Norfolk (Chambers Field)

Norfolk Airport, also known as Chambers Field, represents a unique aviation hub where, instead of the usual tourist hustle and bustle, one feels the power and discipline of naval aviation. This is not merely an air harbour, but a key artery of the world's largest naval base, where history intertwines with modern technology. Located on a picturesque coast, the airfield serves as a gateway for official flights and special missions, whilst remaining a significant object on the map of Virginia. For aviation enthusiasts, Chambers Field offers an opportunity (albeit from a distance) to see rare models of military hardware in their natural habitat.

Airport Features and Status:

Chambers Field possesses a number of unique characteristics that distinguish it from civilian airports:

• Strategic Importance: The airfield is part of Naval Station Norfolk — the largest naval base in the world. Helicopter squadrons, airborne early warning aircraft, and transport aviation are based here.
• Restricted Access: The airport primarily serves military flights, Department of Defense charters, and government missions. Ordinary commercial flights for tourists are not accepted here (the neighbouring Norfolk International Airport — ORF is used for them).
• History and Scale: Named after the pioneer of naval aviation, Captain Washington Irving Chambers, this airfield plays a key role in fleet logistics and operations in the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean, and other regions.
• Visual Impressions: Although the terminal is closed to the general public, the airfield's activity can often be observed from the water during sightseeing tours of Hampton Roads harbour, which attracts aviation lovers.

• Official Website (Base): Naval Station Norfolk
• Help Desk Phone (AMC Passenger Terminal): +1 (757) 341-9912 or +1 (757) 341-9913
• Passenger Terminal Address: 8225 Patrol Road, Norfolk, VA 23511, USA
• Email (Flight and Space-A enquiries): NAVSTA_Norfolk_N327_SpaceA_Signup@us.navy.mil
• Terminal Social Media: Facebook – Norfolk Passenger Terminal
• Lost & Found Information: +1 (757) 445-5519
• Passenger Service Desk Contacts: +1 (757) 444-4118

Since Chambers Field (Norfolk Chambers Field) is located within the active Naval Station Norfolk, the arrival process differs significantly from a trip to a standard civilian airport. Access to the territory is strictly controlled, and entry is permitted only to individuals with military IDs, special passes, or those accompanied by authorised personnel.

For the majority of civilian travellers not affiliated with the armed forces, the main destination is the neighbouring civilian Norfolk International Airport (ORF), located just a 15-minute drive away.

Below are the ways to reach the base and the AMC (Air Mobility Command) passenger terminal for those with access rights (military personnel, their families, staff).

Car and Taxi

The most convenient way to reach the terminal is by private car or taxi. The base has several checkpoints (Gates).

• Route: The main traffic flow follows the interstate highway I-564 (Admiral Taussig Blvd), which leads directly to the main gates (Gate 1, 2, 3A). From Norfolk city centre, the journey takes about 15–20 minutes, excluding traffic jams.
• Taxi and Ridesharing (Uber/Lyft): Taxi and Uber drivers can take you to the base. However, if the driver does not have a special military pass (DBIDS card), they can only take you to the Pass & ID Office outside the gate. From there, you will have to transfer to an internal shuttle or call a taxi authorised to enter the base.
• Cost: A taxi ride from downtown Norfolk will cost approximately 20–30 USD.

Public Transport

You can reach the base area by public transport, but it is important to remember that civilian buses do not drive directly to the airfield or the AMC terminal.

• Bus: The Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) network connects the city with the base. The most convenient is Route No. 2, which runs from the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center to the stop at the Navy Exchange / Commissary (a shopping centre on the base territory). From there, you will need to reach the passenger terminal via internal transport or ride-sharing. The fare is about 2 USD.
• Train: The nearest Amtrak railway station is in the city centre (Norfolk Station). There is no direct connection to the airport; a taxi is required.

Parking

For passengers departing on AMC flights (Space-A), long-term parking is available near the passenger terminal (address: 8225 Patrol Road). Typically, parking is provided free of charge or at minimal rates for authorised travellers. Spaces are limited, so availability is not guaranteed. Ensure you have valid vehicle registration and insurance for checkpoint inspection.

