My Son Graduates from A school Today!!! Im so Proud of him and so sad I cant be there with him Today ... Off to his Duty Station after and his Next Journey !!!
Not an easy thing to convince them of when it is not what they want. The same thing happened to my son who wanted to be a fire fighter. They said cook or get out. He is assigned to the Bush and cooks for the officers and hates it. Four years is a long time to do something you are not called to do. When it a desire then it can be a great experience. I work hard every time we talk to find the positives in this but it is hard. I hope it works out for him.
My sailor was told by his recruiter that his rate would change after basic if he worked real hard and requested . My son decided that he was going to work hard, to rank up so that he will have more options for what he has to do. Every month is a month closer to being out. Mine had wanted to make a career out of the Navy and that has changed. I hope that through time, you will find encouragement on n4m's for yourself and your sailor.
Hello Bears'Mom - my son too wanted to do something other than CS but didn't want to go in undesignated so accepted CS. He has been out of A school now since Nov and is stationed in San Diego. Workers on a barge since his ship is currently in dry dock. He is doing better now but had a rough start. They work very long hours. He likes his job OK, but still desires something more exciting and challenging. And BTW- the recruiters LIE. Ours also told my son he could change rates in basic. NOPE! Maybe in a year or more he can apply for something different is whàt he is now told. Keep him positive, things will work out.
When my daughter enlisted I told her to treat it like any other job. It does not have to be your career but if you put in your four years you come out with some great benefits from the GI bill. This is not forever it is a few years out of their lives when they are young and they get to see and experience lots of new things. They can change their rate after being in for two years. My Daughter is a CS on the USS Cole. She wants to apply to change her rate but is putting in her time in the Galley and keeping it all in perspective while she waits. In the mean time she is signing up for extra classes that go along with being a CS. Cake decorating, watch captain, records etc. These will help her be given more responsibility while she is waiting out the two years. The biggest problem I see going on is attitude. The Navy will be what they make of it. If they choose to be unhappy and bitch and moan the whole time they are in then they will be miserable. If they accept that they have to do what they have to do they will be much better off and get rewarded for their service. It is not all bad while they are in either. The ship spent a week in Key West last month and she got to go explore while she was not on duty. She will be in Europe in the next month or so and then she will deploy late this summer. She is seeing and experiencing things that she would never have other wise.
Oh and another plus of being a CS. The ships tend to be cold during winter weather. They are all metal after all. Being in the Galley is one of the warmest places on the ship.....
My daughter is now actually considering the Navy as a career...She would be able to retire at age 42 with a pension and full benefits and still have a career outside the Navy...Another thing I told her was Rank is everything in the military. Up through E3 they automatically rank up every Nine months (assuming they come out of basic an E1). In two years they can take the test to be a Petty Officer and every six months after that they can test and rank up even more.
VictoriasDad - THANK YOU for sharing such a positive and realistic perspective on being a CS. I don't understand why some people speak of the position as if its a demeaning one to fill. As I told my son, "honey, smart people don't ever mess with the cook...they control the preparation of their food." LOL! Life is all about making the best out of any opportunity God brings across your path. And one's attitude is what navigates the direction in which way things may go.
Bears'Mom - At first, my son was also discouraged when he learned about being a CS. But I had to remind him, it was such a small period of time in comparison to his entire Navy career. His dream of working in the IT field is still well-within his reach. Keep encouraging your son. Tell him not to give up. He might be surprised and actually enjoy the CS experience! :-)
VictoriasDad- my son too wants a Navy career. My husband was Air Force and is now full time air guard so our son is used to a "military lifestyle". He most definitely is aware of the tremendous benefits of college and a good retirement.
Another CS benefit, you can cook whatever you want and whenever you want for yourself! My son LOVES to eat!!
I think kandilee's Sailor gave the BEST job description of a CS when he said, "Ppl ask how the navy is I say its okay...ppl ask me what I do, I say. Im defending freedom one belly at a time."
Hi everybody, my son is at CS's Aschool at Virginia his graduation will be on February 28th, I am a proud mom and I waiting for he can back home for a few days soon.
Hi batmom, thank you!!! I am not sure, because he still has to go spot Connecticut for I think 6 weeks, and then probably come home..... He talked me. Something like 2.5 or 2 days per each month that he already have been in the navy.
He enjoyed a lot there, every minute.
What about you?
My sons recruiter told him the same thing, but in reverse my son wanted CS and was afraid he wouldn't get it. The recruiter told him not to worry he would do what he could if he didn't get it. Thankfully he got what he wanted. I think they will stick to their word.
I'm new to this group. Our son will arrive at FT Lee VA for CS training tomorrow afternoon. Any info you can provide regarding the base, where to check-in upon arrival, where to get room/barracks assignment, info about the area surrounding the base, etc. would be appreciated. Thank you.
My CS just arrived at Fort Lee on Saturday, he said everything was pretty easy for signing in. My son said that the base is huge, they have a grocery store and PX. He also said there is a bowling alley and a few other things to do.
roguevalgal my son just arrived at Ft Lee last Wednesday. He also said the base is huge. He likes his room mate. He's trying to figure out the protocol for getting us on base to visit with him. disneygirl64 do you have any thoughts on when they will have Libery?
disneygirl64 my son said the same. I believe he'll get approximately 5 days liberty. But in the meantime, he wants me to send he and his roommate FOOD! Haaaaaa
Our son is currently in CS A School at Ft Lee. His goal is to become a Navy Seal. He started in Diver Prep at GL but found out that what he'd been told at the Recruiter's office about switching over from Diver to Seal wasn't true, si he voluntarily dropped out of Diver Prep after 16 days only to find out that CS A school was his only choice. He is not happy but at least as a CS he will eventually be able to submit a request to attend Buds Trng at GL.
Meanwhile he has good days and not so good - lots of masters and withstanding and almost no fitness training; which he loves to do. So far they've only had PT one time in 3 weeks! The gym is closed by the time training and chow are done each day too.
On top of that he has a punk for a roommate who just loves to put him down and make fun of him.
We'll be glad when he graduates; which he says is on 25 Apr. He plans on taking leave and coming home before reporting to his next duty station.
At least he'll have some useful skills from this training and in the next year or so.
So glad we can text and talk to each other - we always listen and encourage him to be patient. He has to gain some seniority before things will improve and he gets a bit more freedom - so far he accepts that and understands.
Just wish he had a better roommate...
Hope thing work better for your son. They told mine the same thing. He wanted to be DC or fire fighter and before he was sworn in he passed his color blind test. In boot camp he failed the test and they told him cook or get out. He wanted to serve. He is currently on the Bush deployed. He hates cooking and he knows now he will not make a career of the Navy. He is trying to make the best of the 4 years and hang on to the fact his service will help in civilian life to become a fire fighter. He can take classes while in the Navy once off deployment to earn credits for fire fighting . He just needs to keep his head held high and make the best of his time. Hopefully someone will help him with this dream
Roguevalgal-
My son too had plans to be a SEAL. failed his depth perception on second eye exam. He was devastated to say the least. Chose CS on his own and has adjusted well. He LIVES for fitness and bodybuilding! Do you know where his duty station is going to be? Our sailors would make great friends! Stay positive for him and he will do great! Tell him after A school he can work out ALL DAY LONG! My son goes to the gym every day! It does get better.
roguevalgal, becoming a CS is great duty especially for those who want to become a CS but if you have had a dream and goal to be something it can be frustrating. My sailor as well, wants to be a seal and planned on a career in the Navy. We listen and encourage him to do his best at everything and follow every lead suggested to get him to where he wants to go. My son trained for over a year with a retired seal, to prepare for buds and loves to work out. CS A school didn't allow alot of time for working out etc, but that will change in time. It is good to text and call. Keep positive, hopefully doors will open quickly (it's all relative)! What duty is next for your son?
Jeanette/Labornurse/NavyMomDPL: Appreciate your words of encouragement. Our son graduates on 25th of April, but doesn't have orders yet - said perhaps they'll get orders this coming week. His first choice is the West Coast (preferably San Diego), then HI, and then Europe/ship.
Because our son's vision just missed the requirement for Navy Seal, he signed a Diver contract and trained with a SpecWar Diver for over a year as well, also working out twice a day at the gym, and was the PT coordinator for deppers at the local recruiting office before going to RTC. He was told he could apply for Buds down the road after becoming a Diver, but later found out at Diver Prep that wasn't true at all.
He's hoping to put in his pkg for Buds after he's at his next duty station for 12 months, and approval is supposed to take no more than 6 months (or sooner). If that doesn't pan out he's good with being a Seabee or Hospital Corpsman as both can serve in a Seal unit.
Yes we encourage him each time we talk. I only wish he had a friend in his roommate who just likes to taunt and put him down like bullies do, plus stay up until 2-3 am talking on the phone and keeping our son awake. So far our son has practiced restraint and we hope he continues to do so as the roomate likes to get in "your face", etc.
Our son also "lives" to workout so hoping he has a bit more freedom (and time) to do so at his next duty station, although I understand that CS are quite busy and have long work days. I know he'll be happier when he can go to the gym everyday.
Anyone know what time CS graduation is, and how long the ceremony is? Our son is looking at making a one-way airline reservation home after graduation, but doesn't know how early in the day he should be looking at flight departure times. He said he believes they all get on a bus right after graduation and go to the airport.
Nice to talk to you ladies - I wish all the best to each of your sons.
Jeannette - where is your son stationed now and when did he graduate from CS school?
LaborNurse - I agree - our sons would get along great! My daugter is a labor nurse too (if that's what you are!).
Roguevalgal- my son is in San Diego. Let me know when your son gets his orders. Yes- I am a labor nurse of 23 years. It is my passion! Are you a nurse also?
So nice to have this site to meet everyone.
Roguevalgal, my son is in Bangor Washington. He graduated last summer from A school, and completed Sub school the middle of September. Between Basic, A school, Sub school and first deployment he has completed his first year.
As I have read the last few posts, I have smiled more than once. My son is color blind or so they say, one test was borderline another said no doubt. Eye issues seem to be a common theme in the last few posts.
A couple posts, mentioned San Diego where I have been for the last week. We attend the San Diego Crew Classic every year, San Diego is beautiful. If you son gets duty here, he will enjoy it. Every where we go, people are running, walking, riding bikes and enjoying life.
My sailor loves Bangor, has met some really good friends (a few on his boat), bought a jeep, spends alot of time 'mudding' with guys on base and one of his shipmates introduced him to a young lady.
Never thought I would say this but the Navy has been good for D even with all the twists and turns, and I am thankful for the lesson learned and will continue to be learned for the next 4 years.
Thanks for sharing, it uplifted me. I do worry about my sailor. Mine is deployed on USS Bush and is CS for Command. He has been to Turkey and Grease and had a great time. His days are very long right now 14 to 16 hour days. On the ship he can work out after he is off but most of the time he is too tired. He went into Navy an E3 due to ROTC in high school so he took his Petty Officer test. Won't know until June. He is completed many certs while out too. All this will help his future. I am hoping no girl..lol. My other 3 kids all live in Colorado near me and I would love him to stay in the area too. I like having my grand babies near..lol. Have a great monday
My son has been on his ship for about 6 months now and it is definitely more freedom once they leave A school. Just tell them to hang in there and it will be over soon!
I didn't make it to his A school graduation. I don't think there is an actual ceremony but I'm sure there is something. He was ok with that because most all of them were counting down the time for them to finish then go on leave. For us, the leave process was not very clear. Apparently they are not told many specifics about what happens on graduation day and how soon they can make flights, etc to leave. I wouldn't plan any flights until late afternoon at the earliest. They have to be officially "released" from school and they won't know what time that will happen until that day. Really no way to get plane tickets ahead of time (weeks ahead as I normally would). We ended up getting a one way flight out around 6 that we couldn't purchase until that week. Hopefully that is not the norm but be prepared for the possibility :). I'm a planner by nature and that was very frustrating for me so I figured I'd warn any other Moms out there. Happy Monday!
