Intro
Discover the pride of the Pacific Fleet at Naval Air Station Lemoore, the largest master jet base in the US Navy. Learn about its rich history, strategic location, and cutting-edge facilities, supporting carrier air wings and fleet operations. Explore the bases role in naval aviation, pilot training, and national defense.
Located in the heart of California's Central Valley, Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore is a major United States Navy base that serves as the hub of naval aviation on the West Coast. As the home of the Pacific Fleet, NAS Lemoore is a critical component of the nation's defense strategy, supporting a wide range of military operations and humanitarian efforts.
The base is situated in Kings County, about 40 miles south of Fresno, and is the largest employer in the county. With a population of over 10,000 military personnel, civilians, and families, NAS Lemoore is a thriving community that plays a vital role in the local economy.
History of Naval Air Station Lemoore
NAS Lemoore has a rich history dating back to 1961, when the base was established as a auxiliary landing field for the Naval Air Station in Alameda, California. Over the years, the base has undergone significant expansion and modernization, with the construction of new facilities, runways, and infrastructure.
In the 1970s, NAS Lemoore became a major hub for the Navy's F-14 Tomcat fighter jet program, with the base serving as the primary training facility for Tomcat pilots. Today, the base is home to a variety of aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, as well as the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
Mission and Operations
The primary mission of NAS Lemoore is to support the operational readiness of naval aviation units, providing a range of services and facilities to ensure the safe and effective operation of aircraft. The base is home to a variety of commands and units, including the Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center; and the Fleet Readiness Center West.
NAS Lemoore is also a major hub for humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, with the base serving as a staging area for aircraft and personnel responding to natural disasters and other crises.
Facilities and Infrastructure
NAS Lemoore features a range of state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, including:
- Three runways, each measuring 13,000 feet in length
- Over 1 million square feet of hangar space
- A naval aviation museum and visitor center
- A range of support facilities, including fueling stations, maintenance shops, and administrative buildings
Community and Quality of Life
NAS Lemoore is surrounded by a variety of communities, including the city of Lemoore, which offers a range of amenities and services, including shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities. The base itself features a range of amenities, including a commissary, exchange, and morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) facilities.
The base is also close to a range of natural attractions, including the Sierra National Forest, Yosemite National Park, and the Pacific Coast.
Gallery of Naval Air Station Lemoore
Naval Air Station Lemoore Image Gallery
What is the primary mission of Naval Air Station Lemoore?
+The primary mission of Naval Air Station Lemoore is to support the operational readiness of naval aviation units, providing a range of services and facilities to ensure the safe and effective operation of aircraft.
What type of aircraft are based at NAS Lemoore?
+NAS Lemoore is home to a variety of aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, as well as the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
What amenities are available to personnel and families at NAS Lemoore?
+NAS Lemoore features a range of amenities, including a commissary, exchange, and morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) facilities. The base is also surrounded by a variety of communities, including the city of Lemoore, which offers a range of amenities and services.