Key Takeaways
• Tennessee Air National Guard’s 118th Wing relocates to Smyrna Airport, investing $400 million in new facilities and upgrades.
• Air National Guard’s move initiates in 2025, transitioning over four years; Army National Guard units follow over seven years.
• New 91,000-square-foot USPFO warehouse nearly doubles former size, supporting logistics for military operations at Smyrna Airport.
The Tennessee Air National Guard’s 118th Wing is set to move from busy Nashville to a new and familiar home at Smyrna Airport, a project that stands out as one of the biggest the Smyrna community has ever seen. With a record $400 million investment planned, this shift not only restores historical ties but brings long-term changes for the military, local residents, and the airport itself. Below, we break down every important aspect of this move, its timeline, background, and what it means for everyone involved.
What’s Happening: The Big Move
In late April 2025, officials confirmed that the Tennessee National Guard plans to bring its Air National Guard’s 118th Wing, along with Army units, to Smyrna Airport. This isn’t just any move—both groups will be coming back to an area they used to call home. The Smyrna Town Council has shown its support by authorizing Mayor Mary Esther Reed to begin a traffic impact study. This is an important first step to get ready for the extra people and activity expected when the Guard arrives.
Here’s what you need to know about the timing:
– The Tennessee Air National Guard’s 118th Wing will begin leaving Nashville’s Berry Field and move to Smyrna Airport over the next four years.
– The Army National Guard’s units will follow, transitioning to Smyrna over a seven-year period.
Both moves mean big changes for everyone in and around Smyrna and Nashville.
Why Is the Move Happening?
Currently, the 118th Wing, known for its work with cutting-edge drones and cyber operations, sits at Joint Base Berry Field, right next to Nashville International Airport. But as the city and airport grow, space has become tight. Nashville International Airport has a long-term plan for expansion, which requires taking back some land that the Guard uses. Basically, the airport needs more room for its own projects, and the Guard’s continued presence isn’t possible.
A key detail: the Department of Defense clearly spelled out in their official paperwork that the Air National Guard’s hangar lease at Berry Field will expire in 2045 and can’t be renewed. Without a new base lined up, the 118th Wing eventually wouldn’t have a place to work from, making the move critical.
How Will the Transition Unfold?
Early steps to support the Guard’s move have already started. In February 2025, state and local officials gathered at Smyrna Airport for a groundbreaking ceremony for a brand-new warehouse. This building, called the United States Property and Fiscal Office (USPFO) warehouse, will be a big part of daily operations for the Guard. The new warehouse will have 91,000 square feet—almost doubling the size of the old one built back in 1973, which only had 53,000 square feet.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this project is more than just a building—it represents one of the most ambitious investments ever seen in the Smyrna area. Officials say that over the coming years, the total amount spent on construction, upgrades, and other necessities could reach up to $400 million. These improvements will give the Guard all the space and technology it needs to keep doing its work.
A Historic Return
For many in Smyrna, seeing the Tennessee Air National Guard come back is a bit like welcoming family home. The 118th Wing has deep roots in the area. Years ago, Detachment 2 of the 467th Ground Observer Squadron was based in Smyrna, playing a key role in keeping the United States 🇺🇸 safe. Blackhawk helicopters, known for their many uses during disasters and missions, used to be seen around Smyrna Airport before they were moved to Nashville’s Berry Field. Now, with the move back, these helicopters are expected to return, signaling a new chapter and drawing on the area’s strong military traditions.
Who Is the 118th Wing?
The 118th Wing is part of the Tennessee Air National Guard, which means it serves both state and federal needs. This unique group is a leader when it comes to flying and guiding unmanned planes, also known as drones—specifically, the well-known MQ-9 Reaper. These planes help gather information, watch over borders and dangerous areas, and even carry out attack missions if needed. But the 118th Wing does more than flying:
- It focuses on intelligence: collecting and studying information to make crucial decisions.
- It works on reconnaissance: watching and reporting on areas of interest from above.
- It’s also a leader in cyber operations: protecting network systems from attacks.
One standout feature is that the 118th Wing is the only Air National Guard unit that combines drone operations, targeting, intelligence, and cyber defense all under one “roof.” This makes the unit a model for other National Guard wings across the country.
The 118th Wing can trace its history back more than a hundred years. Its key flying group, the 105th Tactical Airlift Squadron, goes back to the 105th Aero Squadron, created on August 27, 1917. From World War I through today, this Rhode Island-born unit has served in many big events and missions, making a name for itself for excellence and service.
To learn more about the 118th Wing’s legacy and current work, readers can visit their official Tennessee Air National Guard webpage.
What Does This Mean for the Community?
With such a large investment and high-profile move, both positive opportunities and challenges are ahead for folks in Smyrna and the broader Rutherford County area. Let’s look at some of the key impacts:
Economic Growth
A $400 million investment is no small thing. The building of new facilities, warehouses, and upgrades at Smyrna Airport will bring construction jobs, contracts for local businesses, and eventually new spending by the hundreds of military staff and their families expected to come to the area. The local housing market could see more demand, shops and restaurants may benefit, and supporting industries (like supplies and maintenance) could see more business.
