Contact Information
Phone: (817) 782-5000
DSN: 739-5000
The Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base (NAS Fort Worth JRB) is part of the oversight of the Commander, Navy Region Southeast and is situated within the city limits of Fort Worth. It is a joint defense facility that focuses on the training of aviation ground support personnel as well as the proper education and training of air crews. Mobilization readiness of every reservist is the mission of JRB Fort Worth, and in order to carry out their mission, the NAS Fort Worth JRB team of officers and personnel ensure the proper training and education for every reserve so that they will be ready to defend America at a moment’s notice.
The Fort Worth naval base consists of the following units are reserve units: Naval Units; Marine Corps units; Air Force Reserve units; Air National Guard Units, and the Army Reserve units.
History
The base was established in 1941, and it was under the different name as Tarrant Field Airdome, and was to be renamed as the Fort Worth Air Field the following year. It is later to be renamed into Carswell Air Force Base in honor Major Horace S. Carswell Jr. 6 years prior to its original inception and was one of the first to be considered SAC (Strategic Air Command) of the United Air Force and the United States Department of Defense. The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) of 1993 required relocating the forces in Southwest Dallas, the Naval Air Station Dallas, to the then-named Carswell Air Force Base. The move prompted the authorities to rename the base into its current name, NAS Fort Worth JRB, and was established as the first Joint Service Reserve Base in the United States.
Under BRAC, the idea of a Joint Reserve Force was conceived, and all manner of reserves and active personnel, such as the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army were relocated to the base, joining the United States Navy which established itself as the host command in the base as of 1994. All of the relocation was completed sometime in 1998.
Housing and Lodging
The 1,804 acre area is currently housing a military base lodging at the NAS Fort Worth JRB that has a total of 83 housing units with a waiting time of 6 to 12 months. There are currently no immediate plans to add any additional housing units but newcomers are always encouraged to list their names on the waiting list. Even if reservists get approved for on-base housing, they always have an option to refuse and opt for off-base housing, especially if they do not find the on-base housing to be particularly suitable to them or their families’ needs. The on-site housing units typically offer a bungalow –type 4-bedroom and 2-bathroom home, enough for a small- to middle-sized family to live comfortably. Because of the limited amount of units available for the incoming reservists, service members assigned to the base are expected to live in the community housing provided at the Carswell Community area.
It has been said that various training practices do not mix, especially in any kind of armed military training. That being said, education for military such as the army, navy, and air force are made possible under the watchful eyes of JRB Fort Worth Texas commanders and training officers. Specialized training for different units is strictly being enforced so that active units can always be deployed at a moment’s notice. At the same time, the facility also trains hundreds of reserve units so that any hole in the defense may be filled out immediately in case of an imminent attack.
While the joint army and navy base lodging does have various limitations being implemented, it generally takes care of its active and reserve units. Combined bachelor quarters has 9 available family suites and 126 rooms available for those who have received their official Permanent Change of Station (PCS) order as temporary lodging facilities. It is important to note that the navy base lodging follows a priority system in that any drilling reservists always have priority in lodging and if you are not a drilling reservist you may be asked to vacate your temporary lodging at your most convenient time when your unit is needed.
Extended family members and guests are not forgotten though because information is also given to them in case of emergency relocation to ensure their safety and peace of mind of their active military family members. While not a lot of concerns regarding temporary living are being received, the Navy Gateway Inns & Suites is still available while for those who want to get the feel of the base can try the Navy Gateway Inns and Suites. Temporary lodging is actually reserved for those who have received priority orders and the necessary arrangements can be immediately made by those who want to check the new and improved Navy Lodge that recently just opened its doors again to servicemen and officers.
Facilities and other amenities
There are currently no DoD (Department of Defense) schools available for the children of the reservists in JRB Fort Worth, but a number of schools are present to provide the children with the necessary schooling such as the Arlington Heights High school for Secondary level education, the Stripling Middle School, and Burton Hill Elementary for primary and secondary education respectively. Though educational facilities are limited, the base does offer various child care and activities such as the Base Child Care program which includes Tae Kwan Do in their activities and a combination of outdoor and indoor activities provided by the Action Zone Summer Camp Program which includes activities such as swimming, educational trips, arts and crafts and more.
The same can be said for the Fort Worth naval base medical facilities as they cater mostly to the needs and requirements of those who are in active duty only. Reservists and other family members may enroll in any of their TRICARE programs.
