What Military Bases are in California?
California is home to a significant number of military bases, with a total of 34 active military installations, making it one of the most important military hubs in the United States. These bases play a crucial role in national defense, serving as hubs for various branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
California’s Military History
Before we dive into the list of military bases in California, it’s essential to understand the state’s rich military history. California has been a significant player in the country’s military endeavors since the early days of the Republic. The state’s strategic location on the West Coast made it an important stop for military vessels and a key location for coastal defense.
During World War II, California played a critical role in the war effort, with many military bases and shipyards springing up along the coast. The state’s ports, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, served as major embarkation points for troops and supplies headed to the Pacific Theater.
List of Military Bases in California
Here is a list of the 34 active military bases in California, organized by branch of the military:
Army Bases:
- Fort Irwin National Training Center (Barstow) – a 1,200-square-mile training facility used for tank and artillery training
- Presidio of Monterey (Monterey) – a historic military base and training facility for the Army and Marine Corps
- Camp Parks (Dublin) – a military base and training facility for the Army Reserve and National Guard
- Fort Hunter Liggett (Jolon) – a training facility for the Army and Marine Corps
Navy Bases:
- Naval Base San Diego (San Diego) – one of the largest naval bases in the world, serving as the homeport for the Pacific Fleet
- Naval Base Point Loma (San Diego) – a naval base and training facility for the Navy and Coast Guard
- Naval Base Ventura County (Port Hueneme) – a naval base and training facility for the Navy and Coast Guard
- Naval Air Station Lemoore (Lemoore) – a naval air station and training facility for the Navy
Air Force Bases:
- Beale Air Force Base (Marysville) – a strategic air command base and training facility for the Air Force
- Creech Air Force Base (Ridgecrest) – a remote training facility for the Air Force
- Edwards Air Force Base (Edwards) – a research and development facility for the Air Force
- Travis Air Force Base (Fairfield) – a strategic airlift base and training facility for the Air Force
Marine Corps Bases:
- Camp Pendleton (Oceanside) – a major training facility for the Marine Corps
- Marine Corps Air Station El Toro (El Toro) – a former military base that is currently being redeveloped
- Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (San Diego) – a naval air station and training facility for the Marine Corps
- Camp San Onofre (Oceanside) – a training facility for the Marine Corps
Coast Guard Bases:
- Coast Guard Sector San Francisco (San Francisco) – a coastal defense base and training facility for the Coast Guard
- Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach (Los Angeles) – a coastal defense base and training facility for the Coast Guard
- Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento (Sacramento) – a coastal defense base and training facility for the Coast Guard
Table: California Military Bases by Branch
| Branch | Number of Bases | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 5 | Barstow, Monterey, Dublin, Jolon, and other locations |
| Navy | 4 | San Diego, Point Loma, Ventura County, and Lemoore |
| Air Force | 4 | Marysville, Ridgecrest, Edwards, and Fairfield |
| Marine Corps | 4 | Oceanside, El Toro, San Diego, and other locations |
| Coast Guard | 3 | San Francisco, Los Angeles/Long Beach, and Sacramento |
Conclusion
California is home to a significant number of military bases, serving as a vital hub for national defense. From the Navy’s Pacific Fleet to the Air Force’s strategic airlift bases, California’s military bases play a crucial role in the country’s military endeavors. Whether you’re a military personnel or a civilian, it’s essential to understand the importance of these bases and the role they play in keeping our country safe.
