Location
Located in the Oriente Province on the southeast corner of Cuba, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (GTMO) is about 400 air miles from Miami, Fla. The base is in the Caribbean and has an excellent climate, a relatively short rainy season, and beaches with swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and boating opportunities. The waters of the bay flow between the two sides of the base.
History
The base has a unique posture in the Western Hemisphere in that it is the oldest U.S. base outside the continental U.S., and the only one that does not provide for personal visitation into the host country. The base was established by treaty in 1903.
Mission
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is on the front lines of the battle for regional security, protection from drug trafficking, terrorism and protection for those who attempt to make their way through regional waters in un-seaworthy craft. The base protects the ability of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships to operate in the Caribbean operating area with supplies and support for their operational commitments. We also provide support to the Joint Task Force – GTMO.
Population Served
We serve Joint Services personnel, DoD Civilians, family members, contract personnel, and local national employees. Major Commands include: Naval Station, Naval Hospital, Marine Corps Security Force Company, Joint Task Force-GTMO, Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography Detachment, Personnel Support Activity Detachment, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic Detachment, Navy Broadcast Service and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion.
Base Transportation
Ground Transporation – Bus and car rentals are available in Guantanamo Bay. Bus route provides transportation to the downtown area, medical facilities, and ferry landing. Bus transportation is not available in housing areas.
Waterborne Transportation – Utility Boat and Ferry Schedules are posted at ferry docks and the Naval Broadcast Community roller.
Sponsorship
If you do not have a Sponsor or you have not heard from them yet, please contact your local Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) or the FFSC at 011-53-99-4141 or DSN 660-4141. You may also contact your gaining command. There are no residential addresses on Guantanamo Bay.
All mail will go directly to your unit. Please contact your sponsor to obtain the correct unit and box number.
Temporary Quarters
No temporary quarters are necessary because upon arrival you will move directly into your already assigned quarters.
Relocation Assistance
Loaner kits are available at the FFSC and include pots, pans, dishes, toasters, coffee pots, ironing boards, etc. Your sponsor should secure the loaner kit prior to your arrival and have it in your quarters. You must then come to FFSC and sign for the kit on the next business day. No linens or pillows are issued as part of this kit and must be brought with you or purchased locally. Loaner furniture for family housing is issued by the housing office and will be in your quarters upon arrival.
Critical Installation Information
All non active duty personnel must have a current passport to get on GTMO and to travel to Jamaica. You must obtain passports (for the entire family), before arriving. Visitors will need an “Area Clearance” before they can be granted entry to GTMO. This must be completed, signed, and approved at GTMO before you can board the plane.
VehiclesCar repair and maintenance is available, but parts are very limited. Also, repair facilities are limited and lack the proper equipment for models 1999 and newer. Only unleaded 87-octane gas and diesel fuel is sold here. Be sure to check with your leasing or vehicle financing company before travel, as some do not allow leased vehicles or those for which they hold the lien to be shipped.
Financial Planning AheadOn GTMO, a large portion of business is done by check (or check card) rather than cash. There is a branch office of the Navy Federal Credit Union on base but it is a non-cash facility. The office handles checking accounts and can sell drafts but does not cash checks or issue cash for withdrawals.
MailMail takes 7-14 days to arrive and should be considered when paying bills. Mailing fragile items is risky, but FedEx and UPS shipments can be arranged through a contracted airline, but both shipment options cost extra.
TransportationAll Permanent Change of Station (PCS) transportation for military and dependents is via military aircraft from Norfolk, VA or Jacksonville, FL, with flights on Tuesday and Saturday evenings. The Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) at your current command will request reservations for you. You should receive either a message or letter which will contain specific reporting instructions for your flight. This message/letter will be your “port call.” Your lodging reservations should be taken care of by PSD as well. If you have family traveling concurrently, you may wish to make reservations at the Navy Lodge at your departure port.
Addresses
All addresses at NAVSTA, Guantanamo Bay are listed by PSC 1005 and each activity is listed under a specific box number for mailing purposes. There are no physical street addresses used or available due to the security aboard the station. All maps that are sent with local Welcome Aboard Packages reflect a reproduction of a hand drawn base map identifying the most popular support activities by name and general location.
Frequently Called Numbers on Base
Base Operator DSN: 723-3960 Ext 4141 011-5399-4141
Bachelors Officer Quarters 011-53-99-2401/DSN: 723-3960 Ext 2401
Central Appointments (Dental) 011-53-99-72241 or 72239
Central Appointments (Medical) 011-5399-72110
Child Development Center- Villamar 011-5399-3664 Fax: 011-5399-3665 DSN: 660-2998 Ext 3664
Child Development Homes 011-5399-3664 Fax: 011-5399-3665 DSN: 660-2998 Ext 3664
Combined Bachelor Quarters (BEQ/BOQ) 011-53-99-2400 Fax: 011-53-99-2401 DSN: 660-2998 Ext 2400 FAX 660-2401
Elementary School 011-53-99-2207 DSN: 660-2998 Ext 2207
Exceptional Family Member Program 011-53-99-72770 DSN Fax: 723-3960 Ext 72770
High School 011-53-99-3500 Fax: 011-53-99-3629 DSN: 660-2998 Ext 3500 DSN Fax: 660-3629
Housing Office 011-53-99-4172 Phone: 011-53-99-4174 Fax: 011-53-99-4981 DSN: 723-3960 Ext 4172
Middle/High School 011-53-99-3500 DSN: 723-3960 Ext 3500
MWR- Youth Center 011-53-99-4658 DSN: 660-2998 Ext 4658
MWR 011-53-99-2010 DSN: 723-3960 Ext 2010
Naval Hospital Information Desk 011-53-99-72360 Phone: 011-53-99-72028 DSN: 660-2998 Ext 72360
School Age Care Program 011-53-99-3664 DSN: 723-3960 ext. 3664
The Oasis Teen Center 011-53-99-2096 DSN: 660-2998 Ext 2096
Transient Bachelors Enlisted Quarters 011-53-99-2400 DSN: 723-3960 Ext 2400
TRICARE Office 011-53-99-72017 DSN: 723-3960 Ext 72017
Youth Center 011-53-99-4658 DSN: 660-2998 Ext 4658