Fort Worth (NAS JRB)

Fort Worth Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB Fort Worth) is not an ordinary passenger airport where beach holidays begin, but a true giant of the American defence industry and military aviation. This unique facility serves as home to units of the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Texas Air National Guard, being the first joint reserve centre of such scale in the USA. For tourists and aviation enthusiasts, the base is primarily interesting as a place where the latest fighter jets, including the famous F-35 Lightning II produced at the factory next door, can be seen in the sky. Although entering without a special pass is impossible, the scale and power of this place are felt even from a distance.

Features and status of the airbase:

Fort Worth Airbase occupies a special place in the aviation history and modernity of Texas. Formerly known as Carswell Air Force Base, it played a key role in the country's strategic defence for decades.

For travellers and aviation enthusiasts, the following facts are of interest:

• Neighbour to a legend: The base's runway is used by the Lockheed Martin plant. It is here that the fifth-generation F-35 fighters are assembled and tested, so the surroundings of the base are considered one of the best spots in the world for observing the flights of the newest military hardware (planespotting).
• Combined power: This place is unique because representatives of almost all branches of the US armed forces serve here side by side. More than 40 different commands are based on the territory.
• Restricted access: It is important to remember that the facility is a strictly guarded military territory. Civilian flights are not serviced here, and access is open only to military personnel, veterans, and their families (under the Space-A travel programme). Tourists are advised to observe flights from a safe distance without violating perimeter rules.

Since NAS JRB Fort Worth is an active military facility, standard civilian airport services (such as regular information desks or lost and found bureaus for tourists) are absent here. Contact details are intended primarily for authorised personnel, veterans, and participants of the Space-A programme.

• Official website: cnic.navy.mil/nas-jrb-fort-worth
• Base Address (Headquarters): 1510 Chennault Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76127, USA
• Base Operator: +1 817-782-5000
• Passenger Terminal (Air Terminal / Space-A): +1 817-782-6288 (flight information for military personnel)
• Automated Flight Status Information: +1 817-782-6289
• Email: There is no public email for general inquiries (it is recommended to use the phone or social networks).
• Social Networks: Facebook
• Lost Luggage Information: +1 817-782-6288 (Luggage issues are handled by the Passenger Terminal administration).

When planning a route to Fort Worth Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB Fort Worth), it is important to remember its specific status. Since it is an active military facility with restricted access, logistics here differ significantly from familiar civilian airports. You cannot simply arrive here to meet a flight unless you have the appropriate clearance or are a participant in the Space-A programme.

The base is located approximately 11 km west of Fort Worth city centre. The journey usually does not take much time, but strict entry control can increase the total visit time.

Car and Taxi

The most reliable way to get to the base is by private or rented car, as well as by taxi. The Main Gate is located near the intersection of Highway 183 (Alta Mere Drive) and I-30.

• Taxis and Aggregators (Uber, Lyft): A trip from the city centre (Downtown Fort Worth) will take about 15–20 minutes (excluding traffic). The estimated cost is $20–30.
  Important note: Taxi and rideshare drivers, as a rule, do not have the right to enter the base territory. They can only drop you off at the checkpoint (Visitor Control Center) in front of the main gates. From there, you will have to pass control and move independently or call for an internal transfer if one is provided by your status.
• By private car: Follow Interstate I-30 West to the exit for SH 183 North (Alta Mere Drive). It is better to enter "NAS JRB Fort Worth Main Gate" or the address of the visitor centre in your navigator.

Public Transport

Public transport options are extremely limited and are not recommended for passengers with luggage.

• Bus: The Trinity Metro city network serves the Westworth Village area adjacent to the base. The nearest stops for route No. 91 are on Pumphrey Drive, within walking distance of the checkpoint. The cost of a single ticket is about $2. There are no direct express buses from the centre to the base gates.
• Train: The TEXRail line connects the city centre with the international airport but does not go towards the military base.

Car Rental and Parking

Unlike civilian terminals, there are no car rental counters directly on the airbase territory. If you are arriving by military aircraft (Space-A), ensure you book a car in advance at city offices that may provide a delivery service to the gates, or take a taxi to the nearest rental point.

• Parking: The base has long-term parking for authorised personnel and Space-A passengers, located next to the air terminal. It is usually free but requires a pass for the vehicle. Guest parking is available only at the outer perimeter (Visitor Center).

Nearby Civilian Airports

If you are a regular tourist planning a trip to this region, you should use one of the major civilian airports located nearby. They receive regular flights from all over the world:

• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) — the main air hub of the region, located just 40 km from the base. This is the primary choice for most travellers.
• Dallas Love Field (DAL) — located 55 km away, closer to the centre of Dallas, and popular for domestic flights by low-cost carriers.
• For travel to other parts of Texas, regional hubs such as Waco Regional Airport (130 km) or Wichita Falls Municipal Airport (167 km) may be convenient.
• Military personnel also frequently use the regional Killeen–Fort Hood Regional Airport (192 km), serving a large army base to the south.

Structure and Terminals

Unlike the neighbouring civilian giant DFW or Love Field Airport, NAS JRB Fort Worth (FWH) does not have a network of sprawling terminals with multiple boarding gates. Here, one small passenger terminal (Air Passenger Terminal) operates, serving exclusively military charters and flights under the Space-A programme (flights for military personnel and their family members subject to seat availability). It is a compact single-storey building where logistics are simplified to the maximum.

Layout and Navigation

Navigating inside the terminal is very easy, as the entire passenger journey takes place within one hall. The building structure includes:

• Check-in Zone: Several counters where documents are checked (military IDs, travel orders, or leave papers for Space-A) and luggage is accepted.
• Waiting Hall: A spacious room with seats, televisions, and basic amenities. There are no Duty Free shops, boutiques, or luxury lounges here. Vending machines with snacks and drinks are available to passengers.
• Security Zone: A security checkpoint (TSA) located directly before the exit to the apron.

Transitions and Departure/Arrival Zones

Since there is only one terminal, transfers between buildings or the use of shuttles are not required. The walk from the parking lot to the check-in counter takes just a couple of minutes.

• Departure Zone: After passing security, passengers wait for boarding in the general hall ("sterile area"). Boarding is usually done by walking across the airfield — buses are rarely used as aircraft park in immediate proximity to the building exit.
• Arrival Zone: Arriving passengers enter the same building. Luggage claim takes place either on a dedicated belt inside the terminal or, in the case of large cargo aircraft, luggage may be unloaded onto a special area next to the plane, where passengers collect it themselves under personnel supervision.

Procedure Features

The time for completing formalities here differs from civilian airports and depends on the type of your flight:

• Check-in and Roll Call: For Space-A passengers, it is critically important to be present at the Roll Call, which is held 2–3 hours before departure. Being late even by a minute can lead to the loss of a seat.
• Security Check: Security procedures are as strict as in US civilian airports, and sometimes even more thorough due to the military status of the facility. Prohibited items are confiscated permanently.
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi is often available in the terminal, and there is a children's play area and a mother and child room, making the wait more comfortable for military families.

Navigation Recommendations

The main difficulty is not inside the terminal, but on the way to it. The passenger terminal is located on the base territory, which can only be accessed through guarded gates (Main Gate). Visitors are advised to clarify the route from the checkpoint to the terminal building (usually Building 1510 on Chennault Avenue) in advance and strictly follow the signs, without turning into service zones and hangars, so as not to violate the security regime.

The history of Fort Worth Naval Air Station (NAS JRB Fort Worth) is a fascinating chronicle of the development of American aviation, from piston bombers of World War II to futuristic fifth-generation fighters. This airfield has always been something more than just a runway; it served as a testing ground for technologies that changed the course of history.

Birth of a Giant: The Bomber Era

The base's foundation dates back to 1941, when, against the backdrop of the escalating World War II, the US government decided to build Tarrant Field Airdrome. However, the main reason for the runway's appearance was the construction of the huge Consolidated Aircraft (later Convair, now Lockheed Martin) aviation plant next door. The airfield opened in 1942 and immediately became a centre for the production of heavy B-24 Liberator bombers. Pilots tested new machines right here before sending them to the front.

The Era of Carswell AFB and the Cold War

After the war, in 1948, the facility was renamed Carswell Air Force Base in honour of World War II hero Major Horace S. Carswell Jr., a Fort Worth native. For decades, the base served as one of the key hubs of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). It was here that the giant B-36 Peacemaker bombers and the legendary B-52 Stratofortress, which formed the backbone of US nuclear deterrence, were based.

