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Air Force, MASS-TF sign MOU to evaluate strategic real estate opportunities

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  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. (AFNS) --  

The Department of the Air Force and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force signed a memorandum of understanding to explore mutually beneficial opportunities at Hanscom Air Force Base, March 5. 

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration to pursue a strategic real estate and mission support partnership. 

“For the Department of the Air Force, this initiative is about more than just infrastructure; it's about enhancing mission resiliency and building regional economic opportunities, that align with ensuring our Department of the Air Force can carry out our Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s vision of Fly, Fight and Win,” said Robert E. Moriarty, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations. 

Hanscom AFB was selected in June 2025 as a pilot location for the Air Force’s enterprise-level Strategic Real Estate Opportunity program. 

The initiative, led by the deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations in coordination with Air Force Materiel Command and other stakeholders, will examine the ideal operational footprint for Hanscom AFB and explore opportunities to reduce recurring costs for the Air Force and unlock economic development opportunities for the Commonwealth. 

“Together with the Air Force, Commonwealth agencies have been working collaboratively to support and enhance the mission at Hanscom AFB through SREO and existing partnerships,” said Adam Freudberg, MASS-TF executive director and the governor and lieutenant governor’s liaison to military installations. “This new study will help all involved better use available facilities and land while leveraging the innovation, technology and talent at Hanscom AFB. We look forward to advancing shared goals, including aligned economic growth and support for base missions and services.” 

The joint effort seeks to identify aligned opportunities that strengthen the regional economy and innovation ecosystem to redevelop land that may advance regional economic growth, workforce development and technological innovation for the commonwealth and municipalities.

A working group, comprised of representatives from the DAF, Hanscom AFB tenant organizations and MASS-TF representatives from numerous state government agencies, developed potential courses of action for future study. 

“As the state’s development finance agency and land bank, MassDevelopment recognizes the importance of our state’s military bases and has experience partnering with defense, state, and community leaders to support installation goals and maximize their economic impact,” said Navjeet Bal, MassDevelopment president and chief executive officer. 

These options were assessed for feasibility, risk and potential benefit, with a focus on reducing costs while enabling responsible development and redevelopment opportunities. 

In January, the working group briefed its findings to a senior leader oversight group comprised of ranking members from offices of the Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Air Force Materiel Command, the 66th Air Base Group, MASS-TF, MassDevelopment, Massport, Massachusetts National Guard, and MIT-Lincoln Laboratory. This governance body approved further assessment of SREO by bringing the effort to a new phase with a formal study. 

Under the MOU, the parties will pursue a joint economic market analysis to evaluate feasibility, risks, benefits and requirements associated with mutually agreed-upon options. 

Furthermore, the study will include a baseline valuation of real estate, assessment of economic and operational feasibility, utilities evaluation, recommendations for best land use and analysis of total force and community needs. 

The agreement outlines several shared objectives, including optimizing the use of installation property, maintaining critical utilities and accreditation of secure areas, preserving and enhancing existing mission sets, and sustaining support for military families, New England’s Guard and Reserve members, veterans and retirees. This includes the Air Force’s goal to keep critical missions in place at installations participating in the enterprise-level SREO program. 

Land associated with privatized military housing, Department of Defense Education Activity schools and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory will not be considered. 

The MOU does not provide for the exchange of funds or manpower although the joint economic market analysis will be jointly funded by the Department of the Air Force and the commonwealth. 

If senior leaders determine a path forward exists following completion of the study, the parties may enter deeper negotiations in partnership with others to execute a formal strategic real estate agreement for Hanscom AFB.