Hi Ladies: Great to get such good words of encouragement and friendship. No, I'm not a Labor Nurse too, just my daughter.
We are originally from San Diego, CA, and all 3 of our children were born there as well as myself, so we're veery familiar with the area and that's why our son hopes to get orders there after CS School. It's a beautiful city with lots to do - we decided in 2001 to move to Oregon - slower pace, less population, more house/land for the money, etc. We still visit San Diego from time to time though.
My son also heard that some CS have 14-16 hr workdays at their commands. I guess it must depend on how many other CS are assigned and the size of the command/ship.
I'm hopeful he'll get to a duty station where he does have the opportunity to work out as he's really missing doing that at Ft. Lee. Every time a PT is scheduled, it gets canx. due to "light rain". I though all military were expected to keep in "fighting-ready" physical shape.
Re his plane ticket - I, too, am a planner. Hoping he gets more info re graduation and departure for the airport time, so he can start making plans - tickets are very expensive when they must be made at the last minute, and he'll have to get a flight with 2 (or more stops) so it will be a very long day before he gets home.
Will let you know what orders he receives. Fingers crossed it's what he's requested.
Hi! I'm in OR, my daughter is CS on the Chafee in Pearl Harbor. She has excruciatingly long days-longer than she expected or was told by recruiters. She regularly has 16 hour days, when underway, it's been 20. They have had inspections, and she hardly sees a day off. Adjusting has been brutal.
My husband is a CS and has been a CS in the Navy for right at 10 years now! Deployments are rough for them that's for sure, they never get a day off and or much sleep at that. When my husband was on deployment last year I barely got to talk with him because, he was working 20 hours a day and then sometimes more if they needed to get stuff done! I know some people don't like being a CS, it's a love/hate relationship for most including my husband. He used to love being a CS, but not so much anymore! They have options if they don't like it :) which is a great thing. My husband is putting in his LDO package and is definitely exploring his options! I know some of y'all's children are coming right out of A school, but tell them to keep their chins up and it will get better :) in due time. Whenever my husband was down or wasn't happy at times in his command or on a ship I used to send him things he loves (mainly food or drawings from our daughter) to boost his moral! Believe it or not Swedish Fish always made him happy and or to get even the smallest things from loved ones. Hang in there y'all :)
We're also in Oregon. Our son is attending CS A School in VA and graduates 25 Apr.
He got orders yesterday to a P3 squadron at Whidbey Island WA.
We're all happy with his orders. I've been to Whidbey Island several times when I worked for the govt. and it's a beautiful area with lots to do on your off time. So glad he's not going to be too far from home for his first duty station.
He'll be home on leave before reporting so really excited to see him.
Would be interested to know if there are any NavyMoms with a CS sailor stationed at Whidbey now or previously, or with orders to Whidbey.
Hey Batmom I have sent my soon a care package already lol. He was very excited to get it. My son is loving it, he has wanted to be a chef like his Dad forever. He is doing great on his tests and can't wait till the cooking portion of school starts. For being 18 I think my son is adjusting very well to everything he has gone through.
Yes the CS have crazy long hours and very few days off. Really true when deployed. My daughter is on the USS George Washington based in Japan. She's been there for 3 years now. We just went to visit her there and it was very interesting seeing the aircraft carrier. She is on the downside of her time now and is looking at school when she gets out. Good luck to all the new CS's!
My son just arrived to A school in Virginia this morning. Would love to hear more about what he will experience while he's there. Trying to stay close as far away as we are. :)
sassymom9503
My Son Graduates from A school Today!!! Im so Proud of him and so sad I cant be there with him Today ... Off to his Duty Station after and his Next Journey !!!
Feb 7, 2014
SunflowerMom
Congrats, sassymom! Where is he heading?
Kandilee, your sons status shows strength and a good attitude. That's awesome!
