Originally located in Jackson, Miss., NRC Meridian (formerly Navy Operational Support Center Meridian) has trained and mobilized reservists to augment active forces in every major U.S. campaign since 1950, including 63 reservists mobilized in support of Operation Noble Eagle and Iraqi Freedom.
In 1999 ground was broken for the new G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Navy Reserve Center Meridian. Located next to the schoolhouses of Naval Technical Training Center, this project was funded by a joint venture between the Navy, the state of Mississippi and Lauderdale County. The facilities are the prototype for naval reserve centers of the future, being designed and constructed from inception to train and support reservists. NRC Meridian was officially dedicated and opened in August 2000.
The facility itself is a modern design and provides an ideal training environment. Classrooms are expandable to facilitate classes of any size. The 100-seat auditorium is well equipped with all of the latest audio/visual aids to enhance a variety of instruction techniques. The drill hall can accommodate large formations, including quarters, changes of command or retirements. A conference room supports meetings and other training.
Each reserve unit has its own classroom, cubicle and office space. Besides supporting Navy Reserve training, the NRC is a tremendous asset to NAS Meridian as a training or meeting site, hosting more than 15 functions per month for other commands.
Staffed by one Full-Time Support officer (the Commanding Officer) and 12 enlisted Full-Time Support active duty personnel, NRC Meridian is home for seven selected reserve units. Approximately 175 reservists have their administrative, medical, training, personnel and supply needs met by the active duty personnel. The staff is integrated into the NAS Meridian working population as leaders and members of various committees, volunteer clubs and charitable organizations.
The reservists of NRC Meridian, though performing “drill weekends” in Meridian, support a variety of active duty Navy and Marine Corps commands such as Naval Hospital Pensacola, NMCB 28 (Seabees) Shreveport, NAS Navy Security Force and Training Air Wing One. Training these reserve Sailors is accomplished by classroom instruction at NRC Meridian, working on site with NAS Meridian personnel, and performance of two weeks annual training (AT) at their respective gaining command.
The “citizen” Sailors of NRC Meridian are leading the way in efforts to “send the right reservist to the right place at the right time” and are ready to answer the nation’s call when needed. https://cnrse.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAS-Meridian/About/Tenant-Commands/NOSC/