Naval Station Norfolk at a glance
Naval Station Norfolk provides shore facilities and services for the operational readiness of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Its waterfront and aviation history reflects a broad fleet support role, encompassing ships, submarines and joint military activities. The station is in Norfolk's Sewell's Point area, within the Hampton Roads concentration of military installations and commands.
The site previously hosted the 1907 Jamestown Exposition, and the Navy developed it during World War I. The resulting naval complex included piers, aviation facilities, storage and recruit training. Today's surrounding community extends beyond Norfolk into Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton and Newport News. That regional setting means the naval station's named city and the wider military community describe different geographic scales.
Also searched as: NAVSTA Norfolk.
Sources: Naval Station Norfolk: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview
Mission and major activities
- Supports U.S. Atlantic Fleet operational readiness.
- Provides shore facilities and military community services.
Sources: Naval Station Norfolk: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview
History and identity
The Navy acquired the former Jamestown Exposition site in 1917 and developed it into a wartime naval operating base.
Sources: Naval Station Norfolk: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview
Location and community
Norfolk's Sewell's Point is part of the wider Hampton Roads region of southeastern Virginia.
Sources: Naval Station Norfolk: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview
Before you arrive
Use Naval Station Norfolk specifically; Hampton Roads contains several separate Navy and joint installations.
Use these questions with your sponsor or gaining organization. They are a starting point for planning, including assignments, courses and training periods that differ from a routine permanent change of station.
- Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
- Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
- Before choosing a home, compare the commute, lease terms, school needs and your household budget. Ask the housing office about the options that apply to your situation.
- Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
- Make a short list of contacts for medical care, schools, childcare and family support, where applicable to your assignment.
Official PCS planning resources Housing allowance information
Sources: Naval Station Norfolk: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview
Resources for service members and families
Start with the official resources for Naval Station Norfolk and ask which services your household can use. For a training site, rotational location or Reserve component assignment, confirm arrangements with your unit rather than assuming the services of a large residential installation are available.
Housing and family support
Find housing, relocation assistance, childcare and school liaison contacts for the correct installation or support community.
Find official contactsSpouse employment
Review federal spouse hiring guidance and ask the local family support office about employment resources.
Review spouse hiring guidanceHealth care and benefits
Locate VA facilities near the community where you plan to live after service. Confirm your eligibility and appointments with the provider.
Find VA locationsRelocation checklist
Prepare questions about paperwork, household goods and family needs with official moving resources.
Plan the moveFrom this mission to your next career
The mission at Naval Station Norfolk suggests the following areas to consider when describing your experience. These are LockLeed career suggestions based on the public mission, not a list of vacancies or qualifications held by everyone assigned here.
Write down the equipment, systems, processes and teams you personally supported. Add a specific result you can discuss publicly, then match that evidence to the civilian role you want. Keep operational details and sensitive information out of your application.
Translate your experience
Turn your MOS, AFSC or rating into civilian job titles and resume language. Adjust the result to reflect your actual work.
Use the MOS translatorPrepare your resume
Build a clear resume around skills, outcomes, credentials and the roles you want next.
Open Resume StudioPlan your transition
Organize your separation timeline and discuss official requirements with your transition counselor.
Open the separation plannerFind federal opportunities
Search current announcements and read the location, hiring path and qualifications in each posting.
Search USAJOBSFrequently asked questions
Where is Naval Station Norfolk?
Naval Station Norfolk is listed in this guide at Norfolk, Virginia, United States. The map point is approximate. For arrival and reporting information, use official resources and your orders.
What is Naval Station Norfolk known for?
Supports U.S. Atlantic Fleet operational readiness. Provides shore facilities and military community services.
What should I confirm before arriving?
Use Naval Station Norfolk specifically; Hampton Roads contains several separate Navy and joint installations.
How can I prepare for a civilian career from here?
Start with your own military occupation and experience. Use the MOS translator, resume builder and separation planner, and discuss your timeline with the official transition counselor. LockLeed helps candidates pursue direct-hire civilian roles at no cost to the candidate.
Sources and editorial notes
Installation facts above are drawn from the official sources below. Career suggestions and planning questions are LockLeed editorial guidance. Use official offices for current policies, eligibility and arrangements.
- Naval Station Norfolk: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overviewSupports: overview, mission, local context, planning note, history
Shared planning and career resources
- MilitaryINSTALLATIONS · Official installation profiles and program contacts
- Military OneSource PCS planning · Moving checklists and relocation resources
- Military OneSource overseas move planning · Overseas moving and family logistics
- USAJOBS · Official federal job announcements
- USAJOBS military spouse hiring guidance · Federal spouse hiring path information
- Transition Assistance Program · Official transition planning resources
- VA facility locator · Find VA health care and benefit offices
- Basic Allowance for Housing · Official housing allowance information
Reviewed 2026-09-30. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Map points are approximate and are not routing or reporting instructions.