I'll have to take a look at it on google and see where it is in actual reference to the magnificent city of Marsa Matruh, which is actually a phenomenal Mediterranean Sea beach resort and really isn't that big. It has expanded considerably to residential buildings and of course the new towers but I remember it when it was barely 1-1/2 kilometers long from the famous beach hotel at the west end to the big masjid at the other end of the main road to the far east end of the city on top of the hill. All overlooking the notoriously white sand beaches and turquoise waters. To put a naval base within the city limits I would hope it would be further away and even outside of the city by quite a bit, as to not impede on the exquisite charm that is Marsa Matruh.
Like I mentioned, standing at the eastern end looking west, that Masjid used to be the end of the city back in the late 70s/80s. Now look how much it's expanded beyond but look at that charm. Hopefully that naval base is at least a few kilometers to one side or the other.
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It's basically Alexandria of the western desert without much of the ancient history and legacy.
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Looking west and this is what you see, included a little bit of a swim across the channel (or ferry ride but we like to swim the really deep channel and get the crap scared out of us looking down and very clear visibility and hoping a Mako or Great white doesn't spot you lol. Then a bit of a ride and you get to Cleopatra's baths rock formation. This lagoon beach comes up first.
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Further west and you have the Cleopatra's Jacuzzi.
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Let's hope that largest naval base doesn't encroach on any of this beautiful coastal city.
Now we're talking, Get these AW-149s on the Mistrals, That's the perfect place for them and reduce the number of Ka-52s.
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