My husband is at ATTC and in the next two weeks we have to put down our top two picks we'd like to see on "THE LIST." I understand that the list will be whatever stations are available and will be happy wherever we go. But just the same I'd like to know more about the towns and airstations of Port Angeles and Corpus Christi.
If anyone has any helpfuladvice it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

I can't help you with Corpus, but I left Port Angeles (PA) two years ago. PA is a small town (20,000) on the Olympic Peninsula. It is a perfect place if you like outdoor activities - hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and four wheeling. Morale had a couple boats you could rent for use on the lakes and the Straight of Juan de Fuca.

If you're looking for shopping or big city entertainment, it is a bit of a drive to the closest mall and large military bases (Bangor and Bremerton, both Navy). Seattle was about a two hour drive. Victoria, BC is a short ferry ride from downtown PA. PA and Sequim (just east of PA) had plenty of grocery stores, a Wal-mart, Costco, and a Home Depot.

The CG base is on the end of a spit that curves out into the Straight - stunning views of the water and mountains. The airstation was great. A good place for a new third to get qualified and be guaranteed helos. Lots of interesting things to see from the air and always at least a chance of SAR. Like I said, it has been two years so some of my info isn't up to date but I'd go back without a second thought.

There is no base housing and there were very few government leases available. Most folks were on the economy. BAH (the housing allowance) was decent at the time and there were homes available but nothing like what I had at my previous unit. If you are used to all the amenities of a large military base, you may have some sticker shock in PA. It is somewhat isolated and there were a lot of things that cost a little more like groceries and gas. Again, its been two years so it could be better or worse.

There is a community college in PA. I really don't know much about the schools or about opportunities for a spouse's employment. PA gets a fair amount of rain throughout the year. Not much snow in the winter down near the water but it piles up as you get up in elevation. Summers would probably be considered downright cold compared to Corpus.

Anyway, that's about it. I hope that answers some of your questions.

Corpus is the complete opposite of PA. Large town, flat, country with beaches you can swim at. The draw backs are high temps and humidity. Lifestly is Texan to the core, everything from Fajita cook-offs to rattle snake round ups. Line dancing is the in thing and they make poor beer (lone star. The attitude of going where they send you and making the most of it is a powerful tool. Look into schools for you kids if you have any.

Lyn_Z...I'm currently stationed at Airstation Corpus Christi..been here for a year so far. I'd be more than happy to answer some of your questions about the city/airstation...my email address is buckeyeman1981@yahoo.com Be easier to reach me there.