Wood's Karma
What could go wrong on a Navy base
The Naval Air Station on Boca Chica Key is one of the main locations for Wood’s Karma. The NAS has appeared in several books and is part of Wood’s backstory as he served their during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The Navy owns the entire key which at 7.34 square miles makes it second to Big Pine Key in size. Most of the island is salt marshes and brush with about 40% used by the NAS. Boca Chica Field lies on the south side of US 1 while the “Submarine Pens” are the only feature besides a radar dome on the north side.
The NAS is a training station. VFC - 111 also known as the Sun Downers are the resident wing, flying F5s as the adversary in training flights that can be seen over the Lower Keys and adjacent waters. Visitors have use of the marina, beach, and the only bowling alley in the Keys.
I’ve been able to visit the area a few times while writing Wood’s Karma. The first was by kayak where I was able to see the marina, harbor, and surrounding waters up close. Second was with a neighbor who works on base and gave me a tour. The last was the Southernmost Air Spectacular which featured the Blue Angels.
The base is much the same as when Wood first served there, minus a few buildings that have been demolished.
Wood’s Karma is the final story in the Early Adventures of Mac and Wood. It’s a story I’ve dodged for far too long. In Wood’s Reef, the first book in the present day series, Wood just appears on the island. I never dealt with how he got it, or was allowed to stay. Wood’s Karma answers those questions and more.