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Naval Support Activity Panama City

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Naval Support Activity Panama City spans over 600 acres and features over 200 buildings that service military service members and their families through active duty posts and training for over 4,000 people.

The NSA Panama City is part of the Florida Panhandle in the northwestern portion of the state in Bay County. A popular site for tourists, the area is growing fast, bringing in new residents and families who enjoy the sunny weather and turquoise waters near the sandy beaches. Other towns in the area include Lynn Haven, Callaway, Springfield and Mexico Beach.

Learn more about NSA Panama City including the main contact numbers for the base, housing, education, and information about the surrounding area below.

NSA Panama City Base History

Since its inception almost 80 years ago, Naval Support Activity Panama City has undergone many name changes, although its strength and purpose has remained the same. In 1945, the U.S. Navy Mine Countermeasures Station was established, eventually becoming the U.S. Navy Mine Defense Laboratory just ten years later.

The site was founded to support waterfront port services and training. It has a heliport for naval helicopters and a hangar, however its identity has been less stable. By the 1970’s it gained a new moniker and became the Naval Coastal Systems Laboratory, and then was renamed once more in the 1980’s as the Naval Coastal Systems Center.

By the early 2000’s, it was given the name that stands today, the Naval Support Activity Panama City site. It continues to support the Navy on land and by sea and its varied warfare missions and developments.

Surrounding Area

Nestled in the northwestern portion of the Florida Panhandle is Naval Support Activity Panama City, a short stint from Panama City Beach on the beautiful shores of the Gulf of Mexico.

This area is known for water activities and nature, boasting clear waters and clean beaches. In the St. Andrews Bay area, there is always a crowd of water sports enthusiasts taking advantage of the sunny weather. Kayakers, paddle boarders, snorkelers, and scuba divers frequent the waters.

There are also plenty of guided boat tours for dolphin-watching for those who wish to stay dry and maybe eat some fresh local seafood at Gene’s Oyster Bar. Other attractions in the area include but are not limited to:

• Man in the Sea Museum
• Panama City Center for the Arts
• Oaks By the Bay Park
• Bear Creek Feline Center

NSA Panama City Mission and Units

Naval Support Activity Panama City emphasizes warfare skills and training needed for expeditionary missions, diving, and dealing with mines, as well as research, testing, and development of new technologies for the Navy. Major units that support readiness in these fields and are located at the Naval Support Activity Panama City center include:

• Center for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Diving
• Naval Special Warfare Advanced Training Command Detachment Panama City
• Naval Support Activity Panama City
• Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division
• Navy Diving and Salvage Training Center
• Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU)

In-Processing and Check-In

Service members reporting for duty should come in proper uniform, Building 308 to the administration office. In hand, they should have their orders, medical files and personnel records. Students should report to building 350 in proper daily uniform for assistance during the day at the Quarterdeck. Navy Experimental Diving Unit service members should go to building 321 to the administration office with orders and records.

PCS and TDY Lodging

The first choice for temporary lodging for Naval Support Activity Panama City arrivals is Navy Gateway Inn & Suites. Service members coming with pets will find lodging options to be extremely limited.

If The Navy Gateway Inn & Suites is at capacity, other lodgings can be found through the housing center, including motels and bachelor’s quarters. Consult the housing office for tax exemption allowances that benefit incoming service members.

Child Care

Families will be assured help with child care at Naval Support Activity Panama City through the Child Development Center for children ages six weeks to five years old. Pricing for child care will be based on income. Due to high demand, it is best to apply as soon as possible. The Child Development Center is in building T2087 and operates during standard business hours; however, sometimes extra hours are available for programs like Parents’ Day Out.

If the care provided by the CDC doesn’t match your needs, look into Family Child Care options, where children are cared for in family homes in small groups. FCC homes must meet qualifications to accept children into their homes. Rates are based on income and availability.

Housing

Naval Support Activity Panama City has privatized housing with Balfour Beatty Communities on base for both families and single service members if available. Housing in this area can be very limited, with almost 200,000 residents and over 15 million visitors and tourists yearly, so all arrangements should be made as soon as possible through the housing office. Rates will vary based on needs and availability.

“Geographic bachelors” will be given rooms on base if available, but they may first be placed on a waiting list. New arrivals with pets should expect to pay a pet fee/deposit between $100-$300, but pet-friendly options are not always available.

