He made it! Twas quite the saga of travel, but it was wonderful to get the email saying he made it and did his first trap within the required time period. He is settling into squadron life aboard the Stennis. I have talked to his wife several times and she is handling it well. The poor puppy dog has quite a road ahead of her for healing.
Thanks for all your prayers and kind words. Barb-it does seem like a whirlwind. It seemed like training would go on forever, but he's finally there. (I do realize that training is never over...)
Welcome to all our new members...please read and ask questions. It's therapy to help those on the path behind us.
I hope all of you have a blessed day and Happy Easter!
I am one happy Mom! Last week, my DS invited my hubs to join him on the Tiger Cruise this summer. He is sooo excited and I'm thrilled that he gets to go. And today, my sweet DIL asked me if I would like to come visit her and go with her to meet the boat when it comes home! I am so excited to see a homecoming; wondered if I would ever get to see one; and I'm even more thrilled that she invited me!!!!
CheriH, this is really nice news for your husband. My DS is on his last leg in primary, I actually saw him 2 weeks ago in Pensacola and told him if he ever get the chance to do the Tiger cruise I want to go, I do not care about nobody else. Who knows maybe one day...
CheriH - That will be awesome! We were able to be dock side on Coronado when the USS Carl Vinson came in to North Island last June. Seeing all the families gathered to see their loved one return after so long was something I will never forget. Our son had flown in with the helo squadron the previous day after he had assumed command of the squadron. We were there with his family when they all flew in. <3 The next day we all went to see the ship come in and greet the rest of his people. Did I say it was amazing! Have a great time! Cherish the moment!
Congrats CheriH, those are all wonderful things! I hope there's a Tiger Cruise in my future at some point!
Suzie, sending prayers for your Dad and huzzahs for your retirement! I'm sure there are lots of emotions in your household right now.
Our DS is in a training at Pearl Harbor for a couple of weeks...he's making the most of it, but we all know these things are not as glamorous as they sound. Mostly it's 12 hours a day in a room with no windows! They've been down to Waikiki though and he did some snorkeling, etc. etc. He called me yesterday but I was on a conference call at work, bummer!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone...hoping spring has sprung wherever you are!
Suzie -- i'm so sorry to hear about your father. It can be very difficult. My bro-in-law has that type of tumor &, honestly, it's been a difficult road. My prayers are with you & your family. Enjoy every day w/ your dad. ((((HUGS))))
A fun DS "sighting". Our family has always watched the Indy 500 together. We'[ve been to the race several times with dear friends. We have a list of 20 "bets" to see who gets to have the coveted "sip of milk". The last several years we have watched spread around the country and texted or talked throughout the race. This year, DS watched it live (midnite his time) from the carrier. He managed to get Instant Messenger working and so we were able to "chat" as we watched. Hubby and me in Atlanta, dear friends in Houston, DIL in California and daughter and family in Seattle. DS in the South China Sea. The wonders of technology! This will be a race we remember.
One more fun moment: DS's comment after the race began; "did everybody see the most beautiful jets fly over the race?" They were F18s.
And now, today, thinking about the many families who have lost loved ones serving our country. Grateful to all those who put their lives on the line each day and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
I posted this in NFO group too. My DS had a real quick turnaround getting from Norfolk to his ship already out at sea. He gave his fiancé and me his afloat address but it seems to be missing a box number. Is there a way to confirm his afloat address somehow?
My DS also just left on a ship and the address he provided (snapshot from a letter) did not contain a box number. I rushed to get a care package out to him since his birthday is at the end of the month. The post office questioned there not being a box number, but accepted the package anyway when I showed them the photo on my phone. I hope he gets it! Is your son by chance on the Wasp?
If you know what squadron they will be in, check to see if there is a facebook page or an ombudsman page. There could also be web sites for their squadrons and you might find the mailing addresses there as well. Good luck!!
First deployment done! Hubby had a marvelous time on the Tiger Cruise and DIL and I had such fun sharing Homecoming together. I even got a brief tour of the carrier after they came in. Then the 4 of us spent 2 days enjoying San Diego together. Such fun to listen to him tell stories of flying and life on the carrier. :)
CheriH, congrats!! Wow, that felt fast...probably not to any of you though. So cool that all of you were able to be a part of the homecoming celebration.
It's been pretty quiet here...Suzie, how are things in your neck of the woods? Our DS is working away in his squadron, just getting little bits of flying time. Almost got to fly home on a cross country a few weeks ago, but one of the jets broke down at their first fuel stop on the way. They met up with Gene Simmons from KISS out on the tarmac though!! Have a great day everyone...
