Military Families

Naval base suggestions?

Hi everyone,

 I've been lurking here but not posting until now.  I grew up a Navy brat and my FI is heading off to basic soon after our baby is born.  I'm due on Valentine's day.  I had a question for you all if you could help me out, any input is much appreciated.

     While I was growing up my Dad was stationed in VA, SC, and NAS Jax and the only one I remember was Jacksonville (and from a kid's perspective).  Can anyone tell me which Naval base they would recommend for 1)most family/newborn-friendly and 2) a nearby medical facility/hospital for me to work in. (and of course, any reference for bases that we should try to avoid would help).

     The reason I'm inquiring is b/c, I know that FI can put down his top preferences for where he gets stationed but how much does this really make a diff?  It seems to me like they'll put you wherever they deem fit.....but I could be wrong.

     I would LOVE to go overseas, but according to my Mom that's very unlikely to happen straight out of basic, she seems to think it is a privileged kind of perk that you get after you put so much time in/reach certain rank, does this seem to be true?

Thanks a ton!

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Re: Naval base suggestions?

  • My husband is AF, but we were stationed in VA for a while and I worked at the Naval Dental Clinic and occasionally at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.  I can tell you that I really liked the environment I worked in and from what I got out of it, was very family friendly.  Hampton Roads is a pretty decent area and there are many hospitals for you to try to a get a job at, including the bases. 

    Also, he can put down his top preferences on his 'dream sheet', but that does not mean he will get them.  You probably won't get your first.. but it's quite possible you could get your 3rd or 4th choice.  It's hard to know.  At least that's why my experience with the AF.

    I know that probably didn't do much for you, but good luck with everything!

  • ive been at NAS JAX for 6 years except for my brief stint on a ship in mayport.  i absolutely love it here and never plan to go back up north.  the naval hospital is on base and there are tons of hospitals in jax.  i know we have a childrens hospital also. 

    i wouldnt suggest trying for mayport, but depending on his rate that might be the only choice.  like me, im a LS, i can go anywhere.  but say an OS is a ship based rate.  the only other base ive really been to is norfolk.  and thats a big NO for me.  my DH just got stationed up there and i refuse to do the proper paper work so they will send me too.  thats how much i hate that place.

    going overseas right off the bat is very likely.  i know there is some kind of stipulation though.  i remember in boot camp i was not able to pick overseas.  i think it was a security clearance thing. 

    good luck and i hope that helps.

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  • We are USMC but stationed out here in San Diego with tons of Naval bases.  They are all so nice around here and balboa naval medical center is right in the middle of it all!  I guess it probably depends what  your FI's MOS is though...and usually they pick east coast west coast or overseas. 
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  • Like everyone else has said, it depends on his rate.  DH is a Submariner and we have spent time at New London in CT and we're currently stationed in Guam, about to PCS to Pearl Harbor.  Guam only has one surface ship, and it's a Tender.  I personally do not like Guam because of the local politics and other reasons, but a lot of people do.  I love Pearl Harbor!  We hung out there for 5 months for maintenance earlier this year, and I can't wait to PCS in Jan!  Groton, CT is alright, but I'm not a winter person.
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  • DH is in the Navy and we were stationed in Great Lakes for a year while he was in his A school since it was a year long ( most are not) GL is where they go to boot camp. We just got stationed in San Diego and we really like it! It is more expensive though. We really didn't want the east coast but a friend of ours did and is in VA and loves it and I have heard good things about Washington state. Just depends on what kind of weather and environment you would like. Not sure when y'all are getting married but you do need to be married for them to move you as a family before he gets his orders though. Otherwise they will treat him as a single sailor and you will have to get to where he is on your own dime then after married can apply for housing and get married bah.
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  • Hampton Roads is a great option. We have multiple bases and a HUGE military community and support element here.

    NAS Oceana
    NOB Norfolk
    NWS Dam Neck
    JEB Little Creek Fort Story
    NWS Yorktown
    Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

    The community is very military friendly there are a ton of MTF's and hospitals. It is easy to find medical, dental and vision providers here as well.

    We have also been stationed in New England (the base is now closed) and GTMO, Cuba. I actually do recommend GTMO to young families just starting out. If you enjoy hanging out on the beach, scuba diving, fishing... etc and want to save money - GTMO is an option. aaaand you can hop on a flight to Jamaica or JAX anytime. The only issue is getting guest clearance for family - but it isn't really that hard.

  • NAS Whidbey in WA as well as Bremerton is great I grew up military and was born on NAS JAX. I spent 4 yrs at Fort Lewis and I always went to the Navy bases to get away plus its more peaceful to
  • We got to list preferences but we really didn't get a choice.  You go where they say you go.  What's his job going to be?  DH and I are both Navy and we're in Norfolk now but headed to Japan!
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