I agree...well said Suzie. I am still grateful that he is out of harm's way and that his family can have some relief from the constant worry. I too feel so sorry for those that were impacted by his actions and the decisions made by our authorities. I know that I don't have all the details and shouldn't judge. I can only pray for all involved.
On another note...DS leaves today for carrier quals. Talked to him last night. He really sounded rather calm about it and is just ready to do it. He was more worried about the truck engine problems that he is dealing with.
He laughed about the fact that the Navy didn't tell him til yesterday that he was flying a jet out and so he didn't get to pack out his stuff on the container beforehand. So, they attach a container (I can't remember the acronym) but he says it's the equivalent of putting the car top carrier on your car. The IPs joked that you have to be careful when landing so that your underwear isnt strewn about the end of the runway. I will be biting my nails until I hear that he is finished.
Good luck with carrier quals, such an exciting and nerve-wracking time! That was one of the best calls from DS ever!! The Navy is funny with all their last minute notices, pack or don't pack, etc. LOL on the undies comment!
My DS is still doing sims with no F-18s in sight. A long waiting list ahead of him on the west coast, they keep saying more jets will be available soon. We'll see. This is a beautiful part of the country though and, other than the delays, it has been a far better assignment than we all thought it would be.
As D-Day approaches hugs and warm thoughts to all the service men and women and their families for the important work they do and the love and support that awaits back home!
Good evening ladies. My DS called today to tell me my favorite poem: "Hi Mom, I'm safe and sound and on the ground!" Needless to say I was thrilled (as usual) to hear both from him and the poem. He's in training on the F18 and had his first flight this week. When I told him I was surprised he didn't call right after the flight, he said there was a small issue that delayed him. Seems he g-locked for during the flight, but he was with an instructor so it was all fine. His g-suit wasn't hooked up properly. Needless to say my heart first jumped to my throat, rapidly followed with a prayer thanking God he wasn't alone. If he hadn't been the one telling me that, I think I would have fainted. Just like the ups and downs of ocean waves, the Navy guarantees many ups and downs during this journey, and as moms of pilots we all pray for safety both ways! Have a great day ladies!
Here is an example of our small world. One of our neighbors was in Normandy for the D-Day activities. He runs into a guy with a growler patch on his uniform. He strikes up a conversation and yes he flies the EA -18 growler. Our neighbor relates that a neighbors son (our DS) flies growler and recently did CQs and gave our last name. Well. . . turns out he was the landing safety officer for our son when he qualled on the Reagan over Memorial Day. And, of course, our son knew him.
What a small world it is.
Ok...question. What is a 4 ship night flight and what is NATOPS?
Heard all about the carrier quals from DS yesterday. Absolutely amazing to hear him describe trapping and catapulting. Best part was he loved it and wanted to do it again! Next up Basic Fighter Maneuvers. And then winging!!!
JudyM...love the D-Day Growler/LSO story.
And it is wonderful to hear all of your news and LO's accomplishments. Love reading all of it!
Congratulations, Whitney. It's nice that you won't have to move for the next round. Good luck to your husband with helos, too.
Rose, enjoy the winging. It's an incredible time after all their hard work. Where is your NFO headed? What type of plane? My DS called from Hong Kong last night. It's hard to believe his three years in Japan are almost up.
He'll be headed to Nevada next; official orders just came through although we knew that's where he was going. He'll be a specialist instructor at the Naval Air Warfare center (i.e., Top Gun), but I don't quite get what his "specialty" will be. Upside is that he says it's a dream job; downside is that he's already been at TG twice and knows that Fallon is pretty desolate. Anyone have someone who's been stationed there?
I'm just looking forward to having him in the States! Best of all, he'll be home for Christmas. It will sure beat forward deployment.
Thanks for your greetings. Today our NFO found out his selection: NAS Oceana (so, Super Hornets). Exactly what he (and the rest of us) had hoped for his FRS assignment.
Congrats Rose! Our DS had is first super hornet solo today. He sent us a picture and his smile is as wide as his helmet! :-)
Nancy - hate when we miss those texts or calls; timing is everything for sure. Best of luck these next few weeks - sounds like your plate is loaded.
Congrats Whitney! Always nice to have a little more time in one location. Our DS knows he won't stay where he is after his training, so he hopes to experience some military stability in a few months.
