Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is one of Washington State’s 3 navy bases, and is located in 2 locations in Oak Harbor, Washington. It’s a fairly old base, and it was commissioned officially on September 21, 1942. The primary portion of the base is known as Ault Field, named after Commander William B. Ault, who was labeled as MIA in the Battle of the Coral Sea. The airfield is about 3 miles north of Oak Harbor. The other, smaller section of the base is called the Seaplane Base. Though it’s smaller, the Seaplane Base has most of the housing, as well as the main Navy Exchange.
The base was built in 1942 as a location to refuel and repair navy patrol planes. It was commissioned before the US’s entry into World War 2, but it was used heavily during the war. Today, there are 19 active duty squadrons and 2 Ready Reserve squadrons stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. There is also an active search and rescue unit, and various tenant commands, numbering over 50 total.