Norton Air Force Base (AFB), located in San Bernardino, California, was established in 1942 as San Bernardino Army Air Field, serving as a vital maintenance and supply facility during World War II. Renamed in 1950 to honor Captain Leland F. Norton, a local war hero killed in action, the base played a key role throughout the Cold War, supporting Air Force Logistics Command and hosting transport units such as the 63rd Military Airlift Wing. Norton AFB was instrumental in airlift missions, space program support, and humanitarian operations, including Southeast Asia evacuations. The base was closed in 1994 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program, with its legacy continuing through civilian use and community redevelopment.