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Grissom Air Reserve Base, located near Peru, Indiana, was originally established as Bunker Hill Air Force Base in 1942 and renamed in 1968 to honor astronaut Virgil 'Gus' Grissom, a native of nearby Mitchell, Indiana. Converted from an active-duty installation to an Air Reserve Base in 1994 as part of the BRAC process, it now hosts the 434th Air Refueling Wing operating KC-135R Stratotankers. The base also operates the Grissom Aeroplex, which supports civilian aviation, military operations, and emergency response training.
🚖 Getting There
The closest major airport with commercial service is Indianapolis International Airport (IND), about 80 miles south, with car rental typically the most practical option for reaching Grissom. The base sits just off US Route 31, making it straightforward to reach by car from
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Grissom Air Reserve Base handle commercial passenger flights?
A: No, Grissom is a military installation and does not offer scheduled commercial airline service. Civilian aviation access is available through the Grissom Aeroplex for general aviation purposes.
Q: What military unit is based at Grissom?
A: The 434th Air Refueling Wing of the U.S. Air Force Reserve is the primary tenant, flying KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft for aerial refueling missions worldwide.
Q: Where is Grissom ARB located relative to major cities?
A: It is situated about 20 miles south of Kokomo and roughly 75 miles north of Indianapolis in north-central Indiana, easily accessed via US Route 31 and State Road 218.
Q: Is public access to the base permitted?
A: Access is restricted to individuals with valid military identification or approved visitor credentials. Civilians interested in base events should contact the public affairs office in advance.
AI-generated content · Generated Jun 29, 2026 · MiniMax-M3