Lemoore NAS
Naval Air Station Lemoore Relocation Information
Image via NAS Lemoore Facebook page
Welcome to Naval Air Station Lemoore!
Established in 1961, it might not sound very new and shiny, but, given that it wasn’t up and running for WWI or WWII, people consider this naval air station young when compared to its fellow military installations. It’s the biggest Master Jet Base in the Navy and provides the infrastructure, support, and services that enable Strike Fighter Wing Pacific squadrons to do their job effectively.
Situated in a remote, agricultural region of California, this duty station fosters a quiet, small-town feel (minus the jets flying overhead). It’s so reserved that you may find yourself driving to the next town over, Hanford, or the major metropolitan area, Fresno, for needs that exceed the exchange and commissary’s offerings. However, it’s a quick drive, about ten to twenty minutes to Hanford from the base (45 minutes to Fresno).
BrendelSignature at English Wikipedia via Wikimedia Commons
If the countryside and the small-town landscape aren't enough, then you’ll be pleased to learn that California’s playgrounds, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Yosemite Valley, are just down the road. Most are only a three-hour drive away, so consider your weekend getaway trips already planned! While you’ll no doubt slow to the pace of life surrounding NAS Lemoore, there’s much to do nearby. In addition to the major cities a drive away, you’ll find many of California’s national parks where you can explore the beautiful landscape on foot. There’s also wine country, beaches, and smaller destination spots like Monterey that offer a stress-free weekend without the bustle of a big city.
back to top
Frequently Asked Questions about NAS Lemoore
F/A-18E aircraft from Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore fly in formation over the Pacific Ocean. Image via Official U.S. Navy page.
1. How big is Lemoore Naval Air Station?
NAS Lemoore is approximately 19,225 acres, located in a rich agricultural area with roughly 12,000 acres under agricultural leases. This is the Navy's largest agricultural out-lease program. The base’s population is roughly 6,502 Active Duty, 7,476 Active Duty Dependents, 10,000 Retirees, 24,032 Retiree Dependents, 355 Reservists, and 2,403 Civilians.
2. How many squadrons are at NAS Lemoore?
Home to the Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and five Carrier Air Wings, NAS Lemoore is host to 22 squadrons. The base houses a total of 175 Hornets and Super Hornets.
3. What is the population of Lemoore, CA?
Lemoore’s population is approximately 26,474. The neighboring town, Hanford, is roughly 56,910. And Fresno, about 45 minutes north, has a population of about 530,093.
4. Is Lemoore, CA considered Southern California?
Good question! Lemoore, CA is really Central California. Central California is the heartland, which is known for its agriculture. It stretches more than 400 miles to include cities like Stockton, Fresno, Lemoore, and Bakersfield.
5. What is the zip code for NAS Lemoore?
The zip code for NAS Lemoore is 93246
6. What is the BAH for NAS Lemoore?
BAH for NAS Lemoore ranges from $1,896 for E-1 to $2,457 for E-9 with dependents, and from $2,085 for O-1 to $2,745 for O-7 with dependents. See the housing section for more info.
back to top
Base Location and Information
Image from NAS Lemoore navy.mil
Naval Air Station Lemoore is located in the San Joaquin Valley approximately 40 miles south of Fresno, CA. When it comes to finding a place to live, Lemoore and Hanford are the options. Lemoore is primarily residential, but it does have a Starbucks (which may or may not help you make a decision). Hanford offers plenty of housing options and is home to popular retail shops and chain restaurants, making it a popular choice.
They share similar things to do. Nearby are parks, playgrounds, among other outdoor ventures. Hanford has a little more to offer in terms of culture and entertainment. The Hanford Fox Theater is restored to its former 1920s glory and Main Street is packed with quaint shops, restaurants, and lots of history—it’s charming. This town hosts fun community events like Thursday Night Farmers Markets and Blues and Roots in the fall. And in the summer, you have the Kings County Fair to look forward to!
The good news is, neither Hanford nor Lemoore are far from each other or from the naval air station.
