Which Navy base should i request?

[willsfg]

I'll be going to the navy boot canp in a month as an ma. I was wondering if any of you can weigh in on what Navy installations you have been stationed at, the pros/cons, and whether you would go back there again if you were in my shoes. I'm in my mid 20's, single, and up for an adventure. At first I was thinking close to home such as San DIego, CA, but lately going to Hawaii or Japan sounds good as well. I'm just looking for some ideas so I have a clue when it comes time to request where I'm to be stationed. Thanks

[euzkadiCA]

After MA "A" school, your class instructors will probabl have a batch of orders and your class will probably pick them according to class rankings. Which mean it behooves you to be in the top of your class. As for where you can pick, thats depends. If you have Norfolk, Norfolk and Norfolk...guess what? Enjoy Norfolk. But Hawaii was a great place to be stationed, great weather, lots of fun and things to do, the downside being it takes a long flight just to get back mainland...i like being able to take roadtrips. Japan is a great way to start off you career and immerse yourself in a different culture, get an overseas tour in and still get to learn your job, especially juristictions, lol. Not much i can say about San Diego that won't sound biased. Im here now and grew up in SoCal, but its a great place. Just watch out on the partying. Alot of DUI's here and quite a few MA's have been booted for that. Hope that helps, and good luck!

[willsfg]

thank you for the information. Good to know

[jeffersj]

Each area has it's pros and cons.

Hawai'i was nice, but at one point due to the cost of living the Navy was having a hard time getting folks to take orders there.

San Diego is good once you figure out where the areas are that aren't safe to enter (not all of them were placed off-limits). Remove a few personal obstacles and I'd move back in a heartbeat.

Norfolk - OK, but the only real good thing is it's a short drive to the Nation's Capital. That, and they have a good college about five miles from NAVSTA Norfolk.

New London - pass on it unless you like the cold.

Those are the ones I was familiar with.

[willsfg]

thanks for your quick response.

[smarg]

1. San Diego

2. Hawaii (if you're single)

[SailorDave]

A question first....are you planning on a "C" school like dog handler ?? That will change where you may be stationed. Not mentioned yet, but Bahrain isn't too bad. Tax free the whole time and you get plenty to do. They've just started a scandal investigation there, so once you're there, everyone should be on their best behavior.

As far as just any station, I loved Japan, been to Hawaii twice (including now). Since you're single and looking for an adventure, I'd take virtually any overseas that was offered. Naples or Sigonella, Italy....Rota, Spain...Souda Bay, Crete....etc.

[YomanDenver]

As far as just any station, I loved Japan, been to Hawaii twice (including now). Since you're single and looking for an adventure, I'd take virtually any overseas that was offered. Naples or Sigonella, Italy....Rota, Spain...Souda Bay, Crete....etc.

Definitely look into going overseas. Looks better for you in the long run.