NAS Whiting Field

NAS WHITING FIELD
WELCOME
Whiting Field is the busiest Naval Air Station in the world, responsible for an estimated 46 percent of the Chief of Naval Air Training Command’s total flight time and more than 11 percent of Navy and Marine Corps total flight time. Greater than 1,200 service personnel complete their essential flight training here yearly.

Known as the “Canoe Capital of Florida,” Milton, originally a trading post on the Blackwater River, was established in 1825. Eventually becoming the county seat in 1843, it was incorporated in 1844, the year before Florida became a state. Milton, named in honor of Governor John Milton, has been known by many names throughout the years. Its most celebrated is Scratch Ankle; named for the briars on the riverbanks that visitors had to negotiate upon disembarking their vessels.

The Whiting Field/Milton area is noted for its pleasant overall quality of life and relaxed atmosphere. Within driving distance are national parks, historic sites and the sugar white beaches along the famous Gulf Shores of the Florida Panhandle.

A sincere and cordial “Welcome Aboard” is extended to you. This directory is primarily designed to acquaint you with the facilities and services available both on and off station in the Whiting Field/Milton/Pensacola areas. Be sure to visit the NAS Whiting Field homepage at https://www.cnic.navy.mil/whitingfield/index.htm.

ARRIVAL
NAS Whiting Field is approximately 30 miles (45 minutes) from Pensacola Regional Airport. Refer to the ‘foldouts’ of this guide for a map to Whiting Field. It is located approximately eight miles north of Milton, Fla.

Personnel reporting aboard Whiting Field are advised to contact their sponsor in advance to arrange transportation to Whiting Field from either the Pensacola Regional Airport or local bus station. If no transportation arrangements have been made, report to the USO Information Center, located on the 2nd deck of the Regional Airport for assistance.

While traveling through the central and northern parts of the county, you can observe many restored historic buildings that now serve as museums, res-idences, offices and businesses; many of which are open to the public. Although few original landmarks remain, the influence of the early settlers and local Indian tribes is still seen in names of streets and areas in Santa Rosa County.

Once known as the most industrialized county in Florida, Santa Rosa’s history is abundant with the lore of the logging, sawmill and shipbuilding industries around which life evolved. The area around Milton gained distinction as the site of the first cotton textile mill in the South. The short line railroad was the primary hauler of the nation’s first paper-mill supply of logs, run by The Bagdad Land and Lumber Company, in operation from 1828 until 1939. Five Flags have flown over Santa Rosa County, the Spanish, French, British, Confederate and the United States. Local residents and visitors to Santa Rosa enjoy the cultural diversity of vastly unique communities each committed to providing its distinctive quality of life.

A climate with moderate year-round temperatures, unlimited business opportunity, and one of the finest school systems in the state combine to provide an atmosphere that many people find enticing in their search for a new home. All of the conveniences of a cosmopolitan society can be found while enjoying the wealth of nature’s blessing in a relaxing environment.

Check In
All military and civilian personnel reporting aboard NAS Whiting Field report to Administration in Building 1401, on USS Essex Street Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. All Flight Students and Flight Instructors reporting to Training Air Wing FIVE should report to the Student Control Office in the bottom deck of Building 2944, on Enterprise Street between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. After normal working hours, all military personnel report to the Combined Bachelor House front desk, Building 2942, on Lexington Circle and report on the next regular workday.

HOUSING
24-HOUR HOUSING INFORMATION. For transient reservations please visit our website (http:///www.dodlodging.net). Check out the Automated Housing Referral Network (http://www.ahrn.com). This website provides families with a web accessible home finding tool. It is sponsored by the Department of Defense and all military branches. AHRN allows members to find suitable rental housing (both long-term and temporary housing) before they arrive at their new destination. Property managers/landlords list both long-term rentals (apartments, duplexes, single family homes) and temporary housing units (corporate apartments and short-term units) in http://www.AHRN.com.

Navy Gateway Inns & Suites & Bachelor Housing
NAS Whiting Field
Buildings 2957, 2958
The Commanding Officer, Management and staff of Navy Gateway Inns & Suites and Bachelor Housing, NAS Whiting Field welcomes you. We are located in lovely Milton, Fla. about 45 to 60 minutes away from NAS Pensacola. Excellence in Quality of Life and Customer Service is our goal. We strive to make sure your stay in the Pensacola area is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. NAS Whiting Field is home to Transient Personnel, Permanent Party, Aviation Flight Students and is the only location for Geographical Bachelors in the Pensacola area. NGIS and BH NAS Whiting Field consists of 94 suites for transient use, 220 rooms for Permanent Party/Geographical Bachelors, 24 of which are designated for NSCC. Located within the complex is a barbershop, a lounge with a large screen television and laundry facilities. The complex also has a MWR Navy Liberty Center, which has computers for guest use, movie rentals and a NEX Mini Mart.

