Welcome new moms and Happy Holidays to all. I can answer laundry questions since I got to spend a week on the carrier for Tiger Cruise last June. They are responsible for their own laundry (even officers) so no need to mark everything. They can buy laundry detergent, etc on the ship. Almost everyone uses the laundry pods, they are small and space is a premium. They all seem to bring the memory foam mattress toppers and almost everyone uses lots of different hot sauces in the mess. For care packages, I found that metal tins kept cookies fresher and better protected. Don't send anything in glass, my DIL made the mistake and DS received a bunch of broken glass. There is a great library on the ship but DS really enjoyed all the books that I sent and shared them with his squadron. You can also get smoked salmon that doesn't need to be refrigerated and that is a big hit. If you get the opportunity to go on Tiger Cruise, don't miss it! It was the experience of a lifetime and it was such a privilege to sail with the outstanding, highly professional men and women of our US Navy. Here are some pictures and in case you can't tell, my smile was from ear to ear the whole week long.
I have arrived in Pensacola for the Winging festivities. I am soooo excited. My son has struggled and fought his way to arrive at this place when he was told from teachers and superiors since his junior year in high school that he would never make it. Yet here we are. Such a proud momma. And he got the aircraft he wanted. So awesome to see your children succeed.
For the first time, we missed the snowstorm in MA. We had a wonderful time at our DS' wedding in early January - they really do look good in those dinner dress blues; all of female college friends were hooting when he walked down the aisle. Now back to business - training at Fallon leading up to June deployment.
Hi, folks!
Nice to follow your posts and glean tidbits to help our journey. Advice needed....our DS is heading to Norfolk NAS for his next phase. Anyone with housing knowledge??? Wondering if the commute from Hampton is smooth??? OR is the Va. beach area a better commute better??
My DS lived in an apartment somewhere around 1400 Granby and 15th Street. Can't remember the name. He loved it there. It was a decent drive to work, very close to downtown Norfolk and about 25 or so minutes from Virginia Beach. He plans to live there again when he's back in Norfolk.
My DS lived in Virginia Beach. Lovely apartment only two blocks from the beach. I'll try to get the address. several young officers lived in the complex.
One caution - make sure he avoids areas across the tunnel from the base. The traffic gets incredibly backed up. DS had warned us, and we saw it for ourselves when visiting.
Thanks, ladies for the info about NAS Norfolk. Have been able to narrow the search a bit. May just head that way in the near future to check things out.
It's nail biting time again. DS left Lemoore yesterday; he flies out to the carrier tomorrow for carrier quals. I know he's done this once before, but, I mean, it's an F18 this time. Plus, he had a horrid week before; their puppy dog got hit by a motorcycle; had to have surgery; it's still pretty iffy if she'll make it and of course, his sweet wife is dealing as best she can.
Hey SusanW-I live in Oak Harbor which is where NASWhidbey is located. My DS is stationed there. I can tell you the real estate situation in Oak Harbor is very volatile-houses and rentals do not stay long. There is not much of an inventory right now. I think There are a few condos for rent. - look on Zillow.
Hi SusanW, my DS also flies P3's. He was assigned to a squadron in Hawaii last summer. They are relocating to Whidbey around September, after deployment.
Susan, my son and his wife have lived there n Anacotes almost 3 years and love it. He deploys for the second time soon. We have visited many times and love Anacotes. It is a very tight community.
Hallelujah! He did it! He texted that he is back on land and heading home to Lemoore. We will look forward to a phone call with details, but so grateful to know that he succeeded. And the puppy is doing better. I will sleep well tonite!
DS got his squadron assignment...patching happens on Friday I think. He leaves in 2 weeks or so to join up with the squadron that's already deployed. It feels pretty strange that after all the waiting and training he is finally going to do what he's been waiting to do! Guess it's time to figure out what to put in those shipping boxes!
CheriH, oh my gosh! That is a fast turnaround! Is Japan in his future? Congratulations and hugs to all of you!
My DS is in a squadron set for new jets and no deployment in the near future. He's had a whirlwind few weeks--was on the east coast flying, then to Vegas for training, back home for his sister's wedding, and finally back to LeMoore. His garage was broken into over Christmas holiday while he was back home so I'm crossing my fingers all was safe and sound when he got back this time.
