About this Unit
Naval Station Norfolk (NAVSTA Norfolk), located in Norfolk, Virginia, is the world’s largest naval base and serves as the headquarters of the United States Navy’s Fleet Forces Command. Established in 1917 to support the Navy’s operations during World War I, the installation rapidly expanded during World War II, becoming a crucial embarkation point for Atlantic operations. Throughout the Cold War and into the present day, NAVSTA Norfolk has remained a pivotal hub for Atlantic Fleet operations, providing support for aircraft carriers, submarines, and a wide range of surface vessels. Today, it continues to play a vital role in global maritime security and U.S. naval readiness.
Historical Facts
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Largest Naval Base in the World: Naval Station Norfolk (NAVSTA Norfolk) is the largest naval base on the planet, supporting the operational readiness of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet with over 75 ships and 134 aircraft.
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Historic Origins: The station was established in 1917 during World War I, when the United States acquired land from the city of Norfolk to build the base.
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WWII Expansion: During World War II, the station expanded rapidly, at one point processing more than 150,000 men and women each month for deployment.
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Vital Atlantic Fleet Hub: NAVSTA Norfolk serves as the home port for the U.S. Navy's Fleet Forces Command, Atlantic Fleet, and numerous carrier strike groups.
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Aircraft Carrier Homeport: The base regularly hosts several Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, including the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77).
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USS Cole Returns After Attack: In November 2000, USS Cole (DDG-67) was brought back to Norfolk aboard the heavy-lift ship Blue Marlin after suffering a terrorist attack in Yemen.
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Cold War Operations: Throughout the Cold War, the base was a central point for anti-submarine warfare operations and Atlantic defense against the Soviet Navy.
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Major Air Operations: Chambers Field, located on the base, is a key naval airfield supporting helicopter and fixed-wing operations, logistics, and training.
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Humanitarian Missions: NAVSTA Norfolk has supported numerous humanitarian missions, including deployments of hospital ships like the USNS Comfort, most recently for Hurricane Maria relief in Puerto Rico and COVID-19 response in New York.
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Community Impact: With more than 60,000 active-duty personnel and civilians, NAVSTA Norfolk is one of the largest employers in the Hampton Roads region, profoundly shaping the local economy and culture.
