Lemoore Naval Air Station (Reeves Field)

Welcome to Naval Air Station Lemoore (Reeves Field) — not merely an airport, but a key hub of power and professionalism for the United States Navy. Located in the heart of California's Central Valley, this base is the newest and largest Master Jet Base for the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1961, it plays a strategic role in supporting the Pacific Fleet. Here, amidst the fertile lands, one can hear the "sound of freedom" daily, as the base is home to the world's most modern strike fighters.

Features and Uniqueness of NAS Lemoore

Naval Air Station Lemoore is not a tourism hub but a strategic facility of paramount importance. It is the home base for the Strike Fighter Wing Pacific, making it the center for the training and deployment of carrier-based aviation on the West Coast. The base hosts the majority of the U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft and is the only base on the West Coast housing the latest fifth-generation F-35C Lightning II fighters.

The base's infrastructure is impressive: two parallel runways, each approximately 4 kilometers long, allow for more than 210,000 flight operations per year. Beyond combat squadrons, it houses training centers, including the Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific, where pilots hone their skills. For aviation enthusiasts and those interested in military capabilities, Lemoore represents a unique example of a modern, high-tech, and vital military airfield.

Since Naval Air Station Lemoore (Reeves Field) is an active military installation and not a civilian commercial airport, its contact information and available services have specific limitations. Access to the territory is strictly regulated.

• Official Website: The most complete and verified information can be found on the official NAS Lemoore website.
• Information Desk Phone: For general inquiries and information, you can use the base's main phone line (Quarterdeck): (559) 998-0100.
• Airport Address: 700 Avenger Ave, Lemoore, CA 93246, USA. Please remember that appropriate authorization is required for visits.
• Email: A direct public email for general inquiries is usually not published for security reasons. It is recommended to use the phone for communication.
• Social Media: You can follow the air base's news on its official Facebook page.
• Lost Luggage Information: There is no standard baggage tracing service for civilians here. For items lost on base property, please contact the main phone number for further instructions.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger services are oriented towards military personnel and Department of Defense staff. Civilians with questions regarding potential flights must communicate through official military channels.

When planning a trip to Naval Air Station Lemoore (Reeves Field), it is important to remember that this is an active military facility, not a civilian airport. Access to the grounds is strictly regulated and permitted only for military personnel, their families, and visitors with official authorization. Below are the main ways to reach the air base checkpoint from the city of Lemoore and other locations in the United States.

Car Rental

The most convenient and recommended way to reach the air base is by car. Renting a vehicle will provide you with maximum flexibility. If you are flying into the region, it is most convenient to rent a car at one of the nearest civilian airports. The largest of these is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), located approximately 54 km away. Other options include Meadows Field Airport (BFL) and San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP). The drive from downtown Lemoore to the air base gates takes just 10–15 minutes. To enter the base, you will need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance, as well as a pass issued at the Visitor Control Center near the main entrance.

Taxi and Rideshare Services

Using taxi services or apps like Uber and Lyft is a good option if you do not have a car. The trip from downtown Lemoore will be quick and relatively inexpensive. The driver can take you only as far as the main checkpoint, where you will need to undergo document verification to enter the base on your own. This is a reliable way to get to the gates, but not onto the base territory itself.

Public Transport

Public transport options for traveling to the air base are very limited. There are no direct bus or train routes going directly to the base gates. Local bus operators may have stops a few kilometers from the base, but from there you would need to take a taxi. Therefore, relying on public transport for timely arrival at the air base is not recommended.

Parking

Designated parking areas are provided for visitors arriving in personal or rented vehicles. Typically, guest parking is located near the Visitor Control Center at the main entrance. After obtaining a pass and permission to enter, you will be able to use parking lots within the base in accordance with established rules and markings. Parking on the base is usually free, but it is important to strictly follow signage to avoid fines.

It is important to note that Naval Air Station Lemoore (Reeves Field) (NLC) is an active military facility of the United States Navy. Consequently, it does not function as a standard commercial airport serving scheduled civilian passenger flights.

There are no passenger terminals on the air base territory in the sense familiar to tourists. The facility's infrastructure is entirely focused on executing military missions, servicing military aircraft, and meeting the needs of personnel. There are no public check-in areas, waiting lounges, or security checkpoints designed for the general public.

Since access to the air base is strictly limited and it is not used for commercial transport, information regarding terminal maps, transfers between them, and pre-flight procedure times for civilian travelers is not applicable. All operations related to arrivals and departures concern exclusively military activities.

The history of Naval Air Station Lemoore, also known as Reeves Field, begins on July 8, 1961. It was on this day that the base was officially commissioned. Its creation was a response to the needs of the jet age: The United States Navy required a modern airfield with long runways capable of accommodating new, heavier, and faster aircraft that could no longer be serviced at older air bases. The airfield received its second name, Reeves Field, in honor of Admiral Joseph M. Reeves, one of the pioneers of carrier-based aviation.

