Navy Memphis - naval base recreation

Steve Jones writes that he's recovering from back surgery and would like to use the indoor pool on base for therapy. Millington High School students need facilities for tennis practice. Vanderbilt University NROTC students request a one-week orientation stay on the base. Tipton County Barbecue Festival Association needs tents, a stage and crowd-control fencing. Can the Memphis in May Triathlon be routed through the base and use a sound system, tents, tables, and a generator?

Yes, all these requests - and more - are accommodated by the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department at Naval Support Activity (NAS) Memphis. This type of interaction makes the strong and harmonious relationship between the base and community unmistakable. While providing superb recreation facilities for the leisure enjoyment of active duty and retired military personnel and their family members, Navy Memphis also interacts with and provides tremendous support to the local community. This support is becoming more common as the base transitions from a major training command to the home of Bureau of Naval Personnel.

Special Events

Many on-base special events are open to the public. The First Annual Smokin' By The Lake Barbecue Contest, held in September 1995 was such a success, that this years contest was sanctioned by the world-famous Memphis in May Barbecue Network. This barbecue contest is a major fall event in the local community. Christmas activities, rodeos, truck pulls, flea markets, car shows, bowling tournaments, and All-Navy and Armed Forces Sports Championships, all take place throughout the year at NSA Memphis.

This past August, the NSA Memphis MWR Department hosted the Pickin' By The Lake Bluegrass Festival. This was a three-day family-oriented event, featuring nationally renowned bluegrass bands. in addition to music there was family camping, children,s entertainment down-home cooking, and fellowship around the campfire.

The Annual John Tanner Congressional Golf Scramble is held every August on the beautiful MWR Golf Course. The tournament fosters camaraderie between golf enthusiasts from local business, members of Congress and the military. (See the News and Announcements Section for highlights from this years tournament.) The purpose of the tournament is to showcase the base MWR facilities. Participation in this popular event grows every year.

Scouting

Annually, 8,000-10,000 Boy Scouts, leaders an their families from a five-state area converge on the north side of the base for three days of camping, competitions, skill building, and comaraderie. These Scout Base, events are precious opportunities to influence young Americans to form a solid foundation of sound core values and responsible citizenship. More than 500 military and civilian base personnel volunteer their leisure time to become extensively involved in the planning, organization and execution of these programs. The good will and spirit of cooperation this generates in the neigh boring community is invaluable. A Girl Scout jamboree is scheduled for 1997.

Socials

Another historical event hosted by the base is the Navy Carnival Ball, which is part of the Memphis Cotton Carnival. This gala ball is held annually to introduce the Navy League/Navy Memphis Princess and the King and Queen of Carnival. Held in the Club Complex, this first formal event of Cotton Carnival Week is attended by military personnel, local community dignitaries and Carnival Royalty.

Rotary/Kiwanis Day is hosted on the base and involves golf and tennis, a luncheon, and an evening social. This is an annual outing held by these organizations. Logistics support is contracted by the group for such items as tents, tables, sound system, catering, and printing.

A new Department of Defense policy now allows commanding officers to open profit-generating facilities to the civilian community when required criteria - documented under-utilization and support from local officials - are met, These self-sustaining, or "Cat C," facilities include bowling centers, food service facilities, and golf courses. Currently, Navy Memphis has received support from the local Mayor and Chamber of Commerce and plans are underway for civilian usage of some base MWR facilities. This use will not interfere with regular (military) patrons and will be at a higher fee.

NSA Memphis has provided top-notch MWR programs for its military residents and been an integral part of the civilian community for more than 50 years. As the base transitions from a major Navy training command to the home of the Bureau of Naval Personnel this tradition will continue.

COPYRIGHT 1996 National Recreation and Park Association
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group