FAIRWINDS Credit Union is a financial cooperative – a business owned and controlled by its members on a nonprofit basis – and was established in 1949 in Port Washington, New York.

Known then as the Special Devices Center Federal Credit Union, the original field of membership included civilian employees of the United States Navy, Office of Naval Research, Special Devices Center . In 1965, action by the Navy Department resulted in the relocation of the Center to the Orlando Air Force Base which soon became the Navy Training Center . The credit union relocated as well, establishing itself in Central Florida as Navy Orlando Federal Credit Union from 1967 to 1994. When the government closed the Navy Training Center , the credit union name change to “FAIRWINDS” was a natural fit. The name comes from the naval phrase - “fair winds and following seas” - given to sailors being brought ashore or sent out to sea.

Continuous innovation - adding products and services and upgrading technology - along with employing friendly, knowledgeable crewmembers and expanding service center locations, is how FAIRWINDS delivers exceptional service and provides for members' financial needs. Assets currently exceed $1 billion, and whether online, over the phone or in-person, member relationships continue to build at FAIRWINDS.

"FAIRWINDS employees are like my extended family.  Before taking time off to care for my new born son, my branch threw me a surprise baby shower.  I have never experienced such a thoughtful gesture in a work environment.  With everything that the Credit Union does, it is no surprise that FAIRWINDS is in the Top 100 Companies for working families." Keith - FAIRWINDS crewmember since 2006