Car Rental

Car rental desks are absent inside the military terminal itself. If you need a vehicle, it should be rented in the city or at the civilian airport. The nearest rental offices (Enterprise, Hertz, and others) are located outside the base perimeter. Some companies offer a pick-up service from the base gates by prior arrangement.

Recommendations for Travellers

If your goal is not military service but a tourist trip to the region, you should focus exclusively on civilian aviation hubs. The primary one is Norfolk International Airport, which accepts scheduled flights. In case it is busy or convenient tickets are unavailable, a good alternative could be Richmond International Airport, located approximately 110 kilometres (about an hour and a half drive) from Norfolk. Also within a 200-kilometre radius are smaller regional airports, such as Salisbury–Ocean City–Wicomico Regional Airport and Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, though flight options there are significantly fewer.

Unlike large civilian aviation hubs with confusing labyrinths of walkways, the structure of Norfolk Airport (Chambers Field) is distinguished by extreme conciseness and functionality. There are no multiple terminals designated by letters or numbers here. All passenger operations are concentrated in a single building — the AMC Passenger Terminal (Air Mobility Command), which serves military personnel, their families, and Department of Defense staff.

Terminal Layout and Structure

The terminal is a compact single-storey building designed for the efficient and rapid processing of passenger and cargo flows. Navigation here is intuitive, as all key zones are within direct line of sight:

• Check-in Zone: Located immediately at the entrance. Here lie the passenger service counters where document checks, baggage weighing, and flight registration ("Roll Call" for those flying via the Space-A system) take place.
• Waiting Area: A spacious hall with seats, equipped with information screens displaying the status of military aircraft departures and arrivals.
• Baggage Claim: Located in the same building. Since there are few flights, luggage is unloaded promptly, and the retrieval process takes minimal time.

Features and Amenities

Despite Chambers Field being a military facility, the terminal is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable wait, albeit without the excesses typical of commercial airports:

• USO Lounge: As in many US military hubs, a USO (United Service Organizations) zone operates here. This is a cosy place where travellers can enjoy free snacks, coffee, watch TV, or use computers.
• Dining and Services: Vending machines with snacks and drinks are installed in the terminal. There are no full-service restaurants or Duty-Free shops inside, so it is better to bring food for the journey with you in advance.
• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is usually available on the terminal premises, as well as charging stations for mobile devices.
• Family Rooms: Mother and child rooms are provided for passengers with small children.

Registration and Security Procedures

Timelines and rules here are stricter than in civil aviation. Travellers are advised to consider the following nuances:

• Arrival Time: To guarantee boarding, it is recommended to arrive at the terminal 2–3 hours before departure. For Space-A category passengers (flying subject to seat availability), it is critical to be present during the Roll Call. Being late by even a minute can lead to the loss of a seat.
• Security: The screening procedure is similar to TSA standards but may include additional checks of military IDs and travel orders or leave papers. Queues are generally small, and the process is organised.

Navigation and Transfer Recommendations

Since there is only one terminal, transfers between buildings are not required. However, if your itinerary involves a transfer to a commercial flight, you will need to get to Norfolk International Airport (ORF). There is no direct transfer between the base airfield and the civilian airport — you must use a taxi or rental car to exit the base and drive about 15–20 minutes through the city to the ORF terminal.

The history of Chambers Field is a chronicle of the development of US naval aviation, journeying from the first tentative flights on biplanes to servicing modern high-tech aircraft. The past of this airfield is inextricably linked to the land where lavish international exhibitions were once held, and where fleet forces are now based.

Inception on Historic Ground

The foundation of the airport's history was laid in 1917, when the US Navy purchased a plot of land near Sewell's Point. Notably, this was the site of the famous Jamestown Exposition in 1907. Aviation activity began almost immediately, in 1918, but at that time, the infrastructure was oriented primarily towards seaplanes using the lagoon waters and a small dirt strip.

Gaining a Name

For a long time, the facility functioned as part of the Hampton Roads Naval Air Station, and later Norfolk. The airfield received its current and recognisable name significantly later than the commencement of flights. The official naming took place only in 1938. The airfield was named Chambers Field in honour of Captain Washington Irving Chambers. This outstanding officer was not a pilot, but his engineering genius and persistence made the integration of aviation into the fleet possible, including the first experiments with catapults and deck take-offs.

