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Comment by lnaipaul on April 11, 2012 at 9:57am

Hi Arons Mom,

 

             Just keep sending positive letters. Dive prep is where they weed the weak out before going to panama city. I am sorry to say it like that so forgive me. They do get the weekends off which is great. They have to learn alot mentally and physically. I skype my son on weekends while at dive prep. Reception is tough but it worked. I also made two trips when he was in dive prep and stayed at keylime gove. Its an indoor waterpark and hotel. He loved it and i also took him to the spa. I sent goodies and lots of protein bars and canned soups, tuna whatever you can put in a microwave. They do have that in their room. My son would give the other boys some of his snacks. They do become a family. The dive community is very close and small . I know the training is very tough but when they graduate they are the most elite divers in the world with the best training. Hope this helps

Comment by AaronsMom (Ship 04, Div 811) on April 11, 2012 at 8:57am

CaronMS and Zenda: Thank you so much for replying.  I am so excited for his adventure!  I have told him what you've both said in my current letter to him. I am so thankful for this site and people like you!

Comment by Zenda 04/823 on April 10, 2012 at 7:42am

We went to Panama City this past weekend and had SUCH A GREAT TIME with our son. He's in such a great frame of mind. He looks great, feels great, and he can see the end of the tunnel. He has such a great "brotherhood" in Panama City. I'm so VERY PROUD of them all!!!! My heart was smiling the entire time we were there!!! If it's Gods will, they will all pass...and we'll be there to watch our son and his brotherhood graduate.

AaronsMom...welcome! It will be a long road for your son, and his family....but, it is all worth it!! Our son is in Panama City now, talk about dedication and hard work, mentally and physically...but if you ask our son...he would also say "it's all worth it" If your son stays focused on his dream - he will see his dream become reality. Each phase is different than the last. At times, our son had said, he wished he had been back in boot camp. Yes, it was that challenging, again...mentally & physically. I think it may take a little stubborn side for our son's to make it. LOL. It's pure determination in chasing their dreams.

Comment by CaronMS ND Mom on April 6, 2012 at 12:30pm

AaronsMom, I don't really want to say it's easier, but the initial pressures of boot camp will be replaced with the pressures of continuing to grow and improve.  Yes, he will have more "freedom" but the days are long and difficult (he won't have any difficulty at all sleeping).  They have to keep their heart and head in the game to keep moving forward to the next phase.  He will ahve to keep proving himself.  Just keep telling him it's all worth it, that's what my sailor has told me.  To get to your dream, it's all worth it.

Comment by AaronsMom (Ship 04, Div 811) on April 6, 2012 at 12:01pm

Is dive prep "easier" than boot camp?  As far as freedom and amount of sleep?  My son is in boot camp, extremely sleep-deprived, and I'd like to give him something to look forward to.

Comment by shoeshuffler13 on April 3, 2012 at 10:48pm

Aarons Mom,

Welcome! My son had time to spend with us immediately after PIR, about an hour or so.  Then he had to report back to the ship/barracks to pack up and move.  We were told it could take up to 6 hours, but he called at 3:30 p.m.that afternoon and was ready to be picked up. He had to be back in his compartment by 9 p.m. that night.  On Saturday and Sunday they were able start liberty very early, I think it was 5 a.m. and didn't have to be back again until 9 each night. 

 I"ve asked him if he wants any Airborne or vitamin C; protein powder or bars and he asked me not to send any and said they are very strict about any type of "supplements". 

Hope this helps you a little.

Comment by lnaipaul on April 3, 2012 at 2:28pm

Aarons Mom ,

 

          Welcome,

 

                         Yes you can give him his stuff only when he goes over to dive prep. I had to mail my sons computer and some clothes when he moved over. You cannot give them before they offically move across the street. In dive prep their workouts are tough so I mailed protein bars, drinks, vitamins and lots of airborne. The weather is crazy in chicago. Takecare

Comment by AaronsMom (Ship 04, Div 811) on April 3, 2012 at 11:05am

I would love to know more about dive prep and what to expect.  My son is in boot camp now with a diver contract (PIR 5/4/12).  He said they told him he will only get 3 hours liberty after PIR since he has to go to dive prep.  Can I bring his backpack and phone/computer to him to give him after PIR? 

Comment by txmom on March 31, 2012 at 1:07pm

I have attached pictures that were taken of the Sr. class at dive school.  They were published on the Navy media web site.web_120321-N-DA827-110.jpgweb_120321-N-DA827-033.jpgweb_120321-N-DA827-039.jpg

 

Comment by Zenda 04/823 on March 27, 2012 at 5:16am

DiverMom....that was beautiful, I'm sitting here with tears in my of pure pride! Our son is currently in Panama City, and we couldn't be more proud of him chasing his dream! Well....I know the pride we feel now is just the "tip of the ice burg" Hugs to each and everyone of you and your divers!! :)

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