Jacksonville NAS
NAS Jacksonville Relocation Information
Photo by NAS Jacksonville
Welcome to NAS Jacksonville!
The Naval Air Station at Jacksonville is a multi-mission base hosting more than 90 tenant commands and is the third largest naval installation in the United States. As a master air and industrial base, Naval Air Station Jacksonville supports U.S. and allied forces specializing in anti-submarine warfare and training of the best aviators in the world.
Jacksonville Beach Photo by Lance Asper on Unsplash
NAS Jax, as it’s commonly referred to, is located just south of Jacksonville, Florida, on the banks of the St. John’s River--one of only two rivers in the U.S. that flows north, and the longest river in Florida. This Florida duty station’s stated mission is to sustain, enable, and support warfighter readiness. NAS Jacksonville is home to seven active P-8A/P-3C squadrons, three reserve squadrons, and four helicopter squadrons. Other major tenants include Commander, Navy Region Southeast; Fleet Readiness Center Southeast; Naval Hospital Jacksonville; Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast; Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville and Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven. Naval Air Station Jacksonville was named the top naval air station in the world for both 2018 and 2019.
A P-8A Poseidon aircraft takes off from Naval Air Station Jacksonville to a pre-determined location ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Isaias. Image via NAS Jacksonville Facebook.
Military spouses will be glad to know that NAS Jax is one of the largest area employers with an annual economic impact of over $2 billion. And while you’re stationed here, you’ll not only experience the mild Florida weather, but you’ll find that the community offers plenty of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Jacksonville’s beautiful beaches will beckon you outdoor, and you’ll also be situated near the historic city of St. Augustine, along with numerous easy day trips up and down the Eastern coast and across Florida.
NAS Jacksonville was founded in 1907 and has a storied history which involves being home to National Guard troops, the U.S. Army, and finally the U.S. Navy. NAS Jax was also the first home to the Blue Angels, way back in 1946. History lovers will enjoy viewing the history of the base by decade and can visit the Aircraft Heritage Park located on base.
Five MH-60R helicopters attached to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72 fly in formation above Naval Air Station Jacksonville upon returning from a nine-month deployment. Image via NAS Jacksonville Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions About NAS Jacksonville
1) How big is NAS Jacksonville?
NAS Jacksonville covers about 3,400 acres near the St. John's River in Duval County.
2) How many gates does NAS Jax have?
NAS Jacksonville has three gates: the Main gate (Yorktown gate off Yorktown Ave), the Birmingham gate, and the Commercial gate. All gates are located on Roosevelt Blvd north of I-295. Click here to learn more about NAS Jax traffic flow.
Sunrise at Jacksonville Beach Pier
3) Are there any other bases near NAS Jacksonville?
The state of Florida is home to 21 U.S. military bases. Some near in proximity to NAS Jax include Mayport Naval Station, Coast Guard Mayport, and Cecil Field.
4) How many people are stationed at NAS Jacksonville?
NAS Jacksonville employs more than 17,000 personnel, active duty and civilians. The base also services thousands of retirees and family members.
5) What is the zip code for NAS Jacksonville, FL?
The zip code for NAS Jacksonville is 32212.
6) What is the BAH for NAS Jacksonville?
BAH for NAS Jacksonville ranges from $2,046 for E-1 to $2,427 for E-9 with dependents and $2,214 for O-1 to $2,748 for O-7 with dependents. See the housing section for more info.
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Base Location & Information
Nearby military installations:
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Click here to view full NAS Jacksonville map (via Navy.mil)
Naval Air Station Jacksonville is located in northeastern Florida, just south of downtown Jacksonville. From NAS Jacksonville, it’s a short drive across the Buckman Bridge to get to shore points including Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach. Other than Jacksonville, popular neighborhoods in and around NAS Jacksonville include Middleburg, Lakeside, Orange Park, and Fleming Island, FL to name a few.
