Branch: U.S. Navy
Location: Everett, Washington
Installation Type: Naval Station
Status: Active

Overview

Naval Station Everett (NSE) is the Navy’s newest homeport on the West Coast, having opened in 1994 following years of planning and community partnerships with the City of Everett. Located approximately 25 miles north of Seattle along the shores of Possession Sound in Puget Sound, the station was purpose-built as a modern naval facility and serves as a key homeport for surface combatants assigned to the Pacific Fleet. Its strategic location provides ready access to the Pacific Ocean and positions ships for rapid deployment.

Mission & Units

  • Primary Mission: Provide installation support services and a homeport for U.S. Navy surface ships and tenant commands operating in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Major Units:
  • Carrier Strike Group Three (CSG-3) — at times homeported at NSE
  • USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and associated carrier air wing (historically homeported; homeport assignments change)
  • Destroyer Squadron 9 (DESRON 9) — surface combatants homeported at NSE
  • Multiple Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers (DDGs)
  • Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers (CGs) — as assigned
  • Naval Station Everett Security Department
  • Tenant Units: Various fleet support commands, Navy Reserve units, and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) detachments

Location & Access

  • Nearest Major City: Seattle, WA (approximately 25 miles south); Everett, WA (adjacent)
  • Nearest Commercial Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) — approximately 45 miles south; Paine Field / Snohomish County Airport (PAE) — approximately 4-5 miles from the main gate; Paine Field now has limited commercial airline service
  • Gate Access: Main gate on W Marine View Drive; CAC or valid DoD identification required for base access; visitor control center issues visitor passes with valid government-issued photo ID and vehicle registration; gate hours may vary — commercial vehicle inspection points in use; check the Naval Station Everett website or Provost Marshal’s Office for current access hours and procedures

Population

  • Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 6,000-10,000 (fluctuates with ship deployments)
  • Family Members: Approximately 10,000-14,000
  • Civilian Employees: Approximately 2,000-3,000
  • Total Installation Population: Approximately 18,000-25,000 (including ship crews, shore-based personnel, and families)

Key Facilities

  • Medical: Naval Health Clinic Everett — primary care and limited specialty services for active duty and enrolled beneficiaries; referrals to Naval Hospital Bremerton or civilian TRICARE network providers for higher-level care and specialist visits
  • Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary on installation; well-stocked with standard commissary offerings
  • Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Navy Exchange (NEX) main store on installation; includes clothing, electronics, automotive, and food court; NEX gas station available
  • Fitness & Recreation: Multiple fitness centers on the installation; indoor pool; MWR recreation facilities including a bowling center, movie theater (at times), sports courts, and outdoor recreation equipment rental; waterfront recreational opportunities
  • Schools: Local public schools in the Everett School District and Mukilteo School District; no DoDEA schools on installation; school liaison officer available through Fleet and Family Support Center
  • Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) on installation; waitlists are common and can be lengthy — early enrollment recommended well before PCS; Family Child Care (FCC) network available as supplement; School Age Care (SAC) program also available
  • Veterinary Services: Military veterinary clinic on installation providing wellness exams, vaccinations, and preventive care for active duty pets; limited surgical services; appointment required
  • Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal Assistance Office on installation provides free legal services for active duty and eligible personnel including wills, powers of attorney, and tax assistance; walk-in hours for powers of attorney and appointment-based for complex matters; contact Staff Judge Advocate office for current hours

Housing

  • On-Base Housing: Managed by Lincoln Military Housing; family housing neighborhoods on and near the installation; unit sizes range from 2- to 4-bedroom homes and townhouses; some waterfront or wooded settings available
  • Average Wait Time: Varies significantly by pay grade and bedroom count; waits of several months to over a year are common; contact Lincoln Military Housing Everett upon receipt of orders
  • Off-Base Housing: Nearby communities include Everett, Marysville, Mukilteo, Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Shoreline; average rent for a 2-3 bedroom home or apartment ranges approximately $1,800-$3,200/month; the greater Seattle area has seen significant housing cost increases driven by tech industry growth
  • 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 executive officer or administrative department to request a sponsor; the Fleet and Family Support Center can also assist with relocation resources
  • In-Processing: Report to Naval Station Everett Administration / Personnel Support Detachment (PSD); in-processing includes medical, dental, and administrative check-in; generally takes 2-5 days; arrive with all required documents including PCS orders, medical and dental records, and dependent documentation
  • EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): EFMP enrollment and support through Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) Everett; staff assist with enrollment process, identification of community resources, and school liaison services; contact FFSC prior to PCS to ensure appropriate services are in place upon arrival

Local Area & Quality of Life

  • Climate: Maritime Pacific Northwest climate; mild, wet winters with temperatures rarely below freezing; warm, dry summers with highs typically in the 70s-80s F; average annual rainfall approximately 35-40 inches in Everett; less rain than Seattle due to rain shadow effects from the Olympics
  • Cost of Living: High relative to national average; housing is the primary cost driver; no Washington state income tax, which partially offsets higher housing costs; groceries and services are moderately above average
  • Nearby Attractions: Boeing Future of Flight Aviation Center and Factory Tour in Everett (largest building by volume in the world); Whidbey Island (accessible by ferry from Mukilteo); Mt. Rainier and Cascade Range hiking; Seattle metropolitan area (approximately 30 minutes); San Juan Islands; Snohomish Valley outdoor recreation
  • Spouse Employment: Strong job market in the greater Seattle/Snohomish County region driven by aerospace (Boeing), tech (Amazon, Microsoft), healthcare, and retail; military spouse licensing reciprocity applies in Washington; FFSC Everett provides employment workshops and job search support; commuting to Seattle is feasible for many spouses

Contact & Resources

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: CNIC Naval Station Everett official page (cnic.navy.mil), Navy Region Northwest MWR (navylifepnw.com), Lincoln Military Housing Everett, MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.mil, Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law

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