Washington, US 🇺🇸 Closed Airport
US-11220
-
305 ft
US-DC
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Loading...GPS Code: Not available
Local Code: Not available
Location: 38.977644° N, -77.027915° E
Continent: NA
Type: Closed Airport
Keywords: DC14
The Walter Reed Emergency Heliport (US-11220) is not a public-use facility for general travelers, but rather a medical landing zone located at the Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB), primarily serving the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Therefore, information regarding overall traveler sentiment, terminal facilities, security wait times, customs/immigration, and public transportation connections or parking for travelers is not applicable to this heliport.
The heliport's operations are strictly for medical purposes, specifically for the transport of patients and organs for transplant in support of patient care at the medical center. While exceptions may include official flights for the President, Vice President, and certain pre-approved government officials, it is explicitly stated that it is not a public helipad. Naval Support Activity Bethesda is also not a fully operational heliport and lacks an air traffic control tower.
As such, typical traveler reviews and experiences, as requested, do not exist for this facility.
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| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
H1/ |
50 ft | 50 ft | ASPH | Active |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|
Approximately August 27, 2011
The heliport was closed as a direct result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) commission's decision to shut down the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). The hospital's functions and services were merged with the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, to create the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The closure was part of a strategic military consolidation and realignment, not due to economic, safety, or accident-related reasons.
The site of the former heliport has been completely redeveloped and no longer exists in its original form. The entire former WRAMC campus is being transformed into a large, mixed-use community called 'The Parks at Walter Reed.' The specific location of the heliport is now a large public park and event space known as 'The Great Lawn.' The concrete helipad and all associated military infrastructure have been removed and replaced with grass, walkways, and recreational areas for the new residential and commercial community.
The Walter Reed Emergency Heliport was a vital component of the U.S. military's medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) system for many decades. Its primary and most significant operation was receiving critically wounded service members from global conflicts, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Military helicopters, most notably the UH-60 Black Hawk, would transport patients from Joint Base Andrews directly to the heliport, ensuring they received immediate access to the world-class specialized and long-term care at WRAMC. For countless injured soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, the sound of the helicopter landing at this site signified the end of a long and arduous journey home and the beginning of their recovery. It was an integral part of the hospital's mission as the premier medical facility for the U.S. Army.
There are zero plans or prospects for reopening the heliport. The military medical mission it served has been permanently relocated to the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, which is equipped with its own modern helicopter landing facilities. The original site has been demilitarized, transferred to the District of Columbia, and is undergoing extensive civilian redevelopment that is incompatible with aviation operations.