The complete guide to Port Hueneme

If you're wondering about Navy bases in California, then this post is for you! Port Hueneme (pronounced why-nee-me) Naval Base is part of a combined base called Naval Base Ventura County. Two other installations make up Naval Base Ventura County – Point Mugu and San Nicholas Island. Port Hueneme Naval Base ensures the Navy's ships stay in excellent working condition while ported and at sea. This vibrant military installation is close to several large cities, so fun and entertainment are never far away. If you're PCSing to Port Hueneme, this guide is for you! 

Fun fact: Because Hueneme is part of Naval Base Ventura County, you'll have access to the resources on all three bases! 

NBVC Port Hueneme is located on the Oxnard plain. It's 30 miles northwest of LA. Nearby cities include Camarillo, Oxnard, and Ventura. NBVC is about 50 miles southeast of Santa Barbara, 20 miles northwest of Malibu, and 40 miles northwest of Santa Monica.

If you're heading to Hueneme from either the 101 S or the 101 N:

First, exit at Victoria Ave and proceed south. Follow Victoria Ave about 6 miles to Channel Islands Blvd. Then turn left on Channel Islands Blvd. Next, turn right on Ventura Rd, and the first entrance to the base is at Sunkist. Turn right into Sunkist Gate, which is open 24hrs.

The easiest way to arrive at Port Hueneme is via Los Angeles International Airport. You'll also find a Greyhound bus station at LAX. If you want to avoid taking the bus and don't have your car, call the NBVC to arrange transportation.

There are six gates at Port Hueneme. Sunkist is the main gate and is open 24/7. Bard Gate and Goodspeed Gate are currently closed. The Visitor Center is located at 1000 23rd Avenue, Building 1169. 

Pleasant Valley Gate, Mon-Fri: 0600-1700

Sunkist Gate, 24/7

Victoria Commercial Gate, Mon-Fri: 0700-1430

Victoria Gate, Mon-Fri: 0600-1700; Outbound Only: Mon-Fri 1700-1800

Barber Shop – Port Hueneme (805) 982-6820

Camarillo Teen Center, (805) 383-6240

Child Development Center (805) 982-4663

Commissary (805) 982-2400

Finance Office (805) 982-5037

ID/CAC Card Processing (805) 982-2916

Information & Referral Services (805) 982-5037

Legal Office (805) 982-3124

Legal Services/JAG (805) 982-3124

Library (805) 486-5460

Naval Base Ventura County School Liaison Officer (805) 982-3832

NBVC Visitor Center (805) 982-5037

NEX (805) 982-6801

Pass and ID Office (805) 982-2916

Point Mugu Teen Center, (805) 989-7580

Port Hueneme Teen Center, (805) 982-4218

Post Office (805) 986-4661

Traffic Management Office (TMO)/Household Goods (805) 982-2299

Welcome Center (805) 982-5037

As one of the training centers for the Navy's Seabees, there are many regiments, construction battalions, and training units at Port Hueneme. Seabees make up the Navy's Construction Battalions. The term "Seabee" derives from the initial letters "CB" that construction battalion Sailors used to wear. Naval Base Ventura County is a premier mobilization site. It has a deep-water port, making it an integral part of the Navy's assets. Port Hueneme Division is part of the Naval Sea Systems Command. Along with Point Mugu, it provides the Navy's global fleet with weapon system in-service engineering, logistics, and testing. 

Find out more about the Seabees here.

As the west coast home port of the Seabees, Hueneme operated as an independent installation from WWII until 2000. At that time, it was called the Naval Construction Battalion Center Port Hueneme. Then, in 2000, it merged with Naval Air Station Point Mugu to form Naval Base Ventura County.

Back in WWII, the base served as the ideal location for a deep-water port between LA and San Francisco. The Navy selected the site to help support construction activities as the Pacific front continued to become more important to the overall war effort. During the Korean War, nearly all Navy supplies and construction equipment were routed through Hueneme. 

Because of its ideal location, there's so much to do when you call this great California installation home!

Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard (805) 278-5070

Homewood Suites by Hilton Oxnard (805) 288-3600

Navy Lodge (805) 985-2624

Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard (805) 278-2200

The closeness to several major big cities in California makes this duty station perfect for foodies and wine-lovers alike. Fresh, local fare is always in season in and around the base, so your taste buds will always be happy. Of course, you'll want to try an authentic California sushi roll, grab a burger at In N Out, and add avocado to, well, everything. If you're looking for an adventure, be sure to explore a California winery during a four-day weekend. Or   

Take advantage of the NBVC Air Show. This annual event draws thousands of people, so it's the ideal place to connect with family and friends. Be sure to take advantage of the warm California weather while you're at this fantastic duty station. There are plenty of outdoor options ranging from whale watching to golfing and beach-related activities. If you're looking for inside fun, check out the Seabee Museum! It's the second-oldest museum in the country.

Liberty Military Housing owns and manages housing for Port Hueneme. If you choose to live off-base, speak with the Military Housing Office for information. There are several towns and cities within driving distance, so you'll likely find something to suit your family's needs. Be sure to check out Port Hueneme, Oxnard, and Camarillo.

Unfortunately, there are no DoDEA schools on base. Your mil-kid will attend school based on where you live. District options include Hueneme Elementary School District, Ocean View School District, Oxnard Union High School District, Pleasant Valley School District, and Ventura Unified School District. Speak with the School Liaison Office for more information, including enrollment requirements.

Port Hueneme Naval Base is an excellent base to call home.

Seabees and units relating to their support are stationed at Port Hueneme Naval Base.

There’s so much to do around base and in the surrounding big cities that you’ll never run out of things to do.

Seabees are part of the Navy’s Construction Battalion. They’re responsible for construction of all things, including buildings, air strips, roadways, and more.