USS George H W Bush

Comment

Comment by 2sailor-mom on September 29, 2009 at 6:34pm

My pleasure. Hope it helped.

Comment by Ray and Silvia Proud parents on September 29, 2009 at 2:28pm

2sailor thank you very much for the information on th 6%

Comment by Cindy Proud Navy Mom of Rob on September 29, 2009 at 9:51am

My lad wanted to rent an apartment here a while back and I am glad it did not work out. Several things to keep in mind. Others that are roomed with may not always carry their own load - is your son prepared to cover him/her if that happens. Splitting cost of utlities can also be a hassle unless those shared with are responsible to take their part seriously. What about food - how will that be handled. One thing is usually initially thought of and said - quite another after a short while. What about parties/guests? What is they don't agree? I've seen instances where others 'crash' at the invitation of a Sailor and it infringes on the others sleep/space/down time. What if one decides to get a pet and then just expects others to take care of it too? What if one gets a better offer and moves out leaving the financial split on the other? So many things to consider!
I realize the space is cramped on ship BUT that is what they signed up for on a ship - the way it is. Think of how much more so it would have been on a Sub (Not that there is anything wrong with a Sub -great guys but -even more limited space/freedom). Besides, while they are dry docked they still have opportunities to get out & about. Something tells me that they are tired after working and just sleep in the racks anyway. There are always options to read, study, eat, shop, party elsewhere. So it's not like they are locked in to that small space 24 hours.
The marriage thing - well let's face it - our kids end up doing what they want regardless but, at least they can be given things to think about. At any given moment they are subject to whatever the Navy wants of them and where. Wife/husband/kids are second. We may not like that but, all a part of this wonderful Military world we are all a part of and we must come to terms with that before ANY decisions are made one way or another. Things change so fast in young lives -nothing stays the same for very long. It's that life of never knowing what may be expected of them that can tear relationships apart, even with the truest love and best intentions. I know my own lad seems to change his mind on things almost daily! UGH!!!! They are being faced with so many new things/places/people - they need to be adaptable and when married or with kids that makes it ever so much more complicated. Not impossible mind you - just more complicated which can lead to much emotional stress. Is that REALLY what they want? All good thoughts to keep in mind.
I wish everyone's Sailor the very best their world has to offer. I pray for them and their health and happiness AND safety!!!!!!
Hugs everyone!

Comment by cochecton (Audrey Brian's mom) on September 29, 2009 at 8:21am

Good Morning
My son Brian is on the ship for awhile now. When he first got there was living in a development with 2 other sailors, the rented was picked up by the Navy but it was only a temporary situation, now he is renting a house with 3 other guys, and the rent is reasonable enough for him. When we went down to see him for the commissioning he mentioned to me that alot of sailors have gotten engaged or they are married, some to other sailors, and he is of the opinion that they should not hook up with other sailors as they are "unfaithful" so we had a talk and I said yes you are too young, and you should concentrate on getting your career on track first before settling down, and he agreed he told me he is not ready for married life WHEW He also made mention that he may move back to the development he lived in as the rent is a little cheaper. Sometimes he is ok with finances, and other times..............welll I hear from him sparingly. I texted him last night asking him how he was doing financially, work wise, etc. Hopefully will hear from him soon.

Comment by Cathy (Brians mom /Div 214) on September 28, 2009 at 7:40pm

Thanks so far for all the great comments. He is a E-1 and is an IT if that matters (which for the life of me do not understand why). During our recruiting days were told he would be an E-2 when done with boot camp and here we are done with school too and still and E-1. Well enough of that back to my original question. I too feel he should give it some time. So I take it he was right as far as saying he does not get an allowance unless married. Just had to verify it. Anymore advice would be great. thanks again already though.

