Hi Tysmom - he technically is assigned to the Emory Land - a submarine tender, however probably will not be going out with them. He has spent the last 4 years on a submarine- so this is shore duty. It is a bit complicated and I think he will get a better handle over the next few weeks. He is unsure of his report date and has leave before then.
Our sailor left for Guam as a Seabee in August. This is his first deployment and he seems to be adjusting well. Hope it goes by for him and they keep him busy. It's hard to have him half a world away yet so proud of him.
Lots of cleanup in Guam after Mangkhut. Rota, too. I just read that the seabees are being deployed to help that process. My son is underway, so missed all the excitement.
My sailor gave no notice of leaving,but as off Nov.2018 there has been no communicatio,so I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced this?Obvious it's a deployment.Thanks.
Diane,It may be they're on a mission, deployed, or just plain busy with hardly time to sleep. Sad to say, you may just have to wait until you hear something. I don't know much about the sub tenders, except they are kept hopping busy. Do you have his boat/ship email? You could try emailing, but just send happy news and hope for something back. It's part of being a Navy mom. We wait.
Diane, My son has been in Guam since November and was assigned to a tender that was deployed. He has been staying on another one. The deployed one recently returned. He has not sent me a new mail address, but then again he is not communicative. He will be remaining on land and not going out to sea, so I do not know the communication protocol. He had been on a boomer for 5 years and there was very little communication while deployed. Not sure if that helped!
Hi all, my son started BC this week. I thought I would help here if you have any questions with basically the island how to’s. It’s an interesting set of challenges. We relocated here 3 yrs ago from another military base. We have another typhoon, Yutip (I have no clue where they come up with the names!) gearing to hit this weekend.
Diane, I have to agree with the other two moms, if deployed no communication. My son has been deployed a few times. And he has been their since last April. When he doesn’t answer emails I know he is gone. He said he can’t tell me when he is going to leave to or when he will return. Do you have Facebook? If so the base has a fb page. There are often photos posted. I think what’s hard for me is that while he was on a ship previously there was an ombudsman who kept us up to date . I had to ask the fb page administrator if they have one and the answer is yes the base has one!
Update about the Typhoon Yutip (I have no clue who comes up with the names). It missed us, just lots of wind and rain. It a lot of damage on my end compared to Mangkut.
Glad to find an active site where son's stationed! Looked earlier for subs, but last activity was 4 years ago. Haven't heard anything from him now for many weeks, though it was noted he saw a post several weeks ago. I've heard others talk about the long silences... Now I know more what they meant! Ugh! I know he's in the Lord's hands, so that at least is a comfort.
Yeah, long silences. Do you have your Sailor's boat email? You can send short emails, but may or may not get any response, depending on how busy things are on the boat or the availability of a computer for an email. Are you on Facebook? There are a couple of submarine mom groups on there where you might hook up with moms from the same boat. Also, you can get general news of the fleet from the Squadron 15 Facebook page. Anyway, be patient, your son will contact you when he gets into port -- if he gets off the boat. Sometimes they go into port for stores, but your sailor may not get up topside for whatever reason, so he may not call. That's just life. Keep your chin up, Mama!
I don't use this site much, although the files about OPSEC and the Red Cross are useful. I am a member of the Heart of the Ocean -- Submarine Moms face book group. There are several Topeka moms there. Mine is in the same squadron, different boat, although he did a ride along on Topeka last year and earned his Dolphins aboard, so knows many in the crew.
Hello, just talked to my sailor tonight. He will be going to Guam fairly soon, so looks like we may need to be planning some visits in the next few years!!!
Hello, everyone! Just wanted to do a quick intro and say Hi! My son graduated Prototype school on January 31st and just received orders for Guam and is assigned to the USS Key West. He is to report there sometime in the last part of March.
Havasu, welcome to Guam, my son has been in Guam for 7 years and he loves it. However he will be leaving in April for his next duty station but is hoping he will make it back to Guam in the future. If you get the chance to go for a visit you should it’s absolutely beautiful.
Hi everyone! My son is in Guam with the Oklahoma City. I can't believe it will be two years in May. He likes it as well for the most part although they have been in for a while and he said he almost misses being underway. Tough having him so far but I'm glad for his adventures. He's made some great friends and they keep busy!
Hello to the new moms of the group. My boy has been in Guam for 2 years. He finishes up his time there come April. We were not able to visit due to the cost. However we face timed a lot.He just erupted and will be coming back to the states. He will only be 3 hours away from home! I see road trips ahead!
4Maineboys, I loved reading that! My son mentioned he was nervous going there because he won't know anyone and essentially will have to start over making friends, but I know he'll be just fine. It's great to read that your Sailor likes it there and has made great friends!
