BaseDirectory.com started as a simple solution to a real problem: service members couldn't find phone numbers and facility information on their own base. After multiple PCS moves and countless hours searching for basic information, co-founders Tony Hatala and Billy Griffin built an app and website t...
Own Base Directory?
01 // DETAILS
Full description and what we offer
BaseDirectory.com started as a simple solution to a real problem: service members couldn't find phone numbers and facility information on their own base. After multiple PCS moves and countless hours searching for basic information, co-founders Tony Hatala and Billy Griffin built an app and website to fix it.
Today, BaseDirectory operates as the leading mobile base directory app and website for military installations worldwide. The platform provides facility phone numbers, hours, directions, and service listings across CONUS bases and overseas installations including Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Naval Air Station Pensacola, and others.
The app (originally called "Military Traveler") launched on iTunes in March 2011. The website followed as a web extension in 2014. Users can search for any facility or service on their base—from medical clinics to dining facilities to recreation equipment rentals—and get immediate contact information and directions.
"This app is a must for both active duty and retired military personnel and dependents. Has extensive info for all CONUS military bases." - TheFortWorthKid
Tony Hatala (Co-Founder & CEO) - From Indiana, Tony drew the original app design and started programming in December 2009. He handles product improvements and overall vision.
Billy Griffin (Co-Founder & CTO) - Fellow Hoosier who joined the project in fall 2011. Billy rebuilt the entire BaseDirectory 2.0 website, incorporating user feedback and lessons learned from year one.
Leah McDonnell (Data Administrator) - Wyoming native who's been with the project from the beginning. She's added and corrected more base information than anyone else on the team.
Kristen James (Customer Service & Data Manager) - Wyoming native and military spouse who discovered BaseDirectory's value during her own PCS to Okinawa. She joined after connecting with Billy and now manages data accuracy and customer support.
Corrinne McKenna (Customer Service & Marketing) - Long Island native who met Tony at a neighborhood lunch in 2013. She handles social media and marketing projects.
The directory lists: - Medical and dental facilities - Recreation centers and equipment rentals - Dining facilities and food service - Housing and lodging options - Retail shops and services - Financial services - Child care facilities - Fitness centers - Specialty services (paintball fields, marinas, archery ranges, etc.)
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Complete phone numbers | No more dead ends calling base operators |
| Operating hours | Accurate info—hours change frequently |
| Directions/maps | Get there without asking directions |
| Mobile app | Works offline on your phone |
| User reviews | Learn from other service members' experiences |
| Low cost | Free to use for all service members |
The November 2014 site redesign incorporated: - User-submitted reviews and ratings - Improved search functionality - Better mobile experience - More comprehensive facility listings - Community feedback integration
BaseDirectory actively invites user contributions. If you find missing information or want to submit a base spotlight article about your favorite restaurants or activities near your base, contact the team at [email protected] or [email protected]. They've been known to send out Base Directory t-shirts for helpful submissions.
BaseDirectory's stated goal is simple: save military families time and frustration by providing accurate, organized base information in one easy-to-use place. The team continuously works to improve accuracy and comprehensiveness, treating users as partners in the mission to deliver the best information possible for military bases worldwide.
Whether you're PCSing to a new base, planning a liberty trip to a nearby installation, or just trying to find the phone number for base housing at 5 PM on a Friday, BaseDirectory eliminates the frustration of hunting through outdated websites or getting transferred between five different phone lines.
Loading comments...