NAS Meridian
NAS Meridian PCS Guide
Military Base History
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Naval Air Station Meridian was established to address the Navy’s need for more aviator training during the Cold War. The base was commissioned on July 14, 1961, after rapid construction that began in 1957.
Its original mission focused on training student naval aviators and supporting aviation technical schools. This helped the Navy meet its expanding aviation requirements.
Major expansions in the 1960s and 1970s added advanced training facilities and led to the commissioning of Training Air Wing One. These upgrades made the base a key hub for intermediate and advanced jet training.
The station hosted aircraft such as the T-2 Buckeye and T-45 Goshawk, supporting both flight and technical training for aviation maintenance personnel.
During the Vietnam War and Cold War, NAS Meridian played a vital role in preparing pilots for combat and deployments. Its training programs ensured a steady pipeline of skilled aviators for carrier-based operations.
In the post-Cold War era, the station adapted to new training technologies and aircraft, maintaining its relevance in Navy pilot production.
Today, NAS Meridian remains one of the Navy’s primary jet training facilities. It supports Training Air Wing One, the Naval Technical Training Center, and several tenant commands.
The base is also a significant economic driver in the region, providing jobs and supporting local communities. Since its commissioning, there have been no significant official name changes for NAS Meridian.
Major Units & Training Programs
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, awards Sgt. Hunter Hill with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal at Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron One (MATTS-1) on board Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi Nov. 20, 2024. While on his tour, Smith met...
Major Units
Training Air Wing ONE (TW-1)
Responsible for training future Navy and Marine Corps aviators, TW-1 oversees advanced jet training and prepares student pilots for operational fleet assignments.
Naval Technical Training Center Meridian (NTTC Meridian)
Provides technical training for Navy personnel in fields such as administration, logistics, and support services, ensuring sailors are prepared for fleet assignments.
Training Schools
Aviation Training School (Primary and Intermediate Jet Training)
Overview
Delivers primary and intermediate flight training to student naval aviators using T-6B Texan II and T-45C Goshawk aircraft, covering basic flight, instrument, and formation flying.
Course Length
6-12 months (varies by phase)
Who Attends
Student Naval Aviators (Navy, Marine Corps)
Personnel Specialist 'A' School
Overview
Trains enlisted sailors in personnel administration, pay, and benefits, preparing them for Personnel Specialist (PS) ratings.
Course Length
8 weeks
Who Attends
Enlisted Navy personnel entering the PS rating
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.
Arriving at NAS Meridian starts with receiving official orders. Next, contact the base Transportation Office to begin planning your move. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to arrange your shipment and track your Household Goods (HHG). You can choose between a government-managed HHG move or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also called a DITY move. Each option has different processes and reimbursement methods. Entitlements like Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) and Dislocation Allowance (DLA) help offset costs during your transition. TLE covers temporary housing while you search for a permanent home, and DLA assists with miscellaneous relocation expenses. Registering in DPS is essential for scheduling and tracking your move, filing claims, and accessing support. NAS Meridian's Transportation Office can answer questions about local procedures, delivery timelines, and storage options. Check the base website for any arrival-specific requirements or restrictions.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor early to ease your transition.
- Keep all important documents—orders, IDs, receipts—with you during travel.
- Know your weight allowance to avoid excess charges.
- Contact the Transportation Office as soon as you get orders.
- Take photos of valuables for insurance claims.
- Label boxes by room and content for easier unpacking.
- Check pet policies and book kennels or pet-friendly lodging in advance.
Important Forms & Links
Start, track, and manage your PCS move.
Check current rates for TLE, DLA, and other entitlements.
Guides, checklists, and support for your PCS.
Local information and newcomer resources.
Schools & Childcare
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