NAS LEMOORE
NAVY
Lemoore, CA
United States
NAS LEMOORE
NAVY
Lemoore, CA
United States
NAS Lemoore
Base Essentials
Welcome to NAS Lemoore located in Kings County, California. NAS Lemoore was first built in 1961 and today serves approximately 6,502 active military members, 7,476 active duty dependents, 10,006 retirees, 24,032 retiree dependents, 355 reservists, and 2,403 civilians. We hope this guide assists you as you get settled in at your new base and helps remove some of the stress of moving. 1. Where Is NAS Lemoore? 2. Google Map View 3. Getting There – Directions to the Base 4. Entering NAS Lemoore and Base Amenities Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel NAS Lemoore Visitor Center NAS Lemoore DEE...
Base Details
Type
Naval Station
Branch
NAVY
Command
CNIC
Status
Active
Est.
1961
Acres
29,000
Active Duty
8,000
Civilian
2,500
Population
150,000
Economic Impact
$1 billion
NAS Lemoore History
Naval Air Station Lemoore in California's Central Valley was established in 1961 and is the Navy's newest master jet base. It is home to all West Coast strike fighter squadrons transitioning to and operating the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-35C Lightning II. Lemoore is the centerpiece of West Coast carrier-based strike fighter operations and will be increasingly important as the Navy's F-35C fleet grows.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific
—
—
F/A-18 and F-35C squadrons
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—
Historic Timeline
1961
NAS Lemoore Established in California's Central Valley
1967
F-4 Phantom II Strike Fighter Squadrons Based at Lemoore
1997
West Coast Master Jet Base After NAS Miramar Transfer
1999
Strike Fighter Wing Pacific Established
2017
F-35C Lightning II Arrives at Lemoore
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1961
NAS Lemoore Established in California's Central Valley
Naval Air Station Lemoore was established in the agricultural flatlands of California's San Joaquin Valley in 1961. The inland location was selected for its clear skies, uncongested airspace, and proximity to Pacific Fleet operations, providing tactical aviation training ranges well away from coastal congestion.
1967
F-4 Phantom II Strike Fighter Squadrons Based at Lemoore
NAS Lemoore received its first F-4 Phantom II carrier-based fighter attack squadrons in 1967, establishing the station as a critical West Coast strike aviation hub during the height of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Lemoore squadrons cycled through Vietnam combat deployments from this period.
1997
West Coast Master Jet Base After NAS Miramar Transfer
When NAS Miramar was transferred to the Marine Corps in 1997, NAS Lemoore became the sole West Coast Master Jet Base for Navy carrier-based strike fighter operations. All Pacific Fleet FA-18 Hornet squadrons consolidated at Lemoore, dramatically expanding the station's mission and personnel.
1999
Strike Fighter Wing Pacific Established
Strike Fighter Wing Pacific was established at NAS Lemoore to provide administrative command over all Pacific Fleet FA-18 Hornet and strike fighter squadrons, cementing Lemoore's status as the hub of West Coast Navy carrier-based aviation.
2017
F-35C Lightning II Arrives at Lemoore
NAS Lemoore received the Navy's first operational F-35C Lightning II carrier variant strike fighters in 2017, beginning the transition from the legacy FA-18 Hornet to fifth-generation stealth technology. Lemoore became the Navy's primary West Coast F-35C training and operations base.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for NAS Lemoore.
NAS Lemoore Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for NAS Lemoore.
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 Lemoore.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to NAS Lemoore.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)
Phone
(559) 998-4042Hours
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
In-Processing
Upon arrival at NAS Lemoore, your check-in location depends on your command assignment. Contact your command sponsor before arrival and review your orders for specific reporting instructions. If your gaining command is currently deployed, report to the Transient Personnel Detachment (TPD) in Building 880 at the corner of Enterprise Avenue and Franklin Avenue, open Monday through Friday from 0800 to 1600. If you arrive after hours, contact the NAS Lemoore Command Duty Officer (CDO) at (559) 707-0001 and report to the Hornet Desk at Navy Gateway Inns & Suites, Building 800 on Bon Homme Richard Road.
In-processing at NAS Lemoore generally takes 5 to 10 working days, during which you will check in with your command, complete base indoctrination, and visit required support offices including Personnel Support Detachment, medical/dental, and the Housing Service Center. A base-wide Indoctrination (INDOC) is held once a month, and spouses are strongly encouraged to attend. The FFSC also provides command-level indoctrination briefings upon request, offering an overview of FFSC programs and services for Sailors new to the installation.
