NAS Corpus Christi
NAS Corpus Christi PCS Guide
Military Base History
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Naval Air Station Corpus Christi was established in 1941 as a primary training base for naval aviators. Its Texas Gulf Coast location offered ideal flying conditions and access to open water for training exercises.
The base quickly became a cornerstone of the Navy's aviation program during World War II, producing thousands of pilots essential to the war effort.
During WWII, the base underwent rapid expansion to meet the surge in trainees. New runways, hangars, and support facilities were built to accommodate increased demand.
At its peak, NAS Corpus Christi trained more than 35,000 aviators, including future President George H.W. Bush. After the war, the base shifted its mission to advanced flight training and fleet support operations.
Throughout the Cold War, NAS Corpus Christi adapted to evolving military needs by hosting various training squadrons and support units.
The installation became home to the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) and the Corpus Christi Army Depot, a major helicopter maintenance facility. These units solidified the base's role as a hub for aviation training and logistics.
Today, NAS Corpus Christi remains vital to the Navy's pilot training pipeline and the regional economy. The base supports multi-service flight training, aircraft maintenance, and serves as a key employer in South Texas.
Its mission continues to evolve, but the installation has retained its original name since 1941, with no significant official name changes.
Major Units & Training Programs
A T-54 multi-engine aircraft sits on the flightline of Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, April 18. The arrival of the T-54A heralds a new generation of Naval Aviators who will use the trainer to earn their wings of gold as they prepare to fly such aircraft as the P-8A Poseidon, E-2D...
Major Units
Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA)
Oversees all naval air training for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, ensuring standardization and effectiveness of pilot and flight officer training across multiple locations.
Training Air Wing FOUR (TRAWING 4)
Provides primary, intermediate, and advanced flight training to student naval aviators and student naval flight officers, preparing them for operational fleet assignments.
Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD)
Performs maintenance, repair, and overhaul of rotary wing aircraft for the Army and other Department of Defense agencies, supporting readiness and sustainment.
Training Schools
Naval Flight Training Program (Primary and Advanced)
Overview
Delivers primary and advanced flight training to student naval aviators, covering basic flight skills, instrument flying, and advanced tactics to prepare them for fleet assignments.
Course Length
6-18 months (varies by track)
Who Attends
Student naval aviators (Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard)
Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS)
Overview
Prepares enlisted personnel for service as naval aircrewmen, focusing on water survival, aviation physiology, and basic crew duties.
Course Length
3-4 weeks
Who Attends
Enlisted Navy personnel selected for aircrew positions
Arrival & In-Processing
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Welcome to NAS Corpus Christi! Arriving at a new duty station is an exciting step, and being prepared will help you and your family settle in smoothly. Review these steps to ensure your arrival and check-in are efficient and stress-free. For the latest updates and additional resources, visit the official NAS Corpus Christi website.
NAS Corpus Christi's main gate is the South Gate, located at the primary entrance to the installation. The South Gate operates 24/7, providing continuous access for authorized personnel. All drivers and passengers must present a valid Military ID, Common Access Card (CAC), or an approved state-issued driver's license compliant with the REAL ID Act. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections as part of the base's robust security posture. Family members and visitors without a DoD ID must obtain a visitor pass from the Visitor Control Center before entering. Plan ahead to avoid delays during peak hours or heightened security conditions.
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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 for all family members
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Proof of Housing (if applicable)
NAS Corpus Christi offers a sponsor program to ease your transition. Contact your gaining unit or command to request a sponsor before arrival. Sponsors help coordinate check-in, answer local questions, and may meet you at the gate. If you have not been assigned a sponsor, reach out to your unit's administrative office or the Command Sponsor Coordinator for assistance.
Formal in-processing takes place at the Welcome Center, typically located in Building 1741 near the main gate area. The Welcome Center operates Monday through Friday, 0730 to 1600. Key steps include checking in with Personnel Support Detachment, Finance, Housing, Medical, and your assigned unit. Most newcomers complete in-processing within 2-3 business days, but plan for possible additional appointments as needed.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is positioned just outside the South Gate, making it convenient for guests and new arrivals. The VCC is open Monday through Friday from 0600 to 1800 and Saturday from 0800 to 1200. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and processing guest sponsorship requests. All visitors must be sponsored by an authorized base member and present valid identification.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Ronald Jackson and Marsha Whitmire, quality assurance inspectors with the 72nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, inspect a moldy pallet at the business location of a local moving company. The company had received the pallet in less-than-desirable condition and immediately notified the Personal Property and Passenger Movement Section.
When you receive PCS orders to NAS Corpus Christi, start by reviewing your orders and contacting the base Transportation Office. This office will guide you through your move options. Most service members choose between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where a moving company packs and ships your items, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY), where you move your belongings yourself and may receive reimbursement.
Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to schedule and track your move. DPS lets you manage shipments, upload documents, and communicate with your moving company. You are also entitled to Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) to help cover hotel costs while you secure housing, and a Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to offset relocation expenses. Be sure to keep all receipts and stay in touch with your sponsor for local guidance.
NAS Corpus Christi is a busy training base, so plan ahead—especially during summer. The base offers resources for in-processing, housing, and family support. Check the base website and Military OneSource for local info and updates.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor early to help with local info and in-processing.
- Keep orders, IDs, and important documents with you during travel.
- Understand your weight allowance to avoid excess costs.
- Label boxes with your name and destination room.
- Take photos of high-value items before pack-out.
- Plan ahead for pet travel and base requirements.
- Contact base housing as soon as orders arrive.
Important Forms & Links
Schedule and manage your move online.
Check current PCS entitlements and rates.
Guidance and checklists for every stage of your move.
Base-specific contacts, housing, and newcomer info.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance.
Schools & Childcare
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Families stationed at NAS Corpus Christi will find that there are no DoDEA schools on base, so children attend schools in the surrounding local districts. The Corpus Christi area offers a range of public, private, and charter schools, each with unique strengths and programs. The School Liaison Officer (SLO) serves as your primary point of contact for navigating enrollment, school transitions, and special education resources. For tailored guidance, families should reach out to the SLO early in their move to ensure a smooth start to the school year.
Childcare Options
Child Development Center (CDC)
The CDC offers full-day care, part-day preschool, and hourly care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
School Age Care (SAC) Program
This program provides before- and after-school care, holiday camps, and summer camps for school-age children. SAC is designed to support working military families with flexible, accredited care options.
Family Child Care (FCC) Program
FCC offers in-home care by certified providers, giving families flexible options for full-time, part-time, or drop-in care. All providers meet Navy certification and safety standards.
Local Schools
Flour Bluff Independent School District
Flour Bluff ISD is the primary district serving NAS Corpus Christi and is known for strong academics and extracurricular programs. The district consistently receives high marks from the Texas Education Agency and offers robust STEM and arts programs.
Corpus Christi Independent School District
Corpus Christi ISD serves much of the city and offers a wide range of magnet and advanced academic programs. The district has several campuses rated above average by GreatSchools.org, especially for college readiness and diversity.
Seashore Charter Schools
Seashore Charter Schools provide a smaller, community-focused learning environment. The schools have earned positive reviews for personalized instruction and strong parent engagement.