Naval Air Station Meridian is an active U.S. Navy installation in east-central Mississippi. The base is northeast of Meridian and supports aviation and technical training. This guide covers directions, visitor access, housing, childcare, medical care, services, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Naval Air Station Meridian
Military branch U.S. Navy
Base status Active
Street address 255 Rosenbaum Avenue, Meridian, MS 39309-5003
Main phone number 601-679-2211
Visitor Center phone 601-679-2366 / 601-679-2509
Official website NAS Meridian official website

Location and Directions

Place or service Verified detail
Base location About 15 to 20 miles northeast of Meridian, between State Highways 39 and 45
Nearest airport Meridian Regional Airport, about 20 miles from the main gate
Public transportation Downtown Meridian's Union Station has Amtrak, Greyhound, and Meridian Transit Service connections

From I-20/59, take Exit 154B to State Highway 39 North. Follow Highway 39 for about 14 miles, then follow signs to the Stennis Drive access road and the NAS Meridian main gate. For base shuttle information, call MWR at 601-679-2446.

Visitor Information

Visitors should contact the Pass and ID Office before traveling to the installation. The listed Pass and Tag Office hours are Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but current hours and access rules should be confirmed first. Call 601-679-2366 or 601-679-2509.

Public Affairs may arrange educational tours for school and JROTC groups. Groups must have 30 people or fewer, give 45 days' notice, and may not include children under age 6. Unofficial visits by foreign nationals are not offered. Public Affairs can be reached at 601-679-2602 or 601-679-2318.

Housing and Lodging

The Housing Service Center provides housing counseling for service members and families assigned to NAS Meridian. It is at 718 Gill Street and can be reached at 601-679-2520, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Unaccompanied housing is at 208 Higley Road; call 601-679-2616. Privatized family housing is provided by Balfour Beatty Communities at 716 Gill Street; call 601-679-7669. Navy Gateway Inns & Suites closed on March 31, 2019.

Facilities and Services

NAS Meridian has ID card and DEERS services in Naval Technical Training Center Administration Building 362, Room 128. These services are for eligible active-duty members, dependents, retirees, DoD civilians, and government contractors; call 601-679-2302. Fleet and Family Support, school liaison, the Exceptional Family Member Program, library services, and MWR programs are also available.

MWR resources include fitness, sports, aquatics, bowling, recreation, equipment rental, dining, library, and entertainment services. The installation supports aviation and technical training and includes Training Air Wing One, Training Squadrons 7 and 9, Naval Technical Training Center, Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron One, the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy, and Navy Reserve Center Meridian.

Schools and Childcare

The School Liaison Officer helps with kindergarten through grade 12 and post-secondary education information, school transitions, and connections between military families and schools. Local school resources include Lauderdale County School District and Meridian Public School District. Call 601-679-2473, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Child Development Center serves children from newborn through age 5 and is open to military members, retirees, DoD personnel, and DoD contractors. Hourly or drop-in care depends on space, so reservations are strongly recommended. School-Aged Care serves children in kindergarten through grade 12. Call 601-679-2652 for the Child Development Center or 601-679-5252 for School-Aged Care.

Medical Services

Naval Branch Health Clinic Meridian provides Medical Home Port care, aviation medicine, dental care, immunizations, laboratory services, optometry, preventive medicine, radiology, and pharmacy services. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 601-679-2210 for Medical Home Port, 601-679-2383 for dental care, or 601-679-2205 for the pharmacy. The central appointment line is 850-505-7000. NAS Meridian has no emergency room; call 911 for a medical emergency.

Recreation and Amenities

MWR programs include fitness, sports, aquatics, recreation, bowling, equipment rental, library services, dining, entertainment, and youth activities. Installation resources also include a library and resource center, fitness and recreation facilities, child and youth programs, and Fleet and Family Support services.

Things to Know

  • NAS Meridian is an active U.S. Navy installation, and access is controlled.
  • Contact the Pass and ID Office before visiting because access procedures and hours can change.
  • Drones may not be operated on NAS Meridian or Joe Williams Field at any altitude, including by an operator outside the installation.
  • The base has no emergency room. Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.
  • Navy Gateway Inns & Suites closed on March 31, 2019.
  • Educational group tours require 45 days' notice and are limited to 30 people or fewer.

Access details, phone numbers, hours, and other operating information can change. Confirm current information before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Naval Air Station Meridian active?

Yes. It is an active U.S. Navy installation.

How far is NAS Meridian from Meridian?

The base is about 15 to 20 miles northeast of Meridian.

Does NAS Meridian have an emergency room?

No. Call 911 for a medical emergency. Patients are taken to a local Meridian emergency room.

Can visitors tour NAS Meridian?

Educational tours for school and JROTC groups may be arranged through Public Affairs. Groups must have 30 people or fewer and give 45 days' notice.

Does NAS Meridian offer childcare?

Yes. The base has a Child Development Center, Family Child Care, and School-Aged Care.