Enjoying hearing about new aviators getting their first orders. It's an exciting period in their careers. We have finally hit a time where our DS and family are on our coast and will be here for a while. Well, technically the family is on our coast. He will have two sea tours. Since he winged, this has been the treadmill:
Graduated Flight School August 2001
Reported to FRS - San Diego
Reported to Squadron - San Diego
Deployed 2003
Reported to Squadron - San Diego/attached to ship
Reported to Squadron - Norfolk
IA -Afghanistan
Reported to Squadron - San Diego
Reported to Squadron - Jacksonville
Deployed 2010
Reported to Squadron - Norfolk
Reported to Navy War College - Newport
Reported to Squadron - San Diego
Deploying 2014
Busy times for the family.
Had a great dinner last night with Cheri and Linda Z. Talked for hours. JudyM. We missed you. It is always great when you make a connection with another Navy Mom. Cheri hope you can join us on sat for lunch!
Thanks, Suzie. He is heading to NAS Oceana, probably by the end of July. But, we all know about Navy time... better not to plan until orders are in hand. And even then, still expect changes! ;-)
Suzie...love the display! What a great idea. And sounds like you had a great time!
We're coming up on winging. He's finishing up BFM flights. He was supposed to come this next weekend for my mom's 80th birthday. But they've been delayed due to weather, etc, so they are sending them to El Centro with the WEPS det because all the IPs are going. So, no b-day. Hope they make it back in time for winging!
Welcome, welcome new Moms. This is a wonderful group with some at different points along this journey. Everyone kind and helpful.
Going to see DS this Friday before his first deployment the end of the month. Makes me pretty nervous, but I have to have faith in him and his training.
JFK, just saw on the Today show that the typhoon was 340 miles south of Kadena AFB with 155 mph winds moving NW at 17 mph. They expect it to intensify.
Having been raised in Florida, the good news is they have plenty of warning and would probably fly aircraft out to a safe location.
Welcome to the new Navy 4 Moms! Such great info and support here.
Suzie- loved the patch display, what a nice keepsake.
Judy- I'm so glad you have a chance to visit. I can only imagine what that first deployment for you is like. I know there are many variables in training length during FRS but approx. how many months did it take for your DS to finish this phase of training since his winging?
JAMI - I was interested in your comment about your DS transitioning between aircraft. I wondered if they ever did that. Can you share what he is transitioning between and why they do that?
thanks Judy! Have a great visit with your son and new DIL. I had a chance to get to Whidbey 3 weeks ago, so beautiful and lush compared to our valley this summer. I took the shuttle from SeaTac, so easy .We did a lot of hiking with his dog and of course hiked around the bridge at deception pass. Every visit with our LOs is precious.
JudyM-Have a great visit with your son and his wife. My mother's house is the big blue house on the street to the south of your son's. It's next to the white farmhouse.
Hi Everyone and Welcome to the new parents. My DS is out at LeMoore NAS in CA, working his way through Sims and hoping to be in a jet before too long. I've been following along, but have not had too much to add. Suzie, I love the patch frame. That looks like a good Christmas gift, I'm going to tuck your idea away! Had a good visit over the fourth, he was able to come home and go on our annual family vacation north. Ulua, great photo! We really enjoyed our trip to see DS at his new home in April and enjoyed lots of hiking at Sequoia. Have a great day all!
Woke up this morning to a text from DS telling us that he had passed his final checkride in El Centro yesterday! Solo today and then he softwings!!! Winging is in 10 days. I can't believe it is almost here. What a journey it has been. Thanks ladies for all your support. Your help is immeasurable!
CheriH....Congrats, I am so excited for you and your family. Now on to the next fork in the road. Let me know when you plan to come back to my neck of the woods!
Congratulations CheriH! The winging ceremony is such a wonderful time...you will be smiling for days ! Glad you will have some time with your DS Suzie, visits are priceless.
Paymaster
Welcome ashleighj! Let us know if there is something we can help you with? I am only a couple hours away from you is Sacramento.
May 30, 2014
Guacamole
Any moms in Houston area?
May 30, 2014
Thetribemom
May 30, 2014
Guacamole
I live in The Woodlands!
May 30, 2014
Thetribemom
May 30, 2014
ulua
Well said Suzie. It is absolutely appalling. My heart goes out to the families that lost their LOs in the search.
Jun 4, 2014
CheriH
I agree...well said Suzie. I am still grateful that he is out of harm's way and that his family can have some relief from the constant worry. I too feel so sorry for those that were impacted by his actions and the decisions made by our authorities. I know that I don't have all the details and shouldn't judge. I can only pray for all involved.
On another note...DS leaves today for carrier quals. Talked to him last night. He really sounded rather calm about it and is just ready to do it. He was more worried about the truck engine problems that he is dealing with.
