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Military

McClellan Air Force Base

McClellan Air Force Base

McClellan Air Force Base McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento was a major Air Force logistics and maintenance depot. The base performed heavy aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul in industrial facilities that contained extensive asbestos insulation and building materials.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Written by Paul Danziger, J.D. & Rod De Llano, J.D.
•
Legally reviewed by Michelle Whitman, Mesothelioma Litigation Specialist
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30+ years of mesothelioma litigation experience
Location
Sacramento, CA
Industry
Military Installation
Exposure Era
1940s–1980s
Primary Asbestos Products
Aircraft maintenance facility insulation, Industrial shop building materials, Pipe lagging and boiler insulation, Floor tiles and fireproofing in warehouses and offices
Job Categories at Risk
Air Force maintenance technicians, Aircraft sheet metal workers, Depot-level repair specialists, Industrial shop workers, Facility maintenance crews

History & Asbestos Use

McClellan AFB opened in 1939 as Sacramento Air Depot and served as a major Air Force maintenance and logistics center for over 60 years. The base performed depot-level maintenance on aircraft, electronics, and missiles in massive industrial shops. These facilities were built with asbestos insulation, fireproofing, and building materials. McClellan closed in 2001 under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process and is now an EPA Superfund site due to multiple contaminants including asbestos.

Exposure Details

Workers in aircraft maintenance hangars and industrial shops were surrounded by asbestos-insulated pipes, walls, and equipment. Aircraft repair and overhaul operations disturbed asbestos components in the aircraft themselves. The depot-level work involved disassembling aircraft systems that contained asbestos gaskets, heat shields, and insulation. Facility maintenance workers additionally handled asbestos building materials during repairs and renovations.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at McClellan Air Force Base had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

  • Air Force maintenance technicians
  • Aircraft sheet metal workers
  • Depot-level repair specialists
  • Industrial shop workers
  • Facility maintenance crews

Health Effects

Military and civilian personnel who worked at McClellan AFB have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The industrial nature of depot maintenance work created heavy and prolonged asbestos exposure. The base's Superfund designation reflects the scope of contamination that affected workers over decades.

Health information is based on established medical research on asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult a physician for medical advice specific to your situation.

Compensation May Be Available

Workers exposed to asbestos at McClellan Air Force Base may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds, personal injury lawsuits, or veterans benefits. Mesothelioma patients and their families have recovered billions in compensation from companies that manufactured or used asbestos products.

Find Out If You Qualify

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at McClellan Air Force Base?

Workers who were employed at McClellan Air Force Base between 1940s–1980s may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have legal options including trust fund claims and lawsuits.

Speak with an Attorney — Free Request a Free Case Evaluation

Treatment Centers in California

If you were exposed to asbestos at McClellan Air Force Base and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in California may be able to help.

UCSF Medical Center

UCSF Medical Center

San Francisco, CA

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile
UCLA Medical Center

UCLA Medical Center

Los Angeles, CA

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile
Stanford Medicine (Stanford Cancer Institute)

Stanford Medicine (Stanford Cancer Institute)

Stanford, CA

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile

Browse all treatment centers →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is McClellan AFB a Superfund site?

McClellan was designated an EPA Superfund site due to contamination from decades of industrial operations, including asbestos in buildings, TCE in groundwater, and other hazardous materials from aircraft maintenance and repair activities. Cleanup efforts are ongoing.

Can former McClellan workers file asbestos claims even though the base is closed?

Yes. The closure of McClellan AFB does not affect veterans' or civilian employees' rights to file asbestos claims. VA disability claims, federal workers' compensation, and lawsuits against asbestos product manufacturers remain available legal options.

What types of work at McClellan involved the most asbestos exposure?

Depot-level aircraft maintenance, industrial shop work, and facility maintenance involved the highest asbestos exposure. Workers who repaired or overhauled aircraft, maintained building systems, or worked in insulated industrial environments faced the greatest risk.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at McClellan Air Force Base and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, our attorneys can help you explore your legal options. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.

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Sources:

  • EPA Superfund Site Profile — McClellan AFB — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Air Force Real Property Agency Records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • California Department of Toxic Substances Control — accessed 2026-03-09
← All Exposure Sites in California ← All Exposure Sites
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