Landscape Transformation and War Years

The most massive stage of development occurred in the late 1930s and 1940s. Concrete strips were required to accommodate heavy wheeled aviation, and land space was catastrophically lacking. Engineers performed a true miracle: during grandiose dredging works, a significant part of the old lagoon, where seaplanes previously landed, was filled with soil. Effectively, the modern airfield stands on land reclaimed from the water. By the early 1940s, Chambers Field had turned into a powerful hub for anti-submarine patrols and pilot training.

Shift in Priorities and Modernity

In the jet age, starting from the 1950s, it became obvious that the airspace over the growing city of Norfolk was too cramped for high-speed fighters. Gradually, strike aviation moved to Oceana base, and Chambers Field was repurposed. Today, it is a "kingdom of rotary-wing machines" — the main hub for Atlantic Fleet helicopter squadrons, as well as airborne early warning aircraft and transport aviation.

Interesting Historical Facts:

• Exhibition Legacy: The airport is one of the few places in the world where military headquarters are located in luxurious early 20th-century mansions. Many administrative buildings of the base are preserved pavilions of the 1907 Jamestown Exposition, recognised as historical monuments.
• Birthplace of Naval Aviation: Although the airfield itself was built later, it was in the waters washing its shores that pilot Eugene Ely performed the first-ever take-off from a ship's deck (the cruiser USS Birmingham) in 1910, making this location sacred for naval aviators.
• Battle with the Elements: Due to its location on reclaimed land, the airfield constantly struggles with soil subsidence and rising sea levels. In the 21st century, complex reconstruction works are carried out here to raise the level of runways and strengthen the coastline.

Services and amenities at Norfolk Airport (Chambers Field) are adapted to the specifics of a military facility. Passengers should note that you will not find the scale of commercial hubs with their endless rows of boutiques and fine dining restaurants here. The infrastructure of the AMC (Air Mobility Command) Passenger Terminal is subject to strict functionality, ensuring basic comfort for military personnel and their family members before departure.

Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops

Inside the passenger terminal itself, the choice is limited. There are no full-service cafés or Duty-Free zones. Catering is organised as follows:

• Vending Machines: Machines with a wide assortment of snacks, sandwiches, chocolate, as well as hot and cold drinks are installed in the waiting halls. This is the main way to have a snack immediately before boarding.
• Base Infrastructure (Outside Terminal): If you have time before your flight and access to transport, you can visit the Navy Exchange (NEX) — a large shopping complex located on the base territory near the airfield. There is a full food court with popular fast-food chains (pizzerias, burger joints, coffee shops), as well as a large supermarket where you can buy travel goods, electronics, and souvenirs with Navy symbols.

Lounges and VIP Services

The main oasis of comfort in the terminal is the USO (United Service Organizations) centre. This is an analogue of a business lounge for military travellers and their families. Entry is free upon presentation of ID.

• USO Services: Guests are offered free snacks and drinks (coffee, tea, juices), comfortable soft armchairs, televisions, books, and board games. It is an ideal place to pass the time in a calm atmosphere.

Connectivity and Finance

• Wi-Fi and Charging: Free access to wireless internet is provided throughout the terminal, including the USO zone. Power outlets are available in waiting areas for charging gadgets; however, it is recommended to carry a power bank, as the number of slots may be limited during high passenger influx.
• Banks and ATMs: An ATM is usually available inside the terminal, most often from the Navy Federal Credit Union or Bank of America network. There are no currency exchange points in the building itself; financial operations are best conducted in the city or at bank branches on the base territory (Community Bank, Navy Federal) in advance.

Services for Special Categories of Passengers

The terminal is designed taking into account the needs of all traveller groups:

• Passengers with Children: A mother and child room is equipped for parents with babies, where one can change or feed an infant in privacy. The USO zone often has a children's corner with toys.
• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The terminal building is single-storey, which eliminates problems with stairs and lifts. Entrances are equipped with ramps, and restrooms are adapted for citizens with limited mobility. Terminal staff are always ready to assist with boarding and disembarking.
• Medical Assistance: First aid kits and defibrillators are available in the terminal. In case of serious health problems, the base medical service or an ambulance from the nearest naval hospital is called.