He laughed about the fact that the Navy didn't tell him til yesterday that he was flying a jet out and so he didn't get to pack out his stuff on the container beforehand. So, they attach a container (I can't remember the acronym) but he says it's the equivalent of putting the car top carrier on your car. The IPs joked that you have to be careful when landing so that your underwear isnt strewn about the end of the runway. I will be biting my nails until I hear that he is finished.
Jun 5, 2014
Barb
CheriH, agreed.
Good luck with carrier quals, such an exciting and nerve-wracking time! That was one of the best calls from DS ever!! The Navy is funny with all their last minute notices, pack or don't pack, etc. LOL on the undies comment!
My DS is still doing sims with no F-18s in sight. A long waiting list ahead of him on the west coast, they keep saying more jets will be available soon. We'll see. This is a beautiful part of the country though and, other than the delays, it has been a far better assignment than we all thought it would be.
As D-Day approaches hugs and warm thoughts to all the service men and women and their families for the important work they do and the love and support that awaits back home!
Jun 5, 2014
CheriH
Just got the text: "Safe on deck in Jax. Carrier Qualified!" This Momma is breathing again.
Jun 9, 2014
Barb
CheriH,
Congratulations!! Best day!!
Jun 9, 2014
Paymaster
CheriH....Its good news. I know your day will be a good one.
Jun 10, 2014
JudyM
Cheri, I really know the feeling. Mine did his CQs over Memorial Day. I was nervous until I heard from him.
Jun 10, 2014
NOAM
Good evening ladies. My DS called today to tell me my favorite poem: "Hi Mom, I'm safe and sound and on the ground!" Needless to say I was thrilled (as usual) to hear both from him and the poem. He's in training on the F18 and had his first flight this week. When I told him I was surprised he didn't call right after the flight, he said there was a small issue that delayed him. Seems he g-locked for during the flight, but he was with an instructor so it was all fine. His g-suit wasn't hooked up properly. Needless to say my heart first jumped to my throat, rapidly followed with a prayer thanking God he wasn't alone. If he hadn't been the one telling me that, I think I would have fainted.
Just like the ups and downs of ocean waves, the Navy guarantees many ups and downs during this journey, and as moms of pilots we all pray for safety both ways! Have a great day ladies!
Jun 11, 2014
NOAM
He's at Oceana, Suzie. And I am endlessly grateful he wasn't alone!
Jun 11, 2014
NFAO
NOAM, Glad to hear he's "safe and sound." My son also had his first F-18 flight yesterday at Oceana; needless to say we were all excited it went well.
Jun 11, 2014
JudyM
Jun 12, 2014
JudyM
What a small world it is.
Jun 12, 2014
Paymaster
Judi.....Yes, it is indeed a small world.
Jun 12, 2014
CheriH
Ok...question. What is a 4 ship night flight and what is NATOPS?
Heard all about the carrier quals from DS yesterday. Absolutely amazing to hear him describe trapping and catapulting. Best part was he loved it and wanted to do it again! Next up Basic Fighter Maneuvers. And then winging!!!
JudyM...love the D-Day Growler/LSO story.
And it is wonderful to hear all of your news and LO's accomplishments. Love reading all of it!
Jun 12, 2014
Helomom
Jun 13, 2014
CheriH
Thanks ladies!
Jun 14, 2014
Sweet*Southern*Lady
Jun 19, 2014
Rose
Soft winging today; ceremony next Friday for our NFO!
Yet another ending/beginning.on his incredible journey with the Navy. :-)
Jun 19, 2014
Helomom
Jun 19, 2014
Marianne
Congratulations, Whitney. It's nice that you won't have to move for the next round. Good luck to your husband with helos, too.
Rose, enjoy the winging. It's an incredible time after all their hard work. Where is your NFO headed? What type of plane? My DS called from Hong Kong last night. It's hard to believe his three years in Japan are almost up.
He'll be headed to Nevada next; official orders just came through although we knew that's where he was going. He'll be a specialist instructor at the Naval Air Warfare center (i.e., Top Gun), but I don't quite get what his "specialty" will be. Upside is that he says it's a dream job; downside is that he's already been at TG twice and knows that Fallon is pretty desolate. Anyone have someone who's been stationed there?
I'm just looking forward to having him in the States! Best of all, he'll be home for Christmas. It will sure beat forward deployment.
Jun 20, 2014
CheriH
Congrats Whitney! Milton is a nice base.
We got the official winging invite! Really gonna happen. Anybody have any clues when they find out about their next assignment? Is it before winging?
Jun 20, 2014
Rose
Thanks for your greetings. Today our NFO found out his selection: NAS Oceana (so, Super Hornets). Exactly what he (and the rest of us) had hoped for his FRS assignment.
