Since San Antonio's founding as a presidio more than two centuries ago, the military has been an integral part of the city. Most military installations require a visitor's pass, which usually may be obtained at the gate. For security reasons, some areas are restricted.
Brooks Air Force Base - Founded in 1918 and scene of history's first mass parachute drop. Headquarters of Aerospace Medical Division with USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, first institution of its kind in the world, and USAF Occupational and Environmental Health Laboratory, and the USAF Human Resources Laboratory.
Hangar 9/Edward H. White II Memorial Museum is Air Force's oldest wooden hangar and is its sole remaining hangar from World War I construction inventory. Named for the first man to walk in space an native San Antonian. Museum covers history of Brooks, the development of manned flight and evolution of aerospace medicine. Open Mon. through Fri. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed weekends and holidays. Group tours available Mon. through Fri. Call 210-536-3234 for reservations.
Fort Sam Houston - Established 1876, has witnessed evolution of military from infantry and cavalry to airborne and motorized forces. Dominated by famous watchtower, historic quadrangle that once detained Geronimo and his renegade Apaches now confines only tame deer and peacocks. Fort Sam headquarters both the U.S. Fifth Center. Museum
Fort Sam Houston Medical Museum - More than 200 years of U.S. Army medicine is displayed in the Army Medical Department Museum, moved in 1989 to San Antonio from Washington where it was founded in 1862. From the small staff in the Continental Army to today's technology, the museum captures the spirit of the doctors, nurses, and medics who per formed selflessly in wartime. Open Wed. - Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bldg. 1046 at Harry Wurzbach and Stanley Roads.
Kelly Air Force Base - Young aviator named Charles Lindbergh trained here, as did Billy Mitchell and "Hap" Arnold. Both the Air Logistics Center and the Air Force Electronic Security Command are headquartered at Kelly, nation's oldest military airfield.
Lackland Air Force Base - History and Traditions Classroom, the small air museum at Lackland, is open free to the public daily. Collections include aircraft equipment dating from World War I to current jet engines and aircraft displays. "Gateway to the Air Force" aptly describes Lackland, where many airmen first train.
Randolph Air Force Base - Official Air Force Records Center, also provides pilot training. The base's famous landmark, dubbed the "Taj Mahal," has become a symbol of professional flight training to thousands of Air Force pilots.
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