***Under Construction***

Welcome Aboard!!

First and foremost, congratulations on your orders to NAVSUP Weapons System Support - Philadelphia! For an overview on the command, biographies, mission and history, please visit the official NAVSUP WSS Page.  
 
NAVSUP Weapons System Support Homepage

Weapons Systems Support (WSS) as a whole, is divided into N-codes instead of your typical departmental structure. While some N-codes are supported operations, the supporting N-codes span between sites Mechanicsburg (WSS-M), and Philadelphia (WSS-P). The table below breaks down this organization:
 
N-Code Description WSS-M WSS-P
N2 Engineering and Product Support X X
N4 Fleet Outfitting, Planning & Support X X
N6 Supply Chain Operations Research & System Support X X
N7 Contracting X X
N8 Comptroller X X
N94 Nuclear Reactors & Supply Chain Management X  
N96 Surface Operations X  
N97 Submarine & Carrier Operations X  
N98 Aviation Operations   X

Each N-code is further broken down into “divisions” and other support branches. For instance, the N9 codes are made up of Integrated Weapons System Teams or “IWSTs” under each type, model or series (TMS). As personnel rotate in and out of both site commands, continuity is maintained by managing personnel shifts within each command usually during your mid-tour. Therefore, your initial N-code assignment will be determined upon entry.


Location

WSS-P is located in Buildings 1, 2 and 4 onboard Naval Support Activity Philadelphia (NSA-P). The installation lies directly south of the Crescentville neighborhood and is accessed only at the intersection of Oxford Avenue and Martins Mill Road. Using GPS, the best address to map to the gate entrance is:
 
6300 Oxford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111

This is a business at the intersection. Use the following illustration to adjust your directions as needed:
 

Once you proceed through the Oxford Avenue and Martin Mill Rd intersection in the right line in either case, you enter Foster Avenue and will stop prior to the gate. The security guard will signal you to approach the guard shack where you will present the front, then back of your military identification card (ID). The security guard will scan the bar code then authorize you to proceed. You will take a right turn at the first intersection and park in any open parking space. Until your ID has been setup to access the buildings, you can only enter at the rear command entrance.


Accommodations

Here is the tenant map of NSA-P.

Installation Map

The installation offers:
 
  • Child Development Center
  • Credit Union
  • Yelee Deli
  • Subway
  • MWR Fitness Center
  • Pass & ID
  • Mini Navy Exchange (Mini-NEX)
  • Barber
  • Tailor Shop
  • Armed Forces Recruiting
  • Sea Cadets
  • Baseball Fields

It is important to note what is not available at NSA-P:
 
  • Housing
  • Temporary Lodging
  • Medical & Dental Facilities
  • Schools

Housing necessities are supported by Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) which lies 36 miles, one hour drive east into New Jersey while Naval Weapons Station Earle (NSWE) at 65 miles and eighty minutes’ drive supports medical readiness. The following links are the homepage for JBMDL and Naval Weapon Station Earle:

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Naval Weapons Station Earle


Housing & Schooling

The following are links to the two housing communities followed by a link to schooling information that support JBMDL:

JBMDL United Communities
Lakehurst Homes
JBMDL School Information

Because this commute is rather cumbersome, most personnel at WSS-P enroll themselves into TRICARE remote, and live in the surrounding communities. The housing market is very expensive on the Pennsylvania side but slightly cheaper in New Jersey. While you can enroll into the housing waiting list at JBMDL, it is completely achievable to find a home in the surrounding communities. Whether you desire to rent or buy, there are many resources that can help you find a sizable home, in a prominent school zone at a reasonable price. The following are lists of resources used by WSS-P personnel in finding a residence:

AHRN: Military Housing Resource
Zillow: Real Estate, Homes for Sale and Rent
Compass: Real Estate, Homes for Sale or Rent
Veterans United Home Loans

Zillow has a built in filter that shows the average rating of nearby schools taking into account reading and math scores. Another source in determining school ratings are as follow:

Great Schools: School Ratings & Reviews

The following table is a list of typical communities, and their corresponding commute. Basic allowance for Housing (BAH) rate will be based on NSA-P zip code, 19111 regardless of your home location. The link following the table is the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) BAH calculator.  
 
Community Commute (min)
Oreland 21
Abington 20
Lansdale 38
Newtown 40
Southampton 27
Horsham 31
Jenkintown 14
Norristown 42
Philadelphia Proper 24

BAH Calculator

Finding a place to rent within your BAH limit is possible but you will quickly see through your searches that a little extra money, or additional commute will yield an increase in home quality. This is where mortgaging a home becomes appealing. Mortgage rates through the VA have shown to be much lower, in the band of BAH than renting in some cases. Look at all options early on and reach out to currently stationed personnel for more clarity as this is the most challenging portion of a PCS move. Remember, if you rent, don’t forget to place a military clause in your lease!

Military Clause

Further information for both Housing and Schooling is provided by NSA-P in the following document. 

NSA-P School Liaison Child Youth Education Services


Medical Support

While JBMDL supports NSA-P in regards to medical readiness for the service member and dependents, you may be afforded to the opportunity to enroll in TRICARE Prime Remote (TPR) depending on your housing location. In the case where you live north of Philadelphia, you will be offered this alternative.

The first step to enroll in TPR is to call 1-800-444-5445.  When you are prompted, navigate to eligibility. Once you are on the line with an operator, ask to be enrolled in TPR.  When approved, you will provided with Primary Care Manager (PCM) options in your local area for yourself and family members. They can also be changed at the following link under Health benefits:

MILCONNECT

Some of the Philadelphia area zip codes are not automatically eligible.  If you receive some pushback, try submitting a waiver at the following link:

TRICARE Prime Remote Eligibility Request

The nearest military treatment facility (MTF) is at Patterson Army Community Hospital, Stephenson St. Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703. For the reason you are requesting the waiver, select the geographic barriers or other unique situations exist option.  In the comments, state that the drive time to the nearest MTF is at least 90 minutes. For the command information, please contact your sponsor for the following information as it changes:
Unit Commander/designee
700 Robbins Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19111-5098
Email
Phone Number

After submission, you will receive a confirmation e-mail followed by a waiver confirmation in about seven business days.


Dental Support

You must be approved for TPR before you can get Tricare Dental Remote (TDR).  The TDR process updates automatically through DEERs after TPR approval.  You must go through the TDR United Concordia (UC) website below and select an approved dentist.

For active duty members:









Installation Information

Schooling Information
NSA Philadelphia School Liaison Child & Youth Education Services offers inofmraiton about local schools. The link takes you to a pdf file filled with several links to surrounding area school district pages. 


Discover Philadelphia
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