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Comment by NavyMom2013 on July 26, 2013 at 1:30am

Tracy, My son was in division 202 and graduated May 2013.  Then he graduated ABF last Friday at Pensacola and arrived home today.  I have 2 weeks with him until he has to report to Norfolk.  I know which ship he will be on, but not when it will be deployed.  He loves his Navy experience, but not some of the things such as getting his plane ticket at 10:30 the day he is supposed to fly out even though it was purchased 4 days earlier.  He lost 2 days with me waiting to fly out.  He is now talking about reenlisting and hasn't had his first deployment.  It is a good fit for him. 

If you are going to see his bootcamp graduation, make sure you read up on how to do things to save yourself time.  Make sure you go to Sarge's Meet 'n Greet.  Fun and informative.  Good luck!  Maybe our sons will be on the same ship and working together!  Let's keep in touch.

Comment by TLC72 on July 25, 2013 at 11:35pm

NavyMom2013- My son will be ABF and is also at bootcamp right now and will head to Pensacola in 2 weeks. What Div is your son in?

Comment by Lauriekay1 on May 9, 2013 at 10:00am

PS..no cranking so far...! He's still belowdecks working in the pump room.

Comment by Lauriekay1 on May 9, 2013 at 9:57am

NavyMom, lets see..he got to PCola the end of October and left for Norfolk after a Christmas leave (nice timing on that one!). I'm sure I can say there is always a wait to "class up" which is actually start classes, meantime they do some kind of job. As for visiting, absolutely! Best bet is after he gets off Phase One...that way he can leave the base, wear civvies etc. each phase has graduated privileges. Weekends are best of course. If you go to the Pensacola A School site and read the tips at the top, and follow the group you will get a great feel for what it's like there. I visited my son 3 times while he was there, stayed in Perdido Key which is a short drive to the back gate, actually closer than Pensacola BeAch. Cranking is usualy working the mess hall, but it can also be laundry etc. and he got to Norfolk and the ship left about a month later. He about half way through, can't wait to go to the homecoming! So, his first weekend you can meet him for lunch or dinner on base, there's a food courtish place with a Starbucks and such, hopefully your second weekend he will be off phase one, which means he can leave with you as his "liberty buddy"as I recall to spend time with you, but has to wear his uniform and curfew is ?9 or10pm vs Phase 2 which is midnight. Just depends how he hits it within your weeks. Getting on base is super easy, since the aviation museum is there. Just show your license and tell them where you are going. The Navy Lodge is on base and great, but book way in advance, it's usually full. Your sailor only has to be there to check you in. You can book online.

Comment by NavyMom2013 on May 9, 2013 at 4:08am

Thanks for responding, LaurieKay1.  I went back to the bootcamp sites and now am looking forward to his experiences in Pensacola which will be in 2 weeks.  How long was your son in Pensacola before being deployed?  Is cranking cleaning?  That's what it sounds like.  I will be around that area the first two week-ends he will be there.  Any chance they will let family come visit him?  Take him to lunch?  Family is trying to figure out plans and kinda needs to know.  Thanks!

Comment by Lauriekay1 on March 30, 2013 at 6:32pm

PS ...everyone's experience varies, rule of thumb is always "Needs of the Navy!"

Comment by Lauriekay1 on March 30, 2013 at 6:30pm

Hi navymom, My son is on deployment right now, his first, and is and Is an ABF. He joined the carrier in Feb and has been down in the fueling pump room, another option besides actually fueling the planes etc up on the flight deck. He is in INDOC (a bit late since he has been deployed for a couple months lol) and thinks he may move up top to fuel afterwards, (his hope), or may be called upon to do cranking, as most everyone is...in the laundry...mess hall, etc. for a few months which he has not done yet. Hope that helps!

Comment by NavyMom2013 on March 30, 2013 at 6:15pm

My son is shipping out to BC shortly and it was suggested I join your group to get an idea of what he will be doing.  I understand that they go out on their carriers for about 5 months, then in shore for awhile as well.  He is to be trained for fueling aircraft on a carrier.  Reading your comments, will he really do that?

 

Comment by mikeysmom /USS GW on February 27, 2013 at 4:44pm

thanks rod and laurie..he called last night..2 am here..on his way to dinner..eating out seems to be the favorite past time..said he still sits around alot..but i saw on the fb page they had some drills ..i think there is more going on than he admits...but he sounds happy and likes the people in his area..soo all is well..hes working on that first E 4 test..do the more advanced sailors help the rookies? or do they just let them figure it all out on thier own..guess im thinking like a fraterity..lol prob not happening.

 

Comment by Rod on February 25, 2013 at 3:36pm

Mikeysmom - sometimes they just have to work it in when they have free time even if it is after their regular shift.

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