The Tobyhanna Army Depot is a highly reputable site known for its world-class logistic support for military operations and families. Although it is an Army Depot, it serves all branches of the military. Tobyhanna is involved in several aspects of the equipment manufacturing process, from fabrication and design to engineering and technology. However, the base is not solely made to serve soldiers. Nestled within the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, it sits at a prime spot for family recreation and relaxation. The depot takes its role of building military equipment and morale seriously, and puts effort into meeting the needs of its own residents as well as armed forces worldwide.
Quick Facts
| Coordinates | 41° 11' 07.10" N 75° 27' 10.70" W |
|---|---|
| City | Tobyhanna, PA 18466 |
| Phone | 877-275-8629 |
| DSN | 795-8629 |
History
When the Army arrived at Tobyhanna to create an artillery camp in 1912, it was unprecedented—at the time, these camps were nonexistent in the east. In fact, the Army’s only camp east of the Mississippi River was in Wisconsin, still relatively Midwest. Major Charles P. Summerall chose the site because of its close proximity to railroads, which would become useful in the years to come. Units training at Tobyhanna included the Rhode Island Battery A and militia from Connecticut and DC. Because the first few camps were so successful, Congress authorized the army to purchase land at Tobyhanna for permanent camp in 1913.
Summerall was an esteemed major at Tobyhanna whose efforts are still recognized. He is considered one of the finest artillerymen of his generation and established an atmosphere of both discipline and leisure at the camp. Even in its earliest years the base was very active, as field days often took place on summer holidays to build relations between the army and civilians.
The camp witnessed many changes to name and function, from Camp Summerall, to Camp Tobyhanna, to Tobyhanna Artillery Target Range. Today, the site is not an artillery training center, but instead a manufacturing and logistics site. But despite its numerous transformations, one thing remains the same: commitment, to military and families alike.
Current Mission
The Tobyhanna Army Depot now supports several systems in the Department of Defense, such as:
- Command
- Control
- Communication
- Computers
- Intelligence
- Surveillance
- Reconnaissance (C4ISR)
Tobyhanna serves as an important link between armed forces and allies through its cooperation with CECOM, a Communications-Electronics Command based in Aberdeen, Maryland. CECOM makes significant contributions to the military through its C4ISR readiness program, which manages software, equipment repair, sustainment planning, and supply chain procedures so that armed forces remain prepared for battle.
Active Units at Tobyhanna include:
- Defense Distribution Tobyhanna PA
- S. Army Corps of Engineers
- High Tech Regional Training Site
- Medical Maintenance
Lodging at Tobyhanna Army Depot.
There are many top-rated hotels and resorts to service your temporary stay:
- Best Western Inn at Blakeslee-Pocono: (570) 646-6000
- Comfort Inn & Suites: (570) 839-9282
- Travelodge Mount Pocono: (520) 839-7728
- Mount Airy Casino Resort: (877) 682-4791
- Chestnut Grove Resort: (570) 839-3656
- Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains: (800) 768-9653
- Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark: (855) 515-1283
If you plan on staying longer, you may want to check out housing options by calling (570) 615-7970.
Family
The Tobyhanna Army Depot is extremely family-oriented. For starters, there are several Child Development Centers for children 6wks-6yrs old (570-615-6559/7148), offering before and after-school care as well as full day summer programs. If you have older children, there are several viable schools in the area that belong to Pocono Mountain School District, which has two high schools (9-12), one academy (alternative high school), 2 junior high schools (7-8), two intermediate schools (3-6), and 3 elementary schools (k-6).
Tobyhanna Army Depot MWR
Adding to its focus on military and family is Tobyhanna’s various recreation activities. Tobyhanna has its own indoor/outdoor recreation facilities, offering swimming, tennis, and a gym. The site also possesses a library, commissary (570-615-7709), Post Exchange (570-615-7030), Dry Cleaning Service, Barber Shop, and Valor Federal Credit Union.