Welcome to NAS Meridian! Your Guide to Housing, Base Access, and More

Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian is located in east-central Mississippi, 15 miles northeast of the city of Meridian. Established as an aviation training site for Sailors and Marines in 1961, the base expanded its mission in 1973 to include technical training. NAS Meridian occupies 8,000 acres in Lauderdale County and an additional 4,000 acres on two remote sites.

Today, it serves a population of around 3,000 service members and hosts Training Air Wing One, Training Squadrons VT-7 and VT-9, Naval Technical Training Center, Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron One, Navy Reserve Center (NRC), and the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy. NAS Meridian exists to train the warfighter.

Where Is Naval Air Station Meridian?

Address: 255 Rosenbaum Avenue, Naval Air Station Meridian, MS 39309

Base Operator: (601) 679-2211

NAS CDO: (601) 695-7055

Procedures for Entering NAS Meridian

Whether you’re coming to NAS Meridian for a PCS or just to visit, here is some information to help your arrival go smoothly.

Getting to NAS Meridian From Popular Cities

Meridian Regional Airport is approximately 30 minutes from NAS Meridian’s main gate. Below are some other nearby cities and their drive times.

• Jackson, MS: Drive time from Jackson to base is about 1 hour and 50 minutes.
• Birmingham, AL: Drive time from Birmingham to base is about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
• Mobile, AL: Drive time from Mobile to base is about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• New Orleans, LA: Drive time from New Orleans to base is about 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Gates & Hours of Operation

NAS Meridian has a main gate that provides access to the base.

NAS Meridian Main Gate

Location: Whitaker Blvd. and John C. Stennis Dr, Lauderdale, MS 39335

Hours: 24/7

Coming to NAS Meridian? Here’s What You Need For Base Access

Anyone visiting with a Department of Defence (DoD) Common Access Card and/or retired military ID can access the base through any gate.

If visitors (18+) do not have a DoD Common Access Card or retired military ID, they must go to the Visitor Control Center (VCC) with a US ID in the form of a Real ID and/or Enhanced Driver’s License.

If visitors do not have a Real ID/Enhanced driver's license, a retired military ID, a DoD Common Access Card, or a service-connected Veterans Card, they must bring another form of US ID, such as a passport, Social Security card, or birth certificate, to the visitor control center.

What ID Do You Need For Base Access?

Visitors to U.S. Navy installations who do not possess a Department of Defense-issued Common Access Card (CAC) or a military dependent ID must complete a vetting process by filling out a SECNAV 5512/1 Form along with presenting a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued identification card, or U.S. passport to gain unescorted access.

Pass and Tag/Visitor Center

The NAS Meridian Pass and Tag is located just outside the main gate, and visitors need to bring a REAL ID in order to be vetted and obtain a pass for entering the base. Keep in mind Force Protection Conditions can change.

Location: Whitaker Blvd. and John C. Stennis Dr, Lauderdale, MS 39335

Pass &Tag Phone: (601) 679-2509 or (601) 679-2366

Pass &Tag Hours: Monday-Friday, 0600-1530

Incoming Personnel

Below are specific staff and student pilot reporting procedures for NAS Meridian and tenant commands. Service members need to have their required paperwork in hand. For further information, reach out to the specific command contacts.

After checking in, all NAS Meridian and Tenant Command Personnel must report to the Fleet & Family Support Center to schedule their Welcome Aboard orientation.

NAS Staff

Contact the NAS Command Duty Officer for after-hours reporting to stop leave charging.

NAS CDO: (601) 695-7055

Student Pilots

Get your orders stamped at the duty desk in the upstairs hangar. During normal working hours, complete in-processing by reporting to Training Wing One (TW1) Student Control (Stucon).

VT-7 Eagles

ODO Duty Desk: (601) 679-2321 or (601) 679-2487

Student Control: (601) 679-2835 or (601) 679-2328

Stucon Hours: Monday-Friday 0700-1530

VT-9 Tigers

ODO Duty Desk: (601) 679-2872 or (601) 679-2330

Student Control: (601) 679-2873

Stucon Hours: Monday-Friday 0700-1530

Enlisted Students

All enlisted students report to the Navy Technical Training Command (NTTC) Quarterdeck, Building 360, regardless of check-in time.

