About this Unit
Travis Air Force Base (AFB), located in Fairfield, California, was established in 1942 as Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base and was later renamed in honor of Brigadier General Robert F. Travis. Originally serving as a major hub for bomber training during World War II, the base shifted focus to become a critical airlift and logistics center during the Cold War and beyond. Home to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis AFB is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Pacific" due to its pivotal role in transporting personnel, cargo, and humanitarian aid across the globe. Throughout its history, units at Travis AFB have supported numerous military operations and disaster relief missions, ensuring rapid global mobility for the United States Air Force.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: Travis Air Force Base was originally established as Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base in 1942 as a critical air transport hub for military operations in the Pacific Theater.
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Renamed for a Hero: In 1951, the base was renamed in honor of Brigadier General Robert F. Travis, who died in a B-29 crash at the base. He was a decorated World War II bomber commander.
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Strategic Airlift Mission: Travis AFB is known as the “Gateway to the Pacific” due to its strategic location and its role as a major airlift hub for both personnel and cargo going to and from Asia and the Pacific.
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Home of the 60th Air Mobility Wing: The 60th Air Mobility Wing, the largest air mobility organization in the Air Force, is based at Travis and operates C-5M Super Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, and KC-10 Extender aircraft.
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Humanitarian Missions: Travis AFB has played a major role in humanitarian relief operations, including airlifting supplies and personnel in response to natural disasters such as the 2010 Haiti earthquake and 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
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Role in Vietnam War: During the Vietnam War, Travis AFB was a primary departure and arrival point for troops and equipment heading to Southeast Asia, earning it the nickname “Gateway to the Pacific.”
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Nuclear Deterrence: The base was an important part of the Strategic Air Command, hosting nuclear-capable bombers and tankers during the Cold War.
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Tragic 1950 Crash: The base's namesake, General Travis, died in a 1950 crash of a B-29 carrying a nuclear bomb (without its plutonium core). The accident caused a massive explosion but no nuclear detonation.
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Medical Hub: David Grant USAF Medical Center at Travis AFB is one of the largest Air Force medical facilities, providing care for military personnel, veterans, and their families across Northern California.
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Air Force One Connections: Travis AFB has served as a landing site and refueling stop for Air Force One and other presidential aircraft during visits to the West Coast.
