U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia is an active Navy installation in Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory. It is in the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. This guide covers access rules, housing, services, medical care, recreation, and contact information.

Base Overview

Official name U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia
Military branch United States Navy
Base status Active
Main phone number 011-246-370-4112
Official website Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia

Location and Directions

The facility is on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Authorized personnel arrive by military aircraft or an approved commercial charter. Entry requires advance area clearance from U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia.

Visitor Information

Access is restricted. Only authorized military personnel, Department of Defense civilian personnel, and contractors may be assigned or admitted under installation rules. The installation main contact is available Monday through Friday from 0800 to 1600 and is closed on weekends and holidays.

Diego Garcia is in the British Indian Ocean Territory, where personnel are subject to BIOT law and administration. Confirm current access rules and contact hours before traveling.

Housing and Lodging

Personnel are normally assigned permanent rooms when they arrive. The installation has bachelor quarters and unaccompanied housing. Only unaccompanied military personnel and Department of Defense civilian personnel are assigned to Diego Garcia, and military and Department of Defense civilian couples may not have concurrent assignments.

The Navy Gateway Inn is in Building 1691. It is open 24 hours, and its phone number is 011-246-370-4830.

Facilities and Services

Documented services include a consolidated dining facility, Ship's Store and Navy Exchange supply services, a post office, community bank and ATM, chapel, library, barber, beauty, tailor, souvenir services, bike shop, gear issue, Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities, and base transportation.

The Fleet and Family Support Office is in Building 141 at 011-246-370-4626. It provides deployment support, relocation help, confidential counseling, personal and family life education, financial readiness help, employment assistance, and information and referral. A 24/7 number is 011-246-381-4023.

Medical Services

The Navy Medicine and Readiness Training Unit is in Building 151. Its phone numbers are 011-246-370-4211 and 011-246-370-4212. Scheduled appointment hours are Monday and Friday from 0800 to 1500, Tuesday from 0800 to 1300, and Wednesday and Thursday from 0800 to 1600.

Emergency visits require an appointment or an initial phone consultation. Walk-ins are not accepted. The installation listing does not give a full list of medical specialties.

Recreation and Amenities

Amenity Available activities or features
Island Breeze Fitness Center Open 24/7; basketball, volleyball, Nautilus equipment, free weights, cardio equipment, locker rooms, and equipment issue center
Outdoor recreation Lighted softball field, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and off-road bicycle trails
Marina Powerboats, sailboats, canoes, windsurfers, paddle boards, and kayaks; boating classes are required for powerboats and sailboats
Other amenities Base pool, Castaway Theater, clubs, library, tennis court, and Liberty Center

Things to Know

  • Diego Garcia is a restricted military installation, not a normal public-access base.
  • Area clearance is required before entry.
  • Tours are generally one year long, with extensions possible for some personnel.
  • Personally owned vehicles are not allowed on the atoll.
  • Bicycle riders must use bells or horns, front and rear lights at night, and helmets with the chin strap fastened.
  • The island has limited resources and follows BIOT laws and administration.
  • Access details and operating information can change, so confirm them before travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Diego Garcia open to the public?

No. Access is restricted and requires area clearance.

How do authorized personnel reach Diego Garcia?

They arrive by military aircraft or an approved commercial charter.

Are personally owned vehicles allowed?

No. Transportation includes shuttle buses, bicycles, and walking.

Where can personnel stay when they arrive?

The Navy Gateway Inn is in Building 1691 and is open 24 hours.

Does the medical unit accept walk-ins?

No. Emergency visits require an appointment or an initial phone consultation.