How to prepare for deployment!

Thank you all! We are headed to VA to see him next weekend I'm taking my oldest with me. She is 8 and so proud loves her Uncle so much. It's going to be bitter sweet.

From what I've heard it's pretty standard, the good news is that it sounds rather safe that way! :)  Here's a group that can probably give you more insight - http://www.navyformoms.com/group/submarinegirlfriendswifesfiances

And they may know of other sub groups on N4M, too....

Hi Christine!  You may get your best answers by posting this question in the Corpsman Moms and Dads and Corpsmen Moms, and http://www.navyformoms.com/group/momswithkidsiniraq groups.  

A lot of the moms here in this group have sailors on ships, vs your son's upcoming deployment.  Best wishes to you and to your son :)

Happy Valentine's Day to all our sailors, wherever they may be :)

Hi all!  Here's a good checklist for single sailors getting ready for deployment (pdf) ~ Single Sailor Deployment Checklist

And another:  Pre-Deployment Checklist for Family Members

For summer, a corpsman mom just gave me this link for cooling bandannas to wear around the head or neck, at uscav.com:  http://www.uscav.com/search.aspx?search=cool+bandanna&tabid=548...

Fun N4M group to join:  Care Package Ideas

Pre-Deployment mode generally means they are packing up and final training is occurring to get ready to deploy....My son's battalion goes into pre-deployment mode about 4-6 weeks before deployment...They don't take leave during that time frame..but are given 1-2 days to store their personal gear...Last deployment in Feb 2011, Tyler was told on Friday morning they were leaving on Sunday...He had less than 24 hours to bring his gear home and return back to base.  We live about 2 1/2 hours from base so it was no problem for him....Others had to find storage units to rent and store their gear or find friends who could store it for them.

Also...Tyler's battalion usually has a pre-deployment fair during that time where they pass out information for families to use during deployment, such as mailing addresses, contact info, ombudsman info, and other pertinent deployment info.

We are going into pre-deployment mode very shortly...returning to the desert until next year.

Just came across this :)  DogsOnDeployment.org - "All Military, All Pets."  

The site says that "Dogs On Deployment is a 501(c)(3) national non-profit which provides a central online database for service members to search for individuals or families who are willing to welcome a Dog On Deployment into their home for the length of their owner's deployment."  

Also - for those of us staying behind - volunteers who meet their requirements can apply to board pets for military members.   

Great idea, wonderful service.  I know military members use Care.com when seeking pet-sitters for short deployments; this could work for those as well as long-term deployments.

My son is getting ready to leave San Diego soon for deployment, my daughter and I along with her Navy JROTC have decided to put together 100 care packages by March, Great right? Until we found out it is 16.95 each to send them unless it's an APO/ FPO address anybody have any suggestions that might help?

The cost to FPO addresses just went up, is now $14.85, or $13.30 if you use Click-N-Ship on usps.com.  

I know; the shipping cost is daunting when sending a large amount.  Where or on what ship is your son deploying?  You can nominate his ship or unit for adoption by the group Molly's Adopt a Sailor: they will cover your postage if you hold a packing party and follow their rules.  However, you'll be in line behind other units and it wouldn't happen as soon as March.  I was the MAS 'mom of the month' for the adoption of the junior enlisted aboard USS Iwo Jima last August, so I know how you feel!  Molly's Adopt a Sailor covered the postage for our mailing from Arizona (60 boxes), and another 100 from several other states. too.  You can order the large-size priority FPO/APO boxes from usps.com in quantities of 10 or 25 to be shipped to you free (click on 'Format' to choose the amount)  - https://store.usps.com/store/browse/uspsProductDetailMultiSkuDropDo...

You'll like this group, too :)  http://www.navyformoms.com/group/carepackageideas

Hi,

Just found this group.  It has been a rough week.  My youngest is serving as a corpsman.  Found out last week, he will be deploying in the fall.  When he went into service, it left my husband and myself in the empty nest stage also.  To say the least,  I am in a state of shock, but trying to maintain some sanity.  I know I must stay in the present because I only have today.  If I let my thoughts wander to far in the future.  I go down a dark path.

So I have decided to focus on a gift for my son.  He has made it through A-school and FMTB.  I would like to purchase a stethascope for him.  I remember reading TDM bought a certain kind for her son.  One recommended for field use.  I want to engrave it with his name. Any suggestions, Marcy. 

Oh Curleytop, please know that there are corpsman moms here at N4M who have gone through deployments and are here for you 24/7, so take advantage, that's why they stick with N4M - for each other.  Please join this group!  You'll be greeted with open arms by the moms there who share your concerns and questions, have been through the same experience and who have tons of support to give.

Great idea to get your son a stethoscope of his own!   A corpsman mom who is a nurse recommends this one - not only is it affordable, she says it works as well or better than some expensive ones she's tried; I got this one for my corpsman, too.  And as you mentioned, they will personalize it :)  Here's the link:  Allheart.com "Stealth" cardiac stethoscope $29.99 

Remember to breathe, and we'll see you in the other corpsman mom groups - xx Marcy

Thank you Marcy for the stethoscope information.  We have ordered one for our son.  I have also joined to other group also.  Thanks so much.

