It does have some great activities although they can be a bit of a drive. Another Florida base, Naval Air Station Pensacola is located in the northwest panhandle and houses around 15,000 active personnel. Jacksonville has a large concentration of people — around one million — nearly a quarter of which are military. Pack away those bulky coats and boots, you won’t need them…like ever. CHECK! Sign up to receive my latest and greatest articles! The Puget Sound area is the reason why most service members love this duty station, with tons of outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, and attractions in the Emerald City. If you can, I say, try an international duty station. Make sure to get on waiting lists fast if you plan on staying on base. Since this list came out, I’m getting feedback that Charleston should be on the list… maybe one day , My husband joined the Navy “late” in life, so we met in San Diego and he will finish up in San Diego. Semi-Delicate Balance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Check out the best 10 beaches of the area. I'm looking at over seas mostly but i don't know much about the cities in the US either. One of my friends grew up in Norfolk and when we moved back she tried to talk us out of looking at houses in Portsmouth. Oh brother, traffic around any large and major Navy base is a hot mess. A very common duty station, Naval Station Norfolk is the world’s largest naval base, with more than 80,000 active duty sailors, 112,000 family members and 30,000 civilians. In addition, California offers a very special property tax called “Mello-Roos” that can run you upwards of $500 a month. Based on Air Force Times research, these are the five least-popular bases — from fifth worst to worst — to be stationed in the Air Force: 5. In general, heavy traffic and dealing with tunnels and bridges everywhere can be the major drawback to Hampton Roads, but with some thoughtful planning, it’s not usually a big deal. The median home value is $152,000. Naples, Italy. In case you are curious about the biggest naval base, here is the Norfolk Naval Base map: NAS Norfolk is the hub for Navy logistics, going from European and Central Command operations, all the way to the Caribbean. It is so ugly, roads are horrible, traffic is horrendous, houses are way overpriced actually, and there is NOT a support system despite the fact there is a large military presence. These 5 Military Bases Are So Bad, They Should Count As A Deployment. Kings Bay summers are long and oppressively hot. It will make your time here so much more enjoyable! Naval Base San Diego is a modern Navy complex and homeport to nearly a third of the Navy's fleet in the Pacific theater. I grew up near Chicago, I understand traffic happens, but this is mind boggling traffic. Naval Base Kitsap. If you love the great outdoors and don’t mind a ... 2. I would love to go Spain one day! My poor husband worked on Coronado and we lived in North San Diego. It’s known as the Quarterdeck of the Navy, and also bears the unfortunate nickname, the “Great Mistake”. The city itself has a lively art and restaurant scene, and dozens of venues that host acts from around the world. Being stationed … Located thousands of miles from Hawaii and the Philippines, Guam is the definition of remote. If you can’t fit in smaller sized clothing, you will be forced to order online. #1 – Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. Each base I’ve visited has had its own positive and negative traits. #1 – Fort Benning, Georgia. Washington DC is a 3 hours and the Virginia Mountains are not much further away – I guess it just depends on what you are looking to do. You’d think it was rocket science. My name is JD. Strike Fighter Wing Pacific calls it home, and Lemoore is also the west coast site for the F/A-18 Hornet Strike Fighter, with 175 Hornets and Super Hornets operating here. Just watch people try to merge. But San Diego would be my top choice for sure! Located about five miles south of Colorado Springs, Fort Carson is one of the best military bases for families who want fresh mountain air, on-base housing, and great schools nearby. I love writing about things that are important to me. We are counting down our days to getting out of here. Most of us here at American Grit are Marines (its a wonder we can put sentences together). I just pcs’d from Hawaii and may still have an island sense of distance so if it’s more than 15 minutes drive, I think it’s “far”. Even with the rain, Washington was made for the outdoorsy people. 5. There was lots of crime and no real good business. Image: Flickr.com. Naval Base Kitsap was created in 2004 with the merging of former NS Bremerton and the Submarine Base Bangor. Click-N-Ship will alert you to some of the prohibitions and restrictions based on the 5-digit Military Post Office ZIP Code ™ you're shipping to, but you are responsible for ensuring your package complies with the laws and regulations of the U.S. and the destination country. I have heard wonderful things about the school system in Virginia though. And while I have not lived in Jacksonville, I have been there several times. 