Eric Ryle of [1] TheSubReport.com has a fascinating look at Kings Bay, Georgia:

[2] TSR Visits Kings Bay and the St. Mary’s Submarine Museum

I was on the [3] Vallejo back when we were the second Boomer to pull into Kings Bay. We were homeported in Charleston, and did our refits in Kings Bay. At that time, there was nothing on the base, and not much in the town of St. Mary’s. The only structure on the base was a block building where we could buy beer and shoot pool. The road was littered with the carcasses of dead armadillos that were waiting for the mosquitoes to haul them away. The very few Navy dependents in the area were bussed into Jacksonville NAS twice a week to shop at the NEX and Commissary.

The only fast food in St. Mary’s was a brand-new Kentucky Fried Chicken. My Boston-bred bride drove down from Charleston during our turnover, and she was aghast at the conditions. The closest motel was miles away, and was in terrible shape. The swimming pool was covered with several inches of black mung. During the night, moldy pieces of the ceiling fell on us as we slept.

From Eric’s and other reports, I understand that both the base and the city have developed nicely. I wouldn’t mind going back to see what they’re like now, but I’ll never forget what they were like, way back when.
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