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

Overview

Naval Air Station Key West has roots dating back to 1917 and is located on the southernmost point of the continental United States, at the tip of the Florida Keys. The installation is spread across multiple sites including Boca Chica Field (the main airfield), Trumbo Point Annex, Fleming Key, and Sigsbee Park. NAS Key West is the Navy’s premier adversary air combat training facility and is also home to Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF South), a major counter-narcotics command.

Mission & Units

  • Primary Mission: Provide adversary air combat maneuvering (ACM) training for fleet squadrons, support joint and interagency counter-narcotics operations, and maintain airfield operations in the southern Florida Keys.
  • Major Units: Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) detachment; Strike Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) — adversary squadrons including VFC-111 “Sun Downers”; Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF South) — a major tenant command conducting counter-narcotics operations throughout the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
  • Tenant Units: U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Florida Air National Guard elements, and various joint and interagency partners.

Location & Access

  • Nearest Major City: Miami, FL — approximately 160 miles north via US-1 (the Overseas Highway).
  • Nearest Commercial Airport: Key West International Airport (EYW) — approximately 5 miles from Boca Chica Field; Miami International Airport (MIA) is approximately 165 miles north for wider flight options.
  • Gate Access: Boca Chica main gate and Trumbo Point Annex gate; operating hours vary by site. CAC or valid military ID required. Visitors must obtain passes at the visitor control center; access to Key West installations can be more strictly controlled due to mission sensitivity.

Population

  • Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 3,500–5,000 (varies significantly with rotational training units)
  • Family Members: Approximately 3,000–5,000
  • Civilian Employees: Approximately 1,500–2,500 (including contractors)
  • Total Installation Population: Approximately 9,000–13,000

Key Facilities

  • Medical: Branch Health Clinic Key West — located at Trumbo Point Annex; provides primary care, dental, and limited specialty services. Naval Hospital Jacksonville is the supporting military hospital for major inpatient and specialty care.
  • Commissary: Yes — commissary located at Trumbo Point Annex, serving the Key West military community.
  • Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Navy Exchange (NEX) at Trumbo Point Annex with retail, food service, and automotive options.
  • Fitness & Recreation: Fitness centers at multiple sites; outdoor pools; MWR facilities with access to world-class diving, snorkeling, and water sports. Sigsbee Park marina offers boat rentals, slips, and campground facilities. The location provides exceptional recreational opportunities year-round.
  • Schools: Served by Monroe County School District. Key West High School, Horace O’Bryant Middle School, and Gerald Adams Elementary are the primary public schools serving military families. No DoDEA schools on the installation.
  • Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) on base; high demand and limited capacity given the constrained island environment — early registration is critical.
  • Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility at NAS Key West — provides wellness care, vaccinations, and limited services for pets of active duty personnel. The remote island location means specialty veterinary care requires travel to the mainland.
  • Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal Assistance available at NAS Key West — services include powers of attorney and wills; appointment-based. More complex legal matters may require referral to Region Legal Service Office Southeast in Jacksonville.

Housing

  • On-Base Housing: Managed by Hunt Military Communities; on-base family housing is available at Sigsbee Park and other annexes. Housing is extremely limited relative to the assigned population — on-base housing is highly sought after.
  • Average Wait Time: Wait times can be substantial (6–18 months or longer for some grade levels) due to the constrained island housing market and high demand for on-base units.
  • Off-Base Housing: The Key West off-base housing market is among the most expensive in the United States. Average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment ranges from approximately $3,500–$6,000+/month in Key West proper (2024–2025 estimates). Many service members commute from the Florida City/Homestead area on the mainland (approximately 60+ miles north) for more affordable options.
  • BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website. Key West BAH rates are among the highest in the Navy due to the extremely high local cost of housing.

PCS & Newcomer Info

  • Sponsorship Program: Contact the gaining command’s administrative office to request a sponsor well before arrival. The housing situation in Key West makes early planning essential — sponsors can provide critical guidance on housing options and local logistics.
  • In-Processing: Report to the NAS Key West in-processing center upon arrival. Processing includes housing, medical, dental, and administrative check-in and typically takes 3–5 business days.
  • EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): EFMP office within the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) at NAS Key West. Families with special medical or educational needs should be aware that specialty services are very limited in the Keys — enrollment and thorough assessment before PCS are strongly encouraged.

Local Area & Quality of Life

  • Climate: Tropical oceanic climate — warm year-round with hot, humid summers and very mild winters. Rarely drops below 60 F. Hurricane season (June–November) poses significant risk; base hurricane procedures are strictly followed.
  • Cost of Living: High to very high relative to the national average. Key West is consistently ranked among the most expensive small cities in the United States. BAH rates are adjusted accordingly but housing market competition remains intense.
  • Nearby Attractions: Duval Street and Old Town Key West, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (beach and Civil War fort), snorkeling and diving at Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, and Dry Tortugas National Park (accessible by ferry or seaplane).
  • Spouse Employment: The Key West job market is heavily tourism-driven (hospitality, restaurants, retail) with limited professional career opportunities. Many military spouses pursue remote work, freelance careers, or educational opportunities. The constrained island economy and high cost of living are frequently cited quality-of-life challenges.

Contact & Resources

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: CNIC official installation page (cnic.navy.mil), Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF South) public affairs, Hunt Military Communities, Navy MWR, Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), Monroe County School District.; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law

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