Aerial view of Ponte Vedra Beach, image via Canva
Jacksonville is the largest city by population size in the state of Florida, and is known for being home to over 22 miles of beautiful white sand beaches. The city also boasts the largest urban park system in the U .S., while its abundant shorelines offer up ample opportunities to boat, swim, fish, or surf.
St. John's River and Jacksonville Skyline image via Canva
Aside from the variety you’ll find in the area’s outdoor activities, the region is no slouch when it comes to cultural opportunities, history, and the arts! A weekend may find you at the symphony, theatre, or an arts and crafts festival. (see more in NAS Jacksonville Things to Do below) Or quench your thirst at a local brewery and treat your inner gourmet at one of the many top-rated area restaurants. Sports fans will be happy to note that the city is host to the NFL team Jacksonville Jaguars, as well as various other sports including baseball, hockey, rugby, and more. Annual sports events hosted in Jacksonville include the TaxSlayer Bowl, THE PLAYERS Championship Golf, Web.com PGA Tour Championship, and The Florida vs. Georgia Football Game. Visit Jacksonville is a great source for exploring the area.
Jacksonville Skyline image via Canva
You don’t have to leave base for fun, though! On base activities and facilities include three gymnasiums, indoor and outdoor pools, sand volleyball, sports leagues, a marina right on base, a golf course, flying club and the restaurants Dewey's, Mulligan's Restaurant & Bar, and the River Cove Catering and Conference Center.
Housing options near this Navy base abound. And if you choose to live off base, it's worth mentioning that Jacksonville has been named a U.S. “Best Place to Live” with a lower than average cost of living. (Jacksonville median home price sits at about $280k.)
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Arrival Lodging
The Navy Lodge Jacksonville is your source for lodging for incoming military families. With single rooms, suites, an on site fitness center, and pet-friendly options, you’ll have easy access to base amenities while you house hunt.
Photo by Navy Lodge
Location:
6099 Mustin Road Bldg. 802
Jacksonville, FL 32212
Contact: 904-772-6000
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NAS Jacksonville Housing
Patriots Point image from NAS Jacksonville Homes
Military housing at NAS Jacksonville is privatized and managed by NAS Jacksonville Homes.
Housing consists of three-, four- and five-bedroom homes offered in two unique neighborhoods: Patriots Point which serves members ranked E1-E9, O1-O5, and W1-W3, and River Oaks serving members ranked E7-E9, O1-O7, and W1-W5. There are 301 family homes, with the average wait times running from 0-3 months for enlisted quarters and 0-6 months for officer quarters.
NAS Jacksonville Housing Contact Info:
Leasing and Community Management Office
960 Ballard Street
Jacksonville, FL 32212
Phone: (904) 908-0821
NAS Jacksonville Housing Service Center
NAS Jacksonville Off-Base Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near NAS Jacksonville: NAS Jacksonville Homes.
Whether you’re looking for proximity to the airport, an easy commute, beach access, or riverfront property, this area has something to suit your taste. No one lives far from the water here! The area has quite an architectural mix of homes, including beach bungalows, brownstones, Mediterranean revivals, and Cape Cods.
Areas like Orange Park and Fleming Island offer easy access to dining and shopping, or you may look more to the suburbs or downtown life. Tour homes in neighborhoods below.
Base Search
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NAS Jacksonville BAH Information
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 servicemembers compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
NAS Jacksonville is in Jacksonville, FL with many options to buy or rent. Some sample NAS Jacksonville BAH rates for zip code 32212:
- E-1 with dependents: $2,046
- E-1 without dependents: $1,626
- E-9 with dependents: $2,427
- E-9 without dependents: $2,226
- O-1 with dependents: $2,214
- O-1 without dependents: $1,893
- O-7 with dependents: $2,748
- O-7 without dependents: $2,391
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Area Weather & Climate
Jacksonville Beach image by Pixabay
Pack your bathing suit and your flip-flops! If you’re a fan of mild weather, you’ll love this area’s subtropical climate. Jacksonville is mild to warm for most of the year, with the hottest months being June through August.
