Welcome to Your Sailor's next stop: “A” School at Naval Air Station Meridian

Meridian, Mississippi

If your Sailor’s orders say Meridian, Mississippi, they will be reporting to Naval Air Station Meridian, a Navy aviation training installation located in eastern Mississippi.

NAS Meridian plays an important role in training Sailors who support naval aviation operations. This base prepares enlisted Sailors for careers that help aviation squadrons operate efficiently both on shore and aboard aircraft carriers.

Where Is NAS Meridian?

Naval Air Station Meridian is located in Meridian, Mississippi, about 90 miles east of Jackson and near the Alabama state line.

The installation supports Navy aviation training and operates alongside Training Air Wing ONE, where Navy and Marine Corps pilots train to fly jet aircraft.

NAS Meridian is known for its close-knit military community and smaller base environment, which many Sailors appreciate during their training period.

Ratings That Train at NAS Meridian

Several administrative, logistics, and aviation support ratings attend training at Naval Air Station Meridian. These Sailors support the daily operations of Navy commands, aviation squadrons, and fleet units around the world.

Aviation Administrationman (AZ)

Aviation Administrationmen manage the administrative and maintenance documentation for Navy aircraft and aviation units.

Training includes:

• Aircraft maintenance records

• Flight logs and reports

• Aviation safety documentation

• Maintenance administration systems

• Squadron administrative procedures

These Sailors ensure aviation squadrons stay organized and mission-ready.

Logistics Specialist (LS / LSS)

Logistics Specialists manage the Navy’s global supply chain and inventory systems.

Training focuses on:

• Supply chain management

• Inventory control

• Shipping and receiving

• Navy logistics systems

• Financial and procurement procedures

These Sailors help ensure ships, submarines, aviation units, and shore commands receive the supplies they need.

Personnel Specialist (PS)

Personnel Specialists manage Sailor career records and administrative support for Navy personnel.

Training includes:

• Military pay systems

• Personnel records management

• Career administration

• Navy personnel databases

• Customer service for Sailors and commands

These Sailors support the Navy’s most important resource — its people.

Retail Services Specialist (RS)

Retail Services Specialists operate and manage Navy retail and service activities that support Sailor quality of life.

Training covers:

• Navy Exchange operations

• Ship stores

• Financial management

• Retail inventory systems

• Service programs that support morale and welfare

These Sailors help maintain essential services for crews at sea and ashore.

Yeoman (YN)

Yeomen are the administrative professionals of the Navy.

Training focuses on:

• Official Navy correspondence

• Records management

• Command administrative support

• Office management

• Personnel documentation

Yeomen often work directly with command leadership to keep operations organized and running smoothly.

What Sailors Learn in “A” School

During training in Meridian, Sailors learn the systems and procedures used to manage Navy aviation programs.

Training topics include:

• Aviation maintenance administration systems

• Aircraft logbook management

• Naval aviation documentation requirements

• Squadron administrative procedures

• Navy personnel and reporting systems

This training prepares Sailors to support aviation squadrons around the world.

Life During “A” School

Training at NAS Meridian is structured but generally less restrictive than boot camp.

Families should know:

• Sailors attend classroom training during the week

• Liberty privileges expand as Sailors progress

• Communication home is typically regular

• Academic performance and military standards must be maintained

Because NAS Meridian is a smaller base, Sailors often build strong friendships during their time in training.

What Families Should Expect

Meridian offers a small-town environment with strong community support for military families.

The area features:

• Warm summers and mild winters

• Friendly local community

• Navy support services for Sailors and families

• Easy travel access to larger Mississippi cities

Many Sailors appreciate the quieter pace of Meridian while focusing on their training.

Why This Assignment Matters

Every aviation squadron depends on accurate documentation, organized operations, and strong administrative support.

Sailors trained in Meridian help ensure:

• Aircraft maintenance records are accurate

• Flight operations are properly tracked

• Squadrons remain organized and mission-ready

While pilots fly the aircraft, Sailors trained here help keep Navy aviation running behind the scenes.

And as always — Navydads is here to support families through every stage of the Navy journey.