NGIS/BH Manager 665-6218
NGIS/BH Front Desk Supervisor 623-7605
NGIS/BH Fax 623-7238
NGIS/BH Maintenance Department 665-6215
NGIS/BH Housekeeping 665-6216
Navy Family Housing/ Balfour Beatty Communities
Whiting Pines Navy Family Housing/Balfour Beatty Communities offices are located in the city of Milton, approximately seven miles south of the Naval Air Station. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Balfour Beatty Communities remain open until 7 p.m. every Wednesday.

Balfour Beatty Communities
(850) 626-6202
Welcome to the Balfour Beatty Community, Whiting Pines where quality meets convenience. Whiting Pines is nestled in wooded, peaceful beauty. Close to shopping, NAS Whiting Field and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Leave your cares behind at Whiting Pines. There is an on-site Navy Exchange, two tennis courts, basketball courts, swimming pool, splash park, two playgrounds and a paved 1.7 mile run/jog path. Please access http://www.naswhitingfieldhomes.com for assignment criteria, forms and management contact information.

Navy Family Housing Referral
(850) 623-9726
Navy Family Housing Referral specialists are your first point of contact to locate community housing when relocating to NAS Whiting Field or to the surrounding Santa Rosa community.

Visit their office to obtain personalized housing assistance which includes lease reviews and verification of rental/sales listings. There are many properties in Navy Family Housing’s Rental Partnership Program that offer special concessions when selected for residency.

The Rental Partnership Program is designed to provide military personnel, enlisted and officers, with affordable off base housing. RPP was implemented to ease the transition of military personnel, and to help defray some of the costs incurred with moving. Service members may be charged reduced rent, reduced security deposits and no application fee. This program permits communities to voluntarily obligate one, two, three and four bedroom apartments or houses to rent to military personnel. Family Housing counselors will provide utility/phone and cable contacts. They will identify places of worship, transportation alternatives, schools and day care center locations. Please access http://www.housing.navy.mil for additional information.

SERVICES
CBQ Mini Mart
(850) 626-3310
Our Mini Mart is located within the Combined Bachelor’s Quarters Complex, Building 2958, we carry of variety of products food items, personal care items, beer, wine, spirits, magazines and more. Stop by and try our hot sandwiches and cappuccinos. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 3 to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 3 to 7 p.m.

Credit Unions
Pen Air Federal Credit Union
(850) 505-3200 ext. 4425
Pen Air Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution serving the military, civil service and their families and over 500 other workforces in the community. Pen Air FCU is located in at 7180 Langley St., Building 1417 and is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with extended afternoon hours to 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. ATMs are available at Whiting Field’s, commissary, golf pro shop, Bachelor’s Housing Welcome Building and at the Pen Air Office. Other ATM locations are available throughout the local area. Free Debit Card, Flex-Tone Telephone Service, and Internet Account Access Service are available for 24-hour access to funds. Pen Air also has two other full service office located in the Milton, Fla., area at 5056 Dogwood Drive, open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Saturday drive-through hours 9 a.m. until noon and one in the Winn Dixie Shopping Center on Dogwood open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All offices can be reached at (850) 505-3200 or (850) 505-7811 (call center). Visit our website at http://www.penair.org.

Chaplain’s Office
(850) 623-7211
The Command Religious Program is designed to provide religious ministries to the personnel aboard NAS Whiting Field and their families. Chaplains are available during regular working hours at the Chaplain’s Office in Room 117 in Building 1417. The Chapel is located behind Building 1401 and next to the Fitness Center. After hours and on weekends, the chaplains may be contacted through the Officer of the Day. Call for information regarding religious services, and/or information regarding faith groups in the local area.

Commissary
(850) 623-7131
The Whiting Field Commissary is located at 7180 USS Wasp St. next to the Navy Exchange. Hours of operation are Sunday and Monday, closed; Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for your shopping convenience. The facility is also open 8:30 to 9 a.m. for early bird or handicapped shopping using the self check-outs until 9 a.m.

Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC)
(850) 623-7177, Building 3025
Open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The FFSC should be the first place you visit when arriving on station, or when you receive orders to your next duty station. NAS Whiting Field FFSC is a warm, inviting Center with cordial staff prepared to help you obtain the assistance you need to get settled in and to maintain a healthy military lifestyle throughout your tour.

FFSC staff are very professional and knowledgeable about programs and services available on and off-base to assist with challenges associated with all aspects of a military lifestyle.

Services include a wide array of programs that offer educational briefs, seminars and individual assistance designed to educate and assist active duty and retired military personnel (regardless of branch of service) and family members. FFSC serves singles, married, married with children and single parents. Many of the services are also provided to civil service and contract employees.

