TRAVIS AFB
AIR FORCE
Fairfield, CA
United States
TRAVIS AFB
AIR FORCE
Fairfield, CA
United States
Travis AFB
Gateway to the Pacific
Base Essentials
Home of the Air Force's busiest air mobility wing and the Gateway to the Pacific in the Bay Area suburb of Fairfield, CA — a major airlift hub with Northern California's cost of living offset by strong allowances.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AMC
Status
Active
Est.
1943
Acres
7,100
Active Duty
7,500
Civilian
4,000
Population
450,000
Economic Impact
$2.2 billion
Travis AFB History
Named AfterBrigadier General Robert Francis Travis
Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California, was established in 1943 and is the busiest air mobility port on the West Coast. Home to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, which operates C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, and the KC-10 Extender (transitioning to KC-46), Travis moves more cargo and passengers than any other military air terminal in the United States. The base is the gateway for airlift and aerial refueling operations across the Pacific and is essential to global mobility operations.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
60th Air Mobility Wing (C-5M / C-17)
—
—
349th Air Mobility Wing (AFRC)
—
—
Historic Timeline
1943
Fairfield-Suisun Army Airfield Established
1948
Military Air Transport Service Hub
1951
Renamed Travis Air Force Base
1973
Operation Homecoming: Vietnam POWs Return
1991
Strategic Airlift Hub for Operation Desert Storm
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1943
Fairfield-Suisun Army Airfield Established
Fairfield-Suisun Army Airfield was established in California's Sacramento Valley as a major Army Air Forces installation. Its central California location, excellent year-round weather, and proximity to the Pacific made it ideal for trans-Pacific air transport operations supporting forces fighting Japan.
1948
Military Air Transport Service Hub
The installation became a primary hub for the newly established Military Air Transport Service (MATS) in 1948, conducting strategic airlift operations across the Pacific to support U.S. forces in occupied Japan, South Korea, and Pacific island territories.
1951
Renamed Travis Air Force Base
The base was renamed Travis Air Force Base on April 20, 1951, honoring Brig. Gen. Robert F. Travis, who was fatally injured when his B-29 Superfortress crashed shortly after takeoff from the field in August 1950. Travis was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.
1973
Operation Homecoming: Vietnam POWs Return
Travis Air Force Base served as the primary West Coast reception point for American prisoners of war returning from North Vietnam during Operation Homecoming (February–March 1973). Over 500 American POWs arrived at Travis, some having endured captivity for more than eight years.
1991
Strategic Airlift Hub for Operation Desert Storm
Travis Air Force Base served as a primary Pacific gateway for Operation Desert Storm, flying thousands of airlift sorties to move troops, equipment, and supplies to the Persian Gulf theater. The base's C-5 Galaxy and C-141 Starlifter aircraft were central to the strategic airlift that enabled the rapid Desert Shield deployment.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Travis AFB.
Travis AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Travis 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 Travis AFB.
Health & Fitness
Addiction in the Military and Civilians - Signs and Treatment
Read
Entertainment
Wings Over Solano 2024 Dominates the Sky as Thousands Attend
Read
Housing
Kristin Cooper Is Helping Veterans Achieve Their Homeownership Goals
Read
Information
23 of the Best Travis AFB Restaurants
Read
Information
20 of the Best Things to Do Near Travis AFB
Read
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Travis AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Military Personnel Flight (MPF) — Customer Service Center
Phone
(707) 424-7654Hours
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM (military in uniform); closed weekends, every 4th Thursday, and federal holidays
In-Processing
All newly assigned personnel should report to the Military Personnel Flight Customer Service Center on the first floor of Building 381 on Airlift Drive during their first duty day. Members will drop off personnel records and schedule in-processing appointments at Customer Service. Required documents include travel orders, travel receipts, driver's license, social security cards (for member and dependents), bank account information, medical/dental records, marriage certificates, and proof of dependent enrollment. Personnel arriving after duty hours or on weekends should report to the Westwind Inn Lodging Office (Building 402), which operates 24 hours, and then check in with their gaining unit's Command Support Staff on the next duty day.
In-processing at Travis AFB involves sequential appointments with Military Personnel, Finance, Housing, Medical/Dental, and your gaining unit. Most core in-processing tasks are completed within two to three business days. Members must complete Sections One through Four of the Travis AFB in-processing checklist before they can take Permissive TDY. A mandatory Newcomers Orientation is held on selected Thursdays from 7:10 AM to 2:30 PM at the Base Theater and is required for all new arrivals within 60 days of reporting.
The Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) in Building 660 at 351 Travis Avenue ((707) 424-2486) offers a Virtual Pre-Arrival Orientation accessible from anywhere, providing information about Travis AFB and the local community before arrival. The M&FRC also provides relocation counseling, school liaison services, financial readiness classes, and referrals to on- and off-base services. The Air Force Aid Society offers up to 20 hours of free childcare per child for families with PCS orders to Travis, available within 60 days of arrival.
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Download Full Base Guide PDF
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 Travis AFB.
On-post housing at Travis Air Force Base is managed by Hunt Companies, which operates family communities on the installation in Solano County, California — situated between the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento — with 2- to 4-bedroom homes organized by rank featuring modern floor plans, private yards, and access to community pools and playgrounds. Hunt provides…
Local Market
$2,400/mo
rent
/
$580,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
Loading calculator...
