Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story is located in Virginia Beach. What was once Little Creek and Fort Story became the first realigned military base in Hampton Roads due to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC). Officially established in October of 2009, this new base is now known as the premier location for training expeditionary forces. Located along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this new base is a breath of fresh air for active duty receiving orders here.
The base originally known only as Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, more commonly called simply, Little Creek, now comprises part of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. Although formally commissioned in August of 1945, the area of this base was used for various training facilities during World War II. This Virginia Beach base remains one of the most important locales for amphibious warfare instruction for both American troops and also military members from around the world. Little Creek or Joint Expeditionary Base West has afloat commands, shore commands (including teams of the beloved Navy Seals) and the U.S. Armed Forces School of Music.
Fort Story is Little Creek's counterpart in the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. Once a sub-installation in U.S. Army's Fort Eustis, this realigned base is now controlled by the U.S. Navy. Located at the northeast tip of Virginia Beach, this base sits where the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Fort Story was declared a military installation in 1914 and was named for General John Patton Story, a noted coastal weaponry expert for his time. Used in World War I to maintain shoreline defense systems and in World War II as a veteran hospital, this base has several historic landmarks. Visitors can view the Cape Henry Memorial Cross, the Cape Henry Lighthouse and the Battle of the Virginia Capes Monument.
Virginia Beach offers incoming military members many places to live. Since Little Creek and Fort Story are so close to one another, the general vicinity of available homes encompasses similar territory. Living in this coastal paradise can be more like living at a resort and less like living near Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. Local builders continue to impress with innovative designs at pre-planned communities like Mira Bella at Chic's Beach, Sajo Farm and North Shore at Ridgely Manor. Buyers seeking home ownership without constant maintenance may find condominiums more to their liking in complexes Bayvista, Beach Bay Condos, North Shore Condominiums, Old Beach Village, The Cove at Great Neck and Vintage Pointe. There are also established neighborhoods like Thoroughgood and Great Neck that homebuyers preferring mature homes may appreciate.
Living near Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story brings opportunities for enjoying life as it was meant to be lived. The temperate climate provides year-round activities for tourists and residents alike to de-stress and stay active. Popular sports in Virginia Beach include tennis, crew, sailing, golf, kayaking, surfing, fishing and lacrosse. Photography is an easy hobby to get into here, as there are remarkable subjects everywhere the eye can see. Fly kites at Mount Trashmore, see the latest exhibits at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and get back to nature at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.