My DS is in Advanced at Corpus for P8 (or P3). He was given a Winging date in late June and was told it's 90%. We told some extended family who plan on coming. We made hotel reservations because they can be cancelled or changed, but we're holding off on airline tickets. Can someone tell me what to expect that day? What the itinerary is? My DS said it's an all day thing. I'd like to have a loose idea.
Barb, so sorry about the break-in. Really stinks. So, new jets: F18's? I'm curious.
DS is happy not to go to Japan. His wife has a job and a horse and they weren't really wanting that much change. So they are happy to stay in lemoore. The quick turnaround is due to the lag in training; some squadrons had to deploy without a full staff of pilots. They warned them a couple of weeks before CQs that they would likely deploy quickly. I think he's heading to the Stennis.
helenp: My DS winged in Kingsville; I think there are many things common to wingings, but hopefully someone can give you info that winged in Corpus. The actual ceremony is lovely and probably a couple of hours, but the accompanying activities can vary. Congrats...it is a very moving and exciting time!
helenp, Congratulations to your DS. Our DS was winged in Corpus Christi in 2014, also P3/P8. It's been a couple of years, but I remember we arrived late on Wednesday. Our DS was done early on Thursday and spent the day with us, which was awesome. On Friday we got to the squadron early for a very informal meeting with the CO. Coffee and doughnuts were served and they did the soft winging. We took lots of pictures. We then toured the hanger where you could actually sit in the plane. You could also schedule a ride in the simulator. They were selling hats, coins, etc.
We had a few hours free and had lunch. After lunch our son got dressed in his uniform, wow lol, and we went to the officer's club for the winging. There were vendors there selling framed pictures of the planes and packages including photos and a video of the ceremony. Of course the ceremony was awesome. Afterwards most of the people moved to the seating area at the club for drinks and food. Again we had some time before we met up again. The last event was the one the wingers planned at a private Resturant/bar. So all the events, in our case, were on Friday.
My son winged Friday 2/26/16 in Meridian. Sounds like most of the day's events are similar for most wingings.
We had sims at 8AM, followed by a squadron tour, 11AM slide show presentation/award ceremony by the XO. He explained the SNA 2 yr. syllabus. Some wingees were awarded bombing accuracy certificates. Early lunch.
Winging ceremony at 1PM. Ended @ 2:30. We had an early family dinner at 4PM at a nice restaurant in downtown Meridian.
The winging class put on a party at an "antique" hangar at Key Field at 7. We left @ 10:30. I think the party ended @ 1AM. We had 20 family members attending, so it was nice to see everyone.
My son is now stationed in his home town (after 10 yrs. of active duty service elsewhere) for the RAG VFA-106.
Suzie, I know how exciting it is when your DS has his name put on a plane. Our DS had his name put on a few months ago.
I hope your DS likes his call sign. Our DS was not able to pick his either.
And I think some guys never get a call sign that really sticks, either. Our DS told us about a couple that are pretty cute/funny, but I'm sure there are some that moms never hear about either. ;) Glad you had him home for a visit, Suzie. I know what you mean...I still see that little boy. I took a picture of our daughter on the front porch the day of her wedding and it made me cry to think of that front porch and all the milestones it has witnessed.
CheriH, it was a real bummer about his garage. He's done a ton of home repair, owns a vintage car and took up woodworking so he had thousands of dollars of tools out there that are now gone. It makes me so mad...we think it was his neighbor and the police were not any help. Grrr.
The new F-18s have arrived I guess, but not directly to his squadron since most guys have to train on that platform. He went in over the weekend to do some flying and seems really happy. I'm so glad!
We're hoping to go for a visit in early June...it's nice to have him to ourselves for a bit.
Good luck getting ready for the deployment, I'm sure there are tons of details. CheriH, you'll become the expert to share the experience with us! Have a great week everyone!
Suzie, I understand how you feel about watching him sleep in his room. There are days I can't believe I am such a lucky mom. I easily feel the rush of emotions. I miss seeing our DS regularly. Due to one reason or another, we didn't get to see our DS for 11 months last year. I vowed that wouldn't happen again this year. If he's due to come home next month and another change occurs, we will go visit him.