Accommodation: Hotels at the Airport and Nearby

Since overnight stays in the terminal itself are not provided for, passengers can use accommodation options on the base or in the city:

• Navy Gateway Inns & Suites (NGIS) and Navy Lodge: Located directly on the territory of Naval Station Norfolk. This is the most convenient option for those entitled to use military infrastructure. The hotels offer comfortable rooms at affordable prices but require advance booking due to high demand.
• City Hotels: For those who prefer to stay outside the base, numerous civilian hotels of various categories are located within a 5–10 km radius (in the area of ORF airport and Northampton Boulevard), including brands like Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Quality Suites.

Business Services

There are no specialised conference halls or business centres inside the passenger terminal. Travellers who need to work are advised to use the quiet zone in the USO or a workspace in their hotel room. Administrative buildings on the base are used for official meetings by prior agreement.

It is important to understand that Chambers Field Airport (NGU) is a military facility, not a commercial tourist hub. You will not find the usual "restaurant row" with bars, scenic restaurants, or gastronomic boutiques here. The catering system is built on the principle of military efficiency: fast, simple, and functional.

Nevertheless, passengers will not go hungry if they know where to look for food and how to plan their time.

Inside the Passenger Terminal (Airside/Landside)

In the AMC (Air Mobility Command) terminal building itself, where flight waiting takes place, opportunities for a full lunch are absent. The entire space is a single zone, and the choice is limited to light snacks.

• Vending Machines: This is the main source of food immediately before departure. Several machines are installed in the waiting hall, offering a standard set: fizzy drinks, water, energy bars, crisps, chocolate, biscuits, and sometimes long-life sandwiches.
  Opening Hours: 24/7.
  Prices: Budget-friendly (1.50 – 5.00 USD).
• USO Lounge: The best option for a snack inside the terminal. Volunteers offer military personnel and their families free hot drinks (coffee, tea, cocoa), water, juices, as well as pastries, fruit, instant noodles, and yoghurts.
  Opening Hours: Usually open several hours before scheduled departures.
  Price: Free (tips are not accepted, but donations to the organisation are welcome).

Dining on Base Territory (Landside, outside terminal)

If you have time before check-in or have just arrived and have access to move around the base (by car or shuttle), it is highly recommended to visit the base shopping zone (Main Navy Exchange & Commissary), located a few minutes' drive from the terminal.

Here you will find a large Food Court offering variety comparable to ordinary shopping centres:

• Panda Express: Asian cuisine, rice, noodles, chicken in sweet and sour sauce.
• Subway: Sandwiches and salads (the best option for those looking for something healthier).
• Taco Bell: Mexican fast food.
• Firehouse Subs: Hot, hearty sandwiches.
• Starbucks: A full-service coffee shop with desserts and drinks.

Average bill: 8 – 15 USD for a full meal.
Opening Hours: Most outlets are open from 07:00–10:00 to 19:00–21:00 (hours may be reduced on weekends).

Local Cuisine and Specialities

It is impossible to find authentic Virginian cuisine inside the military perimeter — chain establishments rule here.
Expert Tip: If you want to try the famous Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, oysters, or pulled pork (BBQ), you need to leave the base territory and head to the city of Norfolk (Ghent or Downtown districts). There are no gastronomic delights at the airport itself.

Special Diets (Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free)

Passengers with strict dietary restrictions should be prepared for limited choices:

• Vegetarians and Vegans: Inside the terminal (in machines), the choice is meagre (nuts, crisps). At the base food court in Subway or Panda Express (side dishes), one can assemble a suitable lunch.
• Halal and Kosher: There are no specialised certified outlets. It is recommended to carefully study product ingredients or stick to vegetarian options and fish.
• Gluten-Free: Finding a full gluten-free dish is difficult. It is best to bring a supply of your own food, which is permitted by security rules (except for liquids over 100 ml when passing through screening).

