Naval Air Station Whiting Field
Key Contacts
Housing Service Office
570 Merrill Dr.
Milton, FL 32570
PH: (850) 623-9726
Whiting Field Homes
570 Merrill Drive
Milton, FL 32570-4157
PH: (850) 626-6202
School Liason
7180 Langley Street
BLDG 1417
Milton, FL 32570
PH: (850) 665-6105
Fleet and Family Support Center
7511 USS Enterprise Street
BLDG 3025
Milton, FL 32570
PH: (850) 623-7177
Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. As always, call first to confirm the hours and availability of services.
Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time frame.
About Naval Air Station Whiting Field
“. . . where the future of Naval Aviation begins . . .”
NAS Whiting Field, in Santa Rosa County, Florida, is where the future of Naval Aviation begins. The installation hosts 21 tenant activities, including Training Air Wing FIVE, producing more than 1,200 pilots annually. NAS Whiting Field is home to the largest air wing in the U.S. Navy and produces 100% of all Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard helicopter pilots. The wing also conducts 60% of the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) command's primary flight training. NAS Whiting Field operates 56% of the Navy's outlying landing fields, and 17% of all U.S. Navy flight hours are flown out of NAS Whiting.
Training Air Wing FIVE hosts 142 T-6 Texan II aircraft for fixed-wing training and 113 TH-57 helicopters for rotary-wing training. With more than 250 aircraft, the two airfields at NAS Whiting Field proper are augmented with 12 other Navy Outlying Landing Fields (NOLFs) to spread out the 120,000 to 160,000 flight hours accumulated annually. This accounts for approximately one million flight hours yearly, more than Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport - the busiest civilian airport in the United States.
About Northwest Florida Panhandle
LOCATION
Whiting Field is located in northwest Florida’s panhandle, 25 miles northeast of Pensacola, with Escambia Bay between the two cities. Served by Interstates 10 and US- 90, Milton is located in the geographic center of Santa Rosa County; it is bordered by Pace to the west and Navarre to the South. For those traveling in and out of the NAS Whiting Field area by air, Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is located in nearby Pensacola.
ATTRACTIONS
Whether it’s local arts and culture, the rich history of the United States, or nearby recreation at a variety of area parks and lakes, being stationed in west Florida has no shortage of things to do and see. This area offers many opportunities for many outdoor adventures or passions you may have. From Pensacola, Mobile, Alabama, is roughly 60 miles to the west along I-10. Montgomery, Alabama, is around 160 miles to the north via I-65. Tallahassee, Florida, is 200 miles to the east via I-10. Atlanta, GA, is roughly 325 miles northeast via I-65 and I-85. The Northwest Florida Panhandle includes ten counties and spans approximately 200 miles of land area from Pensacola on the east to Tallahassee headed west, known as the Emerald Coast. This location is celebrated for its stunning white sands and variety of beaches. Here you’ll find a mix of touristy spots, family-friendly beaches, and far more quiet and secluded areas.
WEATHER
The Panhandle tends to have long, hot summers and very short, cool winters. Average temperatures fluctuate between 43 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. June to September is considered the “wetter” season, where short daily rain showers are common. While rare, as with other coastal living areas, hurricanes, tropical storms, and strong winds are weather conditions to be aware of and prepare for.
HELPFUL HINTS
This is considered to be a low-to-moderate cost-of-living area. The region is also a popular vacation destination, but the cost of living here is lower than in the beachfront towns further south. Also, commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to Naval Air Station Whiting Field.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
HOUSING
Balfour Beatty Communities manage homes on base at Whiting Field. They offer two, three, and four-bedroom duplex and single-family rental homes featuring spacious layouts and a variety of community amenities. Whiting Field Homes also offers easy access to all of the restaurants, shopping, beaches, and lifestyle amenities Milton and the greater Pensacola area have to offer.
NAS Whiting Field is located inside Santa Rosa County, which surrounds the other nearby areas of the Northwest Florida Panhandle. Santa Rosa County District serves most students in the area, but nearby areas may also fall within the Escambia County School District. Additionally, there are several off-post areas in Milton where many service families choose to reside.
Milton
ABOUT
The Milton area is noted for its pleasant overall quality of life and relaxed atmosphere. Located in Santa Rosa County, Milton, along with the neighboring city of Pace, has a large military retiree population.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Avalon Beach
- Point Baker
- Pace
Nearby Attractions
- Blackwater Heritage State Trail
- Historic Milton
- West Florida Railroad Museum
- Milton Riverwalk
By the Numbers
- Population 10,000
- Household Income $57,000
- Median Home Value Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Small-town with a sparse suburban feel
- A slower pace of life but still convenient to I-10, Pensacola, and outlying beach towns
- 8-mile, 13-minute commute to NAS Whiting Field via FL-87 N
Things to Consider
- A good mixture of established neighborhoods and new construction homes; particularly popular are one-level ranch-style houses.