Reading where all of you are in the process is fun and interesting. Our DS just started in Kingsville. Rumor has it Meridien is 12-15 months for the beginning of advanced training to winging, and Kingsville is 15-18 months. His squadron is the 18 month group. So we know he will be there for a while. He chose Kingsville, but it really is a long, long way. The southern tip of Texas is a long trip to home in Minnesota. He, too, has a dog so travel isn't as easy with a quick plane trip.
Barb, I'm so sorry to learn of your DS's burglary. That stinks on so many levels.
Keep the stories of their adventures coming! It helps the rest of us. I'm a complete newbie.
I love reading about all of your DS/DD's accomplishments and experiences. Can someone tell me what the dress code/proper attire is for the guests at the Winging?
helenp, my husband, son, and son-in-law all wore suits and ties to my DS's winging in Kingsville and my daughters wore dresses and I wore a suit. People came in varying levels of business dress. Then everyone changed to more casual clothes for the party. Good luck and congrats!
We just got home from our drive from the PNW to the southwest/northern Mexico and back with a side trip to Coronado to visit our son and his family. We caravaned with my sister and her husband on the trip. It was their first opportunity to visit a squadron and get an idea of what our son has been doing for the last 18 years. With the new budget his squadron will be defunded as of the 2016-17 fiscal year. They have decided to extend his command tour until the turn over of the building to another squadron and then he will be off to DC for his last two tours. It will be nice to have him here on the west coast for one more year. They have already started the process of looking for something in the DC area. As always things are subject to change but it currently looks like he will be sliding into something in policy and planning which was his main focus at the War College. We are looking forward to lots of sightseeing around our nation's Capital.
And he's off! Got a phone call the night before to say good-bye (I was a crying mess) and a text from the airport saying he was boarding. 5 Flights and something like 36 hours of travel to get on the boat. He's in VFA-14; the Tophatters. I'll be holding my breath til I get that first email.
I'm sure that was hard!! My LO is only at the beginning stages. The T6 is where he's at in flying. I have been watching and reading everyone's post to help me prepare for whats next! I guess the worrying never ends..... I just pray and wait to hear from my LO often!! Best of Luck to your LO and I will keep them all in my prayers!!
CheriH, wishing your DS a safe trip. My DS called to say good-bye too. I just hate the good-byes. He was so busy getting ready planning the flights we couldn't talk very long. This is his first deployment and they are leaving this morning to start their journey halfway around the world.
Quilter, best wishes to your LO also. Following my DS's adventures has been a very exciting, sometimes nail biting experience. Hope you enjoy the ride.
Thank you NYNancy!! It is indeed a Ride! I just got word about SERE, I think that's what my LO was telling my husband, but I understand that's not for awhile!! I told my husband to stop telling me about it!! I really don't want to know when or where, just let me know when it's over!! Prayers for you and your LO as well!!
Thank you for the prayers Quilter. Yes, you're smart, the less you know about SERE the better. One bit of advise: be sure there is nothing on you Facebook page (if you have one) about your LO at least till SERE is over. I'll keep you and your LO in my prayers too :)
Oh Yes NYNancy, nothing on FB, I actually gave up FB for Lent, it's been a very nice break!! With both on my LO's in service, I keep it very quiet. Take care and Thank you for your prayers!
Hello ladies, all I can say is GULP! My son is just graduating and being Commissioned next month. Then off to flight school. May I ask a stupid question? What do all of your abbreviations mean: DS, DD, LO...?
cherih, sending heartfelt hugs to you with tears in my eyes too. I can't believe he's already going! Kingsville was just a minute ago, wasn't it? Sending you all warm wishes. Remember, he is one of the best trained pilots in the world and heading off to do what he loves.
CheriH
Welcome Navygal'15! Tell us about your aviator and yourself. And feel free to ask any questions. We've all been there...and still are sometimes!
Congratulations on the winging Kama...As Marianne said, winging is worth all the twists and turns in the road.
Barb- so glad you have your DS for Christmas! Enjoy. Tell me about patching. Is he in a 1 seat or 2? Does he know when he will deploy?
Thanks to those who responded about care packages...I know I will need that info relatively soon. Good to hear from those with experience!
Merry Christmas to all...may you be blessed to see or hear from your aviators!