1. Another downside is not all the schools are great. Mayport features lots of outdoor recreation, including boating, camping, fishing and watersports. I hope that we get back to San Diego or Hawaii. Some are great while others are just terrible places to train or be stationed at, either due to weather or old age. It’s a five-hour trip to Jacksonville, and six hours to Orlando. But you’re into touristy-activities, there’s golf, theme parks, and all sorts of beaches somewhat close. ). Chicago is the windy city, and Great Lakes doesn’t disappoint. I am originally from Charleston, SC, so you would think I would be happier to be closer to home, but I’d rather be living in Charleston. A lot has happened in my life in a few short years. Big cities like LA, San Diego and San Francisco range from three to five hours away. The official name, Naval Base San Diego, is the fourth official title and the correct way to reference the base. Join the navy, see the world right? Perfect weather, plenty of activities, wide and varied job market. 1. Sure, there’s a few bugs and alligators involved. 2. Weather is mild with lots of precipitation. I know this is old, but I completely disagree about Norfolk.Granted we just came from San Diego and it is hard to beat that place, but this is the WORST place I have ever lived. The Pacific Northwest is another Navy hub. Bustling Seattle is 25 miles away for those job hunters. Naval Base Pearl Harbor. There are about 26,000 US military personnel spread across 32 military bases on the island. So far the best is Spain and absolute worst is Corpus! In use since 1899, Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941 and became the deciding factor in American involvement in WWII. Some like the small town feel(Charleston, Lemoore, Whidbey Island), some like the city (San Diego, Jacksonville, Everett), some like different countries (Japan, Spain, Italy). #3 – Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Over the course of a year, temperatures typically flux between 63 F and 89 F, with lots of sunshine and ocean breezes. It’s the second-largest Surface Ship base and holds over 50 ships from the Pacific Fleet. Man, I am so jealous that you’ve been to so many places.. glad we both agree on San Diego! 5-Norfolk, VA- Naval Station Norfolk, NAS Oceana and others. 1. However, summers are hot with an average temperature of 86 F and 100% humidity in July. Naval Base San Diego. HUGE navy presence so there’s a large support system available. Best Army Bases for Families. It was a huge help in WWII as the largest naval aviation training facility in the world; it’s also the place where President George H.W. Image: Army.mil. Housing market is cheap. And these were their picks for the “Best Military … Joint Base Charleston in Goose Creek, SC had a really nice (and mostly new!) Those that call Fort Benning home have a popular saying that goes life is “Better at Benning”. I’ve seen people make turns across oncoming traffic from the opposite turn lane. The schools are great and they also have the best gyms ive ever seen at a base. While you may not be up Tornado Alley, hurricanes are a big threat here. Once thought to be the cornerstone of naval power, the advent of Naval Aviation and the rise of the aircraft carrier in WWII was the beginning of … Battleships. Money goes farther I guess. I am 22 years old and about to fill out my dream sheet. Cute little upstate NY town, very family friendly, but also very little military. Thanks for your thoughts! base housing program but good luck getting anything delivered on base and military-isolated. There is a ton of stuff to do. Naval Base Kitsap is the largest Navy installation in the area, accompanying NAS Whidbey Island and NS Everett, and nearby the massive Army / Air Force Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Naval Air Training Command resides at the base, which has been training Navy pilots since 1941. – Heather, Life of a Traveling Navy Wife. Lol. It’s nearby Naval Base Coronado, NAS North Island, Naval Base Point Loma, and multiple Marine and Coast Guard stations. I love Norfolk. It has near-perfect weather, with incredible beaches and close access to Mexico for travelers. 4. Off base housing can get expensive; the median home value on Oahu is upwards of $700,000, with small apartments close to $2,000 a month. The tunnels and bridges back up all the time because people don’t follow traffic signs or panic about them, causing accidents. It’s very military-friendly, and you’ll be sure to feel part of a community right away. Most Navy bases are on the water so they have some sort of scenic view, but Portsmouth is special because of the small, historic, town it sits in, first settled in 1623. By Julie Provost. Cost of living and distance from family are some cons. San Diego, CA It has a daytime population of 25,000, and is best known for hosting the 1st Infantry Division (the Fighting First!) 