GTMO anyone?

Zee · Dec 9, 2016

Ive looked and seen a couple topics about it on here but not much, I've searched the web and found some also, but again not much. There just isn't really any info. I've read articles about the great seashell and jewelry grade beach glass hunting and that looks pretty cool, but I'm looking more along the lines of metal detecting and if anyone knows anything about regulations in the surrounding waters or on base or has scuba dived there.

hvacker · Dec 9, 2016

I guess GTMO means something to ex-vets. Like Cuba...

against the wind · Dec 10, 2016

Are you talking about Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba?
Besides the Prison, it is a pretty good sized base. A lot of training exercises are held offshore by the Navy.
The base does have numerous recreational activities and dedicated areas that include a beach, ball fields, and I believe I even saw a racetrack used by officers riding their horses. The enlisted men are restricted to the base while in training. I don't believe that anyone who is assigned duty at GITMO, is allowed off base.
The base is considered a High Security Area and I doubt if anyone other than military personnel are allowed access.

hvacker · Dec 10, 2016

against the wind said:
Are you talking about Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba?
Besides the Prison, it is a pretty good sized base. A lot of training exercises are held offshore by the Navy.
The base does have numerous recreational activities and dedicated areas that include a beach, ball fields, and I believe I even saw a racetrack used by officers riding their horses. The enlisted men are restricted to the base while in training. I don't believe that anyone who is assigned duty at GITMO, is allowed off base.
The base is considered a High Security Area and I doubt if anyone other than military personnel are allowed access.

It's a been awhile since I was active but ya GiTMO would be crappy duty. I was in SAC but was access to very good duty.
I do feel if I was there I would really want to transfer. Just my thoughts.
I keep keeping the thoughts that the OP wasn't posting GTMO. Que' No!"

Leatherneck2111 · Dec 12, 2016

Did 2 tours on Gitmo not a bad duty station but there as no liberty into Cuba proper. We had liberty passes to Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Haiti though.

Beach combing isn't a problem nor is most metal detecting around mainside (ball fields, movie lyceums, PT fields, etc...) but detecting anywhere else is HIGHLY restricted due to minefield shift (mines planted in the sandy soil tend to migrate with weather changes.) but you can get permission to detect select areas that were once used by the base...barracks areas, storage facilities, etc.. We found tools, bayonets, other gear at different times.

I was with Marine Barracks, Ground Defense Force on both Leeward and Windward sides and enjoyed it greatly.

Any specific question then just ask away....or IM me.

ETA- The Marine Barracks Detachment was the most heavily armed barracks duty in the world at the time....5- M60 tanks, 6- 155mm howiters, the last actual M2 flamethrowers in active service, the last 106mm recoiless rifles on active duty (mounted on M272 Mechanical Mules). we also had 4 M1D Garand sniper rifles and 4 Thompson sub-machineguns.....and this was in the late 1980's.

Like I said....great place for duty.

Zee · Aug 28, 2017

Hey guys, thanks to those that did reply. I sort of forgot about this thread! And yes I did mean exactly what I said. I'll put up some pics of some "treasures" you can find there if you are the type that likes to explore. Theres tons of stuff to keep you occupied, so try not to waste your time there binge watching Netflix and playing video games. I highly recommend getting scuba certified when you are stationed there also. Don't think about it just do it its worth it.

Bottles found in the ocean full of sea glass