Screenshot via Google Maps

Welcome to Naval Outlying Field Imperial Beach

This is a helicopter-specific airport that serves as a United States Navy facility. Located in sunny California, the estate is sited on 1,204 acres. You can, however, locate it around 14 miles south of San Diego and within the city limits of Imperial Beach. The airport, also referred to as "The Helicopter Capital of the World," is a key part of military operations. If you are visiting or local, NOLF Imperial Beach gives people a minor taste of aviation.

Live Air Traffic

Military airports are a different sort of animal — but even by those standards, Naval Outlying Field Imperial Beach (IATA: NRS) is something special. It acts as a Navy helicopter base for the United States. It is located on 1,204 acres of land outside San Diego and has an airport. It lies approximately 14 miles due south of the city. It is called "The Helicopter Capital of the World" by most. This is one of the places where you can see a lot of helicopters taking off and landing. The airport is situated within the city limits of Imperial Beach, California. The site provides a unique experience for aviation fans and travelers.

Basic information about airport

Airport code: KNRS
Type: small
Continent: NA
Country code: US
Country: United
City Imperial
IATA: NRS
Longitude: -117.1169968
Latitude: 32.56669998

Naval Outlying Field Imperial Beach Ream Field on Google Maps

metkaImperial Beach
Today 14 °C / 57.2 °F
  • sunClear sky
  • humidityHumidity: 81
  • WindWind: 2.7 m/sec
Tue

15 C / 59 °F

Wed

14 C / 57.2 °F

Thu

15 C / 59 °F

Fri

14 C / 57.2 °F

Sat

14 C / 57.2 °F

Naval Outlying Field Imperial Beach (Ream Field): The Complete Guide

Introduction

Situated on the sun-soaked shores of Imperial Beach, California, the Naval Outlying Field Imperial Beach, commonly known as Ream Field, is a primary heliport for the United States Navy. With a land area of over 1,204 acres, this military site lies about 14 miles south of San Diego and is an integral part of the local aviation landscape. Boasting the moniker “The Helicopter Capital of the World,” Ream Field operates training and mission flights that are essential for the US Navy’s capabilities. This text will discuss several dimensions of Flughafen Ream Field, including airlines, passengers, ground transportation, and facilities, for the information of prospective passengers and aviation fans.

Airlines and Destinations

Although Ream Field is a key naval facility, it does not operate as a regular airport that hosts commercial flights. Consequently, there are no scheduled airlines or terminals at the aerial site. This heliport facility is a prominent base for helicopter training and missions, serving various air wings. Thus, travelers interested in taking a chartered commercial flight should consider their options at San Diego International Airport.

Number of Passengers and Flights

Because of its military nature, Ream Field does not publish passenger numbers and commercial flight frequency. The site is predominantly tasked with training and mission flights, all of which are military. Notably, these are categorized as takeoffs and landings that are connected to training or mission activities. As such, the figures are highly dependent on various factors such as training timetables and mission demands, which would substantially affect the mission frequencies. Hence, no information is available about the number of potential passengers or flights made by the busy facility.

How to Get Here

As Ream Field is close to major highways, it is most suitable for travelers driving. The facility is located right off Silver Strand Highway (California State Route 75), a road linking Imperial Beach to the wider San Diego region. For San Diegans, this is usually a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic. With the military background of the facility, there are limited options for public transportation from surrounding cities to Ream Field; therefore, personal vehicles or taxis come in handy when traveling to this site.

Parking

Ream Field is a military installation where parking is limited to authorized personnel and veteran missions. Parking at the facility may require special permission or passes for visitors with official business. There may be public parking options available for recreational activities in nearby Imperial Beach, but it's best to check local availability.

Transportation Price

There is no set price to get inside Ream Field, as it is a military installation. Taxi fares or rideshare services from more local areas will vary depending on distance and demand. Meanwhile, prices for transportation services in the greater San Diego area should fall at or near market rates; it can be anywhere from $20 to $50 depending on distance and time of day.

Terminal Layout

Ream Field doesn't have the standard passenger terminal type facility like you see in commercial airports. The facility has separate military operational, helicopter maintenance, and training areas. There are no passenger terminals, gates, or check-in counters. Visitors should keep in mind that access to the facility is generally restricted and usually requires advance registration.

Navigate the Airport

For authorized personnel, navigating around Ream Field is a simple matter since the facility has been built for military needs rather than public use. A helicopter operational laydown includes maintenance and administrative structures. Anyone trying to conduct official business must adhere to all military security protocols and procedures.

Getting Between Terminals

At Ream Field, there are no inter-terminal or smart-gate transports. Heliport: A facility intended for the landing and take-off of helicopters, with defined parameters describing where activities are conducted. Note that specific areas of the facility may be restricted depending on security protocols.

Services and Amenities

Because Ream Field is a military installation and not a commercial airport, many of the services and amenities found in commercial airports are non-existent. The on-site facilities are nonexistent, and you will not find shops or passenger services such as restaurants. Military facilities and services are not open to the public generally, but only to veterans or military personnel and their families. Nearby Imperial Beach offers more amenities for those who desire them in the form of restaurants and shopping.

Restaurants and Shops

Ream Field itself has no restaurants or shops, but head over to nearby Imperial Beach for dining and shopping selections. A leisurely beach attitude characterizes the city, which showcases a variety of restaurants from relaxed beachside cafes to more upscale dining establishments. While it boasts some local shopping at the shops and boutiques, it also caters to the shopper who wants to enjoy a nice coastal life.

Security and Customs

Ream Field is a military installation and highly secured. Access to the site is restricted; visitors need to comply with any and all security protocols in place. Ream Field does not operate as a commercial airport and so has no customs facilities. If visiting for official purposes, travelers should be ready to show ID and any required records.

Accessibility

Ream Field is first and foremost a military installation, which means it might have limited accessibility. Necessary accommodations are generally accessible by authorized personnel, but public access remains limited. Visitors who have official business at the facility should check with military personnel for any accessibility needs or requirements.

Travel Tips

  • Official business should have been planned in advance, with permissions and proper documentation ready before arriving at Ream Field.
  • Find Local Info: If you're visiting Imperial Beach, find out local parking rules and availability.
  • Find Other Places to Visit Nearby: If you are in Imperial Beach, you should check nearby places, activities, and eateries to enjoy the full experience.
  • Note: If you plan to visit Ream Field for official purposes, please check for any changes in security protocols or access requirements.
  • Use nearby airports: If you're thinking of commercial travel, you should also check San Diego Airport or even the nearer ones.

As a reminder, the Naval Outlying Field Imperial Beach (Ream Field) is not a commercial airport and does not have the accommodations that one might expect for passenger travel. While that may not seem very notable in the grand scheme of things, when you consider its strategic location and related helicopter operations, this is top of the heap for aviation—a big deal in your living space, the San Diego region. Visitors seeking additional recreation, dining, and shopping will find plenty of it in nearby Imperial Beach.