NAS Oceana
NAS Oceana PCS Guide
Military Base History
A Douglas AD-4 Skyraider, one of a handful of airworthy examples nationwide, makes a low pass on the grass airfield of the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, Virginia. (US Navy Photo by Civilian Public Affairs Officer Max Lonzanida/Released)
Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana was commissioned in August 1943 as a key training and operational hub for the U.S. Navy’s expanding air power during World War II. The base’s original mission supported fleet carrier aviation by providing pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and operational readiness.
Its location in Virginia Beach offered proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and ample space for expansion, making it ideal for large-scale naval aviation activities.
Major expansions took place during the 1950s and 1960s as jet aircraft replaced propeller-driven planes. NAS Oceana added new runways, hangars, and support facilities to accommodate advanced fighters such as the F-4 Phantom and later the F-14 Tomcat.
The base became the East Coast Master Jet Base, consolidating Navy tactical air operations and hosting Carrier Air Wings that deployed worldwide.
Throughout the Cold War, NAS Oceana played a pivotal role in maintaining U.S. naval air superiority. The station supported rapid deployments, training exercises, and technological upgrades to ensure readiness for crises from the Cuban Missile Crisis to operations in the Middle East.
Key squadrons, including those flying the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, have called Oceana home, contributing to the Navy’s global reach and effectiveness.
Today, NAS Oceana remains the Navy’s primary East Coast air station for strike fighter operations. The base supports thousands of personnel, hosts major air shows, and partners with the local community.
Its mission continues to evolve, focusing on advanced training, operational support, and maintaining naval aviation dominance. The base has retained its original name since commissioning, with no significant official name changes.
Major Units & Training Programs
NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA, Va. -- Aviation Structural Mechanic, Safety Equipment First Class Michael Wilson, an instructor and building manager at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Oceana, gives a group of Virginia first responders a demonstration of how a U.S. Navy Common...
Major Units
Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT)
Serves as the headquarters for all Atlantic Fleet naval aviation units, overseeing operational readiness, training, and deployment of east coast naval air assets.
Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic (SFWL)
Manages and supports all Atlantic Fleet F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet squadrons, ensuring combat readiness and tactical proficiency for carrier air wing deployments.
Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic (FRCMA)
Provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul support for naval aircraft and components to sustain fleet operational capability.
Training Schools
Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Training – Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-106 ‘Gladiators’)
Overview
Trains newly designated naval aviators and naval flight officers in the operation of F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet aircraft, covering tactics, carrier operations, and mission planning.
Course Length
6-9 months
Who Attends
Newly winged naval aviators and NFOs assigned to F/A-18 communities
Arrival & In-Processing
Naval Air Station Oceana’s F/A-18 Super Hornet showcases a highly maneuverable airframe and during high-g conditions wingtip vortices left visible trails of its exploits during Sentry Eagle 2017 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The demonstration showed both the speed and...
Welcome to NAS Oceana! Arriving at a new duty station is an exciting step, and being prepared helps ensure a smooth transition for you and your family. Review the following steps to streamline your check-in and start your assignment with confidence. For more details, visit the official NAS Oceana website.
NAS Oceana's main entrance is the Oceana Boulevard Gate, which serves as the primary access point for incoming personnel and families. The Oceana Boulevard Gate operates 24/7, ensuring round-the-clock access for authorized individuals. All drivers and passengers must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or other approved credentials at the gate. State-issued driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act; non-compliant IDs require additional documentation. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections to maintain base security. Visitors and family members without DoD credentials must obtain a visitor pass; sponsors must accompany them to the Visitor Control Center for processing.
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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 arranged in advance)
NAS Oceana offers a robust sponsor program to assist new arrivals. Contact your gaining unit or command to request a sponsor, or use the command's online sponsor request form if available. Sponsors provide guidance on housing, check-in steps, and local resources.
Formal in-processing takes place at the Welcome Center, Building 326, conveniently located near the Oceana Boulevard Gate. The Welcome Center operates Monday through Friday, 0730–1600. Key steps include checking in with Personnel Support Detachment (PSD), Finance, Housing, Medical, and your assigned unit. Plan for the process to take 2–3 business days, depending on your needs and documentation.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is just outside the Oceana Boulevard Gate. It is open Monday through Friday, 0600–1800, and Saturday, 0800–1200. The VCC issues visitor passes, registers guests in DBIDS, and assists with sponsor paperwork for non-DoD visitors.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Professional movers unloading empty moving boxes out of their truck to start moving more Soldiers out of the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks, Sept. 14, 2022 at Smoke Bomb Hill, Fort Bragg, N.C. Soldiers were given the option to move their own things by a dity move or having movers pack their things up and move it for them.
Start your PCS to NAS Oceana by reviewing your official orders and contacting the base Transportation Office. Early action helps secure your preferred move dates and ensures you meet required deadlines. You can choose between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where the government arranges movers, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY), which allows you to move your items and get reimbursed. The Defense Personal Property System (DPS) is your online hub for scheduling, tracking, and managing your move. Use it to upload documents, select move types, and communicate with your transportation office. Entitlements like Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) help cover hotel costs while you wait for housing. Dislocation Allowance (DLA) helps offset PCS-related expenses. Check your eligibility and rates before you move. NAS Oceana is a high-traffic installation near Virginia Beach, so plan ahead, especially during summer. Confirm your arrival window and book temporary lodging early to avoid delays. Visit the base website for local newcomer guides and check in with your sponsor for area-specific tips.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Book temporary lodging early, especially during summer.
- Keep orders, IDs, and important documents with you during travel.
- Take photos of valuable items before movers arrive.
- Label boxes by room and contents for easier unpacking.
- Plan pet transport and check base pet policies in advance.
- Review weight allowances to avoid out-of-pocket costs.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your move.
Find current rates for TLE, DLA, and other PCS entitlements.
Guidance and checklists for every step of your PCS.
Base-specific information for new arrivals.