Stand at the southwest corner of Newington, New Hampshire, and you can hear the distinctive whine of GE CF6 turbofans winding up — twelve Boeing KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tankers based at Pease Air National Guard Base, ready to put 200,000 pounds of jet fuel into a thirsty F-22, KC-46, or coalition aircraft anywhere in the world. The 220-acre cantonment sits on a corner of what was once Pease Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command bomber and tanker installation closed in the 1991 BRAC round. Today the runway is shared with Portsmouth International Airport at Pease and the broader Pease International Tradeport — a civilian-military joint-use environment unlike most ANG bases, with biotech firms, hotels, and offices a short walk from the wing perimeter.
The 157th Air Refueling Wing turns 60 in 2026 — the unit's lineage traces back to 1942 as the 311th Bombardment Group, with continuous New Hampshire ANG service since 1956 — as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in July 2026. Pease's KC-46A Pegasus fleet was complete by February 2021, and in November 2025 the wing was selected as the KC-46 Combined Test Force — putting Pease at the leading edge of KC-46 modernization across the entire Air Force. PCS reality at Pease is unique: most assigned personnel are New Hampshire ANG M-Day Guardsmen and AGR full-timers who live in the New England Seacoast year-round. Standard active-duty PCS arrivals are typically Title 10 / Title 32 transitions, mobilization assignments, or AGR moves. Pease ANGB shares the NH194 BAH MHA with Portsmouth Naval Shipyard ~5 miles east, so Seacoast housing market dynamics apply.
Last updated April 28, 2026 · BAH verified via DTMO 2026 rate tables · Distances via Google Maps · Schools via Portsmouth Public Schools, Newington Public Schools, Greenland Central School / Winnacunnet HS (SAU 21), Rye Public Schools, Oyster River Cooperative School District (Durham/Lee/Madbury), SAU 16 Stratham/Exeter, Marshwood RSU 35 (Eliot/South Berwick ME) · Rent via Apartments.com / Zumper
The 2026 Portsmouth/Kittery NH194 MHA E-5 with-dependents BAH is $3,321/month, up 3.8% from 2025. The same MHA covers Portsmouth Naval Shipyard ~5 miles east, reflecting the unified Seacoast housing market. The MHA spans both sides of the Piscataqua River — covering ZIPs in Newington, Portsmouth, Greenland, Rye (NH) plus Kittery, Eliot, and York (ME) — under a single BAH rate.
Most Pease assignees optimize across two state tax regimes — New Hampshire has no broad state income tax but high property taxes, while Maine has graduated income tax 5.8–7.15% with generally lower property taxes. Pease has no on-base family housing; all personnel live off-base. Healthcare anchors at the 157 ARW Medical Group on base for routine readiness, with referrals to Portsmouth Regional Hospital (Level II Trauma, ~3 mi).
The 2026 Portsmouth/Kittery MHA (NH194) rate of $3,321/month for E-5 with dependents represents a 3.8% increase from 2025. The same MHA covers Pease ANGB and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, reflecting the unified Seacoast housing market spanning Newington, Portsmouth, Greenland, Rye (NH) and Kittery, Eliot, York (ME). Among ANG installations, Pease's MHA ranks among the higher-paying eastern bases, reflecting the elevated Seacoast housing costs that the ~6,500 PNSY federal workforce, biotech employees at Pease Tradeport, and Boston commuters all compete for.
State tax planning is the central financial decision for Pease assignees. New Hampshire has no broad state income tax (the state's interest and dividends tax was repealed effective 2025) but faces the 7th-highest effective property tax rate in the United States (median ~1.93% of assessed value). Maine has graduated state income tax of 5.8% to 7.15%, with property taxes typically running 1.0–1.3% of assessed value. M-Day Guardsmen on routine drill duty pay state income tax to their state of residence; AGR and federal technicians follow the same logic; Title 10 active duty members generally retain home-of-record state under SCRA. Spouse income, vehicle registration, and property tax exposure shift based on residence. The cost-of-living index for the Seacoast region runs ~10–15% above national average, with grocery, fuel, and home heating oil costs notably elevated through New England winters.