Congrats CheriH!!! I'm glad all is well and you were able to spend some time on the carrier too!! That's awesome!!! My LO finished primary last week and I understand the Board meets today, so soon very soon my LO will know what aircraft he will be assigned too!!! He was at the top of his class so we hope he gets his 1st choice!! Congrats again !!
CheriH - Homecoming sounds fun and nurturing for all. Happy for you.
My DS had his winging in June at Corpus Christi. We made it a true family celebration, including a fun beach party. There were 19 of us! He just moved to Jacksonville to train on the P3. But first - SERE. He leaves for SERE Labor Day weekend. He's trying to gain weight because all of his friends said they lost at least 10 lbs. during SERE.
So good to hear from everybody...Suzie, so sorry about DS's dog. I know how much we love our furry friends. Can't believe he fixed the jet by Facetime.
Helenp..congrats on winging. Sounds like a fun party! SERE isn't much fun...for them or us moms. But he will make it. Remind us when he leaves and we will be praying.
Quilter...good luck to your DS. Those nail biting times are challenging.
Barb...it's that strange combination of time dragging, but looking back seems like it flashed by. Don't know how that works. What a hoot that your DS met Gene Simmons!
Amazing to hear what all are doing. It has been quite a while.
SERE, yes a good idea to put on some weight beforehand. My DS list 10. An experience they do not want to go through again, but thankful for the experience and what they learn.
Quilter, keep us informed about what platform your DS gets.
Hard to believe mine is on his second deployment. Hopefully home October 1 in time for his brothers wedding. Where does the time go. . .
Congratulations, Suzie! You deserve that wonderful breakfast! Jn/Jf, SERE scares me but my DS is about a year away. I told him, everyone says to put on 10 pounds so start eating now. (He's on the thinner side.)
I've been watching and reading all the comments with not too much to add lately. This is such a supportive group and I'm so thankful we have it. DS just keeps plugging away--VT-21 in Kingsville.
Jn/Jf mom..praying! I didn't get much sleep that last week. Just remember, they don't want to hurt him. Just train him! DS did say that the ham and american cheese between two pieces of white bread he got at the end was the best sandwich he ever ate!
jsefamily..our DS was in VT-21. He was there 11 months. How long has your DS been there?
Suzie..congrats on being done with school! Hope you enjoyed your first day!
TennMom: We are fortunate for certain. Our DS said that he had learned the Friday before (two days) that VT-21 was "without incident" for four years and everyone was very proud of that. Then Sunday....
Our DS really likes all of his instructors so I'm sure your DS is among them. He said it's a great environment. It's very supportive.
Thanks everyone for the prayers & well wishes RE: SERE. I'm not really worried cuz i know thousands have gone before him, and it's great training to have. That being said, i'll be happy to receive a Snap at the end of next week :)
Jn/Jf Mom your DS should be finished with SERE by now. Mine is two weeks behind him. He left for SERE this past weekend. Just before he left he had a sore toe that the Dr. said looked like it was infected. He soaked it, but said he can't take antibiotics during SERE. He soaked it and it improved. My thoughts are constantly with him, but I am thankful that they do this and prepare them.
After SERE he will begin his training in Jacksonville on the P3 Orion. Although there was some initial disappointment that he didn't get the fancy new P8, he's now actually excited that he will need to use all of his pilot skills to fly the old turboprop. Anyone else in Jacksonville? So far he and his GF love it there so far. That will make it more difficult to leave and go to Whidby next year.
We are hanging out with the grandkids this weekend. The grown ups are at Tailhook. Their house is on the final approach to the airfield. Jets and helos, low and loud. They make the window blinds rattle. My husband is in heaven.
Ladies, we just returned from Tailhook in Reno. You can be so proud of our community of Naval aviators. It is so amazing to see all ages and levels greet each other and interact. It was truly a heartwarming experience. Although my DS is deployed, so many of his friends came by to see my husband and myself. They are amazing individuals who take care of each other and look out for the families of those deployed.
We were able to attend as we an exhibitor working with a friend who has been a great mentor for our DS and a wonderful friend.
SusanW - Five Points is exactly where my DS is. His GF is a nurse just starting her career and landed a job at St. Vincent's Hospital,which is walking distance. And they have a Starbucks and grocery store right across the street. He's a coffee lover, although he weaned himself off of it a couple of weeks before SERE. Is your DS based at Whidby Island when he's not deployed?