View Full BAH Rates
Cost of Living Around Travis AFB
130
30% Above National Average
Housing
Calculate Your Buying Power
See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
Open Calculator
Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Travis AFB.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
4
Elementary Schools
View schools
1
Middle Schools
View schools
1
High Schools
View schools
4
Colleges & Universities
View colleges
Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Vacaville
Suburban
Vacaville is the most popular community for Travis AFB families and offers an excellent combination of affordability, good schools, and quality of life by California standards. It sits northeast of the base in Solano County with newer subdivisions, top-rated schools in the Vacaville Unified district, and prices that are genuinely manageable compared to the Bay Area and Sacramento. It's the default choice for most Travis families.
Commute: 15–25 min
Gate: Travis Main Gate (Travis Blvd)
Schools: Vacaville Unified School District
Families with kids
Dual military
Budget-friendly
Vacaville Premium Outlets is a major draw. Lagoon Valley Regional Park for hiking and mountain biking. Wine country access to Napa and Sonoma is 45 min. Bay Area is 60 min for major metro amenities. California's most affordable market within commuting distance of a major base.
Fairfield
Suburban
Fairfield sits immediately adjacent to Travis AFB and is the most convenient off-base community. It has a higher military density than Vacaville, more affordable housing, and a full range of commercial services. The schools are more mixed than Vacaville's, but the proximity to post and lower cost make it the top choice for junior enlisted and budget-conscious families.
Commute: 5–15 min
Gate: Travis Main Gate (Travis Blvd)
Schools: Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District
Budget-friendly
Single service members
Families with kids
Dual military
Suisun City waterfront has a marina and dining on Suisun Bay. Rush Ranch Open Space for hiking. Fairfield's lower prices compared to Vacaville let BAH stretch further. Travis wine country events and the Lucky Derby entertainment district are local draws.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Travis 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 Travis AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Travis AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Travis AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(707) 424-3010Hours
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 Travis AFB.
Commissary
1
Travis AFB Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
BX
Medical
1
David Grant USAF Medical Center — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Travis AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Hospital 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.
Read answer
02
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, Travis AFB Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Hours: Mon 10am–8pm, Tue–Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 9am–6pm.
Read answer
03
Is there a BX on base?
Yes, Travis AFB has a BX (Base Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
Read answer
04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
David Grant USAF Medical Center is the primary military treatment hospital serving Travis AFB. Call (707) 423-7000 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
Read answer
05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Travis 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.
Read answer
06
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Travis AFB has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
Read answer
07
What school district serves the base?
Travis Unified School District (rated B) serves most military families at Travis AFB. Visit https://www.travisusd.org for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
Read answer
08
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Travis 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.
Read answer
09
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Travis 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.
Read answer
10
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.
Read answer
11
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.
Read answer
12
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 Travis AFB.
Read answer
13
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.
Read answer
14
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 Travis AFB.
Read answer
Question
More AIR FORCE Installations
Explore other AIR FORCE bases and installations.
Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs, CO
Altus AFB
Altus, OK
Andersen AFB
Yigo, GU
Arnold AFB
Tullahoma, TN
Aviano AB
Aviano, Pordenone
Barksdale AFB
Bossier City, LA
Beale AFB
Marysville, CA
Cannon AFB
Clovis, NM
Columbus AFB
Columbus, MS
Davis-Monthan AFB
Tucson, AZ
Dover AFB
Dover, DE
Dyess AFB
Abilene, TX
Edwards AFB
Rosamond, CA
Eglin AFB
Valparaiso, FL
Eielson AFB
Fairbanks, AK
Ellsworth AFB
Box Elder, SD
F.E. Warren AFB
Cheyenne, WY
Fairchild AFB
Airway Heights, WA
Goodfellow AFB
San Angelo, TX
Grand Forks AFB
Grand Forks, ND
Hanscom AFB
Bedford, MA
Hawaii – Air Force
Honolulu, HI
Hill AFB
Clearfield, UT
Holloman AFB
Alamogordo, NM
Homestead ARB
Homestead, FL
Hurlburt Field
Mary Esther, FL
Joint Base Andrews
Camp Springs, MD
Keesler AFB
Biloxi, MS
Kirtland AFB
Albuquerque, NM
Lackland AFB
San Antonio, TX
Laughlin AFB
Del Rio, TX
Little Rock AFB
Jacksonville, AR
Luke AFB
Glendale, AZ
MacDill AFB
Tampa, FL
Malmstrom AFB
Great Falls, MT
March ARB
Moreno Valley, CA
Maxwell-Gunter AFB
Montgomery, AL
McConnell AFB
Wichita, KS
Minot AFB
Minot, ND
Moody AFB
Valdosta, GA
Mountain Home AFB
Mountain Home, ID
Nellis & Creech AFB
Las Vegas, NV
Offutt AFB
Bellevue, NE
Ramstein Air Base
Ramstein-Miesenbach, Rhineland-Palatinate
Robins AFB
Warner Robins, GA
Scott AFB
Belleville, IL
Seymour Johnson AFB
Goldsboro, NC
Shaw AFB
Sumter, SC
Sheppard AFB
Wichita Falls, TX
Tinker AFB
Oklahoma City, OK
Tyndall AFB
Panama City, FL
Vance AFB
Enid, OK
Westover ARB
Chicopee, MA
Whiteman AFB
Knob Noster, MO
Wright Patterson AFB
Dayton, OH
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.