🇺🇸 Norfolk Naval Station (Chambers Field)

Norfolk Naval Station (Chambers Field) (KNGU (NGU)) is a military airport located in Norfolk, Virginia, operating as part of Naval Station Norfolk. It is designated as a midsized airport and is crucial for supporting naval air forces within the United States Fleet Forces Command, with operations spanning the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Indian Ocean.

Type of Facility and Operations: Chambers Field primarily handles military flights, Department of Defense charters, and government missions, rather than civilian commercial flights. The facility is home to C2, E2, CH-53, and UH-60 squadrons, and regularly accommodates larger cargo aircraft such as C5s and C17s, along with air traffic from other carriers like ATI, FedEx, and Atlas Air. It also sees significant foreign military traffic. Air operations at Chambers Field conduct over 100,000 flight operations annually, averaging 275 flights daily. A single AMC Passenger Terminal handles military personnel, their families, and Department of Defense staff, facilitating the transfer of over 150,000 passengers and 264,000 tons of mail and cargo each year.

Notable Features or History: The airfield is named in honor of Captain Washington Irving Chambers, a pivotal figure in naval aviation. Its origins trace back to an airfield established in October 1917 at the Naval Operating Base (NOB), which later evolved into Naval Air Station (NAS) Hampton Roads in 1918 and then NAS Norfolk in 1921. Chambers Field played a significant role during World War II, serving as a vital center for anti-submarine patrols and pilot training, with its modern airfield largely built on reclaimed land. In 1968, it notably served as the Recovery Control Center Atlantic for NASA's Apollo program. In 1999, NAS Norfolk was integrated into Naval Station Norfolk, with the airfield retaining its distinctive name. The facility features one asphalt runway, designated 10/28, which measures 8,370 feet (2,551 meters) in length.

Current Status: Norfolk Naval Station (Chambers Field) is currently operational. It functions as a private-use airport, requiring prior permission for non-Chambers Field based aircraft. The airfield is an integral part of Naval Station Norfolk, recognized as the world's largest naval station and the headquarters and home port for the U.S. Navy's Fleet Forces Command. Access to the base is strictly controlled, generally limited to individuals with military identification or special passes.