Loring Commerce Centre

06/12/2026

Loring wasn't an isolated base in northern Maine—it was a critical node in a nationwide Cold War network stretching from Florida to North Dakota and from New Hampshire to California. The collaborations between Loring, Pease, Plattsburgh, Minot, Homestead, and other SAC installations helped form one of the largest coordinated military operations in American history.

06/11/2026

Good luck, Atlantic Explorer 2026!

The first successful trans-Atlantic balloon launched from Presque Isle in 1978.

06/08/2026

🌲 Built for the Future of Forest Products 🌲

Maine is one of the most heavily forested states in the nation, with more than 17.5 million acres of forestland covering nearly 89% of the state. That abundance of sustainably managed timber makes Loring Commerce Centre an ideal location for the next generation of forest products manufacturing.

Located in the heart of northern Maine, Loring offers the space, infrastructure, and strategic advantages needed for innovative wood products operations, including cross-laminated timber (CLT) and other mass timber manufacturing. Mass timber is transforming the construction industry by providing a sustainable building material with the strength and performance of concrete and steel.

With ready access to locally sourced timber, large-scale industrial facilities, and room to grow, Loring is helping drive Maine’s forest economy into the future. 🌿🏗️

Learn more about opportunities at Loring: https://loringcommercecentre.com/sectors/forest-products/

🌲🏭

06/05/2026

Loring is uniquely positioned to support the next generation of renewable energy development. With access to a dedicated 200-mile energy transmission corridor, extensive industrial infrastructure, and proximity to abundant biomass resources in Maine, New Brunswick, and Quebec, Loring offers unparalleled opportunities for clean energy investment and growth.

As Maine continues to lead in renewable energy innovation, Loring Commerce Centre is ready to help businesses build a cleaner, more sustainable future.

🔗 Learn more about renewable energy opportunities at Loring: https://loringcommercecentre.com/sectors/renewable-energy/

06/03/2026

Operation Head Start and Airborne Alert Missions

During the late 1950s, Loring participated in Operation Head Start, one of the Air Force's first sustained airborne nuclear alert programs. Aircraft from Loring coordinated with other SAC bomber bases to maintain continuous airborne readiness in case Soviet forces launched a surprise attack.

These missions required constant cooperation between bomber wings, tanker units, command centers, and bases throughout the SAC system.

Photo: USAF SAC B-47 STRATOJET JET BOMBER 1956 New York 54, photographer unknown

06/01/2026

⚠️ PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE – ACTIVE MILITARY TRAINING OPERATIONS AT LORING ⚠️

The Loring Development Authority of Maine is advising the public that active military training missions will be occurring on and around the Loring airfield over the next 14 days.

For public safety and operational security, the runway, taxiways, airfield operational areas, and restricted access zones are CLOSED to unauthorized persons and vehicles during this period.

NO TRESPASSING – STRICTLY ENFORCED

Unauthorized access to the runway or operational areas presents a serious safety risk to both the public and military personnel and will not be tolerated.

Please be advised:

🚫 No unauthorized vehicle access
🚫 No walking, photography, sightseeing, ATV/recreational use, or loitering on the runway or operational areas
🚫 Do not bypass gates, barriers, or posted warning signs
⚠️ Military aircraft, vehicles, and training activity may occur at any time, including nights and weekends

Security Enforcement Measures in Place

LDA has installed camera surveillance systems in and around operational areas, and vehicle/license plate monitoring will be utilized during this training period.

Individuals found unlawfully accessing restricted areas will be:

• Formally trespassed on the Loring property
• Subject to law enforcement referral as appropriate
• Served official notice at their residence and/or place of business

These measures are being taken to ensure public safety and support important military readiness operations at Loring.

We appreciate the public’s cooperation and assistance in maintaining a safe, secure, and mission-ready environment.

— Loring Development Authority of Maine

Respect the perimeter. Respect the mission. Stay clear of the runway.

05/29/2026

Did you know?⁉️ In 1983, a KC-135 tanker crew from Loring famously helped save an F-4 Phantom over the Atlantic after the fighter suffered engine problems. The tanker refueled the aircraft multiple times and effectively guided it to safety, earning the prestigious Mackay Trophy.

Loring crews routinely worked with aircraft and units stationed elsewhere across the Air Force.

(photo: KC-135 refilling a B-52D during the Cold War)

05/27/2026

"The former Loring Air Force Base, with its wide open spaces and two 12,000-foot runways, has become an increasingly popular spot for land sailing, a sport in which drivers use the power of the wind to travel at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.

Loring has hosted an annual land sailing regatta since 2020, originally spearheaded by the Maine-based Chickawauki Ice Boat Club."

https://thecounty.me/2026/05/19/caribou/these-sailors-dont-need-water-they-speed-along-lorings-long-runway/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSEEoZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3b3ZPZ0x3U2dacW94VWpyc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgGNoAah68cslNGP8E6lswmINXM8BN_W6czq2vrMk0vkHeimFTVqgYDkX7kc_aem_VUVdgqBecGqago6keQOXxA

The former base provides a better area to drive blokarts — specialized vehicles powered not by engines, but massive sails.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, the Loring Development Authority of Maine pauses to honor and remember the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

At Loring, service and sacrifice remain deeply rooted in our history. As the former home of one of our nation’s Strategic Air Command installations, we recognize the enduring legacy of those who served here and across the world in defense of freedom.

Today, we remember not only their sacrifice, but also the families, friends, and communities who carry their memory forward.

As we gather with loved ones this weekend, may we take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and honor those who gave all for our country.

We remember. We honor. We are grateful.

From all of us at the Loring Development Authority of Maine, we wish you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/22/2026

Manufacturing success starts with the right location.
At Loring Commerce Centre, businesses benefit from flexible industrial sites, a skilled regional workforce, and the infrastructure needed to support long-term operational growth.
Discover how Loring can support your next manufacturing facility.
🔗 https://loringcommercecentre.com/sectors/manufacturing-technologies/