20+ Military Bases in the U.S. That Stored Agent Orange

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Did you know that there were certain military bases in the U.S. that stored Agent Orange?

If you’re a veteran who served at any of these bases, you may be interested in learning if any of the health-related dangers from Agent Orange could have caused or contributed to your condition.  

Keep reading to learn the whereabouts of military bases in the U.S. that stored Agent Orange and how you could qualify for presumptive VA disability benefits.

Summary of Key Points

• Many U.S. military bases were involved in the storage, testing, and disposal of a toxic chemical called Agent Orange. 

• Military installations well known for Agent Orange contamination include Fort Detrick, Eglin Air Force Base, and Johnston Island, among many others.  

• Veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances, burn pits, and Agent Orange are entitled to special VA health care and benefits under the PACT Act. 

What is Agent Orange?

Agent Orange is a highly toxic military herbicide used during the Vietnam War and related conflicts. The U.S. military developed Agent Orange as a tactical herbicide. Agent Orange was often used for clearing out hazardous or impeding vegetation to launch military operations efficiently. Although Agent Orange was developed before the Vietnam War, it wasn’t widely used until during that conflict.  

Military Bases in the U.S. That Stored Agent Orange

Many U.S. military bases, including those in the continental United States, stored Agent Orange. Consequently, many veterans may have been exposed to Agent Orange without realizing it. 

The Department of Defense (DoD) has identified multiple military bases where Agent Orange was tested or stored; some sites were later assessed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for contamination. 

Agent Orange was stored, handled, and/or tested at several U.S. military bases. Testing was performed at various sites, while the distribution and transportation of Agent Orange occurred at others.  

There is a possibility that veterans who served at these bases were exposed to toxic herbicides, which could lead to serious health issues. 

U.S. Herbicide Testing, Storage, and Disposal Locations

Below is a list of U.S. Military Bases where Agent Orange and other herbicides used in Vietnam were stored, tested, or disposed of.  

Alabama

Fort McClellan

• Herbicide testing: Conducted on training ranges. 

• Storage: Containers stored on base during testing phases. 

• Disposal: On-site burn pits for herbicide waste. 

• Years: 1960s-1970s 

Arkansas

Camp Robinson

• Herbicide testing and storage: Herbicides were stored and tested at the base. 

• Disposal: Open-air burning and incineration. 

• Years: 1960s-1970s 

California

Fort Ord

• Herbicide testing: Herbicides tested for military purposes. 

• Storage: Herbicides stored in large secure areas. 

• Disposal: Use of burn pits and disposal sites. 

• Years: 1960s-1970s 

Georgia

Fort Stewart

• Herbicide testing: Conducted on specific ranges. 

• Storage: Stored on-site for training. 

• Disposal: Incineration of herbicide containers and waste. 

• Years: 1960s-1970s 

Hawaii

Kaho‘olawe Island

• Herbicide use: Herbicides used for vegetation control. 

• Storage: Secure storage areas for herbicides. 

• Disposal: Open-air burning and incineration. 

• Years: 1970s 

Maryland

Fort Detrick

• Herbicide testing: Testing of various chemical agents. 

• Storage: Specialized storage facilities for herbicides. 

• Disposal: Incineration and secure disposal. 

• Years: 1960s-1970s 

Michigan

Camp Grayling

• Herbicide testing and storage: Used for military training. 

• Disposal: Open-air burning and chemical destruction methods. 

• Years: 1960s-1970s 

Minnesota

Camp Ripley

• Herbicide testing: Conducted on field training ranges. 

• Storage: Stored in secure military facilities. 

• Disposal: Open-air burning of chemical containers. 

• Years: 1960s-1970s 

Mississippi

Camp Shelby

• Herbicide testing: To assess herbicide effectiveness. 

• Storage: Controlled areas for herbicide storage. 

• Disposal: Burn pits for chemical destruction. 

• Years: 1960s-1970s 

North Carolina

Fort Bragg

• Herbicide testing: Field tests for military maneuvers. 

• Storage: Stored in secure on-base areas. 

• Disposal: Herbicides burned in designated pits. 

• Years: 1960s-1970s 

South Carolina

Poinsett Electronic Combat Range

• Herbicide testing: Herbicides used to clear vegetation in training areas. 

• Storage: Stored on-site. 

• Disposal: Chemical neutralization and burning. 