Since its opening, the air base in the city of Lemoore has developed rapidly. By the 1960s, it had become a key center for training and basing strike fighter squadrons of the Pacific Fleet. Over the decades, various types of aircraft have been stationed here, including the legendary A-7 Corsair II and F/A-18 Hornet. The base played a crucial role in maintaining the combat readiness of naval aviation, serving as home to thousands of service members and their families, and evolving into a fully self-sufficient town.

A new stage in the history of the air base began in the late 20th and early 21st centuries with massive modernization. In 1998, the first F/A-18E/F Super Hornet landed here, marking the beginning of rearmament with new-generation fighters. In subsequent years, the base infrastructure was significantly expanded and updated to receive the newest fifth-generation aircraft — the F-35C Lightning II. Today, NAS Lemoore is the largest and most modern Master Jet Base for the U.S. Navy.

Among the interesting facts about the air base's history, its colossal size is noteworthy — it occupies a vast territory in California's Central Valley. Additionally, the base is a leader in renewable energy within the U.S. Armed Forces, thanks to its own large solar power plant which provides a significant portion of its energy needs. It is not just a military object, but a complex facility that continues to write its history, remaining at the forefront of naval aviation development.

It is important to understand that Naval Air Station Lemoore (Reeves Field) (NLC) is an active U.S. Navy base, not a civilian airport serving commercial passenger flights. As such, standard infrastructure familiar to tourists and civilian travelers is absent here.

Access to the air base territory is strictly limited and permitted only for military personnel and individuals with special authorization. Public services for passengers, such as restaurants, cafes, shops, currency exchange points, waiting lounges, and car rental counters, are not provided here. All amenities located on the base are intended exclusively for the needs of service members and their families.

Travelers planning a trip to this region of California should use the nearest civilian airports, such as Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), which offers a full range of passenger services.

It is important to note that Naval Air Station Lemoore (Reeves Field) (NLC) is an active U.S. military base, not a commercial civilian airport. Consequently, there are no passenger terminals in the usual sense, nor are there public restaurants, cafes, or lounges intended for the general public.

Access to the air base is strictly limited and granted only to military personnel, their families, and authorized staff. While galleys and mess halls operate on the base to serve personnel, they are not accessible to ordinary travelers.

If you find yourself in this area and are looking for a place to have lunch (including Halal options), you should look for dining establishments in nearby cities such as Lemoore or Hanford, which are located outside the military base.

When planning a trip via Naval Air Station Lemoore (Reeves Field), it is crucial to understand that this is an active military facility, not a standard civilian airport. Rules and procedures here differ significantly from commercial airlines, and access is strictly regulated. The main passenger contingent consists of military personnel, their family members, and authorized persons traveling primarily on Air Mobility Command (AMC) flights or via the Space-Available (Space-A) program.

Arrival and Access: Arrive at the base well in advance. You will need time not only to check in for your flight but also to pass through control at the base entrance. Ensure you have all necessary documents with you: a valid military ID, travel orders, and other permissions. Without proper identification, you will not be admitted to the premises.

Check-in and Security: The check-in process for military flights differs from commercial ones. You will need to report to the AMC passenger terminal on the base. Security screening procedures are conducted by the military and can be more stringent. Follow the staff's instructions carefully and be prepared for a full inspection of both personal belongings and carry-on luggage. Seat selection is generally not provided — seating is assigned based on availability or established protocol.

Baggage Rules: Baggage allowances for military flights are established by the Department of Defense and may differ from civilian airline rules. They depend on your status (e.g., relocating for duty or on leave). Before traveling, be sure to verify current weight and size requirements for baggage on official AMC resources. Items prohibited for transport generally coincide with general aviation rules, but there may be specific military restrictions.

Transfers and Flight Delays: Space-A flights (subject to seat availability) are not guaranteed and depend on the schedule of military missions. Delays and cancellations are common occurrences. Always have a backup plan and be prepared for long waits. Amenities in terminals on military bases are typically minimal compared to major international airports. If you have a transfer planned at another military base, be prepared for similar conditions.

Customs Control: If you are arriving from outside the United States, you will undergo customs and immigration control conducted by federal agencies directly on the base. The procedure is similar to civilian airports but may have its own specifics. Declare all necessary goods and follow the officers' instructions.

Saving Time and Money: The main way to save time is thorough preparation. Check all documentation in advance, clarify the schedule (as much as possible for military flights), and arrive at the base with time to spare. Travel via the Space-A program is already a very economical, and sometimes free, way to travel for authorized persons, but it requires maximum flexibility and patience.