Kim from TN - yesterday when we were visiting my mother, one of my sister's whose son is a Captain in the Army was wondering why Katie wasn't getting 30 days when she comes back from Japan - told her that she was reporting straight to Norfolk and filing a chit so she can (hopefully) get off for 2 weddings she will be a bridesmaid in the following month. It will be so nice for Hans to be home to celebrate with you and to spend the time together before VA.
Katie ended up getting through (connection not great, but...) and we talked until we left for Easter services.
(Shhh!) Lovin how things work out sometimes...Our (poor, poor) Jesse is cleaning the essex berthing spotless. "there's about 15 years worth of YUK", mom! It's not fair!" blah blah blah
I tried not to laugh. HA! I had to clean his room when he left for the Navy so we could remodel it. Lovin' the little payback...karma, son. karma (LOL)
Hi all! Hope all had a nice Easter. We were surprised by a skype from Josh. It was 5:00 a.m. in Japan/4:00 p.m. EST and the family was all together at my sister's house. Unfortunately, he JUST missed our uncle. He had been there for 4 hours and was exhausted so we took him back to his place. It was so wonderful and made my day complete!
LOL Mary!!! I have always enjoyed the karma as my sons got older :-)
KimTN, you must be estatic at this point!! I hope you still drop in on us here! I'm still learning from the more experienced moms!
Marianne, happy to hear Katie was able to get a connection. I plan on ordering the other t-shirts in June. Can't wait!
I'm surprised they did that, Kim. Hopefully it won't be too much of a hassle to get reimbursed. Almost sounds like the lady didn't know what she was doing (?).
All - Jess says no email for a couple of weeks starting tomorrow (their "today"). Hope this is ok, to say here, but wanted you all to know. They should still be able to get to personal email and fb and stuff I would think.
KimTN, that is just horrible. I hope he doesn't have problems being reimbursed.
Mary, I think it is ok to post. It happens a lot on deployed ships for many different reasons. My experience has been that they can receive messages but cannot send them. I don't think they are allowed to use their personal email or fb. If it is the same thing, it is nicknamed "River City".
The email thing is due to them changing to the BHR email address. Their "2" will become "6".
Heard there was an earthquake in Indonesia on the radio. Haven't looked into it after that, but they are hoping that a tsunami does not follow. I hope that doesn't happen!
i heard the cruise was moved from july to june. so, now, i have only 2 months to get all preparations made. i NEED any and all help from beginning to end...haha like flight arrangements, what to take, what not to take, exchange of money...etc...whatever anyone can offer would be GREATLY appreciated! i can't make flight arrangements until i know exact dates...it's killing me! i also heard where we'll meet the ship, well, the name of the place, as if i know where i'm going. ha ha really hoping they put official info out very soon!
haven't heard too much from hunter...a little on FB. :(
hope you all are doing good. we're doing ok, here. looking forward to the cruise, mostly to see hunter! :)
kimTN-i bet you're so excited to have hans home! really happy for you! and for heidi and all. i would be on cloud 9. can't wait for that day, and hunter's only been gone 6 months!
cathy-where do you live? ohio weather changes daily! it's been in 60's and 70's. i'm ready for warm weather!
i'm going to be happy when this hull swap is done, then, hopefully, i'll find out official information for the cruise.
KimTN - you must be so excited! Good luck with everything and enjoy the party!
Kyann - we live upstate New York in Stillwater. And we are back to spring weather! Today mid-70s. But the nights have been high 30s. You must be so excited about the upcoming cruise!
Lynn, my son sent me the information for the Tiger cruise. Your sailor needs to sign you up for the ombudsman. I think for the Essex, I requested to be on the ombudsman list and he confirmed it.
shipped two boxes to Jesse the day before Easter, April 7th. they arrived today (sent to the BHR address). Pretty quick! (Sent Parcel Post/Space Available Mail) not priority.
I sent Chuck two boxes two weeks b 4 Easter; he got them, and a pile of letters, Thursday. But, at least they all arrived in good shape!! I've not been on in awhile. Any word on new name for this group, & if so, when? Thanks! Happy spring to all!