Records and Historical Milestones

The airfield entered world aviation history thanks to an outstanding achievement. In 1949, a B-50 Superfortress bomber named Lucky Lady II took off from here and returned to the same spot.

• This was the first non-stop flight around the globe in history.
• The aircraft covered more than 37,000 km in 94 hours and 1 minute, refuelling in the air four times. This flight proved that aviation is capable of reaching any point on the planet without intermediate landings.

Transformation and Modern Status

The end of the Cold War led to massive changes. In the early 1990s, as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) programme, Carswell Air Force Base was closed. However, its strategic importance and infrastructure were too significant to disappear. After a major reorganisation, on 1 October 1994, the facility reopened with a completely new status — as Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. This became the first experiment of its kind in the USA: reserve units of the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and National Guard were united under a single command.

Interesting Facts from the Airport's Biography

• Hollywood Trace: In the 1950s, the film "Strategic Air Command" starring Hollywood star James Stewart, who was himself an experienced bomber pilot, was filmed at the base.
• Presidential Visit: The base became the site of one of President John F. Kennedy's last stops. He arrived here on Air Force One on 21 November 1963 and spent the night in Fort Worth before his fateful flight to Dallas the next morning.
• Cradle of the "Lightning": Thanks to the proximity to the Lockheed Martin plant, the base's runway became the site of the first flight and testing of the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter in 1974, and nowadays, the newest F-35 Lightning II take to the skies here for the first time.

Services and amenities at Fort Worth Naval Air Station (NAS JRB Fort Worth) differ significantly from what tourists are used to seeing in major civilian hubs. Here you will not find luxury boutiques, spas, or huge food courts in the departure zone. The infrastructure of the Passenger Terminal (Air Passenger Terminal) is designed with a focus on functionality and basic comfort for military personnel and their families awaiting departure (Space-A) or arriving for duty.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops

Dining options within the passenger terminal building itself are limited. There are no full-service cafes or restaurants here.

• In the Terminal: Vending machines are available with soft drinks, coffee, snacks, and sandwiches. It is recommended to have small cash or a card with you.
• On the Main Base: If you have time before departure and transport, you can visit the base's main shopping complex — Base Exchange (NEX/BX). This is a large department store selling everything from electronics and clothing to souvenirs with base symbols. Nearby, there is usually a food court with popular American fast-food chains (e.g., Subway, Panda Express, or Taco Bell). Important: Access to shopping at the Exchange is permitted only with a valid ID card.

Waiting Lounges and Connectivity

The waiting area in the terminal is a general hall equipped for long stays.

• Comfort: Comfortable seats are installed, and televisions are operating. The setting is simple but clean and quiet. There are no separate VIP halls or business lounges of commercial airlines here.
• Wi-Fi and Charging: The terminal typically provides free Wi-Fi for passengers. In the waiting hall, you can find sockets for charging mobile devices and laptops, which is critically important for those travelling for a long time.

Financial Services

An ATM, most often belonging to military credit unions (e.g., Navy Federal Credit Union), is usually installed in the terminal or in its immediate vicinity. There are no currency exchange points on the base territory, so if you are flying from abroad or heading there, it is recommended to settle cash issues in advance.

Services for Passengers with Children

Travel by military families is a frequent occurrence, so the terminal is friendly to young passengers.

• Play Area: The waiting hall is often equipped with a small children's corner with toys, books, or a TV with cartoons to occupy children before the flight.
• Mother and Child Room: Facilities are provided for changing and feeding infants in privacy.

Accessibility and Medical Services

The terminal fully complies with American accessibility standards (ADA).

• For Passengers with Reduced Mobility: Entrances are equipped with ramps, doorways are widened, and specially equipped toilets are available. Terminal staff are always ready to assist with boarding and disembarking.
• Medical Assistance: First aid kits are available in the terminal. In case of serious health problems, a medical clinic (Naval Branch Health Clinic) operates on the base territory, but it serves attached personnel. In emergency situations, the base emergency service is called.

Accommodation: Hotels on Base and Nearby

The issue of overnight stays is relevant, as Space-A flights are often delayed or change schedules.

