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Norfolk Visitor > Norfolk Naval Base

Naval Station Norfolk

Norfolk, Virginia, is the proud home of the largest naval base in the world. No matter what your reason is for visiting Norfolk, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to tour Naval Station Norfolk .

Naval Station Norfolk's mission is to support and improve the personnel and logistics readiness of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. The Norfolk naval base provides seaport, airport, and squadron facilities, quality of life, and personnel management services.

Don't miss the tours of the Naval Base . The 45-minute tour departs from the Naval Tour and Information Center located at 9079 Hampton Blvd, next to Gate 5. Bus tours conducted by Navy personnel ride past aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, amphibious assault ships and the busy airfield. The tour also drives by historic homes from the 1907 Jamestown Exposition. There is a charge for the tour. A picture ID is required for all adults.

Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest Naval Station, occupies about 4,300 acres on a peninsula known as Sewells Point. Port facilities extend more than four miles along the waterfront and include some seven miles of pier and wharf space.

75 ships and 134 aircraft are home-ported here, and when they are not at sea they're along side one of the 13 piers or inside one of the 11 aircraft hangars for repair, refit, training and to provide the ship's or squadron's crew an opportunity to be with their families. Naval Station Norfolk is homeport to aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, large amphibious ships, submarines, supply ships, airplanes and helicopters.

Air Operations conducts over 100,000 flight operations each year, an average of 275 flights per day or one every six minutes. Over 150,000 passengers and 264,000 tons of mail and cargo depart annually on Air Mobility Command aircraft and other chartered flights from the NSN airfield. It is the hub for Navy logistics going to the European and Central Command theaters of operations, and to the Caribbean.

The land on which Naval Station is located was originally the site of the 1907 Jamestown Exposition , a mammoth 300th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the first permanent English settlement in America in 1607. 21 states constructed buildings that celebrated their history and industry. Pennsylvania House, a 2/3rds replica of Independence Hall, is one of several state houses that are still standing at the Naval Station.

During the Jamestown Exposition, high-ranking naval officers agreed that this site was ideal for naval activity. After the United States entered World War I in April 1917, the Secretary of the Navy was persuaded to buy the property.

Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise

The Victory Rover makes 2-hour narrated cruises past Naval Station Norfolk. It departs from Nauticus on the downtown waterfront. Enjoy a fascinating and entertaining commentary along the way aboard this Navy-themed vessel. See aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, guided missile cruisers and all of the other ships that form the world's most powerful fleet. On board, guests will enjoy plenty of comfortable seating, clean restrooms, air-conditioned enclosed deck, open-air upper deck, snack bar and souvenir shop.

Reservations are available. Bring a camera and binoculars.

Hampton Roads Naval Museum at Nauticus & the Battleship Wisconsin

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum presents 225 years of naval history in the Hampton Roads region. The museum is also responsible for the historic interpretation and day-to-day operations of the Battleship Wisconsin.

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the entrance to the Battleship Wisconsin are located on the second floor of Nauticus : The National Maritime Center in downtown Norfolk (at One Waterside Drive). There is no on-site parking, but there are several city operated parking garages within walking distance.

NEST TOUR DEPART TUEASDAY AT 11AM AND 1PM - SEE YOU ON THE BUS!

NORFOLK NAVAL STATION BUS TOUR

EXPERIENCE A GUIDED TOUR OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST NAVAL STATION

Quick Details

• User Ages: All Ages
• Hour Glass Duration: 1 Hour

Norfolk’s Ultimate Naval Station Tour !

Get on board for an approximately 60 minute to an hour guided bus tour of Naval Station Norfolk – the world’s largest Naval installation.  After clearing security, the bus will take you through Gate 2 into the home of the Atlantic Fleet.  Our tour guide will provide a “navy-approved” tour that includes the homes of the 1907 Jamestown Exposition, Chambers Field Air Station, the ships of the fleet and much more.

• For U.S. Citizens: Government Issued Photo IDs are required for tour participants over the age of 18
• For NON-US Citizens: Passports are required for non-US citizen To make the check in experience easier non-citizens should download this form and bring a completed copy with them.  Additionally, you should plan on arriving an hour prior to the tour departure.

Consent Language

“This event is being held within a Department of Defense Restricted Area, designated pursuant to 50 USC § 797 and applicable Department of Defense directives.  Entry into this Restricted Area constitutes consent to search of personnel and property, physical surveillance, and concealed monitoring, in order to ensure the safety and security of Department of Defense personnel and equipment, as authorized by title 50, Chapter 23 and Title 18, Chapter 37, U.S. Code.”

