The U.S. military operates nearly 70 Navy installations worldwide, including 12 bases located overseas. Navy bases sit in some pretty incredible regions across the globe, so there’s a good chance Navy families will get stationed somewhere they’ll fall in love. As with any military branch, there will always be a top tier of duty stations that beat out the rest based on location alone.
After talking to Navy families who've been there, these are the top five favorites.
1. Naval Station Rota, Spain
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On the beautiful Bay of Cadiz, about six hours south of Madrid and an hour and a half southeast of Seville, Spain, sits Naval Station Rota. Its coastal location makes it a haven for beach-goers, offering a laid-back atmosphere to eat, drink, and be merry. What’s not to love?
Aside from the beaches, military members and their families enjoy local activities like walking the El Paseo Maritimo, paddleboarding the bay, and exploring the quiet paths of the Rota Greenway Nature Trail. What makes this duty station so appealing is the combination of exciting activities and the infectious local culture. The ice cream helps, too! Rota nestles itself into the hearts of residents and often causes military members to request extended orders or even return after retirement.
Major units at Naval Station Rota:
- Commander, Destroyer Squadron 60 (FDNF)
- 521st Air Mobility Operations Command
- 725th Air Mobility Command
- Commander, Task Force Six Eight , NCTAMS LANT Det Rota, Spain
- AFN Rota
- Naval Munitions Command
- Naval Supply Systems
- Command Fleet Logistics
- Center Sigonella–Rota
- Defense Service Office North
- Explosive Ordnance
- Disposal Mobile Unit 8, Detachment Rota
- U.S. Naval Hospital Rota, Spain
- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia, Public Works Department Rota
2. NAS Sigonella, Italy
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NAS Sigonella is in Sicily, Italy, about seven hours south of Naples, just under three hours from Palermo, and an hour north of Syracuse. This region is overflowing with historical sites, incredible food, and breathtaking views. Other than scuba diving, one of the undeniable advantages of this OCONUS duty station is the convenient access to amazing weekend getaways. North Africa is just as close as mainland Italy and Syracuse. Palermo offers busier destinations for day trips or overnight stays.
For longer reprieves, Naples is six hours north of the base, while Rome lies ten hours north. Public transportation is available to and from Sigonella, making for a more relaxing trip to these iconic Italian cities.
Major units at NAS Sigonella:
- AFN
- Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment
- Naval Hospital
- Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station
- Air Terminal
- Commander Task Force 67
- NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella
3. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii (JBPHH)
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Located in Oahu, Hawaii, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is a slice of paradise for military families. The beauty, culture, and food are a few reasons the Navy community falls in love with this tropical duty station. Life on the island is slower, and the sun shines most days. It’s difficult to beat the island’s soft sand and glowing blue waters near JBPHH housing. Bellows Beach at Bellows Air Force Station is a favorite, but the mountains are equally alluring, calling many to Oahu's trails that lead to incredible views and waterfalls.
Also, the culture is rich in history. There is much for newcomers to learn about the Hawaiian way of life. In addition to traditional American holidays, families here learn about Hawaiian holidays like Admissions Day and King Kamehameha I Day, to name a couple. Hawaii is magical and popular among many Navy families who get the chance to live here. While your Hawaii BAH can afford you a variety of rentals, living on base is a popular option in the area.
Major Navy units at JBPHH:
- Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet
- Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
- Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM 37)
- Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC)
- Naval Facilities Engineering System Command Hawaii (NAVFAC HI)
- Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC Pacific)
- Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific
- Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific
- NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor
- Submarine Squadron One (CSS-1)
- Submarine Squadron Seven (CSS-7)
4. NAS Pensacola, Florida
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In Florida’s panhandle, with access to the same pristine emerald beaches that draw tourists, sits NAS Pensacola. As if the warm sunshine and colorful waters weren’t enough, this city is a mini New Orleans with its culture and architecture. Coupled with deep roots in naval aviation, it is both historically and culturally rich but remains financially affordable with the area’s Navy Basic Housing Allowance.
Here you’ll find the National Naval Aviation Museum, Fort Pickens, the Blue Angels, and various types of aircraft flying overhead. The Officer’s Club, located on base, is one of the most active and thriving within the aviation community.
Major units at NAS Pensacola:
- Naval Aviation Schools Command
- Naval Education Training Command
- Naval Air Technical Training Command
- Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 and 23
- The Blue Angels
View NAS Pensacola homes for rent and Pensacola homes for sale on MilitaryByOwner.
5. Naval Amphibious Base Coronado and NAS North Island, California
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Nicknamed the “Navy’s West Coast Quarterdeck in America’s Finest City,” Naval Amphibious Base Coronado is well known for all things Navy, ground, air, and sea. The base houses 16 helicopter squadrons, two fixed-wing squadrons, two aircraft carriers, four SEAL Teams, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command squadrons, and more.
The location is unbeatable. Situated across the bay from downtown San Diego, military families stationed at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado and Naval Air Station North Island gain access to the city’s lively culture, mouth-watering food, and attractions like the San Diego Zoo, Petco Park, and Balboa Park. Meanwhile, Coronado offers a quieter, resort-paced life centered on the region’s natural beauty. San Diego’s charm makes this duty station high on the list for Navy families.
Wondering what your Navy BAH will be during your next move? View your Navy Basic Housing Allowance rate here.
Major units at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado:
- Amphibious Construction Battalion One
- Assault Craft Unit One
- Beach Master Unit One
- Naval Beach Group One
- Naval Special Warfare Command, Group One
Major Units at NAS North Island
- Commander Carrier Strike Group 1
- Commander Carrier Strike Group 15
- Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific
- Commander Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific
- Commander Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific
In addition to these incredible duty stations across the globe, there are others that catch the interest of Navy members. NAS Key West, Japan, England, and Bahrain offer unique places to live and a fun adventure for Navy families.
What's your favorite Navy base? Share it with us here in the comments.
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