Related: Basic Allowance for Housing Calculator

Commissary

Naval Support Activity Panama City has a commissary available during regular business hours for supplies for everyday life and special events if ordering platters and supplies for special events. The commissary is at 101 Vernon Avenue, Building 395, Panama City Beach, Florida. To find out about special deals or place orders, call (850) 235-2778.

Transportation

The closest airport to Naval Support Activity Panama City is the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, only about 20 minutes from the base itself. Local rideshare transportation and taxi service can get you to the base. If you need assistance on-site at the airport, visit the Military Welcome Center.

If driving to the base, it is easiest to arrive from Highway 231 or Highway 98. If coming from a long distance away using I-10, take I-10 to Highway 231 south.

You will find the Visitor Center before the main gate. It is necessary to bring a valid driver license, insurance and vehicle registration documentation to show at the gate. There is no on-site transportation on base so the use of a personal vehicle can be very convenient.

Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License

To operate legally in the Sunshine State, you must carry an unexpired driver’s license be able to provide proof of insurance that includes personal and property damage for any vehicle, including motorcycles, cars, trucks, and vans. To enter the base, you must also be able to provide proof of vehicle ownership, show current identification, and provide a visitor pass if necessary.

All drivers and passengers should use seat belts and child safety seats for children under five. Use a hands-free device if you need to call while driving. All vehicles on site should be prepared for inspection upon request. No unauthorized weapons are allowed in vehicles.

Schools

School-aged children of service members in the NSA Panama City area have many schools within the Bay District Schools. All in all, the district has 18 elementary schools, 6 middle schools and 5 high schools in addition to a few charter and specialty campuses.

Children must be five years old to enter kindergarten.

They can be registered with physical proof of the following requirements: immunization record, birth certificate, and proof of residence in the form of two major bills, including your home address, such as utilities or water bills.

Public Schools in the area include:

• Callaway Elementary
• Cedar Grove Elementary
• Deer Point Elementary
• Hiland Park Elementary
• Hutchison Beach Elementary
• Lucille Moore Elementary
• Lynn Haven Elementary
• M. Cherry Street Elementary
• Northside Elementary
• Oscar Patterson Elementary
• Parker Elementary
• Patronis Elementary
• Southport Elementary
• Tommy Smith Elementary
• Waller Elementary
• West Bay Elementary
• Breakfast Point Academy
• Jinks Middle School
• Merritt Brown Middle School
• Mowat Middle School
• Surfside Middle School
• Tyndall Academy
• A. Crawford Moseley High School
• Bay High School
• Dean Bozeman School and High School
• J.R. Arnold High School
• Rosenwald High School
• Rutherford High School

Colleges and Universities

There is no on-site college program at Naval Activity Support Panama City. However, several colleges and universities serve service members in the area. Most of these facilities support undergraduate and postgraduate programs and continuing education. Colleges and universities local to the area include:

• Florida State University Panama City
• Gulf Coast State College
• Troy University
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Tom P. Haney Technical Center

Related: Ultimate GI Bill Guide

NSA Panama City Contacts

101 Vernon Avenue
Panama City, FL 32407-7018
(850) 234-4011

• Barracks/Single Service Member Housing (850) 230-7231
• Child Development Centers (850) 283-2226
• Commissary (850) 234-2407
• Housing Referral Office (850) 236-1095
• ID/CAC Card Processing (850) 235-5525
• Military and Family Support Center (850) 235-5800
• School Liaison Program (850) 238-9830
• Temporary Lodging/Billeting (850) 588-0753
• Welcome/Visitors Center (850) 235-5525
• Youth Programs (850) 234-4134

Related: Ultimate Military Benefits Guide

Military Bases in Florida

The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs estimates there are more than a million and a half veterans living in the state. Florida has the third largest veteran population in the nation, second only to California and Texas. This state has more than 20 military bases, with Pensacola, Florida being recognized by some as the “cradle of Navy aviation.”

If you are traveling to Florida on PCS orders, look up the BAH in your new duty location using our BAH Calculator. You can also find veterans benefits offered in Florida.

Air Force Bases in Florida

• Eglin Air Force Base
• Hurlburt Field
• MacDill Air Force Base
• Tyndall Air Force Base
• Arnold Air Force Base

Space Force Bases in Florida

• Patrick Space Force Base

Did you know? The State of Florida offers qualifying members of the Florida National Guard a program called Educational Dollars for Duty. This program pays public tuition in state-supported Florida colleges “for the period of the Guard member’s service,” according to the official site. You can use the program to earn a Technical Certificate, Associate’s, Baccalaureate, or Master’s Degree.