Address: BLDG 360, 740 Fletcher Road, Suite 100, Meridian, MS 39309

NTTC Quarterdeck: (601) 679-3442 or (601) 679-2414

Marines in processing to Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron (MATSS) - 1 “A” report to Building 330 and check in on the second deck with S-1 (Room 210), where they will be given a check-in sheet. Building 330 is about half a mile past the main gate on Whitaker on the right.

After hours, Marines need to report to the Duty Hut at Barracks 353 off of Fuller Road and Higley Road, and orders will be endorsed with S-1 at 0730 the next working day.

Address: MATSS-1 BLDG 330, 330 Fletcher Road, Suite 100, Meridian, MS 39309

SDO: (601) 604-1410

Duty NCO:(601) 604-1416

Duty Hut: (601) 679-2513

Naval Reservists

The Naval Reserve Center (NRC) requires reservists to muster with their unit mustering petty officer no later than 0700 on the first drill day, or the NRC command duty officer if performing drills on a normal workday.

Fleet & Family Support Center

The Fleet & Family Support Center offers more than just a Welcome Aboard Orientation. They provide financial counseling, ombudsman programs, new parent support, family employment help, and many more programs and workshops. Visit their office or website for more information.

Address: 405 Rosenbaum Avenue, Meridian

Phone: (601) 679-2360

Hours: Monday-Thursday 0800-1630 and Friday 0700-1530

NAS Meridian Amenities & Facilities

As you get settled at Naval Air Station Meridian, here are other key base facilities that will be valuable resources.

Medical

Naval Hospital Pensacola operates Naval Branch Health Clinic Meridian. Remember medical services may be limited, and other health facilities nearby may be needed. For emergencies, call 911.

Naval Branch Health Clinic Meridian

Address: 1801 Fuller Road, Meridian, MS 39309

BCAC: (601) 679-2210

Central Appointment Line: (850) 505-7000

Customer Relations: (601) 679-2238

Dental: (601) 679-2383

Health Benefits Office: (601) 679-2238

Immunizations: (601) 679-2232

Lab: (601) 679-2242

Medical Records: (601) 679-2205

MHS Nurse Advice Line: 800-TRICARE (874-2243), option 1

Pharmacy: (601) 679-2205

Preventive Medicine: (601) 679-2230

Optometry: (601) 679-2213

Radiology: (601) 679-2246

TRICARE: 800-444-5445

Finance Office

The NAS Meridian Fleet & Family Support Center sponsors the Personal Financial Management Program (PFM), which provides services in financial education, counseling, and training. See their website or call PFM Services for a list of workshops.

Address: 405 Rosenbaum Avenue, FFSC, Meridian, MS

Phone: (601) 679-2360

Hours: Monday-Thursday 0730-1600 and Friday 0700-1530

Legal Services/JAG

Operating under the Region Legal Service Office Southeast (RSLO SE), Legal Office Meridian supports the Navy’s operational readiness with all-around superb legal services.

Address: 255 Rosenbaum Ave., BLDG 255, Rm. 223

Phone: ​​(601) 679-2758 or ​​(601) 679-2340

Hours: Monday-Friday 0800-1600

ID/DEERS Office

Located in the NTTC Administration Building 362, room 128, the Meridian ID/DEERS Office provides ID Card and DEERS enrollment services.

NTTC Address: 740 Fletcher Rd, Meridian, MS 39309

Phone: (601) 679-2302

Hours: 0730-1540

Commissary & Exchange

Stock up and save at the NAS Meridian Commissary and Meridian NEX Complex! Shop the exchange for all of your personal and uniform needs. The commissary also has the convenient Click2Go for online ordering and curbside pickup.

Meridian Commissary

Address: 431 Allen Road, Meridian, MS

Phone: (601) 821-6189

Normal Hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1900 and Saturday 0800-1900

Click2Go Hours: Monday-Friday 1000-1830 and Saturday 1000-1800

Meridian NEX Complex

Address: 214 Higley Road, Meridian, MS 33309

Phone: (601) 679-2641

Hours: Monday-Friday 1000-1800 and Saturday-Sunday 1000-1730

NEX Gas Station

Address: 228 Higley Road, Meridian, MS 33309

Phone: (601) 679-2662

Barber Shop

Address: NEX BLDG 214 Higley Road

Phone: (601) 679-2665

Post Office

About twenty minutes away from NAS Meridian are two U.S. Post Offices providing various services for civilians and the military.

