NORTH ISLAND NAS
NAVY
Coronado, CA
United States
NORTH ISLAND NAS
NAVY
Coronado, CA
United States
North Island NAS
Base Essentials
Naval Air Station North Island (NAS North Island) sits at the tip of the Coronado peninsula and is a key part of Naval Base Coronado. It’s known as the birthplace of naval aviation, officially recognized in 1963 by the House Armed Services Committee. From here, 23 fixed- and rotary-wing squadrons launch daily. The base supports two homeported aircraft carriers along with roughly 80 tenant commands, making it one of the Navy’s busiest aviation hubs. Read on to find out how to transition into your new home at NAS North Island. The Location of NAS North Island The main gate for NAS North Islan...
Base Details
Type
Naval Station
Branch
NAVY
Command
CNIC
Status
Active
Est.
1917
Acres
2,400
Active Duty
18,000
Civilian
7,000
Population
3,300,000
Economic Impact
$3.5 billion
North Island NAS History
Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California, was established in 1917 and is called the "Birthplace of Naval Aviation." It is home to major helicopter and fixed-wing squadrons, carrier air wings, and Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, a major aviation depot. North Island serves as the homeport for Pacific Fleet aircraft carriers and is one of the busiest naval air installations in the world. Its location on San Diego Bay places it at the heart of West Coast naval operations.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Commander Naval Air Force Pacific
—
—
Carrier Air Wings
—
—
Fleet Readiness Center Southwest
—
—
Historic Timeline
1911
Wright Brothers Establish Military Aviation School
1917
NAS North Island Officially Commissioned
1924
First Aerial Circumnavigation of the Globe
1942
Pacific Fleet Carrier Aviation Hub in WWII
1963
Carrier Air Wing Operations Consolidated
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1911
Wright Brothers Establish Military Aviation School
Orville and Wilbur Wright established a military aviation school at North Island in San Diego Bay in 1911, teaching Army and Navy officers to fly. The same year, Lt. Theodore Ellyson, USN, became the first military aviator to complete training here, earning North Island the enduring title "Birthplace of Naval Aviation."
1917
NAS North Island Officially Commissioned
Naval Air Station North Island was officially commissioned as the nation's first formal naval air station, consolidating the military aviation training that had been conducted at the site since 1911 and cementing San Diego as the center of U.S. Navy aviation.
1924
First Aerial Circumnavigation of the Globe
On April 6, 1924, four Douglas World Cruisers departed Seattle for the first successful aerial circumnavigation of the globe. Two of the aircraft — the Chicago and the New Orleans — were assembled and prepared at NAS North Island and completed the 26,345-mile journey in 175 days.
1942
Pacific Fleet Carrier Aviation Hub in WWII
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, NAS North Island became the primary maintenance, repair, and staging facility for Pacific Fleet aircraft carriers and carrier air wings, playing a central logistical and operational role in carrier aviation throughout the Pacific War.
1963
Carrier Air Wing Operations Consolidated
North Island was designated the principal West Coast homeport for multiple carrier air wings, consolidating carrier-based aviation training and operations. The installation became the hub of Pacific Fleet carrier aviation, a mission it retains as home to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) headquarters to this day.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for North Island NAS.
North Island NAS Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for North Island NAS.
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 North Island NAS.
Information
Welcome to Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island: Your Comprehensive Guide
Read
Information
20+ of the Best Things to Do Near North Island NAS, in San Diego, CA
Read
Military News
Sailors Become Sick Aboard USS Nimitz Due to Jet Fuel
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Information
18 of the Best NAS North Island Restaurants
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Information
Coronado School Options Near NAS North Island
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to North Island NAS.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), Naval Base Coronado
Phone
(619) 545-6071Hours
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
In-Processing
NAS North Island personnel report to the Quarterdeck at Building 678 during business hours (Monday–Friday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM), accessed via Gate 1 at Third Street and Alameda Boulevard. After hours and weekends, call the duty officer at (619) 545-8123. Personnel with deployed commands report to Transient Personnel Unit at Brunton Hall, 2475 McKean Street ((619) 556-3182).
In-processing includes check-in at the Quarterdeck with original PCS orders, administrative processing with Personnel Support Detachment, finance check-in, medical/dental records transfer, and housing office appointment. Hand-carry all essential documents including orders, IDs, medical records, school records, vehicle registration, and travel receipts.
The FFSC at Building 318 ((619) 545-6071 or toll-free 1-866-923-6478) provides relocation counseling, settling-in services, and Welcome Aboard packages. The Visitor's Center is at (619) 545-7412.
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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 North Island NAS.
On-post housing at Naval Air Station North Island is managed by Lincoln Military Housing, which operates communities on Coronado Island and in adjacent San Diego neighborhoods, offering 2- to 4-bedroom homes in one of the most sought-after locations in the U.S. Navy's portfolio. Coronado Island's stunning bay views, walkable village, and immediate beach access make…
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Cost of Living Around North Island NAS
160
60% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near North Island NAS.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer
2
Elementary Schools
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1
Middle Schools
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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
Coronado Island
Urban
Commute: 5 min
Schools: Coronado Unified School District
Beautiful island community; excellent schools; very high cost of living; limited housing stock; beach lifestyle
Point Loma
Suburban
Commute: 15 min
Schools: San Diego Unified School District
Popular with Navy officers; near the harbor and Sunset Cliffs; good schools; higher home prices but strong appreciation
Chula Vista
Suburban
Commute: 20 min
Schools: Sweetwater Union High School District
South Bay; more affordable; military-heavy community; good family neighborhoods in Eastlake and Otay Ranch
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at North Island NAS.
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 North Island NAS
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at North Island NAS.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
MCAS Miramar Veterinary Treatment Facility (serves NAS North Island)
Phone
(858) 307-6552Hours
Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM; closed last working day of each month
Restricted Breeds
5
Prohibited Animals
—
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
Coming soon
Coming soon
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at North Island NAS.
Commissary
1
North Island NAS Commissary
Exchange
NEX
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sun 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
Naval Medical Center San Diego — Medical Center
Childcare & Youth
Coming soon
MWR & Recreation
Coming soon
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about North Island NAS.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main Stockdale Gate (3rd Street 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, North Island NAS 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?
Coronado Unified School District (rated A+ (Niche); 10/10 GreatSchools) serves most military families at North Island NAS. Visit coronadousd.net 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 North Island NAS.
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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 North Island NAS.
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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.