Mather Field was established as an airfield and pilot training school in 1918. The Base was named for Carl Mather, a World War I test pilot.  Following World War I, the base was used intermittently to support small military units. During World War II, Mather Field was used for pilot and navigator training as well as observer and bombardier personnel training. 
       In 1958, the Strategic Air Command B-52 squadron was assigned to Mather. Through the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, and 1980s Mather continued to be a center for training of military personnel. By 1990, the primary mission of Mather was to provide all formal long range and over water Air Force Navigator training.  Mather Field historically operated its own housing, schools, hospital, commercial, and recreational facilities, as well as the operational air field. The majority of on-base development occurred in the 1940s through the 1960s.  Expansion and improvements continued through the 1980s, but ceased in 1988 after the closure of Mather was announced.
     Following the base closure announcement, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors initiated reuse planning activities with the appointment of the Sacramento Area Commission on Mather conversion. A major element of the various recommended reuse plans included retention of aviation use.
   Following the 1988 closure announcement, Sacramento County was presented with the significant challenge and unique opportunities associated with returning Mather Air Force Base to civilian use. As the home of the 323rd Flying Wing, Mather Air Force Base was a center for pilot, navigation, and bombardier training. In addition to the 11,300 foot runway, this 5,716 acre complex in the heart of the Highway 50 corridor possessed diverse aviation and industrial facilities, open space, and housing. The closure of Mather resulted in the displacement of 7,600 military and civilian workers and the diversion of over $150 million of income from the Sacramento economy. Since 1989, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, with substantial community participation, has developed a forward-looking reuse strategy and is now returning Mather to a productive mixture of public and private uses.
 In the fall of 1991, the Board of Supervisors endorsed a comprehensive reuse plan and forwarded the plan to the Air Force. In March 1993, the Air Force issued a Record of Decision for the disposal of the base.
     Mather aviation facilities were subsequently transitioned over to the County. On May 5, 1995, Mather Airport was officially reopened as a civilian airport. The airport area including runways and aprons consists of approximately 2,875 acres. In September of 1995 Mather Regional Park was established. The park encompasses approximately 1,432 acres on the east side of the property, which includes an 18 hole championship golf course and a potential for a variety of recreation opportunities.
     In October 1996, the Economic Development Conveyance was finalized, transferring 775 acres. This property is ideal for commercial development.       As we enter the 21st century, Mather is well on its way to becoming a vibrant business park, thriving air cargo hub, and recreation destination.