NAS KEY WEST
NAVY
Key West, FL
United States
NAS KEY WEST
NAVY
Key West, FL
United States
NAS Key West
America's Southernmost Naval Station
Base Essentials
Home of Navy strike fighter tactics instruction on the southernmost US installation — a small, exclusive posting in Key West with an extraordinary Keys lifestyle and the highest BAH rates in the continental US.
Base Details
Type
Naval Station
Branch
NAVY
Command
CNIC
Status
Active
Est.
1917
Acres
5,800
Active Duty
1,500
Civilian
500
Population
80,000
Economic Impact
$500 million
NAS Key West History
Naval Air Station Key West in Florida has supported military aviation since 1917. Its location at the southernmost point of the continental United States makes it ideal for air defense and counter-narcotics missions. The station hosts the Tactical Combat Training System and provides an advanced adversary air combat training environment with year-round good weather. Various fighter and aggressor squadrons conduct training detachments at Key West throughout the year.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Tactical Combat Training System
—
—
Historic Timeline
1917
Naval Air Station Key West Established
1962
Cuban Missile Crisis Operations Hub
1999
Joint Interoperability and Air Combat Training
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1917
Naval Air Station Key West Established
NAS Key West was established in 1917, making it one of the oldest continuously operating naval air stations in the United States. Located at the southernmost point of the continental U.S., it has served as a critical hub for operations in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico across every era of American history.
1962
Cuban Missile Crisis Operations Hub
NAS Key West served as a key staging base during the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962, with reconnaissance aircraft and interceptors operating from the installation during the tense 13-day standoff. Its proximity to Cuba — just 90 miles away — made it strategically essential.
1999
Joint Interoperability and Air Combat Training
NAS Key West was designated the Navy's primary East Coast air-to-air combat training site in the late 1990s, hosting adversary and dissimilar air combat training for all service branches. Its restricted airspace over the Gulf and Atlantic supports realistic tactical training.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for NAS Key West.
NAS Key West Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for NAS Key West.
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 NAS Key West.
Information
Stationed at NAS Key West? Here's What You Need to Know
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Entertainment Old
Enjoy a Scenic Game of Golf at the Key West Golf Club
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Information
16 of the Best NAS Key West Restaurants
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Information
18 Things To Do in Florida Keys Near NAS Key West
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Information
NAS Key West Schools: Daycare - High School
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to NAS Key West.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
NAS Key West — Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)
Phone
(305) 293-2813Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Sailors and Marines arriving at NAS Key West report to their gaining command during duty hours. The command administrative office initiates check-in and coordinates in-processing appointments. The FFSC at (305) 293-2813 coordinates the mandatory Newcomers Orientation and provides welcome packets covering the unique Key West assignment — including information on the Florida Keys lifestyle and Key West housing market.
In-processing covers PSD for pay and records, medical enrollment at the Branch Medical Clinic, housing coordination (Key West offers very limited on-base housing and an extremely expensive commercial market), and base orientation. NAS Key West supports adversary air and fleet operations training for naval aviation.
NAS Key West is located on the island of Key West — the southernmost point of the continental United States. The paradise setting comes with significant challenges: housing costs are among the highest per square foot in the military system, commercial rentals are extremely limited, and off-island options require lengthy commutes over bridges. Thorough pre-arrival housing research is absolutely essential.
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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 NAS Key West.
On-post family housing at NAS Key West is managed by Lincoln Military Housing. Given Key West's extremely limited land area and tourist-driven real estate market, on-post housing is both preferred and often necessary for military families. The on-post communities provide the most realistic housing option at costs aligned with BAH. Key West is one of the most expensi…
Local Market
$3,000/mo
rent
/
$1,100,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around NAS Key West
140
40% Above National Average
Housing
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See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near NAS Key West.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer
1
Middle Schools
View schools
1
High Schools
View schools
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
NAS Key West is the southernmost naval installation in the US — located on Boca Chica Key, just east of Key West. It's one of the most unique and sought-after duty stations. Most families live in Key West itself or in the Lower Keys; some opt for Marathon or Homestead (90+ min) for more affordable housing.
Key West
Urban
Living in Key West is a bucket-list military experience — historic Conch houses, walkable Old Town, world-class diving and fishing. Housing is expensive and limited, but BAH rates reflect this. Stock Island and New Town offer slightly more affordable options.
Commute: 5–20 min
Schools: Monroe County School District
Single service members
Outdoorsy types
Dual military
Iconic lifestyle, extraordinary location, unmatched outdoor recreation
Lower Keys (Big Pine Key / Marathon)
Rural
Families who can handle a 25–45 minute commute find more affordable housing in the Middle and Lower Keys. Big Pine Key, Summerland Key, and Marathon offer single-family homes at lower prices than Key West while still in the Keys lifestyle.
Commute: 25–45 min
Schools: Monroe County School District
Families with kids
Budget-friendly
Pet owners
More affordable, larger homes, Keys lifestyle at lower price point
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at NAS Key West.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Florida has no state income tax. All military pay and retirement income are fully exempt. Florida is consistently one of…
Spouse Income Tax
Florida has no state income tax. Military spouses living in Florida are not subject to Florida income tax regardless of…
Vehicle Registration
Military members may retain their home-state vehicle registration under SCRA. If registering in Florida, fees are based…
Property Tax
No state income tax. Florida has a $50,000 homestead exemption for primary residences of legal residents. Veterans with…
Pet Policies at NAS Key West
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at NAS Key West.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at NAS Key West.
Commissary
1
Key West NAS Commissary
Exchange
NEX
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sun 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
Naval Branch Health Clinic Key West — Branch Health Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NAS Key West.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Boca Chica Field Main Gate is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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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 NAS Key West.
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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 NAS Key West.
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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.