U.S. Naval Facility

Norfolk, Virginia, USA

Norfolk, Virginia is the home of the United States Atlantic Fleet.  The base is a 6-hour drive from South New Jersey. Virgina is a state in the Eastern side of the United States south of New York City.  There is so much history in Virginia considering that almost the entire state was a battlefield back during the war between the Union and the Confederates. The place is packed with museums, parks, resorts and even shopping outlets. When I had the chance to go to Virginia with my family, I had to make it a point to visit the city of Norfolk. In Norfolk, you will be able to see one of the most complex naval/marine museum  in the East Coast - The Nauticus.  The museum covers information about marine animals, naval history and naval hardware.  There are models displayed in the same museum and for a modeler like yourself, it is simply overwhelming. To be able to visit the naval facility, you must choose a cruise ship to take you there. The best cruise ship available is called "The Spirit of Norfolk".  It is a vessel that can contain at least 300 guests. It serves buffet and some in-ship entertainment.  To be able to ride this vessel, you must book a day ahead.  So we opted to take another tour vessel that leaves the port at 11am and again at 2pm everyday. No reservations required.  The trip took an hour to reach the end of the naval base and another hour to return to post.  The whole trip is being guided by a crew of the vessel and so much information is shared to all of the guest as we pass by each facility and vessel along the bay towards the base. So if you have time to visit the state of Virginia, it is a must that you pass by and tour Norfolk. by: Noel Carpio