NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND
NAVY
Oak Harbor, WA
United States
NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND
NAVY
Oak Harbor, WA
United States
NAS Whidbey Island
Home of Electronic Attack
Base Essentials
The Navy's 3rd-largest fleet concentration on 168 square miles of Washington's Whidbey Island near Oak Harbor — a Pacific Northwest naval aviation hub. About 10,000 military and civilians embedded in lush Puget Sound geography with ferry-distance access to Seattle.
Base Details
Type
Naval Station
Branch
NAVY
Command
CNIC
Status
Active
Est.
1942
Acres
16,886
Active Duty
7,000
Civilian
2,500
Population
85,000
Economic Impact
$1.2 billion
NAS Whidbey Island History
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Washington, was established in 1942 and is the Navy's premier electronic attack base. It is home to all EA-18G Growler squadrons, which provide airborne electronic warfare capability to carrier strike groups and joint forces. The station also supports P-3 and P-8 maritime patrol operations. Whidbey Island's role in the electronic warfare mission makes it uniquely important as electromagnetic spectrum operations grow in strategic significance.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Electronic Attack Wing Pacific (EA-18G Growler)
—
—
Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10
—
—
Historic Timeline
1941
Navy begins searching for Puget Sound seaplane base
1942
NAS Whidbey Island commissioned
1943
OLF Coupeville approved as auxiliary field
1949
NAS Whidbey Island avoids closure
2018
NAS Whidbey Island generates major regional economic impact
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1941
Navy begins searching for Puget Sound seaplane base
On Jan. 17, 1941, almost 11 months before the U.S. entered World War II, the office of the chief of naval operations asked the 13th Naval District to find a location for re-arming and refueling Navy patrol planes operating in defense of Puget Sound.
1942
NAS Whidbey Island commissioned
On Sept. 21, 1942, Commanding Officer Capt. Cyril Thomas Simard read the orders and the watch was set, and U.S. Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was duly commissioned. Actual construction of Ault Field had started March 1, 1942.
1943
OLF Coupeville approved as auxiliary field
On Sept. 25, 1943, an area 2.5 miles southeast of Coupeville (OLF Coupeville) was approved as an auxiliary field to serve Naval Station Seattle. Crews surveyed the Rocky Point area, which became a transmitter and machine gun range.
1949
NAS Whidbey Island avoids closure
In December 1949, the Navy decided that while Naval Station Seattle (the major prewar facility) would close, Whidbey Island’s 6,000-foot runways and radar-controlled approach paths met new Air Navy standards and the base would remain open.
2018
NAS Whidbey Island generates major regional economic impact
According to the NASWI Economic Impact Assessment released in November 2018, the base supports 12,925 jobs and $35 million in state and local tax revenues to the regional economy.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for NAS Whidbey Island.
NAS Whidbey Island Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for NAS Whidbey Island.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from NAS Whidbey Island.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to NAS Whidbey Island.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island
Phone
(360) 257-2271Location
3675 W Lexington StIn-Processing
All personnel arriving at NAS Whidbey Island should report first to the Officer of the Deck (OOD) at the quarterdeck, located in Building 385 on Ault Field. The quarterdeck operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If checking in to a tenant command or squadron, proceed to your command’s duty office after the initial quarterdeck check-in. For after-hours lodging, contact Navy Gateway Inns and Suites (NGIS) at (360) 257-2529.
The Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) is located in Building 2641, Ault Field. PSD handles pay, records, and official personnel transactions. Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, and Fri 0700–1600; Thu 0900–1600. Phone: (360) 257-1102. Plan for in-processing to take multiple working days.
A base-wide indoctrination briefing is held during the first week of each month (Tuesday and Wednesday) and is open to family members. Contact (360) 257-2181 for the schedule. The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), known as the Nor’Wester, is in Building 2556 alongside the Housing Service Center. FFSC scheduling: (866) 854-0638. Housing Service Center: (360) 257-3331.
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Download Full Base Guide PDF
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for NAS Whidbey Island.
WA312
MHA
NAS Whidbey Island family housing is privatized and operated by Hunt Military Communities. In addition to the option to purchase or rent housing in the local community, service members may sign a tenant lease agreement with Hunt for on-base privatized housing. The Housing Service Center supports relocation, eligibility verification and waiting-list management. Liber…
Local Market
2026 BAH Calculator
Loading calculator...
