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Comment by Jess_0411 on May 14, 2011 at 12:01pm

Michelle: My husband and I just moved into an apartment up here, and a bunch of guys on ship have apartments as well, so let me know if you need any recommendations.

Marie: I know that on base there is a place known as the "single sailor" where the guys can go and use the computer, play games, and just let loose. My husband used to go there before we started dating to meet friends and hang out with the other guys in a social, alcohol free setting. My husband isn't a huge drinker either, and he always liked going to the one in Mayport to just hang out. What ship is your son on? Maybe I can get my husband to connect with him. He's a second class, and has been in for four and a half years, and he likes to take new people under his wing and show them the ropes. We just had some new guys from his new ship over last night. It was fun.

Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on May 14, 2011 at 1:03am

by the way, I asked the hostess there if the place gets busy (it was mid-morning) and she laughed and essentially said, are you kidding, the place fills up!!
I was glad to hear it :)

Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on May 14, 2011 at 12:47am

Marie (Keke's mom), not to worry, my son doesn't drink, and there are lots like him.  Here are some thoughts: 

On Norfolk Naval Base at the corner of Gilbert and Bacon Streets (close to gate 2 I think), there is a great recreational place for our sailors called the Wind and Surf Recreation Center. I saw it on my last visit and it's really nice, I was so impressed (I took a pic, below), with billiards, a theater room with 800+ movies, etc etc.  The Rec Center is attached to the Wind and Surf Internet Cafe, which has a Starbucks, lots of flat screen TVs and seating. 

Wind & Surf Internet Café
Location: Building C-9, 9475 Bacon Avenue
Phone: (757) 444-2888
Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Saturday, noon to midnight; Sunday, noon to 11 p.m.

Wind & Sea Recreation Center
Location: Building C-9, first deck, 9475 Bacon Avenue
Phone: (757) 444-4033
Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.;
Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Saturday, noon to midnight. and Sunday, noon to 11 p.m.
Amenities:
Wi Fi internet
Snack Bar
Quarterly theme/holiday parties
Liberty trip sign up
Pool tables
Ping Pong table
Individual TV viewing area
PS2, PS3, Xbox, & Xbox360, Wii with a large game library
UFC & WWE pay per view events
Large theater room with 800+ titles from Navy Motion Picture service
Regular tournaments including Texas Hold 'em  gaming systems

Another idea is to have your son check out the Single Sailor Programs offered by MWR, website:  

https://www.cnic.navy.mil/NorfolkSTA/MWR/Recreation/SSP/index.htm

They offer lots of activities, and can be a good way see the area and meet people.    

It's baseball season, and Norfolk has a AAA baseball team called the Tides that is the farm team for the Baltimore Orioles (pretty cool), and the park is great, set right on the Elizabeth River. http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t568

Hope this helps give him some options!  :)  By the way, if your sailor doesn't have a car, perhaps the family can help him out because it's pretty much essential there.  

Comment by navywife17 on May 14, 2011 at 12:33am

Keke's mom there is a lot of volunteering he could get involved in he can go on base and ask, or even if he doesnt want to do it there the SPCA is always looking for volunteers to help with the animals and they work around the schedule you give them all they ask is that the person takes a orinetation class before beginning, the Aquarium and zoo also have volunteer positions avaliable year round. If those dont work he can always goog volunteer work in the area and it should pop some stuff up. Hope this helps a little and no not everyone drinks and goes to the bar on their free time.  

Comment by ckmom on May 13, 2011 at 10:19pm

You know as long as there happy we have to be happy and sooo very proud of our sailors!!

Comment by ckmom on May 13, 2011 at 9:47pm

marine navy mom,  Curtis says he is doing pretty good so I guess ok.  

I'm doing ok, have my moments where my emotions take over. LOL

He does email me at least once a week.  That helps a lot. 

Thanks for asking, so how are you doing?

Comment by ckmom on May 13, 2011 at 9:23pm

Hi Marie,  I don't know if you remember me from PIR. My son is stationed in Norfolk also.  Right now he is on deployment for 9 months.  His ship is the USS Bataan.

Wish he was here to help your son, I know he would.  Maybe down the road they will meet.

Curtis doesn't know anything about Norfolk yet.  He arrived there in March and a couple days later was told he was going on deployment for 9 months.  So he was there a week then drove his car home and flew back to Norfolk. Left on deployment after that. 

I'm sure there is someone on here that can help you out.

 

Comment by keke's mom (Ship12, Div 262) on May 13, 2011 at 7:53pm

Hello all.  I'm new to this site.  I'm hoping that someone here can help me (my son really).  He was stationed to Norfolk in January, went on a short deployment and is back in port.  His ship is in the yards right now having work done so he's currently living in the yards.  He is getting terribly bored and I think a little depressed right now because he doesn't have any friends.  He is a very personable kid but he doesn't drink and he said that's all everyone does there on their free time.  I've suggested that he speak with clergy or counselors but of course he doesn't think he needs to.  I also suggested he look for volunteer opportunities but he said there aren't any.  Does anybody have any suggestions as to what he can do in the area on his off time.  I can't believe he's the only one around that doesn't drink and hang out in bars but I think because he's down he's not seeing any opportunities available to him.  I'm getting a little worried about him but of course as his mom I'm a little sensitive to his feelings.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!  Oh, my name is Marie.  Thanks.

Comment by Grasshopper on May 12, 2011 at 6:48am

Karen...I know you are so proud of your Sailor and will miss him so much!!  Glad you were able to spend some wonderful time with him before he left!  My Son is an MA stationed waterside at Norfolk so I am very lucky that he doesn't go out right now.  Of course that may change with his next Duty Station in a year.  Anyway, I hang in there and remember your N4M Sisters are here for you!  I have a kid that is sort of an adopted son or surrogate son that's in the Air Force and he left last month for Afghanistan.  I'm able to skype with him about once a week and we are able to email but I do miss him so much!  Our Guys really are special for what they do and the sacrifices they make!!!  Anyway, thoughts and prayers to your Sailor for a safe return.

Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on May 11, 2011 at 12:06am

@Karen J, have a great time tomorrow and take plenty of pics!!  The local TV stations will be covering it, maybe you'll be one of their interviewees, why not?  :)

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