Comment

Comment by Joy on June 12, 2011 at 10:21am

Good morning, AC~ 

Your sailor has the date and is best able to share it with you by referencing dates known to your family (e.g., "your anniversary date plus 6"), which would not violate OPSEC rules.  The date looks as firm as the Navy can get.

If you need to reach your sailor, Terrie (Ombudsman) is the best option for sending a request for contact.

J.

 

 

 

Comment by AC on June 12, 2011 at 5:08am

I think that Christine's idea of having a N4M-get-together is fantastic!

I would love to be there and meet you all, but I am not sure I can make it. I will be teaching in Vermont and I would need to know asap the exact homecoming date in order to have a subsitute and purchase flight ticket. Up to now, everything is still up in the air for me, unfortunately, until the moment I can receive exact information.  Greetings to all

Comment by Joy on June 11, 2011 at 10:35am

Update:

 

Naval Base San Diego procedure requires that the following information be submitted *only* for those who do not have a valid military ID card:

* Sponsor's name

* Names of visitors

* If operating a POV: Description of vehicle as well as license plate number

* Driver's name and driver's license number.

(If renting or arriving via taxi/shuttle, then "rental" or "taxi" will suffice).

 

My understanding is that there has been some informal polling among crew members thus far -- but that a formal, all-crew/all-family communication hasn't been sent yet. 

 

The base access list is submitted the week prior to Homecoming.

On the day of the event, each adult shows photo ID and gate guards will check names against the "list". 

 

Just to be clear, if you have a DoD card, then you do not need to worry about being on the list.

 

Comment by Joy on June 10, 2011 at 9:02am

Dear Christine and All ~  It is a free country and you can, of course, make any arrangements that you wish to assemble.  I will again request, however, that you give some consideration to planning an event that can be open to *all* GRIDLEY family members.  This would require working with the FRG and/or Homecoming Coordinator as well as Command Master Chief Adams.  I would love to participate but would not feel right about attending if the occasion is not available -- and publicized -- to all families. 

Christine, did you approach either Sue or Priya about planning a Reception for Arriving Family Members?

Comment by Joy on June 10, 2011 at 8:23am

AC~ The homecoming date can best be shared with you by your sailor.  OPSEC (operation security) rules make it difficult for folks to divulge specific dates on the internet (or any electronic means).  

At this time, I would doubt that specific timing has been established.  Port operations are determined by a variety of issues, including tugs, pier spaces, other ships' needs, et cetera so any specific clock-time would be just a guess this far in advance.  Right now it should not feel like everyone has a specific location and time in mind and isn't sharing it.  There is only a pretty likely date and a very general place. 

Monicasmom~ Your mother should be able to be on the pier.  Sometime in the next several weeks, there will be a series of e-mails that will solicit information about those who do not have a Dept. of Defense ID card and wish to be present.  There will be an e-mail and a reminder and a last-call.  That list will be submitted to base security.  I do not believe there will be a hard-copy "pass" distributed. 

 

All~ I'd like to propose that as soon as anyone in this group receives information about the base-access procedure, then please re-post the text here.  The following folks will distribute the information: 

Homecoming Coordinator:  gridleyhomecoming@live.com

Command Ombudsman:  ussgridley@gmail.com

Family Readiness Group:  gridleyfrg@gmail.com

To join any of these lists, simply send an e-mail request to be added to their contact lists.

 

Hope this helps...I realize it is anxiety-provoking to not have definitive information well in advance.  There is a team of folks working on how to collect this information and there will be some back-up plans so that folks are not left at the gate.  Try not to worry this far ahead...if you're connected here, you are ahead of the curve! :)

J.

Comment by AC on June 10, 2011 at 12:59am

Dear all,

I want to express my gratitude to N4M where I always found information, suggestions, consolation and joy during my first experience with " deployment".

This is an exeptionally precious forum!

I see there are plans for homecoming, but I still do not know when it will occur. May we know? Thanks again to you all

Comment by Joy on June 9, 2011 at 8:23am

Karla,  That's good to hear...thank you for letting us know that things are going well and there's a reasonable chance of being all-together for the occasion. :-)

 

Christine, did you receive information about the Homecoming Coordinator?  If you haven't, it's Sue and to get involved, please e-mail her at gridleyhomecoming@live.com   The day before will be rather late to impact Homecoming at that point.  Sue is booking a band, ordering food, etc. now.  I should also note that Homecoming is a ship's function so it is appropriate to work alongside Sue -- not plan in isolation from her.  I know she's open to suggestions so please don't hesitate to send her any ideas you may have.

 

The FRG has been working to support Homecoming, too.  An informal gathering could be a nice way for folks coming from out-of-town to meet one another or pass a bit of those last 24-hours of waiting.  Of course, we will be spending several hours together on the pier, visiting and waiting the very next day.  Folks will be flying or driving in at various times the day before so it might be a bit challenging (but not impossible) to accommodate schedules and find a convenient location.  It may be wise to bring your idea to the FRG for assistance in publicizing your event to *all* families who might be traveling to SD.  I would feel less-than-great about a sailor's mom or spouse arriving on the pier and overhearing that some folks attended a meet-and-greet when that person wasn't included because she wasn't on N4M.  Homecoming should produce a feeling of togetherness, unity, and celebration.  Please consider working with Sue or Priya (the FRG president) to organize such an event. 

Your creativity is awesome! :)  Please keep us posted...

J.

Comment by Joy on June 8, 2011 at 3:26pm

Karla, How is your daughter-in-law doing?  I keep thinking about her and hoping that your son makes it home in time.  :) J

Comment by Melisa on June 8, 2011 at 8:55am

My son called too last night!  It was so good to hear from him.  I am so proud of all our sailors & VERY happy they are back home!

 

Comment by Melisa on June 5, 2011 at 9:18am

Thanks so much Joy!  I haven't heard anything from my sailor in awhile & am just dying to know when they will be home! :)  I tried to use my wording carefully as not to jepordize the OPSEC.  Thanks again Joy for your reply.  I guess no news is good news! :( Meanwhile I will just try to be patient. I'll sure be one happy mama when they return!

 Blessings to you & your family, Melisa

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