NAS Lemoore Base Map from Lemoore Fleet & Family Readiness
Nearby military installations:
California is overflowing with military installation—there are over 30! A few near NAS Lemoore are:
back to top
Arrival Lodging
Photo by Navy Gateway Inns & Suites
Military families relocating to NAS Lemoore will find that the Navy Gateway Inns & Suites handles lodging for all incoming families. Offering both guest rooms and suites, as well as pet-friendly rooms, you’ll find that their accommodations are well-suited for you as you start the settling in process at your new duty station.
Lemoore Lodging Location:
800 Bon Homme Richard
Lemoore, CA 93245
Lemoore Lodging Contact: 559-817-4736
back to top
NAS Lemoore Housing
Photo by Liberty Military Housing
NAS Lemoore housing is privatized with Liberty Military Housing. They offer six communities on base for military families. Along with housing accommodations, you’ll find playgrounds, sports courts, swimming pools, picnic areas, and more.
Lemoore Housing Office Location:
985 Ticonderoga Ave.
NAS Lemoore, CA
93245
559-537-5313
Lemoore Housing Contact: 559-772-1444
For additional questions and information, contact the Housing Service Center.
back to top
NAS Lemoore NAS Off-Base Housing
View homes for sale and houses for rent near NAS Lemoore: NAS Lemoore Homes
Image from Canva
Base Search
Homes near NAS Lemoore:
City Search
NAS Lemoore BAH
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S.-based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Some sample NAS Lemoore rates for zip code 93246:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,896
- E-1 without dependents: $1,620
- E-9 with dependents: $2,457
- E-9 without dependents: $2,172
- O-1 with dependents: $2,085
- O-1 without dependents: $1,740
- O-7 with dependents: $2,745
- O-7 without dependents: $2,427
Area Weather & Climate
Photo by Marc Cooper via Flickr
The seasons near NAS Lemoore are non-traditional. With extreme summers, cloudless skies, and temperatures reaching over a hundred degrees, the remaining seasons are mild. You’ll find the winter months bring foggy mornings and chilly evenings, but the afternoons embrace sunshine year-round.
The biggest concern this region faces is wildfires. Wildfire season is typically in the fall when the winds pick up, and the winter rain hasn’t wet the earth left dry from summer. And don’t be surprised to feel an earthquake or two as well. Thousands occur every year. And while some cause damage, you’ll hardly feel most of them.
Learn more about California wildfires (how to prepare, prevent them, and recover from them) at readyforwildfire.org.
back to top
NAS Lemoore Area Schools
Military families stationed at NAS Lemoore, from elementary to upper level schooling, fall within the Kings County School District (see image below).
Image by County of Kings
If you’re looking for a private school education for your children, Private School Review is a great tool to help you find the right fit for you and your family.
Families interested in homeschooling should follow the California Department of Education homeschool regulations. For any questions or concerns, contact the NAS Lemoore School Liaison Officer.
back to top
Support for Military and Families
Photo by Sydney Rae on Unsplash
For some, moving to such a remote area may take some getting used to. While it might appear that there’s very little to do here, you might find that you and your family easily settle into the simple pace of life here, or that you are creative at finding things to do or venturing down the road to a nearby city.
Locally, you won’t find many attractions, but what the area lacks in entertainment, it gains in parks, playgrounds, and pools. Think of it as a year-round summer where playing outdoors is an everyday adventure. With a campground available right on base, it’s an easy way to switch up the daily routine.
Also on the base, you’ll find a pool, bowling alley, movie theater, driving range, and a handful of dining options like the Spuds Restaurant and Pub, Tailhook Tavern, and Valley Inn.
For families with older kids or military spouses looking to further their education, you won’t find many upper-level education options within Kings County. The largest employers in the county are Adventist Health, Central Valley General Hospital, and the California State Prison. However, you may find some jobs within Hanford or further up the road in Fresno.
Some helpful links:
back to top
More Area Information
Base Address:
700 Avenger Avenue
Naval Air Station, Lemoore
,
93246-5001