Navy Lodge celebrates 50th anniversary

Navy Lodge Corpus Christi celebrated the Navy Exchange Service Command’s (NEXCOM) 50th anniversary of the Navy Lodge Program with a cake-cutting ceremony Jan. 23, on board Naval Air Station Corpus Christi.

The Navy Lodge Program was created in 1969 to bolster scarce housing options for military families associated with permanent change of station (PCS).

Teaming up with the Bureau of Naval Personnel and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, construction began on reasonably priced, temporary lodging facilities.

Navy Lodge Corpus Christi General Manager Beverly Armstrong presided over the ceremony and provided a brief overview on the Navy Lodge Program during her opening remarks.

“It [the Navy Lodge Program] is a non-appropriated fund instrumentality, self-sustaning and financially indepoendent of the Exchange,” Armstrong stated. “Its mission has evolved into a more complete quality of life oprogram, serving active-duty personnel when on orders and while pursuing liesure activities.”

Unlike other services’ temporary lodging facilities, the Navy Lodge Program distinguished itself by operating with non-appropriated funds.

The first Navy Lodge opened at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Norfolk, Va., on Feb. 6, 1971. The Navy Lodge Corpus Christi opened on board NAS Corpus Christi in 2005 with four buisness-class and 48 standard studio rooms.

Over the past 50 years, the Navy Lodge Program has grown to 39 facilities worldwide.

When a guest checks into today’s Navy Lodge they will find amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a complimentary breakfast each morning and a weekly managers’ reception. Room choices include family suites with flat screen satellite televisions and fully stocked kitchens.

Navy Lodges also have laundry facilities and vending machines as well as an outside play area and workout rooms at many locations so guests have what they need in one location.

Every Navy Lodge is handicap accessible. As an added convenience, dogs and cats up to 70 pounds in weight can stay with its owner at many Navy Lodge locations.

Due to some base restrictions, not all Navy Lodges are able to be “Pet Friendly.” If you are traveling with a pet please call the Navy Lodge Reservation Center at (800) 628-9466 to check on the local policy.

Throughout the year, the Navy Lodge Program will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a series of events, activities and surprises for thier guests and the local military community.

For more information about Navy Lodge Corpus Christi, call 361-939-6630. To make a reservation at any of the 39 Navy Lodges worldwide, call toll free at 1-800-628- 9466 or log onto navy-lodge.com.