NSA Bethesda
NSA Bethesda PCS Guide
Military Base History
The Department of Pastoral Care at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Walter Reed) sponsored a Prayer Breakfast Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the USO located on grounds of NSA Bethesda. This was a restart of an annual event that was suspended during the COVID pandemic, which...
NSA Bethesda began as the National Naval Medical Center, established in 1940 to provide advanced medical care for Navy personnel. Its original mission focused on treating wounded sailors and Marines, especially as the U.S. prepared for possible involvement in World War II.
The center’s location in Bethesda, Maryland, was chosen for its proximity to Washington, D.C. This ensured rapid access for military and government leaders who needed urgent medical attention.
Major expansions occurred during World War II and the Cold War, as the demand for military medical services surged. The campus grew to include new hospital wings, research facilities, and support buildings.
Over the decades, NSA Bethesda became a hub for military medicine, hosting the flagship Navy medical center and supporting units from the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
In 2011, a significant change took place when the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process merged the National Naval Medical Center with Walter Reed Army Medical Center. This merger created the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) on the Bethesda campus, under the umbrella of NSA Bethesda.
The installation’s mission expanded to include joint service healthcare, research, and support for wounded warriors. This broadened the scope of services and collaboration among military branches.
Today, NSA Bethesda serves as a vital support installation for WRNMMC and other tenant commands. It provides security, logistics, and administrative support for military healthcare, research, and family services.
The base remains a cornerstone of military medicine and a key presence in the Bethesda community. NSA Bethesda has always reflected its administrative and support role, while the medical center itself underwent the major name change to WRNMMC in 2011.
Major Units & Training Programs
Capt. Mary Seymour, Naval Support Activity Bethesda commanding officer, presented certificates to children who participated in the installation's fourth annual Take Your Child to Work Day, April 25, 2019. NSA Bethesda used the day to show children how the installation operates. Activities...
Major Units
Naval Medical Leader and Professional Development Command (NMLPDC)
Provides leadership, professional development, and continuing education for Navy Medicine personnel, ensuring readiness and operational effectiveness across the force.
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Delivers comprehensive healthcare and specialized medical services to military personnel, their families, and high-ranking government officials, serving as the flagship military medical center on the East Coast.
Naval Support Activity Bethesda
Provides installation support services, security, and operational coordination for all tenant commands and activities located at NSA Bethesda.
Training Schools
Naval Postgraduate Dental School
Overview
Provides advanced dental education and specialty training to Navy dental officers, including residencies and continuing education programs.
Course Length
Varies (1-3 years for residencies)
Who Attends
Navy dental officers and residents
Arrival & In-Processing
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Ramsey Horton demonstrates how to provide ID to Navy installation sentries at Naval Support Activity Bethesda during the COVID-19 pandemic response. Drivers should pull down their masks to expose their face, and present both sides of their ID card to show the front and...
Welcome to NSA Bethesda! Arriving at a new base is an important milestone, and being prepared will help you and your family settle in smoothly. Make sure you review requirements and gather all necessary documents before your arrival. For additional resources and updates, visit the official NSA Bethesda website at NSA Bethesda.
NSA Bethesda's main entrance is the North Gate, located off Wisconsin Avenue. The North Gate operates 24/7, offering continuous access for authorized personnel. All personnel and drivers must present a valid Military ID or CAC at the gate. Family members and visitors must show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another approved form of identification. The gate conducts 100% ID checks and may perform random vehicle inspections to ensure base security. If you need to sponsor a visitor or family member, stop at the gate and follow directions to the Visitor Control Center for pass issuance. Always allow extra time for security procedures, especially during peak hours.
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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)
NSA Bethesda offers a sponsor program for incoming personnel. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit or the Command Sponsor Coordinator as soon as you receive your orders. Sponsors help with local information, check-in, and transition support. If you have not been assigned a sponsor, reach out to your unit's administrative office for assistance.
Formal in-processing takes place at the Welcome Center, located near the North Gate. The Welcome Center is open Monday through Friday, 0730 to 1600. Key steps include checking in with Personnel, Finance, Housing, Medical, and your gaining unit. Plan for the process to take 2–3 business days, depending on your specific needs and arrival time.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the North Gate. The VCC is open Monday through Friday, 0600 to 1800, and Saturday, 0800 to 1200. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and processing guest sponsorship requests. All visitors must be vetted and sponsored by an authorized base member.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Military spouse Valerie McNulty says the use of a GPS tracker placed in her household goods during her Family’s recent permanent change of station made national news headlines, and led to conversations with top Department of Defense officials about bettering PCS experiences.
NSA Bethesda welcomes new personnel through a structured PCS process. Start by reviewing your orders and contacting the base Transportation Office. Register your move in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) to schedule either a Household Goods (HHG) shipment or a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY). DPS is your central hub for tracking shipments and managing move details. Use it early to avoid delays.
You are entitled to financial support during your move. Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) covers hotel costs for up to 10 days while you secure housing. Dislocation Allowance (DLA) helps offset miscellaneous moving expenses. Review your entitlements in advance to plan your budget. NSA Bethesda is in a high-demand area near Washington, D.C., so book lodging and moving services as soon as possible.
Communicate with your sponsor and the Transportation Office for base-specific guidance. This ensures you understand local procedures, available services, and any unique requirements for NSA Bethesda.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Book temporary lodging early—NSA Bethesda is in a high-demand area.
- Keep all orders, IDs, and important documents with you during travel.
- Understand your weight allowance to avoid excess costs.
- Take photos of electronics and valuables before packing.
- Label boxes by room and priority for easy unpacking.
- Contact the Transportation Office if you need help with DPS or shipment tracking.
Important Forms & Links
Register and manage your move through the Defense Personal Property System.
Look up current rates and entitlements for your PCS.
Guidance, checklists, and support for your PCS move.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance before your move.
Official NSA Bethesda information and newcomer resources.