Count yourself lucky if you’re heading to Travis AFB! Located in sunny California, this fantastic AF base is located about three miles from the central business district of Fairfield, California. Known as the “Gateway to the Pacific,” not only are great California destinations within reach, but you’ll also get access to a Space-A terminal. Hello flights to Hawaii! In fact, Travis AFB handles more cargo in its airport than any other CONUS military air terminal. More than 7,200 Airmen call the bae home and over 4,200 Reserve personnel are stationed there, too!
Even more exciting, you’ll find a vibrant and dynamic military community outside the base gates. That’s because plenty of retirees have chosen to make Fairfield, California their permanent home. So you won’t need to worry about finding your people, exploring the surrounding area, or making Travis AFB CA feel like home.
Travis Air Force Base Location
Travis Air Force Base is located in Northern California, 3 miles east of Fairfield and about halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento (about 60 miles northeast of San Francisco and 43 miles southwest of Sacramento).
Directions:
Heading in from the cold? Take I-5 S to I-505 which will intersect with I-80 in Vacaville, just north of Travis.
Driving from Southern California? Take 1-5 N to I-680 N to I-80 E, then take the Air Base Parkway and follow the signs for Travis AFB.
Making the trek from the east? Take I-80 W to the Air Base Parkway, then follow signs for Travis AFB
Coming from San Francisco? Take I-80 E to the Air Base Parkway, then follow signs for Travis AFB.
Transportation:
Flying to the closest airports: Sacramento International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport, Stockton Metropolitan Airport
Stockton Metropolitan Airport (70.7 miles): served solely by Allegiant Airlines and has two routes – to and from Las Vegas, NV, and Phoenix, AZ.
Oakland International Airport (61 miles): served by all major airlines with destinations all over the country and internationally.
Sacramento International Airport (47.2 miles): closest international airport, served by all major airlines with destinations all over the country and internationally.
San Francisco International Airport (64 miles): served by all major airlines with destinations all over the country and internationally.
Driving: Driving means you’ll have a car to take day trips to San Francisco, Sacramento, and the surrounding areas. If you’re driving across the country, prepare for a long ride.
Contacts at Travis AFB
Air Quality Program Manager: (707) 424-5103
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment: (707) 423-2348
Arthur J. Sachsel Dental Clinic: (707) 423-7000
Base Operator: (707) 424-1110
Chaplain (After Hours) Command Post: (707) 424-5517
Chaplain (Duty Hours): (707) 424-3217
Civilian Personnel Office: (707) 424-3067
Commander Action Line: (707) 424-3333
David Grant USAF Medical Center Medical Appointments: (707) 423-3000
Equal Opportunity Office: (707) 424-1697
Health Promotion Clinic: (707) 423-5080
Housing Office: (707) 437-4571
Information, Tickets, Travel: (707) 424-5659
Inspector General: (707) 424-2224
Legal Assistance: (707) 424-3251
Lodging Reservations: (707) 424-8000
Mental Health Clinic: (707) 423-5174
Military Family Life Counselors: 424-395-9624, 510-480-8993
Noise Complaints: (707) 424-2011
Outdoor Recreation: (707) 424-0969
Public Affairs Office: (707) 424-2011
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office: (707) 424-1098; 24/7 Helpline (707) 424-7272
Space Available Information: (707) 424-1854
Tours and other Community Support: (707) 424-2011
Travis Air Museum: (707) 424-5605
Victim Advocate On-Call: (707) 232-5109
Mission and Units
Travis AFB’s mission is simple. Their goal is to rapidly project American power anytime, anywhere. That’s pretty bad-ass as far as a mission statement goes. Speaking of missions, here’s how powerful mission names are selected.
There are three major units at Travis Air Force Base, as well as multiple partner organizations. Travis AFB is also home to the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, which is the only active Air Force Band west of the Rockies.
The host unit at Travis AFB, the 60th Air Mobility Wing is the largest air mobility organization in terms of personnel in the Air Force. Uniquely, it has a versatile all-jet fleet of C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft and KC-10 Extender refueling aircraft. Additionally, the 60th AMW is responsible for strategic airlift and air refueling missions circling the globe.
