Almanac note · History and culture
Travis gives Fairfield a major airlift story
Travis Air Force Base began as Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base in World War II, and the Heritage Center helps connect Fairfield to aircraft, airlift, and Pacific history.
Fairfield’s local story changes once you notice Travis Air Force Base. It began as Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base in 1943, during World War II. The Air Transport Command needed a place tied to Pacific operations.
The base grew fast from temporary buildings and a small runway. By 1944, it had become a major military air transfer point. It had barracks, hangars, mess halls, a control tower, and thousands of people working there. Aircraft moved through the base on their way to the Pacific. That wartime role still shapes how Travis is remembered.
The Travis Heritage Center turns that big history into something visitors can see. It has old airlift planes, indoor exhibits, aircraft engines, cockpits, and displays on the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Tuskegee Airmen, and Travis history.
Because this is an active base, plan ahead. Confirm hours, call when needed, and read the visitor-entry rules ahead of time.
Where to see it
Travis Heritage Center at Travis Air Force Base. Call ahead and check base-entry rules before visiting.
Official sources
Official source trail
Reviewed July 2, 2026
California Porch explains the path. The official source is still the place to confirm the current rule, fee, form, map, deadline, or office decision.
Use the official page before you spend money, file paperwork, rely on a deadline, or change a property.
Connected places
Where it fits on the map
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