Naval Air Station Jacksonville

Overview

Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax), located in northeast Florida, is the largest installation in Navy Region Southeast. It occupies more than 3,800 acres along the west bank of the St. Johns River. The installation's area of responsibility also includes three bombing ranges — Pinecastle, Rodman, and Lake George, including the only Navy live-fire range on the East Coast — as well as Outlying Field Whitehouse.

Mission and Vision

The station's mission is to provide the premier platform for generating and projecting naval power from the shore. Its vision is to sustain the Fleet, enable the warfighter, support the family, and achieve excellence as the world's finest Naval Air Station.

Aircraft and Squadrons

NAS Jacksonville is home to seven active-duty VP squadrons flying the P-8A Poseidon, three Reserve squadrons, five helicopter squadrons, and one MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft squadron. More than 100 aircraft operate full time from the station, including the P-8A Poseidon, MH-60R Romeo, C-40 Clipper, C-130T Hercules, as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Flying Club aircraft.

History

The land where NAS Jacksonville stands today was purchased for military use in 1907. Originally known as Black Point, it received Florida National Guard troops beginning in June 1909. In October 1917, the U.S. Army took over the site and renamed it Camp Joseph A. Johnston, home to the second-largest rifle range in the United States. In 1926, the site returned to the Florida National Guard and was renamed Camp Clifford J. R. Foster.

The naval air station was established in 1940 and was originally commissioned as a pilot training base. The first aircraft assigned to the station was the J2F Grumman Duck. Over time, the base grew into what amounts to a small town, with a hospital, restaurants, churches, boat ramps, gyms, and a golf course.

The Blue Angels, the Navy's flight demonstration squadron, were established at NAS Jacksonville under the command of R. M. "Butch" Voris, who formed the team and served as its first flight leader.

Heritage Park

An aircraft static display area in Heritage Park, near the Yorktown Avenue entrance, features restored historical aircraft and is a popular spot for visitors and families.