Only training negative is its non-proximity to "blue" water, necessitating
carquals to be run as dets. (At least this was the case with the T-2s.
Don't know anything about the legs on the T-45.) This wouldn't have been
the case for the erstwhile NAS New Iberia, LA if it hadn't been strangled
in
the cradle.

No longer an issue. The closest a carrier will be to the Gulf is Key West
area. Both advanced TRACOM bases now are a leg away or more from CQ dets.

Biggest problem is it's a social wasteland for the bachelors who come
here
(albeit pretty good for those with families).

Correct. VT-7 was my "stash" assignment right out of BJN School, and for
a
bachelor who was also the only NFO on the base at the time there was
little
redeeming about the place, either professionally or socially. At least
the
backroads to Pensacola were picturesque and uncrowded - I wore deep ruts
in
them over many weekends. After my 18 months there going to foggy, rainy
Whidbey was like getting into Heaven.

Ouch! Well, Kingsville/Beeville weren't really any better, but the
proximity of Corpus (and San Antonio for Beeville) made them seem a bit more
tolerable.

LOTSA families "got started" at Meridian during the VN era. g

Still true today. Often a first shore tour after a fleet assignment. When
I was in base housing, you could look out the front windows and watch the
baby carriage grand prix.

R / John