In operation since 1940, the Jacksonville Naval Air Station is located six miles south of Jacksonville along the Saint Johns River. With over 23,000 civilian employees stationed here, this is one of Jacksonville’s primary economic supports as well as being home to the largest US Navy aviation squad. Being based in Jacksonville is one of the best assignments Navy personnel can have, because when you are on leave you can hit the local beaches or easily travel to other parts of the US thanks to Jacksonville International Airport being only half an hour away.