Naval Air Station Jacksonville Base Guide
Naval Air Station Jacksonville, located near Jacksonville, Florida, is home to over 100 tenant commands. The facility spans over 3,000 acres along the picturesque St. John’s River, supporting over 20,000 jobs in the area.
The NAS serves as an industrial and air hub specializing in defense. It is the location of three bombing ranges: Pinecastle, Lake George and Outlying Field Whitehouse; seven VP squadrons; reserve and helicopter squadrons and scores of aircraft. NAS contributes to the local economy, home to almost one million people in the Jacksonville area.
Base History
The land where Naval Air Station Jacksonville sits today was designated for the military in 1907, despite the facility not being officially established until 1940. Soon after its reservation for military use, troops began arriving from the National Guard and soon after from the U.S. Army.
It was originally meant to be a training base for pilots and other specialized jobs.
Before 1920, it was the site of a rifle range renowned throughout the United States. Over time, the site changed hands and names several times. The Blue Angels have been affiliated with NAS Jacksonville, established at this facility under Commander R.M. Voris. Today, the complex is home to a variety of aircraft and highly-trained service members.
Surrounding Area
Service members stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville can enjoy the benefits of both urban recreation and the beachy outdoors.
Jacksonville, although an urban city, is spotted with natural protected areas. Golf courses are plentiful, as well as museums, parks, and water activities along the sunny Florida shores. A few of the family-friendly recreational sites in the area include but are not limited to:
- Museum of Science and History
- Atlantic Beach
- Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve
- Riverside/Avondale Historic District
- The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
- Little Talbot Island State Park
- Fort Caroline National Memorial
- Everbank Field
- Thompson Surf School
- Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
- Theodore Roosevelt Area
- Okefenokee National Wildlife Reserve
Mission and Units
Exhibiting naval power from the sunny shores of Florida, Naval Air Station Jacksonville is the location of many major commands that dominate both land and sea. Major units for NAS include but may not be limited to:
- Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Jax
- Commander Navy Region Southeast
- Commander, Patrol Reconnaissance Wing Eleven
- Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility Jacksonville
- Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville
- Fleet Readiness Center Southeast
- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Fourteen
- Naval Munitions Command
- Navy Entomology Center of Excellence
- Navy Medicine Detachments
- Navy Operational Support Center
- Navy Operational Support Center Jacksonville
In-Processing and Check-In
Before arrival and check in at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, make sure to secure your DOD identification so that you may enter the facility without the accompaniment of a sponsor. All new arrivals will attend in-processing on the first floor of Building One at administration.
Report to this site in uniform with all relevant paperwork including identification, DOD-issued card, medical reports and orders. For any unexpected circumstances, reach out to your sponsor for assistance.
Child Care
The Child Development Center at NAS has options for full-time, part-time, and drop-in care for children of service members who are between 6 weeks to five years old.
These facilities offer care with fees based on income; waiting lists may apply, so make sure to reach out to the Child Development Center as soon as the need is known or beforehand if new to the area.
Housing
Naval Air Station offers government family housing that is privatized and managed by Balfour Beatty. The housing area has modern amenities and is conveniently near stores and museums and highlights of the Jacksonville area. More than 400 homes are available in the complex in Patriots Point and River Oaks areas.
The townhomes offer multi-bedroom housing with storage and garages and access to playgrounds and laundry rooms. Service members will be assigned housing based on availability including single service members.
These housing facilities do have restrictions for pets, with a maximum of two allowed which includes smaller species. The pets must be listed with the leasing office and be included on a Pet Addendum. Pets are not allowed in common areas and must be microchipped, spayed or neutered before arrival. Chows, Dobermans, Rottweilers and American Bull Dogs are prohibited.
Related: Basic Allowance for Housing Calculator
PCS and TDY Lodging
Service members in need of temporary lodging will first need to check with The Navy Lodge. The Navy Lodge has over 100 efficiencies on site. Special needs accommodations can be available as well. Guests will need to provide their military ID card or CAC, copies of orders and method of payment. Retain all receipts.
Only two rooms are equipped for pets which will be an extra fee and are specific to approved breeds. Pets must also have their shot record for review.
Another option for temporary lodging is Heritage Cottage. Active duty, retirees and civilians can access Heritage Cottage for lodgings but cannot stay more than two months. This site is near the golf course. No pets are allowed at Heritage Cottage. Make reservations at (904) 542-3227.
Transportation
For easy access to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, fly into Jacksonville Airport, about half an hour in distance, near I-95. Free shuttles are available within the airport. To leave the airport, you can rent a vehicle, use a taxi or bus. Find the option that works best on the lower level of the passenger terminal.
If driving in, use I-295 to Orange Park where you can use Highway 17 to reach NAS Jacksonville. If coming in from the east, take I-95 to I-295, following signs to Jacksonville or one of NAS’ three gates on the west side. The Main Gate has 24/7 access. If driving into the area, provide proof of identity with military ID, copies of orders, vehicle registration and insurance as well as a driver’s license.
Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License
For new residents to the state of Florida, there are many regulations in order to legally operate a vehicle both on and off-base. All drivers must have approved liability insurance on their vehicles as well as a current driver’s license.
Within 30 days of residency, newcomers should have applied for a Florida state license. To get a license, applicants must be over 16 years of age, pass a visual test and pay licensing fees. Younger drivers will need to have passed applicable driving tests and courses. Experienced drivers may be asked to take additional safety courses.
Commissary
1701 Allegheny Cir Bldg 501
Jacksonville, FL 32214
(904) 542-5311
The Naval Air Station Jacksonville Commissary offers staple food products and supplies for service members and their families. With 24 notice, service members can order vegetable and fruit trays or special orders for families including packages that feed 4 to 6 people, 8 to 12 people and for larger groups, packages for 11 to 16 people. Call to order in advance.
Schools
Children of service members living in government housing can attend Jacksonville area public schools. Most follow the path beginning at Venetia Elementary, followed with attendance at Westside Middle School and then graduate from Riverside High School. Bus transportation is available for those in Duval County. Consult your school liaison for requirements and options for private schools and homeschool programs.
Colleges and Universities
Naval Air Station Jacksonville has ample opportunities for service members who want to further their education. This facility has on-base and off-base higher education options.
For those who choose to learn on-base, classes are available through Navy College Learning Center, Florida State College, Columbia College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Jacksonville University, Southern Illinois University and Webster University.
These universities have undergraduate programming paths in addition to the University of Maryland Global Campus. Graduate degree seekers will apply to Webster University, Columbia University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on site, or the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Related: Ultimate GI Bill Guide
Contacts
Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Quarterdeck
6801 Roosevelt Ave
Naval Air Station
Jacksonville, FL 32212
(904) 542-2338
- Barracks/Single Service Member Housing (904) 542-8195
- Child Development Centers (904) 542-5529
- Commissary (904) 542-5311
- Housing Office (904) 908-0821
- ID/CAC Card Processing (904) 542-1837
- School Age Care (904) 778-9772
- School Liaison (904) 778-2236
- Temporary Lodging/Billeting (904) 542-3138
- Welcome/Visitor Center (904) 741-4902
Related: Ultimate Military Benefits Guide
About the author
Kena Sosa is an award-winning author, filmmaker and percussionist. She
earned her BA from OLLU and her MBEGT from SMU. She published two
award-winning children’s books. Kena has written for CBS/DFW Local and
Multicultural Review Magazine. She was the Guest Editor for the Fall/Winter
2023 ChildArt Magazine issue. Kena has written for Recon Media since 2023.
