Well said. We're not fighting the Cold War anymore and the military mission has changed. Unfortunately for the locals, Portsmouth Naval base is not needed to build or repair new nuclear subs. They did their job well, under cost and on schedule but that's irrelevant to the revised mission.

As to Portsmouth, I would think that seacoast property would be increadibly valuable. With all the ongoing whining here about mooring space for boats on the limited seacoast, the frontage area could become a revenue producing yacht basin. The property immediately behind the yacht club could go for upscale 2 BR oceanfront condos at over $700K each, given current NH seacoast property values.

The downside is that many local families will lose their jobs and have to move elsewhere against their preference. I do sympathize with them.