• Years: 1960s-1970s 

Texas

Fort Hood

• Herbicide testing: Testing for military maneuvers. 

• Storage: Stored in secure locations. 

• Disposal: Open-air burning and chemical destruction. 

• Years: 1960s-1970s 

Kelly Air Force Base (San Antonio)

• Herbicide testing: Conducted in the 1960s. 

• Storage: Herbicides stored during testing. 

• Disposal: Disposal in incinerators. 

• Years: 1960s 

Virginia

Dooms Point Range

• Herbicide testing: Military readiness drills. 

• Storage: Stored in controlled areas. 

• Disposal: Incineration and chemical destruction. 

• Years: 1960s-1970s 

Naval Air Station Oceana

• Herbicide testing: Used for military operations. 

• Storage: Herbicides stored on base. 

• Disposal: Chemical burning and destruction. 

• Years: 1960s-1970s 

Washington

Yakima Training Center

• Herbicide testing: Testing for vegetation clearing. 

• Storage: Stored in secure military areas. 

• Disposal: Incineration and burn pits. 

• Years: 1960s-1970 

West Virginia

Harpers Ferry Armory

• Herbicide testing: Military exercises. 

• Storage: Stored in on-site military buildings. 

• Disposal: Chemical neutralization and incineration. 

• Years: 1960s-1970s 

Other Agent Orange Contaminated Military Bases

Other military bases the Department of Defense (DoD) identified as having been contaminated with Agent Orange or its components include:  

• Fort Detrick: A significant amount of Tactical Agent Orange was tested by the Army at Fort Detrick from 1944 to 1963. 

• Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida: Conducted herbicide tests in the 1950s 

• Fort Drum, New York: Experimented with Agent Orange within a four-square-mile artillery impact area in 1959  

• Eglin Air Force Base, Florida: A key Agent Orange testing site between 1952 and 1969. 

• Apalachicola National Forest, Florida: Experimented with Agent Orange for rapid defoliation in 1967 

• Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi: Stored and redrummed Agent Orange herbicide. 

• Camp Detrick, Maryland: Agent Orange was stored and used in field tests 

• Dugway Proving Ground, Utah: Agent Orange was stored and used in field tests 

• Kauai Branch Station, Kawai, Hawaii: Stored Agent Orange and other chemicals in 1967 and1968 

• Hilo, Hawaii: Stored Agent Orange in 1966 

See the VA’s inclusive state-by-state list of military bases with Agent Orange exposure here.  

What Should Veterans Do If They Were Exposed?

If you believe you were exposed to Agent Orange on a U.S. military base, known to have been exposed to Agent Orange, there are several steps you can take to begin the process of getting compensated, including: 

1. Check VA Recognized Exposure Sites – The VA provides an updated list of locations where Agent Orange exposure is confirmed. 

2. Seek Medical Care – Regular health screenings and documentation of symptoms can help support your VA claim. One such screening is a toxic exposure screening; the VA allows one screening every five years. You will also need a diagnostic assessment if you haven’t already been diagnosed with an Agent Orange-related disability. 

3. Get Assistance from Veteran Advocates such as a Veterans Service Organization (VSO)

4. File Your VA Disability Claim – Check the VA’s complete list of “presumptive conditions” assumed to be affiliated with Agent Orange (or other contaminants such as those from burn pits) exposure.  

VA Ratings for Disabilities Related to Agent Orange Exposure

Toxic exposure to Agent Orange on military bases can qualify you for a VA disability rating of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%. The specific rating level and benefits you may be entitled to can vary depending on several factors, such as: 

• What disability you have 

• How severely your condition impacts your daily life  

• The severity of your symptoms 

• Whether you can prove that you served in a known contaminated area 

The VA may grant a 100% VA disability rating, depending on your Agent Orange-related diagnosis and severity of symptoms. 

Presumptive Conditions & Agent Orange

Agent Orange is one of the most potent and destructive tactical herbicides ever created; the chemical has been linked to a wide range of different diseases, including many severe, chronic (i.e., long-term) health conditions. 

Because of the high number of Vietnam Veterans who returned home with similar health conditions the VA developed a list of presumptive conditions. If a veteran meets any of these recognized presumptive conditions and served in an eligible location and timeframe for Agent Orange exposure, they may qualify for direct service connection benefits. 

Under the “PACT Act law,” the VA expanded healthcare and benefit options for those exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. 

