Rhode Island

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Weather & Natural Disasters

  Rhode Island’s weather brings warm, humid summers with temperatures often in the 80s and cold winters averaging in the 20s to 30s, with occasional snowstorms. As a coastal state, it is prone to nor’easters, hurricanes, and flooding, particularly during hurricane season.

  Hurricanes & Flooding

  Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk occurring in August and September. Newport, being a coastal city, is especially vulnerable to storm surges, high winds, and heavy rainfall during hurricanes. While direct hits from major hurricanes are rare, even weaker storms can cause significant flooding and damage.

  Coastal flooding is a significant concern, especially during high tides, nor’easters, or hurricane remnants. Storm surges can push seawater onto the coastline, causing flooding in low-lying areas. Keep an emergency kit stocked with essential supplies, including food, water, and flashlights, and have an evacuation plan in place in case of coastal flooding. Be aware of high tide warnings and avoid flooded areas.

  Prepare

  Receiving weather warnings, alerts and updates through multiple means will ensure that you are prepared and can act quickly. NOAA weather radio, local weather broadcasts, outdoor sirens, wireless emergency alerts (if you switch to an American area code), weather apps, and social media are all great tools to receive national and statewide disaster and emergency alerts.

  For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov, a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.

• Neighbourhoods
  Cities: Newport
  Located in Newport, Naval Station Newport is home to some of the Navy’s most prestigious educational institutions including the United States Naval War College (NWC). The area is rich in cultural and recreational opportunities, from sailing and beaches to historic landmarks and festivals. CAF can search for housing in Newport, or also Portsmouth and Jamestown.
  
  Newport has a tourism-driven economy with opportunities in hospitality, retail, and restaurants. Additionally, the Naval Station Newport itself may have civilian employment roles. Newport County schools, including those in Middletown and Portsmouth, are well-regarded. Families seeking private or specialized schools have several options in the area.
  
  Use this tool to help you learn more about a community. You can get information on schools, home values, weather, population and more > Access the Military One Source Neighbourhood Navigator.
   
• Navel Station Newport
  For more detailed information about each base, including contact information and specific services offered, you can visit Military One Source and select your state followed by your installation or click the links below.
  
  Spouses and dependents with valid Department of Defense (DoD) identification cards have access to the base.

  • Naval Station Newport Offers a variety of amenities, including a commissary, exchange system, fitness centers, libraries, arts and crafts centers, bowling alleys, tennis and basketball courts, and non-denominational chapels. Additionally, the base features the Naval War College Museum, which showcases the history of naval warfare and the U.S. Navy. For the most updated information on Naval Station Newport MWR facilities and services > visit Naval Station Newport Fleet and Family Readiness
• Getting Around
  Getting around Newport in relation to the Naval Station Newport is primarily car-dependent, as the base is located just outside the city center. Traffic around the base can be moderate, especially during shift changes or base events. Public transportation options in Newport are limited, though there is a local bus service operated by RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) that provides some access around the city and nearby areas.
• On-Base Medical Treatment Facility
  Naval Station Newport, is served by the Naval Health Clinic New England (NHCNE), which provides comprehensive medical services to CAF Families who have been enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and have TRICARE eligibility.
  
   
• Critters & Wildlife
  Rhode Island is home to wildlife such as venomous snakes like the Eastern Timber rattlesnake and the copperhead, as well as ticks that can carry Lyme disease, particularly in wooded areas. The state also has insects like mosquitoes, ants, and occasional encounters with coyotes or black bears in more rural regions. Compared to Canada, Rhode Island’s milder climate supports a greater variety of reptiles and insects, so routine pest control is recommended to manage ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests during the warmer months.
• Children's Education

  There are several public schools along with a few charter schools and a private French American school within a 25-mile radius of Newport.

  • Newport Public Schools
  • Middletown Public Schools
  • Portsmouth Public Schools
  • The Compass School
  • The French American School of Rhode Island: Offers a dual-language education from preschool through eighth grade, focusing on French and English instruction. Private institution with its own admission process and tuition fees. It's advisable to contact the school directly for current enrollment information.

  
  It is highly recommended that you connect with your installation’s School Liaison, who can provide valuable information on local school districts, act as a bridge between the military community and school administrators, and offer expert guidance on educational matters.

  Naval Station Newport School Liaison Program

   

• Child Care

  Child Development Centers

  Child Development Centers (CDCs) generally offer childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Care is available Monday through Friday, with some locations offering options such as extended hours, weekend care, and respite care. Child Development Centers vary in size, and larger installations may operate multiple facilities. Programs are certified by the Department of Defense and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

  For a full list of military-operated childcare programs, including Child Development Centers, childcare programs, before- and after-school care, as well as summer and holiday camps, visit MilitaryChildCare.com. There, you can enter your location or military installation to find a comprehensive list of childcare programs, as well as submit requests for care through Child Development Centers, school-age care programs, and DOD-certified Family Child Care providers.

  Additional Child and Developement Resources

  Vsit our Family Care webpage, where you’ll find parenting and advocacy programs, development resources, toolkits, and more.

• Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses

  The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles provides guidelines for transferring out-of-state titles and licenses.