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Naval Base Point Loma Guide

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Kena Sosa

Naval Base Point Loma, California

Naval Base Point Loma is a Navy base in San Diego, California. Naval Base Point Loma supports Pacific Fleet operations and is home to Los Angeles-class submarines. The base’s mission includes “support and services to float and shore commands,” according to the official site.

Learn more about Naval Base Point Loma, including contact phone numbers, childcare, education, and check-in procedures below.

Naval Base Point Loma History

Naval Base Point Loma’s history begins with the Army in 1852 when President Millard Fillmore designated around 1400 acres to become what is now part of the southern half of Point Loma.

That land was originally the site of Fort Rosecrans and served as an artillery training area until 1945. The fort was turned over to the United States Navy in 1959. The Navy Submarine Support Facility became operational there in 1963.

By the 1970s, the Navy considered re-designating the site as a shore command. According to DoD literature in 1974, the installation supported Navy Submarine Group Five, Submarine Squadron Three, Submarine Development Group One, and the Submarine Training Facility. In 1981 the Navy redesignated the site as a Naval Submarine Base.

The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission of the 1990s brought many changes to some stateside bases, including NB Point Loma. The BRAC era saw the base reorganize and consolidate; it became Naval Base Point Loma in 1998.

In the 21st century, NB Point Loma provides submarine support and hosts a variety of important tenant commands related to submarine warfare, tactical training, dry dock operations, and sea operations.

Naval Base Point Loma Surrounding Area

The San Diego area has many attractions to offer, and there is no shortage of Navy heritage on display here. You can visit the USS Midway Museum and take self-guided tours with narration by actual sailors who served aboard the Midway. In Balboa Park, the San Diego Air & Space Museum features restored aircraft from World War One to Vietnam.

San Diego has plenty to offer lovers of major league sports thanks to the San Diego Padres, and there are plenty of family-friendly attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Seaworld, and San Diego Harbour cruises.

San Diego is a high-cost-of-living area, and you won’t want to travel here without researching the costs for lodging, food, and other necessities. If you are assigned to NB Point Loma, discuss the cost of living issue with your sponsor to get an idea of what to expect when you arrive.

Naval Base Point Loma Mission and Units

Naval Base Point Loma falls under the jurisdiction of Navy Region Southwest. Naval Base Point Loma supports 70 U.S. Pacific Fleet afloat and shore-based tenant commands. There are six installations within Point Loma, including:

  • Naval Submarine Base
  • Naval Mine and Anti-submarine Warfare Command
  • Commander Third Fleet Headquarters complex;
  • Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Headquarters;
  • SPAWAR Systems Center
  • Fleet Intelligence Training Command Pacific

Major missions and units here include the above and have included:

  • Mobile Mine Assembly Group
  • Information Warfare Training Command San Diego
  • Naval Health Research Center
  • Center for Information Dominance San Diego
  • Hopper Intelligence Services Center
  • Naval Information Force Reserve Region Southwest
  • Space And Naval Warfare Systems Command Pacific
  • Space And Naval Warfare Systems Headquarters
  • Military Sealift Command Pacific

In-Processing and Check-In at Naval Base Point Loma

For many new arrivals, the first stop is Naval Base Point Loma Main Gate (Post 6) described on the official site as “the best place to get current information on ships in port and directions to your command.” Report to your gaining unit, and be advised that those checking into the base should call the Administrative Office at 619-553-0325.

After normal duty hours, on weekends and holidays, new arrivals should report to the Combined Bachelor Housing front desk Building 601.

Naval Base Point Loma Childcare

Childcare is in high demand in the San Diego area. NB Point Loma Child Development Centers (CDC) operate at Point Loma, but waiting lists will apply, and you may have better luck trying for options at nearby Naval Base San Diego, or one of the following alternatives:

  • Naval Base Coronado
  • Marine Corps Recruiting Depot
  • Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
  • Naval Medical Center
  • Murphy Canyon
  • Chollas Heights
  • Liberty Station

Child Development Homes may also be available. These homes provide childcare in private residences as part of a Department of Navy program. These providers are supervised by the Regional Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) Department.

