Comment

Comment by KatG on March 20, 2011 at 10:53am

@ Vita3 -  expect the unexpected.  Our son stayed in SD for about 1 1/2 weeks before meeting up with his ship in Saipan.  Three days later his ship was off to Japan for relief efforts.  Communication is very limited.  We received our first call this morning at 3:00 a.m. and it was heaven to hear his voice.   Make sure you contact your son's ship's ombudsman so you can have updates via email from the command.  These have been such a relief and you still feel connected without jeapordizing the sailors' safety.   As for my sailor, he feels exhausted but feels so gratified knowing they are helping the people in Japan.  In fact, he and his fellow sailors donated their own personal warm clothing to the Japanese people.   I'm so proud of the C-ville!

Comment by vita3 on March 20, 2011 at 9:24am

My son just graduated A school and is headed to San Diego where they will fly him to his ship.  What can we expect?

Comment by cathyo Ship 11 Div 063 on March 18, 2011 at 8:41pm

Thank you, Marianne. 

Comment by MarianneKT's Mom on March 18, 2011 at 8:29pm

The USS Essex is an LHD2 - it's the only forward deployed amphibious asssult ship.  Whenver it is deployed, it goes to Okinawa and picks up the Marines from the 31st MEU.  Last year they had the huge inspection that is done about every 4 years, so they were in port more.  This year it was expected to be 300 days.  Of course, with the relief efforts, their schedule will probably change.  My daughter was assigned to the Essex for 3 years.   Our 2 bases are in Sasebo and Yokosuka.  The GW (George Washington) is the carrier in the 7th fleet.  Yes, they will get leave.  The first year Katie arrived in April and was home over Christmas.  Last year she was home over New Year's.  It all depends on the ship and their schedule from what I understand.  When he comes home on leave - it is his $$ from Japan. 

Comment by cathyo Ship 11 Div 063 on March 18, 2011 at 8:05pm

Thank you Marianne and Maggs.  I was trying hard to listen closely but not sure I got it right.  I think he said something like LHD carrier?  He called it a floating city.  It would transport marines.  I asked him name of base, but he couldn't remember.  He would text me later with more info.  I'm new to the navy family so there is a lot for me to learn.  Can you help me?  Does being on a carrier mean that he will mostly be out to sea and not stop at ports.  Where do they go to from Japan?  Will he be stationed there is 4 years that he signed up for?  Over the years, does he get leave to come home?  Will he have to pay for full airfare from Japan to New York? 

 

I know that he will love learning a new culture.  My husband was born and raised in Hawaii (he's phillipino/chinese/spanish and german/english/indian.  And I think that my son has always been interested in learning a new culture.  He loves sushi and raw fish.  Actually, he'll try anything!    I think that he will see this as an adventure.  He is very adaptable.

 

Thank you for any information you can provide.

Comment by MarianneKT's Mom on March 18, 2011 at 7:32pm

cathyo - Welcome!  Does your son know which ship in Japan?  My daughter serves on the USS Essex out of Sasebo. 

Comment by cathyo Ship 11 Div 063 on March 18, 2011 at 7:07pm

My son called me in between classes today to let me know he got his orders.  He's going to Japan.  Choking back my tears, I asked him how he felt about it.  He said at first he was a little disappointed as he hoped for SanDiego.  But he said he heard great things about Japan so he was excited and thought it would be an awesome experience.  He asked me if I was OK.  And I choked again fighting tears telling him I too thought it would be an amazing experience for him.  It's sooo far  :-(

His A school is done mid april.  His orders are for mid may.  But he says he could be on hold for months before he actually goes.  His dad, brother, grandfather are all excited for him.  I guess it's my heart that hasn't quite caught up to the feeling of excitement....but it will.

 

He couldn't talk long.  I can't wait to hear more details. 

Comment by D~W~G on March 13, 2011 at 6:50pm

Thank you Marianne for coming back to this site. Its comforting to know a wiser DC mom is there. So the helio's are targeting hot spots and the strategy begins. What to do first. We need to plan ahead to send or organize special care packages for our fleet of heros. Because gosh, what a job!

My son has his final strand these two weeks he gets the great luxary of going through gas and contamination showers again. But he says its no big deal.

I think differently obviously because it will be for real, sooner then we think. Go NAVY~ Ronald Regan, Blue Ridge, Harpers Ferry, Essex~the whole 7th fleet we ARE STRONG,  They are way past "Lets Roll" I am so impressed and in Awe of our Mighty Ships, more then you know. 

Comment by MarianneKT's Mom on March 13, 2011 at 6:40pm

An aerial view of tsunami damage in an area north of Sendai, Japan. 

Comment by MarianneKT's Mom on March 13, 2011 at 6:23pm

Picture from helo off the Reagan on its way to deliver aid.

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• …
• 31
• 32
• 33
• 34
• 35
• …
• 43
• Next ›
• Page