McClellan Air Force Base facts for kids
Quick facts for kids McClellan Air Force Base |
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| Sacramento County, California in the United States | |
Peacekeeper Gate at McClellan AFB in 1995
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 McClellan AFB
McClellan AFB
Location in the United States##Location in California
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| Coordinates | 38°40′04″N 121°24′02″W / 38.66778°N 121.40056°W |
| Type | Air Force Base |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Department of Defense |
| Operator | United States Air Force |
| Condition | Closed |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1935 (as Pacific Air Depot) |
| In use | 1935 – 2001 |
| Fate | Airfield became Sacramento McClellan Airport and McClellan Business Park. Partially realigned to US Coast Guard as CGAS Sacramento |
| Garrison information | |
| Garrison | Sacramento Air Logistics Center |
| Airfield information | |
| Identifiers | FAA LID: MCC, WMO: 0724836 |
| Elevation | 75 feet (23 m) AMSL |
McClellan Air Force Base was a military base in California. It was used by the United States Air Force from 1935 to 2001. The base was located in Sacramento County, about seven miles (11 km) northeast of Sacramento.
Contents
A Look Back at McClellan Air Force Base
For most of its time, McClellan Air Force Base was a very important place. It was a center for fixing and maintaining many different military aircraft, equipment, and supplies.
How the Base Got Its Name
The base first opened in 1935. It was known as the Pacific Air Depot. Later, it was called the Sacramento Air Depot. In 1939, the base was renamed to honor Major Hezekiah McClellan. He was a brave pilot who helped test aircraft in cold, arctic conditions. Sadly, he passed away in 1936 during a flight test.
Museums and Military Presence
In 1986, a museum called the McClellan Aviation Museum opened on the base. It later became part of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Today, it is known as the Aerospace Museum of California. You can see many military aircraft there. The museum also teaches about the base's history and other nearby air bases.
The United States Coast Guard also had a station at McClellan. They flew HC-130 Hercules planes from there. Even after the Air Force base closed, the Coast Guard continued to operate its station. It is the only military aviation unit still at the airfield.
The Base Closes and Changes
In 1993, the government decided to close McClellan Air Force Base. This was a big change for the area. Many people worked at the base, and its closure meant a loss of jobs.
To help the local economy, plans were made to turn the base into a business park. Today, it is called McClellan Business Park. It has many different companies and government offices. It is a busy place with lots of activity.
Different Names Over Time
McClellan Air Force Base had a few different names during its history:
- Pacific Air Depot (1935 - 1937)
- Sacramento Air Depot (1937 - 1939)
- McClellan Field (1939 - 1948)
- McClellan Air Force Base (1948 - 2001)
- McClellan Business Park (2009 - present)
Environmental Cleanup Efforts
After the base closed, some environmental issues were found. The United States Environmental Protection Agency identified areas that needed cleaning. These areas are called Superfund sites.
A group called the McClellan Restoration Advisory Board helps. It brings together local community members, government agencies, and the Air Force. They work together to share information about cleaning up the environment at the former base.
See also
In Spanish: Base de la Fuerza Aérea McClellan para niños
- California World War II Army Airfields
- Doolittle Raid