The FFSC's Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) offers pre-move workshops, one-on-one relocation counseling, Newcomer's Orientation sessions, Smooth Move seminars, and Sponsorship Training. A lending locker with household essentials is available for families awaiting their household goods shipment. For scheduling any FFSC service — including clinical counseling, resume assistance, and financial consultations — call the centralized scheduling line at 1-866-923-6478 or email cnrswn91ffscscheduling@us.navy.mil. The Housing Service Center can be reached at (559) 998-4949.
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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 Lemoore.
On-post housing at Naval Air Station Lemoore is managed by Hunt Companies, which operates family communities on the installation in California's San Joaquin Valley approximately 40 miles south of Fresno, with 2- to 4-bedroom homes featuring modern amenities and access to community centers, pools, and recreational facilities. Hunt provides 24/7 maintenance services a…
Local Market
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around NAS Lemoore
85
15% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near NAS Lemoore.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
4
Elementary Schools
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1
Middle Schools
View schools
1
High Schools
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4
Colleges & Universities
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Hanford
Small Town
Hanford is the most popular city for NAS Lemoore families and offers the best combination of amenities and commute convenience in Kings County. It's a mid-size Central Valley city with a full range of retail and restaurants, decent schools, and affordable housing — one of the least expensive military markets in California. The strike fighter community at Lemoore knows that Hanford's quality of life beats the immediate Lemoore area.
Commute: 15–20 min
Gate: Main Gate (Highway 198)
Schools: Hanford Elementary / Hanford Joint Union High SD
Families with kids
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Downtown Hanford has a charming historic courthouse square and local dining scene. Sequoia National Park is 90 minutes east for world-class outdoor recreation. Fresno is 40 min for major metro amenities. Best value housing in California for military families.
Lemoore (City)
Small Town
The city of Lemoore sits immediately adjacent to the naval air station and is the most convenient choice for families who want to minimize commute time. It's small and oriented almost entirely around the base, but it covers the basics with a Walmart and local services. Families who prioritize gate access and lowest possible rent consistently choose Lemoore over Hanford.
Commute: 5–10 min
Gate: Main Gate (Highway 198)
Schools: Lemoore Union Elementary / High SD
Budget-friendly
Single service members
Dual military
Maximum gate proximity at California's lowest prices. Hanford is 15 min for additional dining and shopping. The Central Valley climate means warm, dry summers ideal for outdoor activities.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at NAS Lemoore.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
California taxes active duty pay of California residents stationed within California at rates up to 13.3% — the highest…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses accompanying a service member stationed in California, who share the same domicile and move…
Vehicle Registration
California does not exempt active duty military from vehicle sales tax or registration fees. Veterans with a 100% VA dis…
Property Tax
Veterans' Exemption: up to $4,000 assessed value reduction for qualifying veterans with limited property. Disabled Veter…
Pet Policies at NAS Lemoore
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at NAS Lemoore.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
NAS Lemoore Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(559) 998-2753Hours
Mon 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Tue–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Restricted Breeds
7
Prohibited Animals
11
Dog Parks
1
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at NAS Lemoore.
Commissary
1
NAS Lemoore Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
NEX
Medical
1
Naval Health Clinic Lemoore — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NAS Lemoore.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
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
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, NAS Lemoore Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Hours: Mon 10am–6pm, Tue–Fri 9am–7pm.
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03
Is there a NEX on base?
Yes, NAS Lemoore has a NEX (Navy Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
Naval Health Clinic Lemoore is the primary military treatment clinic serving NAS Lemoore. Call (559) 998-4481 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, NAS Lemoore has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, NAS Lemoore has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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07
What school district serves the base?
Central Union Elementary School District (rated 6/10) serves most military families at NAS Lemoore. Visit https://www.centralusd.k12.ca.us for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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08
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at NAS Lemoore restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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09
Is there a dog park on base?
Yes, Ellyson Park Dog Park is a fenced off-leash dog park available to residents at NAS Lemoore.
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10
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, NAS Lemoore has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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11
How is military pay taxed in California?
Partially exempt. See the Finance section of this page for a full breakdown of California's tax rules for military members.
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12
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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13
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 Lemoore.
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14
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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15
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 Lemoore.
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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.