Comment

Comment by JLmom(Lisa) on August 17, 2011 at 9:20pm

Hello Ladies, My son will be joining the Tortuga sometime in Sept. I was in his PIR group through BC, what an awesome support group, but had no idea this group was here until I googled "the Tortuga" I am glad I found this site. I hope to get to know all of you and share "what we can" about our sailors.

 

To you ladies who have sailors turning 21, mine did in BC, still waiting to celebrate with him. I hope it can be soon.

 

 

Comment by beatrizm (Ship04 Div192) on August 15, 2011 at 2:09pm

Wismama, When is your son heading to the Tortuga?  They are in dry dock right now undergoing repairs, but I believe they will be heading out again some time in September.  My daughter is a GM on the Tortuga, and just finished her CS rotation last week.

Keep in mind that they don't have much storage space, so big items are not a plus.  My daughter appreciates magazines (she can pass them on or toss when she's done with them), food (just be careful how you package it; brownies made it fine, banana bread not so much).  I just sent my daughter shampoo that she can't find over there because the water on the ship turns her blonde hair green.  

I've heard some parents send NEX gift cards, that helps them out with things they can purchase.  A phone card might be a good idea, too.  Tell him to check out the offers from cell phone providers over there, they offer better deals than if they use their cell phones from home.  

Also, the time difference can make it difficult to communicate.  My daughter usually calls me in the mornings (evening for her over there).  And when they are at sea, they have limited access to computers for instant messaging for skyping.

Another thing, winter can be fairly cold, and they keep the ship cold, too, so long johns might be a good idea.  That said, we are from Florida, so what might be really cold for my daughter might not be for your son. :)

Good luck to you and fair winds and following seas to your son.

 

Comment by wismama (CS mom) on August 14, 2011 at 11:41pm

Hi all! My son has been assigned to the Tortuga after A school, so of course I am new. Any tips on stuff that would be useful would be greatly appreciated. He is a CS and my first to enlist in the navy.

Comment by POMOM575 on August 11, 2011 at 12:34am

Hi LadyBug,

I am glad I can help. Yes, you can send food, just be sure to package it securely. I sent my son chips & a couple plastic liters of soda that he didnt have available. He said he recieved them with no problem...just be detailed on the customs form.

I am glad your son is settling in!

Sorry about the delay, I don't get on the computer much...usually twice a month to pay bills =~) 

Comment by POMOM575 on August 4, 2011 at 2:28am

HI Rebecca,

My son came home before leaving for Tortuga  in June, then again for Christmas.  We have not seen our him since.  He said he will be home around the holidays.  But, I am not sure if all sailors have the same experiences.  Also, his mail has taken any where from  2 1/2 weeks to 1 1/2 month, but they were underway. I have yet to purchase insurance or first class and may packages have always arrived in a reasonable amount of time. Hope this is helpful.

Comment by POMOM575 on July 17, 2011 at 11:49pm

not sure what happened to my comment-

Hi LadyBug, I have a son in engineering and has been on Tortuga for 1 year already; wow has time flown by. Boy do I miss him though. He explained their "Racks" are lined up in rows like on a train. The racks are made of metal and three sided, it is 6ft long by shoulder wide and high, there is a curtain they pull across after they get in for privacy. He said it didn't take him to long to get use to it, then again once he is comfortable he has always stayed in one place. 

I am sure your son will adjust well, they are a good group of sailors. Welcome!

Comment by beatrizm (Ship04 Div192) on June 28, 2011 at 2:41pm

Susie, It was nice to have you along for the visit.  Fair winds and following seas to him, too.

Comment by rockymtnmom on June 16, 2011 at 9:51am

POMOM575, You're right - our sons sound like they have similar personalities.  I don't want him to get into trouble by saying too much, but am certainly looking forward to his return home.  I'll grill him then!!  LOL! 

Comment by POMOM575 on June 16, 2011 at 1:31am

rockymtnmom, it is funny my son is vague and has a camera, but doesnt say much or take pictures. Thank goodness for his shipmates. You and I sound like we are in the same boat LOL! Even when he comes home is isnt a talker.  I know that he is a simple and kind hearted guy...but always the silent type. He did tell me a few people were in trouble for revealing too much information on FB. And he always says...Mom it is best to learn from others mistakes than to get in trouble... But I do miss his voice, he never calls.

Comment by rockymtnmom on June 9, 2011 at 1:07pm

Susie-Mom, I'll be happy to follow my son via your son's sharing!  All 4 of mine are different, but it would be the only one in the military who shares the least.  It works for the job he does, but I sometimes feel as though I'm trying to pull the words out of him.  Still, I'm happy with every little crumb!

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• …
• 18
• 19
• 20
• 21
• 22
• …
• 25
• Next ›
• Page