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Comment by susank on July 1, 2011 at 6:33pm

That is soooo exciting. Congratulations! I can't wait until my son gets his. He has a way to go. Does your son call often when he is in WA? You indicated they have pretty bad hours there too. If he has any free time what does he like to do there?

Comment by Renee on June 30, 2011 at 11:53pm

He should be getting them by this August.  I guess that would be three deployments - I don't know how that compares with the average...He was so happy to qualify as officer of the deck a little while back.

Comment by Renee on June 29, 2011 at 9:24pm

Yeah the one that my son takes is one of those mini ones. I don't know about the camera part, but it makes sense, since they can't take them into classified areas on base. I mean there phones have cameras too...

They don't have time for anything.  Always studying and trying to get what sleep possible.

I struggled and struggled what to do for him at Christmas, because he was out to sea at Christmas time. Finally  I sent along a small electronic picture frame with family pictures. I guess they have a way to plug in some electronics.  They have very little room for personal stuff, no privacy to speak of and no real down time except for some sleep.  I don't really know if having a net book would be "worth" the occasional use  - Gosh the Navy seems harsh sometimes - but then I think how blessed we are that these men sacrifice so much to preserve our freedoms and I'm thankful again.

Comment by Renee on June 29, 2011 at 5:05pm

My son has an i-phone, but you're right they don't work in Guam. He gets a disposable phone when he's in Guam or skypes on his little notebook computer. But to do that you have to find free Wifi which he did sometimes. Anyway, when they put into port in Korea he bought a disposable phone there with another officer I think and that worked well for him.  Us too I guess, because we enjoyed the call! Plus his little notebook allowed him to e mail away from the boat - course that all depends on that wifi again.  Hope that helps :)

Comment by susank on June 28, 2011 at 7:58pm

Hi Renee,

We are guessing he is about halfway though his first deployment and maybe they will make a port call. It is only a guess. I know if he can make a call he will do his best. I will let you know if we hear from him. I am getting used to this but it is not easy. He is due back in Guam in mid August. He is blue crew on the Michigan so if you think the gold crew brings it to Guam we may just get to see him. He knew he would have two back to back rides but didn't know how long in between. This is a one time situation we think. After this it should be more like what your son is doing. Like you said everything is subject to change. I am finding a lot of support on the nuke mom's website. Love to talk to you too! You are the one with the closest situation to mine.

Comment by Renee on June 28, 2011 at 11:52am

Susank, since the Michigan is in Dry dock at Bangor right now-- I'm guessing he'll be able to come back to Bangor - but who knows with the Navy, Gold crew could always drive it too Guam before they switch over.  It's crazy isn't it.  Does your son call when they go into port?  They can call when they're off duty and in port. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you too.  It's so hard not to hear from them for so long.

Comment by susank on June 25, 2011 at 11:53pm

Thanks Kendrasue! I have all of my fingers and toes crossed that I will see him for even a minute before he goes back out! I have even considered going to Guam but his airfare was $1150 for a one way ticket!

Comment by Renee on June 25, 2011 at 11:22am

The schedules are pretty consistent as far as I can tell.  Gold crew has been out Dec. Jan. Feb/ and Jun. Jul. and Aug.  But the times actually over lap months somewhat. That is just what it is generally.  That leaves the months of deployment for Blue crew March, April, May/ Sept, Oct. Nov., Just three months at a time. They usually switch crews over in Guam and both crews overlap in Guam for a week or so during the switch over time.  But twice my son has switched crews in Hawaii. 

They also pull into port maybe once or so during their deployment Last Christmas they pulled into Korea on Christmas day...so my best Christmas present was a phone call from my sailor!  (That phone call was the only time I'd heard from him in the 3 month deployment).

 

Comment by Renee on June 25, 2011 at 11:13am

About the housing, I think there is some housing on base, but I know they can get apartments - at least my son has an apartment.

Comment by Renee on June 24, 2011 at 11:57am

Don't worry I doubt it was on purpose, I don't think they can choose their crew - I'm pretty sure it's all assigned.  Gold crew won't actually be out at sea during the Lavender festival,  but they are the crew "on duty" so their time is not much of their own. They change crews somewhere near the end of August.

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