Mission
To strengthen the Navy’s operational readiness through effective and efficient shore installation management and exceptional customer support
History
The Washington Navy Yard, authorized by the first Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Stoddert, in 1799, is the U.S. Navy’s oldest shore establishment. It occupies land set aside by George Washington for use by the Federal Government along the Anacostia River. The original boundaries that were established in 1800, along 9th and M Streets SE, are still marked by a white brick wall, built in 1809, along with a guardhouse.
The Joint Committee on Landmarks has designated the Washington Navy Yard Historic District a Category II Landmark of importance, which contributes significantly to the cultural heritage and visual beauty of the District of Columbia.
The Washington Navy Yard has long served as the ceremonial gateway to the nation’s capital. The first Japanese diplomatic mission was welcomed to the United States in an impressive pageant at the yard in 1860. WWI’s Unknown Soldier’s body was received at the Yard, and Charles A. Lindbergh came to the Yard after his famous transatlantic flight in 1927.
Today, the Washington Navy Yard continues to be the “Quarterdeck of the Navy” and serves as the Headquarters for Naval District Washington, where it houses numerous support activities for the fleet and aviation communities.
For more information, go to the NSAW homepage.
Population
United States Census Bureau 2020 estimate – 720,687
Location
Naval Support Activity Washington encompasses the Washington Navy Yard, the oldest Navy installation in the U.S.; Naval Support Facility Naval Research Laboratory; Naval Support Facility Suitland; Naval Support Facility Naval Observatory; Naval Support Facility Arlington; and Naval Support Facility Carderock.
As the “Quarterdeck of the Navy” and the host of many of our Navy’s central efforts in support of warfighters around the world, Naval Support Activity Washington provides safety, security, and the best possible working environment to our supported commanders and customers. We accomplish our mission and support the missions of our tenants with professionalism, courtesy, and respect for all whom we serve.
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling is the support base for Naval District Washington (NDW) and is located three miles south of the Navy Yard in the Southwest quadrant. Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) and Navy Family Housing Welcome Center are a few of the support agencies located on this installation.
The National Capitol region is a high-cost area. With a healthy job market, housing prices have seen a steady increase. The National Capitol region is home to many military installations. The base operator’s phone number is 703-545-6700.
Directions
From Capitol Hill and Mall
Drive east on Independence Avenue. Continue east on Pennsylvania Avenue. Turn right on 8th Street SE. Continue to the end of 8th Street. Turn left onto M Street SE. Turn right onto 11th Street. Stay on the right hand-side. Turn right into the O Street Gate.
From Downtown Washington D.C.
Take 9th Street, NW (one-way going south) and continue through tunnel under Mall. As you come out of tunnel, take first left onto Southwest Freeway (I-395). Take 6th Street, SE exit. The sign also says Navy Yard. Proceed down ramp and continue straight ahead to 8th Street, SE. Turn left onto M Street SE. Turn right onto 11th Street. Stay on the right hand-side. Turn right into the O Street Gate.
From Maryland (Northwest of Washington)
Take Beltway I-495 to the George Washington Parkway. Follow Parkway to the 14th Street Bridge. At the end of the Bridge, I-395 branches to the right and becomes the Southeast-Southwest Freeway. Take the Freeway to the 6th Street, SE exit. The sign also says Navy Yard. Proceed down ramp and continue straight ahead to 8th Street, SE. Turn left onto M Street SE. Turn right onto 11th Street. Stay on the right hand-side. Turn right into the O Street Gate.
From Maryland (Northeast of Washington: Annapolis, Baltimore)
Get on MD-295 S/Baltimore-Washington Pkwy. Head northwest on MD-175 E/Annapolis Rd., Merge onto MD-295 S/Baltimore-Washington Pkwy via the ramp to Washington. Continue on MD-295 S/Baltimore-Washington Pkwy to Washington. Exit from District of Columbia Hwy 295. Take exit 1B-C toward I-695/Route 395/Downtown. Keep left to continue on Exit 1C, follow signs for MLK Jr./11st St SE. Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE and continue onto 11st SE. Turn left onto the O Street Gate.
From Southern Maryland
Take Beltway (I-495) to I-295 towards D.C. Continue a short distance over the 11th Street Bridge and take the Navy Yard exit. At the bottom of the ramp, make an immediate left and make another left onto 11th Street. Turn right onto the O Street Gate.
From Virginia
Follow I-395 across the 14th Street Bridge. At the end of the bridge, I-395 branches off to the right. The road becomes the Southwest-Southeast Freeway (Do not follow signs for I-395 once you cross the bridge). Take the Freeway to the 6th Street, SE exit. Proceed down ramp and continue straight ahead to 8th Street, SE. Turn left onto M Street SE. Turn right onto 11th Street. Stay on the right hand-side. Turn right into the O Street Gate.
From South Alexandria/Mount Vernon Area
Take Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Exit at end of Bridge to I-295. Exit 295 at the 11th Street Bridge. The sign also says Navy Yard. At the end of the Bridge, exit to the right. At the bottom of the ramp, make an immediate left and make another left onto 11th Street. Turn right into the O Street Gate.
Address
1041 N ST SE
Washington DC 20374
Base Transportation
Washington Navy Yard buses
DoD Route 8 runs Monday through Friday approximately every 60 minutes (8:00am – 4:03pm) and stops at Humphreys Building (WNY), Building 111 (WNY), Building 386 (WNY) and, Pentagon Bus Bay L9 (Connect to Metrorail, Metrobus, ART, local and commuter buses).
Contact Information
703-545-6700
1043 Harwood St SE, Bldg. 154
Washington Navy Yard
Washington, DC 20374-5028