• On Base Territory:
  • Navy Lodge and Navy Gateway Inns & Suites (NGIS): These are hotels located directly on the base. They offer comfortable rooms at prices generally lower than market rates. Accommodation here is available only to military personnel, veterans, their family members, and US DoD civilian employees. It is recommended to book places in advance.
• Outside the Base:
  • If there are no places on the base or you do not have access rights to military hotels, the nearest hotels are located in the Westworth Village and White Settlement areas, literally a 5–10 minute drive from the main gates. Popular chains (Hampton Inn, Comfort Suites, etc.) are represented there.

Business Services

There are no specialised conference rooms for passengers in the terminal. This is a transit hub not intended for business meetings. However, thanks to the availability of Wi-Fi and the relatively quiet environment in the waiting hall, you can comfortably work with a laptop or check email before departure.

It is important to understand that catering at NAS JRB Fort Worth (FWH) is radically different from familiar civilian airports. Here you will not find 24-hour fine dining restaurants, juice bars, or a wide selection of cafes in the "sterile" zone. The options available to passengers depend on exactly where you are: in the small passenger terminal or on the main territory of the base.

Inside the Passenger Terminal (Air Terminal)

For those who have already checked in and are in the waiting hall before departure (Space-A), the choice is extremely limited. There are no full-service cafes or restaurants in the terminal building itself.

• Vending Machines: This is the only way to have a snack immediately before boarding. The machines offer a standard set: carbonated drinks, water, coffee, crisps, chocolate bars, and packaged long-life sandwiches.
• Operating Hours: 24 hours.
• Tip: It is strongly recommended to eat a full meal before arriving at the terminal or bring food with you (sandwiches, fruit, salads). Products are allowed through security screening if they are not liquids.

On the Base Territory (Main Base)

If you have time before check-in or have just arrived and have access to move around the base (by car), you can use the infrastructure for military personnel. The main dining spots are concentrated around the shopping centre.

Food Court at Main Exchange (NEX/BX)

This is analogous to a food court in a shopping mall. Popular American fast-food chains are represented here. This is the best place for a full lunch on the territory.

• Available Venues: The assortment may change, but usually includes brands such as Subway (sandwiches), Panda Express (American Chinese cuisine), or Taco Bell (Tex-Mex). Pizzerias are also often found (e.g., Domino's or Pizza Hut Express).
• Average Bill: Budget-friendly, $8–15 per lunch.
• Opening Hours: Usually from 10:30 to 18:00–19:00. On Sundays, hours may be reduced.

Entertainment and Snacks (MWR)

• Ten Pin Cafe (Bowling Centre): Located on the base, the cafe at the bowling alley often offers a classic American menu: burgers, chips, nachos, and chicken wings. This is simple but filling food.
• Social Club / Lounge (All Hands Club): Depending on the event schedule, drinks and snacks may be served here in the evening.

Local Cuisine and Specialities

Since the base is located in Texas, the region's main gastronomic speciality is Barbecue (BBQ) and Tex-Mex (Texan-Mexican cuisine). Finding authentic dishes on the base itself is difficult (chain establishments offer only adapted versions). To taste real Texas brisket or fajitas, it is better to go outside the base.

Dining Recommendations Outside the Base

If you arrived hungry and have transport, the Westworth Village area, located just outside the Main Gate along Alta Mere Drive, offers an excellent selection:

• Quick Bite: A 5-minute drive away are Chick-fil-A, Whataburger (a legendary Texas burger chain, a must-visit), and Starbucks.
• Full Lunch: Within a 10–15 minute radius, you can find family restaurants serving steaks and Mexican cuisine.

Dietary Information

• Vegetarians and Vegans: There are practically no options inside the terminal. At the base food court in Subway, you can assemble a vegetarian sandwich, and in Asian eateries, find vegetable and rice dishes.
• Halal and Gluten-Free: Establishments on the base generally do not hold specific Halal certifications. People with strict dietary requirements are advised to rely on their own supplies.

Summary for the Passenger

For a quick snack inside the terminal, rely only on snacks from the vending machine. For a full meal, visit the food court at the Main Exchange before heading to flight check-in, or, if time permits, visit Whataburger immediately after leaving the base to experience the taste of real Texas.

