Are you thinking of moving to Naval Base Kitsap or visiting the surrounding area? The Puget Sound area is more than just a military base and is a thriving peninsula with a lot to offer families, personnel, and vacationers. Below we talk you through the highlights and explain what Naval Base Kitsap has to offer in these 10 cool facts.
1. It is Two Bases
Naval Base Kitsap is actually made from two bases that merged in 2004. These are Bremerton Naval Base and Bangor Submarine Base. Their location is just across the water from the famous Seattle skyline.
Seattle itself is reachable by a short ferry ride. Each base is only approximately 15 minutes' drive from the other on the beautiful Kitsap peninsula. Between them sits the excellent Bremerton hospital.
2. It Is In A Great Vacation Location
The surrounding areas have a wealth of attractions and visitor sites. Its location in Washington state gives you access to a whole range of museums and galleries. You will be close to the Manette Bridge, Elanden Gardens, and Illahee State Park.
For families, activities such as the Bremerton Bug Museum and the Kitsap Forest Theatre are close by. The area has lots of fantastic eateries, such as the Boat Shed and Bay Street Bistro.
Seattle is around an hour and a half drive, or a short ferry ride. You will also have access to Washington, Bainbridge Island, and Port Orchard.
3. It Is the Only West Coast Dry Dock
There are four US Navy nuclear shipyards, of which Naval Base Kitsap is one. It houses the Navy fleet in West Puget Sound. The base is the only one of its kind on the west coast and houses Nimitz class aircraft carriers in its dry dock.
Naval Base Kitsap has a number of units that each have different missions. It has a number of submarine squads, the Trident training facility, the Marine Core Security Force, and a number of administrative centers. It houses the USS John C Stennis and the USS Ronald Reagan.
4. It Is One of the Oldest Bases
The first Naval Station in Puget Sound began planning in 1891. At this time, 190 acres were purchased in the area to begin setting up the first Naval bases. During the world war, the area was in a vital position on the pacific ocean for shipping ammunition from the Bangor base.
In 1998 the Bremerton base was commissioned. The two bases would eventually merge in 2004. The area would be renamed Naval Base Kitsap.
The area also includes Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. However, this area continues to operate on its own.
5. Naval Base Kitsap Has High Security
Due to its military importance, Naval Base Kitsap security levels are very high. Photography is restricted on the base, with military personnel needing permission from their chain of command and civilians needing permission from their sponsor. There are a number of strict no photography zones for everyone.
In addition to this, most people will need identification. Family members over ten years of age are required to hold family identification cards. The base also has strict policies on forbidden items, such as firearms, blades, and any weaponry.
This may sound strict, but it is quite easy to visit the base for special occasions like weddings and birthdays. Foreign nationals simply need their sponsor to request a pass two days in advance of their visit.
6. It Is Great for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Kitsap is situated very close to Mount Rainer National Park. This makes it excellent for outdoor enthusiasts due to its lush greenery and coastal topography. The Bremerton base has a view of the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade range.
The Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails is designated as part of the national water trails system. Here, you can it the water in a boat or dive under it while scuba diving. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishers and anglers.
7. It Has A Range of Housing Options
The housing on the base is operated under public and private joint ventures run by Hunt companies. They have over 1700 properties on the base and in Keyport and Bangor.
All inquiries can go through the Naval Base Kitsap Housing Office. It is advised that you should submit an application within 30 days of your reporting date, to ensure you gain accommodation or go on a waiting list. The time for the list varies depending on your rank and family status.
8. It Has Great Education Options
Kitsap has a number of education options for children of all ages. The school attended will normally depend on the location of your lodging or accommodation. There are a number of options both on and off base.
Off base school districts can include Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Central, North and South Kitsap districts. The Naval Station Kitsap School Liasion Office can assist with any inquiries regarding this.
9. It has a Range of Services
The base has a range of on-site services, like child and healthcare. Bremerton has a large naval hospital and the Madigan Army Medical Centre is only 45 miles away in Tacoma. In addition to this, there are a number of medical centers and pediatric clinics in and around the base.
10. It Has Excellent Access
The base can be accessed in a number of ways. It is serviced by Seattle Tacoma airport. The drive will take around one and a half hours but can be more depending on traffic conditions.
The base itself operates shuttle services from housing areas to workplaces. The Trails Centre in Silverdale and the lower base area are the main connection hubs. You can also reach the base by the Washington State Ferry.
Moving To Kitsap
Naval Base Kitsap is a great place for work and recreation. If this guide has still not convinced you, take a short trip and see for yourself.
If you do visit, be sure to stop by our store. We are a more than a Vape Shop and will be happy to point you in the direction of the greatest restaurants or recommend the best, newest vape. Find us in Silverdale, Washington, or feel free to contact us online.