Recommendations for Passengers

• For a quick snack: Use the USO Lounge inside the terminal. Coffee and a doughnut will help perk you up before the flight.
• For a full meal: Be sure to eat BEFORE arriving at the terminal. Stop by the Navy Exchange food court or any restaurant in the city before passing the terminal checkpoint. After passing check-in (Roll Call) and screening, there will be no opportunity to buy hot food.
• Water: There are drinking water fountains (bottle filling stations) in the terminal. Take an empty reusable bottle with you to fill it after screening.

Travelling through Chambers Field (Norfolk Chambers Field) is a special experience that differs greatly from flying with ordinary civilian airlines. Since this is an active military facility, passengers must observe strict regulations and be prepared for Spartan conditions. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, we have compiled key tips relevant for flights via the AMC terminal.

Arrival and Check-in: The "Earlier is Better" Rule

Unlike civilian flights where being 5 minutes late is sometimes forgiven, discipline comes first here.

• Arrival Time: It is recommended to be at the terminal at least 2–3 hours before departure. If you are flying via the Space-A system (subject to seat availability), it is critical to be present by the start of the "Roll Call". If your name is called and you are not there, your queue is cancelled instantly.
• Documents: Have not only your passport ready but also your military ID card and leave papers or travel orders. They will be checked several times.
• Dress Code: This is an important nuance. Strict dress codes often apply on military flights. Avoid open-toed shoes (flip-flops), excessively short shorts, or clothing with provocative slogans. You may simply be denied boarding if dressed inappropriately.

Comfort on Board and Seat Selection

The type of aircraft determines your comfort level. If it is a chartered "Patriot Express" (a standard passenger airliner), conditions will be standard. However, if you are to fly on a cargo plane (C-5, C-17, or C-130), preparation must be more serious:

• Temperature: It is often very cold or, conversely, hot in military transport aircraft due to system operations. Tip: Dress in layers. Be sure to take a warm jacket, hat, and gloves, even if flying in summer.
• Noise: The noise level on cargo planes is very high. Take high-quality earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones with you. Crews often provide them, but it is better to have your own.
• Seats: On cargo planes, seats may be located along the sides (web seating). The most comfortable places are away from the doors and the ramp, where draughts are stronger.

Hand Luggage: What to Take and What to Leave

Security rules here are similar to civilian ones (TSA), but there are features dictated by the duration and specifics of flights:

• Food and Water: On many military flights (especially cargo ones), catering may be minimal (dry rations) or absent altogether. Be sure to take a supply of hearty snacks and an empty water bottle (fill it after screening).
• Entertainment: There are no seatback multimedia systems here, and Wi-Fi is absent on board. Download films, music, and books to your tablet or phone in advance. Do not forget a powerful power bank, as outlets may be unavailable.
• Sleep Kit: A small neck pillow and a light blanket will make flying on hard seats much more tolerable.

Customs and Transfers

For passengers arriving from abroad or planning a complex route, it is important to consider logistics:

• Customs Control: If you arrive from overseas (for example, from bases in Europe), you pass customs right in the Chambers Field terminal. The procedure is strict: declare all food products and souvenirs. Agricultural control is particularly vigilant here.
• Connection with Civilian Flights: Remember that Chambers Field is not connected to Norfolk International Airport (ORF) by a single transit zone. You will have to collect luggage, exit the base, and travel to ORF by taxi. Allow at least 4 hours for the transfer to manage all cordons and re-check-in.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay?

In military aviation, priority is always given to fulfilling combat tasks ("Mission Essential"). Passenger transport can be pushed to the background.

• Patience and Plan B: Flights can be delayed for a day or more due to technical breakdowns or mission changes. Always have reserve funds for a hotel and food, as well as the financial ability to buy a ticket for a commercial flight in an emergency.
• Communication: Follow the terminal's Facebook page, where schedule updates are often published faster than on the boards.

Tips for Saving Money

• Parking: Use the long-term parking at the AMC terminal — it is often free or costs pennies compared to city rates. Be sure to place the pass under the windscreen.
• Free Amenities: Do not spend money on coffee in machines if the USO hall is open. You can have a free snack and drink hot tea there before departure.