Unable to connect locally? Contact Military OneSource via secure live chat or call 800-342-9647.
Medical and Dental Services
Branch Medical Clinic (BMC) Souda Bay, is a branch clinic of U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Sigonella, Italy and is staffed to meet the needs of active duty personnel. Medical services are limited to outpatient care such as sick-call, physical examinations, aviation medicine and primary care. Emergency services are primarily provided via off-base medical centers.
The clinic provides primary care services for service members, civilians and family members. Outpatient medical services are limited to acute care, physical examinations, women’s health, immunizations, aviation, preventativeand occupational medicine. The clinic is staffed by a Family Medicine physician, a flight surgeon, Independent Duty Corpsmen, a pharmacy technician, general duty corpsmen, a front desk clerk and a TRICARE liaison. There are periodic visits for dental and optometry services from Naval Hospital Sigonella. The clinic has limited laboratory capabilities. Imaging services and specialty care is coordinated through local providers.
Prescription drugs can sometimes be difficult to obtain. Due to size limitations of our pharmacy, those taking prescription medications should obtain the maximum quantity allowed from their Primary Care Manager (PCM) prior to transfer overseas.
The Branch Health Clinic is located in Bldg. 19.Clinic Hours are: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m. – NoonFront Desk/Appointments: DSN: 266-1590/91, Civilian: (+30) 282-102-1590/91Pharmacy: DSN: 266-1587, Civilian: (+30) 282-102-1587TRICARE Medical Liaison: DSN: 266-1580, Civilian: (+30) 282-102-1580Duty Provider: Civilian (+30) 694-043-1229
Household Goods and Unaccompanied Baggage
Naval Support Activity Souda Bay is a weight-restricted tour of duty for most Navy personnel.Personnel with command-sponsored dependents on their official Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders are authorized to ship their full weight allowance.Members in pay grades E-5 and above on an unaccompanied tour are authorized to ship 2,500 pounds of household goods or 25 percent of full weight allowance, whichever is greater.Members in pay grades E-1 through E-4 are only authorized an unaccompanied baggage shipment of up to 600 pounds.Department of Defense (DoD) civilians are generally authorized 18,000 pounds for Household Goods (HHG) shipments. Check your orders to verify the weight allowance.Upon your arrival to NSA Souda Bay, check in with the Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) to track your inbound shipment and set up your delivery. Be prepared to provide a copy of your orders, shipment inventoryand other personal property-related shipping documents you have.
The Greek Government is very strict on the importation and exportation of controlled items. Controlled items include, but are not limited to, all electrical items, cameras, watches, bicycles, furniture items, firearms, metal detectors, televisions, VCRs, stereo equipment, appliances, and scuba equipment. It is important these items be identified by type of item, model number, and serial number on your Household Goods (HHG)/Unaccompanied Baggage (UB) inventory sheets when you pack out your possessions for shipment to Greece. Service members are not authorized to bring any firearms into Greece.
Base Access Required
NSA Souda Bay is located on the Hellenic (Greek) Air Force Base. As a result, if you are arriving via commercial flight or ferry you must obtain base access permission prior to reporting to NSA Souda Bay. If you arrive via AMC flight, base access in advance of your arrival is NOT necessary, but you will need to obtain access before leaving the base in order to come back on. If arriving by commercial air or ferry, it is absolutely essential that you inform your sponsor of your anticipated arrival date so that base access through the Greek gate can be arranged for you in advance. You will have extreme difficulty accessing the base from outside the gate without base access. This is true even if you have a military ID card and orders in your possession.
Arrival by AMC Flight
Travel by AMC flight is easiest, but may not always be available. The (Category B) flight typically departs from Norfolk, VA (or Baltimore, MD) every other week throughout the year. The flight typically makes a stop in Rota (Spain) then Naples (Italy) before arrival in Souda Bay, Crete, Greece. After arrival, you (and your sponsor) will proceed to the NSA billeting office for your temporary lodging assignment. The billeting office is located back from the main road across the street from the NEX - about a 7 minute walk from the air terminal.
Arrival by Commercial Flight
If you travel by commercial carrier you should plan to bring Euro along with you on the trip. You should arrive at the Chania International Airport and will be met by your sponsor outside the baggage claim area. You must inform your sponsor of your arrival time and flight information in advance. If no one from the command is present, you should call your sponsor, the command Admin department during working hours (28210-21667) or the Command Duty Officer (CDO) (694-043-1155) for assistance upon arrival. There are normally taxis outside the commercial airport. You will not gain entrance to the base unless you have obtained base access permission in advance. If you have problems at the gate you should contact the Admin Department or the CDO.
