Selfridge Air National Guard Base Airport (MTC)

Selfridge Air National Guard Base (MTC) is one of the most prestigious and historic military aviation facilities in the United States, located in Harrison Township, near Mount Clemens, Michigan. Established in 1917, it is one of the oldest continuously operating military airfields in the country and serves as a premier 'Joint Base,' hosting units from all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. As a high-security military installation, the facility does not possess a conventional commercial passenger terminal; instead, it features a vast complex of specialized hangars, tactical operations centers, and logistics hubs that support national defense and regional emergency response. The airfield infrastructure is world-class, centered around a robust 9,000-foot concrete runway (01/19) capable of accommodating the heaviest transport and fighter aircraft in the global inventory. The base is the permanent home of the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard, which operates a diverse fleet including A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft and KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refuelers. Inside the secure perimeter, the facility provides comprehensive aircraft maintenance, advanced flight simulators, and extensive fuel storage systems essential for maintaining mission readiness. The base also serves as a critical node for the U.S. Coast Guard's Great Lakes search and rescue operations, highlighting its strategic importance to regional maritime safety. Historically, Selfridge has been at the forefront of American aviation history, having been named after Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge, the first person to die in a powered aircraft accident. Today, while closed to the general public for standard travel, the base remains a significant economic and cultural pillar for the Macomb County community. It frequently hosts the Selfridge Open House and Air Show, providing a rare opportunity for civilians to witness the facility's immense scale and modern capabilities. Travelers seeking commercial flights in the region utilize the nearby Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), while MTC remains a dedicated fortress of military aviation excellence.