Travelling through a military airfield differs radically from flying with ordinary civilian airlines. Since NAS JRB Fort Worth serves exclusively military charters and flights in the Space-A (Space Available) category, preparation for departure requires a special approach, flexibility, and knowledge of specific rules.

Arrival Time and Roll Call

The main concept for a passenger here is the Roll Call. This is the moment when seats on board are allocated.

• When to arrive: Do not rely on the standard "2 hours before departure". You need to arrive at the terminal and mark yourself present at least 1 hour before the start of the Roll Call, not before the aircraft take-off time. The Roll Call time is usually indicated in the flight schedule.
• Risks: If you are late for the Roll Call even by a couple of minutes, your name will be crossed off the list of applicants, and the seat will be given to the next passenger in priority, even if the plane is still on the ground.

Check-in and Documents

The check-in procedure here is more bureaucratic and strict than in civilian airports.

• Paper Copies: Do not rely solely on electronic versions of documents. Always have printed copies of leave papers, travel orders, or EML documents with you.
• ID Cards: Ensure that identification cards (CAC or dependent ID) are valid and at hand for all family members, including children (if applicable by age).
• Readiness for verification: Staff at the counter check your category and status. Be ready to state your rank and unit clearly and quickly.

Seat Selection and Comfort on Board

Seat selection depends on the type of aircraft, and surprises often await passengers here.

• Aircraft Type: If you are flying on the "Patriot Express" (civilian charter), conditions will be standard. However, if the flight is on a cargo aircraft (e.g., C-130 Hercules or C-40), comfort will be minimal.
• Clothing: It is often very cold or hot on military cargo planes, as well as extremely noisy. Be sure to dress in layers.
• Gear: Take earplugs (or noise-cancelling headphones), a warm blanket, or even a sleeping bag with you if a long flight on fold-down canvas seats along the side is expected.

Hand Luggage and Baggage

Baggage rules on military flights are often more generous in terms of weight but strict regarding content.

• Weight Limit: Typically, two suitcases weighing up to 70 pounds (about 32 kg) each are allowed, which is more than the standard civilian 23 kg. However, the size of hand luggage must allow it to be placed under the seat or at your feet.
• Liquids and Electronics: TSA rules on transporting liquids (containers up to 100 ml in a transparent bag) apply here too. Laptops and tablets must be taken out during screening.
• Prohibited Items: It is strictly prohibited to transport any personal weapons, explosives, and alcohol in open containers. Given the military status of the facility, attempting to bring a prohibited item will lead to serious consequences.

Tips for Transit Passengers

Remember that direct connections, as in civilian aviation, do not exist here.

• Do not plan "tightly": Space-A flights are often delayed or change routes. Never book non-refundable hotels or connecting commercial flights at the destination with a small time margin.
• Readiness to get stuck: If you are flying with a transfer at another base, be prepared for the fact that the next flight might be in 2-3 days. Have a reserve of funds for accommodation.

Customs Control

If you are arriving in Fort Worth from abroad (e.g., from bases in Japan or Germany), you will undergo full US customs and border control right at the base.

• Declarations: Fill out the customs declaration honestly. Special attention is paid to food products: bringing in fresh fruit, meat, and plants is strictly prohibited and punishable by fines.
• Procedure: Often officers board the plane directly, or screening is conducted in a specially designated zone of the terminal. Luggage may be checked by service dogs.

How to Save Time and Money

• Food with you: Since cafes are absent in the terminal and prices in vending machines are inflated, bring sandwiches and snacks with you. This will save your budget and nerves, especially if the flight is delayed.
• Parking: Use the free long-term parking on the base (if you have a car pass) instead of paying for a taxi from the city.
• Accommodation: If the flight is rescheduled to the morning, call the Navy Lodge on the base immediately. It is cheaper than city hotels and eliminates the need to pass through the checkpoint again in the morning.

What to do in Case of Flight Delay

In military aviation, priority is always given to cargo and combat missions, so the schedule of passenger flights may change at the last minute.

• Patience is key: Do not argue with terminal staff; they do not control the crew schedule.
• Plan "B": Always have a financial safety cushion (credit card or cash) sufficient to buy a commercial ticket home from the civilian DFW airport if the military flight is cancelled completely.
• Communication: Keep phones charged (bring a power bank) to promptly check updates on the terminal's Facebook page or listen to the automated information line.