"So you have orders to Diego Garcia !"

"WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU!"


Here’s a list of items suggested by the people assigned to Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia:


1.Your check book ! There are no ATMs on island, and they do not service credit cards; however, you can cash checks at the Turner Club, O-Club and local credit union.

2.Any medications needed (at least a 60-day supply)

3.Ensure your relatives know how to contact a local Red Cross Office in case of an emergency. Provide them with your social security number, rank and name of your unit (NSFDG).

4.Glasses and an extra pair are a must. Obtain prescription glasses before coming. Sunglasses are also a must, you can buy them here, but they can be expensive.

5.Bicycle with front & rear lights and horn/warning device. If you do not own a bicycle one can purchase one through the Ships Store A helmet is required by island policy.

6.Stereo with CD’s, tapes,TV and VCR.

7.Personal articles and pictures to make your room homelike. Or you could stare at the white walls, trimmed in white.

8.Videos, DO NOT bring any pornography, British Customs WILL confiscate all tapes for inspection and destroy all they consider "X-rated". There’s a retail video rental service on island, but it’s no Blockbuster!

9.A few drinking glasses, utensils, and microwave safe dishes. No cooking is allowed in the rooms, only microwave heating is allowed. If you’re big into BBQ bring your tools, BBQ pits are found on island.

10.Bring all required uniforms and accessories to include semi-formal uniform for official occasions. You will participate in at least one change of command ceremony where you will have to wear your whites. The standard uniform of the day is the Dungarees, you'll need four sets, and we recommend "jungle" boots. Ensure you include a complete dungaree set in your travel baggage.

11.A passport is highly recommended for travel when taking leave, particularly if you intend to go anywhere besides the States. Space-A is not guaranteed and DG is not an easy place to get to. Getting a passport in the states is much easier than getting one here. If you need to fly to the West Coast when taking your mid-tour leave, you will want to obtain a passport before coming here.

12.Fishing gear for saltwater trolling or serf fishing. There is tackle and expensive rods available on island. Bring a personal ice chest (sometimes they are available for sale here), water booties for the beach (the beaches and lagoon bottoms are coral and can be dangerous to barefoot), lawn/beach chair, sports gear, i.e., cleats (must be rubber), ball glove, etc. All these things are available at the ship store usually, but 4 months out of the year they can be out. Medium and large sizes are usually in high demand.

13.A power of attorney can be very helpful to have pre-arranged for your follow on assignment, as it can really help your dependents move your belongings.


NOTE: When deciding what to put in storage, what to send in hold baggage, what to mail ahead and what to carry with you on the plane, be sure to know your weight limits. Remember you’ll be staying in a single dorm room. Finally, most airlines flying overseas allow only two pieces of checked luggage and a single carry-on bag. You can get more information from your sponsor.

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