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Naval Base Cornonado Guide

Kena Sosa

Naval Base Coronado is located in Coronado, California. It is a consolidated military activity and is comprised of multiple formerly separate bases. NB Coronado’s mission includes supporting DoD missions, aiding combat readiness, and adding to the lives of service members stationed in Southern California.

An expansive site, stretching throughout the region, the Naval Base Coronado is also referred to as the West Coast Quarterdeck due to its management of multiple base programs offshore and afloat. Its quality infrastructure and nearly perfect weather allow for ongoing wellness in the work and daily lives of service members stationed here.  Learn more about Naval Base Coronado including base services, housing, childcare, and education below.

Base History

Known as the “Birthplace of Naval Aviation” since 1963, this site was founded in 1911, and then deemed a naval air station a few years later. This site has served service members and their missions during World War II in the fight in the Pacific and other conflicts.

Naval Base Coronado merged forces with other facilities in 1997 and spans from San Clemente Island to San Diego, well over 50,000 acres in size. The site provides over 30,000 jobs to keep the community strong. These facilities currently include:

• Naval Air Station, North Island (NASNI)
• Naval Amphibious Base Coronado (NAB)
• Naval Outlying Landing Field, Imperial Beach (NOLF)
• Naval Auxiliary Landing Field, San Clemente Island (NALF SCI)
• Silver Strand Training Complex (SSTC) – Coastal Campus
• Camp Michael Monsoor (CMM)
• Camp Morena (CM)
• Remote Training Site, Warner Springs (SERE)

Surrounding Area

Famous for its beaches, this region of California is a beautiful setting for work and recreation. Nestled en route from San Diego to the Pacific Ocean, visitors can enjoy nature and urban life all in one day. Most known for the beach, the area has an enviable climate and many parks. Visitors often indulge in the area’s food tours, kayaking excursions, and charter boat trips.

Area attractions include:

• Coronado Butterfly Preserve
• Loreto Bay National Marine Park
• Cabrillo National Monument
• Coronado Surfing Academy
• Silver Strand Beachfront

Mission and Units

The main features of the Naval Base Coronado are its plentiful piers, runways and training centers. Ensuring the ample use of this infrastructure, allowed this site to become the West Coast Quarterdeck for the Navy.

Mssions and units at this facility include but are not limited to:

• Amphibious Construction Battalion One (ACB1)
• Beachmaster Unit One (BMU 1)
• Command Naval Air Forces
• Commander Carrier Group Force 11
• Commander Naval Special Warfare Center
• Deep Submergence Unit
• Expeditionary Warfare Training Force Pacific
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group One
• Fleet Readiness Center Southwest
• Naval Base Coronado Air Ops
• Naval Operations Support Center
• Naval Special Warfare Center/Center for SEAL and SWCC
• Special Boat Team 12
• Weapons Department NASNI

In-Processing and Check-In

Most new arrivals must report at the Main Gate at Third and Alameda Blvd unless reporting to the Amphibious Base, who will report to the Main Gate on Tarawa Road. From there, most will be referred to the Quarterdeck in Building 678. Those reporting to a unit which is currently deployed will be sent to the Transient Personnel Unit.  For more detailed information, arriving service members can call the Quarterdeck at (619) 556-3182 or the Administration Office at (619) 556-5182.

Child Care

Due to the size of this facility, there are two Child Development Centers, the Child Development Center NAB and the Child Development Center NASNI. Both are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

Naval Base Coronado site offers 24/7 care for eligible children ages six weeks to 12 years old for qualifying children of eligible service members. Rates vary based on need and availability. The CDC at Naval Base Coronado can be reached at (619) 767-1172.

The alternative to using Child Care Centers for care is to use a Child Development Home. These homes are available in and out of government housing to children ages six weeks to 12 years of eligible service members. More information on child development homes can be found by reaching out to the Metro San Diego Child Development Homes Program Office at (619) 556-7394. It is located at Naval Base San Diego, Building 3210, Yama St., San Diego, California. \

Housing

Families and arriving service members should contact the Housing Center in advance of arrival for options. With almost 50,000 families of service members, the housing demand is high. The cost of living in the area is above average so any arrangements made early will ensure the right housing options for families. Privately managed military property housing is also an option in the area, managed by Liberty Military Housing.

Bring orders, identification, and income documentation to the Housing Center upon arrival. The Housing Office is reachable at (619) 556-8443.

Single service member housing is offered in the barracks or Liberty Military Housing. The Single Service Member Housing is reachable at (619) 437-3494.