As a result of exposure to Agent Orange, today, hundreds of thousands of Veterans have presumptive conditions linked to this toxic chemical exposure, entitling them to “presumptive” VA disability benefits. 

A presumptive condition is a health condition the VA automatically “presumes” was caused by a veteran’s service. Some common Agent Orange presumptive conditions include: 

• Parkinson’s disease 

• Certain types of heart disease (e.g., ischemic heart disease) 

• Type 2 Diabetes 

• Peripheral neuropathy (a condition that affects the nerves in the extremities) 

• Various types of cancer (e.g., prostate cancer, chronic B-cell leukemia, bladder cancer, and other cancers)  

• Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) 

• Other conditions 

Official Agent Orange List: Learn more about Agent Orange exposure and VA disability compensation for presumptive disorders HERE.  

Conclusion

While you may have many questions about filing a VA disability claim for Agent Orange exposure, you should strongly consider seeking VA disability benefits if you suspect you have exposure-related symptoms.

Understanding where military bases in the U.S. stored and used Agent Orange is the first step in ensuring you receive the care and compensation you deserve. If you experience Agent Orange-related symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional medical advice. 

(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

Was Agent Orange used at Fort Sill, Oklahoma?

There were unconfirmed reports that during the Vietnam War Fort Sill in Oklahoma used and stored Agent Orange on base. 

There is a concern that some veterans may have been exposed to tactical herbicides due to the military’s widespread use of the chemicals for vegetation control those who served at Fort Sill and are suffering from Agent Orange-related health conditions should seek medical evaluations and consider filing VA claims. 

Was Agent Orange used at Fort McClellan (FTMC), Alabama?

Fort McClellan served as an active military base from 1917 to 1998. Agent Orange—specifically, components called “2,4-D and 2,4,5-T”— were used and stored on base in the late 1950s and continuing into the 1990s.  

If you served at FTMS and experience Agent Orange-related health conditions, it’s essential to seek medical evaluations and consider exploring VA claims. 

Related: Top 8 Questions About Fort McClellan Toxic Exposure 

Was Agent Orange used at Fort Bragg?

During and after the Vietnam War, Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty) was a key military training facility. Fort Bragg was not considered a primary Agent Orange storage location, but there are reports that veterans stationed at Bragg may have been exposed to the herbicide while loading Agent Orange onto transport trucks.  

It’s important to note that the DoD and the VA do NOT list Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty) as a confirmed Agent Orange site, and no official records verify its presence. 

Despite the lack of confirmed evidence of Agent Orange’s presence, if you were assigned to Fort Bragg and are experiencing health effects associated with Agent Orange, consider exploring potential exposure-related benefits. 

Was Agent Orange used at Fort Gordon?

There have been reports of limited Agent Orange herbicide testing at Fort Gordon, Georgia (now Fort Eisenhower). In 1968 (prior to July 1). Brush and small trees were tested with the herbicide with a high-line bucket lift (i.e., cherry picker) and sprayed with a 15-foot boom sprayer. VA compensation options should be explored if you served at Fort Gordon and suffer from qualifying conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure. 

Was Agent Orange used on Johnston Island?

Johnston Island (or Johnston Atoll) in the Pacific Ocean played a significant role in the storage and disposal of Agent Orange. On Johnston Island, millions of gallons of Agent Orange were stockpiled during the 1970s before finally being incinerated at sea in 1977, exposing service members to its toxic effects.  

According to a report by the VA Military Police, “An estimated 49,000 gallons of Agent Orange is estimated to have leaked annually from the drums at the Johnston Island storage site.”  

As a result of exposure to leaking barrels and contaminated soil at Johnson Island, many service members have reported significant health issues.  

Because the VA recognizes Johnston Island as a site where exposure to Agent Orange contamination occurred, veterans with qualifying health conditions who served there are likely eligible for VA disability benefits. 

Did the U.S. military use Agent Orange in Puerto Rico?

In Puerto Rico, Agent Orange was used primarily on the island of Vieques and Camp García, both of which were U.S. military training sites—although the DoD and VA have no official records confirming Agent Orange use on Vieques, Camp García, Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, or Mona Island.

The military likely tested herbicides like Agent Orange to defoliate the land for bombing practice during the 1960s and 1970s. The health impacts on residents and military personnel, particularly on Vieques, became a major concern later due to higher cancer rates and other illnesses linked to chemical exposure. 

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