Naval Support Activity Panama City

NSA Panama City exists to enable warfighter readiness. The installation's largest tenant command is Naval Surface Ware Center Panama City (NSWC) Division which is one of the major research, development, test and evaluation laboratories in the Navy. NSWC boasts expertise in engineering and scientific disciplines in the areas of mine warfare, expeditionary warfare, special warfare and diving and life support.  NSWC and three other tenant commands: Navy Experimental Diving Unit, Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center and Center for Navy Ordnance Disposal and Diving, together make the installation a consolidated site for all Navy diving and salvage research, development, testing and training.

Currently, NSA PC hosts many other tenant commands, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment, U.S. Coast Guard Station Panama City, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Naval Branch Health Clinic Panama City,Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Navy Exchange, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Naval Special Warfare Training Group 3 Detachment, Navy Federal Credit Union. 

In October 2003, the base was renamed Naval Support Activity, Panama City, reporting to the Commander, Navy Region Southeast. The primary mission of NSA Panama City is to provide, operate and maintain facilities; provide defense and physical security of critical infrastructure; provide operational support to the Fleet, Fighter and Family and supported tenant commands.  For more information please visit NSA Panama City's homepage.

The installation and tenant commands employ more than 4,000 military, DOD civilian and contractor personnel to provide a total economic impact of nearly $600 million.  We're also the only base dedicated to joint diving training, annually graduating nearly 1,300 students from all services, partner nations and other federal agencies. 

Bay County, Florida population estimate is 179,168 as reported in 2022. 

Specific communities are listed below: 

More than 32,000 residents call Panama City home. The largest city between Pensacola and Tallahassee on the Florida Panhandle is located on the shores of St. Andrews Bay.

The City of Panama City Beach is approximately 19.5 square miles located in Florida’s Great Northwest. The City is home to almost 13,000 permanent residents with over 17 million tourists visiting the area annually. The City is considered the fastest growing of Bay County’s seven cities in both population and area. For more information, go to https://www.pcbfl.gov/.

Lynn Haven is another city in Bay County, Florida with a current population of over 20,000 residents. The city is located north of Panama City along Florida State Road 77 which is the main route through the city. 
Visit https://www.cityoflynnhaven.com/ for detailed information. 

Callaway is a small city located east of Panama City, near Tyndall AFB but within driving distance to many beaches and bays. You can learn more by visiting https://www.cityofcallaway.com/. Another small city east of Panama City is Parker.  Parker has just over 4,400 citizens, Parker near Tyndall AFB as well.  Visit http://www.cityofparker.com/. 

The City of Springfield is located within 4 miles of Tyndall Air Force Base and borders the east side of Panama City. Springfield  has a population of 9,494 and is 4.4 square miles so has small town appeal. Learn more at http://www.springfield.com/. 

Mexico Beach is small, coastal community located on the western end of the Florida Panhandle’s Coast and the eastern end of Bay County.  Mexico Beach is approximately 3.5 miles long and 1.4 miles deep. It is currently home to 1,200 permanent residents, comprised primarily of retirees, base personnel from neighboring Tyndall Air Force Base and a number of business owners and their employees. Visit hhttp://mexicobeachgov.com/.

Panama City serves active duty Navy and Coast Guard permanent party personnel and families. In addition, the largest numbers of the Base population are comprised of hundreds of EOD/Diver students and civilian workers. 

Naval Support Activity Panama City (NSA PC) is located in the Northwest Florida Panhandle on beautiful St. Andrew Bay in Panama City Beach.  The NSAPC/Panama City Beach has direct, deep-water access to the Gulf of Mexico.  The NSAPC/Panama City Beach is noted for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters so is a highly sought tourist destination. 

NSAPC totals 657 acres and houses 221 buildings. The base information phone number is 850-234-4100.

From the Airport

The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is located at 6300 West Bay Parkway, Panama City, FL 32409 and is approximately 22 miles from the base. If your sponsor is unable to meet you, transportation can be arrange through a commercial taxi, shuttle service or ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft.

The Military Welcome Center at the airport is available for active duty, retired military personnel and Department of Defense employees. While waiting for a flight or a ride home, personnel can have access to Wi-Fi, dining services and a children's play area. Additionally, visitors can find a wealth of area information provided in free maps, books, and other pamphlets.

Directions to NSA Panama City by Automobile

If arriving by personal vehicle, highway access is via U.S. Highways 231 and 98. Highway 231, as well as State Routes 20, 22, 77 and 79. Highway 98 runs East and West and passes by the Naval Support Activity Panama City. Interstate 10 (crossing North Florida and the Panhandle East and West), is approximately 50 miles north of Panama City. If traveling I-10, look for HWY 231 South. At the intersection of HWY 231 and HWY 98 (in Panama City), turn right and travel along HWY 98 West. Cross over the Hathaway Bridge and prepare to turn left at the 2nd traffic light (Thomas Drive). Travel south on Thomas Drive and go approximately 1/4 mile and turn left on to the station via the Main Gate.

The Visitor Reception Center is on the right, just before approaching the main gate.  Please have a current copy of your vehicle registration and proof of insurance, along with a valid driver's license.

Directions by Bus/Train

The Greyhound Bus Line's Panama City office is located at 7808 Panama City Beach Pkwy.

Currently, there is no base transportation on this installation.

The Base information number is 850-234-4011.