View Full BAH Rates
Cost of Living Around NAS Whidbey Island
105
5% Above National Average
Housing
Calculate Your Buying Power
See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
Open Calculator
Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near NAS Whidbey Island.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
2
Elementary Schools
View schools
1
Middle Schools
View schools
7
High Schools
View schools
5
Colleges & Universities
View colleges
9
Other Schools
View schools
2
Pre-K Schools
View schools
Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Most of the approximately 9,900 military and civilian personnel assigned to NAS Whidbey Island live off base in surrounding communities. Oak Harbor, the island's largest city with about 23,400 residents, is the closest and most convenient community, offering a wide variety of housing options and easy access to base amenities. Coupeville, the county seat 11 miles south of Oak Harbor, is the island's oldest town with a charming historic waterfront and a mix of established and new homes.
South Whidbey communities including Langley and Freeland attract those seeking a quieter, more rural lifestyle with strong arts communities and beach access, though longer commute times apply. The southern end of the island has also become a commuter bedroom community for those working at Boeing's Everett Production Facility, with Washington State Ferries providing access.
Overall, Island County's cost of living is higher than the national average, with costs varying by community. The charm of island living, a mild Pacific Northwest climate, and easy ferry access to Seattle contribute to a high quality of life for military families stationed at NASWI.
Oak Harbor
Small Town
Commute: 5-10 min
Schools: Oak Harbor Public Schools
Closest off-base community, full services, shopping along WA-20, Whidbey General Hospital nearby.
Coupeville
Small Town
Commute: 20-25 min
Schools: Coupeville School District
Historic waterfront town on Penn Cove, Coupeville School District, quieter rural setting south of base.
Anacortes
Small Town
Commute: 25-30 min
Schools: Anacortes School District
Across Deception Pass Bridge; ferry hub, marinas, walkable downtown, popular with Navy families.
Greenbank
Rural
Commute: 30-35 min
Schools: South Whidbey School District
Unincorporated community midway down the island; vineyards, marshland, very quiet.
Burlington / Mount Vernon area
Suburban
Commute: 40-45 min
Schools: Mount Vernon / Burlington-Edison School Districts
Mainland Skagit County option with more housing inventory, big-box retail, and access to I-5.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at NAS Whidbey Island.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Spouse Income Tax
Washington has no state income tax. Popular military domicile state.
Vehicle Registration
Non-resident military may keep home-state plates.
Property Tax
Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax exemption.
Latest Videos from MyBaseGuide
View all
Pet Policies at NAS Whidbey Island
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at NAS Whidbey Island.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
0
Prohibited Animals
—
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
Leash Laws
Local Pet Notes
Temporary Lodging
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at NAS Whidbey Island.
Commissary
1
Whidbey Island NAS Commissary
Exchange
NEX
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sat–Sun 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Medical
5
Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
Youth Programs
MWR & Recreation
4
Fitness Center
Golf Course
Employment & Education
2
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NAS Whidbey Island.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Langley Gate (Main Gate / Langley Boulevard Gate) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
Read answer
02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
Read answer
03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for NAS Whidbey Island.
Read answer
04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
Read answer
05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near NAS Whidbey Island.
Read answer
Question
More NAVY Installations
Explore other NAVY bases and installations.
HAWAII – PACOM
Aiea, HI
Hawaii – Navy
Honolulu, HI
NAB Coronado
Coronado, CA
NAF El Centro
El Centro, CA
NAS Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX
NAS Fallon
Fallon, NV
NAS JRB Fort Worth
Fort Worth, TX
NAS JRB New Orleans
Belle Chasse, LA
NAS Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
NAS Key West
Key West, FL
NAS Kingsville
Kingsville, TX
NAS Lemoore
Lemoore, CA
NAS Meridian
Meridian, MS
NAS Oceana
Virginia Beach, VA
NAS Patuxent River
Lexington Park, MD
NAS Pensacola
Pensacola, FL
NAS Whiting Field
Milton, FL
NAWS China Lake
Ridgecrest, CA
NB Kitsap
Silverdale, WA
NB Point Loma
San Diego, CA
NB Ventura County
Port Hueneme, CA
NRSW San Clemente Island
San Clemente Island, CA
NS Everett
Everett, WA
NS Great Lakes
North Chicago, IL
NS Mayport
Mayport, FL
NS Newport
Newport, RI
NS Norfolk
Norfolk, VA
NSA Annapolis
Annapolis, MD
NSA Bethesda
Bethesda, MD
NSA Mechanicsburg
Mechanicsburg, PA
NSA Mid-South
Millington, TN
NSA Orlando
Orlando, FL
NSA Panama City
Panama City, FL
NSA Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
NSA Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs, NY
NSA Washington
Washington, DC
NSB Kings Bay
Kings Bay, GA
NSB New London
Groton, CT
NSF Indian Head
Indian Head, MD
NWS Earle
Colts Neck, NJ
Naval Base San Diego
San Diego, CA
Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport
Gulfport, MS
Navy Region Southwest
San Diego, CA
North Island NAS
Coronado, CA
Philadelphia Navy Yard
Philadelphia, PA
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Kittery, ME
Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.