1 |link=no}}

{{US Air Force navbox}}

{{United States Space Force}}

{{USAF Material Command}}

{{Wright aircraft}}

{{Greene County, Ohio}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Historic American Engineering Record in Ohio

Category:Installations of the United States Air Force in Ohio

Category:1948 establishments in Ohio

Category:Military airbases established in 1948

Category:Research installations of the United States Air Force

Category:Military Superfund sites

Category:Census-designated places in Greene County, Ohio

Category:Installations of Strategic Air Command

Category:Superfund sites in Ohio

Category:UFO culture in the United States

Category:Military in Ohio