5 Military Base Tours You Need to Take

Photo courtesy of Marines.mil

Over 2 million people will serve their country this year in both active and reserve roles in the military. Some of them learn how to drive tanks, fly planes and run ships before they learn how to drive a car. Whether you are a history buff or not, there is just something amazing about seeing the whole process up close and personal.

A quick side trip to tour a military base can not only give you an appreciation for what these guys and gals are doing every day, but allow you to marvel at the engineering, admire the leadership and respect the tradition. These are but a few of the bases you can tour around the country.

Naval Station Norfolk

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The largest Naval base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk takes up 4300 acres and is home to more than 75 ships and 134 aircraft. In 1917 the base opened with 7,500 men on base. That number grew to over 34,000 within the year. 45 minute tours are given daily by naval personnel and cost only $10. The tour includes, "Aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, amphibious assault ships and one of the busiest airfields in the country. The tour also features historic homes from the 1907 Jamestown Exposition."

Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards AFB, CA

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Southern California is home to one of the most important Air Force bases in the United States. Edwards Air Force Base is home to the Air Force Test Center, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and NASA's Dryden Research Center. Back in 1876 the area was a water stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad. Adjacent to a dry lake bed, the area was little by little acquiesced to support a bombing range and eventually grew to over 301,000 acres by the end of the 1940s. General public tours are offered once a month and small groups can be arranged for other times.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot - Eastern Recruiting Region, Parris Island, SC

Photo by Sgt. Isaac Lamberth

Since 1915, Parris Island has been making Marines. And even after spending nine days there as a freshman in high school, I would still go back anytime. The rich tradition and honor of the Marine Corps all starts with fresh recruits showing up to the island. There is plenty to see when you are there on a self-guided tour. The Parris Island Museum, the historic district and various monuments are all available to the general public. Make sure to check in at the visitor's center before you embark on your trip. The island is open for visitation from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily but the visitor center is open from 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. M-F.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Pearl Harbor, HI

The Joint Base Pearl Harbor -Hickam combines Pearl Harbor Naval Station and Hickam Air Force Base into a single installation. In 1911, the USS California made its way into the harbor eventually leading to the building of facilities including a coaling station, shipyard, submarine base, naval magazine, Marine barracks, naval hospital and naval air station. Hickam Air Force Base would grow out of Luke Field which was established in 1917. Hickam was officially activated in 1938, just three years before the attack at Pearl Harbor.

Today, the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument preserves the stories of the military and civilian history of the area. The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites include the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Oklahoma, and the USS Utah. You can also board the Battleship USS Missouri and explore the last battleship to be built and decommissioned. There is also the USS Bowfin Submarine Park and Museum and the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor. You are probably going to need a couple of days!

United States Military Academy, West Point, NY

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Technically more a school than military base, West Point is the four-year service academy for the U.S. Army. One of the most beautiful campuses in the country, it sits 50 miles north of New York City on the Banks of the Hudson River. The visitor's center is open daily and runs videos about cadet life as well as offers exhibits including a cadet barracks room, a uniform room, cadet daily life, academic fields of endeavor and the admissions processes. There is also a bus tour of the campus available for a nominal cost. Make sure you get to the cemetery and the West Point Museum.

Almost every military base is available to be toured. All you have to do is go to their website and take a look at what they offer. Most folks in the military are not only proud to do the job they do, but more than willing to show you how they do it. You will appreciate the effort and sacrifice that everyone who is serving or did serve made. Not to mention that seeing the big guns it is totally cool, too!

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