Feb 7, 2014
sassymom9503
My Son is Now In Norfolk
Feb 10, 2014
NavyMomDPL
does he know where he is going to be assigned sassy mom. My sailor is on the GH Bush
Feb 10, 2014
sunshinefam
Feb 10, 2014
NavyMomDPL
Bears mom
Not an easy thing to convince them of when it is not what they want. The same thing happened to my son who wanted to be a fire fighter. They said cook or get out. He is assigned to the Bush and cooks for the officers and hates it. Four years is a long time to do something you are not called to do. When it a desire then it can be a great experience. I work hard every time we talk to find the positives in this but it is hard. I hope it works out for him.
Feb 12, 2014
SunflowerMom
Bears Mom, I can feel your pain!
My sailor was told by his recruiter that his rate would change after basic if he worked real hard and requested . My son decided that he was going to work hard, to rank up so that he will have more options for what he has to do. Every month is a month closer to being out. Mine had wanted to make a career out of the Navy and that has changed. I hope that through time, you will find encouragement on n4m's for yourself and your sailor.
Feb 12, 2014
Labornurse
Feb 12, 2014
VictoriasDad
When my daughter enlisted I told her to treat it like any other job. It does not have to be your career but if you put in your four years you come out with some great benefits from the GI bill. This is not forever it is a few years out of their lives when they are young and they get to see and experience lots of new things. They can change their rate after being in for two years. My Daughter is a CS on the USS Cole. She wants to apply to change her rate but is putting in her time in the Galley and keeping it all in perspective while she waits. In the mean time she is signing up for extra classes that go along with being a CS. Cake decorating, watch captain, records etc. These will help her be given more responsibility while she is waiting out the two years. The biggest problem I see going on is attitude. The Navy will be what they make of it. If they choose to be unhappy and bitch and moan the whole time they are in then they will be miserable. If they accept that they have to do what they have to do they will be much better off and get rewarded for their service. It is not all bad while they are in either. The ship spent a week in Key West last month and she got to go explore while she was not on duty. She will be in Europe in the next month or so and then she will deploy late this summer. She is seeing and experiencing things that she would never have other wise.
Feb 13, 2014
VictoriasDad
Oh and another plus of being a CS. The ships tend to be cold during winter weather. They are all metal after all. Being in the Galley is one of the warmest places on the ship.....
Feb 13, 2014
VictoriasDad
My daughter is now actually considering the Navy as a career...She would be able to retire at age 42 with a pension and full benefits and still have a career outside the Navy...Another thing I told her was Rank is everything in the military. Up through E3 they automatically rank up every Nine months (assuming they come out of basic an E1). In two years they can take the test to be a Petty Officer and every six months after that they can test and rank up even more.
Feb 13, 2014
Batmom
VictoriasDad - THANK YOU for sharing such a positive and realistic perspective on being a CS. I don't understand why some people speak of the position as if its a demeaning one to fill. As I told my son, "honey, smart people don't ever mess with the cook...they control the preparation of their food." LOL! Life is all about making the best out of any opportunity God brings across your path. And one's attitude is what navigates the direction in which way things may go.
Bears'Mom - At first, my son was also discouraged when he learned about being a CS. But I had to remind him, it was such a small period of time in comparison to his entire Navy career. His dream of working in the IT field is still well-within his reach. Keep encouraging your son. Tell him not to give up. He might be surprised and actually enjoy the CS experience! :-)
Feb 13, 2014
Labornurse
Another CS benefit, you can cook whatever you want and whenever you want for yourself! My son LOVES to eat!!
Feb 13, 2014
Batmom
I think kandilee's Sailor gave the BEST job description of a CS when he said, "Ppl ask how the navy is I say its okay...ppl ask me what I do, I say. Im defending freedom one belly at a time."
The Navy should frame these words. :-)
Feb 13, 2014
Labornurse
Feb 14, 2014
Isabel
Feb 24, 2014
Batmom
Congratulations, Isabel! I know you're excited and proud. How long will he be able to come home? How was his experience at Ft. Lee?
Feb 26, 2014
Isabel
He enjoyed a lot there, every minute.
What about you?
Feb 26, 2014
laurie
Right on, kandilee and Batmom. My son is on the Reagan "defending out freedom one belly at a time". I'm so proud of him! Thanks for sharing!
