NAS MERIDIAN
NAVY
Meridian, MS
United States
NAS MERIDIAN
NAVY
Meridian, MS
United States
NAS Meridian
Base Essentials
A Navy pilot training base in central Mississippi offering primary and intermediate jet training — a small posting in Meridian with very low cost of living and a tight aviation training community.
Base Details
Type
Naval Station
Branch
NAVY
Command
CNIC
Status
Active
Est.
1961
Acres
3,400
Active Duty
1,200
Civilian
500
Population
50,000
Economic Impact
—
NAS Meridian History
Naval Air Station Meridian in Mississippi was established in 1961 and serves as a primary jet training base. Home to Training Air Wing One, it conducts intermediate and advanced strike jet training for student naval aviators. The station operates the T-45 Goshawk and benefits from favorable weather and uncongested airspace in east-central Mississippi.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Training Air Wing 1
—
—
Historic Timeline
1961
Naval Air Station Meridian Established
1993
T-45 Goshawk Jet Trainer Introduced
—
View Key Moments
(2)
1961
Naval Air Station Meridian Established
NAS Meridian was established in 1961 near Meridian, Mississippi, as a primary jet pilot training base for the Navy and Marine Corps. The installation was built to meet the expanding need for jet-qualified naval aviators during the Cold War buildup.
1993
T-45 Goshawk Jet Trainer Introduced
NAS Meridian transitioned to the T-45A Goshawk jet trainer in 1993, replacing the older T-2 Buckeye aircraft. The T-45 remains the primary jet trainer for Navy and Marine Corps student aviators, and Meridian is one of two T-45 training bases in the country.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for NAS Meridian.
NAS Meridian Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for NAS Meridian.
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 Meridian.
Information
Welcome to NAS Meridian: What You Need to Know
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Information
NAS Meridian Schools: Day Care - High School
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Information
17 of the Best Meridian Restaurants Near NAS Meridian
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Information
21 Things To Do in Meridian, MS, Near NAS Meridian
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Information
NAS Meridian Housing: 2 On-Base Options
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to NAS Meridian.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
NAS Meridian — Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)
In-Processing
Sailors and Marines arriving at NAS Meridian report to their gaining command during duty hours. The command administrative office initiates check-in and coordinates in-processing appointments. The FFSC at (601) 679-2527 coordinates the mandatory Newcomers Orientation and provides welcome packets for the Meridian, Mississippi area.
In-processing covers PSD for pay and records, medical enrollment at the Branch Medical Clinic, housing, and base orientation. NAS Meridian is home to Training Squadron VT-86 (T-6, T-45 Goshawk) and supports primary and advanced naval flight training. Most permanent-party personnel are instructors, maintenance, and support staff for the training mission.
NAS Meridian is located near Meridian, Mississippi — a mid-sized city with a very low cost of living. The area offers affordable housing, a welcoming military community, and proximity to Gulf Coast beaches (about 2.5 hours south). The installation is one of the smaller naval training bases but has a strong sense of community.
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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 NAS Meridian.
On-post family housing at NAS Meridian is managed through the Navy's MHPI program. The on-post community provides homes convenient to the training facilities. Meridian's location as a mid-sized Mississippi city means off-post housing options are available but the market is small. NAS Meridian is located near Meridian, Mississippi — a city of approximately 35,000 in…
Local Market
$1,000/mo
rent
/
$175,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around NAS Meridian
75
25% Below 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 Meridian.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
2
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 Meridian is a naval aviation training installation in Meridian, MS — a small city of ~35,000. The military community is large relative to the local population, and essentially all families live in Meridian. Very low COL; limited off-base amenities but a tight military community.
North Meridian / NAS Area
Small Town
The neighborhoods north of Meridian closest to the main gate are the most convenient for NAS Meridian families. Older homes on large lots at very low prices; neighborhoods along US-45 North are well-established.
Commute: 5–15 min
Schools: Meridian Public Schools / Lauderdale County Schools
Budget-friendly
Families with kids
Single service members
Very affordable, short commute, strong military community
Marion / Lauderdale County
Rural
For families willing to commute 10–20 minutes, Marion and other Lauderdale County communities offer rural settings with newer homes and county school access. Lower property taxes than in Meridian city limits.
Commute: 15–20 min
Schools: Lauderdale County Schools
Families with kids
Pet owners
Outdoorsy types
Rural lifestyle, larger lots, lower taxes, county schools
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at NAS Meridian.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Mississippi fully exempts active duty military pay from state income tax for Mississippi legal residents. Mississippi Na…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Mississippi for Mississippi income tax purposes.…
Vehicle Registration
Mississippi charges a 5% motor vehicle sales tax on vehicle purchases. Military members who are not Mississippi legal re…
Property Tax
Mississippi has low property tax rates. Harrison County (Keesler AFB, NCBC Gulfport) has typical Mississippi rates. Lega…
Pet Policies at NAS Meridian
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at NAS Meridian.
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 Meridian.
Commissary
1
Meridian NAS Commissary
Exchange
NEX
Mon, Wed, Fri–Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tue & Thu 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Medical
1
Naval Branch Health Clinic Meridian — Branch Health Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NAS Meridian.
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
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 Meridian.
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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 Meridian.
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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.