MacDill Air Force Base

Tampa, United States

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KMCF

ICAO

14 ft

Elevation

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Strategic U.S. Air Force base on Tampa Bay peninsula.

Opened

1941

Location

Tampa, United States

MacDill Air Force Base is a major U.S. military installation located on a peninsula at the southern tip of Tampa, Florida, bordering Tampa Bay and Old Tampa Bay. It serves as the host installation for United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) and United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), making it one of the most strategically significant military bases in the country. The base is home to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, which operates KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft. Although it holds the IATA code MCF, MacDill does not serve commercial passenger traffic and is restricted to military and authorized government operations.

Getting to & from

MacDill AFB is accessible via Dale Mabry Highway through its main gate, with no dedicated public transit service to the base.

Notable facts

›Hosts U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) and U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) headquarters.
›Home to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, operating KC-135 and KC-46 tanker aircraft.
›The base occupies a peninsula bounded by Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Bay.
›Named after Colonel Leslie MacDill, a U.S. Army Air Corps officer killed in a 1938 aircraft accident.
›Served as a B-29 Superfortress training base during World War II.

Official website Wikipedia

This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

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City & Place Guide

Sun, Gulf breezes, craft beer, and Latin soul await.

Tampa sits on Florida's Gulf Coast, blending a rich Cuban-American heritage in Ybor City with a modern waterfront skyline and thriving arts scene. The city has transformed from a cigar-manufacturing hub into a vibrant destination with world-class museums, a buzzing restaurant scene, and easy access to some of Florida's best beaches.

Visitors can explore the wild beauty of the Hillsborough River, catch a Lightning hockey game, or wander the boutiques and galleries of Hyde Park Village. With warm weather most of the year and a friendly, laid-back vibe, Tampa rewards both quick getaways and longer stays.

•The Florida Aquarium — impressive marine life exhibits steps from the cruise terminal.
•Ybor City Historic District — atmospheric brick streets with Cuban heritage and nightlife.
•Busch Gardens Tampa Bay — thrilling roller coasters plus a genuine African wildlife experience.
•Tampa Museum of Art — striking waterfront building with rotating modern and classical exhibits.
•Hyde Park Village — charming upscale neighborhood perfect for shopping and dining.
•Hillsborough River State Park — kayaking, hiking, and wildlife just north of the city.

Getting around: Tampa's HART bus network covers most of the city, and the free Downtowner electric shuttle serves downtown neighborhoods. The TECO Line Streetcar connects downtown to Ybor City and is a fun, affordable option. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available and recommended for reaching Busch Gardens or the beaches. Renting a car gives the most flexibility, especially for day trips to St. Pete or Clearwater Beach.

Best time: November through April offers the most comfortable weather, with low humidity, sunny skies, and temperatures in the 70s°F.

Local food: Don't leave without trying a Tampa-style Cuban sandwich, a plate of Columbia Restaurant's 1905 Salad, fresh Gulf grouper, and a craft beer from Cigar City Brewing.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.