The East Sale aerodrome was named after its location on the eastern side the town of Sale. In 1942, the Commonwealth selected 1,186 acres of land at East Sale for No. 1 Operational Training Unit and a mixture of facilities were constructed between 1942 and 1944. To camouflage its purpose, given its coastal location, East Sale was planned as a village scheme with dummy paths, gardens and dull painting. East Sale Aerodrome was formally established on 22 April 1943.

The base continues also to come to the aid of the broader local community. In the latest example at a time of natural disaster, during the devastating fires of summer 2019/2020 RAAF Base East Sale became a central air hub for the Australian Defence Force's Operation Bushfire Assist efforts in Victoria.

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