[muir_redwoods]

I had to get on base about 5-6 times in my career with "Brand X" copiers. Each time I had to go into a guard house, bring my driver's license, proof of car insurance and one other government issued ID. Then I had to be "Called in" as they called it to the officer with whom I had the appointment. Once cleared, a 15-20 minute process on a good day and only after they got to know me, I had to drive past the biggest friggin Marine guard, a man for whom the side arm was probably merely ornamental.

Good luck getting on base without clearance at the Groton sub base. It would be easier to sneak out of hell.

[Doohickey]

I haven't seen a Marine guard at a gate in Groton since about 1986. You're really showing your age!

[CTGOPPER]

I live less than 1/2 mile from the back gate of the base. My favorite story - I own a local RE/MAX office and we landed the RE/MAX balloon on the golf course on the base. The wind had picked up and the balloon pilot was concerned about drifting across and down the river so the golf course was a prime landing area. They drifted right over the back gate and onto the golf course. My husband, former navy submarine officer was on that flight and most embarrassed. It caused a bit of excitement but the golfers were the most upset. I was in the chase vehicle and had to go to the front gate and do some explaining. I'm not sure how we would have been received after 9/11.