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Comment by KayCee on November 2, 2022 at 7:51pm

OkieMama - my son is stationed in Bremerton and is currently out on his second deployment.  He is an ETN2 and is on a Seawolf class boat.  As WearsLargeHats has mentioned, it is called Silent Service!  My son is not one to communicate much, but during his first deployment I only heard from him three times in seven months. 

He is single, so I made sure he listed me on his Ombudsman forms for his contact.  It is important that he lists you if he is single because that is the only way you will get any information - what little it is...  He rented an apartment in Bremerton with another shipmate.  He actually lives close enough to walk since the traffic on and off base is quite bad.  He was very lucky to find something in Bremerton, but he definitely pays top dollar for it.  Feel free to pm me if you have any questions.

Comment by The Hammer on November 2, 2022 at 7:02pm

OkieMama - My son is an EMN2 on crew with the Jimmy Carter since Jan 2020. When he arrived, he was housed in the barracks at Bangor until he made E5. He is single and rented an apartment in Silverdale for his first year and then moved to Port Orchard and rents a house with two other sailors on JC. I’m happy to share information, insight and experience with you, if you like… just pm me.

Comment by WearsLargeHats on November 2, 2022 at 5:18pm

@OkieMama I think the Jimmy Carter is up in Bangor with the SSBNs. When my son was stationed at Bremerton he had a place halfway to Silverdale that wasn't too expensive. Silverdale is pretty close to the Bangor base. If he is junior (< E4+4) and unaccompanied, I would assume he gets some sort of base housing.
As far as the Sub world, they call it the Silent Service for a reason. On deployment, your son will disappear for weeks on end, and don't assume there will be any way to communicate. On top of that, the Jimmy Carter is a "special projects" boat, so where they go and what they do is something that can be discussed in about 30-50 years. (One of my son's ribbons is a "Navy Expeditionary Medal" that essentially means they went somewhere and did something, and that is about all that can be said about it.)
If your son is not married, make sure he gives your contact info to the Ombudsman, who is usually the spouse of the CO or XO. The Ombudsman and FRG are probably more geared toward spouses and children, but if they know about you there are some things they can share. If they don't know about you, they won't respond to inquiries. There are certain things that can only be told face-to-face.
My son was able to tell us they were going to sea 24-hours in advance. The general rule is to share that with no one until a couple days after they've left. That was for an attack sub. The SSBNs and the Seawolf-class boats are more secretive.

Comment by Shea on October 28, 2022 at 3:02pm

@OkieMama my son’s last duty station was there, he’s currently on shore duty in Virginia Beach. He actually lived in Bremerton and computed to the base, about a 20-25 minute ride. Don’t know if your son will be living off base but rent was much cheaper further out from the base. It’s a nice area but can be overcast and rainy a lot of the time. It’s a short ferry ride to Seattle where there’s lots to do. Best of luck to your son.

Comment by OkieMama on October 27, 2022 at 11:13pm

My son just received his assignment for the Jimmy Carter.  He won't be heading to Washington until next year.  Was wondering about expectations and advice.  New to the Sub world!!

Comment by LindaGirl on July 18, 2022 at 11:29am

Cath Bubblehead, that is way too long for any family not to have seen their loved one. I am so happy for you. The anticipation is always so exciting. I can’t wait to hear from you after you have him back, knowing how happy and blessed you will be. 

Comment by Dawn on July 18, 2022 at 9:48am

My sailor left about a week ago for a short training deployment. I have been praying for all the sailors. This is his first under surface and first deployment. A handful were re-assigned from one boat to another just for training purposes... I am keeping them all in prayer. May the Creator of all keep our minds and hearts stayed on HIM and May HE guide and keep safe our sailors. 

Comment by Cath Bubblehead mom on July 18, 2022 at 9:46am

I look forward to that post too! We are finally getting to see our sailor in a few weeks. It’s been almost 4 years since we last saw him!

Comment by LindaGirl on July 18, 2022 at 9:41am

Thank you all for the prayers for my son while he is on Deployment, just keep them coming and I look forward to the day when I can post that he and his crew are back, home safe on US soil, thanking you all for the prayers that kept him safe. 

Comment by Shea on July 12, 2022 at 7:58pm

LindaGirl prayers to you and your sailor.

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