Norton AFB

• Origins: Norton Air Force Base (AFB) was established in 1942 as San Bernardino Army Air Field and was later renamed in honor of Captain Leland Francis Norton, a World War II bomber pilot killed in action in 1944. • World War II Role: During World War II, the base was a key training and logistics center, servicing and modifying aircraft such as the B-24 Liberator and B-17 Flying Fortress. • Cold War Contributions: Norton AFB played a significant role in the Cold War, being a major logistics and airlift hub for the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) and later the Military Airlift Command (MAC). • Global Reach: The base was home to the 63rd and 445th Military Airlift Wings, which flew C-141 Starlifter aircraft on missions all over the world, including Vietnam, Desert Storm, and humanitarian operations. • Missile Program Support: Norton AFB supported the nation’s Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) program, hosting the Air Force Systems Command’s Ballistic Systems Division, which managed Minuteman and Peacekeeper missiles. • VIP Transport: The 286th Special Airlift Squadron, based at Norton, operated C-140 JetStar and C-21 aircraft for VIP transport, including high-ranking military and government officials. • Presidential Visits: Norton AFB frequently hosted Air Force One and served as a landing site for U.S. Presidents visiting Southern California. • Environmental Cleanup: After its closure in 1994, Norton AFB became a model for environmental cleanup and successful conversion to civilian uses, including San Bernardino International Airport. • Humanitarian Missions: The base was a critical staging point for relief flights during major crises, such as the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption and the 1985 Mexico City earthquake. • Historic Recognition: Norton AFB’s contributions to military aviation and logistics are commemorated by several monuments and museums in the San Bernardino area, preserving its legacy for future generations.