Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Romania Safe?
• Romania remains largely free of terrorist incidents. Prior police notice is required for public demonstrations, and police oversight is routinely provided. The financial crisis and resulting austerity measures have increased the occurrences of strikes and public demonstrations in Romania, especially in Bucharest. To date, protests have remained peaceful. However, even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable; you should avoid them if at all possible. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what the local news media has to say. Information on specific demonstrations can be found on the Embassy website’s Demonstration Notices page.
2. What is the Climate like?
• Romania has a temperate climate, similar to the northeastern United States, with 4 distinct seasons.
i. Spring is pleasant with cool mornings and nights with warm days.
ii. Summer is quite warm, with extended sunny days. The hottest areas in summer are the lowlands in southern and eastern Romania where 100 F is often reached in July and August. Temperatures are always cooler in the mountains.
iii. Autumn is dry and cool, with fields and trees producing colorful foliage, much like New England. iv. Winters can be cold, especially in the mountains. While not the rule, abundant snowfalls may occur throughout the country, from December to mid-March.
• There are significant regional differences of the climate between different regions of Romania.
3. Will my sea counter increase while stationed at AAMDS? When will it start?
• Operational Sea Counter will increase for the entire tour while stationed at AAMDS, but not the sea counter for pay purposes.
4. Will we use US Dollars, Navy Cash, or Romanian Lei?
• The NEX takes US Credit Cards. While all purchases made out in town take RON. Average exchange rate is 1USD = 4RON.
5. Will I get any additional pay while deployed?
• Currently special Pay is limited to Family Separation Allowance.
6. Can my family accompany me to Romania?
• No. While deployed in Romania you will be unaccompanied, like you would on any deployed ship. Family will remain at the duty station (Dam Neck, VA)
7. Do I need a passport, if so what kind?
• Passports are not required, however it is HIGHLY recommended to have a personal passport. Countless places such as hotels require passports upon checking in
8. What are the Uniform requirements?
• A full seabag.
9. Can I go to college, or use NCPACE while stationed at Aegis Ashore?
• College is available. Recommend enrolling in courses prior to deploying. Aegis Ashore meets the criteria to establishment NCPACE semesters and complete the classes online or via CD-ROM.
10. How long will the deployments be?
• Deployments are currently scheduled for about 6 months, with a 2.5 month surge window after each deployment.
11. Are there gym facilities available in Romania?
• Yes. There are limited number of cardio machines. Full dumbbell set and numerous weight machines available. Additionally there is plenty of room to stretch your legs on a nice jog around base.
12. What kind of recreational activities are available?
• An MWR lounge is located on base. Navy encrypted DVDs are available for viewing, four laptops and two printers, a billiards table, XBOX 360 and Playstation 3. MWR also sponsors weekend trips for sight-seeing. Member is responsible for reserving hotel room, but MWR will pay for admission fees, and parking of MWR vehicles.
13. What kind of items are sold in the NEX?
• Toiletries, food, soda, energy drinks, workout supplements, beer, and cigarettes, Navy PT gear, shoe shining kits and an assortment of small office supplies. Supplies are limited and the base only receives one truck shipment per month. Uniform items can be requested through the Navy Exchange.
14. Is overnight liberty authorized?
• Overnight liberty is permitted on a case by case basis. Member must fill out overnight liberty chit and comply with AAMDSRO liberty policy.