Other Rules/Regulations

• All guests will have to go through a security check.
• If you have a heart condition ie. a pacemaker or stint, or if you have a metal bone replacement you will be asked to present your medical card identifying such.  If you do not have your card you will not be able to clear security; therefore you will not be authorized to tour the installation.
• ALL BAGS, PURSES, BACKPACKS, DIAPER BAG AND POUCHES MUST BE SEARCHED.
• Knives of any kind are not allowed onboard the bus.  Please be sure to leave them in your vehicle.
• Bus is not wheelchair accessible.

Prohibited Items

a.     Contraband. Items, the possession and/or use of which, is prohibited except as authorized by the Commanding Officer or other lawful authority.

  b.     Alcoholic Beverages.  Alcoholic beverages are beer, wine, distilled spirits, and malt beverages.

  c.     Controlled Substance.  Any item defined and listed in the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, as amended (reference a).

 d.    Instrumentalities of a Crime.  Objects or things used in the commission of a crime or capable of use only in the commission of a crime. This includes but is not limited to gambling devices, pipes used to smoke marijuana, hypodermic syringes used to inject a narcotic or controlled substances, altered or false armed services identification cards, and burglary tools.

e.    Personal Weapons.  Any dangerous weapon, instrument, or explosive device or compound to which the U.S. Government neither owns or utilizes for official purposes pursuant to reference (b), and is specifically designed for or intended to be used to inflict bodily harm upon another.   This includes but is not limited to firearms, devices which expel a projectile either by air or gas, switchblade knives, blackjacks, brass knuckles, leaded clubs, a cord/leather/wire garrote, or an edged weapon, the blade of which is more than three inches in length.

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Guide to U.S. Military Base Tours

You have accessed part of a historical collection on defense.gov. Some of the information contained within may be outdated and links may not function. Please contact the DOD Webmaster with any questions.

U.S. military bases are a flurry of daily activity due to varying missions, trainings, events and visitors. While some events are open to the public, a visit requires advanced planning. Follow these steps to start planning your visit. 

The Visitors Center

Many bases have a “visitor information” section on their website. If not, call the general phone number and ask for the visitors center. It is a great place to start. There are often several base entrances, and visitors are only allowed through a few of them, if not just one. So don’t just pop the base into your GPS, that can sometimes take you to an entrance that you can’t access.

Be Prepared

Think of this visit like you would a trip to the airport. All vehicles are inspected once a driver is issued a visitors pass. If you are uncertain about anything you may bring on base, just make sure you let authorities know ahead of time to ensure an easy and convenient entry.

Our service members  enjoy connecting with the American people they serve. Come take a tour, visit a museum, or bring the entire family to one of our public events.

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EXPLORE NAVAL HISTORY WITH VICTORY ROVER NORFOLK NAVAL BASE TOURS

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Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Norfolk Naval Base Cruise Tour: The Largest In The World

The Norfolk Naval Base is the largest in the world and while it is off-limits, one can see it with a naval base cruise.

Once Britannia ruled the waves, but that era ended with World War Two. After that war, the U.S. Navy has been the undisputed maritime power in the world and nowhere is that more apparent than at the naval base at Norfolk. While the naval base is a secure site and it is not open to tourists, parts of this massive base are visible from the roads and various vantage points. There is even a cruise down the harbor so that one can get a much better look at America's most powerful warships.

America has many superb naval museums that one can visit all around the country . While all these museums feature old ships that have been decommissioned and donated to become museums, one can also see America's mothball fleets. If one is up in Pennsylvania, one can see what's left of Philadelphia's once-mighty mothball fleet .

What To Know About The Naval Base At Norfolk

The American naval base in Norfolk is the largest American naval base and the most powerful in the world. It is the home port of the U.S. Navy's Fleet Forces Command with the largest concentration of naval forces with around 75 ships and 134 aircraft.

The Naval Station Norfolk stretches for 4 miles along the waterfront of Hampton Roads peninsula. The station supports the operational readiness of the US Atlantic Fleet, providing facilities and services to enable mission accomplishment.

• Largest:  The Norfolk Naval Base Is The Largest Naval Base In The World
• Supports: The US Atlantic Fleet
• Newport News Shipbuilding Yard: Where The Super Aircraft Carriers Are Built
• Number of Ships: Around 75 Naval Ships and Many More Aircraft and Other Facilities

The Norfolk naval base is home to four carrier strike groups and their assigned ships - that alone is perhaps more powerful than any other navy in the world.

Not far from the naval base is the Newport News Shipbuilding yard - it is this shipbuilding yard that builds all the super aircraft carriers of the U.S. navy.

Related:  How To Get The Most Out Of A Historical Visit To The Pearl Harbor Museum & Memorial

Cruises Of The Norfolk Naval Base

If one would like to get a glimpse of this mighty naval base, then enjoy a Norfolk Harbor cruise aboard the Victory Rover . On the cruise one will be able to see destroyers, submarines, and other vessels while taking in the sights of the harbor.