Italian Momma, How exciting to get to see him soon! Three hours is so close... I'm so excited for you!
Yeah they figure it out pretty quick. He bought a car as his barrack was a couple mile walk in the heat. It was tough at first as his ship was deployed when he arrived for quite a few months so he was stuck trying to make his way on his own without much direction. But he did it!
Havasu, what’s your sons job? Good luck to your son. We did get to visit 3 times in the 7 years our son has been stationed there, so if you get a chance to visit take it, the expense is worth it. Our son has a house so at least we didn’t have to pay for a hotel. Our son and his family will only be 10 hour drive or a couple hour flight for his next duty station.
Thank you, Regina! His rate is an MMN3, so for now I assume he'll be cranking on the sub (when he finally gets there!) until he gets his Dolphins. LOL!
My husband and I have lots of travel plans this year (empty nest and gonna enjoy it!), but hopefully next year will bring some opportunity to visit him in Guam. My fingers are crossed. How exciting to have your son and family much closer than Guam soon! That's wonderful!
I was hoping to take a trip to Guam before our son leaves there but now am thinking that might not be possible due to Covid. :-( The beaches look wonderful!!
Hi, we are brand new to the Navy. Our son just finished A-School, and his first assignment is Guam!...exciting, but we are also sad....its really far. We haven't seen him since he left for boot camp because of covid. Tell me all of the wonderful experiences he will have, that will make this easier
Welcome Laurie. My son has been stationed in Guam. He will need a vehicle there. Their standards on safety for vehicles are quite lax so it is possible to get a "Guam Bomb" for not too much money. I think my son has purchased up to 3 while living there.
My son was on one of the submarines. He could be gone for like 5 months at a time twice a year. The time zone change is miserable. Be prepared for calls at weird times. :)
While in Guam, my son learned to scuba dive and parachute. All things I hated him doing. Guam is a tropical island and has places of great beauty. It is like a discount Hawaii.
My son loves it there and wants us all to move there. Nope. Too close to that crazy guy in North Korea. :) No offense or ill will to any Koreans. I just don't like their leader.
My son just got stateside, after seven and a half years in Guam, he loved it and hopes to go back. My son married a beautiful local girl. We were able to go three times during his stay and it’s absolutely beautiful, if you get the chance to go you should. If your son likes hiking there are some great hiking trails.
My son just finished his seventh year in the Navy. He relocated to Guam in August. Right now his ship is on the west coast of U.S. in dry dock. He is in a condo with other sailors. He is a MMN2. The photos he sent from Guam were gorgeous, but we haven't been able to travel due to COVID, so we haven't seen him in over a year. The amount of time he has spent in quarantine in the past year added up to quite a lot. I'm glad that now he is with his shipmates and has roommates. I hope to see Guam sometime in the future. Your posts about how beautiful it is match up with the photos our son has sent and posted.
Skooter64 - Hello! My son is also in dry dock on the west coast staying in a condo. If it is the same one as yours, it is quite a nice one with a rooftop "bar" hangout spot with ping pong tables, fire pits, and conversation areas. He bought his first house in Guam and we also haven't had a chance to visit yet.
My son is on the west coast with the dry dock ship and he too has little to do. We cannot visit, due to quarantine restrictions and he cannot leave the state. So close, yet still far away. We haven’t seen him in over 2 years.
Hello! My son is also on the west coast. We are too, in the same state. He has been in 7 years, and this is the first time we have been on the same coast. While I am happy he is so close, and we can see him occasionally, I really feel for the families who can't. If there is anything I can do for any of your sailors, please feel free to reach out.
Hello Guam Moms! My son has been in for 9 years. He will be stationed there for 5 years (or more). I see a trip to Guam in my future & would like any suggestions on planning a trip there. I live in Florida. Thanks.
my son has been in for 7 years and has been in Guam for 2 - although, most of the time he has been out with the ship. We have not made it to Guam because of deployment and COVID. We too live in Fl - near the mouse. Where are you?
Hi Cath Bubblehead mom ~ I live near Wildwood. My son is an EOD tech. Not assigned to a ship. We are hoping to go to Guam in 2022 after he's all settled in. Are you in the Florida Moms group? They got together a few weeks ago near you.
I am not in the FL group - didn't know there was one! We moved from CT and still part of that group. My son is sonar and his ship right now is in dry dock state-side, but because of COVID we still cannot see him! You are only about 1 1/2 hours away from us.
Down load an app called hopper. If you plan ahead of time put in your dates and they will alert you when you can get the best prices. Guam airline prices are expensive but it’s so worth the trip.