Helenp ya that is great news - I was a nervous wreck the whole time my son was at SERE... Great training that you hope they never have to use...
Having a senior moment - so is everyones Sailors pilot in this group? My son is not a pilot he is a Reel Operator but gets to fly and loves it, he has been up twice so far, he is still in school until November...
SusanW...I can only imagine how you feel. I got my first taste this past week while he was at SERE. I made the mistake of looking up what the acronym stands for. Everything I did was overshadowed with thoughts of what he was going through. I kept thinking of all the military moms with their children deployed. I came a little closer to understanding what it's like. I was comforted by the fact that this was a choice he made with eyes open, that he is smart, strong and tough, and proud to be a Naval Aviator. Your son too. I hope it gets easier for you as the time passes. Only the more experienced moms know that.
My son went to SERE before starting his P3 training, so he will probably not go to Whidby until next summer. My DS's GF just started her first job as a nurse. When they go to Whidby, they have been told that the best scenario for them would be to live around Mt Vernon on the mainland as there are good hospitals in Everett and in Bellingham. Then they each would have only a 30 min. commute.
SusanW my DS is a growler pilot. He will return from his second deployment within a month. He and his wife live in Anacortes as well. I understand your being anxious about his deployment. Although you will always worry, it does get a little easier. It is sometimes difficult as they cannot tell you where they are, when you can communicate again, or when they will return.
The growler comment nitty is very tight. Neighbors of my son and DIL cut the grass when he is gone and help her with cars, etc.
Suzie, I'm so sorry to hear about your father's passing. Please know we are holding you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. I'm so glad that your DS will be at the service. Sending warm hugs.
Barb
Check out this interview:
http://www.npr.org/2016/03/19/471077856/retired-boeing-employee-sta...
She's the voice our LO's hear in the cockpit of their jets when they need help...
Mar 21, 2016
JudyM
Mar 25, 2016
CheriH
He made it! Twas quite the saga of travel, but it was wonderful to get the email saying he made it and did his first trap within the required time period. He is settling into squadron life aboard the Stennis. I have talked to his wife several times and she is handling it well. The poor puppy dog has quite a road ahead of her for healing.
Thanks for all your prayers and kind words. Barb-it does seem like a whirlwind. It seemed like training would go on forever, but he's finally there. (I do realize that training is never over...)
Welcome to all our new members...please read and ask questions. It's therapy to help those on the path behind us.
I hope all of you have a blessed day and Happy Easter!
Mar 25, 2016
CheriH
I am one happy Mom! Last week, my DS invited my hubs to join him on the Tiger Cruise this summer. He is sooo excited and I'm thrilled that he gets to go. And today, my sweet DIL asked me if I would like to come visit her and go with her to meet the boat when it comes home! I am so excited to see a homecoming; wondered if I would ever get to see one; and I'm even more thrilled that she invited me!!!!
Apr 27, 2016
Beata
Apr 27, 2016
Helomom
Apr 27, 2016
Barb
Hi there,
Congrats CheriH, those are all wonderful things! I hope there's a Tiger Cruise in my future at some point!
Suzie, sending prayers for your Dad and huzzahs for your retirement! I'm sure there are lots of emotions in your household right now.
Our DS is in a training at Pearl Harbor for a couple of weeks...he's making the most of it, but we all know these things are not as glamorous as they sound. Mostly it's 12 hours a day in a room with no windows! They've been down to Waikiki though and he did some snorkeling, etc. etc. He called me yesterday but I was on a conference call at work, bummer!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone...hoping spring has sprung wherever you are!
Apr 29, 2016
Barb
Suzie, I'm so sorry about the diagnosis. That will be a hard call, I know. Sending hugs.
Apr 29, 2016
J/J Mom
Suzie -- i'm so sorry to hear about your father. It can be very difficult. My bro-in-law has that type of tumor &, honestly, it's been a difficult road. My prayers are with you & your family. Enjoy every day w/ your dad. ((((HUGS))))
May 1, 2016
JudyM
Anyone hear about the jet crash off the North Carolina coast?
May 26, 2016
JudyM
Thanks James for the response. Here is another version.
F-18 crash
May 26, 2016
ulua
May 26, 2016
CheriH
Thank goodness they are safe. I'm with you ulua about the filming, but it is comforting to see them looking ok.
May 26, 2016
Barb
So scary. Very glad to hear all four were rescued and are alert. Prayers for all our kids as they serve...
