Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSF Dahlgren)

Welcome to Naval Support Facility Dahlgren

Welcome to Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren, VA. The history of this unique naval installation dates to 1918 when the “Lower Station” of the Naval Powder Factory at Indian Head, MD, was established in Virginia’s Northern Neck on 4,000 acres bounded by the Potomac River and Machodoc Creek in King George County. What began as a gun test facility has since evolved and expanded to include numerous scientific and response-force missions serving all branches of the United States armed forces.

Installation Information

Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, VA, was initially established in 1918 on 4,000 acres bounded by the Potomac River and Machodoc Creek in King George County as a remote extension of Maryland’s Indian Head Proving Ground to be used for testing naval guns. The Dahlgren site was named the Lower Station, Dahlgren Naval Proving Ground in honor of Rear Admiral John Adolphus Dahlgren. The location on the Potomac River was specifically chosen for the development of a long ballistic range on the Potomac River, required for the testing of modern, high-powered munitions.

What began as a gun test facility has since evolved and expanded to include numerous scientific and response-force missions serving all branches of the United States armed forces. In addition to its military value, today Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren makes a significant economic contribution to the local community and the installation’s Navy commands, as a whole, serve as the largest employer in King George County.

Welcome to Naval Support Activity South Potomac

Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP) is a major shore command within Naval District Washington, and serves as the host command for two historic naval installations in the region: Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren, VA and Naval Support Facility Indian Head, MD. As the host command, we provide base operations support for about two dozen commands and tenant activities, a workforce approaching 10,000, and over 900 base residents between both installations.

Together, Dahlgren and Indian Head represent dynamic and growing naval installations that employ some of the largest concentrations of scientists and engineers in the greater Washington, D.C. area that conduct leading-edge research and development, and provide critical operational support to U.S. armed forces.

For more information, visit CNIC Naval Support Activity South Potomac.

Naval Support Facility Dahlgren is located approximately 30 miles east of Fredericksburg, VA and 68 miles south of Washington, DC and 55 miles north of Richmond, VA in rural King George County. Nestled alongside the Potomac River, the base enjoys the beauty of the water as well as quick access to a major highway, Route 301. Due to its close proximity to Washington and Richmond, the cost of living is geared towards the high cost area. Call the Administration office at 540-653-8203 for information on specific command listings.

Dahlgren is located about 30 miles east of Fredericksburg, VA approximately an hour and a half south of Washington, D.C. and an hour and forty minutes north of Richmond, Virginia. The closest airport is Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. Directions are provided below. However, it is recommended to utilize your personal GPS to calculate the best route the day of. 

From Reagan National Airport, Washington, D.C. 

If you're arriving at the Reagan National Airport in Washington DC, your commute will be at least 1 1/2 hours depending on the commuter rush hour. When leaving the Reagan National Airport, follow US Route 1 South to I-495 North. You will cross the Woodrow Wilson Bridge into Maryland, take Route 210 south (Indian Head Highway) for 10 miles. Turn left onto Route 228 (7 miles). Turn south onto Route 301 (27.5 miles). Continue on Route 301 south to the Governor Harry Nice Bridge toll plaza ($9). Approximately 2 miles after the bridge on the Virginia side turn left at 3rd traffic light onto Route 206E (Dahlgren Road) continue straight ahead until you reach the Dahlgren Main Gate.

From Interstate 95 

Take I-95 South to Exit 130A (Route 3 East) towards downtown Fredericksburg. Continue straight on Route 3 (Blue/Grey Highway) for approximately 2 miles. Bear to the right on Route 3 towards King George and proceed 17 miles to Route 206 (Dahlgren Road). Proceed on Route 206 for 11 miles until you get to the intersection of Route 301 and 206. Continue straight ahead on Route 206 until you reach the Dahlgren Main Gate. 

From Norfolk and Points South 

Please allow at least 2-1/2 hours. Take I-64 West to Route 17 (Exit 258) for 18.5 miles. Go North on Route 17 to Route 301 Port Royal (101.5 miles). Turn right onto Route 301 North for about 15-20 miles. Turn right on Route 206 E in Dahlgren at the traffic light at the intersection of the Burger King and 7-11 stores. Proceed to Dahlgren Main Gate. From Norfolk, you can also take Interstate 64 to Richmond VA and pick up Interstate 95 North to the Fredericksburg Exit at Route 3 East. Follow directions given above from I-95. 

Traveling by Train or Bus 

If you are arriving by train or bus, both make stops in Fredericksburg about 30 miles from Dahlgren. The Amtrak train stops in downtown Fredericksburg and there is a Greyhound bus station at 1400 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401. There is no public transportation to Dahlgren. Taxi service is available but can be expensive ($60). Recommend military members arrange transportation with their Command sponsor or request a Command duty driver.

NSF Dahlgren is located in a remote rural area and public transportation is extremely limited. Amtrak, VRE Train Station and Greyhound transportation are available in Fredericksburg, which is about 25 miles away. Private automobiles are a necessity. The base housing area is located next to the commissary, exchange and DoD school. All of these areas are within walking distance.