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Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

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Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Virginia is located in an active military community. It is close to a number of military installations including Joint Bases Langley-Eustis, Naval Station Norfolk, and Portsmouth Naval Hospital just to name a few. The local area supports 87,787 military members from many branches of service. The Weapons Station operates in what is commonly called the Hampton Roads section of Virginia.

Find information about Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Virginia including the main commercial and DSN numbers for the base, information on basic services, base transportation, lodging for TDY and PCSing personnel, and inprocessing.

Mission & Units

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown is responsible for storing explosives, plus maintenance, logistics, and warfighting training. Yorktown is described as a major Navy ordnance center on the East Coast. The base supports a number of tenant commands: Navy Munitions Command Atlantic, Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity, the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, and many others.

  • 2nd Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team
  • Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Two Det Yorktown
  • NCHB-1
  • NEMSCOM
  • NMC CONUS EAST DIV
  • NOSTRA
  • Naval Sea Systems Command DET Radiological Affairs
  • SUBTORFAC
  • Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group
  • Naval Expeditionary Medical Support Command
  • Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One

History

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown is, compared to some Navy operations, comparatively young. According to official sources, the land was first obtained by the federal government on behalf of the Navy via presidential proclamation on August 7, 1918. At one time, NWS Yorktown was said to be “the largest naval installation in the world” with a 20 square-mile footprint.

In 1932, what was then designated as the Navy Mine Depot was redesignated the Naval Mine Depot. This may seem like a cosmetic change, but DoD literature refers to this change being needed “in recognition of expanded ordnance support.” 

In 1958 the facility turned 40 and was again redesignated as Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. In the 21st century, NWS Yorktown is responsible for “critical fleet ordnance support for the Navy” which includes ordnance storage, research and development, and warfighter training.

Contacts

Main Base Address And Phone Number

160 Main Road
Yorktown, VA 
23691-0160

  • 757-887-4355
  • 312-953-4355

Local Contact Numbers

(Note–all numbers require a DSN prefix (952) or a local area code (757)

  • Commanding Officer 887-4981
  • Communications Center 887-4631
  • Command Security Manager 887-7349
  • Military Identification Card Lab 887-7702
  • Port Operations 887-4375
  • LT Division 887-4415
  • Security Dispatcher 887-4676
  • Pass & ID Office, Gate 3 887-7338
  • Fleet & Family Support Center 887-4606
  • Branch Medical Clinic 953-8432
  • Branch Medical Clinic-Pharmacy 953-8402
  • Bachelor Housing 887-7625
  • Navy Gateway Inns & Suites 887-7621
  • Cargo Handling Battalion ONE 887-4007
  • Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) 887-7111
  • Marine Corps Security Force Regiment 887-7226
  • NavELSG 887-7639
  • NEMSCOM 887-4417
  • Military Sealift Command 847-8104

Surrounding Area

NWS Yorktown is situated in what is referred to by locals as the “Virginia’s Historic Triangle”. That’s an area including Williamsburg, James City County, and some of York County where the Bruton District, the Naval Weapons Station, and Yorktown village are found. This area is in the Virginia Coastal Plain on the peninsula.

The area is full of local history–Jamestown in James City County, is THAT Jamestown– founded by settlers in 1607. It is said to be the first permanent English settlement , and also the site of the very first colonial government in the area that would eventually become known as part of the 13 colonies and later the United States.

To the north, Williamsburg was the “colonial capital” during the American Revolution. Closer to the base in Yorktown, you’ll find the site of the final major fighting during the Revolution. Local attractions naturally include a lot of American historic sites including the Colonial Williamsburg site. But there are plenty of other sites–you can explore the Virginia Air & Space Center, spend a family-friendly day at Busch Gardens, or Water Country USA.

Inprocessing and Check-In

Check-in policy for Naval Weapons Station Yorktown includes a requirement that the sponsor be present during check-in and that dress uniforms be worn. Hand-carry all travel-related documents including receipts and tickets, plus orders, drivers license and plate information, etc.

During check-in travel vouchers will be processed and a base tour will also be provided. Communicate with your sponsor to coordinate your arrival and check-in information. If you are coming to the area TDY, check with the gaining command to learn what your requirements are.

Health Care

Those assigned to NWS Yorktown will find the healthcare situation to be rather unique–sailors and family members have a wide range of options to choose from including seven branch health clinics and multiple TRICARE Prime clinics all located within the Hampton Roads area. They include:

  • Branch Health Clinic, Yorktown Naval Weapons Station: 757-953-8454 
  • Branch Health Clinic, Dam Neck Annex: 757-953-9914
  • Branch Health Clinic, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story: 757-953-8351 
  • Branch Health Clinic, Norfolk Naval Base: 757-953-9000 
  • Branch Health Clinic, Norfolk Naval Shipyard: 757-953-6500
  • Branch Health Clinic, Navy Support Activity Northwest Annex: 757-953-6250
  • Branch Health Clinic, Naval Air Station Oceana: 757-953-3933
  • TRICARE Prime Clinic, Chesapeake: 757-953-6366
  • TRICARE Prime Clinic, Northwest: 757-421-8220
  • TRICARE Prime Clinic, Virginia Beach: 757-953-6708

Child Care

NWS Yorktown is served by a single Child Development Center (CDC) with full-time care offered to children six weeks old to five years old. There are two priorities of care:

  • Level 1: Active duty members – single parents, dual military couples and active duty with a civilian spouse. 
  • Level 2: DoD employees and contractors.

There are two preschool classrooms for 3-to-five year-olds. Waiting lists will apply–call the CDC at 757-887-4733 as early as possible to learn about requirements, fees, and availability. There is also the option for on-base care in Child Development Homes. This care is provided by those living in family housing and all homes are monitored and certified.

Household Goods

All inbound PCSing sailors are directed to track and manage their household goods shipments via the Defense Personal Property System at Move.mil. 

Dependent And Retiree ID Card Renewal, Replacement, New Issue

All ID card services should be scheduled via the RAPIDS system. Search for NWS Yorktown and fill in the appropriate form. You will need two forms of approved, unexpired photo ID for all ID card services and the sponsor must be present for all dependent ID card services unless a power of attorney or approved substitute is provided.

Schools

There are no DoD or DoDDs facilities operating in the Hampton Roads area. NWS Yorktown is served by three school districts:

  • Newport News Public
  • York County Schools
  • Williamsburg James City County Schools

Admission and transfer requirements will vary depending on the school district. In general, those living a mile or more from their school district will have bus options. If you are registering school-age children for the first time, Virginia state law requires proof of immunizations–the immunization requirements are available from the individual school districts. Those enrolling in area schools up to the seventh grade are required to provide a birth certificate and proof of a physical in the last 12 months.

Housing

All those PCSing to NWS Yorktown are directed to use Navy Housing Service Center resources or visit the Lincoln Military Housing official site. You will need the following records for on or off-base housing:

  • Navy: copies of current orders and Page 2 (Record of Emergency Data)
  • Marines: copies of current orders and Navy Marine Corps 10922 (Dependency Application)
  • Army/Air Force: current orders and Directives Division Form 93 (Record of Emergency Data)
  • Coast Guard: current orders and CG-4170 (Dependents Information Records)

Waiting lists may apply depending on family size and other issues. It’s best to get started as soon as possible. Unaccompanied sailors PCSing to Yorktown are directed to contact their gaining command to learn what current requirements are for first-term sailors, those E-4 and below, etc.

PCS and TDY Lodging

Those PCSing to the area are advised to expect to stay in the Navy Lodge Inn or a local hotel (depending on TLF availability) while searching for a home. Reservations should happen as far in advance as possible due to high demand during PCS season and TDY season. Call 800-628-9466. Pet-friendly facilities may not be available due to demand, ask first.

For those TDY to the local area, Gateway Inns and Suites are available. Pets are NOT allowed Call as soon as you get TDY orders to make reservations–877-NAVY-BED.

Transportation

There is no base transportation available. All TDY and PCSing troops flying to Hampton Roads are directed to make arrangements with their sponsor for transportation from the airport to the gaining command. The usual ride sharing and commercial taxis are available depending on time of arrival, demand, etc. When flying into Hampton Roads, remember that the airport USO staff may be able to help, and the airport Information Booth will have local taxi/transportation information. 

Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License

Base decals are not required for privately owned vehicles on the installation but all vehicles must comply with Virginia law including liability insurance requirements, and out-of-state military members ARE required to register their vehicles in-state. All privately owned vehicles must be registered on base at the Pass & ID office. You will need proof of insurance, ownership, safety inspections, etc.