The biggest weather concern you’ll have living here will be during hurricane season (June to November). Keep up to date with current forecasts and hurricane readiness and information at NAS Jacksonville Emergency Management.
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NAS Jacksonville Area Schools
Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash
For military families living in government quarters on NAS Jacksonville, public schooling options are: Venetia Elementary, J.E.B. Stuart Middle School, and Robert E. Lee High School. Duval County Public Schools provides bus transportation.
Some of the schools in the Jacksonville area.
For further information about districts and specific schools, see below:
For those families considering private schools, take a look at the reviews on Private School Review to get more info about Jacksonville area private schools.
Homeschooling families can connect with these resources:
Info for special needs families:
Have schooling questions or concerns? Connect with the NAS Jacksonville school liaison.
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Support for Military and Families
Photo by Larry Crayton on Unsplash
The Jacksonville area job market is strong for military spouses looking for work, with some major employers including those in finance, real estate, healthcare, energy, education, and civilian jobs on the base.
Volunteer opportunities abound! Connect with base spouses’ groups or lend a helping hand with organizations like the USO of Jacksonville or the American Red Cross at the Naval Hospital.
There’s so much to do at NAS Jacksonville in your spare time! Whether bowling at the NAS Freedom Lanes, grabbing a burger at base restaurant Dewey’s, or venturing off base to the many attractions (see more below), there’s no reason for your military family to be bored. The base also has its own marina, Mulberry Cove Marina on the St. John’s River, where you can venture out to fish, canoe, or sail. Rental options exist for the following: kayaks, canoes, surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, fishing kayaks and Flying Scot sailboats. Power boats include pontoon boats, Boston Whalers, 14-foot Trackers, and Edgewater center consoles with fish finders. Check out their monthly specials for free rentals and lessons! (link below)
It’s easy to enjoy the year-round mild weather and stay active at NAS Jacksonville with programs at three fitness centers (including a Family Fitness Center), intramural sports, sand volleyball, tennis courts, a golf course, running track, skeet range, and both an indoor and outdoor pool.
Some helpful links:
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Things to Do Near NAS Jacksonville
Photo by Manki Kim on Unsplash
No need to sit at home--Jacksonville is quite the melting pot for any activity you might envision. Whether you want to explore the culinary scene, immerse yourself in the local arts scene, explore the outdoors, sample a local brewery, or enjoy a casual outing to a coffee shop, you can find it here. Though this list barely scratches the surface, try a few of these outings to get started!
Downtown Art Walk: Enjoy the sights and sounds of the local arts community the first Wednesday of each month.
Jacksonville Jaguars: NFL fan? Plan your tailgate party and catch a game at the TIAA Bank Field, voted one of the “top fan experiences in the NFL.”
Jax Ale Trail: You don’t have to pick just one! Get a “Brewery Passport” and then become familiar with the local craft beer scene. The #JaxAleTrail Brewery Passport is available at 19 participating breweries or at one of the Visit Jacksonville Visitor Centers (click link for more info). Earn swag and get to know the area in a unique way!
Kids’ Fishing Trips: From beginner to advanced, plan a special outing for your child(ren) either on your own or with a two-hour kid oriented fishing trip with “Captain Dave,” perfect for the shorter attention spans of kids!
Local and Specialty Coffee Shops: If coffee is your passion, you will have fun exhausting this list! Click here for a list of Jacksonville caffeinated outings.
Mayport Shrimp Passport: Jacksonville is the “Shrimp Capital” of Florida, with commercial shrimping playing an important role in the history of the area. Grab your Shrimp Passport and taste your way through 30 Mayport restaurants!
Self-Guided Jacksonville Tours: Whether history, culture, or nature, learn more about the Jacksonville area. You’ll find itineraries for the beach, sports, parks, nature, along with virtual tours.
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Base Address:
Jacksonville Naval Air Station
Jacksonville
,
32212-5000