Mar 2, 2014
disneygirl64
Bears mom
Mar 9, 2014
roguevalgal
I'm new to this group. Our son will arrive at FT Lee VA for CS training tomorrow afternoon. Any info you can provide regarding the base, where to check-in upon arrival, where to get room/barracks assignment, info about the area surrounding the base, etc. would be appreciated. Thank you.
Mar 23, 2014
disneygirl64
My CS just arrived at Fort Lee on Saturday, he said everything was pretty easy for signing in. My son said that the base is huge, they have a grocery store and PX. He also said there is a bowling alley and a few other things to do.
Apr 1, 2014
Batmom
roguevalgal my son just arrived at Ft Lee last Wednesday. He also said the base is huge. He likes his room mate. He's trying to figure out the protocol for getting us on base to visit with him. disneygirl64 do you have any thoughts on when they will have Libery?
Apr 1, 2014
disneygirl64
My son said as soon as they are done with their schooling they will get liberty. So sometime in the next 6-8 weeks
Apr 4, 2014
Batmom
disneygirl64 my son said the same. I believe he'll get approximately 5 days liberty. But in the meantime, he wants me to send he and his roommate FOOD! Haaaaaa
How is your son adjusting?
Apr 5, 2014
Batmom
Does anyone else plan to attend the A School graduation? Thank God we're only 3 hours away, so my family and I look forward to attending.
Apr 5, 2014
roguevalgal
Meanwhile he has good days and not so good - lots of masters and withstanding and almost no fitness training; which he loves to do. So far they've only had PT one time in 3 weeks! The gym is closed by the time training and chow are done each day too.
On top of that he has a punk for a roommate who just loves to put him down and make fun of him.
We'll be glad when he graduates; which he says is on 25 Apr. He plans on taking leave and coming home before reporting to his next duty station.
At least he'll have some useful skills from this training and in the next year or so.
So glad we can text and talk to each other - we always listen and encourage him to be patient. He has to gain some seniority before things will improve and he gets a bit more freedom - so far he accepts that and understands.
Just wish he had a better roommate...
Apr 5, 2014
roguevalgal
Apr 5, 2014
NavyMomDPL
roguevalgal
Hope thing work better for your son. They told mine the same thing. He wanted to be DC or fire fighter and before he was sworn in he passed his color blind test. In boot camp he failed the test and they told him cook or get out. He wanted to serve. He is currently on the Bush deployed. He hates cooking and he knows now he will not make a career of the Navy. He is trying to make the best of the 4 years and hang on to the fact his service will help in civilian life to become a fire fighter. He can take classes while in the Navy once off deployment to earn credits for fire fighting . He just needs to keep his head held high and make the best of his time. Hopefully someone will help him with this dream
Apr 5, 2014
Labornurse
My son too had plans to be a SEAL. failed his depth perception on second eye exam. He was devastated to say the least. Chose CS on his own and has adjusted well. He LIVES for fitness and bodybuilding! Do you know where his duty station is going to be? Our sailors would make great friends! Stay positive for him and he will do great! Tell him after A school he can work out ALL DAY LONG! My son goes to the gym every day! It does get better.
Apr 5, 2014
SunflowerMom
roguevalgal, becoming a CS is great duty especially for those who want to become a CS but if you have had a dream and goal to be something it can be frustrating. My sailor as well, wants to be a seal and planned on a career in the Navy. We listen and encourage him to do his best at everything and follow every lead suggested to get him to where he wants to go. My son trained for over a year with a retired seal, to prepare for buds and loves to work out. CS A school didn't allow alot of time for working out etc, but that will change in time. It is good to text and call. Keep positive, hopefully doors will open quickly (it's all relative)! What duty is next for your son?
Apr 5, 2014
roguevalgal
Jeanette/Labornurse/NavyMomDPL: Appreciate your words of encouragement. Our son graduates on 25th of April, but doesn't have orders yet - said perhaps they'll get orders this coming week. His first choice is the West Coast (preferably San Diego), then HI, and then Europe/ship.