Athens Airport Customs/Immigration
For customs/ immigration your PCS orders (including NATO travel orders) and military identification card will be required if you transit through the civilian air terminal in Athens. Civilians must have their passports stamped both on arrival and departure from Greece.
Travel to Greece
Passports are not required for active duty Navy personnel reporting on orders, but highly recommended if you anticipate taking leave in theater during your tour. If you do not have a passport, you should have your PCS orders (including NATO travel orders) and military identification card ready as you transit through any airport outside the United States and must present these documents at customs. Passports/visas are required for family members. This is a family member restricted tour but family members may visit during your assignment. Civilian attire is mandatory for travel to and from Greece on Air Mobility Command (AMC) flights and commercial flights. Currently there are bi-weekly flights from Naval Air Station (NAS) Norfolk, Virginia to NSA Souda Bay and return. Family members may visit Greece only for 90 days per Greek law. After 90 days, he/she must exit the country for at least 90 days before returning. If family is planning a visit, please see Admin to get a Page 13 which explains specific restrictions before booking travel.
Additional info HERE.
Allowances
Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA) is a one time allowance used to ease the financial burden of moving into economy quarters. It helps to defray the costs of additional cabinets, light fixtures, and various other items for your home. Allowance is not offered to personnel who choose to live in government quarters.
Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) is a variable allowance that fluctuates with the price of the Euro. OHA changes very often due to the fluctuating exchange rate.
Overseas Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is a supplement designed to equalize purchasing power between members overseas and their CONUS-based counterparts. COLA rates change very often due to the fluctuating exchange rate.
Housing
The Housing Welcome Center offers Housing Referral services to include showings, lease negotiation, mediation, temporary loaner furnishings, and liaison services with local utility companies. The liaison service includes translation assistance regarding all areas pertaining to housing. Whether you use the housing office showing services or those of a private realtor, you are mandated to use the housing office for the signing of your lease in order to receive all your entitlements.
You must report to the housing office within 48 hours of your arrival. You are authorized 30 days of Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) per local instruction, commencing on your arrival date. You are mandated to go on showing runs weekly in order to receive your TLA. The housing department has a large supply of houses and apartments for lease in the local area and you should be able to find a home, sign a lease and move-in with the 30 day period.
All individuals living on the economy will be supplied with appliances (oven/stove, refrigerator, freezer, electrical transformer, washer, dryer, microwave) to be utilized for the entire length of your tour. Single service members who have not shipped personal items will be loaned furniture (beds, nightstands, dressers, sofa, armchairs, end tables, lamps, coffee table, dining table and dining chairs) for the length of their tour. Others may borrow these furniture items for up to 90 days until household goods arrive. In addition, Fleet and Family Support Center has many of the kitchen essentials which individuals can borrow until receipt of household goods.
Additional information for Finding your New Home HERE.
Bachelor Quarters
With very few exceptions, all military members E-1 through frocked E-5 will live on base in Unaccompanied Housing (UH). These permanent party facilities provide a quality living environment that meets your comfort and security needs, and enhances your quality of life while stationed at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay. The UH Resident Handbook addresses the majority of the UH rules, regulations, and policies that are in effect at NSA Souda Bay.
Pets
As soon as you know you’re moving to Greece, begin preparing for your pet’s entry requirements. A good place to start is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website. You will finda list of requirements for pet travel from the U.S. to Greece, including microchip, vaccination, and health certificate requirements. Greece does NOT require a quarantine period.
You’ll also need information on the requirements for flying with your pet, which vary depending on what airline you use. If you are flying on an Air Mobility Command Patriot Express Mission, you’ll want to visit their Pet Travel Page for pet travel information and review their Pet Travel Pamphlet for kennel requirements and travel tips.
Most airlines impose pet embargoes and will not accept pets when temperature limits are exceeded during any part of your itinerary. Ensure your transportation office knows you are bringing your pet to Greece, so they may help make reservations with your airline for you or direct you to the place to make reservations. Ultimately, travel arrangements for your pet are your responsibility.
Pet owners are responsible for complying with all required documentation, immunizations and border clearance requirements and should be prepared to pay any necessary fees to obtain them. Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, a service member on PCS orders may be authorized reimbursement for the costs related to one household pet that occur from a permanent change of station. AMC has information about Pet Reimbursement and it is also available in the Joint Travel Regulation.
