How our base supply centers are all unique and critical
Did you know that IBVI operates 15 Base Supply Stores (BSCs) in 9 different states? These “one-stop shops” are conveniently located on military bases and in federal buildings across the country to serve military personnel and federal employees.
What makes them even more impactful is how they further our mission to grow employment opportunities for workers with vision conditions. When government personnel purchase SKILCRAFT® and other AbilityOne® products at their local BSC, they help provide meaningful employment for people that are blind or have other disabilities.
This month, we asked a few of our BSCs to share fun facts about their locations, highlighting what makes each store unique, including the amazing employees who bring them all to life.
Hanscom Air Force Base, BSC
Bedford, Massachusetts
- Hanscom is the only BSC with a chandelier and fireplace.
- Prior to becoming our BSC store location, the building had a history of hosting politicians and dignitaries. They would sit around the fireplace smoking cigars and drinking whisky while solving world problems.
- A private runway kept their travel undetected, ensuring complete privacy.
Boston BSC
Boston, Massachusetts
- The building was previously owned by the U.S. Navy, and was the command center for the Naval Base across the street. The Base was decommissioned in 1974.
- The Boston Navy Yard is home to the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship. It launched in 1797 as the frigate “D.” It was one of six ships built that year.
- Still docked at the yard, the USS Constitution sails a few times annually.
- Our building’s basement still contains old cell blocks once used to hold sailors, typically for being drunk and disorderly.
- The building is now home to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station), the processing center for all military recruits.
Fort Detrick, BSC
Frederick, Maryland
- Fort Detrick is predominantly a Medical Research Campus.
- The BSC customer base has extremely eclectic ordering requirements from pickleball equipment to precision medical instruments.
- Our store has served Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia for more than 15 years.
Malmstrom Air Force Base, BSC
Great Falls, Montana
- Our BSC store has served the AFB for 26 years.
- Malmstrom is one of three bases that operates, maintains, and secures the Minuteman III ICBM.
- The AFB comprises the 341st Missile Wing, with approximately 4,000 people—including more than 3,300 active-duty Airmen and 600 civilians.
Vandenberg Air Force Base, BSC
Lompoc, California
- Vandenberg was built in 1941 as Camp Cooke Army base to train infantry and armored forces.
- After the war in 1953, it became home to a Maximum-Security military prison, which has three Federal prisons (low-to high-security) just outside the base.
- On November 4, 1958 it became Vandenberg Air Force base.
- In 1972, Vandenberg AFB was selected as the West Coast space shuttle site.
- On May 14, 2021 it officially became Vandenberg Space Force Base and has both Space Force (Guardians) and US Air Force (Airmen) stationed.
- Space X also launches their satellites for polar orbit alongside U.S. military launches.
Beale Air Force Base, BSC
Marysville, California
- Beale AFB leases out their land during the winter months and currently has 1,118 cows on site.
- Beale collects intelligence essential for Presidential and Congressional decisions critical to national defense.
- Beale also has the west coast PAVE PAWS (Phased Array Warning System) Radar System, which is capable of detecting Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) attacks and conducting general space surveillance and satellite tracking.
Charleston Air Force Base, BSC
Charlestown, South Carolina
- JB Charleston is one of the largest bases in the U.S.
- Joint Base Charleston community has more than 20,000 active-duty, Reserve, and civilian personnel, spanning across its Air Base and Weapons Station.
- Our BSC building was once only used for hazmat and ran by military personnel.
- In fact, the building still has some of the features to contain hazmat material should a spill occur within the building.
Find a BSC Store Near You
Fore more information, including how to find a BSC store location near you, visit https://ibvi.org/services/bsc-stores.
