MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Enlisted servicemembers stationed here will be happy to know that they still have a home away from home at the Great Escape center.

The Great Escape is home of the Air Station's Single Marine Program, and provides a place for servicemembers to relax, have fun and participate in trips and activities.

According to Jonelle Myers, SMP recreation guide, the center can be utilized by any enlisted grade servicemember and their guests and offers pool tables, big-screen televisions and video games free of charge.

"We have 600 movies and a variety of video games for the (Microsoft) X-Box, (Sony) Playstation 2 and Nintendo 64," she said. "Our TVs also have cable, so servicemembers can come down here and watch shows or games."

In addition to the free entertainment, pre-paid Internet access is available on seven computers.

"For members Internet access is $6 an hour, and for non-members it is $7.20 an hour," said Myers. "It only costs $2 to get an Internet membership card."

Not only does the center offer these services everyday, but also weekly trips, according to Sean Mountes, SMP recreation guide and sergeant with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron aviation ordnance.

"We have drivers and vehicles so people who don't have cars can get off-base," said Mountes. "We go skiing at Big Bear, go whale watching, or sometimes we will simply just go to the mall."

The SMP also sponsors their own activities at the Great Escape such as weekly pool tournaments, sports pools and the upcoming SMP Price Is Right.

According to Myers, servicemembers can find out about these events by reading the calendar board at the Great Escape, through basewide e-mails, unit SMP representatives or flyers.

Whatever the occasion, the SMP wants to ensure that servicemembers utilizing the Great Escape or any of their activities can have fun while escaping some of the pressures of a military lifestyle.

"Everyone comes here just to hang out and relax," she said. "Rank doesn't really matter down here, and everyone is pretty much on a first name basis. It is just a nice place to get away."

Food is also sometimes offered for free at the Great Escape, and can always be ordered from Pizza Pizzazz during their regular business hours through a window in the pool hall.

One of the most convenient things about the Great Escape is it is open late to accommodate most work schedules.

"We are open Sunday and Monday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 12 a.m. and Friday and Saturday until 1 a.m.," said Mountes.

Mountes added during three and four day weekends the Great Escape tries to stay open 24 hours throughout the holiday so servicemembers will have something more to do than just sit in the barracks.

For more information on the Great Escape, call 577-6171, or stop by building 5509.