Sharon - I know that the sailor in the picture above is no longer on the USS Essex and I can't remember when I have seen Michelle (the creator of this group) post - and I have been with this group for over 3 years, so........Is the current BHR group changing their name to the Essex (post hull swap)?
Glad to hear you had a nice vacation.
Katie rec'd her hull swap t-shirt in the last package....now her roommate would like one!
Why don't one of you write a note to the N4M admin and ask that the names be swapped? Or ask that this name be changes to USS Bonhomme Richard Japan moms? I think I like the 2nd one best. Maybe one of you new moms could volunteer to take over as admin.
Thanks! I'm just so pleased she sent some. I like to see her in her dress blues. I am going to print this pic for our military wall at church. Her time on the BHR is numbered. Baking the last cookie box to send. Hopefully it will arrive for the shop before she gets on that plane for the USA!!!
The USS Essex is returning to San Diego some time in the May, after being stationed in Japan for the last 12 years. The sailors left on the USS Bonhomme Richard February 14th 2012, to swap hulls. The Essex will be leaving again for another deployment shortly there after. Because of the quick turn around several sailor are returning to an empty home due to their spouses return to their home support for the duration of the 2 deployments. We are looking for mom's with base access to come to the pier on the day of the return to give hugs and moral support to the single men and women who have been working very hard over the last few months. This has been a very hard deployment as the crews have been working 12 hour days on both ships. This hull swap is a big deal and we want to show our appreciation. The families who will be there will be preoccupied with the return of their own sailor. Please let us know if you can help.
BHR/Essex mom, are you talking about the Essex homecoming in San Diego?
My son was on the Essex for three years. Last year he married a girl from Sasebo and was moved to the USS Boxer in San Diego. I have stayed in touch with these great ladies. I guess I need to switch locations.
He and his wife bought a house in San Diego. He is excited about the Essex homecoming. Let me know what you need and I will pass it on to him.
Jane, I went to the homecoming for the USS Boxer in San Diego last Sept. Your sailor needs to put whoever is coming on the list and he needs to supply the license plates of all cars. Rentals are excluded if you have the rental papers.
The ship had been deployed 7 months and the t.v. show "Coming Home" was there. I arrived 2 hours early and it took over an hour before he came off. It was packed and I almost missed my son.
Another way to do it is to pick a spot a long their way in. They will be manning the rails the whole way into the bay. You will have plenty of time to drive to the gate and meet him. He will be able to take you on base later. We took my 87 year old dad back to the hotel and my son and I went back in the afternoon. He took me on a great personal tour of the ship.
Jane, are you on the ombudsman mailing list? Your sailor needs to put you on and they will be updating with homecoming information. We had a picnic the night before. If you are interested watching Season 2, Episode 2 of 'Coming Home' show on lifetime. The show was about surprising a sailors daughters but they also surprised the wife at the picnic. Also, you need to let the ombudsman know that an 86 yr old vet is coming. I made sure that I bought 2 chairs at Walmart to take with us to the picnic and the homecoming wait.
Jane, MM Mom - I know that the BHR ombudsman became the ESSEX ombudsman since I have rec'd an email from 'ours' since the hull swap. My Katie served on the USS Essex for 3 years while it was in Sasebo and will only serve on the BHR for a few weeks as she is coming back to the USA VERY, very soon!!!
We are thinking about going to San Diego when the ship comes in,like Jane, we need to find out what to do. I really want to be there when the ship comes in. I think it would be awesome for our son since he wont have anyone meeting him there. I really miss him.
Jane - just remember - your sailors brought to Japan a spanking new upgraded ship while your sailors will return with an old workhorse (some may lovingly refer to it as a 'rust bucket') that has been through a lot. The Essex is in need of the dry dock. My daughter served with Tina's son for 2 1/2 or so years together.
Kim
Kim, I am excited for you. Hans will be 3 hours away from me.
