Beale Air Force Base

Beale Air Force Base at a glance

Beale Air Force Base is associated with reconnaissance and the organizations that process and support information gathered from the air. The 9th Reconnaissance Wing is the host organization. The official overview describes a total-force community that includes active-duty, Reserve and California Air National Guard personnel, as well as Space Force members serving in distinct mission organizations.

The installation began as Camp Beale in 1942, training Army armored and infantry formations, and transferred to the Air Force in 1948. Its aviation history later included bombers, tankers and high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. The SR-71 and U-2 became especially prominent parts of Beale's identity. Its modern public mission continues to emphasize reconnaissance alongside the support required by its partner organizations.

Also searched as: Beale AFB, Camp Beale.

Sources: Beale AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview

Mission and major activities

• Provides reconnaissance capability.
• Supports intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance organizations.
• Hosts active-duty, Reserve, Guard and space mission partners.

Sources: Beale AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview

Location and community

Beale is in rural Yuba County near Marysville, within the Yuba-Sutter area north of Sacramento. Rice fields and grazing land surround the installation.

Sources: Beale AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview

Before you arrive

Use these questions with your sponsor or gaining organization. They are a starting point for planning, including assignments, courses and training periods that differ from a routine permanent change of station.

1. Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
2. Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
3. Before choosing a home, compare the commute, lease terms, school needs and your household budget. Ask the housing office about the options that apply to your situation.
4. Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
5. Make a short list of contacts for medical care, schools, childcare and family support, where applicable to your assignment.

Official PCS planning resources   Housing allowance information

Sources: Beale AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for Beale Air Force Base and ask which services your household can use. For a training site, rotational location or Reserve component assignment, confirm arrangements with your unit rather than assuming the services of a large residential installation are available.

From this mission to your next career

The mission at Beale Air Force Base suggests the following areas to consider when describing your experience. These are LockLeed career suggestions based on the public mission, not a list of vacancies or qualifications held by everyone assigned here.

Write down the equipment, systems, processes and teams you personally supported. Add a specific result you can discuss publicly, then match that evidence to the civilian role you want. Keep operational details and sensitive information out of your application.

Official transition resources   Explore SkillBridge programs

Frequently asked questions

Sources and editorial notes

Installation facts above are drawn from the official sources below. Career suggestions and planning questions are LockLeed editorial guidance. Use official offices for current policies, eligibility and arrangements.

1. Beale AFB: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overviewSupports: overview, mission, local context, planning note

Reviewed 2026-09-30. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Map points are approximate and are not routing or reporting instructions.