Port choices

[chenama]

So I've limited my choices down to SD, Mayport and Yokosuka.

Things I'm looking for: No snow (or cold weather, EVER), a great experience, etc.

I've been to Pearl, Norfolk, Mayport, going to SD this break, and I've been to Narita Int'l but that doesn't count.


All of these ports offer FFG/DDG/CG, I'm looking for a smaller ship so it's kind of a grab bag.


This is where you guys come in, by a show of votes...

SD, Mayport or Yokosuka? I don't mind any of the 3. I loved Mayport, I heard SD was awesome, and I'd love to go see Japan / experience something new.

 

[HeyJoe]

So I've limited my choices down to SD, Mayport and Yokosuka.

Things I'm looking for: No snow (or cold weather, EVER), a great experience, etc.

......and I'd love to go see Japan / experience something new.

It does snow in Japan so by your own ruleset, it's Mayport or SD

100202-N-4031K-050 ATSUGI, Japan (Feb. 2, 2010) Naval security police ensure security at the main gate of Naval Air Facility Atsugi during the first snowfall of the year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Khor/Released)

100113-N-5215E-020 SASEBO, Japan (Jan. 13, 2010) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) sits in her homeport of Sasebo, Japan after a snowstorm. Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Amphibious Ready Group and serves as the flagship for Combined Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew A. Ebarb/Released)

 

[CommodoreMid]

No snow in Mayport (I think the last time Jax got snow it was some kind of freak storm in the 80s), but it is quite chilly here. Many many freeze warnings over the last 2 months at night.

 

[Tomodachi]

I'm in Yokosuka right now. Awesome place to be stationed. There is the best MWR program in all of the Navy here. In 2009 the base got the Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence. Theres alot of culture to experience here, its a good change of pace to experience something new. The money is pretty good (COLA). Do you have family? If so, theres lots of things for them to do on base. Theres always alot of MWR trips heading out to all kinds of attractions/places/outdoor adventures. Last year me and my girlfriend climbed Mount Fuji which was pretty awesome. You should give Yokosuka a shot.

 

[wlawr005]

Go to Japan while you are young and unemcumbered by mortgages and a family. You frequently deploy for short periods while in Japan, and with no one to worry about back home, you will be free to immerse yourself in all that is the Far East. There will always be time in your career for SD/Jax/CONUS...

 

[bert]

Go to Japan while you are young and unemcumbered by mortgages and a family. You frequently deploy for short periods while in Japan, and with no one to worry about back home, you will be free to immerse yourself in all that is the Far East. There will always be time in your career for SD/Jax/CONUS...

What he said - don't pass up the chance.

 

[navy09]

Why aren't you considering Pearl? You can't go wrong with Hawaii or SD.

And stay away from FFGs if you can.

 

[chenama]

Why aren't you considering Pearl? You can't go wrong with Hawaii or SD.

And stay away from FFGs if you can.

I went to Pearl for summer cruise and, although I enjoyed it, I just can't imagine myself ported there. It sounds like a cop out reason, but I just can't explain it.

 

[eddie]

I went to Pearl for summer cruise and, although I enjoyed it, I just can't imagine myself ported there. It sounds like a cop out reason, but I just can't explain it.

It's because you are from Jersey...

 

[Gus Gorilla]

Although I'm not an Officer yet I was stationed in Yokosuka for 3 yeas. And loved it. It gets cold in the winter, but not bad. There's a lot to do, MWR trips etc. If you can enjoy different foods and a different culture then that's what I recommend.

 

[PropAddict]

Port choices

Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Tawny

If you're on a budget: Graham Six Grapes; Fonseca Bin 27, if you can't find Six Grapes.

Oh sorry, I thought this thread was about something else.

I say go for Japan. San Dog will be there in 10 years, and Pearl isn't going away anytime soon. You never know when those expensive, imperialistic overseas bases will go away.

 

[Steve Shedd]

Chenema,

Did you pick last night at USNA? What do you select? Or, are ship selecting with NROTC?

I'm a big fan of going to Japan. Great experiences - I've done two tours out there. Also did two in Pearl and love Hawaii. San Diego - grew up there - probably will retire there - can't go wrong in SD.

As we look to save PCS money, chances are you will do you 2nd Divo tour in the same location as your 1st divo tour. There will be many exceptions since we have more 2nd tour requirements in Norfolk and San Diego than we do in Mayport, Everett, Yokosuka and Sasebo.

 

[SWO Bubba]

I don't think you can wrong with any of the choices. Operationally, Yokosuka is your best bet. However, Yokosuka ships generally stay in 7th Fleet unless there is a compelling reason for them to deploy over the 5th Fleet. The Mayport and San Diego ships wil llikely deploy to 5th Fleet as the ultimate destination. Can't beat the yards in Yokosuka - best I've experienced.

 

[chenama]

It's because you are from Jersey...

lmfao.

 

[BigRed389]

I don't think you can wrong with any of the choices. Operationally, Yokosuka is your best bet. However, Yokosuka ships generally stay in 7th Fleet unless there is a compelling reason for them to deploy over the 5th Fleet. The Mayport and San Diego ships wil llikely deploy to 5th Fleet as the ultimate destination. Can't beat the yards in Yokosuka - best I've experienced.

Wouldn't that be considered a good thing? I can't imagine anything worse than the 5the Fleet AOR.

And I would also throw in for a new Ensign that the extra u/w time from being out of Yoko should help with quals big time...over on the East Coast quals really seem to revolve around the deployment/workup cycle.