The location of Langley AFB provides those stationed here with abundant activities and opportunities to enjoy in the beautiful state of Virginia. The base is situated near the southeast end of the Virginia Peninsula and close to the picturesque Chesapeake Bay and the historic Hampton Roads. It is separated from Norfolk by the Chesapeake River and is an area that is frequented by tourists.

TRANSPORTATION
Airports
Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport
Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is the closest airport to Langley AFB. The major airlines are Delta/Air Tran and U.S. Airways Express. There is no shuttle service to the base, but there are several car rental companies.

Norfolk International Airport
Norfolk International Airport is a larger airport across the bay that hosts larger air carriers. The major airlines are American, Continental, Delta, Independence Air, Northwest, United Express, U.S. Airways and Southwest. Traffic is very congested in that area and accidents in the underwater tunnel are frequent, so your travel time to LAFB could be from 40 minutes to three hours. There is no shuttle service to the base, but there are several car rental companies.

Driving
Hampton Roads Traffic Information
With the location of the base on a peninsula, there are only a few ways to travel and they frequently become congested. To receive current reports on traffic conditions and planned bridge openings, call the Virginia Department of Transportation Traffic Information Hotline, accessible through the VIRGINIAN- PILOT/LEDGER STAR'S Info-Line System. For more information please call any of the following numbers and follow the directions:
Southside: ................(757) 640-5555 Ext. 7874
Peninsula: ................(757) 640-5555 Ext. 7874
Statewide: ................................(800) 792-2800

Taxi
While there is taxi service available, taxis may not enter LAFB unless the driver (not the passenger) has a military ID.

Train
Newport News is also the local AMTRAK stop. There is no shuttle service to LAFB offered by AMTRAK.

CLIMATE
Weather conditions are considered normal for the geographical location. Severe weather is at times possible, if severe weather occurs please tune-in to local radio or television stations for updates.

Fall Weather
During this period (September, October, November), cool dry polar air begins to compete with the moist tropical air of summer. The "Bermuda High" begins to lose its influence as polar outbreaks become more frequent. Hurricane frequency reaches a maximum in September.

Winter Weather
During the winter season, the warm Gulf Stream is at its eastern most limits. Cold waters of the Labrador Current are averted southward by the prevailing northerly winds. They replace Gulf Stream waters along the coast of Cape Hatteras, and result in depriving the area of the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream.

Slow moving cold fronts tend to become stationary near the Gulf Stream during this period. The resulting convergence may produce very strong northeasterly winds, sometimes 40 to 50 knots. Often a series of waves will form on the front east of Hatteras, causing low ceilings, intermittent rain and strong winds to persist over the area for several days.

Spring Weather
The period of March, April and May is characterized by fewer cold outbreaks and gradual influence of the "Bermuda High." The result is increasingly better weather conditions for the area. Sharp contrasts in the weather often occur late in the season. Pleasant warm days are interrupted by a thrust of cold polar air. Temperatures may fall 20 to 25 degrees and strong thunderstorms occur along with passages of cold fronts. Winds are predominately from two directions, northwesterly early in the period, becoming southerly late in the season.

Summer Weather
Frequency of thunderstorm activity reaches a maximum during the summer. Most thunderstorm activity in this area is due to frontal or squall line passage. Cloudiness is at a maximum during the day and minimum at night. June marks the beginning of the hurricane season. However, it is not until the middle of August that the probability of hurricanes affecting the Langley area increases to significant levels.

Hurricane Season
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November. During that period, the eastern part of Virginia is especially at risk for a major storm. The best defense against the danger and destruction caused by hurricanes is preparedness. In addition to paying attention to storm warnings and keeping the proper supplies on hand, residents should know their proper evacuation route. Evacuations can be ordered by local officials if they think an approaching storm will be a safety hazard or cause serious damage.

COMMUNITIES
Hampton Roads
The area of Hampton Roads, Virginia is a prime mid-Atlantic region located in Southeastern Virginia. The region encompasses two areas linked by the Hampton Roads and the Virginia Peninsula. The South Hampton Roads region includes the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach. These cities are often referred to as the Tidewater area. The Peninsula consists of the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and Williamsburg and the counties of Gloucester, James City and York. Williamsburg, James City County and York County are often referred to as the Historic Triangle because they played host in many important events in American history. In 1992, the Office of Budget and Management added the Isle of Wight County, Virginia and Currituck County, North Carolina to the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) due to commuting patterns between the two counties and the existing MSA.

The term "Hampton Roads" is a centuries-old reference that originated when the region was a struggling British outpost nearly 400 years ago. Designated in the 17th century as the name of the largest natural harbor where the James, Nansemond and Elizabeth Rivers pour into the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Signifying the safety of a port, "roads" in nautical terminology means "a place less sheltered than a harbor where ships may ride at anchor."

Since 1983, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget has recognized Hampton Roads as a group of communities having economic and social integration. At that time, the two areas that constitute Hampton Roads; South Hampton Roads and the Virginia Peninsula were combined to form the (MSA). Hampton Roads has grown from just over 1 million residents and the nation's 34th largest market in 1983 to the country's 28th largest metro area with nearly 1.6 million people.

Unlike many of the metropolitan areas across the country, Hampton Roads' population nucleus is not confined to one central city, but is spread among several growing cities of significant size. Therefore, Hampton Roads has come to refer not only to its contiguous communities but also to the entire metropolitan area.

