Yorktown Naval Weapons Station
Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Base Relocation Information
Photo from Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Facebook Page
Welcome to Naval Weapons Station Yorktown
NWS Yorktown was first established in 1918, and it was once the largest Navy base in the world. Its initial purpose was to provide ordnance support for the U.S. during WWI, but it quickly shifted into storing returned mines and ordnance support for peacetime. The base's purpose expanded in 1919 when the aviation training camp was established at the Aviation Field Yorktown. In 1932, the Navy Mine Depot became the Naval Mine Depot. The base's 40th anniversary, in 1958, marked the renaming of the facility to Naval Weapons Station Yorktown — showcasing its continuous growth in ordnance support.
Photo from Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Facebook Page
NWS Yorktown has 37 tenant commands with a few prominent examples:
- Navy Munitions Command Atlantic (NMCLANT)
- Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity (NOSTRA)
- Marine Corps Security Force Regiment (MCSFR)
- Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG)
- Navy Expeditionary Medical Support Command (NEMSCOM)
- Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One (NCHB1)
Today, NWS Yorktown and its tenant commands work together to provide ordnance logistics, technical, and supply-related assistance to the Atlantic Fleet. With busy waters because of ships frequently departing port, this hub is considered one of the Navy's most "explosive corridors" to the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions about NWS Yorktown
Photo from Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Facebook Page
1) Where is NWS Yorktown?
NWS Yorktown is located about three miles from downtown Yorktown, and it's 35 miles north of Norfolk, VA. The base is in Hampton Roads, VA. It measures approximately 21 square miles — roughly 1/5 of the land in York County. Newport News, VA, is just south of the base. Other nearby cities include Hayes, Toano, Williamsburg, Lenexa, Yorktown, Providence Ford, and Gloucester.
2) How many gates does NWS Yorktown have?
NWS Yorktown has two gates: Gate 1 and Gate 3.
- Gate 1 is automated, and it can be accessed 24/7 with a CAC card.
- Gate 3 is the main access gate, and it's also open 24/7.
3) Does NWS Yorktown have family housing?
Yes, there is family housing at NWS Yorktown. The housing is privatized and managed by Liberty Military Housing. See the housing section for more info.
4) What is the closest airport to Yorktown NWS?
About seven miles from the base, the closest major airport to NWS Yorktown is the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF).
5) What is the zip code for NWS Yorktown?
The zip code for Yorktown NWS is 23691. Other nearby zip codes include 23693, 23662, and 23185.
6) What is the BAH for NWS Yorktown?
BAH for Yorktown NWS ranges from $1,857 for E-1 to $2,457 for E-9 with dependents, and $2,061 for O-1 to $2,856 for O-7 with dependents. See the housing section for more info.
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Base Location and Information
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Photo from Steven Tung on Unsplash
NWS Yorktown is a few miles north of Newport News, and it's about 35 miles north of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake. The base is situated just outside most of the Hampton Roads hustle and bustle. There are lots of resources designed to make military life more enjoyable since there's a large military community with over a dozen local military installations.
Nearby military installations:
Arrival Lodging
Photo from dodlodging.net
The Navy Gateway Inns & Suites
NWS Yorktown Cheatham Annex
532 4th St.
Williamsburg, VA 23185
757-847-9511
NWS Yorktown On-Base Housing
Photo from Liberty Military Housing — Yorktown Facebook Page
On-base housing is privatized and managed by Liberty Military Housing - Yorktown. Liberty offers military families four different communities: two of which are off-base in Newport News. The neighborhoods offer access to a community pool, splash pads, and various outdoor centers.
Liberty Military Housing
NWS Yorktown
2099 Von Steuben Drive
Newport News, VA 23603
757-849-0854
Navy Housing Service Center
1970 Don Steuben Drive
Newport News, VA 23603
757-847-7806
Yorktown_Housing@navy.mil
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am - 4 pm
Yorktown Off-Base Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near NWS Yorktown — NWS Yorktown Homes
Photo from Ian MacDonald on Unsplash
The base's convenient location gives service members plenty of housing options off-base. Those looking for a busier lifestyle may like Newport News — which is about 20 minutes south of base. Alternatively, Yorktown and Williamsburg offer a wider selection of homes, a bit more space, and a quieter neighborhoods. There are many beautiful colonial homes in the area; however, these architecturally handsome houses often come with a higher price tag.
