Joint Base Lewis-McChord was formed when Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base were merged in January 2010 to become one of twelve joint bases in the United States. The joint base was created in response to the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Initiative. Joint Base Lewis-McChord is under the jurisdiction of the United States Army Joint Base Garrison, Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Joint Base Lewis-McChord is home to Gray Army Airfield which deploys helicopters for search and rescue missions on Mount Rainier. Joint Base Lewis-McChord is home to the 627th Air Base Group and the 62d Airlift Wing. Other tenant commands include the 446th Airlift Wing, the Western Air Defense Sector and the McChord Air Force Museum. Joint Base Lewis McChord is divided into a north and south section which includes live firing ranges and close-in training areas. The Yakima Training Center is a satellite location for Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Housing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord is offered in over 900 family housing units. Residences range from historic homes to new construction including duplexes and apartment complexes. Pets are allowed at McChord Air Force Base as long as their shots are kept current. All military personnel with the exception of single E1-E4s must be cleared through the Family Housing Office prior to making any rental commitments for off-base properties. Temporary housing is available at the Evergreen Inn which has over 200 visitors’ quarters. Reservations for the Inn can be made up to 120 days in advance and extensions can be given to the maximum 30 day time period of approval is obtained. If rooms are unavailable at the Evergreen Inn, lodging may be available at Fort Lewis or in nearby neighborhood hotels. Call 253-982-5613 to check on availability at the Evergreen Inn. Units are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If billeting is not available, a statement of non-availability should be obtained. Many local hotels are within a short distance to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.