We were there when one of the carriers came back from the Gulf and left off the crews before heading up north. It is amazing to watch. Another time we were there when a carrier was leaving North Island.
Some of those civilian houses not to mention the large hotel are amazing there.
On the Bay side of NI is based the carriers Reagan, Nimitz and in a few months will also be home ported here the carrier Carl Venson. All Nukes
The Lincoln and Stennis are based in Wash. and much of their air wings are based here so they are down here often.
S.D. also has home ported many Amph Assult ships which look like carriers but little smaller. They carry 2,000 Marines
and dozens of choppers and harriers jets.