Fort Meade is located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland and houses the National Security Agency, Central Security Service, United States Cyber Command, the Defense Information Systems Agency, and the Defense Courier Service.
Its proximity to the DC Metro area allows for close transportation to three major airports – BWI, Reagan National, and Dulles. Fort Meade is located just 20 miles from The United States Naval Academy and a 40-minute drive from Joint Base Andrews.
Quick Facts
| Coordinates | 39° 05' 25.42" N 76° 43' 09.85" W |
|---|---|
| City | Odenton, MD 20755 |
| Phone | 301-677-5590 |
| DSN | 622-5590 |
History
Fort Meade became active as an Army installation in 1917 and was named after General George Meade whose decisive actions at the Battle of Gettysburg likely secured victory for Union forces during the Civil War. The Anne Arundel location was selected due to its proximity to railroads, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.
During World War I, more than 400,000 troops used the grounds for a training site. In 1928, the Fort was nearly renamed Fort Leonard Wood, but Pennsylvania Congressmen, fought hard to keep its name. In 1929, the Fort was permanently named Fort George G. Meade. During World War II, more than 3,500,000 men and women used Fort Meade’s facilities from 1942 through 1946. In 1942, the Third Service Command opened the Special Services Unit Training Center which prepared Wartime entertainers; Glenn Miller being one of its most notable performers.
Fort Meade began processing Army Reserve and National Guard units in 1990 and continues to grow in its public affairs, broadcasting and visual information fields.
Housing
Housing is available through Fort Meade through Corvias, a company created to provide dramatically improved housing for America's service members and their families. Corvias has available housing in the local areas such as Hanover, Arundel Mills, Odenton, Glen Burnie, Washington D.C., Baltimore and more. For more information, please call 301-677-7748.
Banking
Fort Meade offers special banking for its members through the Navy Federal Credit Union.
Family Support Resources
Childcare, Education, Employment, Housing, and Social Services are all closely recognized and supported through Fort Meade which provides comprehensive, coordinated and responsive services that support the readiness of service members.
Things to Do
Odenton, Maryland is filled with multiple natural sites worth exploring including the Patuxent Nature Reserve, Sandy Point State Park, the many historic locations in Annapolis including Maryland's beautiful State House.
Fort Meade is also a short drive from Washington, D.C. which, among other things including the White House and International Spy Museum, holds The National Mall; complete with some of the richest History in the United States.