Naval Air Station Meridian

Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian is located 11 miles northeast of Meridian, Mississippi, within Lauderdale and Kemper Counties. Construction began in July 1957, and the facility was commissioned as a Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) on July 19, 1961. The operational area was designated McCain Field in honor of Admiral John S. McCain, Sr. Training Squadron SEVEN (VT-7) arrived in 1961, followed by the establishment of Training Squadron NINE (VT-9) later that year. The installation became a full Naval Air Station in July 1968. Training Air Wing ONE was commissioned in August 1971, and Training Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19) was established the same month. The TA-4J advanced jet trainer was introduced to the station in October 1971. The Naval Technical Training Center was commissioned in April 1974, and the base was designated a Major Shore Command in 1982.

The United States Navy operates the base under the direction of Navy Region Southeast. NAS Meridian serves as one of the Navy's two strike pilot training facilities. Its primary mission is the conduct of undergraduate strike pilot training. The base hosts Training Air Wing ONE and its subordinate squadrons, VT-7 and VT-9. Other tenant units include the Naval Technical Training Center and Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron One.

Infrastructure includes McCain Field and Naval Outlying Landing Field (NOLF) Joe Williams, located 25 miles northwest of the main installation. NOLF Joe Williams is utilized for Field Carrier Landing Practice to prepare students for initial carrier qualifications. The base operates squadrons of T-45 Goshawk aircraft. Airfield operations are supported by an Air Traffic Control Division managing radar final control and tower systems, and a Ground Electronics Maintenance Division that maintains navigation aids and communication equipment. The Naval Technical Training Center, also known as the Stennis Center, provides technical training and administrative services for the command.