Initially called the Alamogordo Army Air Field and designed as a training command for British Airmen, the U.S. changed the base’s assignment after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec 7, 1941. Construction of the base starting in Feb of 1942 and by May, it had now become the training grounds and launching pad for many young American airmen that would see combat in both the European and Pacific theaters during World War II. After the war ended and tensions with post-war Russia increased, the airfield redefined its mission and became an experimental testing facility for new technology, such as pilotless aircrafts and guided missiles. The U.S. would develop over the last half century. The base’s name changed to Holloman Air Force Base in 1948 in honor of the guided missile research program pioneer, Col. George V. Holloman.

Striving for excellence, Air Force Commands assigned to the base engineered new technologies and executed outstanding achievements over the years. For example, Captain Kittinger’s high altitude jump inside of a balloon broke four world records for highest balloon flight, highest open manned gondola flight, highest bailout, and longest free fall. This jump lasted for thirteen minutes.

In addition, Holloman’s Aero-Medical Laboratory trained the first U.S. chimpanzee, Enos, ever launched into space on board the Mercury-Atlas capsule on November 29, 1961.

Their high caliber of research, testing, and training of personnel rank among the top-leading military bases across the globe. Their mission over the years have been to safeguard against threats that affect our national security and safety.