NAS Whidbey Island

[navymech]

Kind of an odd question, but here it goes...

What is the possibility of an enlisted sailor getting on with a squadron based at NAS Whidbey Island after A School with an AD rating?

I'm having some trouble finding that info out, so I thought I would ask here.

I'm assuming it depends on the time, needs of the Navy, etc, etc. But compared to other NAS (North Island, Oceana), how do Whidbey compare in size?

Thanks for any info!

 

[Brett327]

Kind of an odd question, but here it goes...

What is the possibility of an enlisted sailor getting on with a squadron based at NAS Whidbey Island after A School with an AD rating?

I'm having some trouble finding that info out, so I thought I would ask here.

I'm assuming it depends on the time, needs of the Navy, etc, etc. But compared to other NAS (North Island, Oceana), how do Whidbey compare in size?

Thanks for any info!

Well, considering that there are 13 Prowler squadrons including the RAG, and 5 VP/VQ squadrons plus AIMD, I would say they are about as good as any. There's no way to predict what will be available after you're through with A school, so you'll just have to do your best and see what happens.

Brett

 

[navymech]

Cool!

Hopefully all turns out well, and I get my orders to WI after A. Fingers crossed!

 

[Brett327]

Cool!

Hopefully all turns out well, and I get my orders to WI after A. Fingers crossed!

Out of curiosity, what's your interest in Whidbey?

Brett

 

[Ex Rigger]

When I graduated A-School, they just put 15 sets of orders (15 graduates) up on the dry erase board and according to your classs rank you just walked up there and picked one so it's nothing you can control except by doing your best and getting #1 in your class. Getting what you want out of the Navy depends on a little luck at times, but always remember that hard work on your part now and in the future often does not go unnoticed and it will often find you on the "lucky" side of things when it comes to getting what you want.

 

[navymech]

Out of curiosity, what's your interest in Whidbey?

Brett

I like the PNW, the small town style of living, with the big city (Seattle) pretty close by.

 

[Pugs]

navymech,
For the PNW feel of a small town end up living in Anacortes if you can. A lot easier to get away on the weekend and not a bad commute during the week. Cutting that 30 minutes of two lane off the trip to ski or fish or hunt makes a big diff in quality of life. Of course I left the rock in 95 so I'm not the best reference point but I was there from 88 to 95 and loved it.

Pugs

 

[MIDNJAC]

yeah, I'm also interested in hearing a little more about life at Whidbey. It's obviously WAAAAY to early in my Navy "career" to predict what will end up happening, but ideally I would like to fly Prowlers, and since I'm from the PNW, it would be nice to at least be near family if the area itself is decent enough. I heard its a pretty good place to live if you like to hit the slopes during the winter....any truth to this? Hows life out there? Do most people live on the island itself, or elsewhere?

 

[Brett327]

I would like to fly Prowlers

That's the spirit! There have been some threads about Whidbey that contain lots of good info. While it is small town living, the opportunities for recreation for the enterprising JO are endless. You've got mountains and water all around. Great fishing, hiking and MT biking, worlds best beer culture, wineries, etc. Seattle and Vancouver BC are within a couple hours drive and offer all four flavors of professional sports as well as amazing night life. Most people do live on the island in Oak Harbor, but an increasing number of folks are choosing neighboring Anacortes which is probably a little more expensive, but closer to civilization. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Brett

 

[Fmr1833]

Brett, I PM'd you.

 

[navymech]

That's the spirit! There have been some threads about Whidbey that contain lots of good info. While it is small town living, the opportunities for recreation for the enterprising JO are endless. You've got mountains and water all around. Great fishing, hiking and MT biking, worlds best beer culture, wineries, etc. Seattle and Vancouver BC are within a couple hours drive and offer all four flavors of professional sports as well as amazing night life. Most people do live on the island in Oak Harbor, but an increasing number of folks are choosing neighboring Anacortes which is probably a little more expensive, but closer to civilization. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Brett

As an enlisted guy, 18 y/o, would living on Anacortes be possible? Money wise, as well as Navy committment? Or am I basically stuck to living on base in the barrecks?

I've been to Anacortes and all over the Seattle area, never to WI though, is it very rural? I like the small town style of living, with the big city close by.

 

[Brett327]

As an enlisted guy, 18 y/o, would living on Anacortes be possible? Money wise, as well as Navy commitment? Or am I basically stuck to living on base in the barrecks?

I've been to Anacortes and all over the Seattle area, never to WI though, is it very rural? I like the small town style of living, with the big city close by.

Well, the vast majority of junior enlisted folks live in the barracks at first. When I was a young wrench turner, I lived on base for the first year or so of my first sea tour, then moved out in town with a room mate after that, so I'd expect the same for you, wherever you end up. Living on base is not that bad, and since you basically have no living expenses, it gives you the opportunity to save some cash. When the option of moving out in town is offered to you, the housing office can help you find places to live that you can afford. The whole area is fairly rural and while Anacortes is different then Oak Harbor, living there has its disadvantages as well. When you're used to a five minute commute to work, the 30 minutes to Anacortes can seem like an eternity, especially is you have to drive it 2-4 times per day. Plus, if you're a social person, you'll have to drive to Oak Harbor to hang out with your buddies and people are less likely to want to drive all the way over to Anacortes to hang with you. Food for thought.

Brett