Dec 22, 2015
gonavymom
Welcome new moms and Happy Holidays to all. I can answer laundry questions since I got to spend a week on the carrier for Tiger Cruise last June. They are responsible for their own laundry (even officers) so no need to mark everything. They can buy laundry detergent, etc on the ship. Almost everyone uses the laundry pods, they are small and space is a premium. They all seem to bring the memory foam mattress toppers and almost everyone uses lots of different hot sauces in the mess. For care packages, I found that metal tins kept cookies fresher and better protected. Don't send anything in glass, my DIL made the mistake and DS received a bunch of broken glass. There is a great library on the ship but DS really enjoyed all the books that I sent and shared them with his squadron. You can also get smoked salmon that doesn't need to be refrigerated and that is a big hit. If you get the opportunity to go on Tiger Cruise, don't miss it! It was the experience of a lifetime and it was such a privilege to sail with the outstanding, highly professional men and women of our US Navy. Here are some pictures and in case you can't tell, my smile was from ear to ear the whole week long.
Dec 28, 2015
campbellm
Thanks so much for the info and pictures, gonavymom!
Dec 28, 2015
Kama
I have arrived in Pensacola for the Winging festivities. I am soooo excited. My son has struggled and fought his way to arrive at this place when he was told from teachers and superiors since his junior year in high school that he would never make it. Yet here we are. Such a proud momma. And he got the aircraft he wanted. So awesome to see your children succeed.
Jan 6, 2016
CheriH
Congrats Kama! And to your son! Enjoy the winging, it is such a fun and amazing event. What aircraft will he be flying?
Thanks for the pics gonavymom...love it! I would love to do a tiger cruise someday. Incredible!
Jan 6, 2016
NYNancy
Jan 6, 2016
Helomom
Jan 8, 2016
1after909
My son is stationed in Jacksonville
Jan 20, 2016
NYNancy
Jan 20, 2016
1after909
It's nice to know that Jacksonville is a great place.
Jan 20, 2016
NFAO
For the first time, we missed the snowstorm in MA. We had a wonderful time at our DS' wedding in early January - they really do look good in those dinner dress blues; all of female college friends were hooting when he walked down the aisle. Now back to business - training at Fallon leading up to June deployment.
Jan 23, 2016
pbmcdaniel
Nice to follow your posts and glean tidbits to help our journey. Advice needed....our DS is heading to Norfolk NAS for his next phase. Anyone with housing knowledge??? Wondering if the commute from Hampton is smooth??? OR is the Va. beach area a better commute better??
Jan 28, 2016
Kabar
The Chick's Beach area of Virginia Beach is very popular with young officers.
Jan 28, 2016
AnnfromLouisiana
Jan 29, 2016
AnnfromLouisiana
Jan 29, 2016
Marianne
My DS lived in Virginia Beach. Lovely apartment only two blocks from the beach. I'll try to get the address. several young officers lived in the complex.
One caution - make sure he avoids areas across the tunnel from the base. The traffic gets incredibly backed up. DS had warned us, and we saw it for ourselves when visiting.
Jan 29, 2016
pbmcdaniel
Thanks, ladies for the info about NAS Norfolk. Have been able to narrow the search a bit. May just head that way in the near future to check things out.
Jan 29, 2016
NFAO
Our DS lives in Norfolk, close to Ghent area as well, and loves it there.
Jan 29, 2016
CheriH
It's nail biting time again. DS left Lemoore yesterday; he flies out to the carrier tomorrow for carrier quals. I know he's done this once before, but, I mean, it's an F18 this time. Plus, he had a horrid week before; their puppy dog got hit by a motorcycle; had to have surgery; it's still pretty iffy if she'll make it and of course, his sweet wife is dealing as best she can.
Feb 27, 2016
Growlermom711
Feb 27, 2016
NYNancy
Feb 27, 2016
JudyM
Feb 28, 2016
CheriH
Hallelujah! He did it! He texted that he is back on land and heading home to Lemoore. We will look forward to a phone call with details, but so grateful to know that he succeeded. And the puppy is doing better. I will sleep well tonite!
Mar 3, 2016
Barb
CheriH, congratulations!!!! That is such a relief. So glad for all of you.
