About this Unit
Naval Air Station (NAS) New Orleans was first established in 1942 on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, as a key training airfield during World War II. The base played a crucial role in supporting naval aviation training and anti-submarine patrols throughout the war. After WWII, NAS New Orleans became home to various Navy and Marine Corps Reserve aviation units, providing operational readiness and supporting missions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In 2011, the installation was realigned and redesignated as Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) New Orleans, continuing its legacy as a center for reserve aviation and joint military operations.
Historical Facts
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Established in World War II: Naval Air Station (NAS) New Orleans was commissioned in 1942, primarily to support the naval aviation training and logistical needs during World War II.
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Home to the “Cajun Militia”: NAS New Orleans was the base for the 926th Fighter Wing, nicknamed the “Cajun Militia,” a distinguished Air Force Reserve unit operating A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft until the mid-1990s.
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Strategic Gulf Coast Location: The station’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico made it a crucial site for anti-submarine patrols and training during WWII and the Cold War.
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Shift to NAS Joint Reserve Base: In 1994, NAS New Orleans was redesignated as Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) New Orleans, one of the first bases in the country to integrate multiple service branches.
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Multi-Service Operations: Today, NAS JRB New Orleans hosts Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard units, making it a rare example of true joint operations in the U.S. military.
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Hurricane Katrina Response: The base played a critical role in Hurricane Katrina relief operations in 2005, serving as a staging area for rescue and supply missions.
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Home of the “Bayou Militia”: The Louisiana Air National Guard’s 159th Fighter Wing, known as the “Bayou Militia,” operates F-15C/D Eagles from the airfield, providing air defense for the Gulf Coast region.
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Support for NASA: During the Apollo program, NAS New Orleans supported NASA operations and provided security to the Michoud Assembly Facility, where Saturn V rockets were built.
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Historic Aircraft: The base has hosted a variety of aircraft types over the decades, including P-2 Neptunes, F-8 Crusaders, A-7 Corsair IIs, and modern F-15s.
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Economic Impact: NAS JRB New Orleans is one of the largest employers in the New Orleans area, significantly contributing to the local economy and supporting thousands of military and civilian jobs.
