It was twenty-plus years ago that I sat on a sandy piece of land with Mayor Herb Grebe from Taft, and guests from all over, to dedicate 576 prime acres to the Navy for Homeport. Big ships like a carrier would be there. Mine Sweepers came. They went obsolete. In the Base Realignment of 2005 the power moguls came through and said, "Close it!". Multiple millions had been sunk in converting this sand into a classy Naval Base. Nice permanent buildings sit quietly vacant now.
Today the base closes. Another town, Ingleside, that looked for this venture as a boon saw it as a bust. Better times may be ahead...or may not. That is in the decision making of the Port of Corpus Christi. They are receiving the properties at 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 30. They are a divided group, as most political entities in South Texas. We hope they would do a good job with this.
Towns and cities across the country have experienced such closures again and again. Some have found themselves much better off after the military leaves. There is stability and long-range views we don't have when bases are involved. Beeville has done well since the closure there. My home town of Fort Smith, Arkansas, recovered nicely from seeing Camp Chaffee close. We need bases and we need the military for sure. We also need long-range responsible planning that seems to be missing with the Brass Hats.
Anchors aweigh, my boys! Anchors aweigh! Farewell to Texas joys, you sail at noon today!