Mar 3, 2016
jsefamily
Wonderful news, CheriH! Whew!
Mar 3, 2016
JudyM
Mar 4, 2016
CheriH
DS got his squadron assignment...patching happens on Friday I think. He leaves in 2 weeks or so to join up with the squadron that's already deployed. It feels pretty strange that after all the waiting and training he is finally going to do what he's been waiting to do! Guess it's time to figure out what to put in those shipping boxes!
Mar 7, 2016
Barb
CheriH, oh my gosh! That is a fast turnaround! Is Japan in his future? Congratulations and hugs to all of you!
My DS is in a squadron set for new jets and no deployment in the near future. He's had a whirlwind few weeks--was on the east coast flying, then to Vegas for training, back home for his sister's wedding, and finally back to LeMoore. His garage was broken into over Christmas holiday while he was back home so I'm crossing my fingers all was safe and sound when he got back this time.
Mar 8, 2016
helenp
My DS is in Advanced at Corpus for P8 (or P3). He was given a Winging date in late June and was told it's 90%. We told some extended family who plan on coming. We made hotel reservations because they can be cancelled or changed, but we're holding off on airline tickets. Can someone tell me what to expect that day? What the itinerary is? My DS said it's an all day thing. I'd like to have a loose idea.
Mar 8, 2016
CheriH
Barb, so sorry about the break-in. Really stinks. So, new jets: F18's? I'm curious.
DS is happy not to go to Japan. His wife has a job and a horse and they weren't really wanting that much change. So they are happy to stay in lemoore. The quick turnaround is due to the lag in training; some squadrons had to deploy without a full staff of pilots. They warned them a couple of weeks before CQs that they would likely deploy quickly. I think he's heading to the Stennis.
helenp: My DS winged in Kingsville; I think there are many things common to wingings, but hopefully someone can give you info that winged in Corpus. The actual ceremony is lovely and probably a couple of hours, but the accompanying activities can vary. Congrats...it is a very moving and exciting time!
Mar 8, 2016
NYNancy
We had a few hours free and had lunch. After lunch our son got dressed in his uniform, wow lol, and we went to the officer's club for the winging. There were vendors there selling framed pictures of the planes and packages including photos and a video of the ceremony. Of course the ceremony was awesome. Afterwards most of the people moved to the seating area at the club for drinks and food. Again we had some time before we met up again. The last event was the one the wingers planned at a private Resturant/bar. So all the events, in our case, were on Friday.
Mar 8, 2016
Chris
My son winged Friday 2/26/16 in Meridian. Sounds like most of the day's events are similar for most wingings.
We had sims at 8AM, followed by a squadron tour, 11AM slide show presentation/award ceremony by the XO. He explained the SNA 2 yr. syllabus. Some wingees were awarded bombing accuracy certificates. Early lunch.
Winging ceremony at 1PM. Ended @ 2:30. We had an early family dinner at 4PM at a nice restaurant in downtown Meridian.
The winging class put on a party at an "antique" hangar at Key Field at 7. We left @ 10:30. I think the party ended @ 1AM. We had 20 family members attending, so it was nice to see everyone.
My son is now stationed in his home town (after 10 yrs. of active duty service elsewhere) for the RAG VFA-106.
Mar 10, 2016
helenp
Congratulations Chris. It sounds like a wonderful day!
Mar 10, 2016
Chris
Thank you Suzie. IIRC VFA-37 are Charlies--my son was assigned Charlies. Things are forever changing, of course.
helenp
It was a great day.
Mar 11, 2016
JudyM
I hope your DS likes his call sign. Our DS was not able to pick his either.
Mar 11, 2016
Barb
And I think some guys never get a call sign that really sticks, either. Our DS told us about a couple that are pretty cute/funny, but I'm sure there are some that moms never hear about either. ;) Glad you had him home for a visit, Suzie. I know what you mean...I still see that little boy. I took a picture of our daughter on the front porch the day of her wedding and it made me cry to think of that front porch and all the milestones it has witnessed.
CheriH, it was a real bummer about his garage. He's done a ton of home repair, owns a vintage car and took up woodworking so he had thousands of dollars of tools out there that are now gone. It makes me so mad...we think it was his neighbor and the police were not any help. Grrr.
