North Virginia Beach , Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Naval Air Station Oceana
With 32 officers and 172 enlisted personnel on 328 acres, Oceana joined the other auxiliary air stations in the area - Creeds, Pungo, Monogram and Fentress - and provided squadron pilots with more open space in which to train. During the war years, thousands of flight crews and maintenance crews trained at Oceana on their way to fight the wars in the Atlantic and Pacific. After WW II, Oceana continued to train fight crews and became the permanent home for many squadrons. In 1952 the base was designated a Naval Air Station. With the arrival of jet aircraft, base facilities grew to accommodate the new aircraft, including new barracks, hangars and runways, the longest of which is 12,000 feet.
Since the early 1940s, Oceana has modeled the technological growth and historical significance of Naval Aviation in the defense of our nation. It’s been home to aces, record-breakers, astronauts and war heroes. Over 11,000 people now work on its 6,000 acres. Today, NAS Oceana, one of the largest and most modern air stations in the world, supports all Atlantic Fleet Carrier Air Wings, flying the newest, most advanced aircraft.
NAS Oceana is located in the heart of Virginia Beach. The base and Oceana personnel are an important part of this vibrant community.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.
Location. 36° 51.21′ N, 75° 58.577′ W. Marker is in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is in North Virginia Beach. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and 25th Street, on the left when traveling south. Located in Naval Aviation Monument Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Virginia Beach VA 23451, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Naval Aviation Monument Park (a few steps from this marker); The Wreck of the Dictator and The Norwegian Lady Statue (within shouting distance of this marker); Sister Cities (within shouting distance of this marker); 24th Street Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A portion of the engine from the George Farwell (about 400 feet away); Stern piece of a ship (about 500 feet away); U-boats Off the Mid-Atlantic Coast (about 500 feet away); Outer planking from a vessel (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia Beach.
Also see . . . Naval Aviation Monument Park. Association of Naval Aviation in Virginia Beach, Virginia - Hampton Roads Squadron (Submitted on January 16, 2018.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2018, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 286 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 14, 2018, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.