About this Unit
Naval Station Mayport (NAVSTA Mayport), located near Jacksonville, Florida, was commissioned in December 1942 to support World War II naval operations. Initially established as a minor naval base, it quickly expanded and became a crucial site for Atlantic Fleet operations, particularly anti-submarine efforts during the war. Over the decades, Mayport has served as homeport to various aircraft carriers, destroyers, and guided-missile cruisers, playing a vital role in U.S. naval readiness and global deployments. Today, NAVSTA Mayport continues to serve as a major operational hub for the U.S. Navy, supporting both surface ships and helicopter squadrons.
Historical Facts
•
Strategic Location: NAVSTA Mayport, located near Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the largest naval ports on the East Coast and provides immediate access to the Atlantic Ocean, making it a vital strategic asset for the U.S. Navy.
•
Established During WWII: The base was officially commissioned in December 1942, during World War II, to support anti-submarine operations and convoy protection in the Atlantic.
•
Homeport to Aircraft Carriers: Mayport has served as the homeport for several aircraft carriers, most notably the USS Saratoga (CV-60), which was stationed there from 1957 until its decommissioning in 1994.
•
Largest Helicopter Base: At one point, Mayport was the largest helicopter base on the East Coast, hosting multiple helicopter squadrons supporting a variety of missions.
•
USS Stark Incident: The guided-missile frigate USS Stark (FFG-31), homeported at Mayport, was attacked by Iraqi missiles in 1987 during the Iran-Iraq War, resulting in 37 sailors killed and highlighting the dangers faced by U.S. Navy ships even in peacetime.
•
Unique Harbor Design: The harbor at Mayport is a man-made turning basin rather than a traditional river or natural harbor, designed specifically to accommodate large naval vessels.
•
Home to the "Mayport Miracle": In 1964, Hurricane Dora struck Jacksonville. Thanks to careful preparations at NAVSTA Mayport, the base and its ships suffered minimal damage—a feat that became known as the "Mayport Miracle."
•
Transition to Littoral Combat Ships: In recent years, Mayport has become the East Coast homeport for the Navy’s new Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), reflecting the Navy’s shift toward modern, agile vessels.
•
Mayport Lighthouse: The historic St. Johns River Light, also known as the Mayport Lighthouse, sits on the base and is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in Florida, first lit in 1859.
•
Community and Humanitarian Missions: NAVSTA Mayport has often served as a staging area for disaster relief and humanitarian missions, including operations after hurricanes and the 2010 Haiti earthquake, demonstrating its importance beyond combat operations.
