Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi is an eight thousand-acre aviation and technical training area for the United States Navy. Located approximately 10-15 miles northeast of Meridian, Mississippi, this base’s location provides easy access to New Orleans, Memphis, Atlanta, Birmingham, and beyond. The area is known for its’ moderate climate, a low crime rate, and a low cost of living.
Find information about Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi, including the main commercial and DSN numbers for the base, information on basic services, base transportation, lodging for TDY and PSCing personnel, and inprocessing.
Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi Mission & Units
NAS Meridian has a variety of training missions; the stated goal of the Naval Air Station is “training the warfighter” according to the NAS Meridian official site. Important units and organizations aboard include:
- Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron One (MATSS-1)
- Naval Operational Support Center (NOSC)
- Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC)
- Regional Counterdrug Training Academy (RCTA)
- Training Squadron Nine (VT-9)
- Training Squadron Seven (VT-7)
- Training Wing One (TW-1)
Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi History
1957 was the year ground was broken to construct Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Meridian. It was commissioned in 1961; the operations area was then named McCain Field, recognizing the accomplishments of late Admiral John S. McCain of Teoc, Mississippi.
The first training squadron (Training Squadron Seven) began operations at Meridian in the summer of 1961, seven years later in 1968 Meridian transitioned into a full naval air station. 1973 was an important year for the Naval Air Station with the dedication of a new Naval Technical Training Center.
NAS Meridian progress continued in 1982 when it was upgraded to a Major Shore Command; it was among some 15 installations chosen for the Department of Defense Model Installation Program two years later.
The Regional Counterdrug Training Academy was established at NAS Meridian in 1992, run by the Mississippi National Guard to give law enforcement training for counterdrug operations based in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.
Over the years, NAS Meridian has been a refuge for people and military hardware as tropical storms and hurricanes affected missions and manpower. One of the most notable of these “safe haven” moments for the Naval Air Station happened during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Approximately a thousand troops and family members were evacuated from the disaster area; NAS Meridian also played host to the Federal Emergency Management Agency at the time.
In 2011, NAS Meridian celebrated its’ 50th anniversary; today it claims 8,000 acres of land, with an additional 4,000 acres located at Joe Williams Field and the target facility SEARAY.
Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi Contacts
NAS Meridian Main Address And Phone Number
255 Rosenbaum Avenue
Naval Air Station
Meridian, MS 39309
- Phone 601-679-2447 / 601-679-2574
- Phone (DSN) 312-637-2447
NAS Meridian Important Phone Numbers
Commercial dialing prefix: (601) 679-
DSN prefix: 637
- Commanding Officer – 2181
- Executive Officer – 2181
- Command Master Chief – 2629
- Public Affairs Officer – 2602/2318
- CO/XO Secretary – 2181
- Administration – 2447
- CO’s Hotline (Fraud, Waste & Abuse) – 2716
- Air Operations – 2505
- Visitors Quarters – 4018/4019
- Command Sponsor Coordinator – 2588
- Command Ombudsman – 2360
- Evacuee Welcome Center(only manned during evacuations) – 2152
- Family Housing Office – 2520
- Family Housing Trouble Call – 601-679-7669
- Fleet and Family Support Center – 2360
- Emergencies – 911
- Environmental/Hazardous Waste Emergencies – 2922
Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi Surrounding Area
Meridian is located just over 150 miles southwest of Birmingham, Alabama and 90 miles east of Jackson, Mississippi. It’s a longer drive to New Orleans; Meridian is 247 miles northeast of New Orleans. The city itself has a population of approximately 40 thousand, the are double that number of residents in Lauderdale County.
The local area has plenty of attractions including The Grand Opera House of Mississippi, restored by Mississippi State University and renamed the MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts, the venue is a notable downtown destination. Each year, the City of Meridian hosts the State Games of Mississippi, an event spanning two weekends featuring athletic competition in the style of the Olympic games.
Civil War buffs will be pleased by the proximity of both Vicksburg and Shiloh, and outdoors enthusiasts will want to experience hunting, boating, and fishing at the Lake Okatibbee reservoir. There are also hiking and nature trails to be explored 11 miles south of Meridian at Dunn’s Falls, which is near the Chunky River.
Naval Air Station Meridian Inprocessing and Check-In
Permanent party military members who are PCSing to NAS Meridian are directed to check in with their gaining command; All Naval Air Station and tenant command personnel are required to contact the Fleet & Family Support Center to schedule their Welcome Aboard orientation.
Most students will check in at the NTTC Quarterdeck 24-7; MATSS-1 “A” school check-in is a 24-hour operation is found in Building 201.
Reservists new to the base and assigned to the Navy Operational Support Center will check in with their unit mustering petty officer no later than 7AM. on the first drill day.