The Norfolk Harbor Cruise is a two-hour Narrated Naval Base Cruise with the captain providing entertaining and fascinating commentary on the navy and base. The tour departs daily from Nauticus, home of the Battleship Wisconsin.

One will see destroyers, aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, submarines, guided missile cruisers, and more.

The Victory Rover that one will cruise on provides plenty of comfortable seating, an air-conditioned enclosed deck, an open-air shaded upper deck, a snack bar, and a souvenir shop.

Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or at the ticket window at Nauticus - although reservations are strongly recommended. This naval base tour is one of Norfolk's most popular attractions.

• Departure Point: Nauticus Museum - Home of the USS Wisconsin
• Price: From $28.00
• Duration: A 2 Hour Cruise
• See: Aircraft Carriers, Submarines, Destroyers, Amphibious Assault Ships, Guided Missile Cruisers, and More

Related:  Why Visiting NYC's Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum is A Must

Don't Forget the Nauticus and Wisconsin!

The USS Wisconsin was one of four completed Iowa class battleships - the largest battleships ever built for the US Navy. She was built at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in Philadelphia and served in the latter part of the Pacific War against Japan.

After the war, she served in the Korean War and in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 against Iraq. She spent most of her career mothballed and from 1944 to her decommissioning in 1991 she only spent a total of 14 years in active service.

• Battle Stars: 6
• Class: Iowa Class Battleship

Like the others in her class, she was spared strapping and instead donated as a museum ship and today operated by Nauticus, The National Maritime Center.

Nauticus offers both the might battleship for tours as well as a superb naval museum to discover the history of the navy and what naval life is like.

• Nauticus Hours:  Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon – 5 p.m.
• Closed: Mondays

Make A Full Day With The Combo Ticket

To see the Nauticus museum , the Wisconsin, and go on a Norfolk Base Harbor cruise, consider buying a combo ticket. This is a full-day tour was the Naval Base Crusie takes around two hours one should then allow 2 to 3 hours for Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin. This discounted ticket must be used on the same day and one should keep in mind that Nauticus closes at 4.00 pm.

• Cost: Adult $41.35 / Children (ages 4-12): $27.45
• Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm / Sunday 12pm – 4pm

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San Diego Cruise Guide > San Diego Harbor Cruises > Navy Base Tour

San Diego Naval Base Tours

San Diego has the largest Naval Base on the west coast and is home to the Pacific Fleet. San Diego's Naval Bases are closed to visitors most of the time, but there are other ways to get a look at the Navy in this port city. An excellent option is to take a harbor cruise that tours past the naval ships. A maritime museum is also available, as well as an aircraft carrier open to visiting.

A special event that includes Navy-related tours is Fleet Week San Diego , which offers Ship Tours at Broadway Pier and a Boat Parade on the San Diego bayfront. Miramar Air Show is at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.

Throughout the year, Flagship Cruises Harbor Tours take you by boat to see the Naval Base, the Pacific Fleet, the Naval Air Station, and the Sub Base. You'll get a great view of the Navy ships and operations from the water.

City Cruises Harbor Tours also take you on the water to see all the sights, including the Naval Bases.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego offers a San Diego's Navy exhibit . It depicts 100 years of the Navy here, and includes artifacts and models.

The USS Midway aircraft carrier is the most visited naval ship museum in the world. The Midway was the longest serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century and 225,000 sailors served our country on this huge ship. Your tour includes 29 restored aircraft, and two fun flight simulators for you to try. You'll see the carrier's crew quarters, big galley, engine room, machine shops, flight control, and the bridge. The USS Midway is located on the downtown San Diego waterfront.

Victory Rover Naval Base Tour

August 2 - august 12 2022, 11 am, 2 pm, 5:30 pm.

Victory Rover cruises the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor. Their professional captains provide a fascinating and entertaining commentary.

In 2001 the Victory Rover began operating Naval Base Cruises from Nauticus, Home of the Battleship Wisconsin. The Victory Rover can accommodate up to 149 guests. The Victory Rover has a climate controlled main cabin with large picture windows and ample comfortable seating. More seating is available on the open air bow and top deck. A large portion of the top deck has an awning to provide shade. In the main cabin, there are restrooms as well as a fully stocked ship store and bar with all your favorite refreshments and souvenirs.

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Naval Academy Tours

Naval Academy tours are a must-do! Wander the Yard’s scenic walkways by foot or cover more ground quickly by electric car. Either way, you’ll enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a midshipman and the rich and tumultuous history of one of the greatest fighting forces on Earth!

BUY TICKETS >>

Looking to bring your own group of 20 or more?

Contact us to book a Come-As-a-Group Tour .

PUBLIC TOURS

Guided by experts who will wow you at every turn with deep knowledge and fascinating stories, our popular  public tours   are offered daily and last about 90 minutes. get your tickets online ahead of time or in person when you arrive at the visitor center..

