About this Unit
Naval Air Station (NAS) Port Hueneme, located in Ventura County, California, has a rich military history dating back to World War II. Established in 1942 as a key construction and logistics hub, it served as the West Coast home of the Navy’s Seabees, who played a crucial role in building airfields and bases throughout the Pacific theater. Over the decades, NAS Port Hueneme supported various naval aviation operations and provided essential training facilities. Today, it operates as part of Naval Base Ventura County, continuing its legacy of supporting Navy operations, logistics, and Seabee units.
Historical Facts
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Seabee Birthplace: NAS Port Hueneme is renowned as the “Home of the Seabees,” the U.S. Navy’s Construction Battalions (CBs), who played pivotal roles in World War II and beyond.
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World War II Origins: The base was commissioned in 1942 specifically to serve as a training and staging point for the Seabees, supporting the Pacific Theater’s island-hopping campaign.
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Unique Deep-Water Port: Port Hueneme Harbor is the only deep-water port between Los Angeles and San Francisco, making it strategically significant for military and commercial operations.
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Missile Testing Site: The base played a vital role during the Cold War as a site for testing and assembling missiles, including the Regulus cruise missile.
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Disaster Response Hub: NAS Port Hueneme regularly serves as a logistics and support hub for humanitarian and disaster relief missions, including Hurricane Katrina and the Haiti earthquake.
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Filming Location: The base and its surroundings have appeared in several Hollywood productions, including scenes for G.I. Jane and Battle: Los Angeles.
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Naval Construction Training: It hosts the Naval Construction Training Center, where thousands of sailors and officers are trained annually in construction and combat engineering.
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Environmental Stewardship: The base is home to several protected species and habitats, including nesting sites for the endangered western snowy plover.
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Joint Operations: Port Hueneme frequently supports joint operations with the Air Force, Army, and Marines, as well as allied nations, for construction and logistics exercises.
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Historic Lighthouse: The nearby Point Hueneme Lighthouse, operational since 1874, has long guided ships and now stands as a symbol of the area’s maritime and military heritage.
