NGIS at NSA Panama City. Photo by Ann Crawford.
My husband, Roy, is one of nine children, so when a party comes up, it’s a good idea to be there! They jokingly say that if you are not there, they will certainly talk about you!
There was a mighty big party being planned for Aunt Thelma, who turned 100 years old last August. She lives in Panama City, FL, and over a hundred relatives came to celebrate this awesome occasion. After Roy’s mom passed away at age 93, there were two sisters still living and Thelma turned 100 years old first.
The party was planned. The next item on our agenda was to figure out where to stay as we drove to Panama City Beach from Virginia Beach, VA.
I had written about the Navy Gateway Inns & Suites which was a four-time winner of the Five-Star ADM Zumwalt Award for Excellence in bachelor housing/visitor quarters and as well as the prestigious Gold Pineapple Training Award. The Navy Gateway Inns & Suites at the Naval Support Activity is located at 101 Vernon Avenue Panama City Beach, FL 32407.
Suite at NGIS NSA Panama City. Photo by Ann Crawford.
We found that information in our Military Living® book, Temporary Military Lodging Around the World™. This was Military Living’s® first published book in 1971.
We like to stay at military installations because they were always like home to us during Roy’s active duty days, and we have missed it since his retirement. A military installation offers more safety and security than just stopping in a commercial hotel or motel.
Also, the Naval Support Activity (NSA)— Panama City, Navy Gateway Inns & Suites, where we stayed, was not more than a couple of miles from the birthday party location along the Gulf of Mexico.
The suite was so convenient with a living room and a small kitchen/dining area, comfortable furniture and even a Keurig coffee pot! The bedroom had a queen-sized bed, a big closet and bathroom attached.
View from NSA Panama City Marina. Photo by Ann Crawford.
We could not ask for more, but more is what we got—premium cable TV, Internet access, microwave, refrigerator, newspapers, housekeeping, guest laundry, fitness rooms and a business center. The beautiful, soft, white, sand beach was just behind our building and there was a Jacuzzi on the building’s back porch.
The Naval Support Activity–Panama City is nestled along some of the most beautiful coastline in Northwest Florida.
To check on reservations, call anytime, 24 hours a day 850-234-4217. The front desk number is 850-236-2500. You may also fax them at 850-234-4991.
There is a morale, welfare and recreation office at 850-234-4374. They have tickets to local events which offer $avings.
Reprint from May–Jun 2013 • Volume 43, No. 3
