TL;DR: Dover Air Force Base is Delaware’s only major active-duty installation and home to the DoD’s largest aerial port and only CONUS port mortuary. This 2026 guide covers everything PCSing families need — BAH rates, housing, schools, medical, and what life is really like in the First State.
If your PCS orders say Delaware, you’re headed to Dover Air Force Base — and you’re in for a genuinely underrated assignment. Specifically, Dover sits in the heart of the Delmarva Peninsula, sandwiched between Philadelphia and Washington D.C. Delaware’s famous beaches are less than an hour away. Furthermore, the base is smaller and more intimate than major metro installations, the cost of living is manageable, and the mid-Atlantic location means weekend trips to some incredible East Coast cities.
Here’s everything you need to know before you move.
Start building your PCS plan now: Free PCS Plan Tool →
Military installations in Delaware
Delaware is a small state with a focused military footprint:
| Installation | Location | Branch | Primary Mission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover Air Force Base | Dover, DE | Air Force | Global airlift, aerial port, mortuary affairs |
| USCG Station Indian River | Rehoboth Beach area, DE | Coast Guard | Maritime safety & security |
| USCG Marine Safety Detachment Lewes | Lewes, DE | Coast Guard | Maritime safety compliance |
Nearly all active-duty PCS moves to Delaware go to Dover AFB. The Coast Guard stations are smaller operational units and are not major PCS destinations.
Dover Air Force Base: fast facts
- Location: 2 miles south of Dover, Delaware (state capital)
- Address: Dover Air Force Base, DE 19902
- Official Website: dover.af.mil
- Host Unit: 436th Airlift Wing (“Eagle Wing”) — Air Mobility Command
- Reserve Partner: 512th Airlift Wing (“Liberty Wing”)
- Aircraft: C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III
- Notable: DoD’s largest and busiest aerial port; only CONUS Port Mortuary (dignified return of fallen service members)
- Population: ~10,000+ military members, civilians, and family members
- Lodging (TLF/TDY): Eagle’s Rest Inn — (302) 677-2841 (24/7)
Dover AFB has a mission that carries significant weight. Specifically, the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs handles the dignified transfer of fallen service members from overseas. As a result, many Airmen assigned here feel a deep sense of purpose and honor in that mission.
2026 BAH rates at Dover AFB
The national average BAH increase for 2026 was 4.2%. Furthermore, Dover’s local market has seen steady rental growth, and BAH reflects that. An E-5 with dependents near Dover receives approximately $2,097/month — one of the higher BAH rates for an inland duty station in the mid-Atlantic.
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-4 | ~$1,890/mo | ~$1,701/mo |
| E-5 | ~$2,097/mo | ~$1,890/mo |
| E-6 | ~$2,214/mo | ~$1,980/mo |
| O-3 | ~$2,493/mo | ~$2,178/mo |
| O-4 | ~$2,700/mo | ~$2,349/mo |
Use the DoD BAH Calculator with ZIP code 19901 for exact current rates. Additionally, see our full 2026 BAH guide for tips on maximizing your housing allowance.
⚠️ Real talk on housing inventory: The Dover rental market is tight. Consequently, listings move fast and there’s frequently a shortage of rentals. Start your housing search as early as possible — ideally 60–90 days before your report date.
Housing at Dover AFB
On-base family housing (Hunt Military Communities)
On-base housing is managed by Hunt Military Communities in the Eagle Heights community. Specifically, there are three neighborhoods with covered patios/porches, walking/biking paths (nearly 20,000 feet), a regulation soccer field, a pool with beach entry, and a community center.
- Housing Management Office: 1069 High Street, Building 1069, Dover AFB
- Visit the Housing office BEFORE signing any lease or purchase agreement
- Referral form required from a housing counselor before signing with Dover AFB Properties LLC
- Schools on base are part of the Caesar Rodney School District — ranked 2nd best in Delaware
TLF / lodging (Eagle’s Rest Inn)
- Phone: (302) 677-2841 or (302) 677-2840 (24/7)
- Ask specifically about pet-friendly rooms when booking — limited availability
- If on-base lodging is full, you’ll receive a Certificate of Non-Availability for off-base reimbursement
Off-base neighborhoods
Dover and surrounding areas like Magnolia, Frederica, and Smyrna offer affordable off-base options. For example, the median home sale price in Dover is around $268,000 (~$161/sq ft) — well below the national median. As a result, Dover is a smart market for VA loan buyers.
