The base was named after Commander William Whiting of the Civil Aeronautics Bureau. He worked with some of the most sophisticated units as a submarine commander before transitioning to a career as a pilot.
He participated in several missions throughout World War I until retiring in 1940, just before the outbreak of World War II.
The base serves as a primary training facility for helicopter pilots and aircrew members who are learning to operate rotary-wing aircraft such as CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters or MH-60 Seahawk helicopters.
It also serves as a training center for fixed-wing pilots flying such aircraft as T/AV-8B Harriers, F/A-18 Hornets, EA-6B Prowlers, C-130 Hercules cargo planes, or E-2C Hawkeyes.
Brief History
Before its commissioning in 1943, Whiting Field was an open field of bush and vegetation. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred on July 16th of that year and attracted 1,500 attendees. One of them was Kenneth Whiting's wife.
In the years following World War II, most United States Navy programs were held at the base. During this time, site activities varied based on the "era."
During World War II, NAS Whiting Field was used to train aviators for service in Europe and Pacific theaters of operation. A total of 240 aircraft were assigned to the station during this period.
The station was also used to test new equipment and aircraft under development by manufacturers such as Chance Vought Aircraft and Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation.
Whiting Field served as the first Naval fighter training facility after the war and, for a short time, as the base of operations for the Blue Angels demonstration squadron.
In the 1970s, NAS Whiting Field South was responsible for helicopter training; presently, all helicopter pilots receive training onsite. A new simulation training facility, including numerous simulation trainers for further practice and instruction, was added in the 1980s.
Did You Know - NAS Whiting Field is the world's busiest air base. It currently supports over 1.5 million flights annually, or almost three flights a minute. It also instructs and perfects over 1,200 trainees.
What Is It Like to Live off Base?
The surrounding area of NAS Whiting Field is lovely. The base is located on the Gulf of Mexico, providing fantastic views. You can get a great view of the sunsets over the sea from the beach right next to the base.
The base has its mall, grocery store, movie theatre, bowling alley, and skating rink! The mall is small but has everything you need, including restaurants and shops that sell clothes, shoes, and accessories. The bowling alley is also fun because it has lanes for kids and adults. There are also several parks around the base with playgrounds, so parents with children can relax while their kids play!
The weather is mild compared to other parts of Florida, but it can get hot during summer. It's a great place to go if you're looking for a somewhat quiet place with access to many beaches and beautiful scenery!
Benefits of Living Off-base NAS Whiting Field
NAS Whiting Field Navy Base is one of the world's largest JSF training bases, with more than 5,000 people working there. It is one of Florida's top bases that attracts many personnel due to its unique training facilities.
However, living outside NAS Whiting Field Navy Base has many benefits too. Let us discuss them here:
Save Money on Rent
Your housing allowance pays for your rent and utilities if you live on base. This allows you to save monthly money for groceries, entertainment, or travel expenses. It also gives you more options when choosing where to live in Pensacola, Florida. If you live off base, you need to find an apartment or house that fits within your budget.
You can choose from various neighborhoods with different amenities and price points depending on what is important to you and your family's needs.
Have More Privacy
When living on base, there are rules about keeping the noise down after certain night hours and not having overnight guests unless they're family members living with you (which requires prior approval from your commander).
Off base, there are no restrictions like this because it's considered private property owned by individuals or businesses, so there aren't any rules about how loud people can be at night or who's allowed inside their homes.
More Space
If you live inside the base, then there will be limited space available for you and your family. You may not be able to find good homes with large yards or garages where you can store all your vehicles and other belongings properly.
But when you live outside the base, you will find plenty of options for buying such homes at reasonable prices too! This gives you more space and helps you live better without any problems!
Schools Around NAS Whiting Field, Florida
Naval Air Station Whiting Field does not have any DoD schools. Residents' children will attend schools within the Santa Rosa County school system.
Santa Rosa County has an exceptional children's program that assists children aged three to five. A contractual firm provides bus service. There are also several private and specialized schools in the surrounding neighborhood.
The following are some schools you can attend if you live near NAS Whiting Field:
East Milton Elementary School
East Milton Elementary School is a public school established in 1925 as a K-8 facility. It is located at 18100 NE Fourth Street and serves prekindergarten through eighth-grade students.
The school's mission statement is "To provide a safe, nurturing environment where each child can grow academically, succeed socially, and reach their potential."
The school currently holds an A rating on GreatSchools with an overall score of 8 out of 10 stars based on reviews from current parents and alums.
Bagdad Elementary School
Bagdad Elementary School is located at 651 Bagdad Road, Bagdad, FL 32571. It is a public school that serves grades PK-5 in the Bagdad Union Elementary School District.
The school has an enrollment of approximately 90 students and provides complimentary breakfast and free lunch to its students.
King Middle School
King Middle School is a public school located at 11360 Cook Road, Milton, FL 32583. It has 405 students in grades 6-8, with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.
According to state test scores, 69% of students are at least proficient in math and 71% in reading.
Sims Middle School
Sims Middle School is a public school located at 1635 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Milton, FL 32583. It has 1278 students in grades 6-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1. According to state test scores, 70% of students are at least proficient in math and 67% in reading.
The school offers bus transportation services for an additional fee to all students within a 2-mile radius of the school site. The school also provides before and after-school care and summer programs for students aged 6 weeks through 12 years old.
