Naval Station Newport
Naval Station Newport PCS Guide
Military Base History
221108-N-PW480-0059 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (Nov. 8, 2022) Director, 21st Century Sailor Office, Rear Adm. Brett Mietus; Commander, Naval Education and Training Command, Rear Adm. Pete Garvin; Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer Couture; Commander, Navy Recruiting...
Naval Station Newport was established in 1883 as a coaling station and support facility for the U.S. Navy’s North Atlantic Squadron. Its location on Narragansett Bay offered deep-water access and strategic value for fleet operations along the East Coast.
The base quickly expanded, adding training schools and support infrastructure to meet the Navy’s growing needs. Expansion efforts ensured Newport could support a larger fleet and more complex operations.
During both World Wars, Newport became a critical hub for naval training and research. The base hosted the Naval Torpedo Station, which developed and tested combat torpedoes used by the fleet.
In World War II, thousands of sailors trained at Newport, and the base played a key role in preparing naval personnel for Atlantic and Pacific operations. Training programs at Newport directly supported the Navy’s wartime missions.
Throughout the Cold War, Naval Station Newport evolved into a center for officer education and advanced research. The Naval War College, Naval Justice School, and Officer Candidate School all operated from the installation, shaping generations of Navy leaders.
The base also supported anti-submarine warfare research and fleet readiness. Research initiatives at Newport contributed to advancements in naval technology and strategy.
Today, Naval Station Newport is the Navy’s premier education and training center in the Northeast. It is home to over 50 commands and activities, including the Naval Undersea Warfare Center and the Naval War College.
The base continues to drive innovation in naval strategy, technology, and leadership. There have been no significant official name changes; the installation has been known as Naval Station Newport since its inception.
Major Units & Training Programs
NEWPORT, R.I. – Lt. Cmdr. Alexander Trefilek, a student at the Naval Leadership and Ethics Center (NLEC) assigned to USS America (LHA 6), asks a question during a question and answer session with Rear Adm. Stu Satterwhite, commander, MyNavy Career Center (MNCC), NLEC, March 25, 2025, at Naval...
Major Units
Naval War College
Serves as the U.S. Navy’s premier institution for professional military education, focusing on developing leaders in naval strategy, operations, and international security.
Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport
Provides research, development, testing, and evaluation of undersea warfare systems, supporting fleet readiness and technological advancement.
Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN)
Conducts initial training and indoctrination for newly commissioned Navy officers, preparing them for leadership roles in the fleet.
Training Schools
Officer Candidate School (OCS)
Overview
Provides rigorous training to college graduates seeking commissions as Navy officers, focusing on leadership, naval customs, and basic military skills.
Course Length
12 weeks
Who Attends
College graduates and direct commission candidates
Naval Justice School
Overview
Trains Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel in military law, legal procedures, and ethics for service as legal officers or paralegals.
Course Length
10 weeks (basic course)
Who Attends
Judge advocates, legalmen, and select officers/enlisted personnel
Arrival & In-Processing
Navy security personnel unlock the gates and begin screening visitors to the annual Salute to Summer concert and fireworks event held at the installation Aug. 26, 2023. The event draws nearly 8,000 visitors each year and is the sole open-base event conducted each year as part of the base's...
Welcome to Naval Station Newport! Arriving at a new duty station is exciting, but preparation is key for a seamless transition. Review these steps to ensure your check-in and base access go smoothly. For more details, visit the official Naval Station Newport website.
Naval Station Newport's main access point is the Gate 1 entrance, located near the base's central corridor. Gate 1 operates 24/7 for authorized personnel. All other gates may have limited hours, so check before arrival. Present a valid Military ID or Common Access Card (CAC) at the gate. State driver's licenses must meet REAL ID Act requirements for access. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections as part of the base's strong security posture. For visitor or family member passes, report to the Visitor Control Center (VCC) outside Gate 1 with valid photo ID and your sponsor's information.
-
PCS Orders (multiple copies)
-
Military ID/CAC
-
Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
-
Birth Certificates (for dependents)
-
Social Security Cards
-
Vehicle Registration & Insurance
-
Medical/Dental Records
-
Proof of Housing (if arranged in advance)
Naval Station Newport offers a robust sponsor program. Contact your gaining unit or command to request a sponsor before arrival. Sponsors can assist with check-in, housing, and local orientation. If unsure, email the base's Relocation Assistance Program or check your command's onboarding resources for sponsor assignment.
Report to the Welcome Center, Bldg 690, for in-processing. The center is near the main entrance for easy access. Operating hours are Monday to Friday, 0730–1600. Key steps include Personnel check-in, Finance, Housing, Medical/Dental, and gaining unit orientation. Most personnel complete in-processing within 2–3 business days, but times may vary based on individual needs.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside Gate 1, the main entrance to Naval Station Newport. Hours are Monday to Friday, 0600–1800, and Saturday, 0800–1200. The VCC issues visitor passes, registers guests in DBIDS, and processes sponsorship requests for non-DoD visitors.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
The first step in the move out process is letting Campbell Crossing staff know of the impending move as soon as possible and filling out a notice to vacate form, said Karsten Haake, Lendlease project director for the Campbell Crossing community. Campbell Crossing is preparing for a 20-30% spike in turnover as permanent change of station, or PCS, season begins.
When you receive PCS orders to Naval Station Newport, act quickly. Contact your current base’s Transportation Office to set up your move. Decide between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where the government arranges movers, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY), where you move yourself and may receive reimbursement. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to schedule your move, track shipments, and manage paperwork online. Early action ensures you get your preferred move dates, especially during peak summer months.
Know your entitlements before you go. Most service members receive Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) reimbursement for up to 10 days in temporary housing and a Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to help with relocation costs. Check current rates and rules on official DoD sites. Newport’s location means local housing can be tight, so plan ahead for temporary lodging and reach out to your sponsor for area insights.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Book temporary lodging early—Newport fills up fast, especially in summer.
- Keep important documents (orders, IDs, medical records) with you at all times.
- Take photos of valuable items before pack-out for insurance.
- Double-check weight allowances for HHG shipments to avoid extra costs.
- Label boxes clearly with your name and new address.
- Plan pet transportation and boarding ahead—local kennels can have waitlists.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to schedule and track your move.
Find current per diem, TLE, and DLA rates.
Get checklists, counseling, and relocation tools.
Official base guide for newcomers, including housing and local info.
Schools & Childcare
Image Unavailable
Naval Station Newport families rely on local public and private schools, as there are no DoDEA schools on base. The area offers a mix of highly rated public districts and private options, making it important to research what fits your child's needs. The School Liaison Officer (SLO) is your main resource for navigating enrollment, special education, and transitions. Contact the SLO early to get personalized guidance and up-to-date school info.