Deployments on the Ships

[Michelle]

Can someone please tell me what their experience has been with a son/daughter who has deployed for few months via ship? How long does it take to hear from them?

[bryan]

Also would say i was suprised about the ombudsman comment but ours was the same way. But in our squadrons case it wasnt the ombudsman's fault since the CO of the squadron and the ombudsman have direct communication.

[Julie K]

Well, my son didn't say he had to do any of those things that you are talking about. If he is aircrew, would that make a difference? He said that he has to have so many hours of sleep or he can't fly, and he can't fly if he is sick and on any kind of medication. I guess, it doesn't really matter whether he did or not. I just didn't know what it was. The ombudsman has been great when I write to her. She regularly sends out newsletters, but they are all things going on in San Diego or events for military wives, etc... nothing about the deployment. In fact, I don't think she ever sent out anything re: the deployment. I had to write to ask her specifics, then she usually answered me. My son has been in contact with me almost daily though, so it wasn't so bad. Our Ombudsman is the wife of one of the guys in my son's squadron, so I know that she will have the answers when I really need them. :-)

[bryan]

Yes it would his job keeps him out of that stuff. Thats good to know his squadron has a great ombudsman like that. And that is very true about medicine and not having enough sleep. Your son has a pretty cool job. They get to wear flight suits.

[Julie K]

Yes, my son always tells me that he has the best job in the Navy. That does make me feel good that he enjoys it. Yes, I guess it is an honor and a privilege to wear a flight suit, from what I understand. He worked very hard for that privilege! My younger son is in boot camp right now and he is also going for aircrew. I am not sure though if he is going to do the rescue swimming part too. Bryan, what do you do in the Navy? You have a wealth of information to share! Thanks!!

[bryan]

Julie i am a Yeoman aka pencil pusher but with my rating you can go anywhere in the navy. Ive been on Carriers, In a squadron and now with the seabees.

[Julie K]

That is neat Bryan. How long have you been in? Do you go with the Seabees when they are deployed to afghanistan and such? My mom's group sent a bunch of care packages last year and I know several went to some Seabees in Afghanistan for the anysailor program. I received some very nice letters back from some of the sailors! :-) Thank you for your service Bryan!

[bryan]

I have been in since January 2004. No im on shore duty right now. Which means i dont go to sea. Nice to spend time with my little one. Yes and the best thing when i was gone. Yes mam most people in the navy are appreciative of any letter or anything else they get from back in the states.

[CherylAnn]

I've been reading your info about your son. I have a couple of questions if you wouldn't mind answering them for me - how long did it take for your son to fly planes? Is that the first job he's had in the Navy? I ask because my son wanted to get into the flight program, but missed it by a few points, then was told he'd get a job that would put him on the flight deck so he could still learn some things about it before working his way into piloting... but so far, he hasn't gotten anything he was told he'd get. The most disappointing is he isn't even on an aircraft carrier, so I was just curious just what your son went through. Thanks

[Michelle]

Hi CherylAnn,

Your son and my son probably were in bootcamp together. Mine graduated May 8th...when did your son graduate? Also regarding my son's job - he is an AO which is an Aviation ordnance man - he doesn't fly planes, but he is assigned to an aircraft carrier. He chose Yokosuka, Japan. I'm sorry your son seems to have been misled - maybe you can join the pilot group if there is one here in N4M and ask the same question. These folks here on this website seems to be quite knowledgeable about the Navy and everything associated with it. Also very helpful... Hey I will put in a request for us to be friends. Our sons may know each other.

[Tatiana]

My son will be leaving on his first deployment soon. We are new to all this. Can you tell me what is a care package and what will I be allowed to send him. Thanks for your help.

[Michelle]

Hi Tatiana,

Care packages are boxes filled full of favorite snacks, magazines, books, music, personal hygiene supplies, etc that you send to your son/daughter just to let them know that you are thinking about them while they are deployed overseas, at their permanent duty station, or bootcamp (although not advised for bootcamp). It helps boost the morale of the sailor/soldier. At our base, we send care packages out all the time to hundreds of airmen. They are so happy and appreciative.

I hope that this info helps...

[lynne]

I need answers to the same questions. My son just left for an 8 month deployment. Looking for help as well as ideas.