9 Best Military Bases in the U.S. Based on Lifestyle. Sometimes you end up drawing the short straw when it comes to military assignment locations. I spent a year in the Seattle area and I really do not like living there. I might make a do a follow-up post that features an “audience vote” of the best duty stations. Jacksonville is good for the Sailors and Families who want the best bang for their buck in terms of housing. (i'm not looking for party central lol) i'm looking for great deployments that i get to see … There’s also plenty of outdoor options, with lakes, mountains and beaches all within a couple-hours drive. Made up of 13 piers over 1,000 acres of land, this navy facility boasts of more than 24,000 military personnel. With a population of over 15,000, Kings Bay hosts the Atlantic Fleet’s Ballistic and Guided Missile Submarines. Base amenities include a marina, bowling alley, movie theatre, and golf course. This is a large base that does not have a lot of Westernized shopping. Naval Air Station Pensacola . Its located right next to Wright state university and 5-10 mins away from the oregon district. With its North Central Kansas location, you can expect to get a tasteof quiet Midwest living. A few months back we asked current and former military personnel where in the US they most enjoyed being stationed, and why. The 5 Worst Navy Bases To Be Stationed. Our favorite duty station was Saratoga Springs/Ballston Spa. #3 – Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. I receive inspiration from my family, friends, and the amazing adventures I'm able to go on. One of the more urban installation locations, service members and military families enjoy access to the finer things that a city can offer: extensive restaurants, shopping and opportunities for fun. Part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, NS Pearl Harbor is the most famous on our list. The median home value in the area is around $234,000, and rental cost for homes is $1,250 (apartments are cheaper at $950). But it's close enough to Tokyo and other major cities that you can get some major exposure to another culture and have an absolute blast. Fair argument. The hardest part of moving to Norfolk is finding the right neighborhood for your family. THE TRUSTED RESOURCE FOR MILITARY FAMILIES. Not too far North of Jacksonville is Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, the east coast home to Trident nuclear-powered submarines. About an hour north of Chicago is Naval Station Great Lakes, the largest Navy training station. Los Angeles is only two hours away, and offers a huge art scene for creative types. NAS Pensacola is also the headquarters for the renowned Blue Angels. The cost of living in SoCal is notoriously terrible, with median home prices of around $600,000. Job market may be tougher for spouses, but all four branches of the military are active on Oahu, and there’s the booming tourism industry. No cool scenes or neighborhoods, and no good restaurants. And being in a place where doctors understand Tricare prime vs standard is nice as well as the Nex being bigger than a 7-11. happy days ,,,, videos every week My stuff below Instagram - JTsuits Snapchat - JTsuits Twitter @Jtminers Its location is near the site of the original 1607 Jamestown settlement. It borders the cute, historic town of St. Mary’s, on the southeast corner of coastal Georgia. If you’re looking for a job in the Navy, move to Virginia. I will say that the cost of living is significantly higher here. Unlike Army posts, naval stations generally need to be near the water, and there’s an abundance of them in paradise-like locations. Congress has to do more to improve military housing. totally agree. It has everything I could want…beaches, restaurants, shopping, fun family friendly activities. Top 5 naval bases Naval Station Rota . So if you are looking for someplace that has good schools for your children Hampton Roads is definitely #1 on that list. That's just rude. I know some that just love Norfolk because of the lower cost of living. The median home cost is $140,000 ($200,000 in Manhattan). Military Guidelines & Country Regulations. Take advantage of the beaches and enjoying island life. 4. Kadena, Japan. Best Air Force Bases Overseas. HUGE navy presence so there’s a large support system available. This duty station is one of the most sought-after; with Pensacola’s median home cost of $133,000, and the bustle of Navy activity in the area, it’s easy to understand why. There are no positives to live in Hampton Roads. Are these places based on anything other than personal preference and/or experience? I think the major mistake many navy families make when they move to Hampton Roads is not choosing a place to live close to the base where they work. This Virginia naval base has an inventory of 75 navy ships and 134 aircraft, making it the biggest concentration of Navy operations. Military Branch: Navy. You’ll have great stories and life experiences to tell your grandkids one day. An aerial view of Norfolk Naval Station, the largest naval base in the world.Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class ... 2. For some fun and g… 5-Norfolk, VA- Naval Station Norfolk, NAS Oceana and others. Warm weather, cheap housing market, plenty of activities. They receive only seven inches of snow per year, and 213 sunny days. About an hour north of Chicago is Naval Station Great Lakes, the largest Navy training station. Its remote location may be a turn off to some, but for others, it means there is plenty of beach without the crowds. One two lane bridge in, One two-lane bridge out. There may be never be a definitive list because everyone’s preferences/experiences are different. Sorry about your time in Corpus. thanks for your insights! Panama City and Tallahassee are two to three hours driving. The median home value in Bremerton is close to $300,000. For more information, please see the Disclosure page. Best Military Bases OCONUS: Naples, Italy Naples, Italy, famous for its beauty, is home to the US Sixth Fleet and the US Naval Forces Europe . 7. Due to the high populace of people, base housing may be hard to get into. It can get pretty hot and sticky in July, but coastal breezes will provide some relief. Top 5 Duty Stations of the Navy. Bush received his wings. That makes commuting a struggle, so consider using public transportation or simply living on base. What are the best Navy bases to be stationed at? The median home value is $164,000. So the government wants to send you to a place to LIVE where others VACATION… on their dime. Lemoore and Hanford are both short commutes from base and offer good eats and events year-round. Naval Air Station Sigonella. The 10 American naval bases below are chosen for their size, importance, and popularity among sailors. Naval Station Mayport is one of three major Navy installations near Jacksonville, including NAS Jacksonville (a good choice as well). Activities galore here; beaches, hiking, city life, sight-seeing, awesome food! I know locals who will tell you it’s bad. Several of the nation’s top 10 places to buy are located near bases in these states. Hiking, fishing, hunting, camping. These people complain about the commute. It's a small base, so you have close community. Norfolk and Portsmouth schools and neighborhoods tend to have some bad reputations. After all, the president vacations just down the street. Bonus: Other countries, Japan, Italy, Spain, etc. We were stationed at Wright Patt for 7 years and it shouldnt be on this list. 4-Jacksonville, FL- Naval Air Station Jacksonville, and Naval Station Mayport. The climate is mild, with summer highs in the mid-80s and winter lows in the 30s. Great Lakes. With warm summers and mild winters, Florida is called the Sunshine State for a reason. The commissary isn’t great and the … Overall, the area is a perfect mix of activity and quiet residential living. norfolk is by far- the worst place i have been. The top 5 Air Force bases to be stationed at while serving in the USAF. Thanks for the insights! Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Drew Chaney, who was stationed at Wright-Pat from 2004 to 2009, said the base's gym facilities, exchange and commissary are as good as or better than other bases … You’ll be hard-pressed to find somewhere very affordable. You’ll never run out of places to see and things to do. It’s known as the Quarterdeck of the Navy, and also bears the unfortunate nickname, the “Great Mistake”. I definitely agree with you that not every duty station is perfect and has its nice parts and bad parts. 1. Fort Carson. Military housing is SO bad, poorly made and in poor areas, and do NOT step foot in Norfolk if you have kids in school. Hawaii is a known tourist destination, and this base is no exception, with year-round visits from submariners. I was stationed there in 2005-2008 and I really had a great time there! Locals refer to this station as “32nd Street”. Base(s): Naval Base Guam, Andersen Air Force Base. It is easy ... #2 – Fort Sam Houston, Texas. 3. I will say that most Army bases are far better than the Navy bases I’ve been stationed at and visited. USS New Jersey bombards communist positions near Tuyho, late March 1969 (US Navy photo) 1. It would be great if someone could somehow survey everyone and do a massive poll . Wherever you go, there’s a big Navy presence. Capt. I’ve got four states left to visit and San Diego will probably remain my favorite place in the US (other than Hawaii, but I wouldn’t want to live there). Too depressing for a Miami girl (where I’m from – my parents met while my dad was stationed on what used to be Homestead AFB- where I was also born). 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