Naval Aviation

Praying for him Barb...and that he comes out stronger for it!

Thanks everyone...I know it will all be fine, but that doesn't stop my fretting.  It is comforting to know there are Moms all over the Country with their arms around us and including our DS in their prayers.  I'm grateful to be able to return the favor whenever I can!

I really hate the waiting and wondering today.  Some days I handle it better than others.  

CheriH, I hear you.  Some days my hard candy shell gets a little melty.  Hang tough...

Ok...the waiting was worth it!  He selected Strike...on to Advanced!  I will sleep well tonight.  

Just heard Wolf Blitzer interview a US Navy LCDR (I think that was the rank) who is involved with the search planes in Australia.  Was very proud of the LCDR as he was very well-spoken, respectful and didn't take the baited questions that Wolf asked him.  Just makes me even more proud of all our aviators!

Thanks Dawn...hope your son is doing well.  The CO told DS that the next 6 months is even harder and more stressful than the first six months. I'm sure it will be exciting.

Thanks JudyM...and what is EA?  

EA is electronic attack. DS is a growler (EA-18) pilot out of Whidbey.

Oh...thanks!

Welcome Abbelanai!  Welcome to our rollercoaster.  Let us know if we can help you in anyway. 

Abbylanai....Sorry I don't know anyone in that rate.  You might check the Air Crew group for information.  Good luck to you.

Hi all! My page is different as well. Guess it's meant as an improvement.

Suzie - where did you get an arresting cable? Very intriguing.

They changed the look of the site several weeks ago...I figured it was similar to facebook's many changes.  They just sort of happen one day.

We are heading to Kingsville this weekend for the air show.  Can't wait to see the Blue Angels fly and get a tour of the base from DS and his wife.  I've always loved seeing the Angels; I will have a different perspective this time knowing that DS will be flying an F18 very soon!

NOAM, our DS got a piece of arresting cable when he finished CQ's.  So far he is hanging on to it and not letting us have it!!

Blue Angels are coming to Middle Tennessee this year too!

DS's squadron have left Fallon for their return to Japan.  Some beautiful pics on Facebook over Lake Tahoe and Yosemite.  How many of you wake up and look at Facebook first thing in the morning to see if our LO's have posted pics? Usually our DS is tagged in someone else's picture, but it starts my day off with an awww!!

Returned a week ago from Dubai, UAE and Oman. Very beautiful scenery and a busy 2 weeks doing touristy stuff!  I was glad to have had the opportunity to be there while my sister was teaching.  This summer she transfers to India, so I guess I know where I am going next!!

Started back in Nursing this week after a 7 year hiatus.  I have missed it, and didn't realize how much until this week. So blessed to have recovered fully from my brain injury 7 years ago!

Hi there, Thanks for the kind thoughts these last two weeks while DS was at SERE...we got the "survived" text on Thursday afternoon and I couldn't have been happier.  Our LOs give so much, I am just so proud.  What a grueling experience.  Have a great weekend...we've got two games to watch Sunday for the Elite 8 and then next week my daughter and I get to go hug up DS!  

Love it Suzie! Look forward to the pic.

Congrats Barb! My DS recently had SERE and the relief was unbelievable. So glad this is behind you and your DS.

Shelia, the Blue Angels are in Smyrna, TN June 14-15. If there are other LO's coming, we should get something going, maybe a tailgate!

Enjoyed our weekend in Kingsville immensely!  The Blues were wonderful and we got to see the briefing room, squadron and watch DS "hosting" at the plane.  Answering questions from visitors and posing for pictures.  He even got asked for his autograph from a little tyke.  

He is getting ready to leave for a DET; weapons and low-level flying training.  Praying that he and DIL adjust to their first separation.   She's pretty quiet and shy but has several plans for while he is gone, so I'm very proud of her.

Navy wife and mom: so sorry for your loss.  So good DS got to come.  

Barb: what a relief that SERE is over!

NurseNavyMom, the link for Blue Angel Tickets in Smyrna is

http://www.greattennesseeairshow.com/

I was thinking about splurging on the flight line tickets, comes with beer and wine!

Sheila.....Always good to see you here!  Miss your posts:)

How's is you son doing? 

Helomom....Your right about that sharp looking XO!

Whoa helomom!  Great pic...and impressive bio.  Thanks for sharing.  You've earned the right to be proud and crow a bit!!

Helomom...We need a like button!

Wow to all, sounds like things are pretty sunny all the way around!  Thank you for the support during and after SERE.  SO GLAD to have that behind us!  DS said they told him during the debrief that he did really, really well.  Yay!  We had an awesome visit at his great new house in CA.  It was so good to wrap my arms around him and see that he really was okay!  Suzie, sounds like things are moving fast out there.  My DS was told that they'll do ground school but it could be ages before they are back in a real cockpit.  Exciting times though!  Have a great weekend everyone!

Sheila....I understand that long deployments, it so hard when you don't see them face to face.  Hopefully you are able to talk with him occasionally? 

Thankfully mine is stateside.  He was gone early in the year, with no communication available.  I must admit I have been enjoying being able to talk with him each week now!

Hope you had a great time at the air show!

Ok ladies, DS leaves for Japan today. Layover in Seattle tonight. Going to join up with his squadron on the 16th. He is a mechanic for the Hawkeye. Any and all info will be appreciated. I can't post much as I work alot , but I get all your posts via my cell phone. He is my child who refuses to ask questions. Such as how do you stay in contact ,phone , computer etc? 

Thetribemom:

My DS is also  Hawkeye. He's been in Japan for 2 1/2 years and should be home for Christmas for the first time since he deployed. I can't wait!

VAW 115 is known as The Liberty Bells and you can look them up on the navy website. The base is at Atsugi, not Okinawa. You are looking at a 16 hr. time difference even when they are not on cruise. We use email the most, but Skype is awesome when the weekend rolls around. Remember that they are also one day ahead (Intl. Date Line).

DS will soon find out that summer is hot and muggy while winter is cold and damp. They do better with air conditioning than heat - Japanese "central heat" is not the best. We went over for Christmas two years ago and if we weren't Midwesterners, we would have frozen.

Let us know if you have any specific questions. A number of people who post here have been through (or are going through) the Japan experience.

Judy {{Hugs}} so excited for you!

How wonderful JudyM!  Enjoy!