Our son was stationed in Guam for 7 and half years and loved it. We went 3 time while he was there.
Hi Guam Moms! I need any info about flying to Guam. I will be a new (1st time) Grandma in Nov. & want to fly over whenever he & his wife give me the OK. Any travel hints? My son is living in a 3 bedroom house in Guam so I will be staying with him.
Also, has anyone had problems mailing things over there? Is there a size limit? Son says he can't order the crib they want because the box it comes in is too big. Everything I've mailed him was in a Large USPS Flat rate box. When they try to order Baby items on Amazon a notice pops up saying the item can't be mailed to Guam. I have bigger items I've bought for the new baby & need to mail them or should I take them on the plane when I fly over? He'll be there 3 years. Any advice?
Congratulations on the coming grand baby! We never flew to Guam, so I cannot help you there, however, we have mailed our sailor his guitars. We used his APO address, not his home address. However since the cost of shipping has gone up, it cost about $150 each to send. Have you tried using the apo address?
nurserenee
Sep 9, 2018
Cath Bubblehead mom
Thank you both!
Sep 9, 2018
tysmom
Good morning!
Guam is really getting hit with typhoon Mangkhut. Electric out.
Navy ships all your stuff there, Took 3-4 weeks and car etc was there. BIG ruts in roads!!!
Probably can find roommate when he gets there.Will he be on shore duty or assigned to a boat?
Sep 10, 2018
Cath Bubblehead mom
Hi Tysmom - he technically is assigned to the Emory Land - a submarine tender, however probably will not be going out with them. He has spent the last 4 years on a submarine- so this is shore duty. It is a bit complicated and I think he will get a better handle over the next few weeks. He is unsure of his report date and has leave before then.
Thanks for the info
Sep 10, 2018
kuuipo
Hello my son was supposed to be in Guam this week, but due to the weather there and here he will be there next week.
Sep 11, 2018
tysmom
Was a little breezy in Guam. Check Pacific Daily news or the local TV station online. 80% of electric was out. My son did not have any yet 8am EST.
No news about the typhoon in the US and we certainly have interests there!!! Mangkhut on its way to the Phillipines.
Sep 11, 2018
MissiMom9470
Our sailor left for Guam as a Seabee in August. This is his first deployment and he seems to be adjusting well. Hope it goes by for him and they keep him busy. It's hard to have him half a world away yet so proud of him.
Sep 13, 2018
ArchyMom
Lots of cleanup in Guam after Mangkhut. Rota, too. I just read that the seabees are being deployed to help that process. My son is underway, so missed all the excitement.
Sep 13, 2018
kuuipo
Hello, I am trying to get son car shipped there, any suggestions? We are close to the Norfolk VA base
Oct 16, 2018
diane
My sailor gave no notice of leaving,but as off Nov.2018 there has been no communicatio,so I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced this?Obvious it's a deployment.Thanks.
Jan 21, 2019
nurserenee
Jan 21, 2019
ArchyMom
Diane,It may be they're on a mission, deployed, or just plain busy with hardly time to sleep. Sad to say, you may just have to wait until you hear something. I don't know much about the sub tenders, except they are kept hopping busy. Do you have his boat/ship email? You could try emailing, but just send happy news and hope for something back. It's part of being a Navy mom. We wait.
Jan 22, 2019
Cath Bubblehead mom
Diane, My son has been in Guam since November and was assigned to a tender that was deployed. He has been staying on another one. The deployed one recently returned. He has not sent me a new mail address, but then again he is not communicative. He will be remaining on land and not going out to sea, so I do not know the communication protocol. He had been on a boomer for 5 years and there was very little communication while deployed. Not sure if that helped!
Jan 22, 2019
diane
Thanks for all the comments,I really appreciate them.
Jan 23, 2019
Arlyn
Hi all, my son started BC this week. I thought I would help here if you have any questions with basically the island how to’s. It’s an interesting set of challenges. We relocated here 3 yrs ago from another military base. We have another typhoon, Yutip (I have no clue where they come up with the names!) gearing to hit this weekend.
Feb 21, 2019
Italian Momma
Diane, I have to agree with the other two moms, if deployed no communication. My son has been deployed a few times. And he has been their since last April. When he doesn’t answer emails I know he is gone. He said he can’t tell me when he is going to leave to or when he will return. Do you have Facebook? If so the base has a fb page. There are often photos posted. I think what’s hard for me is that while he was on a ship previously there was an ombudsman who kept us up to date . I had to ask the fb page administrator if they have one and the answer is yes the base has one!