NWS Yorktown Base Search
City Search
Newport News
Yorktown
NWS Yorktown BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
NWS Yorktown is near Yorktown, Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg, VA. The NSW Yorktown BAH is close to the cost of living in the area.
Here are some sample Naval Weapons Station Yorktown BAH rates for zip code 23691:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,857
- E-1 without dependents: $1,437
- E-9 with dependents: $2,457
- E-9 without dependents: $2,079
- O-1 with dependents: $2,061
- O-1 without dependents: $1,665
- O-7 with dependents: $2,856
- O-7 without dependents: $2,406
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Area Weather and Climate
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In the Hampton Roads region, there are four distinct seasons. Most notably, the summers are hot and muggy, and the winters are cold and windy. The months are cooler as fall creeps in, and there are warm breezes in the spring. Rain is normal year-round, and snow is a special occurrence when the conditions are right.
The biggest concern residents in this region face is hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from April to November. For more information about hurricane preparedness in this area, visit York County Virginia.
NWS Yorktown Area Schools
Photo from York County School Division Facebook Page
There are no DoDEA schools offered at NWS Yorktown. Depending on where families choose to live, students will likely attend Yorktown County School Division or Newport News Public Schools unless you live farther from NWS Yorktown.
There are private schooling options available near Yorktown listed in Private School Review. Families interested in homeschooling should follow the Virginia Department of Education homeschool regulations.
2101 Von Steuben Dr.
Newport News, VA 23603
(757) 887-7311
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Support for Military and Families
Photo from Klara Kulikova on Unsplash
Some of the most in-demand jobs in the Yorktown area, according to James City County Government, include distributors/warehouse operators, hospitality/tourism/entertainment, manufacturers, medical/healthcare, retail jobs, and the public sector. The unemployment rate for this region is fairly on par for the national rate.
Local volunteer organizations
Higher education near NWS Yorktown
Other helpful links
Things to Do Near NWS Yorktown
There are many fun, local things to do near Yorktown outside of the base and its resources. This charming town hosts various community events—celebrating with food and entertainment. Williamsburg is also a quick drive from NWS Yorktown, so it's convenient to take advantage of attractions like Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and more.
Photo from Colonial Williamsburg Facebook Page
- Colonial Williamsburg is an interactive, immersive family experience which transports guests back to the 1700s. There are tours of historical buildings, live-action reenactments of the first settlers, and historical period themed restaurants.
- Yorktown Battlefield is the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War — where Britain's General Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington. The park visitor center is a good place to begin the visit, and tourists can view a film, explore the museum, and take one of the ranger guided tours. Historic Yorktown is just a short walk from the visitor's center, so there is also a free trolley which drives around the village.
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a huge perk to Naval Weapons Station Yorktown since they're so close to each other. The holidays are an especially fun time to visit since the theme park decorates and offers special events and light tours.
- Norfolk Zoo is a family favorite attraction that's 45 minutes southeast of the base. The zoo is an outing where the kids will find all their favorite animals: like lions, giraffes, and elephants. Situated right out front is the splash garden, and it's a perfect place for kids to cool off after walking to say hello to their nature friends.
- Children’s Museum Of Virginia Portsmouth is a great rainy day outing where the kids explore by putting their minds to work through imagination.
- Virginia Air and Space Center offers interactive displays, and there's a newly renovated IMAX theater showcasing scientific discoveries.
- Riverwalk Landing is along the York River, and it has a collection of riverfront dining, outdoor recreation, boutique shops and events. There are also sailing adventures on the Schooner Alliance. To complete the trip, enjoy an ice cream or coffee after.
- Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg is open in any weather, and it provides an enormous indoor water park for year-round fun. The lodge includes spacious suites, life jackets and towels at the water park, and family fun events. There are also a variety of dining options for the whole family.
More Area Info
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Base Address:
160 Main Road, Yorktown, VA 23691
Yorktown
,
23691-0160