The Naval Station's Club Mocambo

The Air Force Times has a story about how, beginning March 10, those under the age of 21 “to purchase, possess or consume alcohol on the Guam naval base.”

I did a double take when I read that and immediately thought it applied to those in those in the military. It doesn't, according too Lt. Donnell Evans, as reported by The Times:

“This change does not affect the ability of Navy personnel, employees or family members aged 18 to 20 to purchase, consume or possess alcohol off Navy property in accordance with the laws of Guam,” Evans said. “If sailors choose to drink, it is their duty to conduct themselves responsibly and within the bounds of Navy policy and local law.

When I was stationed on Guam, the Naval Station’s enlisted men’s club was called Club Mocambo. (Check out this matchbook cover). It has since been changed to Rumors – a name similar to a club in a suburban strip mall. Why did they ever change it?

Living off base, I use to make beer runs all the time to the base PX for local families. Beer cost far less than local stores and it was one way of showing gratitude for all the wonderful events, cookouts and fiestas that I was invited to.

Club Mocambo was a decent enough place but it wasn’t my first choice in entertainment, in part because I lived off base for most of the nearly three years I was on island. But being in the Club Mocambo felt too much like being on the base, and in a place where men outnumbered women by maybe a ratio of 20- to-one. But it did have live music, bands from the Philippines, in particular, that would play rock standards (i.e. Stairway to Heaven), and visiting U.S. rock bands. I can't remember any notable names.

Given a choice, I preferred going out to local places, with the Tree Bar at the Hilton my all-time favorite, but there were other places as well. The Tree Bar was a little pricey but worth it for the location and chance to meet a broad mix of people.