Comment

Comment by Rebecca on August 10, 2012 at 1:14pm

I know where Bristol is! Small world! I grew up just outside of State College. Our first assignment with the AF was McGuire AFB in NJ. It was literally surrounded by corn fields. My son has posted son pictures from Bahrain already, it just LOOKS hot there. lol

Comment by chriscwick on August 9, 2012 at 7:18pm

This was on Facebook today;

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release #118-12

Eisenhower, CVW-7 Commence OEF Missions

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller, Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, embarked aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), began flying the first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Aug. 9.

These missions will provide direct support to coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan. The support includes electronic warfare, close-air support, airborne command and control, and reconnaissance.

"Air-support missions are intended to degrade terrorist activities, diminish the influence of the Taliban and improve security to encourage economic prosperity in the region," said Capt. Samuel J. Paparo, CVW-7 commander. "We bring a wide range of capabilities to coalition forces in Afghanistan and take pride in the fact that we are working with them to establish security and stability there. Every squadron has trained thoroughly for these missions, and now it is time to execute."

Since 2009, U.S. Navy aircraft have averaged about 5,000 close-air support missions per year in support of OEF.

Eisenhower joins the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), which has been operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility since April.

While air support will be the primary focus in support of OEF, Eisenhower and other CSG surface ships can also achieve a robust set of missions in support of regional maritime security.

"Our mission is to set the conditions for economic prosperity, which encompasses ensuring maritime security of all commercial sea lanes," said Rear Adm. Michael Manazir, commander, Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. "The versatility of our capabilities and vitality of our Sailors allows us to be flexible and agile at all times."

Manazir stressed how critical every Sailor of the carrier strike group is to mission success, from flight deck personnel, to the pilots, to the engineers.

"Everyone has a role and everyone does it exceptionally well," said Manazir. "I am extremely proud of the Sailors that compose this strike group and I am certain that each will perform at the highest caliber possible."

CVW-7 is composed of the "Bluetails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121, the "Patriots"of Electronic Attach Squadron 140, the "Rampagers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, the "Jolly Rogers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, the "Wildcats" VFA 131, the "Puking Dogs" of VFA 143, and the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 5.

Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting maritime security operations and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

Comment by Rebecca on August 9, 2012 at 12:23am

Hi again! As of just a few minutes ago, he is safe on the ground in Bahrain...while it is close to 10 PM in CO, it is 6:30 AM there and according to him, about 100 degrees. I think I might actually sleep tonight, knowing he has boots safe on the ground. How awesome that your kids are roomies!

I am originally from PA, born an raised there. Married my high school sweetheart, who was in the Air Force and has since retired We decided to make CO our home,,,our kids consider the Rocky Mountain West "home". While I don't miss the humidity of the east coast...some rain out here would be great!

I am so grateful for this website! Thank you all for your advice an support! 

Comment by paces on August 8, 2012 at 8:31pm

Hello, Ladies... Sorry I have been gone for a while. I have been keeping up on the conversations though. My computer has been acting up and we started back to school last week, so I have been swamped also.

Rebecca... I agree with NavyMom. You will feel much better once he gets there. I was in meetings while he was in the air and it was torture. I kept him on my mind the whole time. Will keep you in our prayers. Ours has been there nearly 3 weeks. He left on July 17. He has adjusted pretty well, I think. Mine and NavyMom's sons are roommates. I think that is just awesome. 

NavyMom...We are in Georgia.  I can totally sympathize with you about the hot muggy days. We have had rain for nearly a week now and it has been such a relief. We have been in a severe drought for nearly a year. Heard from JP today. He needs his college transcripts. Not sure for what, but I am sending them as soon as we get them. I hope he doesn't need official ones.

LadyHamilton... Welcome.

Have a good evening. Hugs and prayers everyone. Susan

Comment by Navymom on August 8, 2012 at 7:54pm

Nice that he is calling. My son did the same and it was good to know where he was at each stage of the journey. We just got home from Colorado Springs last Tuesday. We were there visiting our niece who just had a new baby. It is beautiful there. I loved the dry weather. We live in New England and it get quite muggy here in August.

Comment by Rebecca on August 8, 2012 at 1:48pm

I can remember when we moved to England, years ago, and the time change was quite an adjustment. Right now he is on a layover in Naples, the next stop is Crete, then Bahrain.

He has been calling at each stop, the first one came at 4:10 AM :) our time.(we live in Colorado) He said he has slept almost the whole time...wonder how that will affect his adjusting to the time there.

Comment by Navymom on August 8, 2012 at 1:20pm

Rebecca - Yes, if I remember correctly, he had the first several days off. The other issue is to adjust to the time change. We live on the east coast so Bahrain is 7 hours ahead of us. It was a little bit of a struggle for Adam to get his days and nights straightened out. He would call us in the middle of the night(his night) because he couldn't sleep. In a few days, he straightened out. Let us know when your son gets there. Keeping busy is a good idea! :-)

Comment by Rebecca on August 8, 2012 at 12:32am

Wow! 23 hours! Oh my, I hope that they are given some tim e to regroup and catch up on rest when they get there! I suspect that once he is safely on the ground there I will start to relax, as I type this he is in the air. Keeping busy is key right now. 

@KathyB-NavyforMoms makes the world a smaller place...it sounds like chances are very good that hey might run into each other. I am not sure what he will be doing at the start, but I do know that he is attached to the clinic there. They Navy "stuff" is all still so new to me! :)

Comment by Navymom on August 7, 2012 at 9:28pm

Rebecca - Yes, my son is in Bahrain. He left on June 26 so has been there almost 2 months. The trip was about 23 hours in order to get there. He stopped in several other countries along the way and called to let us know where he was. My son keeps in touch quite a bit, so that helps. I know it is difficult but once he gets there and settles in, you will probably feel better.

Comment by Rebecca on August 7, 2012 at 5:40pm

@Navymom-His graduation was September 9th. He was in Div. 298. I though that him going through Boot Camp was tough, but having him go that far away is a whole new level of stress. 

I assume your son in in Bahrain, if so, how long?

Mine leaves tonight, just before midnight. 

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• …
• 149
• 150
• 151
• 152
• 153
• …
• 259
• Next ›
• Page