Jonathan plans on visiting the Essex when it arrives.
Have a wonderful Easter everyone.
Apr 7, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
Happy Easter my Navy Friends!!
Apr 8, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
Small graphic on the front left and then a large graphic that covers a large portion of the back.
Kim - that will be fun for Jonathan to see the Essex when it returns.
Blessed Easter!
Katie is trying to call via skype, but it is not working....guess we'll just IM
Apr 8, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
Kim from TN - yesterday when we were visiting my mother, one of my sister's whose son is a Captain in the Army was wondering why Katie wasn't getting 30 days when she comes back from Japan - told her that she was reporting straight to Norfolk and filing a chit so she can (hopefully) get off for 2 weddings she will be a bridesmaid in the following month. It will be so nice for Hans to be home to celebrate with you and to spend the time together before VA.
Katie ended up getting through (connection not great, but...) and we talked until we left for Easter services.
Apr 8, 2012
Mary n Jesse
(Shhh!) Lovin how things work out sometimes...Our (poor, poor) Jesse is cleaning the essex berthing spotless. "there's about 15 years worth of YUK", mom! It's not fair!" blah blah blah
I tried not to laugh. HA! I had to clean his room when he left for the Navy so we could remodel it. Lovin' the little payback...karma, son. karma (LOL)
Hope you are all doing well
(and Yay Kim from TN, very excited for you all!)
Apr 10, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
Hi all! Hope all had a nice Easter. We were surprised by a skype from Josh. It was 5:00 a.m. in Japan/4:00 p.m. EST and the family was all together at my sister's house. Unfortunately, he JUST missed our uncle. He had been there for 4 hours and was exhausted so we took him back to his place. It was so wonderful and made my day complete!
LOL Mary!!! I have always enjoyed the karma as my sons got older :-)
KimTN, you must be estatic at this point!! I hope you still drop in on us here! I'm still learning from the more experienced moms!
Marianne, happy to hear Katie was able to get a connection. I plan on ordering the other t-shirts in June. Can't wait!
Sharon, I bet you are having a WONDERFUL time!!!
Take care all!
Apr 10, 2012
Mary n Jesse
I'm surprised they did that, Kim. Hopefully it won't be too much of a hassle to get reimbursed. Almost sounds like the lady didn't know what she was doing (?).
All - Jess says no email for a couple of weeks starting tomorrow (their "today"). Hope this is ok, to say here, but wanted you all to know. They should still be able to get to personal email and fb and stuff I would think.
Apr 10, 2012
Kim
KimTN, that is just horrible. I hope he doesn't have problems being reimbursed.
Mary, I think it is ok to post. It happens a lot on deployed ships for many different reasons. My experience has been that they can receive messages but cannot send them. I don't think they are allowed to use their personal email or fb. If it is the same thing, it is nicknamed "River City".
Apr 10, 2012
Mary n Jesse
The email thing is due to them changing to the BHR email address. Their "2" will become "6".
Heard there was an earthquake in Indonesia on the radio. Haven't looked into it after that, but they are hoping that a tsunami does not follow. I hope that doesn't happen!
Apr 11, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
Katie surprised me with these pics! She and her friend worked together. Katie was hoping to get her EAWS after getting her ESWS last year!
Apr 12, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
What a wonderful surprise! Congratulations!
Apr 12, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
Heard the dates for the Tiger Cruise yet....not that I am going. Just wondered if those who were planning on it got the the information.
Apr 13, 2012
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
cool-marianne-thanks for sharing.
i heard the cruise was moved from july to june. so, now, i have only 2 months to get all preparations made. i NEED any and all help from beginning to end...haha like flight arrangements, what to take, what not to take, exchange of money...etc...whatever anyone can offer would be GREATLY appreciated! i can't make flight arrangements until i know exact dates...it's killing me! i also heard where we'll meet the ship, well, the name of the place, as if i know where i'm going. ha ha really hoping they put official info out very soon!
haven't heard too much from hunter...a little on FB. :(
hope you all are doing good. we're doing ok, here. looking forward to the cruise, mostly to see hunter! :)
Apr 16, 2012
LynnC3(ship10div372)
I'm sorry, I must have missed it. Where can I find the information on the cruise?
