NAS OCEANA
NAVY
Virginia Beach, VA
United States
NAS OCEANA
NAVY
Virginia Beach, VA
United States
NAS Oceana
Base Essentials
Welcome to Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia. NAS Oceana is the Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base, home to F/A-18 Super Hornets. The base, including Dam Neck Annex and Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Fentress, has approximately 10,500 active Navy personnel, about 10,000 family members and 4,500 civilian personnel, making NAS Oceana the second-largest employer in the area. Virginia is for lovers and you will love living here. There’s no shortage of options for great places to live, school districts, and things to do in and around NAS Oceana. Whether you are enjoying the salty o...
Base Details
Type
Naval Station
Branch
NAVY
Command
CNIC
Status
Active
Est.
1943
Acres
6,800
Active Duty
10,000
Civilian
4,000
Population
1,800,000
Economic Impact
$2.4 billion
NAS Oceana History
Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was established in 1943 and is the Navy's East Coast master jet base. It is home to all East Coast F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighter squadrons and will host F-35C operations as the fleet transitions. Oceana is critical to Atlantic Fleet carrier aviation readiness, though urban encroachment has been a persistent challenge. The station supports one of the largest concentrations of tactical aircraft in the Navy.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Commander Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic
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—
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons
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Historic Timeline
1943
NAS Oceana Established for Naval Aviation Training
1952
Transition to East Coast Jet Aviation Hub
1957
Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic Established
1976
Designated East Coast Master Jet Base
2005
BRAC Decision: Oceana Retained as Master Jet Base
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View Key Moments
(5)
1943
NAS Oceana Established for Naval Aviation Training
Naval Air Station Oceana was established in Virginia Beach, Virginia, during World War II to expand East Coast naval aviation training capacity. The station's proximity to the open Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay airspace made it ideal for operational and carrier qualification training.
1952
Transition to East Coast Jet Aviation Hub
NAS Oceana was designated as a primary East Coast jet aviation base as the Navy transitioned from propeller aircraft to jets. The first operational jet fighter and attack squadrons were established at Oceana, beginning the base's evolution into the Navy's premier Atlantic Fleet aviation installation.
1957
Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic Established
Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic (SFWL) was established at NAS Oceana to provide administrative command over Atlantic Fleet carrier-based fighter and attack squadrons, centralizing the management of carrier aviation readiness for the fleet.
1976
Designated East Coast Master Jet Base
NAS Oceana was officially designated the East Coast's Master Jet Base, consolidating carrier-based jet aviation operations and becoming the homeport for the majority of Atlantic Fleet carrier air wings. Oceana became the premier naval aviation installation on the Eastern Seaboard.
2005
BRAC Decision: Oceana Retained as Master Jet Base
The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission considered moving jet operations from NAS Oceana due to civilian encroachment concerns. After Virginia Beach agreed to strict land use controls, BRAC retained Oceana as the East Coast Master Jet Base — a decision that preserved thousands of military jobs.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for NAS Oceana.
NAS Oceana Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for NAS Oceana.
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 Oceana.
Military News
Meet Amanda Lee: The First Female Blue Angels F/A-18E/F Pilot
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Don't Miss 2022's NAS Oceana Air Show in September!
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Information
NAS Oceana Dental Services On-Base and Nearby
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17 of the Best Restaurants Near NAS Oceana
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19 of the Best NAS Oceana Things To Do
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to NAS Oceana.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)
Phone
(757) 433-2912Hours
Mon–Thu: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Fri: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
In-Processing
All military personnel reporting to NAS Oceana must first check in at the Quarterdeck in Building 230 on Tomcat Boulevard, where the Junior Officer of the Day (JOOD) will endorse your orders. The Quarterdeck is manned 24/7 at (757) 433-2366. If reporting to Dam Neck Annex, students check in at the Training Support Command Quarterdeck in Building 195 during business hours (5:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Mon–Fri), or at the Taylor Hall Quarterdeck in Building 127 after hours. Dam Neck: (757) 492-6205.
After checking in at the Quarterdeck, personnel must report to their Command Pay and Personnel Administrator within four working days. The Personnel Support Detachment is in Building 326 on D Avenue ((757) 433-3056). Unaccompanied personnel (E-4 and below) check in at Building 536 for housing assignment. The Command Sponsor and Indoctrination (INDOC) Program must be completed within 30 days of reporting.
The Fleet and Family Support Center at Building 531 ((757) 433-2912) offers a Relocation Assistance Program with one-on-one PCS planning consultations, "Welcome Aboard" orientation, "Smooth Move" workshops covering travel entitlements and budgeting, and sponsor training classes. Additional programs include deployment support, EFMP, family employment readiness, personal financial management, and Family Advocacy. Hand-carry PCS orders, medical/dental records, birth/marriage certificates, and school transcripts.
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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 Oceana.
On-post housing at Naval Air Station Oceana is managed by Lincoln Military Housing, which operates family communities on and adjacent to the installation in Virginia Beach, Virginia, offering 2- to 4-bedroom homes near NAS Oceana's amenities and the broader Hampton Roads military community. Lincoln provides an online portal for applications and maintenance, with on-…
Local Market
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near NAS Oceana.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
2
Elementary Schools
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1
Middle Schools
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2
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
Kempsville
Suburban
Commute: 12 min
Schools: Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Most popular area; established neighborhoods; good schools; mid-range prices ($350K–$400K); strong military community
Red Mill
Suburban
Commute: 15 min
Schools: Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Newer construction; excellent schools (Red Mill Elementary top-rated); family-oriented; $400K–$500K range
Hilltop
Suburban
Commute: 10 min
Schools: Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Near the oceanfront and Town Center; walkable; great access to beach amenities; mid-range pricing
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at NAS Oceana.
State Income Tax
Military Pay
Retirement Pay
Vehicle Tax
Vehicle Registration
Coming soon
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Property Tax
Coming soon
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Spouse Income Tax
Coming soon
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Combat Zone
Coming soon
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Pet Policies at NAS Oceana
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at NAS Oceana.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
NAS Oceana Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(757) 425-4284Hours
Mon–Fri (call to confirm current schedule)
Restricted Breeds
5
Prohibited Animals
—
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
Coming soon
Coming soon
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at NAS Oceana.
Commissary
1
Oceana NAS Commissary
Exchange
NEX
Mon–Sun 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Medical
1
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth — Medical Center
Childcare & Youth
Coming soon
MWR & Recreation
Coming soon
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NAS Oceana.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main Gate (Tomcat 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 temporary lodging on base?
Yes, NAS Oceana 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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03
What school district serves the base?
Virginia Beach City Public Schools (rated B (Niche)) serves most military families at NAS Oceana. Visit vbschools.com for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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04
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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05
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 Oceana.
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06
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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07
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 Oceana.
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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.