Comment by 2sailor-mom on September 28, 2009 at 7:11pm

Hi Cathy: my son is a new sailor on the ship (since April) and he has his own apartment with a fellow sailor. They both have vehicles and therefore, they have rent, utilities, food, car paymens/insurance, etc. It's no life for a sailor not married, nevermind one who is. Until he gets his feet wet (no pun intended) he should just talk to everyone he can. There are alot who live off base and on the ship. It's way too early to decide to life off the ship and get married. He's just beginning his career, or his term. That's my opinion anyway. Oh, and just so you know, my son HAS NEVER taken my advice on any of the decisions he has made. We've all spoken of this in previous notes here, but you know what, he's doing fine. So, no matter what you advise him, or not, don't get upset. Come here for that! We've all been there.

Comment by Maureen Campbell on September 28, 2009 at 6:00pm

Cathy,

When I read your post, the flags were flying and the alarms were screaming. You're right. Getting married to have a house rather than live on the ship is--whew--not good. My son has lived on the Bush for over a year. He looks forward to getting a place, but I believe he said he cannot get the housing allowance as a single guy until he is a 2nd class PO. He just took the test for that a few weeks ago, so hopefully he will get that promotion.

There are young, single sailor who under the 2nd class rank who have their own places. My son works with some. But they are paying for it with their paychecks, not with a housing allowance. It must mean enough to them to do it.

My son has told me that it is often very uncomfortable living on the ship, especially in the shipyards, because work--often loud and dirty, as well as inconvenient (power, air conditioning is often turned off )--is being done.

On the West coast, sailors live in barracks when they are in port. From what I understand, there is a limited version of that program in Norfolk, but know nothing more than that.

If your son was my son (and now, of course, since you are a member, we will all kind of claim him as ours :-)), I would ask him to give himself some time to adjust before doing something rash like getting married or even going to the expense of housing off the ship on his own.

Best wishes to you and him. Hopefully, a more senior sailor will help him adjust and give him advice.

ANYWAY--welcome to the place where there is always one or more of us going crazy about our kids decisions. You are not alone, my friend. :-)

Comment by Kelly on September 28, 2009 at 5:56pm

my son lives in an apartment, he shares with 2 other buddies. and the rent is very reasonable. He is much happier than he was living on the ship. The ship is very close quarters. he does spend more money on food and gasoline for his truck. lol
alot more freedom. We are very happy with his choices so far, he still tries to save everything he can.

Comment by Colleen on September 28, 2009 at 5:53pm

Hey Cathy, Hello! and welcome to the USS Bush site. Your son's bunk and locker (meaning the size of a filing cabinet drawer) is his home. Don't know your son's rank but a housing allowance is added to the pay if they get married. Help me Moms, and Dads, who know more about this than I do..... He needs to think about the fact that he will be at sea for undetermined amounts of time, and she will be there alone, my sailor considered marriage for the reason above, to another sailor on another ship. We discussed that marrying for a bigger "bunk" was doomed to disaster if that was the main reason for doing it. She chose not to do that. Many sailors will get time off and rent a hotel room just to have a room, a real bed and a regular shower as well as cable TV. Us moms moan about the money they spend, don't we?

Comment by Cathy (Brians mom /Div 214) on September 28, 2009 at 5:39pm

Hello brand new to this group and not sure if I am doing it right. Hopefully this is where I would ask a question? Started reading through it but just got more confused. So here's my question.
My son just arrived in Norfolk a few weeks ago and his "home" is on the ship in a small area with his bed. I thought he was going to get more of a "apartment" type of housing on the base (on land). Is this where he is going to live for the next 3 years? Very limited space. One of the main reasons I am asking this is he just called us and asked what we thought of him getting married to his girlfried back her at home. Then he can have a house. Of course being a mother I dont think he is ready for marriage yet. So I wanted to be able to tell him you will get a "home" soon I think. Somewhere to go when he is not on a tour. It just seems kinda strange that if you are married you get a house and if not your house is the ship. Anyone with insite or has a single son who is living on land. Dont want him to get married for the wrong reason even though he says that is not the reason.HELP

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