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Comment by Vickie - Rooney's mom on May 20, 2009 at 4:28pm

Thanks for the hints, Pillow. I'm thrilled to be able to go on the Stennis TC soon. I looked at the pics on your page, it looks like the experience of a lifetime. Can't wait!

Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on May 20, 2009 at 10:29am

Nick's Mom-have an awesome time! A couple of things: travel as light as you can, cause it is a long way to the berthings. I took more clothes than I needed, but I just didn't know. And too big of a suitcase. Remember, long pants only and enclosed shoes.
I brought 1 pair of open toes type plastic type sandals, that I could wear socks with, wear on the beach no socks and wear in the showers.
Also, bring sweatpants and heavy t-shirt to sleep in. The berthings are cold! When you go to the heads, you must be covered -you will go out in the hallway and guys are out there. I brought a flannel shirt to wear as a robe-it could double as a jacket if need be.
If you have a bottom rack, they are about 8 inches off the ground, so you get in on your stomach and then turn over. I had to get down on my left knee and then slide in. I learned to get out the same way. haha.
The days begin early. I tried to get up before the sailors to use the showers. Didn't want to get in their way.
Will you spend much time in Hawaii before boarding the ship? We got to stay at the navy lodge on Ford Island. And go to the NEX if you can. It is huge and really cool looking.
As far as dad's on a lease. We got really cool tours every day and air shows. They keep the "tigers" well entertained.
And ladies, the female heads are few and far between. Ask your female sailor to show those to you pretty fast. My son's squadron didn't give us a map, but some did. Once I got a handle on those, I was good to go.
It is the ultimate cruise, an experience of a lifetime! I hope you love it as much as I did. There is nothing like being on that flight deck with the wind in your face and the blue ocean surrounding you. And this from the woman who was scared to go (not fond of water), but determined!

Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on May 19, 2009 at 12:33pm

My son is on the Lincoln (72) when he deploys,. Mayellen, check out my page. I have pictures from tiger cruise last fall. It is awesome. Barbara, glad to hear you are going!

Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on May 11, 2009 at 1:11am

I did, from a very handsome 7 year boy!

Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on May 5, 2009 at 12:51am

got to watch one of those on the tiger cruise. that's our mail!

Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on April 29, 2009 at 10:16pm

My son goes on the carrier with his squadron also.

Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on April 10, 2009 at 9:17am

Marianne, I can so relate to the map on the wall. It didn't do me any good if I couldn't take it along (short memory? haha). Some squadrons made maps for their tigers, so mention that to your son and see if his chief can do something like that.
well, is sure is easy to get turned around. And then there were 4 different messes that we could eat in. YIKES! there is actually 7 on the ship.
But once I figured out where something was, I was good. On one of the tours, we got "bogged" down in the welding shop. I happened to know where we were, so I mentioned to a couple of moms that I was heading for the female head., I had a parade of followers.

The best advice I can give is to pay attention where you are going. Look around at your surroundings. Just be careful of that on the hanger bay, so you don't trip over a very large chain holding down very large boxes-in other words, keep your head out of the clouds. ahah. guess who did that?

Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on April 9, 2009 at 8:28pm

it sure is! I got into a few places that I shouldn't have been on the tiger cruise. But everyone was helpful. And after awhile if you learn the numbering and lettering of the decks, then it's pretty easy. Still wish I had a map though.
Virginia, your son will love it. tell to start practicing stairs. I did that for a month before we went and it really helped my legs.

Comment by Vickie - Rooney's mom on March 22, 2009 at 11:29am

Check with your son before you buy the rack pack. I bought my son one and then he didn't want it. I've got it hanging on his bunk bed at home.

Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on March 21, 2009 at 11:35pm

I didn't know about the rack pack either. I agree with Marianne. Let your son ask. They do have to be able to carry whatever they have. I was really shocked at all of the stuff the air wing sailors were leaving behind when the deployment was over. And unfortunately, unless another sailor wants the items, they are tossed.
and the bed is twin size, just in case you do something.

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