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

[Andrea]

Hi Julie and Donna,
My son is an ABH....Air Crew...a blue shirt on the flight deck. Did you watch the series Carrier that was on PBS last week? It was a 10 part series about life on a CVN 68 the USS Nimitiz. It was so interesting....I think we should start a group for Moms , GFs and wives that have sons or daughters on the USS Abe Lincoln. At least we will have 3 members...LOL. What do you think?? I just spoke with K yesterday. It was so nice to hear those words..I love you Mom........just melts my heart. His birthday is Friday...he'll be 20. It just doesn't seem real. He is so far away...some days I just can't think about it. I pray for everyone on the ship and their safety. Take care. Andrea

[Julie]

Hi Andrea,
My son Rich is a white shirt. We did watch the Carrier series, we couldn't wait for it to come on every night. I think we should start a group. I'm so glad you got to talk to your son, I got an e-mail from mine today, but it was short, he says he's been extermly busy. I hope K has a good bithday, Rich will be 22 on June 6, I don't think he's going to get his present on time though ! I know what you mean about not being able to think about it sometimes, there are days when I just start crying when I'm thinking about him. Are you going to go on the tiger cruise ? I hope you can so we can meet in person. Talk to you soon and keep your chin up, they are all going to be fine.
Julie

[Ramona]

Julie, I went on the Tiger Cruise when my son was on the John F Kennedy....It is absolutely incredible....You have no idea how wonderful it is to be aboard...just watch out for the F16's...if they do an air show for you....it will send you to the deck!!....I will never ever forget that experience....WoW! What a day that was!!!! Enjoy!!

[Julie]

Ramona,
I'm glad to hear you had a great time on the cruise. My 13 yr. old and I are so excited, not only to have an experience of a lifetime, but most of all to see Rich in action. Can't wait.

[Andrea]

Hi Julie,
It took about 2 weeks for the packages to reach the ship from Boston to you know where. I really want to go on the Tiger cruise, but I haven't really talked about it with K. He is really quiet and I went to see him before he was deployed. I also brought my 18 yr old daughter with me too. We spent the weekend together in Seattle and we had a great time. I was so lucky to see him before he left. It was tough saying good bye but I was so glad I had the chance to see him. I wanted to take a tour of the ship in WA, but he didn't want to be on the ship any longer than he had to. My daughter is going to sign up for the Navy now too. I really am hoping to make the cruise. I'll start the USS Abe Lincoln group.....Talk with you soon. Andrea

[dolores]

send plenty of snacks, instant kool-aid packets, gum, reading material, dvd's, toiletries if needed.

[Christine]

Hi Julie,
I just wanted to give you some ideas of what NOT to send. I sent my son a few care packages on his first deployment so we learned the hard way. I sent him the individual packages of kraft mac & cheese, well, the were tossed around so much, they broke open and powder was everywhere. I also attempted to send him oreos, big mistake, they were crushed. He also told me a box of his poptarts were open and a pack was missing. I think people must have to search the boxes before giving them to the sailors, and as sad it it sounds, they dont care about someone elses items and do not handle with care. A good thing to send was propel individual packs for his water, breakfast bars and microwave popcorn. I ususally still send him microwavable foods, and plastic bowls and spoons.

[Julie]

That's terrible that someone would open their stuff. I also found out you can't send any thing that is an aerosol product, like Axe spary either. Thanks for the other ideas though.
Julie

[mickie]

.A rule of thumb I use when sending care packages to my son is (unless he has spicifically asked for something) I send things that can be consumed, shared, or thrown away. As they have limited storage space items to be kept should be small, ie pictures, cards. My son is also on his first deployment on the USS Abraham Lincoln.

[Charlene]

Any newcomers on this site? Some of us have bonded and welcome anyone else to join the Lincoln Moms. We can't wait for their return!!!!!!!!!!!!! God bless them and keep them safe.

[Cheryl]

Hi Julie - I saw your post and just wanted to say "hello" and tell you that I have a son deployed to Iraq. He's in the Army (my oldest) - my youngest son is the Navy. Anyhow, I understand what it's like to have a son so far away - Lee deployed Oct 2007 and I am in constant worry for him. Take care and best wishes!