NSA Souda Bay does not have a veterinary clinic, but there are several Greek veterinary clinics near theinstallation.
Make sure your sponsor knows you are traveling with pets so they can help make a reservation in pet-friendly temporary lodging. The Navy Gateway Inns and Suites on base has limited pet-friendly rooms.
Once you arrive and settle in, you may begin planning some trips with your pet. Traveling with your pet within Greece and the rest of Europe, either by land, air or sea, requires a European Union Pet Passport. You can purchase a pet passport at any off-base Greek veterinary clinic. Be sure to bring your pet passport to all of your veterinary appointments in order to update the document at every visit.
Children and Youth
Orders to NSA Souda Bay are primarily unaccompanied. Civilians may bring families, but the base has no dedicated Child and Youth program nor is there easily accessible child care or a dedicated school in the community. There are two international schools which MAY provide classes for children in kindergarten through 8th grades, but only if a sufficient number of children apply. One of these may provide high school level education if there are enough students to warrant this but they may be grouped together. Older children may be able to attend boarding schools in Europe. Parents coming to NSA Souda Bay should plan on providing all care and education for their children themselves.
Dependent Education info HERE.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 314 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial (719) 567-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.
To extend Joint and Fleet war fighting capability through Operational Support to U.S., Allied and Coalition Forces deployed within the United States European Command/United States Central Command/United States Africa Command area of responsibility by providing, operating and sustaining superior facilities and services dedicated to combat readiness and the security of ships, aircraft, detachments and personnel.
U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay is a remote forward-operating station that enables operational warfighters from the shore. The cooperation and interoperability of our Greek partners, codified by the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement, is foundational to our operations on the island of Crete. Together, we continue to forge a strong and enduring military, diplomatic, and economic relationship between the United States and our Greek allies. The NATO facilities in Souda Bay support both NATO and U.S. Naval operations that enable NATO and coalition operations in the strategically important Eastern Mediterranean to provide for the collective protection of Southeastern Europe.The U.S. Navy has had a continuous presence at Souda Bay since 1969, when a team of 16 people established U.S. Naval Detachment, Souda Bay, in order to provide base support facilities for U.S. Naval forces operating in the Mediterranean. Today, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay hosts around 1,000 people, including active duty military, U.S. civilian employees, local national employees, contractors, and family members assigned to NSA Souda Bay or tenant commands.NSA Souda Bay contributes an average of 48 million euro to the local economy each fiscal year, including local national employee salaries, leases and direct payments, procurements, and other local spending.
Our strategically beneficial location stands at the crossroads of three of our U.S. Geographical Combatant Commands: U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Central Command (U.S. Central Command includes Egypt, the Middle East, and Central and South Asia). The ships, aircraft, and personnel transiting through, or operating from, NSA Souda Bay are a platform for military power projection into these regions, making this an operationally advantageous place to refuel, resupply, repair, launch, and recover as needed.
In addition to the three Geographic Combatant Commands, we also support U.S. Special Operations Command, U.S. Strategic Command, U.S. Transportation Command, the U.S. 5th and U.S. 6th Fleets, and NATO Forces.NSA Souda Bay operates as a tenant on the Hellenic Air Force Base commanded by the 115th Combat Wing. Our daily coordination and communication with our Hellenic Air Force liaisons is elemental to our mutual successes.To that end, Greek local national employees make up approximately one-third of our workforce. The Greek men and women we serve alongside every day are more than just our teammates, partners, and allies; they are ourhosts, our friends, and our neighbors.
NSA Souda Bay is a cornerstone for a network of capabilities for the U.S. Navy, starting with Souda Bay itself.Tourists love it for the beautiful beaches; we appreciate that it is a natural deep-water port and the home of the NATO Marathi Pier Complex.The Hellenic Navy manages the NATO Marathi Pier Complex. Our Port Operations team works closely with them every day to facilitate arrivals and departures of U.S., NATO, and partner ships. The logistics and ship servicefacilities here enable NATO’s deterrence and maritime security throughout the Mediterranean. As vessels arrive, we provide port security and ensure the environmental protection of this incredible bay. We support maintenance requirements and facilitate loading cargo, mail, food provisions, supplies, ammunition and fuel.
