Naval Station Mayport

Updated: September 22, 2023
In this Article

    Situated in Jacksonville, Florida, Naval Station Mayport stands as a pivotal U.S. Navy base, focusing on enhancing warfighter readiness. Since its inception in December 1942, Mayport has grown into the U.S.’s third-largest naval surface fleet concentration. Equipped with a harbor that houses aircraft carrier-sized vessels, an intermediate maintenance activity (SIMA), and an 8,001 ft x 200 ft runway military airfield, it’s the Navy’s U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/United States Fourth Fleet base. The base supports 15 ships and three helicopter squadrons.

    Base Operator:
    (904- 270-6289

    Address:
    1576 Massey Avenue
    Jacksonville, FL 32227

    Naval Station Mayport History

    Commissioned in December 1942 in Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport initially operated as a Naval Sea Frontier base, aiding the Atlantic Fleet during World War II. The post-war period saw it transition into a naval outlying landing field in 1948, later expanding in the mid-1950s. Its designation evolved, becoming a Naval Auxiliary Air Station in 1955 and a naval air station in 1988.

    Noteworthy moments include:

    • October 1952: USS Tarawa marked the first capital ship at the new carrier basin.
    • 2008: Reactivation of the Navy’s U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/United States Fourth Fleet after its 1950 deactivation.
    • Recent years saw preparations for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier despite the decommissioning of conventionally-powered carriers.
    • Notable units now include the Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two (2014) and Naval Surface Squadron Fourteen (2015).

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    Naval Station Mayport Housing

    NS Mayport provides several options for housing. On-base housing is part of a private-public partnership, which offers several communities of rental homes aimed at accommodating a range of needs for families. On-base communities include Bennet Shores West/East, with each coming with their own amenities.

    Off-base military housing is available at Ribault Bay Village and Marsh Cove options are available.

    If living off-base, all service members must contact the Housing Services Center at 904-270-5730.

    If you want to live off-base and not in a military housing community, the surrounding area of Jacksonville provides options to find a home, or apartment.

    PCS and TDY Lodging

    Temporary lodging at the military base may be available. But to find out, you would need to contact the Navy Lodge. Reservations can be made 24/7 at the Naval Station Mayport Temporary Lodging/Billeting at Building 1586 on Baltimore Street.

    If you cannot find lodging on-base, you’re encouraged to find a nearby motel for temporary housing. Many motels offer discounts for service members on temporary stays.

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    What is the BAH for Naval Station Mayport?

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

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    JACKSONVILLE, FL BAH Rates

    Military Housing Area: FL058

    Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
    E01 $2,046 $1,626
    E02 $2,046 $1,626
    E03 $2,046 $1,626
    E04 $2,046 $1,626
    E05 $2,196 $1,794
    E06 $2,268 $1,905
    E07 $2,304 $2,049
    E08 $2,346 $2,217
    E09 $2,427 $2,226
    W01 $2,283 $2,004
    W02 $2,322 $2,214
    W03 $2,379 $2,232
    W04 $2,451 $2,268
    W05 $2,541 $2,310
    O01E $2,307 $2,193
    O02E $2,367 $2,223
    O03E $2,460 $2,253
    O01 $2,214 $1,893
    O02 $2,265 $2,148
    O03 $2,376 $2,235
    O04 $2,568 $2,295
    O05 $2,709 $2,319
    O06 $2,727 $2,355
    O07 $2,748 $2,391

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

    Naval Station Mayport Surrounding Area

    Naval Station Mayport is about a 15-minute drive from Jacksonville, Florida at the mouth of the St. Johns River in Duval County.  The base is in close proximity to the small fishing village of Mayport and near Atlantic Beach, offering a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as boating, camping, fishing, and water sports due to its warm climate.

    Healthcare

    On-base medical services are available at the Naval Station Mayport’s Branch Medical Clinic.

    Note: In case of emergencies outside the clinic’s operating hours, off-base emergency care options should be considered.

    Childcare

    The Naval Station Mayport offers a variety of childcare options through its two Child Development Centers. These centers offer full day care for infant, toddler and preschool aged children. There is also a school year care program for student-aged children.

    Schooling

    Naval Station Mayport is situated within the Duval County Public School District in Jacksonville, Florida. It’s one of the largest school districts in the United States. To learn more about education options, call the School Liaison at 904-270-6289.

    Written by Veteran.com Team