Lauderdale Post Office

Address: 9779 Old HWY 45 N, Lauderdale, MS 39335

Phone: (601) 679-8938

Hours: Monday-Friday 0800-1200, 1300-1615 and Saturday 0800-1000

DaleVille Post Office

Address: 11039 MS-39, Daleville, MS 39326

Phone: (601) 681-8210

Hours: Monday-Saturday 0830-1430

MWR Services

The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) offers a variety of facilities and services to support military personnel and their families stationed at Naval Air Station Meridian. See below for a list of some of their facilities and services. Also, visit the MWR website for a full list of services at NAS Meridian.

NAS Meridian MWR

Address: 255 Rosenbaum Avenue

Phone: (601) 679-2467

Hours: Monday-Friday 0800-1630

Library

The Andrew Triplett Library has an ever-expanding collection of print and electronic publications, which includes audio, e-books, movies, video games, and children’s books. Take a look online for the many other services they provide!

Address: 220 Fuller Road

Phone: (601) 679-2326

Hours: Monday-Wednesday, Friday 1000-1800, Thursday 1000-2000, and Saturday 1000-1600

Liberty Program

Designed for single and unaccompanied Sailors, including geographically single, the Liberty Center at NAS Meridian offers many activities at the center as well as through MWR-sponsored trips. Check out the amenities online, stop by their center, or give them a call.

Address: 362 Fletcher Road

Phone: (601) 679-3760

Hours: Monday-Tuesday, Thursday 1530-2145, Wednesday 1400-1900, and Friday-Sunday 0900-2145

Tickets & Travel

Let the Navy MWR ITT help you plan your next vacation. They are located inside the Community Recreation Center and are eager to help! You can also visit online to purchase tickets and travel packages through American Forces Travel.

Address: 388 Allen Road

Phone: (601) 679-2526

Hours: Monday-Friday 1000-1800

Hobby Shop

Behind the Andrew Triplett Library is the Hobby Shop. By appointment only, this newly improved workspace includes indoor and covered outdoor auto lifts operated by MWR employees, a 15-station wood shop, pottery tables, and a kiln. An MWR training course is required to work with their tools.

To see the Pottery Studio hours, fees and features, visit online.

Address: 272 Fuller Road

Phone: (601) 679-3437

Hobby Shop Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Friday 0800-1600 and Tuesday 1200-2000

Recreation Centers

From movies to bowling or archery to camping, let the MWR Recreation services be the solution to your free time. NAS Meridian has an abundance of amenities for you and your family to stay active and fit, be entertained, and have opportunities to practice your skills.

Community Recreation Complex

The Community Recreation Complex meets all of your outdoor recreational needs, from disc golf, archery, biking and walking trails, fishing, dog parks, paintball, horse stables, and picnic areas.

For permits to fish and hunt or rentals to camp and grill, contact them by phone or stop by the Community Recreation Complex at NAS Meridian to learn more about these and other services they have to offer.

Address: 388 Allen Road

Phone: (601) 679-2526

Hours: Daily 1000-1800

McCain Recreation Center

The McCain Recreation Center offers plenty of indoor activities, like bowling, an 18-hole mini golf course, a 36-seat movie theatre, and pool tables, as well as dining venues. Check out some of what they have to offer below. For more information, go online or come by and see for yourself!

Address: 313 Allen Road

Phone: (601) 679-2651

Hours: Daily 1000-2100

Fitness Center

The Sonny Montgomery Fitness Center provides state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group exercise classes, opportunities for intramural sports and runs, and personal training. Within the fitness complex, some amenities include both indoor and outdoor basketball courts, 2.5 jogging trail, volleyball courts, saunas, a family fitness area, and an outdoor Navy Operational Fitness & Fueling System (NOFFS) space.

Sonny Montgomery Fitness Center

Address: 369 Allen Road, Meridian, MS

Phone: (601) 679-2379

Sports Coordinator: (601) 679-2367

Hours: 24/7 with preregistered patrons

Aquatics

The Aquatics Center has an outdoor, 25-meter, 8-lane pool with an ADA-compliant chair lift. Lockers and showers are on site. A gazebo next to the pool is available for entertaining, too! Hours of operation are seasonal. Pre-season lap swim runs from late April to early May. Recreational swimming and exercise classes run from May to August.

Address: 369 Allen Road, Meridian, MS

Phone: (601) 679-3384

Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 1030-1400, Saturday 1030-1800, and Sunday 1300-1800

Child Development Center

The Coy Stennis Child Development Center provides care for children ages birth to five years. They offer the highest quality of developmentally appropriate care. Visit their website to join the waitlist or reserve for hourly care.

Address: 256 Allen Road

Phone: (601) 679-2652

Hours: Monday-Friday 0600-1800

School Age Care (SAC) Program

The SAC Program at NAS Meridian serves students from Kindergarten through the age of twelve. All certified counselors have educational experience and are CPR and first aid certified. They help children with homework and lead them in other engaging activities. Please stop by or visit their website to learn more.

Address: 994 Oak Circle

Phone: (601) 604-2920

Hours: Monday-Friday 0600-1800

EFMP

The NAS Meridian Exceptional Family Member Program is a mandatory enrollment program for military families with special needs. They function to provide the best rendering of services throughout the sponsor’s career. To download their flyer and locate other useful information, please call or check out their website.

Address: 405 Rosenbaum Avenue

Phone: (601) 679-2360

Hours: Monday-Thursday 0800-1630 and Friday 0700-1530

NAS Meridian Dining Facilities

Below is a list of a few tasty and convenient dining options on the installation.

Roy M. Wheat Galley

The Roy M. Wheat Galley serves delicious, budget-friendly food to active duty personnel and RCTA students. Visit their website for varying hours of operation for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Address: 10701 Higley Road, BLDG 257

Phone: (601) 679-3258

Rudders Pub & Grill

For dine-in or carry-out, enjoy the Rudders Pub & Grill! Besides a robust menu, they have multiple televisions to enjoy some entertainment while you eat. Do not miss Taco Salad Wednesday and their Thursday night game night specials.

Address: 388 Allen Road

Phone: (601) 679-2780

Hours: Monday-Friday 0700-1300, Thursday 1700-2000, Friday 1700-2200, and Saturday 1700-2200

Subway & Pizza Forno

Featuring some of their traditional menu items, Subway and Pizza Forno are located in the McCain Recreation Center.

Address: 313 Allen Road

Phone: (601) 679-9947

Hours: Monday-Friday 1000-2100

NAS Meridian Housing

The Navy Housing Service Center (HSC) has knowledgeable staff that can assist accompanied and unaccompanied Service Members to find suitable housing that is safe and affordable, whether it is on base or off.

Navy HSC

Address: 718 Gill Street

Phone: (601) 679-2520

Email: Meridian_Housing@us.navy.mil

Hours: Monday-Friday 0730-1600

Unaccompanied Housing

Unaccompanied Housing includes barracks, dorms, and local community housing depending on assignment status and pay grade.

Most personnel are required to live in UH. E4s may be required, space permitting. Accommodations can be 1-2 person rooms based on pay grade and square footage. Check in at Building 208.

If authorized, Geographic Bachelors and Resident Advisors can also live on base.

Check in with HSC first if you are permitted to live off-base.

Address: 208 Higley Street

Phone: (601) 679-2616

Email: Meridian_Housing@us.navy.mil

Hours: Monday-Friday 0730-1600

Privatized Housing Partner

Balfour Beatty Communities

The NAS Meridian PPV partner is Balfour Beatty Communities, where homes range from 3-4 bedrooms inside a walkable, children- and pet-friendly community. Service members can apply ahead of time before they leave their previous command by contacting the HSC or using the online Housing Early Assistance (HEAT) tool.

Address: 716 Gill Street

Phone: (601) 679-7669

Hours: Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday 0800-1700, Wednesday 0800-1900, and Saturday 1000-1600 by appointment

Off-Base Housing & Military Preferred Living Areas

NAS Meridian is located in Lauderdale, MS, outside the city of Meridian. There are three main military-preferred locations, Lauderdale, Collinsville, and Meridian, each offering their own benefits.

Check out the data below to help you consider which may be a good fit for your circumstances. Contact your HSC first, as they know each community in detail.

Lauderdale, MS

Lauderdale is just a short drive from NAS Meridian and home to a small, close-knit rural population. This community is sought-after for those wanting a peaceful, country lifestyle, with easy access to quiet neighborhoods, local outdoor recreation, and the Northeast Zone schools.

Median Home Listing: $265,000

Median Home Sold: $223,000

Median Monthly Rent: $1500

Drive time to NAS Meridian: 20-25 minutes

School District: Northeast Zone of Lauderdale County School District

Meridian, MS

Meridian welcomes those interested in a more urban or traditional suburban lifestyle with readily available access to amenities. Some choose the 30-minute commute to NAS Meridian to take advantage of the more affordable housing options.

Median Home Listing: $170,000

Median Home Sold: $206,000

Median Monthly Rent: $1,000

Drive time to NAS Meridian: 25-30 minutes

School District: Meridian Public School District

Collinsville, MS

The community-feel in Collinsville is a more higher-end rural and suburban vibe. The West Zone schools receive an A across the board from the Mississippi Department of Education. Military with school age children can find the schools here rigorous and more desirable.

Median Home Listing: $323,000

Median Home Sold: $219,000

Median Monthly Rent: $1,900

Drive time to NAS Meridian: 30-35 minutes

School District: West Zone of Lauderdale County School District

NAS Meridian Schools

Students living aboard NAS Meridian attend schools in the Northeast Zone of Lauderdale County School District. Contact the NAS Meridian School Liaison to learn more about Mississippi’s “School Choice” program, school districts, processes, policies, and options.

Navy Region SE School Liaison

Address: 255 Rosenbaum Avenue, Suite 239

Phone: (601) 679-2473

Email: mailto:meridiansl@us.navy.mil

Hours: Monday-Friday 0730-1600

Off-Base Schools (K-12)

There are four private schools in the Meridian area and no charter schools. The Lauderdale County School District has four zones, each having an elementary school, middle school, and high school. To see where your address is zoned, visit the Lauderdale County School District zone locator tool. Check the individual school website for school performance or Great Schools to see how each school ranks.

Public schools serving the NAS Meridian housing and community neighborhoods are listed below.

Northeast Lauderdale Elementary (Pk-4)

Address: 6750 Newell Road

Phone: (601) 485-4882

Northeast Lauderdale MS (5-8)

Address: 7763 HWY 39

Phone: (601) 483-3532

Northeast Lauderdale HS (9-12)

Address: 702 Briarwood Road

Phone: (601) 679-8523

Local Employment Assistance & Resources

With most of the jobs coming from retail, manufacturing, and medical, there are many employment opportunities for family members in search of work in Meridian and Lauderdale, MS.

NAS Meridian FFSC can help family members successfully gain employment. They also have other valuable services, such as the Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP) and the Transition Assistance Program (TAP).

The NAS Meridian MWR also has a career page to help you find a job on base.

Spouse and Dependent Employment

Address: FFSC, 405 Rosenbaum Avenue

Phone: (601) 679-2360

Hours: Monday-Thursday 0730-1430 and Friday 0700-1530

Enjoy Your Time at NAS Meridian!

Whether you are visiting, living, working, or training at NAS Meridian, welcome the opportunities that come with this tight-knit community as one of our country’s most affordable places to live.

While living in travel proximity to Gulf Coast Beaches and major urban hubs like New Orleans, Atlanta, and Birmingham, you can easily fill up your weekend plans. Check out the 25+ Things to Do Near NAS Meridian to discover all the places you can dine, play, and be entertained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live on NAS Meridian without children?

Yes, you will have access to a minimum of three bedrooms regardless of family size.

Can I live on base unaccompanied?

Absolutely! There are Permanent Party Residents UH, Student Dorms for NTTC/MATSS-1, and those who are eligible for BAH may live in NAS Meridian Homes, to include living together to share costs.

Can I use coupons at the commissary?

Yes, DECA accepts both digital and print coupons.

Is NAS Meridian hands-free?

Yes, driving on base while using a device is strictly prohibited.