I get many e-mails from Military personnel all over world asking questions about life in Annapolis. Most Military people hear the word Annapolis, and they immediately think of the Academy. But there is also another (more secret) Naval Installation in Maryland's Capital that gets rave reviews from those who are stationed there, and that is the "Annapolis Naval Station". In fact, last year, it was selected as Navy Times Best Small Base.
The base provides general support for operations at the Academy but is separate from the school itself adjacent to a wildlife sanctuary across the Severn River from the Academy. The Naval Station is known for its beautiful green spaces and a very friendly civilian employee population that acts like family for the military stationed there according to the Times. In fact, readers gave it high marks for its recreational opportunities, proximity to Baltimore and D.C., military-civilian community relations and housing saying it was a good place for both families and singles.
The nearby United States Naval Academy has the world's largest dormitory housing over 4000 midshipmen. Favorite sights here are the crypt of John Paul Jones in the Academy Chapel and the Severn seawall with its mast from the battleship Maine (sunk in Havana in 1898). There is also an early submarine, a Mark XIV torpedo (memorial for 52 U.S. submarines lost in WWII with 3505 men), and other Navy hardware. USNA has a new visitor center.
Annapolis also has a unique World War II Memorial. Visitors can walk through history when visiting the four-sided open-air amphitheater, which is surrounded by a 100-foot diameter ring of 48 pillars, that represent the 48 states at the time of the war. Etched in granite are the names of 6,454 Marylanders who lost their lives, providing a lasting tribute to their ultimate contributions. Twenty plaques describe wartime milestones and key events, in addition to contributions made by those 288,000 Maryland military men and women and those who served in industries at home. Two 14-foot diameter globes depict the location of key battles in the eastern and western hemispheres. A seven-sided obelisk, representing Maryland's status as the country's seventh state, is accented by a star which is illuminated each night.
There are many Military personnel (active and retired) who live in Annapolis and are a very welcomed asset to this great Historic Town. I personally know many Vietnam Veterans who live here, and I find listening to their experiences incredibly interesting as it was my generation who fought there. In fact, the designer of this Web Site (a long-time friend of mine) was awarded a Purple Heart for his service during that war.
So anyone, active or retired from any branch of the Military, will be happy and welcome in this great town. Just e-mail me or give me a call.