| Rank | With Dep | No Dep | Suggested Off-Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-4 | $3,099 | $2,367 | $2,400–$2,800 |
| E-5 | $3,321 | $2,700 | $2,500–$3,000 |
| E-6 | $3,690 | $2,901 | $2,800–$3,400 |
| E-7 | $3,975 | $3,108 | $3,000–$3,700 |
| E-8 | $4,278 | $3,399 | $3,300–$4,000 |
| E-9 | $4,617 | $3,504 | $3,500–$4,300 |
| W-2 | $4,098 | $3,396 | $3,200–$3,800 |
| O-3 | $4,461 | $3,555 | $3,400–$4,200 |
| O-4 | $4,983 | $3,993 | $3,900–$4,700 |
| O-5 | $5,355 | $4,167 | $4,100–$5,000 |
| O-6 | $5,400 | $4,455 | $4,200–$5,100 |
| O-7+ | $5,445 | $4,536 | $4,300–$5,200 |
Pease housing decisions look much like Portsmouth Naval Shipyard housing decisions, since both share the NH194 MHA. The closest residential clusters — Newington and Portsmouth — sit within 5-10 minutes of base. Most families optimize across both states: NH-side (Portsmouth, Newington, Greenland, Rye) for no-state-income-tax savings, ME-side (Kittery, Eliot, York) for lower property taxes. The biggest school-quality draw is the Oyster River Cooperative School District (Durham/Lee/Madbury, NH) — among New Hampshire's top public districts — about 20-30 minutes away. Tradeoff badges below reflect objective housing cost relative to local averages. Verify district enrollment policies before committing.
School district choice is the second-largest housing decision after state tax planning. Several Seacoast districts are well-regarded with materially different reputations. The Oyster River Cooperative School District (Durham/Lee/Madbury) is widely considered New Hampshire's top public district by academic outcomes; Portsmouth Public Schools, SAU 16 Stratham/Exeter, and Marshwood RSU 35 (covering Eliot/South Berwick) are all well-regarded regional options. Verify current district enrollment policies, IDEA/special education resources, and JROTC availability before committing to a residential area — district boundaries can split unexpectedly across town lines.
Ratings reflect GreatSchools test-score percentiles and do not capture school culture, military family support programs, special education depth, or extracurriculars. Verify per address with the district before enrollment decisions. Higher ed: University of New Hampshire (Durham, ~20 mi — flagship state research university; full tuition waiver available for qualifying NH ANG members), Great Bay Community College (Portsmouth campus, ~3 mi — strong defense-aligned technical programs), Granite State College (UNH-system online and Portsmouth, ~3 mi), University of Southern Maine (Portland/Gorham, ~50 mi), Saint Anselm College (Manchester NH, ~55 mi), and Phillips Exeter Academy (~12 mi west — premier private grades 9-12 boarding/day).. Notable private K-12: Phillips Exeter Academy (~10 mi southwest, premier boarding/day grades 9-12), Portsmouth Christian Academy (Dover NH), Berwick Academy (K-12 day school, South Berwick ME, ~12 mi), St. Patrick Academy (Catholic K-8, Portsmouth NH). School Liaison through the Pease ANGB A&FRC.
Pease ANGB's medical footprint is sized for ANG readiness rather than full primary care. The 157th Medical Group on base provides flight physicals, immunizations, deployment health screenings, and ANG annual physical health assessments (PHAs). Routine outpatient primary care for permanent party Title 10 active duty and AGR families typically routes through Naval Branch Health Clinic Portsmouth (Kittery, ME, ~5 mi) under reciprocal arrangements. Civilian healthcare depth on the Seacoast is unusually strong, anchored by Portsmouth Regional Hospital (Level II Trauma) and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (Mass General Brigham affiliate).
Pease ANGB MWR amenities are sized for the ANG drill rhythm — robust during drill weekends and AT (annual training) periods, more limited during regular weekdays. Many family services route through adjacent Pease Tradeport civilian amenities or the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard MWR system at Kittery (5 mi east) under reciprocal arrangements. Wing-level Airman & Family Readiness programs handle most family support functions.
Pease ANGB sits at the intersection of I-95, US Route 4, and the Spaulding Turnpike (NH 16) — three major highways converging at Newington. This access is excellent for both Seacoast living and reaching Boston (60 mi south, 75 min) for active duty families with Boston Children's, MGH, or VA Boston referrals. Bus and rail options are limited; nearly all commutes are by personal vehicle. Summer tourist traffic on Route 1 (especially southbound from Maine into Kittery Outlets) and I-95 traffic into Maine on summer Fridays add 15-30 minutes during peak season.
