Davison Army Airfield

Did the roar of helicopters once echo across this very spot? Here at Davison Army Airfield, the air crackles with stories of presidential flights and military missions. Davison Army Airfield, nestled within Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia, has been a vital hub for the U.S. Army since 1952. This airfield isn’t just a place for takeoffs and landings. It’s a piece of presidential history. From 1957 to 1976, Davison Army Airfield served as the launchpad for Army One, carrying Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford. Imagine the whir of the presidential helicopter blades as these leaders embarked on their journeys. The responsibility for presidential helicopter support shifted to the U.S. Marine Corps in 1976. However, Davison Army Airfield remains a crucial location for military operations. Today, the 12th Aviation Battalion, a part of The Army Aviation Brigade, calls Davison AAF home. Their fleet of UH-60 Blackhawks, including the distinguished “Gold Tops” (VH-60 models), provides critical transport for senior Army and Pentagon leadership. The airfield also plays a role in training exercises, hosting the Civil Air Patrol National Capitol Wing and their Cessna aircraft. Even more, Davison Army Airfield boasts a single asphalt runway, designated 14/32, stretching an impressive 5,618 feet long and 74 feet wide. This airfield has witnessed its share of dramatic events, including a mid-air collision involving a training helicopter in 2025. Davison Army Airfield continues to serve as a vital link in the chain of national defense and a testament to the enduring legacy of military aviation.