As the only military installation able to provide basic military training for air force pilots, Lackland played an integral role in the development of the US Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam wars. In addition, the base was an important strategic location during the Cold War, as it was selected by United States Air Defense Command to serve as a permanent radar station designed to keep over than US airspace from 1951 to 1976. Since 2001, Lackland has been used as a runway for flying missions by both the Air Force Reserve Command and the Texas Air National Guard. In recent years, the base has been consolidated into Joint Base San Antonio, along with nearby Fort Sam Houston and Randolph Air Force Base.
In the wake of reduced demand for air force training, many of the housing units originally built for air force recruits have been opened up to the general population, and the area is now home to about 7,000 civilian residents. Visitors to the base’s parade grounds can see a number of vintage decommissioned aircraft, including the famous B-52 Stratofortress, F-4 Phantom II, SR-71 Blackbird, and more. Drawing on its history as an important site for aeronautics education, Lackland also hosts “starbase”, a weeklong summer camp for elementary and middle school students interested in math, science and technology. With so much history to see and explore, Lackland Air Force Base is definitely worth a visit. When it comes time to find a place to stay near Lackland AFB, make sure to choose one of our nearby Choice Hotels to make the most of your trip.