Son on deployment aboard USS Abarham Lincoln

[Julie]

I am new to this site. My son has been in the Navy for 3 years( by the way it's is the best decision he ever made), this is his first deployment. I want to start sending care packages to him, does anyone have a list of things you can and cannot send to the aircraft carriers?
Thanks,
Julie

[Julie]

I didn't know about that, but I will check it out for sure.
Thanks so much
Julie

[Julie]

I'll try and give the ombudsman that my son gave me the number for and I'll let you know as soon as I find anything out.
Thanks

[Sylvia Brown Yeomans]

Hi Julie

This also is my first message or viewing of this site. My son Adam has been a medic in the Navy for about 13 years. The last few years (I'm not sure how many) he has been stationed on the USS Stennis. The Stennis is a Nimitz class aircraft carrier. He was deployed last year fromJanuary to August, to the Persian Gulf. The things he asked me to send him were health food snacks and Cliff Bars. You do need to remember he is somewhat of a health nut. I also sent him chocolates from the local Chocolate Store (I live in a very rural area) but they sat in a warehouse for many weeks, and melted. So don't send candy. I was told by a friend who is a retired Navy Captain, that they like to read news and magazines that are not available to them at sea or in a foreign country. I have learned that they have so much time to think about friends and family, that anything personal is very welcome. Even when I sent the chocolate, he put it out for everyone to share (and it was eaten). He also reminded me that not everyone receives packages and mail, so pack a lot.

I hope this is helpful. He also said to send small packages, as these were more likely to be transported to the ship quickly. Correspondence is probably best done by e-mail, but remember that sometimes they have communication blackouts, and they don't even know about it. I heard more from my son during his deployment then at any other time. When I didn't hear from him for a few days, I knew they were having some knind of drill. I hope this is helpful. And remember, they really do take good care of thses guys and gals.

Sylvia

[Julie]

Thanks for the info Slyvia, and welcome to you also. That information is definitly helpful. I hope it doesn't take too long for the packages to get to them. I know what you mean about hearing from them more when they are on deployment, we e-mail with our son everyday, but that is a great thing. I know they take good care of them, but I still want to make sure he's got everything he needs, you know what I mean.
Thanks Again,
Julie

[Ramona]

Julie, My oldest son Greg spent most of his career aboard an aircraft carrier....unfortunately all I ever sent him was cookies!! and things like that...I always asked him what he wanted and needed..They know what is allowed...
Ramona

[Julie]

Thanks for the input Ramona, I'll definitly send him a batch of cookies!

[Andrea]

Hi Julie,
My son is also on the USS Abe Lincoln on his first deployment. This is some helpful info. You can send almost anything to him. Here's a website with a list. http://www.operationmilitarypride.org/packages.html. Remember that you must fill out a customs form when mailing out your package. Form 2976-A Also another discussion....you can check out on my page...care packages..etc.

Now, the USPS has a flat-rate shipping boxes that are free. Here is the information.
Military families have long used the U.S. Postal Service's flat-rate
shipping boxes to send care packages around the globe.
Beginning March 3, they'll get a price break. The discount applies
only to the new "Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Box," which normally
carries a $12.95 price tag for shipping. However, when the
12-by-12-by-5.5-inch box is sent to an AFO or FPO address,
a $2 discount applies, dropping the cost to $10.95. "This is the
first time the Postal Service has offered a special price for our
armed forces serving overseas," said Postmaster General John
Potter. "We're proud that family and friends will be able to use the
new, larger-sized box to send much-appreciated packages from
home to our dedicated troops overseas." The new boxes will be
available in post offices nationwide on March 3. Those who can't
wait to start packing the boxes, however, can order them from
www.usps.com/supplies beginning Feb. 20. They're also available
by calling 1-800-610-8734. Unfortunately, tomorrow postal rates will jump $2.00 for shipping these boxes. I have to warn you, they are not very big, but if you take things out of the boxes, you will be able to fit alot more. I have a lot of info on my page about the USS abe Lincoln if you care to check it out. I'd love to talk to you. Have you thought about doing the Tiger cruise? Please let me know if I can help out at all. I was told it can take anywhere from 4days(unrealistic to 3-4 weeks to reach the ship.
Take care.
Andrea

[Julie]

Andrea,
That is great info. Its good to find others with sailors on the Abe. My youngest son and I are doing the Tiger cruise. I hope you and I can meet up on the ship. What is son doing aboard the Lincoln? I hope you had a great Mothers Day.
Julie

[Charlene]

The Tiger Cruise, that should be great!!! I wanted to do that too. But my son is very anxious to get off the ship and meet his girlfriend this time. That is where they first meet two years ago when he was on his first deployment. I guess it was a difficult choice for him......hang out with Mom and Dad on the ship, or hang out in __________ with his lovely sweet Amy. Tough choice, eh?

[Vivian Sheehan]

Hi Julie, I'm new to this site and really appreciate all the info. My son has to report to the USS The Sullivans in Mayport in August and he still doesnt know when they deploy but I'm nervous already.

[Donna]

Hi Julie..

I am not sure about what you can and cannot send, as my son is on his frist deployment, but I just wanted to say hi and to tell you my son is also on the Abraham Lincoln..

[Julie]

Hi Donna,
I hope you had a great mothers day. Are you planning on going on the tiger cruise later this year? My youngest son and I are. I can't wait, I hope we will be able to meet. What is your son's job aboard the Lincoln?
Julie