The 349th AMW is the largest associate wing in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. It is now the only Air Force Reserve unit that flies three major weapons systems–and has an aeromedical mission.
A Joint Commission-accredited teaching hospital, David Grant USAF Medical Center is the Air Force Medical Service’s flagship medical treatment facility in the United States, providing a full spectrum of healthcare and patient-centered treatment to a prime service area population of more than 130,000 TRICARE eligible patients.
Travis AFB History
The year 1942 saw the initial building phase of the Travis Air Force, which was originally named Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base and was once the practice runway for aircraft takeoffs and landings. During WWII, the base was major support for the Pacific War Zone, and has continued to be a key logistics hub, passenger terminal, medical center, and strategic airlift facility.
Then, in 1951, the base was officially named after Brigadier General Robert F. Travis, who was unfortunately killed during a military plane crash along with 10 other crew members.
The installation is always quick to help with humanitarian missions, too. In fact, its known for its assistance. Travis deployed personnel to provide assistance after both Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, spearheaded the U.S. humanitarian response to the massive Haitian earthquake in 2010., and supported FEMA during their response to Hurricane Sandy.
Things to Do Around Travis AFB
Hotels
Hilton Garden Inn Fairfield (7.5 miles)
Hampton Inn and Suites Suisun City Waterfront (6.9 miles)
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Suisun City (7.0 miles)
Restaurants
There are lots of restaurants on base! Here are a few that are off base also.
Trattoria Martone (4.4 miles): Italian
Texas Roadhouse (6.3 miles): Texas-themed steak house
Hot Stone Korean Kitchen (5.4 miles): Korean
Activities
Travis Air Force Base Air Show can’t be missed! This annual event is one of the largest aviation events on the West Coast. The air show includes everything from World War II-era fighters and bombers to the Air Force’s current inventory of fighters, bombers, and transports, and features aerial demonstrations by the Air Force Thunderbirds.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (55.3 miles): Take a day trip out to Golden Gate Park, where you can go for a hike, enjoy a vista, have a picnic, or learn about the history of California’s indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, the Mexican Republic, US military expansion, and the growth of San Francisco.
Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco (53.3 miles): Heading into San Francisco is the perfect day trip! Consider spending the day along Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can experience shopping, great restaurants, and even visit the Maritime National Historic Park.
Travis Air Force Base Housing
There are several housing options available for service members stationed at Travis AFB. These include living on the installation, using privatized housing, or renting on the local economy.
Contact the Military Housing Office as soon as you receive orders to find out about current wait times and what might be available for you when you PCS. When you in-process at Travis Air Force Base, you’ll need to visit the MHO to receive counseling and guidance on obtaining housing.
Unaccompanied housing is offered for unaccompanied Airmen in the ranks of E-1 to E-3 and E-4 with less than 3 years of service. Each Airman is provided a private sleeping room, furnishings, bed linens and supplies required for comfortable living. Unaccompanied Airmen in the rank of E-4 with greater than 3 years of service and above can live in the local community.
Privatized Travis Air Force Base Housing is managed by Balfour Beatty. This private company owns and operates seven neighborhoods on and near the base. Some neighborhoods are also open to other residents, including DoD personnel. Open floor plans, fenced-in backyards, and other perks wait for you in a Balfour Beatty home!
Schools near Travis Air Force Base
Make sure you contact the School Liaison Officer as soon as you receive orders to Travis AFB. Mil kids in the Travis AFB footprint are assigned to the Travis Unified School District. Nearly 5,00 students are enrolled. The school district has 5 elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. Six out of the 8 schools in the district are “California Distinguished Schools.” Visit the school district page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Travis AFB in?
Travis AFB is in Solano County, CA.
Does Travis AFB have drones?
Travis AFB does not have drones. If you’re into drones – check out this drone light show!
Is Travis AFB a good base?
Yes, Travis AFB is a great base!
What is Travis AFB known for?
Travis AFB is hosts the largest air mobility organization and the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, which is the only active Air Force Band west of the Rockies.