Balboa Hospital
Balboa Hospital PCS Guide
Military Base History
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Naval Medical Center San Diego opened in 1922 to address the expanding medical needs of the U.S. Navy in Southern California. Its original mission centered on delivering comprehensive care to sailors, Marines, and their families stationed in the area.
The hospital’s location in Balboa Park took advantage of existing infrastructure from the Panama-California Exposition of 1915-1916. Strategic placement allowed for rapid growth and efficient service to military personnel.
During World War II, Balboa Hospital expanded significantly to treat the influx of wounded service members from the Pacific theater. New wards, surgical suites, and rehabilitation facilities were quickly built, transforming it into one of the Navy’s largest medical centers by 1945.
The hospital maintained a critical role during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, caring for thousands of casualties and supporting ongoing medical research and training initiatives.
In the postwar era, Balboa Hospital became a leader in military medicine, pioneering advances in trauma care, prosthetics, and infectious disease management. The facility was officially renamed Naval Medical Center San Diego in 1988 to reflect its broader mission and modern capabilities.
Despite the official name change, the “Balboa Hospital” nickname remains popular among military personnel and San Diego residents alike.
Today, the medical center serves as the main healthcare hub for Navy and Marine Corps personnel in the southwestern United States. It offers a full range of services, including emergency care, advanced surgery, and family medicine.
The hospital also supports medical readiness, humanitarian missions, and disaster response, continuing its vital role in both the military and the San Diego community.
Major Units & Training Programs
Capt. Elizabeth Adriano, Commanding Officer, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command San Diego; Rear Adm. Guido F. Valdes, Commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific; Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro; Vice Adm. Michael E. Boyle, Commander, U.S. Third Fleet; and Paul Williamson, Wounded...
Major Units
Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) Command
Serves as the primary command structure for all medical operations at Balboa Hospital, providing comprehensive healthcare to Navy personnel, their families, and eligible beneficiaries. It also oversees medical readiness and deployable medical forces.
Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diego
Responsible for the training, readiness, and operational deployment of medical personnel assigned to Balboa Hospital. Ensures medical staff are prepared to support Navy and Marine Corps missions worldwide.
Training Schools
Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program
Overview
Offers advanced medical residency and fellowship training for Navy physicians in a wide range of specialties, supporting the development of military medical leaders and specialists.
Course Length
3-7 years (depending on specialty)
Who Attends
Navy medical officers (physicians) undergoing residency or fellowship
Arrival & In-Processing
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Welcome to Balboa Hospital! Preparing ahead ensures your arrival and check-in go smoothly. Knowing what to expect at the gate and during in-processing helps you and your family settle in faster. For more details, visit the official Balboa Hospital website.
Balboa Hospital is located within Naval Medical Center San Diego. The main gate is the Florida Drive Entrance, which is open 24/7 for authorized personnel. All drivers and passengers must show a valid Military ID or CAC at entry. State driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act for access. Security conducts 100% ID checks and may perform random vehicle inspections. To sponsor family members or visitors, stop at the Visitor Control Center outside the main gate. Bring valid photo ID for all adults and be ready for additional screening. The base maintains a vigilant security posture, so allow extra time for checks, especially during peak hours.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Proof of Immunizations
Balboa Hospital offers a sponsor program to help new arrivals. Contact your gaining unit or the hospital's Personnel Office to request a sponsor before arrival. Sponsors can answer questions, arrange meet-and-greets, and guide you through in-processing.
Report to the Welcome Center in the main hospital complex for in-processing. The center operates Monday through Friday, 0730–1600. You will check in with Personnel, Finance, Housing, and Medical offices. Plan to complete initial steps on your first day, but full in-processing may take 2–3 days. Bring all required documents and arrive early to avoid delays.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Florida Drive Main Gate. Hours are Monday through Friday, 0600–1800, and Saturday, 0800–1200. The VCC issues visitor passes, registers guests in DBIDS, and helps with family member access. Sponsors must be present or provide prior authorization for guests.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Military spouse Valerie McNulty says the use of a GPS tracker placed in her household goods during her Family’s recent permanent change of station made national news headlines, and led to conversations with top Department of Defense officials about bettering PCS experiences.
When you receive PCS orders to Balboa Hospital, start by reviewing your orders and contacting your current base’s Transportation Office. Choose your move type: Household Goods (HHG) shipment or Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY). Set up your move in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to track your shipment and manage paperwork. Balboa Hospital is in San Diego, so plan for traffic and parking challenges when scheduling delivery. Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) helps cover lodging while you search for housing, and Dislocation Allowance (DLA) helps offset relocation costs. Use the DoD Per Diem site to estimate your entitlements. Contact your sponsor early for local tips and to help with in-processing. Balboa Hospital’s central location means housing can be competitive; start your housing search as soon as possible. Leverage base resources and Military OneSource for guidance throughout your move.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Keep all PCS paperwork and orders in a secure, accessible folder.
- Plan for San Diego traffic when scheduling HHG delivery.
- Take photos of high-value items before packing.
- Start housing search early—San Diego is a high-demand area.
- Label all boxes clearly with your name and destination address.
- Check pet policies for both temporary lodging and permanent housing.
Important Forms & Links
Register and manage your PCS move online.
Check current per diem and TLE rates.
Get relocation planning help and resources.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance.
Review arrival and in-processing info for new personnel.