Discover the Largest US Navy Bases by Land Area

The United States Navy operates some of the largest military bases by land area in the world, with significant contributions from the US Marine Corps. This article provides an overview of the largest installations, combining both Navy and Marine bases as part of the Department of the Navy. These bases not only facilitate naval operations but also support extensive air operations and training grounds for Marine Corps personnel.

Major US Navy Bases by Size

The ranking of these bases by acreage can vary based on what specific areas are included. Notably, installations focused on amphibious warfare, like Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, often include substantial aviation components. The combined aviation capabilities of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Army make them some of the most formidable air forces globally, even without the United States Air Force.

7. Marine Corps Base Quantico

Covering approximately 55,000 acres, Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia is a critical site for training Marine Corps officers. It houses the Combat Development Command and the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School. Additionally, the base is notable for hosting the FBI Academy and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s training facilities. The Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, operational since 1919, is home to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), tasked with transporting the President and other high-ranking officials. Aircraft stationed here include Sea King, Black Hawk, and MV-22 Osprey helicopters.

6. Naval Base Coronado

Spanning around 57,000 acres, Naval Base Coronado includes eight sites, with Naval Air Station North Island being the most prominent. This station is a key aerospace-industrial complex for the Navy, serving as the home port for many significant vessels, including aircraft carriers. It hosts 23 aviation squadrons, including various helicopter and logistics squadrons, and supports the Marine Corps’ MH-60S and MH-60R naval helicopters.

5. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

Located in California, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton covers about 125,000 acres and is primarily a Marine Corps base, though Navy units are also present. This base serves as a training facility for the West Coast Corps and supports amphibious operations. It accommodates the 1st Marine Division and I Marine Expeditionary Force, with a population of approximately 70,000 personnel. The base features Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, which hosts multiple helicopter and tilt-rotor squadrons.

4. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina spans around 156,000 acres and is a major East Coast amphibious training facility. It includes Marine Corps Air Station New River, which specializes in helicopter and tilt-rotor operations, and several other training areas. The base has been at the forefront of Marine aviation, introducing the MV-22 Osprey and supporting various operational squadrons.

3. Naval Air Station Fallon

Naval Air Station Fallon, located in Nevada, covers between 224,000 and 240,000 acres based on measurement criteria. It serves as the Navy’s primary air warfare training base and is renowned for its role in the film “Top Gun.” The installation is home to several squadrons, including the Fighter Composite Squadron VFC-13, which provides adversary training. Notably, Fallon features the Navy’s longest runway at 14,000 feet.

2. Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms

The Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California, is one of the largest military installations in the United States, spanning approximately 705,000 acres. It serves as a major site for live-fire and maneuver training, housing over 8,000 personnel. The base is crucial for preparing Marine units for various operational scenarios and is located in the Mojave Desert.

1. Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake

At the top of the list, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake covers about 1,100,000 acres, making it the largest Navy installation by land area. Situated in the Western Mojave Desert, this facility is primarily focused on research, development, testing, and evaluation of air weapons systems. It plays a vital role in the Navy’s testing operations, accounting for approximately 85% of the Navy’s land for RDT&E use. With a landmass greater than the state of Rhode Island, it boasts over 2,000 buildings and extensive road networks.

These installations exemplify the scale and capability of the US Navy and Marine Corps, supporting a wide range of military operations and training activities across diverse environments. As global challenges evolve, these bases remain integral to maintaining national defense readiness and operational effectiveness.