Branch: U.S. Navy
Location: Fallon, Nevada
Installation Type: Naval Air Station
Status: Active

Overview

Naval Air Station Fallon was established in 1942 and is located in the high desert of Churchill County, Nevada, approximately 60 miles east of Reno. The installation is the Navy’s premier tactical air warfare training center, providing realistic strike and air-to-air combat training in one of the largest military airspace complexes in the United States. NAS Fallon is home to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) and is widely recognized as the Navy’s “Top Gun” training hub.

Mission & Units

• Primary Mission: Provide advanced tactical aviation training and doctrine development for strike warfare, air-to-air combat, and joint operations using the extensive Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC).
• Major Units: Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) — which encompasses the former Naval Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), the Strike University, and the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School (TOPDOME); Electronic Attack Weapons School (TOTEM); Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School.
• Tenant Units: Various fleet squadrons on temporary deployment for training; contractor support organizations; Nevada Army National Guard elements.

Location & Access

• Nearest Major City: Reno, NV — approximately 60 miles west of the installation.
• Nearest Commercial Airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) — approximately 65 miles from the installation.
• Gate Access: Main gate is staffed during normal business hours; 24-hour access for authorized personnel. CAC or military ID required; visitors must obtain a visitor pass at the visitor control center with valid government-issued photo ID.

Population

• Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 3,500–4,500 (fluctuates with training rotations and deployed squadrons)
• Family Members: Approximately 4,000–5,500
• Civilian Employees: Approximately 1,500–2,000 (including contractors)
• Total Installation Population: Approximately 10,000–14,000 (varies significantly with training rotations)

Key Facilities

• Medical: Branch Health Clinic Fallon — provides primary care and limited dental; referrals to Reno VA Medical Center or Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno for specialty and emergency care.
• Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary located on base.
• Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Navy Exchange (NEX) with retail, auto service, and dining options.
• Fitness & Recreation: Multiple fitness centers, indoor and outdoor pools, bowling center, MWR recreation facilities, and access to surrounding desert terrain for outdoor activities. The high desert location provides excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing at Lahontan Reservoir, and off-road recreation.
• Schools: Served by Churchill County School District; no DoDEA schools on the installation. The district coordinates with the installation to support military-connected students.
• Childcare: Child Development Center (CDC) on base; high demand during peak training rotations — early enrollment is strongly recommended.
• Veterinary Services: Veterinary Treatment Facility on base — provides immunizations and preventive care for pets of active duty personnel; limited treatment services available.
• Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal Assistance Office on base — appointment-based services; walk-in availability limited. Judge Advocate staff provides wills, powers of attorney, and general legal counsel.

Housing

• On-Base Housing: Managed by Lincoln Military Housing; approximately 700 family housing units available. Housing is a critical resource in Fallon due to limited off-base inventory.
• Average Wait Time: Varies by rank and family size; can range from 1–6 months; E-7 and above typically have shorter wait times.
• Off-Base Housing: The city of Fallon (population approximately 9,000) offers the primary off-base market. Average rent for a 3-bedroom home is approximately $1,200–$1,700/month (2024–2025 estimates). Housing inventory is limited and can be tight during high operational tempo periods.
• 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 admin office to request a sponsor. NSAWC and other commands maintain active sponsor programs to assist incoming personnel with housing, schools, and local orientation.
• In-Processing: Report to the NAS Fallon Pass and ID / Visitor Control Center upon arrival, then proceed to unit admin office. Full in-processing typically takes 3–5 business days.
• EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): EFMP office located within the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) on base. Fallon’s remote location makes early EFMP enrollment critical — specialty medical and educational services are limited locally; families with special needs should plan accordingly.

Local Area & Quality of Life

• Climate: High desert climate — hot, dry summers (100+ F possible) and cold winters with occasional snow. Very low humidity year-round; strong winds are common in spring.
• Cost of Living: Low relative to the national average; Fallon is one of the most affordable duty stations in the Navy system. The remote location limits commercial options but significantly reduces living costs.
• Nearby Attractions: Lahontan State Recreation Area (boating, fishing, swimming), Sand Mountain Recreation Area (off-road vehicles and sand dunes), Reno casinos and entertainment (60 miles), Lake Tahoe (approximately 90 miles), and Churchill County Museum.
• Spouse Employment: The local job market in Fallon is limited due to the small city size; the Nevada unemployment rate is generally moderate. Many military spouses pursue remote work, online education, or commute to Reno. The installation’s FFSC provides employment assistance resources.

Contact & Resources

• Official Website: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrsw/installations/nas_fallon.html
• Main Installation Phone: (775) 426-5161
• MWR Website: https://www.navymwr.org/installations/fallon
• ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) Fallon — located on base; provides relocation assistance, financial counseling, deployment support, and employment resources. Contact via the main installation operator or visit FFSC directly.

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: CNIC official installation page (cnic.navy.mil), Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) public affairs, Lincoln Military Housing, Navy MWR, Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO).