NAS MERIDIAN: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER
By Tracy Fuga
Introduction
Welcome to Naval Air Station Meridian, one of the Navy’s two jet strike pilot training facilities! This station is large and in charge, boasting an economic impact in the area of more than $430 million annually. NAS Meridian occupies about 8,000 acres of land roughly 15 miles northeast of the installation’s namesake city and employs nearly 3,000 active-duty personnel. This Meridian, MS, military base supports aviation and technical training, as well as other activities by providing timely, quality services and facilities in a safe, secure community. Continue reading for an in-depth guide to help aid you in your transition to living and working on NAS Meridian.- Where Is Naval Air Station Meridian?
- NAS Meridian Map
- Getting There – Directions to the Base
- Entering Naval Air Station Meridian and Base Amenities
- Check-In Procedures for Incoming Personnel
- Naval Air Station Meridian Visitor Center
- Naval Air Station Meridian DEERS Office
- Naval Air Station Meridian Gate Hours
- Naval Air Station Meridian Commissary
- Naval Air Station Meridian NEX
- Naval Air Station Meridian Barber Shop
- Naval Air Station Meridian Post Office
- Naval Air Station Meridian Finance Office
- Naval Air Station Meridian Legal Office
- Naval Air Station Meridian Library
- Naval Air Station Meridian Hotels
- Where Should I Live Near Naval Air Station Meridian?
- What Schools Are Near Naval Air Station Meridian?
- What’s the Weather Like in Naval Air Station Meridian?
- Things To Do Near Naval Air Station Meridian
Where Is Naval Air Station Meridian?
Meridian Naval Air Station Address
255 Rosenbaum Ave. NAS Meridian, MS 39309Phone
: 1 (601) 679-2509NAS Meridian Map
NAS Meridian Directions
What Amtrak Station Is Closest to Naval Air Station Meridian?
The nearest Amtrak stop to NAS Meridian is in Meridian, roughly 20 miles away. Alternatively, you could take a Greyhound bus from Meridian’s Union Station to quickly connect to most major cities like Jackson, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, and Billings.Flights to Meridian, MS
The closest airport to NAS Meridian is Meridian Regional Airport. One major airline, United Airlines, offers two daily flights to Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport, where you can connect to major destinations throughout the world. It’s a small airport, serving less than 40,000 passengers each year.Driving Directions From Meridian Regional Airport
NAS Meridian is approximately 20 miles from Meridian Regional Airport.- Head northeast toward U.S. 11 North and turn left.
- Follow signs for Interstate 20/Interstate 59 North and U.S. 45 toward Tuscaloosa.
- Take exit 157B for U.S. 45 North toward Macon.
- Merge onto U.S. 45 and turn left onto Campground Road.
- Continue onto Chip Pickering Drive and turn right on John C. Stennis Drive.
- Turn right onto Fuller Road, which will take you to the Main Gate.
- The gate guard will direct you to your desired destination once you’re on base.
NAS Meridian Transportation Office
The Personal Property Office/Household Goods is open from 0730 to 1500 Monday through Friday, and it is closed on weekends and holidays.Naval Air Station Meridian Transportation Office
224 Allen Road NAS Meridian, MS 39309Phone
: 1 (601) 679-2622
Entering NAS Meridian and Base Amenities
If you don’t yet have a DOD-issued identification, you will be subject to a background check before you’re allowed to enter NAS Meridian without a sponsor. Click here to learn more about the base entry requirements.Check-In Procedures for Incoming Personnel
All Sailors and students reporting for in-processing at NAS Meridian are required to check in to the command pass liaison representative during normal working hours. Expect to stay in uniform for the duration of in-processing. Bring all medical and dental paperwork, along with financial paperwork, on the first day. Sponsors will be able to assist personnel with reporting and checking in, as there are different requirements for each tenant command.NAS Meridian Visitor Center
The Fleet and Family Support Center has programs and services aimed at making your life in the Navy more meaningful and productive. The center is open from 0800 to 1630 Monday through Friday.Naval Air Station Meridian Fleet and Family Support Center
405 Rosenbaum Ave. NAS Meridian, MS 39309Phone
: 1 (601) 679-2360NAS Meridian DEERS Office
The NAS Meridian ID Cards, DEERS, and Rapids Office is an appointment-based system. The office is open from 0730 to 1600 Monday through Friday. More information and appointments can be found here.Naval Air Station Meridian DEERS Office
740 Fletcher Road Suite 128 NAS Meridian, MS 39309Phone
: 1 (601) 679-2302NAS Meridian Gate Hours
There are two gates that provide access to NAS Meridian.Main Gate (Pass & Tag Building)
- Open 24/7.Housing Gate
- Open 0600 to 1000 Sunday through Saturday.
NAS Meridian Commissary
The NAS Meridian Commissary lets you save money while shopping for groceries. In-store amenities include an ATM, a bakery, a deli, and special orders for produce trays, sushi, and more. The commissary is open 1000 to 1800 Tuesday through Saturday.Naval Air Station Meridian Commissary
431 Allen Road NAS Meridian, MS 39309Phone
: 1 (601) 679-2554Naval Air Station Meridian Commissary Hours
Tuesday through Saturday
- 1000 to 1800
NAS Meridian NEX
The Meridian Navy Exchange (NEX) is the perfect spot on base to go shopping for uniforms, electronics, beauty products, toys for the kids or your pets, and just about everything else you need. The exchange is open from 1000 to 1730 Sunday through Saturday. Hours for services outside the main exchange vary (barber shop, optical shop, dry cleaner, etc.), so call for detailed information.NAS Meridian NEX
214 Higley Road NAS Meridian, MS 39309Phone
: 1 (601) 679-2665NAS Meridian NEX Hours
Sunday through Saturday
- 1000 to 1730
NAS Meridian Barber Shop
There is one barber shop on base, and it is at the Main Navy Exchange. Haircuts are available by appointment, or just walk in during normal business hours.NAS Meridian Barber Shop
214 Higley Road NAS Meridian, MS 39309Phone
: 1 (601) 679-2641Hours
:Sunday through Saturday
- 1000 to 1730
Naval Air Station Meridian Post Office
The post office offers a full range of postal services, both civilian and military. The station post office is open from 0900 to 1600 Monday through Friday and is closed from 1300 to 1400 each day for lunch. The post office is also closed on federal holidays.Naval Air Station Meridian Post Office
1155 Rosenbaum Ave. NAS Meridian, MS 39309Phone
: 1 (601) 679-2580NAS Meridian Finance Office
The Naval Air Station Meridian Fleet and Family Support Center provides the Personal Financial Management Program, a comprehensive mix of education, training, and counseling. The PFM Program is designed to emphasize long-term financial responsibility by providing instruction on sound money management, debt management, saving, investing, and retirement planning.Naval Air Station Meridian Finance Office
405 Rosenbaum Ave. NAS Meridian, MS 39309Phone
: 1 (601) 679-2360Naval Air Station Meridian Finance Office Hours
Monday through Thursday
- 0800 to 1630Friday
- 0700 to 1530
NAS Meridian Legal Office
The Naval Air Station Meridian Legal Service Office provides legal advice and assistance to eligible clients. Schedule an appointment to address any legal needs you have, such as getting legal documents reviewed, living wills, affidavits, leases, name changes, uncontested divorces, etc. Notary and powers of attorney services are available during working hours. Please call ahead to ensure availability.Naval Air Station Meridian Legal Office
255 Rosenbaum Ave. NAS Meridian, MS 39309Phone
: 1 (601) 679-2758Naval Air Station Meridian Legal Office Hours
Monday through Friday
- 0800 to 1600
NAS Meridian Library
The Andrew Triplett Library at NAS Meridian is available for all naval students and enlisted personnel on base. The library has over 2,000 books and an array of magazine subscriptions. There are computers to use, free WiFi, and study spaces throughout the building.Naval Air Station Meridian Library
220 Fuller Road NAS Meridian, MS 39309Phone
: 1 (601) 679-2326Naval Air Station Meridian Library Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
- 1000 to 1800Thursday
- 1000 to 2000Saturday
- 1000 to 1600
Hotels Near Meridian, MS
For those looking for short-term lodging while getting settled or for leisure, the Navy Gateway Inn and Suites is conveniently located on base. The hotel offers guests pet-friendly accommodations and a smoke-free environment. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast, business services, fitness facilities, easy access to base services and amenities, and more.Navy Gateway Inn and Suites
218 Fuller Road NAS Meridian, MS 39309Phone
: 1 (877) 628-9233
Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide’s NAS Meridian Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels nearby.
Where Should I Live Near NAS Meridian?
If you’re considering living on base, check out the available on-base housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off base.Cities Near Meridian, MS
There is one major city near NAS Meridian, its namesake of Meridian, MS, as well as a handful of small towns where some personnel choose to live.Best Places To Live Near NAS Meridian
Meridian, MS
Meridian is the seventh most populous city in the entire state of Mississippi, with nearly 40,000 residents. It is the county seat of Lauderdale and the principal city of the Meridian, Mississippi, Micropolitan Statistical Area. The city was established in 1860 at the junction of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad and Southern Railway of Mississippi. Meridian built its economy based on the railways and goods transported on them. Now, the area is served by two military facilities, NAS Meridian and Key Field, which employ over 4,000 people. Even though it’s a fairly large city, housing is still quite affordable and plentiful. And the benefit of the city’s size is that there’s always something to do. Meridian is home to the MAX (Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience) and Highland Park (home of the Dentzel Carousel and Whynot Motorsports Park). And, if there’s not enough to do in the area, the city is less than two hours to Jackson, the home of the blues and civil rights.
Hot Tip: Look for NAS Meridian homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.
Naval Air Station Meridian Schools
The schools in Lauderdale County are some of the best in the state. And Common Core national standards ensure your children will be able to transition easily and receive a quality education when you move from state to state. You’ll find a ton of options to choose from in both public and private schools (not to mention preschools and daycare facilities). And if your child requires extra help, there are a number of programs available. The on-post school liaison officer will be there to help make the tough transition to a new school easier.Explore local schools here.
NAS Meridian Weather
Look forward to three seasons of hot weather and a very mild winter when you live and work on NAS Meridian. There’s a reason people (and birds) flock to the South throughout the year: it’s almost always warm out (bordering on hot), and cold weather is practically non-existent.
Meridian, MS, Things To Do
There are tons of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors with fishing, hiking, boating, and plenty of beaches for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. There are also fun annual events like the Crawfish Music Festival, Mississippi Blues Marathon, a musical tour through Jackson, and the semi-annual Ralph Morgan Rodeo. But you don't have to wait for an annual event to do something fun in the area. Enjoy a plethora of fantastic restaurants, live music, collegiate sports, and special events all in Meridian or just a short drive away. Be sure to check out our full things to do and restaurant guides for a more detailed breakdown.
Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for NAS Meridian at MyBaseGuide.
Conclusion
Take the opportunity to spend more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine that you’ll find after moving to Naval Air Station Meridian and living in the state of Mississippi. The city of Meridian itself may be small, but it’s bursting with fun things to do and a wonderful military community.The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
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