NAS Fallon
NAS Fallon PCS Guide
Military Base History
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Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon began operations in 1942 as a World War II auxiliary airfield. Its original mission was to support pilot training and serve as a base for anti-submarine patrols over the Pacific.
The remote Nevada desert location offered ideal conditions for year-round flying and gunnery practice. Pilots benefited from the open skies and minimal weather disruptions.
During the Cold War, NAS Fallon expanded significantly. The base added new runways, hangars, and advanced electronic warfare ranges to support evolving military needs.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the installation became a hub for carrier air wing training. Squadrons preparing for deployment used the Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC), which grew into one of the Navy's most advanced tactical training environments.
In 1996, NAS Fallon became home to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC), now called the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC). This move consolidated elite training programs, including the renowned TOPGUN school, under one roof.
The base's mission shifted to focus on advanced air combat and integrated strike training. Electronic warfare and joint exercises became central to its operations.
Today, NAS Fallon is the Navy's premier tactical air warfare training center. It supports carrier air wings, joint exercises, and advanced weapons schools.
The installation plays a vital role in preparing aviators and support crews for modern combat. Locally, NAS Fallon is a major employer and community partner in Churchill County, Nevada.
The base has always been known as NAS Fallon and has not undergone any significant official name changes since its establishment.
Major Units & Training Programs
240910-N-FR705-1023 NAVAL AIR STATION FALLON, Nev. (Sept. 10, 2024) – A Sailor and Naval Aviator conduct pre-flight checks on an F/A-18 Super Hornet during Air Wing Fallon training for Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 on Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev., Sept. 10, 2024. NAS Fallon hosts the Navy’s...
Major Units
Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC)
NAWDC is the Navy's center of excellence for aviation training and tactics development, responsible for advanced training of naval aviators and aircrews, including the renowned TOPGUN program.
Strike Fighter Wing Pacific Detachment Fallon
This unit provides operational support and training for strike fighter squadrons, ensuring combat readiness for carrier air wings deploying to the Pacific Fleet.
Training Schools
Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN)
Overview
TOPGUN provides advanced air combat training for Navy and Marine Corps fighter pilots, focusing on tactics, techniques, and procedures for air superiority.
Course Length
9 weeks
Who Attends
Experienced Navy and Marine Corps fighter pilots and aircrew
Arrival & In-Processing
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Welcome to NAS Fallon, the Navy's premier air-to-air and air-to-ground training facility. Arriving prepared helps ensure a smooth transition for you and your family. Review all check-in steps before your travel date. For more details, visit the official NAS Fallon website.
The main entrance to NAS Fallon is the Main Gate, located off the primary access road leading into the installation. The Main Gate operates 24/7 for authorized personnel. All personnel must present a valid Military ID, Common Access Card (CAC), or approved dependent/retiree ID for entry. State-issued driver’s licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act; non-compliant licenses require a secondary form of identification. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections as part of the base’s robust security posture. To obtain a visitor or family member pass, report to the Visitor Control Center (VCC) just outside the Main Gate. Sponsors must accompany guests and provide valid identification for all parties.
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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 Housing (if available)
NAS Fallon offers a robust sponsor program to help new arrivals settle in. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit’s administrative office or the Command Sponsorship Coordinator as soon as you receive your orders. They will match you with a sponsor who can assist with your transition and answer questions prior to arrival.
Report to the Welcome Center, Building 350, located near the Main Gate for in-processing. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 0730–1600. Key steps include Personnel check-in, Finance, Housing, Medical/Dental check-in, and Unit introduction. Plan for the process to take 2–3 business days, depending on your needs and schedule.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Main Gate. Hours are Monday through Friday, 0600–1800. The VCC issues visitor passes, registers guests in DBIDS, and assists with sponsorship paperwork. All visitors must be sponsored by an authorized base member and present valid identification.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Then-Pfc. Justin Enzenbacher, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky, places his pub Ludo into his car for a ride in April 2022. Taking steps to prepare for a long road trip associated with a permanent change of station can reduce stress during a PCS move. (Photo by Ethan Steinquest)
Start your PCS to NAS Fallon by reviewing your official orders and contacting the base Transportation Office. Early coordination helps secure your preferred move dates and ensures you understand your entitlements. Choose between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where the government arranges movers, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a DITY move, where you handle the move and may receive reimbursement. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to schedule and track your move. This centralized portal is required for all shipments and helps manage claims if needed. When moving to NAS Fallon, you may qualify for Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) to help cover hotel costs for up to 10 days, plus a Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to offset relocation expenses. Check your eligibility and rates before making arrangements. Fallon’s remote location means planning ahead is key, especially for lodging and vehicle shipments. Review local resources and connect with your sponsor to smooth your transition.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Book temporary lodging early—options in Fallon are limited.
- Keep hard copies of orders and key documents with you.
- Double-check household goods weight limits to avoid overages.
- Take photos of valuable items before pack-out.
- Plan ahead for pet transport—local boarding is limited.
- Contact the Transportation Office if you need help with DPS.
Important Forms & Links
Schedule, track, and manage your move.
Official DoD allowances, rates, and rules.
Guidance and support for all PCS moves.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance.
Official base info and arrival resources.
Schools & Childcare
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