Thinking about buying? Delaware is one of the more affordable mid-Atlantic markets for a VA purchase. Check our VA Home Loan guide →
In-processing at Dover AFB
- Check in with your gaining unit upon arrival for in-processing procedures
- Hand-carry: Orders, DITY checklist (if applicable), medical/dental records, and sponsor contact info
- Military & Family Readiness Center: (302) 677-6930 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- School Liaison Office: (302) 677-4622
Not sure what documents to bring? Our PCS Binder & Checklist has you covered.
Schools near Dover AFB
Caesar Rodney School District (on & near base)
The schools serving Dover AFB are part of the Caesar Rodney School District, rated the 2nd best school district in Delaware. This is a genuine selling point for this assignment.
Kent County public schools
- Multiple public schools serving military families in the Dover area
- AP courses and career/technical education programs are available at the high school level
- Contact the School Liaison Office at (302) 677-4622 for enrollment guidance
Higher education options
- Delaware State University — in Dover, HBCU with strong community ties
- Wesley College (now part of Delaware State University)
- University of Delaware — ~45 miles north in Newark
Visit dodea.edu for DoDEA resources and the Delaware Department of Education website for school ratings.
Medical care at Dover AFB
Dover AFB has a full-service medical center providing routine appointments, emergency services, and specialty care.
- Main Medical Appointment Line: Contact your gaining unit or the base operator at (302) 677-2141 for medical clinic hours and appointments
- TRICARE: Visit tricare.mil for region-specific enrollment and providers
- Additionally, financial advising and spouse career support are available through the Military & Family Readiness Center
Space-A travel from Dover AFB
This is one of Dover’s best-kept secrets for military families. Specifically, multiple Space-A flights operate through Dover regularly, making it one of the better Space-A hubs on the East Coast. Therefore, if OCONUS travel is on your bucket list, Dover is a great launching point.
Life around Dover AFB: what to expect
The local community
Dover itself is Delaware’s capital and second-largest city, with a population of about 37,000. It’s a small city with a friendly vibe — not a major metro, but everything you need day-to-day is close. Overall, the base community is tight-knit and welcoming.
Location: Dover’s biggest advantage
Dover’s mid-Atlantic position puts you within easy reach of some great destinations:
- Delaware beaches (Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany) — 30–60 minutes away
- Philadelphia — ~75 miles north
- Washington D.C. — ~90 miles southwest
- Baltimore — ~75 miles northwest
- Atlantic City, NJ — ~75 miles northeast
Events and food worth knowing
Two NASCAR races at Dover Motor Speedway and the massive Firefly Music Festival draw tens of thousands of visitors each year. If you love live events, Dover delivers. Additionally, don’t leave without trying the “Bobbie” sandwich from Capriotti’s — slow-roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mayo. It’s been voted the greatest sandwich in America and there are two Dover locations. Similarly, Delaware steamed blue crabs are a must — find a local to show you how to properly pick them.
Real talk: things to know before you arrive
Dover is a smaller assignment, so off-base dining and entertainment options are more limited than at larger metro bases. However, most families take advantage of the proximity to bigger cities for weekend activities. Furthermore, traffic in Delaware — especially near Wilmington and I-95 — can be genuinely brutal during peak hours. Consequently, factor commute times into your housing decisions.