Our sustainment services are available both in-port or used to facilitate a replenishment-at-sea, providing greater flexibility for ships to remain underway and mission focused. Most notably, the NATO Marathi Pier Complex is the only military deep-water pier facility in the Mediterranean with the capability to accommodate a U.S. Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier pier-side. These port calls provide an incredible opportunity for visiting crews to have some rest and relaxation, visit nearby towns, and support the local economy while conducting resupply.Complementing our pier, NSA Souda Bay accesses an all-weather airfield capable of accommodating all NATO aircraft types along with the Hellenic Air Force 115th Combat Wing and the Chania International Airport. We recently completed a U.S. Apron Expansion project, increasing the number of aircraft we can sustain at any given time, which in turn increased the level of support we can provide to U.S. and partner aircraft. A recent U.S.Underground Fuel Hydrant project allows an aircraft to refuel continuously from a hydrant rather than using fuel trucks – saving time and reducing costs. Our Air Operations team also offers flight planning, cargo handling, andpassenger services.Our operational capabilities depend on our ability to take care of our Sailors. NSA Souda Bay also provides lodging facilities, food, and postal services, banking, contracting and business support services, and our NavyExchange services – we are small, but we are effective and impactful. Our strong relationship with our Hellenic military and civilian counterparts is critical to every operational capability we enable and we are extremely grateful for their hospitality and deeply respect their expertise. We seek and pursue every opportunity for joint training with our Greek and other NATO Allies to increase interoperability and understanding, as well as fortify our collective combat capabilities and operational readiness. It is these close relationships, the day-in and day-out cooperation and familiarity, which makes NATO seamless in its ability to operate
Today, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay hosts around 1,000 people, including active duty military, U.S. civilian employees, local national employees, contractors, and family members assigned to NSASouda Bay or tenant commands. NSA Souda Bay consists of the following departments: Administration, Command Support, Chaplain, Comptroller, Fleet and Family Support Center, Legal, MWR, Operations, Public Affairs, Public Works, Safety, Security, Supply, CROF, Information Systems, Fire, Housing, HRO, Emergency Management, and many tenant commands.
The U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay is located on the island of Crete, Greece on the Hellenic (Greek) Air Force Base near the village of Mouzouras, 17 kilometers (approximately 10 miles) east of the city of Chania. NSA Souda Bay occupies an area of approximately 110 acres on the north side of the air base, which is home of the Hellenic Air Force's 115th Combat Wing flying F-16 aircraft. It is physically located on the large, circular shaped Akrotiri Peninsula, which forms the northern face of the Souda Harbor. A Hellenic Naval Base occupies a large portion of both the north and south coast of the Souda Bay harbor, along with the port village of Souda.The Island of CreteCrete is the largest of the Greek islands, located in the middle of the Mediterranean. Crete is known for its mild climate, beautiful beaches, impressive history and culture, and friendly people. It is a popular destination for millions of tourists seeking to experience its rich Mediterranean culture, historic civilization, warm hospitality and to sample one of the world’s healthiest cuisines, sunny weather and stunning beaches. The island has a base population of about half a million but the population swells to over three million during tourist season.The City of ChaniaThe city of Chania (pronounced Han-YA) is the name of the city near the installation, and has a population of 65,000 people. It is the second largest city in Crete (Heraklion is the largest). Chania is full of history and rich incivil and social culture dating back more than 4,000 years.In Chania, all streets lead to the Market Square at the town center, which is a maze of shops offering leather goods, local foods, clothing and other items to tempt any shopper. The Old Quarter of the town, also known as the Old Port or the Old Harbor, is picturesque with restored Venetian palaces, narrow cobbled streets, lively cafes and many shops.A tour of duty at NSA Souda Bay offers service members and their families a variety of things to see and do throughout Greece and Europe. Whether you are single, come here with your family, or are on an unaccompanied tour, here are countless opportunities for travel, education, and personal and professional growth.To stay up-to-date on the latest new at NSA Souda Bay find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NSASoudaBay
Transportation to/from NSA Souda Bay is extremely limited. It is highly recommended that you ship your vehicle to Souda Bay. There is taxi service available to/from the base gate to all local areas. There is no bus service regularly available. Please note that you may only bring one vehicle, not a car AND a motorcycle. If you do bring a motorcycle instead of a car, you will be able to drive it only if your state drivers license is endorsed for motorcycle use and you have completed the Motorcycle Safety Course. Note: Diesel fuel is not available for POV purchase on-base and must be procured in the economy.
More info here; Ship Your Vehicle; Driving in Greece; Motorcycles