LOCATION: USA, Southeast, Florida, Mayport. Mayport is located 15 miles east of Jacksonville at the mouth of the St. Johns River in Duval County. Mayport is a relatively low to medium cost beach community area, with a rather large military presence. Naval Station Mayport is one of three major Navy installations in the Jacksonville area. Mayport is unique in that it is home to a busy seaport as well as an air facility. The warm climate here makes it ideal for outdoor recreation year round, including boating, camping, fishing and water sports.
HISTORY: Since it's commissioning in December 1942, Naval Station Mayport has grown to become the third largest fleet concentration area in the United States. Sailors have been flocking to the area surrounding the present site of Naval Station Mayport for more than 400 years. With its ease of access to inland waterways and the open ocean, early Sailors' interest in the region has resulted in an important military base with strong ties to the community.
MISSION: Mayport's, mission is to "SUSTAIN AND ENHANCE WARFIGHTER EFFORTS" . One team, one focus...the War fighter! We are the "Finest Service to the Finest Fleet." Mayport's operational composition is unique, with a busy harbor capable of accommodating 34 ships and an 8,000-foot runway capable of handling any aircraft in the Department of Defense inventory. With more than 3,400 acres, NS Mayport is host to more than 70 tenant commands including the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67), 20 other naval ships, and six Light Airborne Multi-purpose System (LAMPS) Mark III helicopter squadrons. NS Mayport is also the operational and training headquarters for the SH-60B Seahawk LAMPS MK III with a primary mission of Anti-Submarine Warfare.
SPONSORSHIP: Do you have a sponsor? A sponsor is someone from your new command who is assigned to assist with settling into your new location. If you have not been assigned a sponsor, or have not been contacted as of yet, you may request one by contacting the commander of your new command or by using the Sponsor Assignment Aid on the Stay Navy Website.
Before you arrive at NS Mayport, you may want to have your mail stopped and/or held pending your new address. Your sponsor may be able to supply you with a command address until you have obtained a permanent address. Once you've arrived at Naval Station Mayport you should report to the base Quarterdeck. The base Quarterdeck is located in Naval Station Headquarters Building 1 (on the hill behind McDonald's). Personnel with PCS orders to NS Mayport should report here on arrival. Those reporting to a tenant command should report to that command's Quarterdeck. Personnel ordered to a ship should report directly to their ship if in port. If the ship is not in, check in with the Naval Station Quarterdeck for assistance; phone (904) 270-5401.
TEMPORARY QUARTERS: To ensure a place for your family to stay the first few days, consider making reservations in advance at the Navy Lodge or a local motel. There are several motels close to NS Mayport. The Navy Lodge is located on base between the Ocean Breeze Conference Center and the swimming pool. Reservations may be made by those under orders up to 90 days in advance by calling (904) 247-3964 or 1-800-NAVY-INN, or by mail to: Navy Lodge, NS Mayport, Mayport, FL 32228. Be sure to include your expected arrival date (check in between 3-6 p.m.) and enclose a copy of your orders.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: New to Jacksonville? Did you receive a Welcome Aboard Package? If not, stop by the Fleet and Family Support Center and one will be provided as well as answers to your questions. The Fleet and Family Support Center' s Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) can make your move a lot easier. RAP is designed to make the moving process for you and your family, run as effortlessly as possible. The Fleet and Family Support Center's Relocation Specialist can help with general information, phone numbers, and points-of-contact for civilian and military resources such as Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), child care, employment, housing, immigration, food resources, and financial planning. We also maintain a lending locker, which includes kitchen supplies for your temporary use. The Relocation Assistance Program is your connection to information for the Jacksonville area bases and communities. The Fleet and Family Support Centers' personnel look forward to welcoming you and assisting in any way they can and can be contacted at Comm. (904) 270-6600 x110 or DSN: 960-6600 x110. Welcome aboard!
CRITICAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION: Government housing at Mayport is limited. There are a total of 1,381 housing units: 681 on base and 800 off base. Of the 681 units on base, 53 are designated as senior officer housing and 100 units as junior officer/senior enlisted housing. All other housing, both on and off base, is designated for enlisted personnel.
Florida has experienced unprecedented back-to-back hurricane seasons. In 2005, Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Rita and Wilma hit Florida. In 2004, Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne slammed into our state. Hurricanes are a fact of life in Florida. Florida will continue experiencing hurricanes like we have been for the past couple of years. For the long-term vitality of our state, hurricane preparedness, must be a high a priority for anyone moving to the area.