Naval Air Station Jacksonville

Naval Air Station Jacksonville, in Duval County on the west bank of the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is “a multi-mission base hosting more than 100 tenant commands”, occupies about 3,400 acres and is a 20-minute ride from the heart of Jacksonville, according to the NAS Jacksonville MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview. It is the oldest of the three Navy installations in the area. The installation no longer has a telephone operator; the Quarterdeck, open 24/7, is 904-542-2338.

Arriving

Jacksonville International Airport is 18 miles north of downtown Jacksonville, and the Military Lounge in the main terminal’s baggage claim area (904-741-4902) is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with hours that may vary because volunteers staff it, per the check-in page. There is no base transportation on the installation. Make temporary lodging reservations well in advance; on-base options include the Navy Gateway Inns and Suites, the Heritage Cottages and the Navy Lodge.

Florida law requires headlights whenever visibility is restricted, including rain, fog, smoke, dawn and dusk, the installation page notes.

Housing: Balfour Beatty Communities

“All of the housing is privatized through Balfour Beatty”, the government housing page says. Balfour Beatty offers close to 301 family homes in two neighborhoods on the base, Patriots Point and River Oaks, per the housing page; leasing specialists: 904-908-0821.

Your orders direct you to check in with the base Housing Service Center before you sign a lease, the housing page says. To be eligible for on-base family housing, the government housing page adds, you must have legal dependents who will live with you at least nine consecutive months of the year. You can apply any time after you receive PCS orders and up to 30 days after reporting; your control date is normally your detachment date from your last permanent duty station, but if you apply more than 30 days after reporting, it becomes the date of application. Single Sailor Accommodations are in Building 822 (904-542-8195).

Medical care: Naval Hospital Jacksonville

Naval Hospital Jacksonville, 2080 Child St., is a general medical and surgical hospital with inpatient and outpatient care (904-542-7300), per the health care page. Branch Health Clinic Jacksonville, Building 964 on Ajax Street, serves active duty only. When you arrive, update your address in DEERS, change to a local primary care manager through TRICARE (800-444-5445), and register at medical records. “In a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The branch health clinic doesn’t have an emergency room.”

Reporting a fire on base

To report a fire on base, dial 904-542-3333 or 911, and do not use a cell phone, which connects off base to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office rather than the on-base fire department, the emergency assistance page warns. Give the building number when you call.

Household goods

For household goods questions, the check-in page lists the Personal Property Office in Building 110 on Yorktown Avenue, weekdays 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., or call the Navy Household Goods Customer Service Help Desk (855-444-6683).

Before you arrive

Reserve lodging early, apply for housing within 30 days of reporting to keep your detachment control date, and register with your new primary care manager.