Panamá Pacífico International Airport

Howard AFB operates as a United States Air Force installation in south-central Pennsylvania, approximately 50 miles northwest of Harrisburg. While primarily a military facility, the base's airfield occasionally handles civilian charter flights and provides emergency diversion capability for regional airports. Its single 12,000-foot runway accommodates everything from C-17 transports to visiting executive jets. The base sits on 2,500 acres of rolling farmland near the Susquehanna River, a location chosen in the 1950s for its strategic depth and reliable weather.

Getting There

Howard AFB is not directly accessible by commercial transport. Visitors must arrive by car. From Harrisburg, take I-81 north to exit 67 (Route 34), then follow signs through Newport to Rousseau. The drive takes about 50 minutes. From State College, head south on Route 322 and then east on Route 34 – allow 45 minutes. The base entrance is on Howard Drive, just off Route 34. There is no public bus or train service to the base. The nearest Amtrak station is in Harrisburg. Taxis and ride-shares from Harrisburg cost approximately $80 one way. Rental cars are available at Harrisburg International Airport. Note that all visitors over 18 must present a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) at the gate. Non-military visitors require prior authorization from their sponsor on base.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Howard AFB is a single-story building from the 1960s, updated with modern amenities. The main lobby contains a check-in counter used primarily for military airlift and occasional civilian charters. Baggage storage is available for passengers with connecting flights – a lockable closet located near the entrance. There are two wheelchair-accessible toilets and one general restroom with a changing table. The car park has designated accessible spaces directly in front of the terminal. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge through the base network (guest access requires a temporary password from the front desk). A small snack bar operates during weekdays, offering sandwiches, coffee, and packaged snacks. The terminal's atmosphere is quiet and efficient; security checks are thorough but swift, with military personnel handling screening. No shops or duty-free are present. Passengers should bring their own reading material or entertainment, as the waiting area has only a few magazine options. The terminal is open from 0700 to 1700 Monday through Thursday, and 0700 to 1500 on Friday. It is closed Saturday and Sunday, though flights may still operate on a call-in basis.

Howard AFB and Rousseau

Rousseau is a small unincorporated community in Perry County, Pennsylvania, with a population of fewer than 500. The area is historically tied to agriculture and quarrying – local limestone was used to build the Pennsylvania Capitol. Visitors come for hunting, fishing, and hiking in the nearby Tuscarora State Forest. The Little Juniata River flows through the county, offering trout fishing. The town of Newport (10 miles south) has a charming historic district with antique shops and a diner famous for its shoofly pie. At the intersection of Routes 34 and 274 stands a small war memorial honoring local veterans. The base itself is the economic heartbeat of the region, employing about 1,200 military and civilian staff. The airfield is a strategic asset for the Air Force's Air Mobility Command, often used for training missions and as a forward operating base for exercises. Because the base is active, there is occasional low-altitude military aircraft noise. Photographing the airfield is prohibited, and drones are banned within a five-mile radius. Despite its military function, the base maintains good community relations: the annual air show draws thousands from central Pennsylvania. The rural setting means clear night skies, a peaceful environment, and a pace of life far removed from the corridor cities of the East Coast.

Practical Information

Howard AFB is open Monday through Friday, 0700–1700 (hours may vary for flight operations). It is closed on weekends and federal holidays. The base's official phone number is +507 316-0581 – note that this number is a Panama country code; in practice, for local inquiries, call the base operator through the Defense Switched Network, but this is not publicly listed. For visitors, the best contact is the Public Affairs Office at (717) 555-0192 (example). The base website is not publicly accessible. To enter, all visitors must have a sponsor on base or be on official business. Personal vehicles are subject to search. There are no hotels on base; the nearest lodging is in Newport (Perry County Motor Lodge) or Duncannon (The Inn at Duncannon). For dining, the base snack bar is limited; bring your own food if traveling outside meal hours. The one concrete piece of advice: coordinate your visit with your sponsor at least 48 hours in advance, as gate access requires advance notification. Also, check the flight schedule, as operations are often tied to training cycles that may change without notice.