Travis Air Force Base

Branch: U.S. Air Force
Location: Fairfield, California
Installation Type: Air Force Base
Status: Active

Overview

Travis Air Force Base was established in 1943 and is located near Fairfield, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area’s North Bay region, approximately midway between San Francisco and Sacramento. It is the largest military air terminal in the United States and serves as the West Coast’s primary aerial port of embarkation and debarkation. Travis is home to Air Mobility Command’s 60th Air Mobility Wing and David Grant USAF Medical Center, one of the Air Force’s premier medical facilities.

Mission & Units

Primary Mission: Project global air mobility through airlift, air refueling, and aeromedical evacuation to support national security objectives worldwide.
Major Units:
60th Air Mobility Wing (host wing — C-17, KC-10, C-5)
349th Air Mobility Wing (Air Force Reserve — associate unit)
David Grant USAF Medical Center (DGMC)
60th Medical Group
60th Mission Support Group
Tenant Units: Defense Courier Service, Air Force Office of Special Investigations detachment, DLA, various AMC and DoD support units

Location & Access

Nearest Major City: Sacramento, CA (approximately 55 miles northeast); San Francisco, CA (approximately 55 miles southwest)
Nearest Commercial Airport: Sacramento International Airport (SMF) — approximately 55 miles; San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — approximately 60 miles; Oakland International Airport (OAK) — approximately 50 miles
Gate Access: Travis Avenue main gate operates 24/7; visitor control center (VCC) issues day passes for civilians; CAC required for unescorted base access; Real ID or passport required for non-CAC visitors; Air Base Gate and North Gate have limited hours

Population

Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 9,000-11,000
Family Members: Approximately 14,000-17,000
Civilian Employees: Approximately 6,000-7,000
Total Installation Population: Approximately 35,000-40,000 (including reserve and contractor personnel)

Key Facilities

Medical: David Grant USAF Medical Center (DGMC) — full-service tertiary care hospital; Level II trauma capability; wide range of specialty services including oncology, cardiology, and obstetrics; one of the Air Force’s largest and most capable medical centers
Commissary: Yes — large commissary serving a large military population in the Bay Area
Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — large BX complex with retail, auto parts, food court, barber/beauty, and specialty shops
Fitness & Recreation: Warrior Fitness Center, multiple gyms, indoor and outdoor pools, basketball, tennis, racquetball courts, golf course (Paradise Valley Golf Course), bowling center, outdoor recreation rentals, marina access
Schools: Travis Unified School District serves dependent children on and near base; no DoDEA schools; elementary schools on base feed into the Travis USD system
Childcare: Child Development Center on base; multiple CDCs and school-age program; high demand — waitlists often 6-12+ months; register immediately upon receipt of orders
Veterinary Services: Travis AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility — routine wellness, vaccinations, and limited care for military working dogs and eligible pet owners; appointments required
Legal Assistance / JAG: 60th Air Mobility Wing Legal Office — legal assistance by appointment; powers of attorney, tax assistance, and notary services available; walk-in hours limited

Housing

On-Base Housing: Managed by Hunt Military Communities — multiple neighborhoods; approximately 1,600+ housing units for enlisted and officer families; housing is in high demand due to Bay Area costs
Average Wait Time: Waitlists often 6-18 months depending on grade and bedroom size; apply immediately upon receiving orders
Off-Base Housing: Fairfield, Vacaville, Suisun City, and Benicia are common communities; rent for a 2-3 bedroom home or apartment ranges approximately $1,800-$2,800/month; commuters from Sacramento or East Bay areas also common; Bay Area costs are among the highest in the nation
BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

Sponsorship Program: Request a sponsor through the gaining unit; contact gaining unit’s first sergeant or use MyPers Air Force sponsorship system well before PCS move date
In-Processing: Report to the 60th FSS MPF in-processing section; newcomer orientation scheduled regularly; full in-processing typically 3-5 business days
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Coordinated through the David Grant USAF Medical Center and Airman & Family Readiness Center; enrollment required prior to PCS orders finalization; ample specialty care resources available in the Bay Area for enrolled families

Local Area & Quality of Life

Climate: Mediterranean climate; mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers; Bay Area fog influence moderated inland at Fairfield; temperatures typically moderate year-round (50-90 degrees F); occasional summer heat spikes inland
Cost of Living: High — the Bay Area and Northern California region is among the most expensive in the nation; BAH rates are set to partially offset housing costs but out-of-pocket expenses can still be significant
Nearby Attractions: San Francisco (Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, museums), Napa Valley wine country (approximately 25 miles), Sacramento (state capitol, Old Sacramento), Lake Berryessa, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo), Point Reyes National Seashore
Spouse Employment: Strong job market in the Bay Area/Sacramento corridor; major industries include technology, healthcare, agriculture, and government; competitive but abundant opportunities; remote work widely available in tech sector

Contact & Resources

Official Website: https://www.travis.af.mil/
Main Installation Phone: (707) 424-1110
MWR Website: https://www.travisservices.com/
ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) — Building 380; call (707) 424-2407 for appointments and services

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: www.travis.af.mil, AMC official resources, militaryinstallations.dod.mil, personal knowledge base through August 2025, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law