US Retired Military

[Harbor_Pilot]

It seems there are a fair number of cruisers on this board that are retired from the US Armed Forces. What has been your experince with approaching our bases around the world, and using the services afforded to retirees? In particular the commissary and exchange services for reprovisioning.

I am very familiar with driving up to the front gate, showing my I.D. and gaining access relatively easy. I live 5 miles from an air base and shop there weekly or more often. Can you gain access approaching in a boat? Contact Base Security or Operations by radio well in advance?

A few months ago, I corresponded with The US Naval Base at Guantánamo Bay (Cuba). It may be possible, of course there are procedures. The need to reprovision there is not great, given nearby better, safer, and easier alternatives. There my questions related to safe harbor in a blow or the need for emergency repairs.

[JeanneP]

In general, we've found that military commissaries are land-bound,so bringing your boat alongside won't work. But since you'll be checking into the country anyway, yes, it's a sensible way to provision. Some good stuff there. Not a problem, just drive up, show your ID.