NS MAYPORT
NAVY
Mayport, FL
United States
NS MAYPORT
NAVY
Mayport, FL
United States
NS Mayport
Base Essentials
Home of Atlantic Fleet destroyer and littoral combat ship squadrons in Jacksonville, FL — a surface warfare hub with frequent underway periods, Florida's outdoor lifestyle, and Jacksonville's affordable coastal living.
Base Details
Type
Naval Station
Branch
NAVY
Command
CNIC
Status
Active
Est.
1942
Acres
3,400
Active Duty
7,000
Civilian
2,500
Population
1,600,000
Economic Impact
$1.8 billion
NS Mayport History
Naval Station Mayport near Jacksonville, Florida, was established in 1942 and is a major homeport for Atlantic Fleet surface ships. It hosts guided-missile cruisers, destroyers, frigates, and amphibious ships, as well as helicopter maritime strike squadrons. Mayport's deep-water basin and proximity to open ocean make it one of the East Coast's most important naval operating bases. The station has been designated as a future homeport for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic (Det)
—
—
Surface ship homeport
—
—
Historic Timeline
1942
Naval Station Mayport Established
1952
Aircraft Carrier Homeport Established
1961
Cuban Missile Crisis; Atlantic Fleet Surge
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1942
Naval Station Mayport Established
Naval Station Mayport was established in 1942 near Jacksonville, Florida, as an Atlantic Fleet base for destroyer and patrol operations. Its location at the mouth of the St. Johns River made it ideal for rapid fleet deployment into the Atlantic.
1952
Aircraft Carrier Homeport Established
Mayport was designated an aircraft carrier homeport in 1952, becoming one of only three major carrier homeports on the U.S. East Coast. The installation has homeported carriers including USS Saratoga, USS John F. Kennedy, and USS Theodore Roosevelt throughout its history.
1961
Cuban Missile Crisis; Atlantic Fleet Surge
During the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962, Mayport's destroyers and cruisers were among the first ships deployed to enforce the naval quarantine of Cuba. The base's proximity to Cuba — roughly 700 miles — made it a critical staging point for Atlantic Fleet operations.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for NS Mayport.
NS Mayport Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for NS Mayport.
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 NS Mayport.
Information
17 of the Best NS Mayport Restaurants
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Information
Jacksonville, Florida, Things To Do Near NS Mayport
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Information
Naval Station Mayport: In-Depth Welcome Center
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Information
Schools in Jacksonville, FL, Near NS Mayport: Day Care - High School
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Information
NS Mayport Housing: 4 On-Base Options
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to NS Mayport.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Naval Station Mayport — Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)
Phone
(904) 270-5560Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Sailors and Marines arriving at Naval Station Mayport report to their gaining command during duty hours. The command administrative office initiates check-in and coordinates all in-processing appointments. The FFSC at (904) 270-5560 coordinates the mandatory Newcomers Orientation and provides comprehensive welcome packets for the Jacksonville/Mayport area.
In-processing covers PSD for pay and records, medical enrollment at the Naval Branch Health Clinic Mayport, housing coordination through Atlantic Marine Corps Communities or Navy Housing, and base orientation. NS Mayport is the Navy's third largest fleet concentration area, home to surface warfare ships, a carrier air wing training element, and helicopter maritime strike squadrons.
NS Mayport is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The location offers direct beach access, outstanding outdoor recreation, and proximity to historic St. Augustine. The Jacksonville area offers an excellent cost of living, Florida's zero state income tax, and a very large military community across multiple installations.
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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 NS Mayport.
On-post family housing at Naval Station Mayport is managed by Lincoln Military Housing. The on-post communities offer 2–4 bedroom homes; many families choose off-post housing in the Jacksonville Beaches communities and the broader Jacksonville metro given the area's extensive options. NS Mayport is located at the mouth of the St. Johns River on Florida's northeast A…
Local Market
$1,700/mo
rent
/
$330,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around NS Mayport
92
8% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near NS Mayport.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer
4
High Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Naval Station Mayport is a destroyer and cruiser homeport on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the St. Johns River in northeastern Jacksonville, Florida. The beachside location is exceptional — Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach are literally adjacent to the base. Jacksonville's urban amenities and Florida's no-income-tax environment make this a popular Navy assignment.
Atlantic Beach / Neptune Beach
Suburban
The barrier island communities immediately adjacent to NS Mayport are some of Florida's most sought-after neighborhoods. Duval County Schools serve both, with Fletcher High School in Atlantic Beach being one of Duval's stronger options. The beaches, surf culture, and the Town Center at Neptune Beach are world-class lifestyle assets. Home prices have risen significantly, but for families who get here, the beach lifestyle is unmatched in the Navy.
Commute: 5 min
Schools: Duval County Public Schools (Fletcher HS zone)
Families with kids
Single service members
Outdoorsy types
Retirees
Pet owners
Literally next to the base, Atlantic Ocean beach lifestyle, Neptune Beach Town Center, Florida no state income, surf culture
Ponte Vedra Beach / Jacksonville Beach
Suburban
South of Mayport along A1A, Ponte Vedra Beach is one of Florida's most prestigious beach communities with St. Johns County School District — among Florida's very best. Jacksonville Beach offers a more affordable Atlantic beach option. Families willing to commute 20–25 minutes south on A1A or via I-95 access both excellent schools and beach lifestyle. Ponte Vedra's golf courses and TPC Sawgrass venue are additional assets.
Commute: 22 min
Schools: St. Johns County School District (Ponte Vedra) / Duval County (Jax Beach)
Families with kids
Retirees
Dual military
Outdoorsy types
Top Florida schools in St. Johns County, TPC Sawgrass, premium beach community, Atlantic Ocean lifestyle
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at NS Mayport.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Florida has no state income tax. All military pay and retirement income are fully exempt. Florida is consistently one of…
Spouse Income Tax
Florida has no state income tax. Military spouses living in Florida are not subject to Florida income tax regardless of…
Vehicle Registration
Military members may retain their home-state vehicle registration under SCRA. If registering in Florida, fees are based…
Property Tax
No state income tax. Florida has a $50,000 homestead exemption for primary residences of legal residents. Veterans with…
Pet Policies at NS Mayport
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at NS Mayport.
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 NS Mayport.
Commissary
1
Mayport NS Commissary
Exchange
NEX
Tue–Sat 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sun–Mon 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
Naval Branch Health Clinic Mayport — Branch Health Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NS Mayport.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main Gate (Mayport Road 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 NS Mayport.
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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 NS Mayport.
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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.