Nestled in the California gold country, Beale AFB is located 10 miles east of the towns of Marysville and Yuba City and about 40 miles north of Sacramento, the state capital. Beale, unlike most Air Force bases, which have carried the name of famous aviators since the birth of the Air Force in 1947, honors the man who founded the Army Camel corps and who was one of California's largest landholders.
Originally an army encampment, Camp Beale opened in October 1942 as a training site for the 13th Armored and the 81st and 96th Infantry Divisions. In World War II Beale was the site of a German prisoner of war encampment. At the peak of the war the 86,000 acres at Beale was home to more than 60,000 Soldiers and housed a 1000-bed hospital. In 1948, Camp Beale became Beale AFB when it was transferred from the Army to the Air Force.
Today Beale is home of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, and is at the forefront of the Air Force's high technology. The 9th Reconnaissance Wing is responsible for providing national and theater command authorities with timely, reliable, high-quality, high-altitude reconnaissance products. To accomplish this mission, the wing is equipped with the nation's fleet of U-2 and RQ-4 reconnaissance aircraft and associated support equipment. The wing also maintains a high state of readiness in its combat support and combat service support forces for potential deployment in response to theater contingencies. The 9th Reconnaissance Wing is composed of more than 3,000 personnel in four groups at Beale and multiple overseas operating locations.
Locating Beale can be a challenge. Coming from Sacramento or Reno on Interstate 80, take Highway 65 north for best access to the base. Traveling from Sacramento International Airport take Interstate 5 South to the Highway 70/99 go north following the signs for Marysville. Beale's access appears just before the city limits of Marysville; approx. 34mi. from the Highway 70 turn off. When coming from Redding going South on Interstate 5, take Highway 20 at Williams, and it will take you to Yuba City and Marysville. Once in Marysville, take Highway 70 until you see the Beale access sign.
AAFES has a wide variety of facilities at Beale including, Main Store (which houses the Class Six), Service Station, Military Clothing, and a Shoppette with filling station to include diesel in Capehart Housing. We have Robin Hood and Anthony Pizza's located at the Main Store, a stand alone Burger King across the street from the Main Store and a Subway in the housing area.
AAFES also contracts with several concessions which include: Laundry & Dry Cleaner, Beauty Shop, Barber Shop, and Flower Shop, AAA Award and Gift shop and Johan’s Coffee Shop. Across the street from the Main Store is The Beale Bijou Theatre.
Beale AFB continues to be at the leading edge of Air Force Technology and a show place for the United States Air Force. We at the exchange salute the dedicated members of the United States Air Force. We thank you for allowing us to serve those who serve. The US military is truly “The Best Customers in the World". I f I or my team can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me at: StantonA@aafes.com.
Anna Stanton
General Manager
Beale AFB
updated: 03/05/10