Navy Bases in Florida

• Naval Air Station Jacksonville
• Naval Air Station Key West
• Naval Air Station Pensacola
• Naval Air Station Whiting Field
• Naval Station Mayport
• Naval Support Activity Orlando
• Naval Support Activity Panama City

Army Bases in Florida

• USSOUTHCOM/U.S. Army Garrison-Miami
• USAREC, Jacksonville Battalion
• USAREC, Miami Battalion
• USAREC, Tampa Battalion

Coast Guard Bases in Florida

• USCG Base Miami Beach

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.

VA Centers in Florida

The Villages VA Clinic

8900 Southeast 165th Mulberry Lane
The Villages, FL 32162-5884
352-674-5000
Mental health: 352-674-5166 x305166

Ocala VA Clinic

4826 Southwest 49th Road
Ocala, FL 34474-6299
352-369-3320
Mental health: 352-547-1583

Tavares VA Clinic

1390 East Burleigh Boulevard
Tavares, FL 32778-4305
352-253-2900
Mental health: 352-235-2900

Lecanto VA Clinic

2804 West Marc Knighton Court
Suite A
Lecanto, FL 34461
352-746-8000

Clermont VA Clinic

3200 Citrus Tower Boulevard
Clermont, FL 34711-7012
352-536-8200
Mental health: 352-536-8200

Brooksville VA Clinic

14540 Cortez Boulevard
Suite 108
Brooksville, FL 34613-6001
352-597-8287
Mental health: 352-597-8287 x4140

Medical View Lane VA Clinic

6938 Medical View Lane
Daughterly Road Professional Center
Building 7, Suite 7
Zephyrhills, FL 33542-6848
813-780-2550

Zephyrhills VA Clinic

37827 Eiland Boulevard
Zephyrhills, FL 33542-1857
813-780-2550
Mental health: 813-780-2550 x3119

Gainesville VA Clinic

5469 SW 34th Street
Gainesville, FL 32608-5032
352-548-6000

Gainesville 1 VA Clinic

5465 SW 34th Street
Gainesville, FL 32608-5032
352-384-3560

Lake Baldwin VA Clinic

5201 Raymond Street
Orlando, FL 32803-8208
407-646-5500
Mental health: 407-646-5400

Gainesville Sixty-Fourth Street 3 VA Clinic

5571 Southwest 64th Street
Gainesville, FL 32608-9608
352-337-4900

Gainesville Sixty-Fourth Street 2 VA Clinic

5533 Southwest 64th Street
Gainesville, FL 32608-9608
352-271-5967

Gainesville Sixty-Fourth Street 1 VA Clinic

5415 Southwest 64th Street
Gainesville, FL 32608-9605
352-338-4900 x161200

Gainesville VA Domiciliary

1604 Southeast 3rd Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32641-7346
352-548-1800

Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

1601 Southwest Archer Road
Gainesville, FL 32608-1135
352-376-1611
Mental health: 352-384-3560

Palatka VA Clinic

400 North State Road 19
Suite 48
Palatka, FL 32177-2449
386-329-8800
Mental health: 386-329-8800

Gainesville Ninety-Eighth Street VA Clinic

3401 Northwest 98th Street
Gainesville, FL 32606-5010
352-376-1611 x137090

Kissimmee VA Clinic

701 Union Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741-5007
407-518-5004
Mental health: 407-518-5004

New Port Richey VA Clinic

7900 Little Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654-5405
877-741-3400
Mental health: 727-869-4100 x4350

Deer Park VA Clinic

5138 Deer Park Boulevard
Suites 101 and 102
New Port Richey, FL 34653-7027
727-372-1481

VA Vet Centers In Florida

Ocala Vet Center

3300 Southwest 34th Avenue
Suite 140
Ocala, FL 34474
352-237-1947

Clermont Vet Center

1655 East Highway 50
Suite 102
Clermont, FL 34711
352-536-6701

Gainesville Vet Center

105 NW 75th Street
Suite 2
Gainesville, FL 32607
352-331-1408

Orlando Vet Center

5575 South Semoran Boulevard
Suite 30
Orlando, FL 32822
407-857-2800

Pasco County Vet Center

5139 Deer Park Drive
New Port Richey, FL 34653
727-372-1854

Other Military Bases in the Continental United States

• Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona
• Luke Air Force Base, Arizona
• Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas
• Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado
• Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia

Look up the BAH in your new duty location by searching for your zip code’s housing allowance using our BAH Calculator. You can also review our complete list of Military Bases by State.