Related: Basic Allowance for Housing Calculator

PCS and TDY Lodging

Due to the conditions of the area, there is no official temporary housing in San Diego, so those arriving in need of housing or short-term stays must use the Naval Lodge or Marine Corps Lodge. For more information and reservations, call the Navy Lodge at 800-628-9466. If there are no vacancies at the Naval Lodge, standard chain hotels in the area are abundant.

Reservations should be made in advance. If checking in with pets, call in advance to ensure which facilities accept pets. Naval hotels in the area include:

• Naval Base San Diego: 619-234-6142 (Pet Friendly)
• Naval Base Coronado (North Island): 619-435-0191 (No Pets)
• Naval Base San Diego: 619-556-8672  (No Pets)
• Naval Base Coronado (North Island): 619-545-9551 (Pet Friendly)
• Naval Base Coronado (Amphibious Base): 619-437-3860 (Pet friendly)
• Naval Base Point Loma (Annex): 619-524-0557 (Pet Friendly)
• Naval Base Point Loma (Main Base): 619-553-9381 (Pet Friendly)

Transportation

Most people arrive first at the San Diego International Airport on Harbor Drive, less than ten minutes from Naval Base Coronado. The airport has several shuttle options, including a terminal loop shuttle, San Diego Flyer, and a rental car shuttle.

Before leaving the airport, verify which method of transportation you will use. There are ample taxi and rideshare options, which can sometimes be negotiated. It should be noted that sometimes command officers can offer transportation, so inquiring in advance can be beneficial.

If driving a personal vehicle to base from the north, head south on I-5, or if coming from the south, head north on the I-5 and follow signs. Check the address of the various installations on site in advance to ensure you arrive at the correct destination.

Naval Base Coronado Installation Addresses:

• Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI): 300 Alameda Blvd., Coronado, CA 92118
• Naval Amphibious Base (NAB): 3632 Tulagi Rd Coronado, CA 92118
• Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach (NOLF): 1498 13th St, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
• San Clemente (NALF SCI) is the southernmost Channel Island; 55 nautical miles (nm) south of Long Beach and 68 nm west of San Diego.
• Silver Strand Training Complex (SSTC): 560 Silver Strand Blvd Imperial Beach, CA 91932
• Camp Michael Monsoor (CMM): 2150 La Posta Rd Campo, CA 91906
• Camp Morena (CM): 3080 Buckman Springs Rd Campo, CA 91906
• Remote Training Site, Warner Springs (SERE): 34567 CA-79 Warner Springs, CA 92086

Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License

Incoming service members who bring a personal vehicle must have it registered to the state of California within two months of relocating. To register the vehicle, the vehicle must be sufficiently insured, and the service member must provide the title and official driver’s license documents. The vehicle must have received a smog certificate after an emissions test.

The owner must pay all registration fees. When driving on base, use hands-free devices only while driving and use all safety equipment, including motorcycle helmets. All motorcycle drivers must pass a Motor Safety Course.

Schools

Such an expansive area has a collection of local school districts and several School Liaison Officers serving the area from elementary to high school. Coronado Unified School Districts may offer the closest schools to the base. Some schools nearby which serve students in Pre-K through 12th grades include:

• Coronado High School
• Coronado Middle School
• Coronado School of the Arts
• Coronado Preschool
• Silver Strand Elementary School
• Village Elementary School

Colleges and Universities

The proximity to San Diego allows for many higher education options for service members at and near the Naval Base Coronado facility. Interested parties should also consider the Navy College Program, which gives service members extra help and potential academic credit for life experience. Nearby colleges and universities include:

• University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
• San Diego State University (SDSU)
• University of San Diego (USD)
• San Diego Community College District
• Grossmont College
• San Diego College of Continuing Education offers classes, programs, and services to the community with low to no fee enrollments. Courses vary from adult education to college-level certificates.

Related: Ultimate GI Bill Guide

Contacts

• Barracks/Single Service Member Housing (619) 437-3494
• Civilian Personnel Office (619) 556-8406
• Commissary (619) 437-9482
• Child Development Homes (619) 556-7394
• Family Advocacy Program (619) 545-6071
• Finance Office (619) 556-1945
• Housing Office (619) 556-8443
• School Liaison Office (619) 991-2509
• Temporary Lodging/Navy Lodge (619) 435-0191
• Visitor Center (619) 545-6071
• Youth Programs (619) 435-5056

Related: Ultimate Military Benefits Guide