About Seal Beach
Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station serves as a critical hub for the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Located in sunny Southern California, the base specializes in the storage, maintenance, and distribution of ordnance for naval operations.
Established during World War II, the station has evolved to meet modern military demands. With its strategic coastal location, Seal Beach NWS plays a vital role in national defense while also fostering strong connections with the surrounding community.
Whether you’re stationed here or visiting, the base offers essential resources and services for military personnel and their families.
Seal Beach Local Veterans Guide
If you’re stationed at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach or planning a move to this scenic coastal location in Southern California, our veterans guide provides all the details you need. From housing options in nearby cities like Long Beach and Huntington Beach, to discovering local attractions such as Seal Beach Pier and the Pacific Coast, this guide ensures that you make the most of your time at this vital naval installation. Learn about housing, military discounts, and resources tailored for veterans in the area.
Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach Information
Contact Information
- Main Phone Number: +1 (562) 495-4000
- Housing Office: +1 (562) 495-4001
- Health Services Coordinator: +1 (562) 495-4002
- Family Support Office: +1 (562) 495-4003
- Legal Office: +1 (562) 495-4004
Address: Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, 800 Seal Beach Blvd, Seal Beach, CA 90740, United States
Mission
The Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station plays a critical role in supporting the Navy’s Pacific Fleet by storing, maintaining, and shipping ordnance to naval vessels.
The station is also responsible for supporting regional operations and national defense strategies with its state-of-the-art facilities.
History
Established: 1944
Historical Significance:
- Initially developed during World War II to handle the increasing demand for munitions.
- Played a vital role during the Cold War as a strategic armament hub.
- Continues to modernize facilities to meet 21st-century naval requirements.
Location
Seal Beach, California, USA
Coordinates: 33.7463° N, 118.0738° W
Website: Seal Beach NWS Official Website
Phone: (562) 626-7215
Hours of Operation
Visitor Center: Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM; Closed on weekends and holidays.
Main Gate: Open 24/7
Base Location and Directions
Address:
Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station
800 Seal Beach Blvd, Seal Beach, CA 90740
Driving Directions:
- From Long Beach Airport:
Take CA-22 E, exit Seal Beach Blvd, and head south to the base (approx. 15 minutes). - From Downtown Los Angeles:
Take I-5 S to I-405 S, exit Seal Beach Blvd, and head south to the base (approx. 40 minutes).
Population
- Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 300
- Civilians and Contractors: Around 1,000
- Families and Dependents: Nearly 500
- Total Population Served: Over 1,800
Base Resources and Information
- Housing Options: Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach does not offer on-base housing, but military personnel and their families can find off-base housing in nearby communities such as Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and Seal Beach. Contact the Housing Office for assistance at +1 (562) 495-4001.
- Nearby cities like Long Beach and Huntington Beach offer a range of rental properties and homes for sale.
- Current median home prices in Seal Beach: $1,150,000 (as of 2024).
- Base Transportation: Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach is easily accessible via major freeways such as I-405 and CA-1 (Pacific Coast Highway). Public transportation options are available, including bus routes and Metrolink services to nearby areas.
- Medical and Emergency Services: Medical services for personnel and families are provided at the Naval Health Clinic in Seal Beach. Additional healthcare facilities are available in nearby Long Beach and Huntington Beach. For more information, contact the Health Services Coordinator at +1 (562) 495-4002.
- Dining Facilities: The base has limited dining options, but nearby cities like Seal Beach and Long Beach offer a variety of local and national restaurants, including seafood eateries and casual dining options along the coast.
- Fitness and Wellness Programs: The fitness center at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach provides cardio equipment, weight training, and group fitness classes. Outdoor recreational facilities such as tennis courts and jogging trails are also available.
Education:
- On-Base Schools: There are no schools on Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, but military families can access schools in the Seal Beach area, which are part of the Los Alamitos Unified School District.
- Off-Base Schools: Families typically enroll children in schools within the Los Alamitos Unified School District, which is known for its high-performing schools. Higher education opportunities are available at California State University, Long Beach and Orange Coast College.
- Child Development Center (CDC): Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach operates a Child Development Center providing daycare and preschool services. Contact the CDC for enrollment details.
Things to Do:
- Outdoor Activities: Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach is surrounded by beautiful coastal attractions, including the Seal Beach Pier, nearby Huntington Beach, and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Outdoor activities like surfing, fishing, and beach volleyball are popular pastimes in the area.
- Shopping and Dining: The base has a small Navy Exchange for basic shopping needs. Off-base, nearby Seal Beach and Long Beach provide a variety of shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including Shoreline Village and The Pike.
Local Support and Resources:
- Veterans Service Organizations: Local VFW and American Legion posts in Seal Beach and Long Beach offer support for military members, veterans, and their families.
- Family Support Office: The Family Support Office provides financial counseling, deployment support, and other services. Contact the Family Support Office at +1 (562) 495-4003.
- Legal Services: The Legal Office provides assistance with legal matters such as wills, powers of attorney, and other legal services. Contact the Legal Office at +1 (562) 495-4004 for more information.
Base History and Mission: Established in 1944, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach plays a critical role in the Navy’s logistics, storing and maintaining ordnance for the Pacific Fleet. The base is known for its support of Navy operations and training exercises along the West Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the primary mission of Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach? | The base provides weapons storage, loading, and maintenance support to the U.S. Navy fleet. |
| Is Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach open to the public? | The base is not open to the public; only authorized personnel with valid identification are allowed entry. |
| Can I take a tour of Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach? | Public tours are not available, but the base occasionally hosts special community events where civilians can attend. |
| What kind of military units are based at Seal Beach? | The base supports naval ordnance and logistics units, along with a detachment of the U.S. Coast Guard. |
| Does Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach offer housing? | There is limited housing available for active-duty military personnel. |
| What amenities are available on base? | Amenities include a fitness center, recreation facilities, and various support services for military personnel. |
| What environmental conservation efforts are in place? | The base is home to a wildlife refuge that focuses on protecting the habitat of endangered species, like the least tern. |
| How can I contact the base for general information? | For general inquiries, you can contact the base via phone at (562) 626-7215 or email at [email protected]. |
| Are there any community events hosted by the base? | Yes, the base occasionally hosts events such as beach cleanups, open house days, and environmental awareness programs. |
| What is the history of Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach? | Established in 1944, the base has played a critical role in supporting naval operations in the Pacific region. |
All Military Bases in California
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- Camp Roberts – Comprehensive Training Center for U.S. Armed Forces
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- Coast Guard Training Center Petaluma – Advanced Technical Training Facility
- Edwards Air Force Base – Air Force Testing and Development Center
- Fort Irwin – Home of the National Training Center
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- Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach – Ordnance Support Facility
- Presidio of Monterey – Defense Language Institute Headquarters
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