Examples include: base indoctrination, personal financial management, debt/credit counseling, consumer affairs, car buying, bank account management, investments, communication skills, cultural awareness, decision making, deployments, personal and family readiness, retired military affairs and benefits, basic and quarterly Ombudsman training, relocation assistance including outbound and overseas move preparation, Smooth Move, sponsor training and spouse orientation, clinical counseling, stress management, family advocacy, positive parenting, marriage enrichment, assertiveness, anger management, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR, formerly SAVI), suicide prevention, family member employment assistance and transition assistance such as resume writing, interviewing techniques, job search and many others.

Human Resources Office
Human Resources Office Pensacola (HROP) provides Civilian Personnel and Equal Employment Opportunity services to civilian employees and their military or civilian supervisors on board NAS Whiting Field. They are located at 121 Cuddihy St., Suite A., NAS Pensacola.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Employment info is obtained through the CHART website: http://www.donhr.navy.mil. Vacancy announcements are available nationwide through links to the Department of the Navy Human Resources homepage, the Office of Civilian Personnel Management, and other Department of Defense component and Federal agencies.

Human Resources Office
All Numbers Are in Area Code (850)
Unless Stated Otherwise.
Labor & Employee Relations 452-4431
Staffing 452-2885
Technology 452-3336
Training 452-2660
Workers Compensation 452-2110

Naval Branch Health Clinic, NAS Whiting Field
The Naval Branch Health Clinic at NAS Whiting Field provides primary outpatient medical care, specialty referrals and health related services to active duty personnel and TRICARE Prime retirees/dependent family members. Other services available include Immunizations, Pharmacy, Preventive and Occupational Medicine, Optometry, active duty dental care and a TRICARE Health Benefits Advisor. The clinic operates on an appointment basis with all medical appointments made through a central telephone service. Clinic hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact numbers:

Central Appointments (850) 505-7171
Dental Appointments (850) 623-7627/7227
Clinic Directory (850) 623-7508/7509

Navy Exchange
(850) 623-0118
Our Main Store, located on 7160 Wasp St. (Building 3044), offers a wide variety of merchandise and services. We recently underwent a store renovation in this location and have added a full line Mini Mart for your shopping convenience.

We excel in meeting your needs in the Uniform/Tailor Shop. Name tapes, Leather patches and Medal mounting available. We also have Laundry/ Dry Cleaning, Souvenirs Items, Barber Shop and Subway. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; closed Sunday and holidays.

NEX Autoport/Gas Station
(850) 623-8088
The NEX Autoport/Gas Station (Building 2866) has an ASE Certified Technician on premises. We also have a Tire and Lube Mechanic who is devoted to service for our customer. We sell tires, batteries and more. Twenty-four hour pay at the Pump Gas Pumps. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

NEX Barber Shop
Main Store Barber Shop (850) 626-9890
CBQ Barber Shop (850) 981-3600 ext. 61404
NEX Barber Shops are located at the Main Exchange Building 3044 and at the Bachelor Quarters to service authorized patrons. We pride ourselves in having two extremely experienced barbers here to serve you. Hours of operation of the Main Shop are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Hours of operation for the CBQ are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed on weekends.

Package Store
(850) 626-1988
Located in Building 2998, Long Island Street we offer A complete product assortment of beverages and tobacco products, as well as a knowledgeable and customer service oriented staff. Hours of operation are Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Sunday and holidays.

Postal Services
The only postal services available are through the Navy Exchange Main Store, Building 3044, where postage stamps may be purchased during normal hours of operation.

Whiting Pines Mini Mart
(850) 983-4758
Our Mini Mart is located within Base Housing (Building 573 off Berryhill Road) we carry products from frozen food, beverages, personal care items, sandwiches, milk, diapers and more. We also have an Icee Machine, Coffee and Novelty Ice Cream. We also carry Blue Rhino Propane Tanks and Ice. Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Region Legal Service Office Southeast Branch Office NAS Whiting Field
(850) 623-7231
The Legal Office provides legal services to NAS Whiting Field, Training Air Wing FIVE and tenant commands aboard the station. The Legal Office is located in Building 1401, Room 122, and is open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Powers-of-attorney and notary services are available on a walk-in basis to active duty, dependents and retirees. More complex legal issues require an appointment with a Legal Assistance attorney. To make appointments, visit the office or call (850) 623-7231.

MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION
Archery Range
(850) 623-7502 ext. 1
The Archery Range is located on USS Intrepid Street (Golf Course Road). Patrons are required to read regulations and pass a safety test before using the facility. Please call for more information.