The new F-18s have arrived I guess, but not directly to his squadron since most guys have to train on that platform. He went in over the weekend to do some flying and seems really happy. I'm so glad!
We're hoping to go for a visit in early June...it's nice to have him to ourselves for a bit.
Good luck getting ready for the deployment, I'm sure there are tons of details. CheriH, you'll become the expert to share the experience with us! Have a great week everyone!
Mar 13, 2016
jsefamily
Suzie, I understand how you feel about watching him sleep in his room. There are days I can't believe I am such a lucky mom. I easily feel the rush of emotions. I miss seeing our DS regularly. Due to one reason or another, we didn't get to see our DS for 11 months last year. I vowed that wouldn't happen again this year. If he's due to come home next month and another change occurs, we will go visit him.
Reading where all of you are in the process is fun and interesting. Our DS just started in Kingsville. Rumor has it Meridien is 12-15 months for the beginning of advanced training to winging, and Kingsville is 15-18 months. His squadron is the 18 month group. So we know he will be there for a while. He chose Kingsville, but it really is a long, long way. The southern tip of Texas is a long trip to home in Minnesota. He, too, has a dog so travel isn't as easy with a quick plane trip.
Barb, I'm so sorry to learn of your DS's burglary. That stinks on so many levels.
Keep the stories of their adventures coming! It helps the rest of us. I'm a complete newbie.
Mar 13, 2016
helenp
I love reading about all of your DS/DD's accomplishments and experiences. Can someone tell me what the dress code/proper attire is for the guests at the Winging?
Mar 14, 2016
Barb
helenp, my husband, son, and son-in-law all wore suits and ties to my DS's winging in Kingsville and my daughters wore dresses and I wore a suit. People came in varying levels of business dress. Then everyone changed to more casual clothes for the party. Good luck and congrats!
Mar 14, 2016
Marianne
helenp- Same here. "Our" winging was in August so husband and #2 son wore sports jackets and khakis; daughter and I wore simple "church dresses".
That was for the ceremony & reception at the OC. In the morning when we were touring the sims, etc., everyone was in jeans or shorts!
We went out to dinner together, but the after party was only for military.
Mar 14, 2016
Helomom
Mar 14, 2016
CheriH
And he's off! Got a phone call the night before to say good-bye (I was a crying mess) and a text from the airport saying he was boarding. 5 Flights and something like 36 hours of travel to get on the boat. He's in VFA-14; the Tophatters. I'll be holding my breath til I get that first email.
Mar 18, 2016
Quilter
Dear CheriH,
I'm sure that was hard!! My LO is only at the beginning stages. The T6 is where he's at in flying. I have been watching and reading everyone's post to help me prepare for whats next! I guess the worrying never ends..... I just pray and wait to hear from my LO often!! Best of Luck to your LO and I will keep them all in my prayers!!
Mar 18, 2016
NYNancy
Quilter, best wishes to your LO also. Following my DS's adventures has been a very exciting, sometimes nail biting experience. Hope you enjoy the ride.
Mar 18, 2016
Quilter
Thank you NYNancy!! It is indeed a Ride! I just got word about SERE, I think that's what my LO was telling my husband, but I understand that's not for awhile!! I told my husband to stop telling me about it!! I really don't want to know when or where, just let me know when it's over!! Prayers for you and your LO as well!!
Mar 18, 2016
NYNancy
Mar 18, 2016
Quilter
Oh Yes NYNancy, nothing on FB, I actually gave up FB for Lent, it's been a very nice break!! With both on my LO's in service, I keep it very quiet. Take care and Thank you for your prayers!
Mar 18, 2016
So proud Sal
Hello ladies, all I can say is GULP! My son is just graduating and being Commissioned next month. Then off to flight school. May I ask a stupid question? What do all of your abbreviations mean: DS, DD, LO...?
I have soooo much to learn!
Thanks,
Sally
Mar 18, 2016
Barb
cherih, sending heartfelt hugs to you with tears in my eyes too. I can't believe he's already going! Kingsville was just a minute ago, wasn't it? Sending you all warm wishes. Remember, he is one of the best trained pilots in the world and heading off to do what he loves.
Mar 18, 2016
NYNancy
Best wishes to you and your DS!
Mar 18, 2016