Military Bases in Diego Garcia
Everything military families need to settle into Diego Garcia.
Navy Bases
NSF Diego Garcia
Located in Unknown, Diego Garcia
NSF Diego Garcia sits on the remote atoll of Diego Garcia, with its nearest city listed as Unknown. This U.S. Navy support facility is a strategic hub for logistics and operations in the Indian Ocean, supporting both naval and air missions.
Diego Garcia’s Indian Ocean Outpost
Welcome to Diego Garcia, a remote British Indian Ocean Territory hosting the U.S. Navy’s Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. Nestled on a coral atoll, this base powers logistics and surveillance for U.S. and allied forces. This guide to military bases in Diego Garcia explores its role, history, economic contributions, and community life, helping U.S. service members and families thrive during PCS or TDY assignments in this tropical outpost.
A Naval Legacy
Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia began in 1971, when the U.S. Navy leased the atoll from the UK to counter Soviet influence. Construction by Navy Seabees started that year, building a communications station by 1973. The base expanded in the 1980s with a $400 million upgrade, adding runways and port facilities. It supported air operations during the 1991 Gulf War and 2001 Afghanistan campaign, proving its strategic value. Today, it remains a joint U.S.-UK hub, despite ongoing Chagossian sovereignty disputes.
Supporting the Mission
NSF Diego Garcia drives the atoll’s operations, sustaining a transient community of thousands. It employs local contractors from Mauritius and the Philippines, boosting regional economies. U.S. personnel access unaccompanied housing, a medical clinic, and base schools for dependents, though families are rare due to the remote setting. Events like the 2024 Summer Safety Stand Down foster camaraderie. Recent upgrades, like a 2023 wharf repair, keep the base mission-ready, supporting U.S. and allied forces.
Essential Base Facilities
The base hosts critical operations for joint missions. Here’s a look at its vital facilities:
Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia: Manages logistics for 16 tenant commands, supporting 2025 USS Milius port visits.
Ground-based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance (GEODSS): Tracks satellites for Space Force missions.
Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Two: Anchors logistics ships in the lagoon for rapid response.
MWR Recreation Center: Offers bowling, swimming, and free gear rentals for sailors, like 2024 sailing lessons.
Strategic Impact
NSF Diego Garcia is a cornerstone of U.S. power in the Indo-Pacific. Its deep-water port and 12,000-foot runways support B-2 bombers and KC-135 tankers, as seen in 2025 satellite imagery. The base’s logistics ships enable rapid deployments, while GEODSS tracks space assets. In 2024, it supported joint U.S.-Indian naval exercises, strengthening regional ties. Despite unconfirmed Gaza operation claims, the base’s focus remains logistics and surveillance, ensuring stability.
Community and Culture
Diego Garcia’s small community thrives in isolation. Unaccompanied housing and a clinic keep personnel supported. The MWR center offers sailing, golf, and movie nights, with 2024 free rentals for junior sailors. Explore Turtle Cove’s beaches, spot coconut crabs, or join base runs. The island’s lagoon and starry skies create a unique vibe, blending duty with tropical adventure for an unforgettable assignment.