It’s difficult to overstate the importance of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base to Tucson.
Davis-Monthan Field was dedicated at its current site by Charles Lindbergh in 1927 and it became an Army air base in 1941.
In the decades that have passed, thousands of military personnel have flown missions from and trained at the base to protect our country. They and their families have lived here and many today still call Tucson home.
Davis-Monthan contributed $1.5 billion into metro Tucson in its 2015 fiscal year via its direct payroll, expenditures, wages for indirect jobs created and in pay to military retirees.
This local cash infusion does not account for Davis-Monthan’s impact on Pima County’s $2.2 billion annual tourism industry. We benefit from travel associated with active military, government, and friends and family. Additionally, military reunions, which we at Visit Tucson help book, are a lucrative source of group travel in our region.
These visitors spend money in our restaurants, shops, galleries and local attractions. They rent cars, patronize local events and help our economy.
In speaking with local hoteliers, many cite Davis-Monthan-related group and individual travel as being a vital, ongoing source of business. Tucson’s reputation as a military city and the region’s incredible military and air attractions, including Pima Air & Space Museum, Titan Missile Museum and the Davis-Monthan “Boneyard,” draw visitors from throughout the world.
In 2015, we surveyed potential travelers who contacted us for information about Tucson and Southern Arizona. We found that 29 percent visited aircraft, missile and/or astronomy attractions and facilities.
We also learned that many travelers who intend to return to metro Tucson will visit our aircraft, missile and military sites on future trips.
We at Visit Tucson thank Davis-Monthan Air Force Base’s active and retired personnel for their service to our country and for making Tucson their home. As we reflect with gratitude about the sacrifices made by the men and women in our armed forces, let’s also be thankful for Davis-Monthan Air Force Base’s ongoing impacts to our community. They are part of our family.
