Naval Air Station Meridian

Updated: September 11, 2023
In this Article

    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.

    Written by Veteran.com Team