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Comment by BunkerQB on November 18, 2014 at 4:01pm

We didn't send our son any half way packages - ever. They are big boys - they'll survive if they don't get anything.The ombudsman gets to decide how she/he wants to communicate with you since she/he & other volunteers do the work. Don't sweat it.

Comment by Kaye S. on November 18, 2014 at 1:33pm

NAVY CULTURE LESSON:

The "Crow's Nest"

Ravens ("crows") were an essential part of the Vikings' navigation equipment. These land-lubbing birds traveled with a ship and when weather prevented sighting the shore, were released to locate the nearest land. The navigator plotted a course corresponding to the bird's flight path, because the crow invariably headed towards land.

The Norsemen place the birds’ cage near the top of the mast. As ships grew larger and taller, sightlines improved such that birds could be replaced with a human lookout. The tub where he stood his watch was located high on the main mast, where the "crow's nest" had once been.

While today’s Navy still uses lookouts, it relies more on high-tech electronics for bearings and sightings. But, the "crow's nest" lives on in naval culture and lore.

Comment by Rebecca K. (SHIP13DIV247) on November 18, 2014 at 3:34am

Phoebs- I find it odd if you only have your Ombudsman's 'snail' mail address. At the moment I have two Ombudsman. Both of them provided me with a phone number to reach them and an email address. The short explaination for this is because my son is assigned to the USS Alexandria. Yet a the moment he is Deployed on the USS Florida. He is considered a 'rider' and no a permenate part of the crew. I found a link that will help you find your Ombudsman. Hopefully, you can receive her/his phone number and email address. Here is the link. http://www.ombudsmanregistry.org  Click on the link and it will take you to the map of the United States. Click on the state your son is stationed at. Then you will be taken to a new page. Scroll down the list and find your son's boat. If your having difficulties the is a Support Center located at the bottom of the page. To answer some of your questions. No the Ombudsman does not always change when the boat goes underway or on deployment. They do change from time to time. The Ombudsman is a volunteer that helps us stay connected to what is going on with the boat and our loved ones. If you go to Google and put this link in the search box navyformoms.com/group/whatsanombudsmanandhowtocontactthem

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You should find a description of what an Ombudsman does. Don't worry about asking a lot of questions. That what we are here for to help each other out. I hope I've help you a little bit. *HOPEFULLY THE OTHER LADIES AND GENTLEMEN MAYBE ABLE TO ANSWER YOU QUESTIONS BETTER THAN I CAN.  I'm fairly new compare to some other Moms on this site. The only person who can tell you if there maybe a mail drop on your son's boat is the Ombudsman. If your son is on a Bummer, as far as I know, mail drops are very rare. Yet if he is on an Attack Sub mail drops are not a problem. There are  a few at least. Again I hope this helps you. *Take care. Oh, before I forget make sure you son asks the Ombudsman for you and your family to be on His Contact List. That way you should be informed of possible port calls or upcoming mail drops.

Comment by CO-TwinSalorsMom on November 16, 2014 at 11:51pm

Thanks Mark, I can see that in my son the last year. He can fix anything. Last summer he was working on his old truck and swapped out a bumper that had damage with a new one. Things I never thought I would see my x box addicted son doing. This has been the best thing for him. Makes me proud. Just wish I would hear from him more before he is under the sea.

Comment by Mark on November 16, 2014 at 7:23pm

CO-Twin's story about the coffee machine breaking reminded me of one of the advantages of submarines.  Something life supporting, like a coffee machine, or the washer and dryer, don't stay broke more than a few hours, cuz the "Chop", or Supply Officer, knows to stock spare parts for those, and the nucs can fix anything. 

Comment by Mark on November 16, 2014 at 7:17pm

The only way a stainless steel (nice) french press would be a problem is if he has to hot rack.  That's three guys sharing two racks, if the term is new.  There is also storage space available to his division (sonar, radio, fire control etc...).  He'll have less access to this as a nub, though.  I'd say the 'odds are in your favor'.

Comment by CO-TwinSalorsMom on November 16, 2014 at 5:35pm

Not stupid at all. I believe if he can fir it in his sea bag that would work. Starbucks has a SS travel mug one that is tall but not big around. My other twin is on a destroyer and he brought a glass one on board. He was VERY popular as the galley coffee machine broke. He had his french press and fresh ground starbucks that I would send.

Comment by Phoebs on November 16, 2014 at 1:43pm

Thank you Rebecca K.  I will try to contact her via mail.  The only contact I have for her is the mailing address she gave me otherwise it was the no-reply text which she sent.. It appears they only have one mail drop during the time they are out or do you think they will possible have another through the holidays.  Does the Ombudsman change each time they go out or is it the same person?  I'm sorry for all the questions, once I'm through this the first time I will know the questions to ask my son.  Thanks for you all your help.  

Comment by Rebecca K. (SHIP13DIV247) on November 16, 2014 at 2:32am

Phoebs- I suggest that you talk your Ombudsman and explain your dilemma. Maybe she can offer you some alternatives. You could always ask if you could send her a small package for your son (full of nonperishable items) and ask her if it would be possible for her to store it for you? Then if and when there is a mail drop she, the Ombudsman, can send of your package to your son. I don't know if she/he will do it, but it doesn't hurt to ask. I hope she/he will be willing to do this for you. My last Ombudsman was very helpful and she offer to do it for our family. Best of Luck. <3

Comment by ProudNavyMom#1 on November 15, 2014 at 4:31am

Nona Donna, thank you for the info!! WOW it's amazing how little sand molecules can clean the air while they are underway.  Amine smell. I'll have to remember that one. Thank you for posting the link to the explanation.  God bless us all

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