:::: happy dance ::::
Jun 20, 2014
NOAM
Congrats Rose! Our DS had is first super hornet solo today. He sent us a picture and his smile is as wide as his helmet! :-)
Nancy - hate when we miss those texts or calls; timing is everything for sure. Best of luck these next few weeks - sounds like your plate is loaded.
Congrats Whitney! Always nice to have a little more time in one location. Our DS knows he won't stay where he is after his training, so he hopes to experience some military stability in a few months.
Have a great weekend ladies!
Jun 20, 2014
Helomom
Graduated Flight School August 2001
Reported to FRS - San Diego
Reported to Squadron - San Diego
Deployed 2003
Reported to Squadron - San Diego/attached to ship
Reported to Squadron - Norfolk
IA -Afghanistan
Reported to Squadron - San Diego
Reported to Squadron - Jacksonville
Deployed 2010
Reported to Squadron - Norfolk
Reported to Navy War College - Newport
Reported to Squadron - San Diego
Deploying 2014
Busy times for the family.
Jun 21, 2014
Paymaster
Jun 24, 2014
CheriH
Jun 24, 2014
Rose
Jun 28, 2014
Rose
Thanks, Suzie. He is heading to NAS Oceana, probably by the end of July. But, we all know about Navy time... better not to plan until orders are in hand. And even then, still expect changes! ;-)
Jun 30, 2014
NOAM
Soooo happy for you Sheila! What a great way to start the 4th of July weekend!
Jul 2, 2014
Tracy
Jul 3, 2014
CheriH
Suzie...love the display! What a great idea. And sounds like you had a great time!
We're coming up on winging. He's finishing up BFM flights. He was supposed to come this next weekend for my mom's 80th birthday. But they've been delayed due to weather, etc, so they are sending them to El Centro with the WEPS det because all the IPs are going. So, no b-day. Hope they make it back in time for winging!
Jul 5, 2014
JFKBrooklet
How is everyone in Kadena? We are worried about the typhoon. Any news?
Jul 7, 2014
JudyM
Going to see DS this Friday before his first deployment the end of the month. Makes me pretty nervous, but I have to have faith in him and his training.
Jul 7, 2014
JudyM
Having been raised in Florida, the good news is they have plenty of warning and would probably fly aircraft out to a safe location.
Jul 7, 2014
ulua
Welcome to the new Navy 4 Moms! Such great info and support here.
Suzie- loved the patch display, what a nice keepsake.
Judy- I'm so glad you have a chance to visit. I can only imagine what that first deployment for you is like. I know there are many variables in training length during FRS but approx. how many months did it take for your DS to finish this phase of training since his winging?
Jul 7, 2014
JudyM
Jul 7, 2014
CheriH
JAMI - I was interested in your comment about your DS transitioning between aircraft. I wondered if they ever did that. Can you share what he is transitioning between and why they do that?
Jul 7, 2014
ulua
Jul 8, 2014
Helomom
JudyM-Have a great visit with your son and his wife. My mother's house is the big blue house on the street to the south of your son's. It's next to the white farmhouse.
Jul 8, 2014
Barb
Hi Everyone and Welcome to the new parents. My DS is out at LeMoore NAS in CA, working his way through Sims and hoping to be in a jet before too long. I've been following along, but have not had too much to add. Suzie, I love the patch frame. That looks like a good Christmas gift, I'm going to tuck your idea away! Had a good visit over the fourth, he was able to come home and go on our annual family vacation north. Ulua, great photo! We really enjoyed our trip to see DS at his new home in April and enjoyed lots of hiking at Sequoia. Have a great day all!
Jul 8, 2014
CheriH
Woke up this morning to a text from DS telling us that he had passed his final checkride in El Centro yesterday! Solo today and then he softwings!!! Winging is in 10 days. I can't believe it is almost here. What a journey it has been. Thanks ladies for all your support. Your help is immeasurable!
Jul 17, 2014
Paymaster
CheriH....Congrats, I am so excited for you and your family. Now on to the next fork in the road. Let me know when you plan to come back to my neck of the woods!
Jul 17, 2014
ulua
Congratulations CheriH! The winging ceremony is such a wonderful time...you will be smiling for days ! Glad you will have some time with your DS Suzie, visits are priceless.
Jul 17, 2014
Paymaster
Sheila...I can see you doing the happy dance right now. You must be the happiest women in Ky right now! Enjoy your visit with you son!
Jul 20, 2014
JudyM
We all share your joy, Sheila.
Jul 20, 2014