Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans
Located in Belle Chasse, within the unincorporated Plaquemines Parish of Louisiana, the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) New Orleans serves as a critical multi-service military installation. Operated by the US Navy under the control of Navy Region Southeast, this operational base supports a diverse array of missions ranging from homeland defense to maritime search and rescue.
The base is centered around Alvin Callender Field, a military airport situated approximately six nautical miles south of the New Orleans central business district. To maintain constant readiness, the facility operates on a 24/7 schedule, ensuring the US military can respond immediately to national security requirements.
Historically, the base's predecessor, NAS New Orleans, was located on the site that now serves as the main campus of the University of New Orleans until 1957.
Key Facts
- Location: Belle Chasse, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana.
- Airfield: Alvin Callender Field (IATA: NBG, ICAO: KNBG).
- Operational Status: 24/7 operations for NORAD and Coast Guard missions.
- Primary Owner: United States Department of Defense.
- Established: Built between August 1954 and December 1957.
- Key Aircraft: F-15C/D Eagle, F-5N/F Tiger II, C-130T Hercules, and MH-60T Jayhawk.
Military Occupants and Missions
NAS JRB New Orleans is a joint environment hosting various branches of the United States Armed Forces. Its primary mission focuses on air sovereignty, homeland defense, and maritime law enforcement.
Current Active Units
- 159th Fighter Wing (Louisiana Air National Guard): Operates F-15C/D Eagle fighters for NORAD air sovereignty.
- Fighter Squadron Composite 204 (VFC-204): A US Navy Reserve aggressor squadron utilizing F-5N/F Tiger II aircraft.
- Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 54 (VR-54): A US Navy Reserve unit operating C-130T Hercules transport aircraft.
- Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans: Conducts search and rescue, port security, and maritime law enforcement using MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters.
- Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 (HMLA-773): A Marine Corps Reserve detachment operating UH-1Y "Super Huey" and AH-1 Super Cobra helicopters.
Beyond aviation, the base hosts the 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines, the 377th Theater Sustainment Command, the Navy Reserve Center New Orleans, and the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
Former Occupants
The base has a rich history of hosting specialized units, including the VAW-77 "Nightwolves" (the Navy's sole aerial counter-narcotics unit flying the E-2 Hawkeye) and the 926th Fighter Wing, which operated A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft before relocating to Nellis AFB.
Airfield Facilities and Infrastructure
Alvin Callender Field is equipped to handle heavy military transport and high-performance fighter aircraft. The airfield features two primary runways constructed with Porus European Mix (PEM), a specialized durable surface.
| Runway Direction | Length (Meters) | Length (Feet) | Surface Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/22 | 3,048 m | 10,000 ft | Porus European Mix |
| 14/32 | 1,828.8 m | 6,000 ft | Porus European Mix |
Community and Demographics
The residential population associated with the base is recognized as the New Orleans Station Census-Designated Place (CDP). According to the 2020 U.S. Census, this community has a population of 2,508 residents.
Education
Families stationed at the base have access to local educational facilities. The base is home to Belle Chasse Academy, a charter K-8 school that opened in 2002. Students attending high school are assigned to Belle Chasse High School within the Plaquemines Parish School Board district.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of NAS JRB New Orleans?
The base serves as a joint reserve facility supporting NORAD air sovereignty, homeland defense, and Coast Guard missions including search and rescue and maritime law enforcement.
Which fighter aircraft are currently operated at the base?
The 159th Fighter Wing operates F-15C/D Eagles, while Fighter Squadron Composite 204 (VFC-204) operates F-5N/F Tiger II fighter-attack aircraft.
Where was the original NAS New Orleans located?
The original NAS New Orleans occupied the land that is now the main campus of the University of New Orleans before moving to the current Belle Chasse location in 1957.
What are the identifiers for Alvin Callender Field?
The airfield is identified by the IATA code NBG, ICAO code KNBG, and FAA LID NBG.
What school is located directly on the base?
Belle Chasse Academy, a charter K-8 school, is located on the base and has been operational since September 5, 2002.