Naval Station Norfolk

• World’s Largest Naval Base: Naval Station Norfolk, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is recognized as the largest naval base in the world, both in terms of size and the number of stationed personnel. • Founded in 1917: The base was established in 1917 during World War I as a response to the increasing need for naval resources on the East Coast. • Home to the Atlantic Fleet: Naval Station Norfolk is the headquarters and home port for the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet, including aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines. • Aircraft Carriers Galore: On any given day, up to 75 ships and 134 aircraft can be found at the base, making it a central hub of U.S. naval aviation and fleet operations. • Critical in WWII: During World War II, the base expanded rapidly, serving as a crucial training and deployment center for the U.S. Navy, processing over a million sailors. • UN Relief Efforts: In 1947, the base played a key role in “Operation Magic Carpet,” helping return U.S. military personnel home after WWII and supporting numerous humanitarian missions worldwide. • Strategic Location: Its position on the Chesapeake Bay gives the base direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, making it vital for national defense and rapid deployment. • Historic Firsts: The first ever successful transatlantic flight by the Curtiss NC-4 seaplane departed from Naval Air Station Norfolk in 1919. • Presidential Visits: Multiple U.S. presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and George W. Bush, have visited the base to review troops and ships. • Community Impact: Naval Station Norfolk is a significant employer in the region, supporting over 100,000 active duty personnel, civilian employees, and family members, and contributing billions annually to the Hampton Roads economy.