Because our son's vision just missed the requirement for Navy Seal, he signed a Diver contract and trained with a SpecWar Diver for over a year as well, also working out twice a day at the gym, and was the PT coordinator for deppers at the local recruiting office before going to RTC. He was told he could apply for Buds down the road after becoming a Diver, but later found out at Diver Prep that wasn't true at all.
He's hoping to put in his pkg for Buds after he's at his next duty station for 12 months, and approval is supposed to take no more than 6 months (or sooner). If that doesn't pan out he's good with being a Seabee or Hospital Corpsman as both can serve in a Seal unit.
Yes we encourage him each time we talk. I only wish he had a friend in his roommate who just likes to taunt and put him down like bullies do, plus stay up until 2-3 am talking on the phone and keeping our son awake. So far our son has practiced restraint and we hope he continues to do so as the roomate likes to get in "your face", etc.
Our son also "lives" to workout so hoping he has a bit more freedom (and time) to do so at his next duty station, although I understand that CS are quite busy and have long work days. I know he'll be happier when he can go to the gym everyday.
Anyone know what time CS graduation is, and how long the ceremony is? Our son is looking at making a one-way airline reservation home after graduation, but doesn't know how early in the day he should be looking at flight departure times. He said he believes they all get on a bus right after graduation and go to the airport.
Nice to talk to you ladies - I wish all the best to each of your sons.
Jeannette - where is your son stationed now and when did he graduate from CS school?
LaborNurse - I agree - our sons would get along great! My daugter is a labor nurse too (if that's what you are!).
Have a great day ladies.
Apr 6, 2014
Labornurse
So nice to have this site to meet everyone.
Apr 6, 2014
SunflowerMom
Roguevalgal, my son is in Bangor Washington. He graduated last summer from A school, and completed Sub school the middle of September. Between Basic, A school, Sub school and first deployment he has completed his first year.
As I have read the last few posts, I have smiled more than once. My son is color blind or so they say, one test was borderline another said no doubt. Eye issues seem to be a common theme in the last few posts.
A couple posts, mentioned San Diego where I have been for the last week. We attend the San Diego Crew Classic every year, San Diego is beautiful. If you son gets duty here, he will enjoy it. Every where we go, people are running, walking, riding bikes and enjoying life.
My sailor loves Bangor, has met some really good friends (a few on his boat), bought a jeep, spends alot of time 'mudding' with guys on base and one of his shipmates introduced him to a young lady.
Never thought I would say this but the Navy has been good for D even with all the twists and turns, and I am thankful for the lesson learned and will continue to be learned for the next 4 years.
Apr 7, 2014
NavyMomDPL
Jeanette
Thanks for sharing, it uplifted me. I do worry about my sailor. Mine is deployed on USS Bush and is CS for Command. He has been to Turkey and Grease and had a great time. His days are very long right now 14 to 16 hour days. On the ship he can work out after he is off but most of the time he is too tired. He went into Navy an E3 due to ROTC in high school so he took his Petty Officer test. Won't know until June. He is completed many certs while out too. All this will help his future. I am hoping no girl..lol. My other 3 kids all live in Colorado near me and I would love him to stay in the area too. I like having my grand babies near..lol. Have a great monday
Apr 7, 2014
Michelle
Hi CS Moms,
My son has been on his ship for about 6 months now and it is definitely more freedom once they leave A school. Just tell them to hang in there and it will be over soon!
I didn't make it to his A school graduation. I don't think there is an actual ceremony but I'm sure there is something. He was ok with that because most all of them were counting down the time for them to finish then go on leave. For us, the leave process was not very clear. Apparently they are not told many specifics about what happens on graduation day and how soon they can make flights, etc to leave. I wouldn't plan any flights until late afternoon at the earliest. They have to be officially "released" from school and they won't know what time that will happen until that day. Really no way to get plane tickets ahead of time (weeks ahead as I normally would). We ended up getting a one way flight out around 6 that we couldn't purchase until that week. Hopefully that is not the norm but be prepared for the possibility :). I'm a planner by nature and that was very frustrating for me so I figured I'd warn any other Moms out there. Happy Monday!
