NAVSTA Norfolk, VA

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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). • 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. • 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. • Major Air Operations: Chambers Field, located on the base, is a key naval airfield supporting helicopter and fixed-wing operations, logistics, and training. • 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. • 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.