Athletic Gear Issue Facility
(850) 623-7502 ext. 4
The Athletic Gear Issue Facility issues equipment on a one-day loan basis. Equipment consists of tennis racquets, horseshoes, basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, volleyballs, softball gear, ice chests and water coolers.

Bowling Center
(850) 623-7313
The Bowling Center, Building 1475, located on Saratoga Street, has 12 lanes and provides bowling balls, shoes and locker rental, retail pro shop, game room and food concessions. Lanes are equipped with AMF automatic pin spotting machines and an automatic scoring system. Parties may be arranged by contacting the manager. Hours of operation are Tuesday and Wednesday, 3 to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Child Development Center
(850) 623-7472
The Child Development Center (CDC), Building 36, located at 7523 California St., offers enrichment and development programs for family members of Navy and NAS Whiting field civilian employees. A weekly program is offered for ages six weeks to five years. Drop-in care is provided on space available basis. This NAEYC accredited program offers developmentally age appropriate activities for infant, pre-toddlers, toddlers and pre-school year round. The CDC participates in the USDA Food Program, which serves breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Call Resource and Referral at 452-6806, to register for all programs.

Child Development Homes
(850) 572-5026/453-6310
The Child Development Home (CDH) Program certifies military spouses in Navy Housing and certifies with the State of Florida the active and retired military spouses who live off base in Santa Rosa County. The provider and their family’s backgrounds are screened. Providers participate in training and have their homes inspected by Fire, Safety and Health Departments. An inspection from the State of Florida is added to those homes, which are off-base, and the homes are visited unannounced on a monthly basis. Childcare is offered to children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Some homes offer drop-in, extended hour and evening care services. The Child Development Home Office is located in the Regional Child Development Program Office.

Coffee Shop
(850) 623-7928
Located next to the NEX Package Store, Building 2998. This is our own little gourmet coffee shop! With big comfy couches, free Wi-Fi, a library of military orientated books, various snacks, breakfast sandwiches, and your favorite cold and hot drinks, this is the perfect place to relax and read or study. The Coffee Shop is also available for private parties. Just give your Barista a call for any party needs. Hours of operations are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to noon.

Disc Golf Course
(850) 623-7274
The Disc Golf Course is located by the Nature trail just north of Whiting Fields West Gate. This wooded 9-hole course is open daily, sunrise to sunset. There is no fee to use the course. Discs are available for check-out at the Liberty Center.

Dog Park “Wiggly Field”
(850) 623-7502 ext. 1
Located at the corner Langley Avenue and Saratoga Street. The park is an acre of fenced and secure grassy area for your dog to run and play. There is a watering station and shaded benches for sitting. Trash and waste receptacles are on site to keep the park clean. Bring your dog out and enjoy.

MWR Fitness Center
(850) 623-7412
Building 3148
Manager: Terence Edgar
terence.d.edgar@navy.mil
Assistant: Daniel Weekely
NASWF MWR Fitness Center offers a variety of exercise equipment and amenities, including state of the art cardiovascular equipment, a complete line of Nautilus selectorized equipment, a comprehensive free-weight area, kettlebells, Olympic weights, GPS free weight equipment, full court basketball floor, two racquetball courts, personal fitness assistance and an active group exercise schedule. There is something here for everyone! See below for details! Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and holidays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call for current class schedule, (850) 623 7412.

Golf Course
(850) 623-7348/7521
The Golf Course, located in the northeast section of NAS Whiting Field, on USS Intrepid Street, offers 18 championship holes with all the challenges a golfer needs for an exciting game including mounding, water hazards and waste bunkers. The course is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Public parking is two miles east of Highway 87 on Whiting Field Circle. Access is via a walk-thru gate with carts available to take you and your gear to the pro shop. Teeing areas, greens and fairways are hybrid Bermuda grass. We boast a complete golf program with driving range, putting and chipping greens, cart and club rental, food service on and off the course, and a qualified professional golf instructor to assist you with club fitting and other related needs, by appointment.

The clubhouse includes an upgraded golf shop, locker rooms, restaurant and “Mulligan’s,” the second story lounge overlooking the beautiful 9th and 18th greens. Call to schedule outings, tee times and for additional information. Hours of operation are everyday, 6:30 a.m. to Sunset; Mulligans, 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Intramural Sports Programs
(850) 623-7502 ext. 3
The MWR Department, under the overall direction of the Athletic Director, sponsors intramural activities throughout the year in the following areas: basketball, table tennis, bowling, cross country, 5 on 5 soccer, flag football, golf, horseshoes, softball, 4 on 4 beach volleyball, billiards, racquet ball, tennis and indoor volleyball.