May 26, 2016
JudyM
May 27, 2016
CheriH
A fun DS "sighting". Our family has always watched the Indy 500 together. We'[ve been to the race several times with dear friends. We have a list of 20 "bets" to see who gets to have the coveted "sip of milk". The last several years we have watched spread around the country and texted or talked throughout the race. This year, DS watched it live (midnite his time) from the carrier. He managed to get Instant Messenger working and so we were able to "chat" as we watched. Hubby and me in Atlanta, dear friends in Houston, DIL in California and daughter and family in Seattle. DS in the South China Sea. The wonders of technology! This will be a race we remember.
May 30, 2016
CheriH
One more fun moment: DS's comment after the race began; "did everybody see the most beautiful jets fly over the race?" They were F18s.
And now, today, thinking about the many families who have lost loved ones serving our country. Grateful to all those who put their lives on the line each day and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
May 30, 2016
Marmie
I posted this in NFO group too. My DS had a real quick turnaround getting from Norfolk to his ship already out at sea. He gave his fiancé and me his afloat address but it seems to be missing a box number. Is there a way to confirm his afloat address somehow?
Thanks
Jul 4, 2016
Kabar
My DS also just left on a ship and the address he provided (snapshot from a letter) did not contain a box number. I rushed to get a care package out to him since his birthday is at the end of the month. The post office questioned there not being a box number, but accepted the package anyway when I showed them the photo on my phone. I hope he gets it! Is your son by chance on the Wasp?
Jul 4, 2016
TennMom
If you know what squadron they will be in, check to see if there is a facebook page or an ombudsman page. There could also be web sites for their squadrons and you might find the mailing addresses there as well. Good luck!!
Jul 4, 2016
CheriH
First deployment done! Hubby had a marvelous time on the Tiger Cruise and DIL and I had such fun sharing Homecoming together. I even got a brief tour of the carrier after they came in. Then the 4 of us spent 2 days enjoying San Diego together. Such fun to listen to him tell stories of flying and life on the carrier. :)
Aug 16, 2016
Barb
CheriH, congrats!! Wow, that felt fast...probably not to any of you though. So cool that all of you were able to be a part of the homecoming celebration.
It's been pretty quiet here...Suzie, how are things in your neck of the woods? Our DS is working away in his squadron, just getting little bits of flying time. Almost got to fly home on a cross country a few weeks ago, but one of the jets broke down at their first fuel stop on the way. They met up with Gene Simmons from KISS out on the tarmac though!! Have a great day everyone...
Aug 16, 2016
Quilter
Aug 16, 2016
helenp
CheriH - Homecoming sounds fun and nurturing for all. Happy for you.
My DS had his winging in June at Corpus Christi. We made it a true family celebration, including a fun beach party. There were 19 of us! He just moved to Jacksonville to train on the P3. But first - SERE. He leaves for SERE Labor Day weekend. He's trying to gain weight because all of his friends said they lost at least 10 lbs. during SERE.
Aug 16, 2016
CheriH
So good to hear from everybody...Suzie, so sorry about DS's dog. I know how much we love our furry friends. Can't believe he fixed the jet by Facetime.
Helenp..congrats on winging. Sounds like a fun party! SERE isn't much fun...for them or us moms. But he will make it. Remind us when he leaves and we will be praying.
Quilter...good luck to your DS. Those nail biting times are challenging.
Barb...it's that strange combination of time dragging, but looking back seems like it flashed by. Don't know how that works. What a hoot that your DS met Gene Simmons!
Aug 16, 2016
JudyM
SERE, yes a good idea to put on some weight beforehand. My DS list 10. An experience they do not want to go through again, but thankful for the experience and what they learn.
Quilter, keep us informed about what platform your DS gets.
Hard to believe mine is on his second deployment. Hopefully home October 1 in time for his brothers wedding. Where does the time go. . .
Aug 16, 2016
J/J Mom
DS left for SERE this past weekend. On the bright side, the winging in July was fabulous. It was so good to spend the week with him in Corpus.
Aug 22, 2016
jsefamily
I've been watching and reading all the comments with not too much to add lately. This is such a supportive group and I'm so thankful we have it. DS just keeps plugging away--VT-21 in Kingsville.
Aug 23, 2016
CheriH
Jn/Jf mom..praying! I didn't get much sleep that last week. Just remember, they don't want to hurt him. Just train him! DS did say that the ham and american cheese between two pieces of white bread he got at the end was the best sandwich he ever ate!
jsefamily..our DS was in VT-21. He was there 11 months. How long has your DS been there?
Suzie..congrats on being done with school! Hope you enjoyed your first day!
