Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) is a naval air station of the United States Navy located on two pieces of land near Oak Harbor, on Whidbey Island, in Island County, Washington.
The main portion of the base, Ault Field, is about three miles north of Oak Harbor. The other section, called the Seaplane base for the PBY Catalina flying boats once based there, holds most of the island's Navy housing as well as the air station's main Navy Exchange and DeCA Commissary. The NASWI commanding officer also has command of a satellite airfield, Naval Outlying Landing Field (NOLF) Coupeville, on central Whidbey Island, roughly nine miles south of Ault Field. Primarily used for Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) by carrier-based jets, this field has no permanently assigned personnel.
NASWI supports the EA-18G Growler, MH-60S Seahawk, P-8 Poseidon, and C-40 Clipper aircraft.
MISSION - Support the Fleet, warfighters and their families through responsive delivery of shore-based capabilities that enable sustained force generation, operational readiness and pronounced quality of service for naval units and personnel.
THEORY OF VICTORY - Navy Region Northwest succeeds when internal and external stakeholders, including its own personnel, view the region team as a reliable and effective partner who both visibly shares their priorities and demonstrably helps achieve them.
Highlights of Oak Harbor
Strategic Pacific Northwest location – 90 miles north of Seattle, gateway to major tech and aerospace hubs
Access to three major airports:
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- Sea-Tac International (2 hours south)
- Paine Field (1.5 hours south)
- Bellingham International (1 hour north)
Island living - Whidbey Island offers a unique, quieter lifestyle while remaining accessible
Proximity to natural wonders:
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- San Juan Islands nearby
- Cascade and Olympic Mountains within reach
- Puget Sound views and access
Outdoor Lifestyle – Provides easy access to all that the Pacific Northwest is known for including a mild climate with temperate winters and cool summers
- 100+ miles of hiking trails for all skill levels
- Multiple state parks:
- Deception Pass State Park (4,134 acres with spectacular cliff views)
- Fort Ebey State Park (645 acres)
- Fort Casey State Park with historic Admiralty Head Lighthouse
- Camano Island State Park
- Abundant water activities: kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, fishing, crabbing, kitesurfing
- Excellent beaches including dog-friendly options (Double Bluffs)
- Year-round fishing - saltwater (salmon, steelhead, cod, perch) and freshwater options
- Scenic drives - Deception Pass Bridge is iconic
- Mountain biking and recreational trails
- Whale watching opportunities
- Birdwatching and wildlife viewing
Housing and Cost of Living – Considered favorable cost of living, especially compared to neighboring Seattle
- Rental availability - Multiple options at reasonable rates:
- Studio apartments: ~$940/month
- 1-bedroom apartments: ~$1,233/month
- 2-bedroom apartments: ~$1,396/month
- Single-family homes: $2,300-$3,000/month (or ~$2,725 average)
- Moderate cost of living - Only 8-22% above national average
- Healthcare costs 26.8% below national average
- No state income tax in Washington state
- Utilities reasonable: $300-400/month average
- More affordable than Seattle while offering similar outdoor access
Community – Family-friendly atmosphere
- School District - Well-regarded schools
- Safe, stable community - Lower crime rates typical of military-adjacent areas
- Military family culture - Strong community support networks and amenities
- Local shopping and services - Safeway, Walmart, Home Depot, and other major retailers nearby
- Navy recreation facilities available for access or passes:
- Parks and playgrounds
- Disc golf
- Skate parks
- Beach recreation areas
- Local arts scene - Theater, galleries, and community events
- Farmers markets and local food culture
- Summer events and festivals
- Access to Seattle's world-class attractions (museums, music venues, sports, dining) for weekend trips