ITT Ticket Office
(850) 623-7032
The ITT Ticket Office is located inside NAS Whiting Field Administration Office, Building 1417. The Program offers discount ticket sales for area attractions including Big Kahuna, Orlando Area Theme Parks, Mobile and New Orleans Cruise Ships. They can assist you with worldwide travel, auto rental (local and out of area) and discount coupon books for hotels in the southeast. Starting in 2010, we will be offering discount movie tickets for the Ridge Theater in Pace. Call ITT for all your travel needs! Hours of operations are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Liberty Center
Building 2958, Room 8253
(850) 623-7274
The Liberty Center is located on the 2nd floor of the CBQ directly above the NEX Mini Mart. The Center features a game room with a billiards table, ping-pong, foosball and a 60” TV where patrons can play X-Box 360, Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii video game systems. The Center is now home to the Navy MotionPicture Service and receives new feature films every month! Movies are offered daily in the theatre room which also features HD satellite programs on a 60” HDTV. Liberty schedules and provides transportation for active duty personnel to a variety of activities throughout the year such as horseback riding, scuba certification, paintball, monthly golf instruction clinics, canoe trips and much more! Other services offered include: computer lab with wireless Internet and printing services, a quiet room for studying, and the McNaughton book collection featuring hardback and audio books. For more information on services offered, or a list of scheduled events contact the Liberty Coordinator.

Sports Complex
(850) 623-7502 ext. 1
Whiting Field boasts a renovated outdoor sports complex with two adjacent lighted softball fields, two tennis courts, outdoor basketball court, three sand volleyball pits and a six-lane paved running track. A well-groomed football field, playground equipment and covered picnic areas are also located at the site. The Nature Trail is available for daily use, sun-up to sundown. This 1.5 mile scenic loop starts just north of Whiting Fields West Gate, at the Disc Golf Course. Another trail, Sandhill Pine Bike and Hike Trail, is a wood-chip packed surface course which circumnavigates Whiting Field’s North and South field perimeter roads. It is approximately 10.4 miles long.

Swimming Pools (Seasonal)
(850) 623-7670
The Training Pool, Building 1452A, is located on the corner of Yorktown Street and Saratoga Street next to the Fitness Center. The All Hands Pool, Building 1460, is located behind the Wings Club. It is open to all hands for recreational swimming. Ages 10 to 16 may swim unaccompanied if they can pass a swim test. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Please call for more information.

Vehicle Storage/Park and Sell
(850) 623-7313
Information for the Vehicle Storage/Park and Sell Service is located at the Bowling Center’s front desk. Vehicle and Boat registration is available during the Bowling Center’s regular hours of operation. Please call for details.

Whiting Park
(850) 623-2383
Whiting Park, located on Blackwater River east of downtown Milton, is a Navy water recreation park. The park is a family oriented facility and offers everything from sheltered picnic pavilions to ski boats to pontoon boats to canoes and canoe trips. The pavilions have BBQ grills and while you cook, the kids can enjoy the wading area or the playground. The park also rents Puma, Surveyor and Bighorn travel campers. Explore this beautiful river in your own canoe, kayak, Craig cat or rent one of the many boats available at the park. It’s fun for everyone. Call for information, reservations and directions. We think you’ll agree that Whiting Park is a one of a kind experience!

Food and Beverage Services
(850) 623-7311
Administration Building 1417
MWR operates Southfield Snack Bar located in the HT-8/HT-18 Squadron Building (2977) and the Coffee Shop, Building 2998. Snack Bars are also available in the Bowling Center and Golf Course. There are two venues available for your catering needs. Sikes Hall at Navy Gateway Inns and Suites has a 550 person capacity and the Atrium in Building 1417 can accommodate 250 people. Aces Old Time Lounge is adjacent to Sikes Hall in the Navy Gateway Inns and Suites lobby and is available for special events. Call Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon, for more information and bookings.

TENANT COMMANDS
Training Air Wing FIVE
(850) 623 7555
Training Air Wing (TRAWING) FIVE consists of the Commander, his staff and six training squadrons. The primary mission of TRAWING FIVE is to administer, coordinate, and supervise the flight and academic training and support of Student Naval Aviators (SNAs) and flight students of allied nations as directed by the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA). The TRAWING FIVE staff implements the CNATRA-approved flight and academic syllabus, oversees the flight instructor standardization training program, coordinates squadron student load and assignments, oversees student production within the Wing and monitors aircraft maintenance activities.