Go to Militarychildcare.com  for information on childcare programs worldwide in the area. You can try a customized search for the care you need and submit a request for care from any location.

Naval Base Point Loma Housing

High demand for on-base homes combined with a higher cost of living in the area means there are plenty of waiting lists for military housing. There is a single housing agency for multiple military bases in the San Diego area, known as the Family Housing Welcome Center.

The center is at Naval Base San Diego and helps with housing needs for all military families in the San Diego area, including Naval Base Point Loma, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and Marine Corps Recruit Depot.

Contact the Family Housing Welcome Center upon arrival at 619-556-8443 to learn more about waiting lists, cost of living issues, and how to find housing in the local area.

Single or unaccompanied military members are directed to visit the Billeting Office for room assignments on base. The office also assists new arrivals in locating housing in the local area; housing is not automatically assigned to unaccompanied sailors here.

The San Diego Housing Service Center partners with local landlords to provide active-duty military personnel with affordable off-base housing. Be sure to ask about this program when checking in.

Related: Basic Allowance for Housing Calculator

Commissary

There is no Commissary at NB Point Loma. Servicemembers typically use the Naval Base San Diego Commissary, which is located at:

2525 Callagan Highway
Building 3626
San Diego, CA 92136
619-556-8657

Naval Base Point Loma PCS and TDY Lodging

PCS and TDY season make finding temporary lodging a challenge. It’s best to make reservations as soon as you are able. Reservations can be made at the Navy and Marine Corps Lodge or with local hotel/motel operations.

If you cannot find military temporary housing, you must get a Certificate of Non-Availability to be reimbursed for off-base lodging.

When calling to make reservations, mention your PCS orders to get booking priority; call the Navy Lodge at 1-800-628-9466 or learn more at the Navy Lodge official site.

Naval Base Point Loma Transportation

There is no base transportation offered on Point Loma. New arrivals typically fly into San Diego International Airport, and you’ll want to coordinate your arrival with your sponsor or gaining unit as local traffic conditions can make getting to the base from the airport a challenge.

The usual ride-sharing, shuttles, and commercial taxi services may be available depending on the time of your arrival, tourist season, rush hour, etc.

Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License

All drivers operating motor vehicles on NB Point Loma are required to comply with all State of California motor vehicle laws. This includes emissions testing, minimum insurance coverage, and vehicle registration. You must comply on and off base.

Military members stationed in California may qualify for an exemption from the California vehicle license fee but you must be the lessee or registered owner of the vehicle. You may not operate such exempt vehicles for commercial purposes.

To enter Point Loma, you must submit to a 100% ID check, random searches, and other measures as the mission dictates.

Naval Base Point Loma Schools

There are no DoD schools on board NB Point Loma. Military families with school-age children will send them to one of San Diego’s 47 independent school districts, depending on the family’s address.

You can use the San Diego Unified School District school finder to find the nearest schools. Some school schedules here may be more traditional, while others may feature year-round classroom attendance. Contact the Point Loma School Liaison Officer for more information at 619-553-8290.

Naval Base Point Loma Colleges and Universities

The Navy College Program (NCP) helps sailors earn college degrees “by providing academic credit for Navy training, work experience, and off-duty education,” according to the DoD. There are also a variety of colleges in the San Diego area:

Ask for in-state tuition waiver eligibility guidelines for military family members.

  • University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
  • San Diego State University (SDSU)
  • University of San Diego (USD)
  • San Diego Community College District
  • Grossmont College

The area is also served by the San Diego Regional Occupational Program (ROP), which offers free occupational training programs to anyone age 16 and over. Get help or learn more by calling the Education Region Advisor at 619-556-3254.

