LOCATION
Whidbey Island is located in the northwest corner of Washington State, 90 miles north of Seattle, approximately a 2-3 hour drive depending on traffic. Within close proximity to the San Juan Islands and the Cascade and Olympic mountains, Whidbey Island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, hunting, hiking, sailing, canoeing, camping and bike riding are all prevalent in this spectacular rural area with its rocky beaches and rolling hills. Because Whidbey Island is a rural area it does have a fairly high cost of living.
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Naval Air Station Whidbey is comprised of two bases five miles apart: the Seaplane Base and the Naval Air Station (also known as Ault Field). Located on the western shore of the island, the Air Station contains most of the military activities to include the Fleet and Family Information Center (FFIC) that includes the Bachelor Housing check-in, the Housing Resource Center Office, and Fleet and Family Support Programs Information and Referral. The Seaplane Base is on the eastern shore at the edge of the town of Oak Harbor. It houses the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Office and Thrift Store, Counseling Advocacy and Prevention Services, Child Development Homes Office, the Commissary, the main Navy Exchange, and the Navy Lodge.
HISTORY
The first entry in the official log of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was on September 21, 1942. Originally, the Air Station was commissioned as a base for seaplane patrol operations, rocket firing training, torpedo overhaul, and both recruit and petty officer training. Today, NAS Whidbey Island is home to the majority of the Navy's Prowler squadrons. Over 25 tenant commands are located at NAS Whidbey, providing training, medical and dental, and other support services.
MISSION
The mission of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is to provide the highest quality facilities, services and products to the Naval Aviation Community, and all organizations utilizing the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island.
POPULATION SERVED
The Air Station supports approximately 9,000 military personnel with an additional 13,000 family members, over 10,000 retirees and 2,500 civilian employees.
SPONSORSHIP
To request a sponsor you can contact your future command or the NAS Liaison Office at (360) 257-2404. Please use the following address for temporary mail forwarding: 3730 N. Charles Porter, Building 385, Oak Harbor, WA 98278-5000.
Upon arrival at NAS Whidbey Island, all service members must check-in at the FFIC Bachelor Housing Desk, which is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, as well as your commands quarterdeck. The main quarterdeck is located in building 385 just off Charles Porter Avenue, (360) 257-2631. For detailed directions to NAS Whidbey Island, please visit the directions topic.
TEMPORARY LODGING
Reservations at the Navy Lodge can be made for PCS families up to one year in advance with orders. Make arrangements as soon as possible as the summer months often keep it filled to capacity. A maximum of 10 days of Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) is authorized for this area. Bachelor quarters are available to incoming personnel.
RELOCATION
The Relocation Assistance Program provides information and referral services specifically designed for your needs. Relocation counseling, workshops, hospitality kits and loaner items are all provided to help make the moving experience easier and smoother.
Base-wide indoctrination is conducted the first full week of each month at the Skywarrior Theater, for questions please call (360) 257-0035.
CRITICAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION
Employment opportunities are very limited on Whidbey Island.