Aug 23, 2016
TennMom
jsefamily, my DS is one of the instructors for VT-21. Glad that neither of our DS was involved in the incident last week!
Aug 23, 2016
jsefamily
Our DS really likes all of his instructors so I'm sure your DS is among them. He said it's a great environment. It's very supportive.
Aug 23, 2016
jsefamily
Aug 23, 2016
jsefamily
Aug 23, 2016
J/J Mom
Suzie -- woo hoo!!
Thanks everyone for the prayers & well wishes RE: SERE. I'm not really worried cuz i know thousands have gone before him, and it's great training to have. That being said, i'll be happy to receive a Snap at the end of next week :)
Aug 25, 2016
Helomom
Aug 29, 2016
td309
Is anyone a mom of a VP-45 Pelican?
Aug 30, 2016
helenp
Jn/Jf Mom your DS should be finished with SERE by now. Mine is two weeks behind him. He left for SERE this past weekend. Just before he left he had a sore toe that the Dr. said looked like it was infected. He soaked it, but said he can't take antibiotics during SERE. He soaked it and it improved. My thoughts are constantly with him, but I am thankful that they do this and prepare them.
After SERE he will begin his training in Jacksonville on the P3 Orion. Although there was some initial disappointment that he didn't get the fancy new P8, he's now actually excited that he will need to use all of his pilot skills to fly the old turboprop. Anyone else in Jacksonville? So far he and his GF love it there so far. That will make it more difficult to leave and go to Whidby next year.
Sep 8, 2016
Helomom
Sep 9, 2016
JudyM
Ladies, we just returned from Tailhook in Reno. You can be so proud of our community of Naval aviators. It is so amazing to see all ages and levels greet each other and interact. It was truly a heartwarming experience. Although my DS is deployed, so many of his friends came by to see my husband and myself. They are amazing individuals who take care of each other and look out for the families of those deployed.
We were able to attend as we an exhibitor working with a friend who has been a great mentor for our DS and a wonderful friend.
Sep 10, 2016
Helomom
Sep 10, 2016
JudyM
It was so much fun (and too many hours on my feet.)
Sep 10, 2016
Barb
Judy, very cool. My DS was there this year. I'm happy to think that there were some moms there keeping a warm eye on things!
Hoping all the SERE attendees (and there families) are doing well.
Take care everyone!
Sep 11, 2016
helenp
SusanW - Five Points is exactly where my DS is. His GF is a nurse just starting her career and landed a job at St. Vincent's Hospital,which is walking distance. And they have a Starbucks and grocery store right across the street. He's a coffee lover, although he weaned himself off of it a couple of weeks before SERE. Is your DS based at Whidby Island when he's not deployed?
Sep 13, 2016
helenp
He survived SERE!
Sep 16, 2016
Diverdee90
Helenp ya that is great news - I was a nervous wreck the whole time my son was at SERE... Great training that you hope they never have to use...
Having a senior moment - so is everyones Sailors pilot in this group? My son is not a pilot he is a Reel Operator but gets to fly and loves it, he has been up twice so far, he is still in school until November...
Sep 16, 2016
Chris
The reality of life in the Hornet community:
http://www.stripes.com/news/f-a-18-crashes-rise-rapidly-as-budget-c...
http://www.stripes.com/news/marines-order-stand-down-of-f-a-18s-fol...
Sep 16, 2016
helenp
SusanW...I can only imagine how you feel. I got my first taste this past week while he was at SERE. I made the mistake of looking up what the acronym stands for. Everything I did was overshadowed with thoughts of what he was going through. I kept thinking of all the military moms with their children deployed. I came a little closer to understanding what it's like. I was comforted by the fact that this was a choice he made with eyes open, that he is smart, strong and tough, and proud to be a Naval Aviator. Your son too. I hope it gets easier for you as the time passes. Only the more experienced moms know that.
My son went to SERE before starting his P3 training, so he will probably not go to Whidby until next summer. My DS's GF just started her first job as a nurse. When they go to Whidby, they have been told that the best scenario for them would be to live around Mt Vernon on the mainland as there are good hospitals in Everett and in Bellingham. Then they each would have only a 30 min. commute.
Sep 17, 2016
JudyM
The growler comment nitty is very tight. Neighbors of my son and DIL cut the grass when he is gone and help her with cars, etc.
Sep 17, 2016
Barb
Helenp,
Yay!! Isn't that one of the best phone calls ever! Glad your LO is back safe and sound.
Take care and be safe everyone!
Sep 22, 2016
Barb
Sep 23, 2016