I was based there when GUM opened as a 3-holer base for NW. It was a 3 month gig and we got PS passes to commute with AND we got int'l per diem, 24 hours a day for 3 straight months whether we were in base or at home. The guys that replaced us were permanently based there and some guys moved out there and some commuted. SPN was a popular choice for some of the movers. We navigated with Omega. When you first get there, it takes a little time to acclimate to just how far from home you are. After you've been there for a while, things tend to change and it turns out it's a pretty nice place to live...for a while... We got a local drivers license and that helped some with the high prices (locals discount). We also figured out where the locals ate and drank and we got adopted by some serious fun lovers. It turns out that they've got a pretty busy social scene. It CAN be a fun place, for a while...