LOCATION - NAS Key West is located on Boca Chica Key the second to last major island in the Florida Keys. The Naval Air Station has several annexes, which are located in Key West itself. Key West is the southern most city in the continental United States. It is 1.5 miles wide and 4 miles long, it sits 93 miles north of Cuba, 153 miles southwest of Miami and 24.5 degrees above the equator. Emerald colored waters where the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean meet below the 42 bridges of the Overseas Highway make the 3 hour drive between Miami and Key West especially beautiful.
HISTORY- The U.S. Navy's presence in Key West dates back to 1823 when a Naval Base was established to stop piracy in this area. The lower Keys were home to many wealthy shipping merchants whose fleets operated from these waters. This drew the interest of pirates such as Black Beard and Captain Jon Kidd, who used the Keys as a base from which to prey on shipping lanes.
MISSION- NAS Key West exists to enable war fighter readiness by providing world-class airfield facilities, air warfare training ranges, and the required infrastructure, including highly trained military and civilian personnel, to support them. Information on individual commands is available under Major Unit Listings.
POPULATION SERVED- NAS Key West community consists of service members and their families from the Navy, Marines, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, in addition to civilian employees, Foreign Dignitaries and retirees.
SPONSORSHIP- Here in Key West sponsors are assigned by individuals' command. If after requesting a sponsor and you have not heard from them please contact your command at the number below.
Command Phone Numbers:
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NAS Key West Admin 305-293-2619
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AIMD 305-293-2159
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Aviation Support 305-293-2196
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Naval Branch Health Clinic 305-293-4600
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CBMU-202 Det. Key West 305-293-2457
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JIATF South 305-293-5698
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NAVAIR Detachment 305-293-4343
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NAVCOMSTA Det. Key West 305-293-2494
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NLMOD (Weather Office) 305-293-2423
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Personnel Support Detachment 305-293-2539
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VFA-106 305-293-3227
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VFC 13 305-293-2373
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ROICC 305-293-2069
TEMPORARY QUARTERS- Make temporary lodging reservations early. During the winter season November through April, Key West receives many visitors and it is very important to make your reservations ahead of time. Contact the Key West Navy Lodge at (800) 628-9466 or MWR Vacation Rentals at (305) 293-5000 once you know your arrival date. It is very important to inform the reservation desk that you are on orders to book the dates in advance. If you are PCS'ing to the area, you may stay at the MWR vacation rentals and have your pets with you. IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER that you can only have your pets with you in the vacation rentals if you are RELOCATING TO THE AREA with NEW ORDERS. If you are coming to the area for any other reason and have a pet, reservations will need to be made off base.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE- The Fleet & Family Support Center can help you prepare for your PCS move stateside or overseas, retiring, or separating from active duty through a variety of services. - Create a budget for your move. - Learn about cultural adjustments. Exceptional Family Member Program information. - Learn details about your new homeport, including housing availability, cost of living, childcare, schools, college, and recreational activities. - Smooth Move Workshop.
Lending Locker Active duty service members on PCS orders waiting for their House Hold Goods to be delivered or after they have been shipped, can be loaned a Hospitality Kit up to thirty 30 days. The Hospitality Kit contains the necessary essentials to support a family of four in transition: dishes, pots, pans, coffee pot, silverware, serving utensils, measuring cups, serving/mixing bowls, and a can opener.
For a detailed description of the Relocation Assistance Program onboard Naval Air Station Key West, Call 305-293-4408.
CRITICAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION- The command RECOMMENDS, NOT BRINGING FAMILY MEMBERS when checking in. They suggest you wait until housing is secured. The waiting list for two and four bedroom quarters fluctuates between two to six weeks. Receiving household goods may take up to ten days after notification of delivery address. Plan financially for the six weeks temporary lodging expenses ($65-$175 per day), more if you board your pet.
Geo- and Bachelor Quarters are furnished EXCEPT for a television. Plan to permanently store your household goods at origin versus shipment, while staying in Key West. Limited storage facilities are costly in the local community.
The months of June through November are "Hurricane Season." While traveling, keep in contact with your sponsor or your command. Watch the weather channel for storm updates and be prepared to leave if a mandatory evacuation occurs.
Summer white uniform is authorized year round in Key West. Certain activities, however, require specified uniforms, so a complete inventory is a must.
Be aware NAS Key West DOES NOT HAVE a Cost of Living Allowance when calculating your pay change.