MWR amenities at Dover AFB
- Bowling alley (Eagle Lanes) with café, climbing playground, and party area
- Movie theater
- Pool
- 18-hole golf course
- Tackle shop
- Arts and crafts center
- Airman’s Attic
- USO in the Passenger Terminal
- Air Mobility Command Museum (great for visiting family)
- Tim Hortons in the Exchange
PCS resources for Delaware
- Start Your Free PCS Plan
- VA Home Loan Guide — Dover is a buyer-friendly market
- 2026 BAH Rates Guide
- DITY / PPM Move Guide
- Full PCS Toolkit
- 2026 Military Pay Charts
- PCS Tax Write-Offs Guide
Frequently asked questions: military bases in Delaware
What military bases are in Delaware?
Delaware’s primary active-duty installation is Dover Air Force Base. The state also has two smaller Coast Guard stations: USCG Station Indian River near Rehoboth Beach and USCG Marine Safety Detachment Lewes. Overall, nearly all active-duty PCS moves go to Dover AFB.
What is Dover AFB known for?
Dover AFB operates the DoD’s largest and busiest aerial port, flying C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. Additionally, it’s home to the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations — the only CONUS Port Mortuary — which handles the dignified transfer of fallen service members from overseas.
What is the BAH at Dover AFB in 2026?
An E-5 with dependents near Dover AFB receives approximately $2,097/month in BAH for 2026. However, rates vary by pay grade and dependent status. Use the DoD BAH Calculator with ZIP code 19901 for your exact rate.
What units are at Dover AFB?
Dover is home to the 436th Airlift Wing (“Eagle Wing”) and the 512th Airlift Wing (“Liberty Wing,” Air Force Reserve). Together, they’re known as “Team Dover.” Furthermore, the base hosts Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO) and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES).
Is Dover AFB a good assignment for families?
Most families appreciate Dover’s manageable size, tight-knit community, and excellent Caesar Rodney school district. Moreover, the incredible mid-Atlantic location — with beaches, Philadelphia, D.C., and Baltimore all within 90 miles — makes weekends genuinely fun. The trade-off is a smaller local town with fewer off-base dining and entertainment options.
Where should I live near Dover AFB?
Dover itself is closest to base. Smyrna (north of Dover) is popular for its suburban feel and strong school options. Magnolia and Frederica, on the other hand, offer a more rural setting. Families willing to commute north can access more amenities in the Wilmington/Newark corridor — however, factor in I-95 traffic before committing.
How do I get on-base housing at Dover AFB?
Contact Hunt Military Communities and visit the Housing Management Office at Building 1069, 1069 High Street on base. Specifically, you must get a referral form from a housing counselor before signing any lease. Contact the Military & Family Readiness Center at (302) 677-6930 for initial guidance.
What school district serves Dover AFB?
On and near-base families are served by the Caesar Rodney School District, which is ranked 2nd best in Delaware. Additionally, contact the School Liaison Office at (302) 677-4622 for enrollment help.
Can I use Space-A flights from Dover AFB?
Yes — Dover AFB is one of the better Space-A hubs on the East Coast, with multiple OCONUS flights regularly departing. Therefore, check the Dover AFB passenger terminal for current flight schedules and Space-A availability.
Is Delaware a good state for military families?
Delaware offers no state income tax on military pay and a relatively affordable housing market compared to nearby states. Furthermore, the Caesar Rodney school district is one of the state’s best, and the beaches are a genuine quality-of-life bonus. Overall, the location between two major metro areas makes it a strong assignment for families.
Key takeaways
- Dover AFB is Delaware’s only major active-duty installation — all Air Force, home to C-5M and C-17 aircraft and the DoD’s busiest aerial port.
- 2026 BAH at Dover is approximately $2,097/month for an E-5 with dependents — one of the stronger rates in the mid-Atlantic region.
- Housing inventory is tight — start your search 60–90 days early and contact Hunt Military Communities as soon as orders are in hand.
- The Caesar Rodney School District serving base families is ranked 2nd best in Delaware — a real win for families with school-age kids.
- Dover’s location is genuinely excellent: beaches in under an hour, Philadelphia and D.C. both within 90 miles.
- Dover is a strong VA loan market — median home price ~$268K and well below national average. See if buying makes sense →
- Don’t overlook Space-A travel — Dover is one of the best East Coast Space-A hubs.
