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Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on July 1, 2014 at 2:14pm

He can take a garment bag along with his seabag.  Yes, you'll be able to go onboard the ship, and it's an amazing experience.  Be sure to have your driver's license or other official ID with a photo, as you need it to pass through the gate to the pier, and when he signs you in as a guest onboard at the ship's quarterdeck.  You'll also be given a visitor's badge to wear and return at sign-out.  Wear your sneakers and appropriate clothes respectful of the ship and uniforms.  The deck surfaces are rough and the ramps are steep to climb, plus there's going up and down the ladders :)  What a great weekend, I love visiting Norfolk.  Enjoy your visit with your son!  

Comment by AOnavymomTN on July 1, 2014 at 2:03pm

I'm new to this group, my son (AO) will be reporting to the USS Kearsarge this weekend. Can you give me any advice on what he's allowed to take on board the ship?  He's been told to pack his sea bag. Does he put his dress blue's and white's in the sea bag or can he bring his garment bag too in addition to the sea bag?  We are driving his car to Norfolk this week so that I can spend a couple of days with him before he reports for duty next week.  Can anyone tell me if he is allowed to bring me (mom) on his ship before he reports for duty on Monday. His sponsor said yes, but she is very vague on her answers to my son.  I will be staying in Norfolk for a few days before returning home. So many questions, this is all new, because this is his first duty station.  My son is AO.  Any information is greatly appreciated!

Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on June 29, 2014 at 7:24pm

My son used a stick-on light that ran on batteries for his rack. Sailors need to have "a complete sea bag" and that includes the dress uniform - does he have his dress whites too?  There is nothing like seeing them "man the rails" in dress uniform when they depart, or arrive for homecoming! Figure about two weeks or so for mail.  And tell him that that there's nothing to fear; he's going to have a great experience and tons of cool stories to tell! 

Here are some more deployment tips -

Be sure he has a rechargeable AT&T "Ship to Shore" phone card for calling home.  (He just needs the codes to use it, not the physical card.)  You can add time to his by calling the 800 # and recharging.  He can buy one at the NEX and give you the codes, or you can order online and keep it, whatever.  Here's the link, scroll down to see a single card:  https://shop.aafes.com/scs/Product.aspx?deptid=42000

You need to be added to his ship's Family Readiness Group, and the Ombudsman's list.  The FRG plans events and shares news.  The Ombudsman is the command's official liaison with families.  To find yours, go here:  http://navyformoms.com/group/whatsanombudsmanandhowtocontactthem/fo....   

Here's a link to a Single Sailor Deployment Checklist:  http://www.vp4.navy.mil/deployment/Single_Sailor_Deploy_Checklist_F...

Fair winds and following seas to your sailor!  

Care packages are how moms make it through deployment LOL  

You can start gathering stuff for them now:

The USPS will send to you, for free, a pack of 10 or 25 FPO/APO large-size priority boxes; and you can mail up to 70 lbs for the special military rate of $15.85 when you send to an FPO address.  Here's the link:  https://store.usps.com/store/browse/uspsProductDetailMultiSkuDropDo... and go to "Select Format" at right to choose 10 or 25.   (You get the same rate if you use the regular large priority box btw.)  Be sure to use the full nine-digit ZIP code when mailing to his FPO address or it won't get delivered.

This group has a ton of good ideas in the Comments and in the Discussions, it's a fun group and we'll help you with getting familiar with customs forms (easy) - http://navyformoms.com/group/carepackageideas

Comment by Forever proud on June 28, 2014 at 11:37pm

Marcy those look nice! Do the bunks have some kind of clip on reading lamp or do you think it eould be useful? I would think where he is at he wouldnt need a blanket either, but maybe they keep berthing quarters cold. But he needed his dress blues also. Weird. How often do they get mail?

Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on June 28, 2014 at 10:26pm

Different ships have different rules.  If I were in your shoes, I'd send a lightweight, washable twin blanket in a neutral color like light blue.  My son was deployed during hot summer months, so his need was a fan, not a blanket!  But he did buy a thin foam topper for his rack mattress.

 Another thing that's very popular with sailors is called a "Navy Rackpack."  These are rack-darkening curtains with storage pockets that hang inside the issued curtain.  Pat, the owner of the company, answers questions personally, and will tell you if your son's command allows them and what size to order if you don't see his ship listed on the website.  Your sailor's last name is embroidered on the curtain for free, too.  Here's the link:  http://www.navyrackpacks.com.  Pat might have some more insight regarding the blanket question, too.  If you talk to her, tell her I said Hi!  She's super nice.

Comment by Forever proud on June 28, 2014 at 12:54pm

My son has asked me to send him a blanket for his bed, but he didnt specify what kind. Anyone know if there are any rules or guidelines regarding bedding? Size, color, fabric, weight...anything like that?

Comment by ChambosMom on June 19, 2014 at 6:06pm

Tenn Navy Mom, you are very welcome.   I've seen pics of the training.   They have been very busy.   I hear from him but his girlfriend hears from him more. 

Comment by Up&Down on June 19, 2014 at 4:56pm

This Iraqi situation scares me for all the men and women in the military.

With that being said.....ladies we need to be cautious of what our sailors are doing, where they are etc.  And, especially dates!

We don't want to jeopardize their mission(s)

Comment by Forever proud on June 19, 2014 at 3:44pm

TNM - we were correct.  My son is going to be on the same ship as your son.  He just got his travel orders today and will be flying out to meet them this weekend.  Any info and updates will be greatly appreciated.  This is his first deployment (he joined in November '13) and he is scared.

Comment by ChambosMom on June 19, 2014 at 2:01pm

Tenn Navy Mom, my son is on the USS Bataan also.  I've heard from twice this week via email.   I know his girlfriend got a call yesterday.   He emails and calls her more than me.  I know they have been in and out of River City frequently. 

kdbgtn, it is a vety scary time and all we can do is be positive

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