FBI Phoenix Citizens Academy Alumni Association
Barry M Goldwater Bombing Range
Barry M. Goldwater Range (BMGR) is a bombing range in Arizona, used by the Air Force and the Marine Corp.
The Barry M. Goldwater Complex is a vast training range for U.S. and allied pilots. The range consists of 1.9 million acres of relatively undisturbed Sonoran Desert southwest of Luke Air Force Base between Yuma and Tucson south of Interstate 8. Overhead are 57,000 cubic miles of airspace where pilots practice air-to-air maneuvers and engage simulated battlefield targets on the ground. Roughly the size of Connecticut, the immense size of the complex allows for simultaneous training activities on nine air-to-ground and two air-to-air ranges.
Here are the most recent particulars and directions from range command:
I don’t have all the firm and final details for you yet, but this is what I have so far.
**Please note these could slightly change on Wednesday when I send out the final email.
DATE:October 23, 2026
TIME:10:00AM
UNIT: 357th Fighter Squadron, F-16/F-18
LOCATION: Barry M. Goldwater Range – East
Range 2 (Manned/Numbered Range)
Arrival time can vary but generally it will be about 30 mins prior to the flight – so 9:30 am at Range 2 gate.
Directions can be found attached. After getting to Gila Bend, AZ, head south on State Route 85. For those not familiar it is easy to miss. I pay close attention to mile markers and once I know I’m close I look specifically at the power poles. Range 2 gate is near mile marker 22 on the west side of the highway near the power pole that looks like an arrow (image in attachment). It is different than all the others out there.
***I will send out another email on Wednesday October 21st and it will have all the final information. ***
Range Directions.pdf
TRANSPORTATION:
Please provide your own transportation to and from the bombing range. Car pooling is strongly recommended
Driving Directions: See Range Directions PDF above
WHAT TO SEE AND EXPECT: CLICK
HOW TO ENROLL: When you receive this invite, please sign up as soon as possible, to ensure that you’re included in this once-per-year wonderful opportunity. Watch for follow-up e-mails in the next 2-3 weeks containing detailed instructions and maps.
ENROLLMENT DEADLINE: Enrollment closes on October 21, 2026
This tour has a limit of 40 attendees, and is offered on a first come basis.
Thanks to each and every one of you for supporting our chapter’s events.
FBI Phoenix Citizens Academy Alumni Association
3104 E. Camelback Road, #102
Phoenix, AZ 85016
FBIPCAAA is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI
