BEALE AFB
AIR FORCE
Marysville, CA
United States
BEALE AFB
AIR FORCE
Marysville, CA
United States
Beale AFB
Base Essentials
Home of the U-2 Dragon Lady and 9th Reconnaissance Wing in California's Sacramento Valley — a unique ISR mission posting near Marysville/Yuba City with California COL at more rural Northern California prices.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
ACC
Status
Active
Est.
1942
Acres
23,000
Active Duty
4,000
Civilian
2,000
Population
180,000
Economic Impact
$900 million
Beale AFB History
Named AfterLieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale (USN)
Beale Air Force Base near Marysville, California, was established in 1942 as Camp Beale, an Army training center. It transitioned to the Air Force and became famous as the home of the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft during the Cold War. Today Beale hosts the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, which operates the U-2 Dragon Lady high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft and the RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned surveillance system. The base is central to the Air Force's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance enterprise and will continue evolving as next-generation ISR platforms are fielded.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
9th Reconnaissance Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1942
Camp Beale Opens as Army Training Post
1951
Air Force Takes Over; Renamed Beale AFB
1966
SR-71 Blackbird Arrives at Beale
1976
U-2 Dragon Lady Assigned to Beale
1990
SR-71 Retired from Active Service
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1942
Camp Beale Opens as Army Training Post
Camp Beale opened in October 1942 on 86,000 acres as a training site for multiple Army infantry and armored divisions. The camp held more than 60,000 soldiers at peak capacity.
1951
Air Force Takes Over; Renamed Beale AFB
Camp Beale transferred to the Air Force on April 1, 1951, and was officially renamed Beale Air Force Base. The installation transitioned toward strategic reconnaissance as its primary mission.
1966
SR-71 Blackbird Arrives at Beale
The first SR-71 Blackbird arrived on January 7, 1966, and the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing relocated to Beale on June 25, 1966. Beale became the only operational base for the world's fastest jet aircraft.
1976
U-2 Dragon Lady Assigned to Beale
The U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft was assigned to Beale in 1976, adding a second strategic reconnaissance platform alongside the SR-71. Both aircraft flew operations from Beale throughout the Cold War.
1990
SR-71 Retired from Active Service
The SR-71 was officially retired on January 1, 1990, ending 24 years of Blackbird operations at Beale. The U-2 remains Beale's primary mission aircraft today.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Beale AFB.
Beale AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Beale AFB.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Beale AFB.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Beale AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
9th Force Support Squadron — Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)
Phone
(530) 634-2863Hours
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 0730–1630; Wed: 0730–1330
In-Processing
All military personnel arriving at Beale AFB first report to their squadron's Commander Support Staff (CSS) during normal duty hours. The CSS schedules a consolidated Welcome Center appointment where members meet with the Comptroller, Medical Administration, and Military Family Readiness staff. After-hours arrivals report to Gold Country Inn lodging, which operates 24/7 and helps facilitate sponsor contact.
Personnel are then scheduled for two mandatory programs: the Wing Right Start newcomer orientation (held Tuesday through Thursday, beginning at 0800) and, if applicable, First Duty Station Officer Training. Spouses and family members are encouraged to attend Right Start. The A&FRC also offers a "Happy Landings" virtual pre-arrival orientation available online before the move.
The 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale is home to the U-2 Dragon Lady and RQ-4 Global Hawk. The Gold Lake area of Northern California offers a high quality of life; the A&FRC at (530) 634-2863 can help with community orientation and school liaison services.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Beale AFB.
On-post housing at Beale AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities across 5 neighborhoods: Beale East, Beale West, Brookview, Lakeview, and Mountain View. Housing amenities include a dog park, community garden, splash pad, playgrounds, and a community center. Beale is one of the more isolated Air Force bases in California. Marysville and Yuba City (10–20 min sout…
Local Market
$1,800/mo
rent
/
$380,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Beale AFB
110
10% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Beale AFB.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
Elementary Schools
Coming soon
Coming soon
Middle Schools
Coming soon
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High Schools
Coming soon
Coming soon
Colleges & Universities
Coming soon
Coming soon
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Beale AFB is located in Yuba County, California, in the Sierra Nevada foothills about 40 miles north of Sacramento. The surrounding communities of Marysville, Wheatland, and Lincoln are the primary off-post choices, with Sacramento accessible for city amenities. Northern California's outdoor recreation opportunities — from the Sierra Nevada ski resorts to the Sacramento River Delta — are within easy reach.
Yuba City / Marysville
Small Town
Yuba City and neighboring Marysville form the urban center of the Beale AFB area and are the most popular communities for Air Force families stationed there. They offer a full range of services, decent schools, and housing across all price points. The Twin Cities sit in the Sacramento Valley and have a warm-weather agricultural character. Sacramento is an hour south for bigger-city amenities.
Commute: 15–25 min
Gate: Main Gate (Beale AFB Road)
Schools: Yuba City Unified / Marysville JUSD
Families with kids
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Feather River access for fishing, camping, and kayaking. Close to the Sacramento Valley wine country. Sacramento international airport an hour south. More affordable than most California military markets.
Lincoln
Suburban
Lincoln is a planned community in Placer County about 30 minutes south of Beale that's become popular with Beale families who want excellent schools and a more polished suburban environment. Placer County schools are top-rated and the community has grown rapidly with new construction. It's the choice for families who prioritize school quality and don't mind the longer commute.
Commute: 30–40 min
Gate: Main Gate (Beale AFB Road)
Schools: Western Placer Unified School District
Families with kids
Retirees
Dual military
Sun City Lincoln Hills is a major retirement community nearby. Placer County schools are among California's best. Growing restaurant scene in downtown Lincoln. Quick access to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada for outdoor recreation.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Beale AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
California taxes active duty pay of California residents stationed within California at rates up to 13.3% — the highest…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses accompanying a service member stationed in California, who share the same domicile and move…
Vehicle Registration
California does not exempt active duty military from vehicle sales tax or registration fees. Veterans with a 100% VA dis…
Property Tax
Veterans' Exemption: up to $4,000 assessed value reduction for qualifying veterans with limited property. Disabled Veter…
Pet Policies at Beale AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Beale AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Beale AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(530) 634-2104Hours
Mon–Fri by appointment only (call to confirm)
Restricted Breeds
10
Prohibited Animals
12
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Beale AFB.
Commissary
1
Beale AFB Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
BX
Medical
1
9th Medical Group — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Beale AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Schneider Gate is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, Beale AFB Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Hours: Mon 9am–5pm, Tue–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm.
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03
Is there a BX on base?
Yes, Beale AFB has a BX (Base Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
9th Medical Group is the primary military treatment clinic serving Beale AFB. Call (530) 634-4030 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Beale AFB has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Beale AFB restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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07
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Beale AFB has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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08
How is military pay taxed in California?
Partially exempt. See the Finance section of this page for a full breakdown of California's tax rules for military members.
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09
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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10
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Beale AFB.
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11
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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12
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Beale AFB.
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Question
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.