Naval Flight Training
It is a school unlike any other. Naval Flight Training is filled with constant challenges and is designed to test an individual’s stamina and ability to adapt to the flying environment. Every aspect of the training program has a purpose based on an understanding of what the flying environment may hold. The naval aviator must know and master all the elements that will be encountered in combat. Mastery of the flying environment requires constant commitment and self-discipline. For the naval aviator, mastering oneself is the all-important first step to acquiring the skill of flight and remains the constant requirement of an individual throughout a career in aviation. Commitment combined with self-discipline is an outlook required both in the training process and beyond. The school is about a dream, a vision of flight and a desire to wear the coveted Wings of Gold. After completing aviation indoctrination at Naval Aviation Schools Command in Pensacola, the next step is Primary Flight Training at Whiting Field.

The Academic Training Department of TRAWING FIVE provides the foundation of knowledge upon which all simulator and aircraft instruction is based. The integrated syllabus also consists of cockpit procedure trainers and various flight support courses which include course rules, aircrew coordination, emergency procedures, safety, bailout, pre-flight inspection, safe for solo, formation, basic instruments, radio instruments, night familiarization, wheels watch, precision landing and aerobatics.

Primary and Intermediate Flight Training
Primary and intermediate training is conducted here at Whiting Field under the direction of TRAWING FIVE. SNAs complete a rigorous curriculum of instruction lasting 25 weeks in the T-34C or T-6B trainer aircraft. At the completion of primary flight training, the student will have the ability to conduct VFR (visual flight rules) and instrument flights, though are not yet designated as Naval Aviators or pilots. Once a student has completed primary, they will select from several of the platforms from which the military conducts operations. Certain aircraft require the student to conduct additional flights in the T-34 or T-6B to complete the intermediate training syllabus. This further enhances their ability to conduct sustained flight under demanding conditions and will prepare them for advanced flight training.

T-34/T-6 Ground School
Ground School, conducted by the Academic Training Department of TRAWING FIVE, provides the core of knowledge upon which all simulators and aircraft instruction is based. Ground School consists of three weeks of intensive academic instruction in the fundamentals of the T-34C or T-6B, which include aircraft systems, meteorology, aircraft preflight inspection and emergency procedures. Before SNAs get into a plane, they practice engine startup, take off, landing, engine shutdown and the basics of radio communication in the Cockpit Procedure Trainer.

Primary Flight Instruction
Primary flight instruction provides a combination of actual and simulated flight experience to SNA’s. With the exception of solo flights, all actual flights of the T-34C or T-6B are conducted under the experienced eye of an instructor pilot, a designated naval aviator. The first stage, familiarization, consists of approximately fourteen flights in which the student learns to conduct a proper pre-flight inspection of the aircraft, techniques for takeoff and landing, basic air-work, radio communications, emergency procedures, spins and stall recoveries. During the basic instrument stage, the SNA learns how to control the aircraft by sole usage of the cockpit instrument panel. The student will begin instrument flying in a high-tech flight simulator, and then take techniques learned to the aircraft. Precision aerobatics and formation flying are confidence builders and are considered by some to be the most fun of Primary. These flights further familiarize the student with strengths and limitation of the aircraft and refine the student’s flying abilities. Students go on to learn the basics of radio instruments. In this stage of the flight training, SNA’s learn airway navigation and instrument landing approaches. It is during this stage that SNA’s acquire the fundamental knowledge that will make them “all weather” pilots.

Pipeline Selection
After completing primary training, the student is selected for training in the jet, maritime or helicopter pipelines. Selection is based on three factors: the needs of the service, flight and academic grades and the individual’s preference. Students selected for the helicopter pipeline remain at Whiting Field for advanced training and ultimately receive their Wings of Gold.

Helicopter Training
Students selected for the helicopter pipeline receive ground training and instruction in the TH-57B/C “Sea Ranger” systems, helicopter aerodynamics, and instrument navigation at Helicopter Training Squadrons EIGHT (HT 8), EIGHTEEN (HT-18), and TWENTY-EIGHT (HT-28). Additional flight support training is conducted in the Helicopter Cockpit Procedures Trainer. The familiarization stage consists of 17 flights, including two solo flights. After mastering such skills as hovering and auto-rotation, the SNA advances to the fully instrumented TH-57C to refine his/her instrument flying ability. The fullmotion helicopter flight simulator is used in this stage. Finally, the SNA reaches the helicopter tactics stage where they learn the fundamentals of formation flying, low-level navigation, search and rescue, and night vision goggle flight. Small-deck ship landings are performed on the Navy’s helicopter landing trainer in Pensacola Bay.

The long hours of study and evaluations pay off when another SNA receives Wings of Gold, reports to a fleet replacement squadron and ultimately to a fleet squadron as a combat-ready helicopter pilot.

Training Squadron Two
(VT-2) “Doerbirds”
(850) 623-7222
Training Squadron TWO (VT-2), the Navy’s oldest primary training squadron, was born from Basic Training Group TWO and commissioned on May 1, 1960 at NAS Whiting Field. VT-2’s mission is to provide primary phase flight training to selected student aviators of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and several allied nations.

