NAF EL CENTRO
NAVY
El Centro, CA
United States
NAF EL CENTRO
NAVY
El Centro, CA
United States
NAF El Centro
Base Essentials
Welcome to El Centro, California! Naval Air Facility El Centro (NAF El Centro) is located along the California-Mexico border in the Imperial Valley and is about midway between San Diego, CA, and Yuma, AZ. The base traces its beginnings to 1943 when the airfield was commissioned as an airbase with perfect weather conditions for pre-combat flight training. Today, the base is a training base for pilots of all services to hone their skills as aerial warfighters as well as a parachute training center for the US and allied commandos and special operations forces. Today NAF El Centro covers more than...
Base Details
Type
Naval Station
Branch
NAVY
Command
CNIC
Status
Active
Est.
1946
Acres
2,700
Active Duty
—
Civilian
—
Population
180,000
Economic Impact
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NAF El Centro History
Naval Air Facility El Centro in California's Imperial Valley was established in 1946 and is used primarily as a winter training facility due to its excellent year-round flying weather. It is the winter home of the Blue Angels flight demonstration team, which conducts pre-season training there each year. The facility also supports fleet carrier landing practice and serves various aerial training needs for Navy and Marine aviation.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Blue Angels Winter Training (seasonal)
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Historic Timeline
Timeline events coming soon
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for NAF El Centro.
NAF El Centro Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for NAF El Centro.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from NAF El Centro.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to NAF El Centro.
Welcome Center
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In-Processing
Naval Air Facility El Centro is a small training installation in the California desert. Contact your gaining unit sponsor before arrival; in-processing is coordinated by your unit’s administrative staff. The main quarterdeck can be reached at (760) 339-2673.
Navy Gateway Inns & Suites (NGIS) is available 24 hours at (760) 592-0360 for temporary lodging. Limited on-base housing is available; contact your sponsor early to secure accommodations in the El Centro area.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for NAF El Centro.
On-Base Housing
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2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around NAF El Centro
80
20% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near NAF El Centro.
School Liaison Officer
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Elementary Schools
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Middle Schools
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High Schools
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Colleges & Universities
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Popular Neighborhood
Suburban
Families
Short Commute
Neighborhood details coming soon
Nearby Community
Urban
Singles
Nightlife
Neighborhood details coming soon
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at NAF El Centro.
State Income Tax
Military Pay
Retirement Pay
Vehicle Tax
Vehicle Registration
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Property Tax
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Spouse Income Tax
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Combat Zone
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Pet Policies at NAF El Centro
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at NAF El Centro.
Emergency Vet
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On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
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Prohibited Animals
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Dog Parks
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Boarding & Kennels
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Pet Guidance
Coming soon
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Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at NAF El Centro.
Commissary
Coming soon
Exchange
Coming soon
Medical
Coming soon
Childcare & Youth
Coming soon
MWR & Recreation
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Employment & Education
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NAF El Centro.
01
Are the base gates open 24 hours?
All 1 gates at NAF El Centro operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access levels vary by gate — some are restricted to military and DoD ID holders only.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for NAF El Centro.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near NAF El Centro.
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Question
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.