NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO
NAVY
San Diego, CA
United States
NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO
NAVY
San Diego, CA
United States
Naval Base San Diego
Base Essentials
Welcome to Naval Base San Diego, right in the heart of beautiful San Diego, California! Here the weather is nearly perfect all year round with beautiful sunshine, ocean breezes, and pristine beaches. Honestly, you could probably put all your shoes except your flip flops into storage once you get here and forget about needing a jacket. This place is perfect. Occupied in 1918 as a commercial shipyard, the Navy acquired it in 1920 and began the construction of a Naval repair base which served the US Pacific Fleet in WWII, serving more than 5,117 ships. In the 1990s the Headquarters of the Pacific...
Base Details
Type
Naval Station
Branch
NAVY
Command
CNIC
Status
Active
Est.
1901
Acres
—
Active Duty
—
Civilian
—
Population
3,300,000
Economic Impact
—
Naval Base San Diego History
San Diego is home to the largest concentration of Navy and Marine Corps forces in the world. The region hosts multiple naval installations including Naval Base San Diego, Naval Base Point Loma, Naval Air Station North Island, and Marine Corps installations. San Diego-based forces include carrier strike groups, amphibious ready groups, submarine squadrons, and naval special warfare units. The region's military presence is a cornerstone of Pacific Fleet readiness and a major driver of the local economy.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Commander Naval Surface Force Pacific
—
—
Carrier Strike Groups
—
—
Naval Special Warfare
—
—
Historic Timeline
1919
Naval Base San Diego Established
1942
Pacific Fleet Staging Hub for WWII
1980
Consolidated as Naval Station San Diego
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1919
Naval Base San Diego Established
Naval Base San Diego was established in 1919 on San Diego Bay, growing from a small destroyer base into the largest Navy base on the West Coast and one of the largest in the world. San Diego's natural harbor and year-round weather made it the Navy's premier Pacific Fleet homeport.
1942
Pacific Fleet Staging Hub for WWII
Naval Base San Diego served as the primary staging and logistics hub for the Pacific Fleet during WWII, processing hundreds of thousands of sailors and launching thousands of vessels into the Pacific theater. The base's role in WWII transformed San Diego into one of the most important military cities in the country.
1980
Consolidated as Naval Station San Diego
Multiple separate Navy installations around San Diego Bay were consolidated under Naval Station San Diego in 1980, creating a unified homeport for the Pacific Fleet surface combatant force. The installation currently homeports more than 50 surface ships and thousands of sailors.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Naval Base San Diego.
Naval Base San Diego Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Naval Base San Diego.
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 Naval Base San Diego.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Naval Base San Diego.
Welcome Center
Coming soon
In-Processing
Report to the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) at NAVBASE San Diego or your gaining command upon arrival. Contact your command sponsor before detaching from your previous duty station to arrange temporary lodging and accelerate check-in.
The Quarterdeck at 32nd Street processes arrivals daily. Call (619) 556-1111 for current check-in procedures and reporting instructions from your gaining command.
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Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Download Full Base Guide PDF
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 Naval Base San Diego.
On-post housing for NAVBASE San Diego is managed by Lincoln Military Housing across 35+ pet-friendly neighborhoods covering over 9,100 homes across the San Diego naval complex, including communities in National City, Chula Vista, and South Bay areas. San Diego BAH is among the highest in the country, reflecting the area's elevated cost of living. National City is th…
Local Market
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Cost of Living Around Naval Base San Diego
160
60% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Naval Base San Diego.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
Elementary Schools
Coming soon
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Middle Schools
Coming soon
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High Schools
Coming soon
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Colleges & Universities
Coming soon
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Chula Vista
Suburban
Chula Vista is the most popular community for Naval Base San Diego families seeking a balance of affordability and quality of life in San Diego County. It sits south of the base toward the US-Mexico border and has grown substantially with newer planned communities like Eastlake and Otay Ranch, which offer good schools, parks, and amenities at San Diego's most competitive price points. BAH goes further here than in most of the county.
Commute: 15–25 min
Gate: Main Gate (32nd St)
Schools: Chula Vista Elementary / Sweetwater Union High SD
Families with kids
Budget-friendly
Dual military
Otay Ranch Town Center is one of the best planned shopping destinations in San Diego. Close to the US-Mexico border for Tijuana dining and cultural experiences. San Diego Bay access for water sports. More affordable than most San Diego options while still in a great location.
Point Loma / Liberty Station
Urban
Point Loma is the closest civilian neighborhood to Naval Base San Diego and has become one of the most desirable areas in the city. Liberty Station — the redeveloped former Naval Training Center — has transformed into a cultural hub with restaurants, galleries, a public market, and a park system along the bay. It's expensive, but BAH in San Diego is among the highest in the country and makes it achievable for senior enlisted and officers.
Commute: 5–15 min
Gate: Main Gate (32nd St)
Schools: San Diego Unified School District
Single service members
Retirees
Dual military
Liberty Station has a world-class restaurant and arts scene right in the neighborhood. San Diego Bay waterfront access for kayaking and sailing. Ocean Beach and Sunset Cliffs are minutes away. The best urban naval community posting in the country.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Naval Base San Diego.
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 Naval Base San Diego
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Naval Base San Diego.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
MCAS Miramar Veterinary Treatment Facility (serves NBSD)
Phone
(858) 307-6552Hours
Mon–Fri 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM; closed last working day of each month
Restricted Breeds
7
Prohibited Animals
11
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Naval Base San Diego.
Commissary
1
Naval Base San Diego Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
NEX
Medical
1
Naval Medical Center San Diego — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Naval Base San Diego.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Gate 6 (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, Naval Base San Diego Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Call (619) 556-8657 for current hours.
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03
Is there a NEX on base?
Yes, Naval Base San Diego 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 Medical Center San Diego is the primary military treatment hospital serving Naval Base San Diego. Call (619) 532-6400 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Naval Base San Diego 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
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Naval Base San Diego 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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07
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Naval Base San Diego 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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08
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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09
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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10
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 Naval Base San Diego.
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11
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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12
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 Naval Base San Diego.
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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.