Training Squadron Three
(VT-3) “Red Knights”
(850) 623-7323
While Training Squadron THREE’s (VT-3) roots extend as far back as World War II, its current commission began on May 1, 1960 at NAS Whiting Field. The squadrons primary mission at that time was the instruction of student Naval Aviators in radio instruments, formation flying and air-to-air gunnery. At the height of the Vietnam War, the command reached a peak in size and consisted of 174 instructors, 494 students, 649 enlisted and 162 T-28 aircraft. In April 1977, VT-3 began the transition from the T-28 Trojan to the T-34C Turbo Mentor aircraft. In 1980, the Red Knights became the only Navy primary fixed wing training squadron to be alternately commanded by a Navy and Marine Corps officer. In 1994, VT-3 was designated as the first and only Navy joint primary flight training squadron, instructing both student Naval Aviators and Air Force pilots.

The VT-3 Red Knights continue to provide the highest quality training to student Naval Aviators and pilots from the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force and several allied nations. Current instruction includes emphasis on day and night piloting familiarization, precision aerobatics, basic and radio instruments and formation flying skills. While VT-3 remains an active U.S. Navy squadron, Commanding Officers normally alternate between Navy and Air Force officers.

Training Squadron Six
(VT-6) “Shooters”
(850) 623-7666
Training Squadron SIX (VT 6) was commissioned in May of 1960 and was assigned the mission of providing initial flight training to aspiring Naval Aviators of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and several allied nations. VT-6 alternates Navy and Marine Corps Commanding Officers which it remains today.

Helicopter Training Squadron Eight
(HT-8) “Eightballers”
(850) 623-7188/7461
Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT (HT 8), the Navy’s oldest helicopter squadron, provides primary and advanced helicopter training for Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and allied student aviators selected for rotary wing designation.

The squadron was initially established at NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Fla., as Helicopter Training Unit ONE on Dec. 3, 1950.Redesignated Helicopter Training Group ONE in March 1957, it became the eighth squadron in the Naval Air Basic Training Command in July 1960. As such, it was renamed Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT and then in 1972, the squadron moved to South Whiting Field and was split to form HT-18. HT-8 and HT-18 split again in 2006 to form HT-28.

Training Squadron Eighteen
(HT-18) “Vigilant Eagles”
(850) 623-7418/7419
Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHTEEN (HT 18), established in 1972, continues its indepth training of student aviators graduating professional naval officers and aviators who are “Fleet Ready,” able to meet today’s real world missions for the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The squadron also provides rotary-wing training and designation to selected members of various allied nations, refresher and transition training to fleet aviators, and indoctrination flights for midshipmen and flight surgeons. HT-18’s primary mission is to transition student aviators through basic and advanced rotary wing pilot training. Basic training introduces and develops student skills in helicopter flight maneuvers as well as training in visual navigation and tactics. Advanced training completes an intensive curriculum of basic and radio instruments, advanced tactics and shipboard landings. The completion of this exacting training syllabus culminates in a highly trained and proficient all weather aviator.

Training Squadron Twenty Eight
(HT-28) “Hellions ”
(850) 623-7977/7976
HT-28’s primary mission is to transition student aviators through basic and advanced rotary wing pilot training. Basic training introduces and develops student skills in helicopter flight maneuvers as well as training in visual navigation and tactics. Advanced training completes an intensive curriculum of basic and radio instruments, advanced tactics and shipboard landings. The completion of this exacting training syllabus culminates in a highly trained and proficient all-weather aviator.

HT-28, along with its sister squadrons, HT-8 and HT-18, provides advanced helicopter flight instruction to all Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flight students as well as international students from several allied nations. Students who successfully complete the program earn the right to wear the coveted “Wings of Gold.”

Center for Naval Aviation
Technical Training Detachment Milton
The Center for Aviation Technical Training Detachment (CNATT DET, Milton) is comprised of two Military Training Units (MTU’s) encompassing six courses ranging from two to nine weeks in length. The areas of study include three levels of instruction for the Ordnance University (MTU-6005) and Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) Indoctrination and Management courses (MTU-6010). CNATT DET Milton students check in at the administration office, located in Building 2945, aboard NAS Whiting Field.

Aviation Maintenance
Office School (MTU-6010)
The Aviation Maintenance Officer School provides newly commissioned or designated aviation ground officers (Navy 1520/1525/1527/ 63XX/73XX and Marine Corps 6002/6004) who are prospective members of intermediate or organizational maintenance activities. Training is provided in technical infor-mation, managerial responsibilities and administrative aspects required to perform in aviation maintenance positions in various fleet aviation units.

