Branch: U.S. Navy
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Installation Type: Naval Air Station
Status: Active

Overview

Naval Air Station Jacksonville was commissioned in 1940 and is located on the south bank of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. The installation is one of the largest naval air stations in the continental United States and serves as the primary master jet base for the East Coast’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance community. NAS Jacksonville supports more than 150 aircraft, numerous tenant commands, and is home to a Naval Hospital providing comprehensive medical care to the region’s large military population.

Mission & Units

  • Primary Mission: Support maritime patrol and reconnaissance aviation, fleet logistics, and naval air operations on the U.S. East Coast.
  • Major Units: Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN (CPRW-11) — overseeing multiple VP (patrol) and VQ (reconnaissance) squadrons; Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VQ-1) and VQ-2; Patrol Squadron (VP) squadrons operating the P-8A Poseidon; Fleet Logistics Support Wing (COMFLELOGSUPPWING); Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) squadrons.
  • Tenant Units: Naval Air Reserve Jacksonville, Commander Fleet Activities Jacksonville, Blue Angels Administration (administrative home), and various training and support commands.

Location & Access

  • Nearest Major City: Jacksonville, FL — the installation is within the city limits, approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown Jacksonville.
  • Nearest Commercial Airport: Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) — approximately 20 miles north of the installation.
  • Gate Access: Multiple gates with varying hours; the main gate (Yorktown Avenue) operates 24/7. CAC or valid military ID required. Visitors must obtain a visitor pass at the visitor control center with a valid Real ID-compliant photo ID and vehicle registration.

Population

  • Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 16,000–18,000
  • Family Members: Approximately 28,000–35,000
  • Civilian Employees: Approximately 7,000–9,000 (including contractors)
  • Total Installation Population: Approximately 55,000–65,000 (including surrounding community)

Key Facilities

  • Medical: Naval Hospital Jacksonville — a full-service military medical center providing inpatient and outpatient care, surgery, pediatrics, OB/GYN, mental health, and specialty services for beneficiaries throughout the Northeast Florida region.
  • Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary on base, one of the larger commissaries in the Southeast.
  • Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Navy Exchange (NEX) main store with clothing, electronics, automotive, a food court, and surrounding NEX satellite facilities.
  • Fitness & Recreation: Multiple gyms and fitness centers (including the Fitness and Sports Center), outdoor and indoor pools, tennis courts, a golf course (Dunes Golf Course), bowling center, skeet and trap range, MWR marina with boat rentals and storage on the St. Johns River, and a recreation area.
  • Schools: Served by Duval County Public Schools; no DoDEA schools on this installation. Multiple public, charter, and private schools serve the military community.
  • Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) and School Age Care (SAC) on base; high demand — early registration is strongly recommended upon receipt of PCS orders.
  • Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility on base — offers wellness exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings (with anesthesia), and limited treatment for pets of active duty personnel.
  • Legal Assistance / JAG: Region Legal Service Office (RLSO) Southeast — located on NAS Jacksonville; offers legal assistance, powers of attorney, wills, and claims services. Walk-in hours for powers of attorney; appointments required for most services.

Housing

  • On-Base Housing: Managed by Hunt Military Communities; several thousand family housing units across multiple neighborhoods on and adjacent to the installation. Units range from 2 to 5 bedrooms.
  • Average Wait Time: Varies by rank and bedroom requirement; can range from a few weeks to several months. E-7 and above typically experience shorter waits.
  • Off-Base Housing: Surrounding communities include Orange Park, Fleming Island, Middleburg, Mandarin, Ponte Vedra Beach, and St. Johns. Average rent for a 3-bedroom home ranges from approximately $1,600–$2,400/month depending on area and proximity to base (2024–2025 estimates).
  • BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

  • Sponsorship Program: Contact the gaining command’s administrative office to request a sponsor. NAS Jacksonville commands maintain active sponsor programs; service members are encouraged to submit sponsor requests 60 days before arrival.
  • In-Processing: Report to the NAS Jacksonville Welcome Aboard Center / in-processing facility. Full military in-processing typically takes 3–5 business days and includes medical, dental, legal, and finance appointments.
  • EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): EFMP office located within the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) on base. Naval Hospital Jacksonville also has EFMP coordinators. Enrollment is mandatory for active duty members with qualifying dependents and must be completed prior to PCS.

Local Area & Quality of Life

  • Climate: Humid subtropical climate; warm, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; mild, mostly frost-free winters. Hurricane season runs June–November.
  • Cost of Living: Moderate — Jacksonville is one of the larger and more affordable major cities in Florida, though costs have risen in recent years with regional population growth.
  • Nearby Attractions: Jacksonville beaches (Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach — approximately 25 miles east), St. Augustine (the oldest city in the U.S. — approximately 45 miles south), Amelia Island, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, and numerous state parks.
  • Spouse Employment: Jacksonville’s large metropolitan economy (healthcare, banking, logistics, defense contracting) provides strong employment opportunities for military spouses. The local economy supports a growing tech sector and numerous telehealth and financial services employers.

Contact & Resources

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: CNIC official installation page (cnic.navy.mil), Naval Hospital Jacksonville public affairs, Hunt Military Communities, Navy MWR, Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN public affairs., Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law

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