Base guide

Naval Base San Diego

3 min read

  • 8 sections
  • 6 sources
On this page
  1. Reporting to a ship or command
  2. Temporary lodging: check the Navy Lodge first
  3. Getting there and getting around
  4. Housing and child care
  5. Medical care: Naval Medical Center San Diego
  6. Schools
  7. Legal assistance
  8. Before you arrive

Naval Base San Diego, on land the city of San Diego deeded to the U.S. government in 1919 and commissioned in 1922, is “homeport to more than 60 ships and 200 plus tenant commands”, according to the MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview of Naval Base San Diego. Base information: 619-556-1011.

Reporting to a ship or command

Check-in locations “vary according to the command to which you are assigned”, so call your command or check its website, per the check-in page. The page says that generally your first stop will be Gate 6, at Harbor Drive and 32nd Street, “the best place to get current information on ships in port and directions to your ship or command.”

  • Reporting to NBSD itself during normal working hours: you will typically be directed to the Administrative Department in Building 72 (619-556-2406).
  • After hours and on weekends: contact the NBSD Emergency Operations Center (619-556-7615).
  • Reporting to a deployed unit: you will be directed to the Transient Personnel Unit at Brunton Hall, 2475 McKean St., on the Dry Side of the base (619-556-3182).

Hand-carry your service record, ID cards, PCS orders, powers of attorney, travel receipts and a copy of your “Page 2”; family members traveling separately should carry a copy of the Page 2, a power of attorney and the PCS orders.

Temporary lodging: check the Navy Lodge first

There are Navy Lodges at Naval Base San Diego and Naval Base Coronado, and they accept reservations up to one year in advance with PCS orders (800-628-9466). In October 2026 the check-in page said the temporary lodging expense policy required travelers on PCS orders to check the Navy Lodge for availability first; if there is none, the Navy Lodge issues a certificate of non-availability for reimbursement of non-government lodging. Ask your gaining command about temporary lodging expense or allowance before you count on reimbursement.

Getting there and getting around

San Diego International Airport is about 8 miles from NBSD. NBSD does not run an airport shuttle, so check with your command about a duty driver or your sponsor, and the USO outside Terminal 2 (619-235-6503) can tell you about discounted shuttles, the overview says. The San Diego Trolley stops outside the base, and in October 2026 the overview listed up to $300 a month in commuting benefits for active-duty members through the Transportation Incentive Program.

Housing and child care

Military housing for San Diego-area families is assigned through the Commander, Navy Region Southwest Family Housing Welcome Center at NBSD (619-556-8443). Our Naval Base Coronado guide covers the region’s housing rules, waiting times and the child care waiting list. The NBSD MilitaryINSTALLATIONS page also lists the Child Development Center, Building 3653, Filbert St. (619-556-3522), and recommends registering for child care as soon as you have orders to San Diego.

Medical care: Naval Medical Center San Diego

Emergency room services are available at Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, per the health care page, which calls NMCSD “the largest and most technologically advanced military medical facility in the world.” Quarterdeck: 619-532-6400; appointments: 619-532-8225. After any emergency visit, notify your primary care manager, or TRICARE if you have none, within 24 hours or on the business day following admission.

Schools

The School Liaison at the Medical Center (858-349-7678) is your main point of contact for pre-K to 12 school information, district boundaries and transfers, per the local schools page.

Region Legal Service Office Southwest, Building 56 (619-556-2271), sees clients by appointment; power of attorney and notary walk-ins run Monday through Thursday, 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m., per the legal assistance page. Bring your military ID and a state- or government-issued photo ID with a signature.

Before you arrive

Find out where your command checks in, book or check the Navy Lodge with your PCS orders, and register for child care as soon as you have orders.

Sources

installations.militaryonesource.mil