Apr 16, 2012
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
it's not "official," but i got my info from the ombudsman.
Apr 17, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
KimTN!!!! Soooo excited for you!!!
Good luck ladies to those planning for the tiger cruise! Wishing we could go, but maybe another year!
Beautiful sunny morning today. We reached 90 yesterday. Today 60s. Unpredictable!
Enjoy the day!
Apr 17, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
KimTN - so glad Hans is home with you...
Apr 17, 2012
Kim
Marianne, congrats to Katie.
Apr 18, 2012
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
kimTN-i bet you're so excited to have hans home! really happy for you! and for heidi and all. i would be on cloud 9. can't wait for that day, and hunter's only been gone 6 months!
cathy-where do you live? ohio weather changes daily! it's been in 60's and 70's. i'm ready for warm weather!
i'm going to be happy when this hull swap is done, then, hopefully, i'll find out official information for the cruise.
have a wonderful day, all!
Apr 20, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
KimTN - you must be so excited! Good luck with everything and enjoy the party!
Kyann - we live upstate New York in Stillwater. And we are back to spring weather! Today mid-70s. But the nights have been high 30s. You must be so excited about the upcoming cruise!
Happy Friday!!
Apr 20, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
KimTN=Have a wonderful party.
Rec'd my first email via lhd6.
Kyann, I too hope you get the info soon. I know that in 2010 the initial information came out in February for the process.
Apr 20, 2012
Kim
Lynn, my son sent me the information for the Tiger cruise. Your sailor needs to sign you up for the ombudsman. I think for the Essex, I requested to be on the ombudsman list and he confirmed it.
Apr 20, 2012
Mary n Jesse
shipped two boxes to Jesse the day before Easter, April 7th. they arrived today (sent to the BHR address). Pretty quick! (Sent Parcel Post/Space Available Mail) not priority.
Apr 20, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
On April 11th I sent 10# of goodies and they arrived yesterday!
Apr 20, 2012
AnnNgeorgia
I sent Chuck two boxes two weeks b 4 Easter; he got them, and a pile of letters, Thursday. But, at least they all arrived in good shape!! I've not been on in awhile. Any word on new name for this group, & if so, when? Thanks! Happy spring to all!
Apr 21, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
Sharon - I know that the sailor in the picture above is no longer on the USS Essex and I can't remember when I have seen Michelle (the creator of this group) post - and I have been with this group for over 3 years, so........Is the current BHR group changing their name to the Essex (post hull swap)?
Glad to hear you had a nice vacation.
Katie rec'd her hull swap t-shirt in the last package....now her roommate would like one!
Apr 21, 2012
Kim
Why don't one of you write a note to the N4M admin and ask that the names be swapped? Or ask that this name be changes to USS Bonhomme Richard Japan moms? I think I like the 2nd one best. Maybe one of you new moms could volunteer to take over as admin.
Apr 21, 2012
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
i don't care what we are called, i just better not lose you all!!!! :)
Apr 23, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
Katie before manning the rails.....
Apr 23, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
Apr 23, 2012
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
love the pic, marianne!
Apr 23, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
Thanks! I'm just so pleased she sent some. I like to see her in her dress blues. I am going to print this pic for our military wall at church. Her time on the BHR is numbered. Baking the last cookie box to send. Hopefully it will arrive for the shop before she gets on that plane for the USA!!!
Apr 23, 2012
Diana in Az
Hi everyone, I was on the BHR group and now my son is on the Essex and am hoping I am in the right group.
