NAS New Orleans

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.