| Destination | Distance | Off-Peak Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Newington / Pease Tradeport | 1 mi | 5 min |
| Portsmouth, NH (downtown) | 4 mi | 10 min |
| Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Kittery, ME) | 5 mi | 12 min |
| Greenland / Rye, NH | 8 mi | 15 min |
| Dover, NH | 14 mi | 22 min |
| Stratham / Exeter, NH | 12 mi | 20 min |
| Durham / UNH | 20 mi | 28 min |
| Hampton Beach, NH | 15 mi | 25 min |
| Manchester-Boston Regional Airport | 50 mi | 55 min |
| Boston Logan Airport | 60 mi | 75 min |
| Portland, ME | 50 mi | 60 min |
| Boston, MA (downtown) | 60 mi | 75 min |
Beyond Pease ANGB, the Seacoast hosts a dense military, federal, biotech, and academic ecosystem. The 220-acre cantonment shares the runway with the broader Pease International Tradeport — one of New Hampshire's largest civilian-military joint-use environments, employing ~10,000 in defense, biotech, and aerospace. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (~5 mi east, ~6,500 federal employees) and the Boston-area defense industry (~60 mi south) further deepen the regional opportunity set.
2026 BAH for Portsmouth/Kittery (NH194) rose 3.8% to $3,321/month for E-5 with dependents, slightly trailing the 4.2% national average. New Hampshire's interest and dividends tax was repealed effective January 1, 2025, completing the state's transition to no broad personal income tax — a meaningful planning change for Pease assignees with investment income. Maine state income tax brackets remain at 5.8%/6.75%/7.15% with inflation-indexed thresholds. The most significant Pease-specific 2025-2026 development was the November 2025 selection as the KC-46 Combined Test Force, expanding the wing's role in KC-46 modernization.
Pease's KC-46 Combined Test Force role is expected to drive expanded test pilot, maintenance, and engineering billet structure through 2026-2027. The 157 ARW continues full operational tempo with Air Mobility Command — supporting CENTCOM, EUCOM, and INDOPACOM aerial refueling missions on rotation. PCS arrivals to Pease — primarily AGR moves and Title 32 transitions — should expect strong demand for off-base housing across the Seacoast given competing demand from PNSY federal employees, Pease Tradeport biotech employees, and Boston-area commuters. Confirm housing availability with sponsor command before travel.
The 2026 Portsmouth/Kittery NH194 MHA E-5 with-dependents BAH is $3,321/month, up 3.8% from 2025. The same MHA covers Pease ANGB (Newington, NH) and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Kittery, ME, ~5 mi east), spanning ZIPs in Portsmouth, Newington, Greenland, Rye on the NH side plus Kittery, Eliot, York on the ME side under a single rate. Higher ranks scale up: O-3 with dependents at $4,461; O-5 with dependents at $5,355. Important: M-Day Guardsmen on routine drill duty do not receive BAH — only Title 10/Title 32 active duty, AGR, and federal technicians on extended duty status qualify. Verify your specific status, ZIP, and rank on the DTMO BAH calculator.
The 157 ARW is one of nine KC-46A Pegasus wings across the U.S. Air Force. The Wing's 12 KC-46A aircraft (final delivery February 2021) provide aerial refueling, transport, and aeromedical evacuation capability. When activated to federal service, the Wing is gained by Air Mobility Command. The 157 ARW has flown record-setting missions including a 36-hour, 16,000-mile multi-crew endurance flight in November 2022. The November 2025 selection as KC-46 Combined Test Force (CTF) means Pease will spearhead KC-46 modernization, capability test, and tactics development for the entire KC-46 fleet — a significant expansion of the Wing's role beyond standard operational refueling missions.
Pease ANGB does not operate dedicated family housing — all assigned personnel live off-base in the cross-state Seacoast market. The NH side (Portsmouth, Newington, Greenland, Rye) eliminates state income tax but property taxes are among the nation's highest. The ME side (Kittery, Eliot, York) adds Maine state income tax (5.8-7.15%) but offers lower property taxes. Families prioritizing schools often look at Durham/Lee/Madbury (Oyster River SAU, top-rated NH district) or Stratham/Exeter (SAU 16) despite the longer commute. Marshwood RSU 35 (Eliot/South Berwick ME) is another well-regarded option for ME-side residents.
The Oyster River Cooperative School District (Durham/Lee/Madbury, NH) consistently ranks among New Hampshire's top public districts on academic outcomes — UNH adjacency drives strong STEM enrichment. Portsmouth Public Schools, SAU 16 (Stratham/Exeter), and Marshwood RSU 35 are well-regarded regional options. Phillips Exeter Academy is a premier private alternative in Exeter (~12 mi). Verify district enrollment policies and IDEA/special education resources before committing to a residential area — district boundaries can split unexpectedly across town lines.
