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Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (Ault Field) is a U.S. Navy installation near Oak Harbor, Washington, on Whidbey Island. Commissioned in 1942, it is the Navy's premier electronic attack base, home to EA-18G Growler squadrons. The airfield is military-only, with no scheduled commercial passenger service.
💡 Local Tip
If you're plane spotting, the Growlers are loud and frequent; the best public views are from designated areas near Oak Harbor, but never stop on SR-20 or photograph the flight line. For a quieter stay, choose lodging in downtown Oak Harbor rather than near the base.
🚖 Getting There
By car, take I-5 to SR-20 west over Deception Pass Bridge, or take the Mukilteo–Clinton ferry and follow SR-525/SR-20 north to Oak Harbor. Island Transit buses serve Whidbey Island, but base access requires a military ID or prior authorization. Allow extra time for ferry queues in summer and for security checks at the Ault Field gates.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is NAS Whidbey Island (NUW) open to commercial flights?
A: No. NUW/KNUW is a military airfield; it does not have scheduled airline service. The nearest commercial airports are Paine Field (PAE) in Everett and Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA).
Q: Can the public visit or fly into Ault Field?
A: Access is restricted to authorized personnel, military ID cardholders, and approved visitors. Civilian aircraft require prior permission (PPR) and coordination with base operations. The PBY Memorial Foundation Naval Aviation Museum in Oak Harbor is a public alternative.
Q: What aircraft are based at NAS Whidbey Island?
A: The base is home to EA-18G Growler electronic attack squadrons, along with MH-60 Seahawk helicopters and other Navy/Marine Corps transient aircraft. It also supports search-and-rescue and training operations.
Q: Where is the airport located?
A: Ault Field is on the north end of Whidbey Island, about 3 miles north of Oak Harbor, Washington. It is roughly 90 miles north of Seattle, accessible by car via the Deception Pass Bridge or the Mukilteo–Clinton ferry.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 30, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash