85 Years of Service – History of the Dover Air Force Base
This presentation will cover the history of the Dover Air Force Base which opened one week after Pearl Harbor. It served as an anti-submarine base, then a training base for fighter planes and a secret test site for aerial rockets.
Nearly closed after World War II, it was revived during the Korean War and eventually became the largest aerial port in the United States. It continues to serve as an air mobility hub for the Air Force as well as the home of the USAF Mortuary. Dover Air Force Base has had a significant impact on Delaware and plays an outsized role in the American defense posture.
When: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 14, 2026; Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Zoom login opens at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Fort Miles – Battery 519 North Gun Room in the Cape Henlopen State Park. Enter from the museum main entrance. Optional Online only access for Members via Zoom is also available.
Cost: Free lecture. Those attending are asked to consider a donation to support Fort Miles.
Zoom Link: Will be emailed to registered Online participants one day before the event.
About the Speaker:
Brig. Gen. Kennard R. Wiggins, Jr., (DE ANG Ret.) is a native of Newark Delaware. A graduate of the University of Delaware, Ken Wiggins also holds a master’s degree from National Defense University in National Resource Strategy. He is a veteran of over 37 years of service to the Delaware Air National Guard and the United States Air Force.
Ken Wiggins served as former curator for the Delaware Military Museum. He is a history advisor to Wilmington University and to the Pencader Heritage Museum and has written several books on local history.
Information: Email events@fortmilesha.org with questions.
FMHA Members get early registration for events at Fort Miles.
Early registration for this event closes October 30, 2026 and Non-members may register after this date.
If you would like to become a member:
The In Person event is full and there is a waitlist. Members should consider the Online option.
Online access is available for Members only. If you plan to log into the online session, you must select the Register button below, then select the Online ticket type.
If you are already registered to attend the event in person, please cancel that registration or send an email to events@fortmilesha.org so others will be able to attend!