Hi and welcome Dawn!  Here's another good group for care packages, recipes and so on, too - Care Package Ideas.

:)

Since homecoming follows deployment, here's a good article for spouses, from MilitarySpouse.com  :)   Five Things No One Told Me About Homecoming

I snapped this photo at a homecoming in Norfolk.  Wonder how her feet - and her little toe - felt later that day!  LOL  If you read the article you'll see why it fits here :)

Hi all,I am new to this so please bare with me.. My son leaves for his 1st deployment in a couple of days to Japan for 3 years... As a mother I am struggling with all sorts of emotions, worry being the biggest one... LOL...How did you guys deal with it? I know he will be fine and the Navy will take good care of him, but he is going to be in a foreign country and soooo far away from home... Also does anyone have any suggestions as to what to pack that they dont have access to in Japan?  He is allowed to take a big suitcase, so he will have a little room. Thank you..

Welcome Ryguysmom, and that's why we're all here on N4M  to support each other.  It IS hard, and emotional, and for me, faith in the Navy coupled with my son's happiness with his experiences, new friends, travel adventures and work satisfaction have made MY experience a wonderful one that offsets any worries and concerns.  Regarding what to send with him - I'd recommend joining this group http://www.navyformoms.com/group/japanmoms you can ask them for their thoughts about what to pack, and get to know other moms like you.  Please share what you find out...and I'm sending you a Navy hug and good thoughts to your son!

My son is going on deployment soon for 9 months. I could sure use some advice since this is my 1st experience.

Here are a couple of things for starters!  

Be sure you are added to your son's ship's Family Readiness Group, and Ombudsman list.  To find them, go here:  http://navyformoms.com/group/whatsanombudsmanandhowtocontactthem/fo....  The FRG and the Ombudsman are your his command's official liaisons with families, so this is important.  

Next, you can order a refillable AT&T ship to shore calling card for him to use to call home:  https://shop.aafes.com/scs/Product.aspx?deptid=42000  You can have the card sent to your home and keep it; all your son needs are the numbers on it.  

Now, start gathering stuff for sending care packages!  

The USPS will send to you, for free, a pack of 10 or 25 FPO/APO large size priority boxes; and you can mail up to 70 lbs for the special military rate of $14.85 when you send to an FPO address.  Here's the link:  https://store.usps.com/store/browse/uspsProductDetailMultiSkuDropDo... and go to "Select Format" at right to choose 10 or 25.  

Be sure to use the nine-digit ZIP code when mailing to his FPO address or it won't get delivered.

This group has a ton of good ideas in the Comments and in the Discussions, it's a fun group :)  http://navyformoms.com/group/carepackageideas  

Popular things to send are meal-replacement protein bars; flavored additives for water i.e. Gatorade powder; favorite cookies and snacks that can be shared with buddies; and things the ship's store may run out of, such as shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, disposable razors or razor blades, deodorant.  And of course holidays, sports events, birthdays, seasons = theme boxes! :)  There are lots of ideas and inspiration in that Care Package Ideas group.

You will have to complete a simple Customs Form with each box you send, just keep it simple:  "snacks," "personal hygiene items," "magazines."  Under "If undeliverable" write "deliver to ship's chaplain," always safe :)  

Hope this helps get you started!  It's an exciting time for him and for you.  One more thing - be prepared to keep your cellphone with you at all times because you never know when he'll be able to call home!

One more important note:  review this Single Sailor Deployment Readiness Checklist with your son, and discuss having a Power of Attorney naming you filed with his bank in case there are any issues that need addressing while he's gone.  http://www.vp4.navy.mil/deployment/Single_Sailor_Deploy_Checklist_F...

Marcy, thanks for the checklist,priceless!!

Can any of those cards be used on ship (see comment 3 down from this one by Marcy) Is there any place to get them for less time?

Hi Debbie!  Looks like this one at the bottom of that page is the minimum - one card, 300 minutes, $15.00.  You can also purchase the cards at any NEX, but a person has to show their own military ID to be able to make purchases there.

*by "that page" I meant that link :)  https://shop.aafes.com/scs/Product.aspx?deptid=42000

yes, but it only shows 1 card for ship calls. Can they all be used on a ship?

Yes, as far as I know.  This link "$20 AT&T Global PrePaid Card for Ship-to-Shore Calling Terms and Conditions" has more information:  https://shop.aafes.com/scs/info/DynamicInfoPopup.aspx?ID=tcship2shore

Thanks. I called the NEX & they have them there $20.00 =20 minutes.

Here's a link to a series of short video podcasts created to help Navy families adjust to the challenges of deployment - Deployment Support Program: Building Ready and Resilient Sailors an....

A great pre-deployment checklist for family members:  http://www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services/documents/Pre-deployment%20C...

Sent first care package out today!

Yay Debbie!  Doesn't every dollar store look like an irresistible opportunity now, and every flat space in your house like a potential care-package staging area?  :)   

The Navy just released a new Deployment Support Handbook that includes checklists for Sailors as well as a ton of information about navigating deployments. You can download the handbook here:  http://www.cnic.navy.mil/content/dam/cnic/hq/pdfs/n91_fleet_and_fam...  Thanks Beachmom76 for this!