We don't live in the Newport area, but stop by the base several times a year and always include a…read morestop at the Commissary. My husband loves being on base and grocery stores so this is a win-win for him. The base itself is on the small side, so the Commissary is not a 'super store'. As with all Commissary's, the person packing your groceries is working for tips. If you are not the tipping sort or have a very fixed budget, they have self check-out. During certain hours of the day, military personnel in uniform go to the top of the queue so don't be upset if you have to wait a bit to check-out - that sailor needs to get back to work!
Carts/buggies/carriages are kept inside the entrance on the left. Here, and just inside the store you may find items on sale or sold in bulk. A small Sushi kitchen kiosk is located in front of the produce department, just inside the store. The selection of produce is pretty good with a small 'organic' section located at the back where you'll also find Tofu and refrigerated salad dressing. Meats run along the back wall and that selection is pretty good as well as the prices. Dairy and frozen items are in the far corner, opposite side from the entrance.
Dry goods inventory here consists of the 'usual suspects'. They offer a limited selection of national brands and a few items from other countries you may have been stationed in. A deli featuring Boar's Head cold cuts, prepared items, cheeses and bakery items is just past the check-out lines. They will make you a sandwich 'to-go'. Price list is over the meat counter. We found some sweet treats from Italy in the bakery area last visit.
Frozen foods sometimes include 'past sale date' meats at a reduced price. All the expected items: veg, pizza, bowls, fish, etc. are here. Milk, OJ, eggs, yogurt and so on are in the dairy corner. Sometimes you'll find whole turkeys in chest freezers here. Be sure to check the freezer cases throughout this area as the inventory changes.
MRE's are for sale over by the registers aisle. They cost more than dehydrated hiking meals and I do wonder who is spending that much on MRE's. They offer a variety of canned goods including meats such as chicken, spam, corned beef and tuna, Shelf stable milk is available (school lunch) and plenty of snacks, sweet and savory.
The parking lot is huge so no need to worry about finding a spot. Some spaces are reserved and the lanes are 'one way' so be sure you are headed in the right direction and don't park in the commodore's spot! Watch out for the elderly and small children in the parking area. Also, because the base is 'right on the water' this parking lot can get very windy! Hold on to your hat and umbrella!
Years ago a DECA employee (DECA run the Commissary system) said prices are better when it's not payday. As a young family on a military budget, we usually had an empty larder come payday, so it's not easy to 'hold off' buying groceries for a few days. As retired military, we can stop by any time and I do find prices seem better between pay days versus near pay day. Just my personal observation. Take it as you will.
Hope this info is useful! Bon appetito!