Thanks
Diana
Apr 27, 2012
BHR/Essex wife
The USS Essex is returning to San Diego some time in the May, after being stationed in Japan for the last 12 years. The sailors left on the USS Bonhomme Richard February 14th 2012, to swap hulls. The Essex will be leaving again for another deployment shortly there after. Because of the quick turn around several sailor are returning to an empty home due to their spouses return to their home support for the duration of the 2 deployments. We are looking for mom's with base access to come to the pier on the day of the return to give hugs and moral support to the single men and women who have been working very hard over the last few months. This has been a very hard deployment as the crews have been working 12 hour days on both ships. This hull swap is a big deal and we want to show our appreciation. The families who will be there will be preoccupied with the return of their own sailor. Please let us know if you can help.
Thank you,
BHR/Essex Families
Apr 27, 2012
Kim
BHR/Essex mom, are you talking about the Essex homecoming in San Diego?
My son was on the Essex for three years. Last year he married a girl from Sasebo and was moved to the USS Boxer in San Diego. I have stayed in touch with these great ladies. I guess I need to switch locations.
He and his wife bought a house in San Diego. He is excited about the Essex homecoming. Let me know what you need and I will pass it on to him.
Apr 27, 2012
Kim
Jane, I went to the homecoming for the USS Boxer in San Diego last Sept. Your sailor needs to put whoever is coming on the list and he needs to supply the license plates of all cars. Rentals are excluded if you have the rental papers.
The ship had been deployed 7 months and the t.v. show "Coming Home" was there. I arrived 2 hours early and it took over an hour before he came off. It was packed and I almost missed my son.
Another way to do it is to pick a spot a long their way in. They will be manning the rails the whole way into the bay. You will have plenty of time to drive to the gate and meet him. He will be able to take you on base later. We took my 87 year old dad back to the hotel and my son and I went back in the afternoon. He took me on a great personal tour of the ship.
Apr 29, 2012
Kim
Jane, are you on the ombudsman mailing list? Your sailor needs to put you on and they will be updating with homecoming information. We had a picnic the night before. If you are interested watching Season 2, Episode 2 of 'Coming Home' show on lifetime. The show was about surprising a sailors daughters but they also surprised the wife at the picnic. Also, you need to let the ombudsman know that an 86 yr old vet is coming. I made sure that I bought 2 chairs at Walmart to take with us to the picnic and the homecoming wait.
Apr 29, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
Jane, MM Mom - I know that the BHR ombudsman became the ESSEX ombudsman since I have rec'd an email from 'ours' since the hull swap. My Katie served on the USS Essex for 3 years while it was in Sasebo and will only serve on the BHR for a few weeks as she is coming back to the USA VERY, very soon!!!
Apr 29, 2012
japan mom
Apr 29, 2012
Diana in Az
We are thinking about going to San Diego when the ship comes in,like Jane, we need to find out what to do. I really want to be there when the ship comes in. I think it would be awesome for our son since he wont have anyone meeting him there. I really miss him.
Apr 30, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
Ingrid - I'm sure you can't wait to spend time with Armando.
Apr 30, 2012
bree
Does anyone know when they are coming in....I would love to be there.
May 7, 2012
happyclime
Bree,
Messge me, Karen...from the BHR group
May 8, 2012
happyclime
You guys still the "old" group or are you the new group...lol...I'm guessing this is actually the "new" BHR group?
May 8, 2012
cathyo Ship 11 Div 063
hi Karen, this page is now the new USS Essex moms. The "old" USS Essex moms switched over to the BHR group.
May 8, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
Jane - just remember - your sailors brought to Japan a spanking new upgraded ship while your sailors will return with an old workhorse (some may lovingly refer to it as a 'rust bucket') that has been through a lot. The Essex is in need of the dry dock. My daughter served with Tina's son for 2 1/2 or so years together.
May 10, 2012
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
yes, praying your Sailors make it back to you safely. Fair winds and following seas!
my son was on the Essex for only a short time.
May 10, 2012
Kim
Please post pictures of the Essex homecoming. My son plans to be there for homecoming, but I know he won't take pictures.
May 10, 2012
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
beautiful! thanks for sharing. glad they made it back safely, sort of. :) at least the Sailors are ok, thank God.
May 19, 2012
MarianneKT's Mom
May 19, 2012