First Time to be stationed in Norfolk, Va.

[Lobelia]

Dear Moms,    
    I’m hoping that someone can give me some assistance for my son’s needs. He has just returned from his deployment on a ship that’s home ported in Norfolk, Va. He’s a brand new recruit and was flown overseas to the ship while it had already been through 2/3 of it’s tour. He’s never been to Norfolk, as we live in Wa. State.  He’s without transportation now and finding it difficult to get around, even on the base. It seems he’s being housed in a barrack that’s almost 4 miles from the ship and doesn’t have a bus route close by. BTW, he’s already lived away from home on his own for a number of years, so he’s very capable of being independent. He’s 27 years old, so he’s not a kid right out of high school. With that said, I’m very disappointed that there wasn’t any kind of orientation for him when the ship arrived home. He didn’t take leave because he wanted to wait until later in the year when we could all catch up with each other in Va. He’s been trying to get settled into his room and learn his way around the base and off, but the lack of transportation is a real problem. I don’t understand how the command could just isolate their personnel. Once he has a vehicle again, all will change, but in the meantime where can he get help?
    My dad was in the Navy. I grew up in the Norfolk area with my family, but that was a long time ago. I’ve been on the west coast for over 40 years. I remember when sailors were supportive of each other. We had guys stay at our off base home all the time. He doesn’t seem to be getting any support from anyone from the ship. He’s very frustrated with the unknown and lack of services available to him.  If this is the way the Navy treats people that want to serve, then I can understand why the personnel don’t make it a career anymore. How can a command expect the personnel to even be on time to the ship if there isn’t any public transportation that is convenient. How can they buy food from the commissary when it's out of the way? I'm now sounding like I'm complaining, but not really. I want to help my son. does anyone have some info I could pass onto him?
Thank you for the sounding board,
Lobelia

[Lily AJ]

Lobelia,
I know exactly what you mean.....I felt the same way when my son went to his first Duty Station in Hawaii, it was like they just picked him up at the Airport dropped him off in his barracks which was walking distance to where he worked but that was it........ he could eat there during the week work hours, but afte that he had no car to get anywhere...... he would have to take a cab into town at 40$ each way just to haul some food home, or go get a haircut or to the cleaners, there was nothing on the command he worked at that was open after 5. I felt so bad and helpless and for him and he was really having a hard time. And I honestly really dont know what to tell you cause I know everything is easier said then done. My son finally walked upon someone selling a car, an older model and not alot of money so he jumped on that but this was all after 2 months of taking cabs and such.......he too did not have much support from anyone on the base. But I agree with you about how can they just leave people this way, not everyone is going to have a car in the beginning.
Well anyway.....Good luck and you both will be in my prayer, tell your son to hang in there, things will look up.

[Anti M]

A bike would work on base, at least until winter. Get the folding side baskets for groceries. That's what I used in Japan, because even if I could have driven, there was no parking at our house and I had to bike to the base everyday.

[Lobelia]

Thanks, I've suggested that as well. He'll figure out what to do, I'm sure. It just seemed so abrupt during his 1st week.

[Annie]

Hi -

Your son's experience is very similar to my own son's. I was really surprised that there is no "welcome wagon" or orientation when new sailors get to town to assist with settling in to a new base and surroundings. Even a brochure would be helpful!! At least my son had a vehicle. Hope it works out soon for your sailor.

[David B]

My setiments Exactley Hoppi! Sounds like a Mommas boy to me. Open your mouth and you shall receive.

Welcome to the United States Navy!!!!



David B

[Lobelia]

Hi David,

Proper employee orientation is important in the private sector as well as the military in order to have a well oiled machine. For personnel to have each others back during a time of war or playing war, they need to build relationships of trust in their commands. This isn't necessarily how things are in today's military. There seems to be a"I'm in it for ME only" attitude that doesn't ring true to my understanding of being in service to ones country.
Have a nice day.

[Lobelia]

I agree to this!!!

[Lobelia]

Hi Hoppi aka Angie, Thanks for your suggestions. I'll pass along the info. Did you or are you serving now? I've read some of your comments under other topics. You seem to have insight on many issues. BTW, my son isn't a mama's boy. He's getting around on his own instincts and will do just fine. I want to help him on his liberty time if I can. Especially since he's stationed somewhere that I have great memories of. As I had posted before, I lived on many Navy bases and people were pretty helpful to their fellow sailors. He'll overcome all issues in due time, I'm sure of that.

[Lily AJ]

Lobelia, I understand where you are coming from completely and know what you mean. I think it is important especially in the first few weeks of arriving somewhere to have something available for them to know where to start, till they start to work where they can then ask their LOP, Cheif or whoever for some assistance since they are in new place.. My son did get on his feet all by himself, bought a car on his own, moved to some nicer barracks , but like you I wish in the beginning he knew more of what was going on. Your son will do just fine, just talk to him , be patient and offer whatever advise you can to help till he feels more settled in his new surroundings........ I would not at all think anyone was a momma's boy just cause they talk to us, and of course we as mothers worry. Though I would not think of calling his command, of course I would still worry.
Things will work out, just takes time. Good Luck to you both.