Home from Deployment

[Lisa Adams]

Hi all,
I just returned from Norfolk, VA where I was on the pier to welcome my son home from deployment. I know how impressive the graduation from boot camp is, but let me tell you, being there for him when he got off his boat is even better. This was his 3rd deployment on the USS Albany, I missed the first homecoming - his dad went. I was there two years ago and vowed I would never miss another. The energy of love and pride on the pier is amazing - all these people are there to welcome back every member of the crew!!!!! I encourage you to do what ever you can to be there to welcome your child back on their return. I then spent a few lazy, relaxing days with my son just hanging out. These times with him are so precious that I would not trade them for anything. God Bless all of our Sons and Daughters that are serving our country!!!!! And God Bless their parents!
Thanks for listening,
Lisa

[Brenda Sue]

oh yea - homecomings are AMAZING!! I got to be at one and did not know one single, solitary soul on board. I took over 100 pictures, cried as much as the next person (and still get teary eyed) over it - and hope to get to do it all over again one day!!!

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

It's a special day when you are at a Pier for a homecoming. Especially seeing those new dads, meeting their babies for the first time. The long days of deployment quickly fade when you see the love that is exchanged on a pier.

[Pam (Chris' mom)]

My son is on his first deployment and a herd of wild stampeeding elephants couldn't keep me away, I can't wait for spring.

[NavyMomK9]

I loved homecomings too!!!!!!!!! I went to several when Amy was stationed on a ship out of Norfolk. I also liked being kept up to date with all the goings on while they were on their Med Cruises via the ships newsletter and family support groups. If your child is headed out on a cruise make sure they sign you up for those. Things may have changed in the years since Amy was ship board but it used to be that your kid(or spouse) had to be the one to sign you up for ship info. Things may have changed though.
We always had a blast in Norfolk at homecomings. One year, I surprised Amy with a suite at a hotel on Virginia Beach after she got home. Within 2 hours of us getting there she had phoned some of her ship mates whose families weren't able to come and the next thing I knew I had sailors appear at our door wanting to know if they could just "hang out" and maybe take a nap in a REAL bed. It was fun. I ended up adopted 6 sons and daughters that weekend and they were the most well behaved bunch of sailors you could have ever met.They paid for all my meals and bought me some sweet souveniers that I still have.

[diane {Shawns mom}]

thanks for sharing your story...I get my first one in the spring....I am gonna be a blabbing idiot....LOL
but a happy blabbing idiot..
xoxoxoxoxxo

[fly 2]

I get my first one in August 09 thats when he will return home. How do you get on base to the pier when they arrive.? I am sooo happy for all of you that have a son or daughter comming home. It's amazing what these kids to keep us all safe!!!

[Melissa (Tucson)]

I'm with Pam (Chris' mom), I'll be in Norfolk in the spring for my son's first homecoming!!

[Debbie (Paul's Mom)]

I can't wait until spring time!! April can't get here fast enough for me. This will be my first homecoming and I can not wait!!! Nothing can keep me away. I'll be there with bells and whistles!! Thanks for sharing your story. I cried just thinking about how special it must feel, all the pride and daddies getting to see their precious babies for the first time. AGH, I'm cryin again. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!

[Alisa (Jason's mom)]

When my son came home from his first deployment, we were on board with him. We went on the "Tiger Cruise:, and met his ship about ten miles out from one port, spent the night aboard ship and came into his home port with the ship and crew. I recommend that experience to everyone...what an awesome experience...

[patricia]

could please tell me about the Tiger Cruise? My son mentioned one in July and he has not give me any info on how or what to do. Can the whole family go or just a member of the family go? thankyou for any info you can give me.

[judy r]

Your son will have to put the family members name in. The number of "tigers" is based on space and how many others are getting off at the pick up point. My son had his father and 2 of his sons on his last cruise and the boys had a blast dad was impressed too and that is something for a retired cop.

[HTsWife]

The ships newsletters go out to the crew & their mailing list (this depends on how the ship is set up). You can also get it by contacting the Command Ombudsman. Each Ombudsman is different, but I've yet to hear the sailor has to be the one to sign up a family member. If you contact them, they can add you to their list to recieve other emails that go out. & I suggest everyone has their Command Ombudsmen information just in case you need to contact your sailor/the ship in an emergency/urgent matter, etc.

To get base passes... These are normally given out at the Night Before party the FRG (family readiness group) puts on, this is the easiest way. You can then pick up your pass to get on the next day for Homecoming.