Naval Air Station Whidbey Island

Located near Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) is a U.S. Navy airbase, split between Ault Field—its main section—and the Seaplane Base. The Seaplane Base is home to most Navy housing and the primary Navy Exchange and Commissary. NASWI aims to support aircraft such as the EA-18G Growler, MH-60S Seahawk, P-8 Poseidon, EP-3E ARIES, and C-40 Clipper. As the Pacific Northwest’s primary naval aviation support, NASWI is home to 20 active duty U.S. Navy squadrons, three U.S. Navy Reserve squadrons, and a 24/7 search and rescue unit aiding the Department of Defense personnel and the broader Pacific Northwest.

Base Operator:
360-257-2211

Address:
3730 N Charles Porter Avenue
Oak Harbor, WA 98278

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island History

In January 1941, NASWI refueled and rearmed Navy patrol planes defending Puget Sound during World War II. It hosted aircraft units like the Grumman F4F Wildcats and Lockheed PV-1 Venturas. After a post-WWII slowdown, the Korean War revitalized its operations, prompting expansion.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Housing

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island has transitioned its government housing to Public Private Venture (PPV). Roughly 1,500 housing units are available. Only Maylor Point, Forbes Point, Maylor Glacier, and Coral Sea Housing areas sit directly on the Seaplane Base installation. Most other housing units lie just outside the Seaplane Base on government property. Whidbey Apartments and a farmhouse are near the main base. While the PPV arrangement allows some single service members, DoD civilians, military retirees, and select civilians to opt for housing, qualifying military families always receive priority.

How to Apply For Housing

Submit your housing application within 30 days of detachment from your previous station. Without a detachment letter, your control date defaults to your detachment month’s end. If not applied within 30 days of reporting, the control date is when the Housing Service Center receives your complete application.

Complete the DD 1746 application, including the Sex Offender Policy Statement. Washington bans sex offenders from PPV housing. Pet ownership in PPV housing requires a Cat and Dog Addendum, adherence to state laws, and microchipping at the base clinic.

For current housing details, call HSC at 360-257-3331.

PCS and TDY Lodging

Option options for transferring service members and families seeking temporary lodging include Navy Gateway Inn and Suites (NGIS), Navy Lodge, local hotels, and Airbnb/VRBO. Remember, Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) reimbursement covers only 14 days. Obtain a Certificate of Non-availability for local hotels or Airbnb/VRBO stays for TLE use.
NGIS is on the main base with 130 rooms. Priority goes to members with official orders. To book a reservation call 877-628-9233.

What is the BAH for Naval Air Station Whidbey Island?

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at NASWI varies depending on rank, years of service and dependency status. Visit the Washington state BAH page or see the chart below for more information.

WHIDBEY ISLAND, WA BAH Rates

Military Housing Area: WA312

Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E01	$1,848	$1,428
E02	$1,848	$1,428
E03	$1,848	$1,428
E04	$1,848	$1,428
E05	$1,896	$1,662
E06	$2,505	$1,878
E07	$2,637	$1,977
E08	$2,778	$2,085
E09	$2,904	$2,202
W01	$2,529	$1,899
W02	$2,700	$2,025
W03	$2,871	$2,226
W04	$2,919	$2,538
W05	$2,979	$2,670
O01E	$2,661	$1,995
O02E	$2,844	$2,163
O03E	$2,925	$2,499
O01	$1,974	$1,794
O02	$2,499	$1,980
O03	$2,865	$2,283
O04	$2,994	$2,640
O05	$3,081	$2,721
O06	$3,105	$2,850
O07	$3,129	$2,898

For more information, look at BAH rates by state or calculate your exact BAH rate.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Surrounding Area

Whidbey Island is renowned for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and sailing. Attractions include the San Juan Islands, Cascade and Olympic mountains, and the region’s scenic landscapes.

Healthcare

On base, The Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor (NHCOH) is a small, outpatient treatment facility designed and staffed to support active-duty, retired (younger than 65) and eligible reserve service members and their families stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

There are no emergency services at NHCOH.  If an emergency occurs, please call 911 and they will transport you to the closest hospital emergency room, either WhidbeyHealth in Coupeville or Island Health in Anacortes.

Childcare

The Naval Air Station Whidbey Island offers a variety of childcare options through its Child Development Centers. The two centers provide full-day, part-day, and extended care for infants, toddlers and preschool aged children. There are also school year care and summer camp care options for students.

Schooling

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island students primarily attend Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and Anacortes school districts. Parents should enroll their children based on residence but can request transfers if housing in the preferred district isn’t available. Oak Harbor offers public, private, and homeschooling programs and hosts a Skagit Valley College campus. Anacortes and Coupeville provide private pre-k.

Provide a birth certificate, immunization records, and previous school records for public school enrollment. The School Liaison Program at NASWI aids military families with school matters. Call the program at 360-257-6863.