NCBC Gulfport is home to the Atlantic Fleet Seabees. It exists to maintain and operate facilities and provide services and material in support of Naval Construction Force Units, to include Amphibious Construction Fleet Units, the Maritime Prepositioning Force (Enhanced), and other fleet and assigned organizational units deployed from or homeported at NCBC Gulfport. The base’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico also exposes it to potential weather-related challenges, especially during hurricane season.
Weather and Environmental Considerations
Located on the Gulf Coast, NCBC Gulfport is subject to the region’s warm, humid climate and its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, which influences both daily weather patterns and potential natural disasters.
Climate:
- Hot Summers: Gulfport experiences long, hot, and humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C). The combination of high temperatures and humidity makes this period the most challenging in terms of both personnel comfort and the effectiveness of outdoor construction projects. The heat index can feel much higher, making hydration and heat management critical.
- Mild Winters: Winters are mild, with temperatures typically ranging from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 15°C). Although the region rarely experiences freezing conditions, it is still a time when maintenance and construction activities can proceed at a more manageable pace.
- Rainfall: Gulfport receives significant rainfall throughout the year, especially during the summer months when thunderstorms and tropical storms are common. On average, the region experiences around 60 inches (1,524 mm) of rain annually.
Hurricane Season:
- Hurricane Risk: One of the most critical weather-related factors for NCBC Gulfport is its vulnerability to hurricanes. The installation lies within a high-risk zone for tropical storms and hurricanes, which typically occur between June and November.
- Evacuation and Recovery: Seabees from Gulfport have a longstanding history of providing essential support in the aftermath of such disasters.
If you are traveling, keep in contact with your sponsor or your command. Watch weather channels for storm updates and be prepared to delay your arrival if a mandatory evacuation occurs. For recorded updates on weather, call 228-871-4777.
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 312 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.
