In April 1917, shortly after the United States entered World War I, a bill was passed for the purchase of the land, and money was set aside in the amount of $1.6 million for the development of the base.

New facilities were built, including new runways for aircraft, part of Naval Air Station Norfolk.

[6][better source needed] Following World War II, NOB Norfolk became the primary base of the Atlantic Fleet.

[5] In 1968, the Naval Air Station was given a major role in John F. Kennedy's vision of putting a man on the moon.

[5] On 26 January 2017, Naval Station Norfolk celebrated its centennial at the Pennsylvania House, a historical building built for the Jamestown Exposition,[7] located on the base.

[11] On 26 July 2022, a severe thunderstorm with winds of 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) and over caused nine helicopters assigned to Naval Station Norfolk to be damaged.

[12] Naval Station Norfolk is home port of four carrier strike groups and their assigned ships.

In addition, the Naval Station plays host to several Military Sealift Command ships, as well as the submarines of the Atlantic Fleet.