Traffic and Infrastructure
The Smyrna Town Council’s traffic impact study is a sign that local leaders are thinking ahead. With many new workers, military vehicles, and support staff coming in, roadways and other local systems may feel the pressure. The town will likely need to look at upgrades to streets, traffic signals, and maybe even public transport to make sure things continue to run smoothly. Planning now can help prevent frustrating backlogs or safety concerns once the 118th Wing is fully on site.
Boost for Smyrna Airport
For Smyrna Airport itself, this expansion is a game-changer. The airport has long supported both civilian and military operations, but the arrival of the 118th Wing and its special mission units takes things to a whole new level. The airport’s new facilities will likely include state-of-the-art hangars, secure areas for drone operations, and possibly even new runways or taxiways. This could put Smyrna Airport in the spotlight, drawing more attention from state and federal officials and spurring further investment over time.
Honoring History and Tradition
These changes also help reconnect Smyrna and the Tennessee Air National Guard. Long-time residents can remember the days when the Guard made its home at the edge of town. Bringing back the Blackhawk helicopters and other equipment will remind many people of past service, and ceremonies or open houses could celebrate this shared history.
Looking Ahead: What Will Happen Next?
The move, split between Air and Army units, is planned with care over several years. The Air National Guard’s transition takes place first, spread out over four years, to limit sudden disruptions at any one time. The Army National Guard will follow with a longer seven-year move, letting everyone adjust as the number of troops and operations in the area grows.
Big milestones include:
- Building and opening the new 91,000-square-foot USPFO warehouse to replace the outdated one from the 1970s.
- Improving runways, hangars, and other parts of Smyrna Airport so they can meet modern mission needs.
- Transferring the 118th Wing’s MQ-9 Reaper operations and other drone, intelligence, and cyber divisions.
- Returning the HH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and their crews.
- Welcoming Army National Guard units, each with their specialized jobs, over the next seven years.
All of these steps will be watched carefully by local, state, and Pentagon officials to make sure the move goes smoothly and doesn’t hurt either military readiness or local quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason for the move?
The primary reason is that Nashville International Airport needs to use land currently held by the Guard for its own expansion. In addition, the official lease on the Air National Guard’s hangar runs out in 2045, with no way to renew it.
Will this change hurt airport operations for local residents or travelers?
The move focuses mostly on military operations and doesn’t take away from civilian flights at Nashville International or Smyrna Airport. In the long run, it could ease some stress at Nashville’s busy airport by moving military work elsewhere.
How will this affect day-to-day life in Smyrna?
Residents are likely to see more military vehicles and people around the airport, and perhaps some construction. Local businesses could see more customers, and civic leaders plan to manage traffic growth through careful studies and upgrades.
Will there be job opportunities for locals?
Construction projects and increased airport activity will offer jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers, as well as chances for local businesses to get involved.
Balancing Benefits and Challenges
While the move comes with a long list of benefits—economic growth, honoring history, and boosting airport standing—it also means communities need to plan for growth. Clear communication between the Guard, the airport, local leaders, and residents will be key to making the transition a lasting win for everyone.
This project may also serve as a model for other states handling similar airport and military transitions. As more airports grow and change, the experience of Smyrna Airport and the Tennessee Air National Guard’s 118th Wing could provide valuable lessons for leaders looking to preserve both national security and local well-being.
Where To Find More Information
For more about the structure, mission, and updates surrounding the Air National Guard’s 118th Wing, including details tied to the move, readers can visit the official 118th Wing website. For information on airport projects, state investments, and local government decisions impacting the Smyrna Airport move, the Rutherford County government site is a helpful resource.
By keeping a close eye on these resources, residents, business owners, and interested observers can learn where the project stands, when changes will affect their daily lives, and how they can take part in shaping the area’s future alongside the Tennessee Air National Guard.
Learn Today
118th Wing → A military unit of the Tennessee Air National Guard, specializing in drone, cyber, and intelligence operations with a legacy since 1917.
USPFO warehouse → United States Property and Fiscal Office warehouse; a logistics center supporting military property and financial operations at the new base.
MQ-9 Reaper → An unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) operated by the 118th Wing for surveillance, reconnaissance, and attack missions.
Joint Base Berry Field → The current base adjacent to Nashville International Airport where the 118th Wing is located before relocation.
Traffic Impact Study → A local government analysis to determine how increased activity will affect area roads due to the military’s move.
This Article in a Nutshell
Smyrna Airport will become the new home for the Tennessee Air National Guard’s 118th Wing. The move, backed by $400 million, brings advanced infrastructure, economic growth, and a historic military return. Over the next few years, the community should expect new jobs, upgraded facilities, and increased military presence in Smyrna.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• Tennessee Officers Snatch 100 in Trump Deportation Blitz
• Tennessee bill lets citizens sue charities over aid to undocumented immigrants
• ICE Sweeps Middle Tennessee in Secret Operation
• Tennessee immigrant student bill stalls over federal education funding concerns
• Tennessee pauses challenge to right to education for all children