Apr 7, 2014
roguevalgal
Hi Ladies: Great to get such good words of encouragement and friendship. No, I'm not a Labor Nurse too, just my daughter.
We are originally from San Diego, CA, and all 3 of our children were born there as well as myself, so we're veery familiar with the area and that's why our son hopes to get orders there after CS School. It's a beautiful city with lots to do - we decided in 2001 to move to Oregon - slower pace, less population, more house/land for the money, etc. We still visit San Diego from time to time though.
My son also heard that some CS have 14-16 hr workdays at their commands. I guess it must depend on how many other CS are assigned and the size of the command/ship.
I'm hopeful he'll get to a duty station where he does have the opportunity to work out as he's really missing doing that at Ft. Lee. Every time a PT is scheduled, it gets canx. due to "light rain". I though all military were expected to keep in "fighting-ready" physical shape.
Re his plane ticket - I, too, am a planner. Hoping he gets more info re graduation and departure for the airport time, so he can start making plans - tickets are very expensive when they must be made at the last minute, and he'll have to get a flight with 2 (or more stops) so it will be a very long day before he gets home.
Will let you know what orders he receives. Fingers crossed it's what he's requested.
Have a great day!
Apr 9, 2014
Em's Mom
Apr 9, 2014
SailorsWife07
My husband is a CS and has been a CS in the Navy for right at 10 years now! Deployments are rough for them that's for sure, they never get a day off and or much sleep at that. When my husband was on deployment last year I barely got to talk with him because, he was working 20 hours a day and then sometimes more if they needed to get stuff done! I know some people don't like being a CS, it's a love/hate relationship for most including my husband. He used to love being a CS, but not so much anymore! They have options if they don't like it :) which is a great thing. My husband is putting in his LDO package and is definitely exploring his options! I know some of y'all's children are coming right out of A school, but tell them to keep their chins up and it will get better :) in due time. Whenever my husband was down or wasn't happy at times in his command or on a ship I used to send him things he loves (mainly food or drawings from our daughter) to boost his moral! Believe it or not Swedish Fish always made him happy and or to get even the smallest things from loved ones. Hang in there y'all :)
Apr 9, 2014
roguevalgal
He got orders yesterday to a P3 squadron at Whidbey Island WA.
We're all happy with his orders. I've been to Whidbey Island several times when I worked for the govt. and it's a beautiful area with lots to do on your off time. So glad he's not going to be too far from home for his first duty station.
He'll be home on leave before reporting so really excited to see him.
Would be interested to know if there are any NavyMoms with a CS sailor stationed at Whidbey now or previously, or with orders to Whidbey.
Apr 10, 2014
disneygirl64
Hey Batmom I have sent my soon a care package already lol. He was very excited to get it. My son is loving it, he has wanted to be a chef like his Dad forever. He is doing great on his tests and can't wait till the cooking portion of school starts. For being 18 I think my son is adjusting very well to everything he has gone through.
Apr 16, 2014
MAMA_C
Can anyone give me any information about A school in GL. My son will attending there after BC.
May 13, 2014
Cheryl
Yes the CS have crazy long hours and very few days off. Really true when deployed. My daughter is on the USS George Washington based in Japan. She's been there for 3 years now. We just went to visit her there and it was very interesting seeing the aircraft carrier. She is on the downside of her time now and is looking at school when she gets out. Good luck to all the new CS's!
May 13, 2014
Kristi - Johnny's Mom in CA
My son just arrived to A school in Virginia this morning. Would love to hear more about what he will experience while he's there. Trying to stay close as far away as we are. :)
May 17, 2014
Pamyg
What DIV was he in? Did he leave from Great Lakes?
May 17, 2014
Kristi - Johnny's Mom in CA
He was in DIV 153 Ship 11 and he did leave from Great Lakes.
May 17, 2014
Pamyg
May 17, 2014
Momma Bear
My SR is at GL and is in Ship 02 Div 935. Anyone else have SR in that DIV right now?
May 26, 2014
navywife36542
Husband is going for CS.
May 27, 2014
Momma Bear
May 28, 2014