Naval Air Station Meridian Services
Health Care
The Branch Medical Clinic provides health care services aboard NAS Meridian for TRICARE-eligible patients, and services at the clinic include:
- acute minor illness clinic
- aviation medical sick call
- optometry
- obstetrics/gynecology care
- psychology
- physical exams
- pharmacy
- radiology
- preventative medicine
- medical care for family members
- pediatrics
- substance abuse rehabilitation program
- health promotion and wellness
There are local area hospitals including Anderson Regional Medical Center, and Rush Foundation Hospital.
Child Care
NAS Meridian is served by the Child Development Center (CDC) and offers primarily full-time care with limited availability for hourly and walk-in child care. Reservations are recommended and are available up to a month in advance. This care is for non-school age children six weeks through five years old.
There is a waiting list and a restriction for parents; no more than 25 hours per week of hourly care when available may be used at the NAS Meridian CDC. There are after-school programs available on base for school-age children from Kindergarten through sixth grade, ages 5-12 years old.
In general, child care fees at NAS Meridian are based on family income and may vary depending on rank, time in grade/time in uniform, etc.
Dependent and Retiree ID Card Renewal, Reissue, New Issue
All who need new, renewed, or replacement IDs, Common Access Cards, or have related needs are directed to make their appointments via the NAS Meridian RAPIDS system. ID card services are provided by the NAS Meridian Naval Technical Training Center. Same day appointments are generally not available and walk-in service may require long wait times depending on mission requirements.
The NAS Meridian official site informs new arrivals that all applicants for new, replacement, or updated ID cards must bring two unexpired IDs; at least one must be an official state or government issued photo ID card.
Household Goods
All new arrivals to NAS Meridian are directed to use the Defense Personal Property System at Move.mil to track and manage household goods shipments. For more information or assistance call the Personal Property Office at (601) 679-2583.
Naval Air Station Meridian Schools
PCSing service members with school-age children should contact the NAS Meridian School Liaison Officer at (601) 679-2473. Meridian features the following public school districts:
- Lauderdale County School District
- Meridian Public School District
- Kemper County School District
When registering school age children in a local school district you may be required to furnish two forms of ID, shot records, and proof of residency.
Naval Air Station Meridian Housing
NAS Meridian Navy housing is privatized and operated by Balfour Beatty Communities. All new arrivals are required to check in with the Housing Service Center who will answer questions and provide a referral to Balfour Beatty.
There are approximately 160 family housing units on the Naval Air Station and a waiting list that is based on the departure date/official PCS date of the servicemember. To be placed on the waiting list it is required to apply no more than 30 days after reporting to the gaining command.
Those who elect to live off-base should know that all personnel are required to apply for on-base housing within 30 days of arrival in order to be eligible for a government-funded relocation at another point in time.
Single Sailors and Marines eligible for BAH may apply for on-base housing or rent off-base apartments, mobile homes, and rental/sale houses.
NTTC/MATTS-1 students will reside in dorms; the base has over 900 total student billets, each housing a maximum of 3 students maximum per bedroom; 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and 1 common area each).
Naval Air Station Meridian PCS and TDY Lodging
The Navy Gateway Inns & Suites (NGIS) and Combined Bachelor Housing (CBH) provide on-base temporary lodging; these facilities accept reservations up to a month in advance (even Space-A reservations), but PCS and TDY travelers must confirm those reservations three days prior to arrival. Call 601-679-4019 or DSN 312-637-2186 to make reservations.
Those traveling with pets will need to make off-base lodging arrangements; NAS Meridian temporary lodging facilities do not allow pets of any kind.
Certain military drill weekends may make space-available temporary lodging harder to come by’ it’s best to be proactive with reservations due to these intermittent shortages.
Naval Air Station Meridian Transportation
Those flying into Meridian’s airport should know it is approximately 20 miles from the main gate. No daily bus or shuttle service operates from the city of Meridian to the naval air station. Taxis, ride sharing, or rental cars may be the best options for new arrivals.
A-School students may request airport pickup via the NTTC Duty Driver. Call 601-679-2414 or DSN 312-637-2141. Auto rentals are available from Avis (1-800-831-2847) and Hertz (1-800-654-3131). The availability of a duty driver may depend on staffing and mission requirements.
Naval Air Station Meridian Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License
All privately owned vehicles must be registered with Security no later than 14 days of reporting; register at the Pass and ID Office at the main gate with the following documentation:
- Proof of state registration;
- Driver’s license;
- Valid state inspection sticker where applicable;
- Proof of insurance;
- Current military ID card.
State law in Mississippi allows drivers 30 days to register vehicles if the driver has a current registration from the state the vehicle is from. Those without current registration must pay the full annual tax, plus a penalty.
Motorcycle riders are required to complete an approved safety course before being allowed to operate on base.