The school is divided into two separate courses of instruction which are The Naval Aviation Maintenance Programs (NAMP) Indoctrination Course (nine weeks) and Naval Aviation Maintenance Programs Management Course (three weeks). The two courses of instruction encompass the entire spectrum of Naval and Marine Corps aviation maintenance management as set forth in the NAMP with particular emphasis on the intermediate (I Level) and organizational (O Level) maintenance activities, to include their interface with the supply system as well as other related activities. Course of instruction includes aviation maintenance management, processes, operational readiness, organization and support, maintenance control, administration, personal correspondence, manpower management, maintenance training program, material management, Navy supply system, support asset management, maintenance data system, forms and reports, flight deck safety, NAVOSH and hazardous materials, deployment/detachment planning, and aircraft weight and balance. The long course includes an additional hands on lab to assist the students in understanding the planning, communications and internal aspects of managing both “I” and “O” Level maintenance functions including an I Level Production Control and O Level Maintenance Control.

Aviation Ordnance
Officer Course (MTU-6005)
The Aviation Ordnance Officer Career Progression Course creates a training path, which begins immediately following accession training and culminates in specialized training in preparation for increased levels of responsibility and authority associated with Aviation Ordnance Management. The Ordnance University is divided into three levels of instruction.

Level I training is a six-week course intended to build incrementally on previously acquired skills and to provide graduated educational and professional career paths for Aviation Ordnance Officers and Senior Enlisted personnel. This is a structured comprehensive training program to standardize and expand upon the level of expertise of newly commissioned LDO’s, CWO’s and Senior Enlisted personnel. This course consists of technical, administrative and safety oriented instruction, which will significantly enhance the professionalism of successful graduates. This instruction covers a wide range of topics designed to provide the student with general knowledge of various areas an Aviation Ordnance Officer may manage in his or her career.

Level II is a two-week course with instruction targeted at Officers and Senior Enlisted personnel. Focus will be placed on job related functions that are associated with assignments to Ordnance management billets. This is a structured comprehensive training program to standardize and expand upon the level of expertise of Officers, Senior Enlisted and DoD Civilians at their mid-career point.

Level III is a two-week course with instruction intended for Officers and Senior Enlisted personnel. Focus will be placed on job related functions that are associated with assignments to senior ordnance management billets (i.e., TYCOMS, FLTCOM’s, Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity, Naval Operational Logistics Support Center and Washington D.C. area tours). This is a structured comprehensive training program to standardize and expand upon the level of expertise of Officers, Senior Enlisted and DoD Civilians at their upper career point. This training is available to Senior Enlisted Aviation Ordnance Personnel: Navy (E6, E7, E8 and E9) assigned to aviation squadrons, LHA/LHD, AOE, CV/CVN, Naval Magazines, Weapons Stations, Surface Combatants, Navy EOD Personnel (5336/5337); Marines (E6, E7, E8 and E9) with a 6531/6541/6591/2311/2336 MOS and DoD Civilians.

Naval Aviation Forecast
Component Whiting Field, Florida
(850) 623-7101 (DSN 868-7101)
The Naval Aviation Forecast Component Whiting Field is a component of the Naval Aviation Forecast Center (NAFC) located in Norfolk, Va. It is located at North Field on the second deck of Building 1424, and has the primary mission of providing meteorological services to Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Training Air Wing FIVE and its squadrons, transient aircraft, and outlying fields. The environmental services normally provided include hourly surface weather observations, aviation forecasts, on-line flight briefings for pilots, and various destructive weather watches and warnings. By using the Internet and various websites, the weather office is able to receive the most current weather information from throughout the United States, thus enabling the forecaster to provide the customer with vital information within minutes. An on-site forecaster/observer is available during field operating hours. Afterhours/holiday forecast services are provided by NAFC Norfolk, Va. They can be reached at (757) 445-4040 (DSN 565-4040).

Naval Atlantic Meteorology
and Oceanography Detachment
(850) 452-2386
The Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography Detachment is a subordinate detachment of the Naval Aviation Forecast Center located in Norfolk, Va. It is located at Sherman Field on the first deck of Building 1852, and has the primary mission of providing meteorological and oceanographic (METOC) services to the Naval Air Station, Training Air Wing SIX and its squadrons, transient aircraft, Corry and Saufley Fields. The environmental services normally provided include hourly surface weather observations, aviation and area forecasts, on line flight briefings for pilots, an on-line five day forecast, climatological studies and various destructive weather warnings.

A sophisticated, high-speed computerized communication system enables the detachment to receive the most current weather reports from other weather offices throughout the world, thus enabling the forecasters to provide their many customers with vital information within minutes of the actual observation time. A forecaster is on duty during field hours and can be reached at (850) 452-3644/2386.  read more...