Feb 22, 2019
Arlyn
Update about the Typhoon Yutip (I have no clue who comes up with the names). It missed us, just lots of wind and rain. It a lot of damage on my end compared to Mangkut.
Feb 23, 2019
Italian Momma
Glad it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.
Feb 24, 2019
Rime
Feb 27, 2019
ArchyMom
Yeah, long silences. Do you have your Sailor's boat email? You can send short emails, but may or may not get any response, depending on how busy things are on the boat or the availability of a computer for an email. Are you on Facebook? There are a couple of submarine mom groups on there where you might hook up with moms from the same boat. Also, you can get general news of the fleet from the Squadron 15 Facebook page. Anyway, be patient, your son will contact you when he gets into port -- if he gets off the boat. Sometimes they go into port for stores, but your sailor may not get up topside for whatever reason, so he may not call. That's just life. Keep your chin up, Mama!
Feb 27, 2019
ArchyMom
That comment was for Rime.
Feb 27, 2019
Mommabearsublife
Is this still a valid group? If so, anyone have submariner on Topeka?
Oct 28, 2019
ArchyMom
I don't use this site much, although the files about OPSEC and the Red Cross are useful. I am a member of the Heart of the Ocean -- Submarine Moms face book group. There are several Topeka moms there. Mine is in the same squadron, different boat, although he did a ride along on Topeka last year and earned his Dolphins aboard, so knows many in the crew.
Nov 1, 2019
submomIII
Hello, just talked to my sailor tonight. He will be going to Guam fairly soon, so looks like we may need to be planning some visits in the next few years!!!
Jan 17, 2020
Havasu
Hello, everyone! Just wanted to do a quick intro and say Hi! My son graduated Prototype school on January 31st and just received orders for Guam and is assigned to the USS Key West. He is to report there sometime in the last part of March.
Feb 14, 2020
Regina
Havasu, welcome to Guam, my son has been in Guam for 7 years and he loves it. However he will be leaving in April for his next duty station but is hoping he will make it back to Guam in the future. If you get the chance to go for a visit you should it’s absolutely beautiful.
Feb 14, 2020
Havasu
Thank you so much, Regina! That's great to know he loves the area. I do hope a visit will work out for us there some time in the future!
Feb 15, 2020
4Maineboys
Hi everyone! My son is in Guam with the Oklahoma City. I can't believe it will be two years in May. He likes it as well for the most part although they have been in for a while and he said he almost misses being underway. Tough having him so far but I'm glad for his adventures. He's made some great friends and they keep busy!
Feb 15, 2020
Italian Momma
Hello to the new moms of the group. My boy has been in Guam for 2 years. He finishes up his time there come April. We were not able to visit due to the cost. However we face timed a lot.He just erupted and will be coming back to the states. He will only be 3 hours away from home! I see road trips ahead!
Feb 15, 2020
Havasu
4Maineboys, I loved reading that! My son mentioned he was nervous going there because he won't know anyone and essentially will have to start over making friends, but I know he'll be just fine. It's great to read that your Sailor likes it there and has made great friends!
Italian Momma, How exciting to get to see him soon! Three hours is so close... I'm so excited for you!
Feb 15, 2020
4Maineboys
Yeah they figure it out pretty quick. He bought a car as his barrack was a couple mile walk in the heat. It was tough at first as his ship was deployed when he arrived for quite a few months so he was stuck trying to make his way on his own without much direction. But he did it!
Feb 15, 2020
Regina
Havasu, what’s your sons job? Good luck to your son.
We did get to visit 3 times in the 7 years our son has been stationed there, so if you get a chance to visit take it, the expense is worth it. Our son has a house so at least we didn’t have to pay for a hotel. Our son and his family will only be 10 hour drive or a couple hour flight for his next duty station.
Feb 15, 2020
Havasu
Thank you, Regina! His rate is an MMN3, so for now I assume he'll be cranking on the sub (when he finally gets there!) until he gets his Dolphins. LOL!
My husband and I have lots of travel plans this year (empty nest and gonna enjoy it!), but hopefully next year will bring some opportunity to visit him in Guam. My fingers are crossed. How exciting to have your son and family much closer than Guam soon! That's wonderful!
Feb 19, 2020
MidwestNavyMom
I was hoping to take a trip to Guam before our son leaves there but now am thinking that might not be possible due to Covid. :-( The beaches look wonderful!!
Jun 30, 2020
Laurie
Hi, we are brand new to the Navy. Our son just finished A-School, and his first assignment is Guam!...exciting, but we are also sad....its really far. We haven't seen him since he left for boot camp because of covid. Tell me all of the wonderful experiences he will have, that will make this easier
Sep 26, 2020
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke
Welcome Laurie. My son has been stationed in Guam. He will need a vehicle there. Their standards on safety for vehicles are quite lax so it is possible to get a "Guam Bomb" for not too much money. I think my son has purchased up to 3 while living there.