Hampton
The city of Hampton is the hub for Hampton Roads, with more than 100 attractions within arms reach. Modern day visitors were not the first to discover Hampton's easy accessibility. Its banks once served as a hub for New World traders and pirates. The city at one time sported the severed head of Blackbeard at the harbor entrance in 1718.

During the Civil War, the iron-clad Merrimac and Monitor exchanged historic cannon fire over this Confederate stronghold.

Hampton takes pride in being known as "America's First." It was the first point of land touched by the English colonists who continued up river to settle Jamestown. Hampton was later settled in 1610 and became America's first continuously English-speaking settlement. America's first free education has its roots here and America's first astronauts were trained at the NASA Langley Research Center. The city was also the site of America's first Christmas, America's first continuous Anglican Church, America's first formal trading post, America's first national seafood festival and the first site for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, the precursor of National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Libraries
The city of Hampton is home to several libraries for all of your leisure reading and research needs. You will be required to become a member before you can check out any of the books, DVDs and CDs that are readily available to the public.

Any Virginia resident may obtain a library card. Applications for everyone under 18 years of age must have the signature of a parent or guardian. All adult applicants must provide a photo ID and address verification, which can include a license, a check, a bill or an envelope from a piece of mail delivered to your home.

George Wythe Law Library
101 Kings Way, 2nd Floor
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 728-2065

Hampton Public Library
4207 Victoria Blvd.
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 727-1154

North Branch Library
936 Big Bethel Road
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 825-4558

Phoebus Branch Library
1 South Mallory St.
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 727-1149

Willow Oaks Branch Library
Willow Oaks Village Square
227 Fox Hill Road
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 850-5114

Parks
Spending quality time with the family in a relaxed environment is always a pleasurable experience. The city of Hampton has several parks that are maintained by the city and are available for public use.

Aberdeen Neighborhood Park
Aberdeen Elementary School
1424 Aberdeen Road
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 850-5116
This Park is located on the grounds of Aberdeen Elementary School. The park is open daily. On days when school is in session the park is open 3:30 p.m. to sunset. On days when school is not in session the park is open 7 a.m. to sunset. The park features two picnic shelters, playground, basketball court, softball fields and open play areas.

Air Power Park
413 West Mercury Blvd.
Hampton, VA 23666
With over 50 indoor and outdoor exhibits including real fighter aircraft, missiles and rockets, Air Power Park offers a glimpse of Hampton's role in America's early space exploration and aircraft testing. Admission is free to this 15 acre park and museum that includes a children's playground. During current renovations the park is open, but the museum is not accessible.

Armstrong Neighborhood Park
Armstrong Elementary School
3401 Matoaka Road
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 850-5116
The Park is open daily. On days when school is in session the park is open 3:30 p.m. to sunset. On days when school is not in session the park is open 7 a.m. to sunset. The park features two-lighted tennis courts, a playground, little league baseball field and asphalt-walking trail.

Bluebird Gap Farm
60 Pine Chapel Road
Hampton, VA 23666
Bluebird Gap Farm consists of 60 acres. It has one picnic shelter and is a favorite place to view ducks. Please do not feed the wildlife as they should remain wild. Admission is free. The park is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The park is closed on all major holidays except Easter.

Booker Neighborhood Park
Booker Elementary School
160 Apollo Drive
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 850-5116
The Park is open daily. On days when school is in session the park is open 3:30 p.m. to sunset. On days when school is not in session the park is open asphalt walking trail, soccer field and a half court basketball court.

Briarfield Park
1560 Briarfield Road
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 850-5116
Briarfield Park is a regional 49 acre athletic park. It includes four lighted softball fields, five lighted tennis courts, four large picnic shelters that can be reserved, a fitness trail and a large playground. For your convenience, there is a concession stand during softball league games and tournaments, as well as restroom facilities.

Buckroe Beach and Park
North First St.
Hampton, VA 23666
This beautiful Bay front park has three-fourths mile of clean beach. Kayaks and paddleboats are available for rental. There are two picnic shelters with tables and grills, children's playground, restroom facilities available May 15 through September 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., a stage pavilion for community events and ample open space. Dogs are not allowed in the park May 15 through September 15. Park Rangers are on site year-round.

Burbank Neighborhood Park
Burbank Elementary School
40 Tide Mill Lane
Hampton, VA 23666
The Park is open daily. On days when school is in session the park is open 3:30 p.m. to sunset. On days when school is not in session the park is open 7 a.m. to sunset. The park features a basketball court, youth baseball field, playground and asphalt walking trial.

Carousel Park
602 Settlers Landing Road
Hampton, VA 23666
Group Bookings: (757) 727-0900
Carousel Park features a wooden carousel from 1920 with 48 horses and two chariots. Rider Fees: $1.00 when purchased at Carousel; $ .50 with the purchase of a Virginia Air and Space Center ticket. Rider Passes: 25 rides for $12.50.

Cary Neighborhood Park
Cary Elementary School
2009 Andrews Blvd.
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 850-5116
Cary Neighborhood Park is open daily. On days when school is in session the park is open 3:30 p.m. to sunset. On days when school is not in session the park is open 7 a.m. to sunset. The park features basketball courts, youth baseball field, football field, playground and asphalt walking trail.