Naval Air Station Meridian
Updated: September 11, 2023
Written by Veteran.com Team
Located 11 miles northeast of Meridian, Mississippi, Naval Air Station Meridian (NAS Meridian) is a pivotal pilot training facility for the Navy. NAS Meridian houses several significant units, including Training Air Wing ONE and the Naval Technical Training Center. It also operates the Joe Williams Outlying Landing Field for Field Carrier Landing Practice.
Base Operator:
601-679-2211
Address:
255 Rosenbaum Avenue
Meridian, MS 39309
Naval Air Station Meridian History
NAS Meridian, established on July 19, 1961, was initially named McCain Field in honor of Admiral John S. McCain, Sr. Beginning as a Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS), the base hosted Training Squadron SEVEN (VT-7), later birthing Training Squadron NINE (VT-9). By July 1968, the base had grown into a complete Naval Air Station and achieved Major Shore Command status by 1982. Key moments include the commission of Training Air Wing ONE (TRAWING ONE) in 1971 and the establishment of the Naval Technical Training Center, or Stennis Center, in 1973.
Naval Air Station Meridian Housing
On-base housing at NAS Meridian is privatized. Balfour Beatty Communities manages the on-base housing. NAS Meridian offers roughly 160 family housing units distributed between the Juniper Ridge and Pine Crest Neighborhoods. To be eligible for a government-funded move to base housing, apply within 30 days of your initial arrival.
Off-base living options are available in the nearby community. For more housing questions, call 601-679-2520.
PCS and TDY Lodging
At the NAS Meridian, temporary lodging is available through Navy Gateway Inns and Suites (NGIS)/Combined Bachelor Quarters (CBQ). To make reservations, call 601-679-4019.
What is the BAH for Naval Air Station Meridian?
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at NAS Meridian varies depending on rank, years of service and dependency status. Visit the Mississippi state BAH page or see the chart below for more information.
MERIDIAN, MS BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MS171
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,011 | $813 |
| E02 | $1,011 | $813 |
| E03 | $1,011 | $813 |
| E04 | $1,011 | $813 |
| E05 | $1,077 | $888 |
| E06 | $1,362 | $1,020 |
| E07 | $1,494 | $1,122 |
| E08 | $1,635 | $1,227 |
| E09 | $1,770 | $1,329 |
| W01 | $1,380 | $1,035 |
| W02 | $1,554 | $1,167 |
| W03 | $1,728 | $1,332 |
| W04 | $1,791 | $1,389 |
| W05 | $1,866 | $1,524 |
| O01E | $1,518 | $1,140 |
| O02E | $1,701 | $1,275 |
| O03E | $1,797 | $1,353 |
| O01 | $1,119 | $939 |
| O02 | $1,359 | $1,125 |
| O03 | $1,722 | $1,335 |
| O04 | $1,887 | $1,497 |
| O05 | $1,998 | $1,581 |
| O06 | $2,016 | $1,713 |
| O07 | $2,028 | $1,734 |
For more information, look at BAH rates by state or calculate your exact BAH rate.
Naval Air Station Meridian Surrounding Area
Off base, a variety of outdoor and recreational attractions surround NAS Meridian, with easy access to several large metropolitan areas including New Orleans, Memphis, Atlanta, Birmingham, Dallas, and the Gulf Coast.
Healthcare
There is on-base healthcare options. The Branch Health Clinic and Branch Dental Clinic are components of the Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit in Meridian, which is affiliated with the Naval Hospital system in Pensacola, Florida. Despite its size, the clinic offers a broad range of services. These include:
- Treatment for acute minor illnesses
- Aviation medical consultations
- Optometry
- Obstetrics/gynecology services
- Psychological counseling
- Physical examinations
- Laboratory tests
- Pharmacy services
- Radiology
- Preventative healthcare
- Medical care for family members
- Pediatric care
- Substance abuse rehabilitation
- Health and wellness promotion.
Note: There are no emergency services available at healthcare facilities on base.
Childcare
The Naval Air Station Meridian contains a Child Development Center (CDC). It provides full-day care for children between the ages of infants to preschool aged. An after school program also offers school year care options for student.
Schooling
The Meridian area boasts two public school systems. The Meridian Public School System encompasses seven elementary schools, three middle/junior high schools, one high school, and a career/vocational center. On the other hand, the Lauderdale County Public School System offers four elementary, three middle, and four high schools. Since July 1, 2013, military families residing in base housing in Mississippi can choose their school. However, parents are responsible for their child’s transportation. Children of active U.S. Armed Forces members or civilian military personnel living on a military base can enroll in any school district chosen by their parents or legal guardians within a 30-mile radius. For additional details, you can reach out to the School Liaison Officer at 601-679-2473.