Visit all the historical and monumental highlights, get the inside scoop on admissions and learn about the midshipmen experience in our most popular tour. Leaves daily from the Visitors Center.

Duration: 90 minutes.

Ride the Yard: GEM Car Tour

Tour Duration:   75 minutes

Bring your child’s safety seat for GEM Riding Tour.   Per Maryland Law, any child, age 0-7, who is shorter than 4 feet, 9 inches, must be secured in a child safety seat.

USNA Admissions Briefing & Walking Tour

Sign up for a complimentary 1-hour Admissions Briefing at 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. led by an active-duty Navy or Marine Corps admission officer. These admissions experts will address any questions you may have about gaining entrance to the Naval Academy. No appointment is required—simply join us on the 2nd floor of the Visitor Center at either 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.  

Once you’ve been briefed on the admissions process, head downstairs to the 1st floor of the Visitor Center for a behind the scenes look of life on the Yard through our guided walking tours. Explore the home of the 4,500+ midshipmen including highlights such as Bancroft Hall, The Chapel, John Paul Jones’ Crypt and more from our knowledgeable tour guides! Tours begin at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and last approximately 90-minutes, beginning and ending at the Visitor Center. It is encouraged to purchase your tickets ahead of time online to ensure your preferred timeslot.

Tour Duration: 90 minutes

2024 Dates:  

Student Youth Leadership Program

COME-AS-A-GROUP TOUR: FOR GROUPS OF 20+

If you'd like to bring your own group of 20 or more, we offer tours designed for all ages and interests: school trips, scouts, seniors, group day-trippers, families and more led by engaging naval academy experts, your crew will explore some of the most intriguing spots on the yard. read about some of our popular tours below, and we'll help you plan the right one..

Contact us about your group to get started!

Group Walking Tour

Duration: 90 minutes

USNA Tour & Tea

Tour Duration: 3 hours

Military Reunion Tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

Jewish Chapel & Levy Center Tour

Corporate Leadership Program

Learn about the history of our beloved USNA song "Anchors Aweigh" as well as the fascinating life of Charles Zimmerman and his connections to historical events and other intriguing facts. This tour ends with a musical-themed walking tour of the USNA and a free performance from the Navy Band. Available for groups of 20+.

2023 Dates:   July 13, 27, August 3, and 10

Navy Way Boot Camp

Duration: 1 hour

Educational Field Trips

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United States Naval Academy 

Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center

52 King George Street

Annapolis, MD 21402

410.293.TOUR

[email protected]

Hours: 7 Days a Week, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

©2021 Naval Academy Business Services Division

CRUISING TODAY AT 11AM AND 3PM - SEE YOU ON BOARD!

Hampton Roads Harbor

See the sights of one of the world's largest natural harbors.

On our way out to the Naval Station in Norfolk, VA, we cruise the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor. Some of the highlights of the tour include:

• Downtown Norfolk and Portsmouth skylines
• Town Point Park
• Battleship Wisconsin
• BAE and Norshipco Shipyards
• Portsmouth Naval Hospital
• Old Fort Norfolk
• NOAA Headquarters
• Portsmouth Marine Terminal
• Lamberts Point Cargo Docks
• Norfolk Southern Coal Piers
• Maersk/Sea Land Terminal
• Old Dominion University Sailing Center
• Craney Island Fuel Depot
• Norfolk International Terminals

Gov. Greg Abbot tours new Forward Operating Base in Eagle Pass, welcomes 300 soldiers

E AGLE PASS, Texas (KWTX) - Gov. Greg Abbott toured the new Forward Operating Base in Eagle Pass Friday and welcomed the first 300 Texas National Guard soldiers moving into the base.

Following the tour, Gov. Abbott held a press conference to discuss Texas’ border security efforts and outline how he believes the new base will assist soldiers deployed by Operation Lone Star.

“Over the past two years, illegal immigration has gone down in the state of Texas by 72 percent,” said Gov. Abbott. “That drastic decrease is a direct result of the deterrence that has been established by the Texas National Guard. Troops deployed on Operation Lone Star have been scattered for miles across the region, having to drive miles to work and miles back to where they’re staying later that night.”

Gov. Abbott continued, saying “It has been an inefficient method of housing our soldiers, and this base camp will provide the type of housing and standards of living that both improve the quality of life for the men and women in uniform securing our border and allow Texas to have a permanent presence on the southern border.”

The new base will be able to house up to 1,800 Texas National Guard soldiers and accommodate an additional 500 who are deployed.

Features of the base include a 700-seat dining facility, a recreation center, laundry facilities, WiFi access, rooms for soldiers starting at 118 square feet, chaplaincy programs and medical and psychological health facilities.