Related: Ultimate GI Bill Guide

Naval Base Point Loma Contacts

Installation Front Gate
140 Sylvester Road
Naval Base Point Loma
San Diego, CA 92106
619-553-1011

Important Contact Numbers At Naval Base Point Loma:

  • Child Development Center (619) 553-0765
  • Emergency 911
  • Emergency Management Officer (619) 553-0090
  • Fleet & Family Support Center (619) 553-7505
  • ID and CAC Card Processing (619) 556-9520
  • Operator (619) 553-1011
  • School Liaison Officer (619) 553-8290
  • Patrick Wade CDC (619) 222-3400
  • School Age Care Center (619) 556-5045
  • Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (619) 279-2933
  • Suicide Prevention Hotline (800) 273-8255
  • Youth Programs Center (619) 556-8491
  • Naval Medical Branch (619) 532-8225
  • Housing Service Center (619) 556-8443
  • Navy Gateway Inns and Suites (Harbor Drive Annex) (619) 524-0557
  • Navy Gateway Inns and Suites (Main Base) (619) 553-9380
  • Unaccompanied Housing (Harbor Drive Annex) (619) 524-1597
  • Unaccompanied Housing (Main Base) (619) 553-7530

Related: Ultimate Military Benefits Guide

Military Bases and VA and Veteran Facilities in California

Find a listing of military bases, as well as VA resources and veteran facilities in the state of California.  If you are traveling to California on PCS orders, look up the BAH in your new duty location using our BAH Calculator.

The State of California provides a large number of veteran benefit programs. The state also provides veteran service officers across a wide range of California counties; these officers can help you file claims for VA benefits, compensation, and housing.  You can also look up veteran benefits in the State of California.

Air Force Bases in California

Did you know? The State of California offers military family members a benefit known as the California College Fee Waivers Program for Veterans’ Dependents. It waives tuition and mandatory fees for classes at any California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. The payment is limited to tuition and fees and does not cover books or lodging.

Defense Logistics Agency Centers in California

Space Force Bases in California

Army Bases in California

Get more info on VA benefits for veterans, retirees, separating service members, spouses, dependents, and disabled veterans. Learn more about the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, monthly housing allowances, VA loans, and TRICARE.

Marine Corps Bases in California

Navy Bases in California

Reserve and National Guard Bases in California

Did you know? The State of California has been helping veterans and families get into affordable veteran home loans for 100 years. CalVets offers 30-year fixed-rate mortgages for veterans and their families through a network of participating lenders. This California state government program is just one of the many options for veterans who live in Orange County or anywhere else in the state.

Department of Veterans Affairs Locations In California

The Department of Veterans Affairs facility locator on the VA official site does NOT list all VA facilities in the state at press time. What follows is the VA’s current list of facilities based on the locator found on the VA official site:

VA Clinics In California

Oakhurst VA Clinic

40597 Westlake Drive
Oakhurst, CA 93644-9024
559-683-5300
Mental health: 559-683-5300

Fresno VA Medical Center

2615 East Clinton Avenue
Fresno, CA 93703-2223
559-225-6100
Mental health: 559-228-5336

VA Benefits Centers

VA Regional Benefit Satellite Office at Fresno

855 M. Street
Suites 150 and 155
Fresno, CA 93721
559-443-1491

Pre-Discharge Site at Naval Airstation Lemoore

937 W Franklin Ave
Lemoore, CA 93246
800-827-1000

VA Cemeteries

Big Sandy Rancheria Veterans Cemetery

37387 Auberry Mission Rd.
Auberry, CA 93602
559-374-0066

VA Vet Centers

Fresno Vet Center

1320 East Shaw Avenue
Suite 125
Fresno, CA 93710
559-487-5660

Other Military Bases in the Continental United States:

Please review our complete list of Military Bases by State.

About the author

Kena Sosa

Website | + posts

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.

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