- Limited shopping and restaurants
Pensacola
ABOUT
While a bit of a drive into Whiting Field, many military families prefer to live in a larger city with the conveniences of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Gulf Breeze
- Tiger Point
- Oriole Beach
- East Pensacola Heights
Nearby Attractions
- National Naval Aviation Museum
- Big Lagoon Street Park
- Blue Wahoos Ballpark
- Historic Pensacola Village
By the Numbers
- Population 54,300
- Household Income $50,500
- Median Home Value Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis
Big Plus
- Dense suburban feel with many small metropolitan amenities
- Excellent access to shopping, dining, and local area attractions
- A good mixture of established neighborhoods and new construction homes; condos, townhouses, and single-family homes are plentiful
Things to Consider
- Heavy traffic getting in and out of city limits
- 31-mile, 41-minute commute to NAS Whiting Field via I-10 E
Crestview
ABOUT
Crestview offers a suburban experience within an area with a high military population between other NW Florida bases and communities.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Silver Springs
- Auburn • Dorcas
- Deerland
Nearby Attractions
- Emerald Coast Zoo
- Peaden Brothers Distillery
- Johnson Beach
By the Numbers
- Population 27,000
- Household Income $55,000
- Median Home Value Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Small-town with a dense suburban feel
- Great outdoor opportunities with many parks, lakes, and nearby beach access
- A slower pace of life but still convenient to I-10, Pensacola, and outlying beach towns
- Good options for dining and shopping nearby
Things to Consider
- A good mixture of established neighborhoods and new construction homes; Many homes have inground swimming pools.
- 1 mile, 50-minute commute to NAS Whiting Field via I-10 W and FL-87 N
7 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Home
1. TAX ADVANTAGES
To encourage homeownership, the IRS has provided many tax breaks for owning a home. Credits may be available for specific home improvements, such as using clean energy or for qualified first-time home buyers. The way most homeowners see those advantages is through income tax itemization and deductions like mortgage interest and real estate taxes.
2. STABALIZE MONTHLY HOME COSTS
Owning your own house is one of the safest bets on stabilizing your monthly home costs. There’s no worry of rent getting increased significantly after each year of living in someone else’s home. Additionally, when you answer to yourself, there is no worry of landlord changes or unexpected lease termination.
3. HOUSE HACKING
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
4. Increased Privacy
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
5. Pets Are Welcome!
For those who choose to rent instead of buying, it can be extremely difficult to find rentals who allow for your
four-legged, furry friends. Landlords often require hefty pet deposits or place heavy restrictions on the number of pets and breeds they allow—if they will even allow pets. When considering quality of life, including beloved pets and the indoor and outdoor space available to them matters. Having the flexibility to include ALL members of your family as a homeowner is priceless!
6. Pride of Ownership
One of the greatest benefits of owning your own home is the pride of ownership that comes along with it. Not only are homeowners more inclined to take good care of their investment with routine maintenance and cleaning, but also they are free to make design choices ranging from hanging artwork on the walls, to paint colors, to customization of closets, electronics, and more. As military families who relocate frequently, having your home reflect who you really are feels important.
7. Safe and Stable Long Term Investment + Forced Savings
Owning a home has historically been one of the safest, lowest risk financial investments that tends to have long-term stability and success. As your home value appreciates and your mortgage balance decreases, what’s left is growing equity with an eventual paid off home. Making a monthly house payment is akin to setting aside a specific amount each month into a savings account—it’s a little difficult to access in the moment, but over time it can build into something significant in the form of equity.
FIVE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN YOUR RELOCATION PROCESS
Your PCS is underway!
The home buying and moving transition process has begun. Now what? If it feels like there are a million things to do, don’t fret because you don’t have to do them all yourself. During the relocation process, there are many service providers that can assist you in making your move a smooth one.
Consider these five resources to help you in the process
1. MOVING COMPANIES
Sure, the military offers transportation and relocation services, but many service members decide to coordinate the transfer of household goods themselves. Not only can you often earn money on the difference between moving costs and weight allowances, but you can be assured that you have more control over your belongings. Services that moving companies offer can range from delivery of boxes and pods for the “you-pack” model all the way to full-service logistics companies that will do all of the packing, loading, driving, and unpacking for you.
2. STORAGE
Whether you need to store your household goods for a few weeks until you close on your home or you decide that you have more stuff than square footage, storage companies abound. Sizes, conditions, and contracts vary widely so be sure to do your homework before you commit. Particularly in climates with extreme cold, heat, or humidity, it is important to consider using only climate-controlled storage to ensure the protection of your furniture and temporarily unused items.
3. TEMPORARY HOUSING
It is not uncommon for there to be a short gap of time during a military move between when you arrive at your new duty station and your new home being available to inhabit. No longer are hotels the only option for sticking out a few days or weeks during the wait. Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb are great options to make you feel more at home while you wait for your home. In fact, why not take advantage of seeing your new city through the eyes of a tourist? Find a location near new local attractions and dining and enjoy a few days of getting to know the lay of the land.
4. USPS/IRS
Once you get settled in at your new home, it’s important that you alert agencies that will make sure your current and up-to-date address is on file. The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are two of the most important and by doing so, any important mail or documents in your name should be forwarded or sent along to your new address. It’s also a good idea to notify banks, credit card companies, and other debt collectors of a change of address. These days nearly all of these transactions can be handled online.
5. DISCARD & DONATE SERVICES
No matter how much you purge, toss, organize, minimize, or donate before you pack up the moving truck, it never fails that after you get unpacked on the other side there seems to be more stuff to declutter. Discard and donate services can help with this. Many are a phone call away and will happily come to your residence for a pickup. Others are structured where you simply drop off at a store. A lot of these services are charitable organizations and will offer you documentation for your own taxes based on your donation. It’s a win-win: you downsize by donating, and someone else benefits from your use of your items.