The 157th Medical Group on Pease ANGB handles ANG-specific medical readiness — flight physicals for aircrew, immunizations, deployment health processing, annual physical health assessments (PHAs), and limited urgent care. There is no primary care MTF on Pease for routine family medicine. Title 10 active duty members and dependents typically use Naval Branch Health Clinic Portsmouth (1 Ayres Circle, Kittery ME, ~5 mi) for primary care under reciprocal arrangements. Civilian healthcare depth on the Seacoast is unusually strong: Portsmouth Regional Hospital is the only Level II Trauma Center on the Seacoast and the only comprehensive stroke/neurosurgery program in the region. Wentworth-Douglass (Mass General Brigham affiliate, Dover, ~14 mi) provides community-level acute care and a clear referral path to Boston. Pediatric subspecialty care routes to Boston Children's (~60 mi south) or Maine Medical Center (Portland, ~70 mi north).
Pease ANGB MWR amenities are scaled for the Wing's ANG operating rhythm — most active during drill weekends and Annual Training periods, more limited during regular weekdays. The 157 ARW Fitness Center is open to all members and dependents. Airman & Family Readiness (A&FRC) handles relocation, financial counseling, deployment readiness, transition assistance, and family advocacy. There is no on-base CDC; child care routes to MilitaryChildCare.com placements at Pease Tradeport child care centers or PNSY CYP under reciprocal arrangements. Title 10 active duty and AGR families also have reciprocal access to PNSY Kittery MWR (~5 mi) — including the 24/7 PNSY Fitness Center, marina, Outdoor Adventures (kayaks, paddleboards, gear), and FFSC programs. NH ANG-specific benefits include full tuition waiver to NH state schools (UNH, NHTI, KSC, PSC) for qualifying members.
Pease's location at the intersection of I-95, US Route 4, and the Spaulding Turnpike (NH 16) gives excellent regional highway access. Closest residential neighborhoods (Newington, Portsmouth, Kittery) are 3-12 minutes away. The broader Seacoast — Greenland, Rye, Stratham, Dover, Durham, Eliot, York — extends to 25-35 min. Boston is 60 mi south (~75 min off-peak); Portland Maine is 50 mi north. Public transit options (COAST bus, Amtrak Downeaster at Durham/UNH and Exeter) serve the broader region but do not directly serve Pease — nearly all commutes are by personal vehicle. Summer tourist traffic on Route 1 (especially southbound from Maine into Kittery Outlets) and I-95 traffic into Maine on summer Fridays add 15-30 minutes during peak season.
For 2026, the most material PCS changes are: (1) BAH increase of 3.8% to $3,321/month E-5 with dependents in the Portsmouth/Kittery MHA (NH194); (2) Pease's November 2025 selection as KC-46 Combined Test Force, expanding test/modernization billets through 2026-2027; (3) New Hampshire's interest and dividends tax repealed effective January 1, 2025, completing NH's transition to no broad personal income tax — meaningful for assignees with investment income; (4) Maine state income tax brackets remain at 5.8%/6.75%/7.15% with inflation-indexed thresholds; (5) ongoing operational tempo with AMC supporting CENTCOM, EUCOM, and INDOPACOM aerial refueling rotations. Confirm all current details with 157 ARW personnel office and your sponsor before PCS travel.
Federal 2026 reforms apply on top of base-specific changes. The Personal Property Activity (PPA) stood up permanently May 1, 2026 at Scott AFB, IL reporting directly to the Secretary of War. PPA.mil is the new sole-source-of-truth hub for HHG, POV, claims, and PCS guidance — replacing fragmented legacy platforms. 24/7 PCS Call Center 1-833-MIL-MOVE (May 15 - Sept 15). Concrete 2026 policy changes: claims window 9 mo → 12 mo; PPM reimbursement back to 100% of government-constructed cost (down from 130% in 2025); dependent per diem for mover-caused delays now 75% of SM M&IE paid by carrier; DLA rates +3.8% for 2026. Pentagon discretionary PCS reduction 50% by FY2030: 10% FY27, 30% FY28, 40% FY29, 50% FY30 — fewer moves per career, longer tours, plan housing accordingly.Pease assignees face the same Seacoast tradeoffs as PNSY — but with no on-base housing safety valve. Run the numbers across both NH and ME before committing. The Portsmouth/Kittery MHA delivers strong BAH, but where you spend it determines whether you net 5–10% of household income to state taxes or zero. School district choice (Oyster River vs SAU 16 vs Marshwood vs Portsmouth) materially affects long-term family planning. NH ANG-specific benefits like the UNH tuition waiver are worth understanding before declining other duty stations. HomeScoop's intelligence layer maps these tradeoffs by neighborhood, school zone, and commute pattern so you can optimize before signing a lease or buying.
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