Travis AFB

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.” • Nuclear Deterrence: The base was an important part of the Strategic Air Command, hosting nuclear-capable bombers and tankers during the Cold War. • 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. • 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. • 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.