Milton High School
Milton High School is a public high school located in Milton, Florida, USA. It is part of the Santa Rosa County School District. The school's mascot is the Greyhound, and the school colors are black and gold.
Milton High has approximately 1,500 students (as of 2017) and offers several Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment courses at Pensacola State College.
Pace High School
Pace High School is a public school that serves grades 9-12 in the Santa Rosa County School District. This school has an enrollment of 2,367 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
Students are offered multiple Advanced Placement classes and dual enrollment opportunities through Pensacola State College.
Top 5 Places to Live Near NAS Whiting Field Navy Base
There are many houses for sale near NAS Whiting Field Navy Base. One option is to live in one of the many military communities near the base. Several communities allow you to rent, lease, or buy homes from them, which will be your new home when you move out of the military.
Some communities even have pools and parks for children to play in and other amenities such as gyms and fitness centers for adults to enjoy their free time away from work or school activities.
These communities can also provide homeowners insurance policies that cover any damages or injuries that happen while living on their properties, such as fire.
The following list of communities is near the base:
Whiting Field Annex
This area is just outside the main gate of NAS Whiting Field and is home to many military families not assigned to the base.
This area has houses and apartments, and it is a great place to live if you want to be close to the base but don't want to live on base with all the restrictions that come along with living on military property.
East Pensacola
This neighborhood is just east of NAS Whiting Field on Highway 90 East and consists mainly of newer construction homes with larger lots than West Pensacola.
Many of these homes were built in the 1990s or 2000s and ranged from modest 1-story ranches to larger 2-story homes with up to 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garages, and 2 car carports. The average home price here is around $175,000-$200,000, depending on where in the neighborhood you choose to buy.
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is a great place to live near NAS Whiting Field because you are still close to the beach, but there are also plenty of things to do within walking distance from your home.
You will find shopping centers, restaurants, and more just a short walk away from your new home. If you want to take a day trip or weekend getaway, Pensacola Beach has everything you need or want within just minutes of your home.
Ponce Inlet
Ponce Inlet is located just south of NAS Whiting Field, making it an easy commute for people who want to live close to work. It has a population of just under 4000 people, which makes it large enough to have everything you need but small enough not to get overwhelmed by traffic or big crowds like those found in larger cities such as Daytona Beach or Jacksonville.
The average price per square foot here is $90-$120 per square foot, which makes it one of the most affordable areas around this base!
Top Attractions Around NAS Whiting Field Navy Base
Are you a Navy family? Or, maybe you are searching for houses for sale near NAS Whiting Field Navy and looking for fun things to do in Milton. If either of these statements applies to you, then you are lucky! There are plenty of attractions around NAS Whiting Field that will keep you busy during your free time.
The following is a list of some of the top attractions near NAS Whiting Field:
Sunburst R.V. Resort Milton, FL 32570
Sunburst R.V. Resort is a full-service resort in Milton, Florida. They offer many amenities, including swimming pools and hot tubs. There are also several restaurants nearby that can be easily accessed by walking or driving.
Sunburst R.V. Resort is on the NAS Whiting Field Navy Base, so it's convenient for those stationed there or visiting family and friends. The park is located right off of I-10; it's easy to get to from anywhere in the state! Several restaurants nearby can be easily accessed by walking or driving.
Sunburst R.V. Resort has been around since 1985 and offers full hookups at all sites along with cable T.V. & Wi-Fi. There are also laundry facilities available for your use if needed!
Whiting Field Clear Creek RV Park
Whiting Field Clear Creek RV Park offers home comforts in the heart of Whiting Field's historic area. The park is conveniently located near shopping, dining, and entertainment. The park has 50 sites with full hookups (30-amp service), restrooms, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi access.
For your convenience, a swimming pool is available during the summer, as vending machines and a fishing pond with catfish, blue gill & crappie. You'll enjoy the friendly staff and lots of amenities!
Blue Basket Farms Milton, FL 32570
Blue Basket Farms is a family-owned and operated farm in Milton, Florida. It has been producing sweet corn for over 50 years and sells it at various locations throughout the state. Blue Basket Farms also offers free tours of its farm for children under age 10.
The tour takes about 20 minutes to complete and includes information about the history of farming in Florida and how sweet corn is grown from seed to harvest.
In addition to the corn maze, visitors can enjoy a playground with slides and swings and picnic tables to have lunch or snacks while exploring the farm.
West Florida Railroad Museum Milton, FL 32570
If you're looking for some old-fashioned fun, then the West Florida Railroad Museum is the place to go. The West Florida Railway Museum is located in Milton, Florida, on the grounds of the historic Southern Railway Depot. The museum is open from 9 am until 4 pm Monday - through Friday and 10 am until 4 pm Saturday and Sunday.
This museum is filled with antique trains and cars from around the world. Various exhibits also teach visitors how these trains have been used throughout history.
The West Florida Railroad Museum also has an exhibit area where you can see how trains were used during the Civil War era. You can also learn more about the trains used during World War II at this museum.
Conclusion
There are a good number of things that you need to consider when searching for houses for sale near NAS Whiting Field Navy. There are many towns, communities, and established neighborhoods in which you can live near this facility.
You should know the exact requirements of living off-base. Real estate agents who know the market and are experienced in selling housing around NAS Whiting Field can help you with information on the available homes.