My son was on one of the submarines. He could be gone for like 5 months at a time twice a year. The time zone change is miserable. Be prepared for calls at weird times. :)
While in Guam, my son learned to scuba dive and parachute. All things I hated him doing. Guam is a tropical island and has places of great beauty. It is like a discount Hawaii.
My son loves it there and wants us all to move there. Nope. Too close to that crazy guy in North Korea. :) No offense or ill will to any Koreans. I just don't like their leader.
Sep 26, 2020
Regina
Welcome Laurie,
My son just got stateside, after seven and a half years in Guam, he loved it and hopes to go back. My son married a beautiful local girl. We were able to go three times during his stay and it’s absolutely beautiful, if you get the chance to go you should. If your son likes hiking there are some great hiking trails.
Sep 26, 2020
Laurie
Hi, anyone out there who’s son or daughter is in Guam with little to do right now?
Dec 27, 2020
Skooter64
My son just finished his seventh year in the Navy. He relocated to Guam in August. Right now his ship is on the west coast of U.S. in dry dock. He is in a condo with other sailors. He is a MMN2. The photos he sent from Guam were gorgeous, but we haven't been able to travel due to COVID, so we haven't seen him in over a year. The amount of time he has spent in quarantine in the past year added up to quite a lot. I'm glad that now he is with his shipmates and has roommates. I hope to see Guam sometime in the future. Your posts about how beautiful it is match up with the photos our son has sent and posted.
Feb 19, 2021
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke
Skooter64 - Hello! My son is also in dry dock on the west coast staying in a condo. If it is the same one as yours, it is quite a nice one with a rooftop "bar" hangout spot with ping pong tables, fire pits, and conversation areas. He bought his first house in Guam and we also haven't had a chance to visit yet.
Feb 19, 2021
Cath Bubblehead mom
Feb 19, 2021
submomIII
Hello! My son is also on the west coast. We are too, in the same state. He has been in 7 years, and this is the first time we have been on the same coast. While I am happy he is so close, and we can see him occasionally, I really feel for the families who can't. If there is anything I can do for any of your sailors, please feel free to reach out.
Feb 19, 2021
NavyM♥m
Hello Guam Moms!
My son has been in for 9 years. He will be stationed there for 5 years (or more). I see a trip to Guam in my future & would like any suggestions on planning a trip there. I live in Florida.
Thanks.
Mar 9, 2021
Cath Bubblehead mom
Hi Navy Mom,
my son has been in for 7 years and has been in Guam for 2 - although, most of the time he has been out with the ship. We have not made it to Guam because of deployment and COVID. We too live in Fl - near the mouse. Where are you?
Mar 9, 2021
NavyM♥m
Hi Cath Bubblehead mom ~ I live near Wildwood. My son is an EOD tech. Not assigned to a ship. We are hoping to go to Guam in 2022 after he's all settled in. Are you in the Florida Moms group? They got together a few weeks ago near you.
Mar 10, 2021
Cath Bubblehead mom
I am not in the FL group - didn't know there was one! We moved from CT and still part of that group. My son is sonar and his ship right now is in dry dock state-side, but because of COVID we still cannot see him! You are only about 1 1/2 hours away from us.
Mar 10, 2021
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Cath - here's the link to the Florida group:
Florida Navy Moms
Mar 10, 2021
Regina
hello ladies planning a Guam trip,
Down load an app called hopper. If you plan ahead of time put in your dates and they will alert you when you can get the best prices. Guam airline prices are expensive but it’s so worth the trip.
Our son was stationed in Guam for 7 and half years and loved it. We went 3 time while he was there.
Mar 10, 2021
NavyM♥m
Hi Guam Moms! I need any info about flying to Guam. I will be a new (1st time) Grandma in Nov. & want to fly over whenever he & his wife give me the OK. Any travel hints? My son is living in a 3 bedroom house in Guam so I will be staying with him.
Also, has anyone had problems mailing things over there? Is there a size limit? Son says he can't order the crib they want because the box it comes in is too big. Everything I've mailed him was in a Large USPS Flat rate box. When they try to order Baby items on Amazon a notice pops up saying the item can't be mailed to Guam. I have bigger items I've bought for the new baby & need to mail them or should I take them on the plane when I fly over? He'll be there 3 years. Any advice?
Aug 31, 2022
Cath Bubblehead mom
Aug 31, 2022