Good morning moms...DS leaves today for Anchorage for a 3 week DET. He is excited about the flying; joint ops with the Air Force. His sweet wife told me that "3 weeks is nothing!" when compared to deployment. So glad that they have adjusted to Navy life. I, of course, am thinking about the Russian planes that are buzzing about up there.
On another note, DS and DIL managed to make it for a family funeral on Easter weekend and he showed up in his dress blues. When I saw them enter the church, I teared up. What is it about the uniform that makes me cry every time?
CheriH, my son did two deployments attached to the air force. It is a slightly different experience, but he enjoyed it. Now DS is off to start TPS (test pilot school) in Pax River in July, moving from Washington to Maryland.
If anyone has some insight on a timeline of how long an NFO will be in Pensacola, that would be great! (Recent info would be most helpful since things are constantly changing). I know the pipeline, but looking more for time frame now. I am a spouse and my husband is in API currently. I am in grad school, and just trying to have a rough estimate timeline of our time here. Any info would be appreciated.
Congrats JudyM on your son heading to TPS. Very cool.
Suzie...very funny about your son and the whites. I always think about the line from A Few Good Men..."nobody likes the whites!" But they sure do look good. Especially when they are manning the rails!
Welcome to Tiffany...and sorry I can't answer your question about NFO timelines. I'm sure there is someone on here who can. API is probably the same as the pilots. If I remember, it was about 3 months, but it took my DS 3 months to class up. But I think NFO's stay in Pensacola for the entire time of training, don't they?
Hey Gina! Yes Joel and Chandler are good friends! I see him often! They are studying a lot these weeks and don't have much time for fun!
Thanks Cheri! Hopefully someone may be able to help! I know a lot of the pilots for my husband's class are going through a lot slower, the demand for NFO'S are high right now, so they are being pushed through quicker. So maybe someone who recently had an NFO go through may be able to help!
Pensacola will vary depending on the backup of people who are going through Primary. My DS was there for 7 months, but had to sit around between stages because of lack of equipment. As you noted, they are getting priority now! He then had another 8 or 9 months (can't remember exactly) in Norfolk because of NFO training on the Hawkeye. Hawkeye tends to be longer because of all the communications and electronics.
The NFO community is a lot smaller - there were only 6 in his winging class! We have a separate Group here and you would be most welcome.
After that he got his pick and chose Japan for 3 yrs. He's now a strategy designer and instructor at what most people would call the Top Gun school. DS got moved up a year on the promotions list, so we won't find about what happens and where he'll be going next until Spring 2018.
You'll find that the best you can do is for your LO is just to be there for support; I've learned that the Navy is not on any predictable timeline!
Good Sunday morning all! A question...did anyone receive an email yesterday from USAA about incoming transfer of funds? I think this is Spam so I don't want to ask DS about it, especially while he's on detachment. CheriH, I'm with you, the uniform makes me tear up every time!
Barb, it's spam. I received one in my email. I don't have a USAA account, nor does my DS. He uses Navy Gederal Credit Union. I ignored it. Hope this helps.
My DS uses USAA. I sent him your warning about a possible spam email. We haven't received any unusual emails. He commented that you can transfer funds from person to person with usaa via their app. So his guess is he went out with his buddies and they didn't split the check or something so he paid using usaa funds transfer.
If he receives money in his account, he'll get it either way (if he opens the e-mail or not). There is no harm by ignoring/deleting it. If it's spam, the senders don't have a live e-mail address that was opened or compromised information in the link.
So my DS has received orders. We plan on flying to his base to see him off. Can anybody offer some help with what to expect and what family typically does to show support that day. my email is kamajama@comcast.net if you have some info to contribute. Thank you.
Kama, we did not see our DS off. He joined his ship after it left port, so he flew to meet up with them. He is married, so it's not likely we would have gone to see him off. But make sure you get to the homecoming! It is a wonderful experience!
DS made it back home from Alaska...had a great trip. The flying was wonderful and they got to do and see some fabulous things on their down time. Here are two pics...one that the Navy took of him in his plane and one that he took from the cockpit of his buddy as they flew by Mt Denali.
DS is out for first deployment. I'm so glad we got to go see d some time as a family before he left. We got to board the ship see his quarters, see the hanger...The next day we took him to the squadron and later went to the beach to watch them fly out to the ship.
Time well spent.
What fabulous photos in Alaska. My DS recently went to Japan, Atsugi and within days deployed (his first) on the Reagan. Several emails to assuage mom, he sounds upbeat and incredibly busy. Buckeye, so glad you got to see your DS off and see what his new temp home looks like.
CheriH, great photos! I've been following, but haven't had a chance to write. Sounds like lots of exciting things going on...we had our DS home for a weekend and we packed in lots of visiting time and his GF flew in too. He is busy with all the work ups and will be back and forth to the boat until deployment. Anxious to hear all the suggestions folks have to share on sending them off and welcoming them back. Hoping your LOs are all safe, secure, and enjoying happy landings. Welcome to all the new moms...N4M's is a great resource to get you through the ups and downs of Naval Aviation!
My DS and his fiancee just drove cross-country from Jacksonville to Whidby Island. He's the new guy in VP1. Anyone else in VP1?
They have an apt. in Burlington, so hopefully his fiancee can find a nursing job. She is looking for a reasonably priced used car. Anyone in the area have any leads/advice for her - cars or nursing jobs? He job in Jacksonville was her first - in a Cardiac Telemetry Unit.
I have been so glad that I've been able to connect to DS ships Facebook page! They post pictures fairly regularly of what's going on, more so than he is able to anyway, and every once in a while I catch a glimpse of a familiar face!
I feel so very lucky to have the communication that we have available!
helenp: fiancee should check out Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett. There is at least one other F18 wife from NAS Whidbey here. I train all the new nurse hires here. A little closer to Burlington is Skagit Valley Hospital in Mt. Vernon and they also have a telemetry unit but it is a much smaller hospital. I think ours is a 30 bed telemetry unit in a 501 bed hospital.
I haven't been on here in a while but still follow everyone's posts and remember you and your LOs in prayer.
Barb, I wonder if our LOs are working up on the same boat? You can PM me, I'm curious.
Thank you gonavymom. I will pass this information to my future DIL. She has a car now, so she's ready to start - well maybe as soon as she unpacks all the boxes.
Sending love to all our Navy family this Monday and hoping that all of you are well too...our hearts go out to the Fitz and proud of our aviators in the incredibly challenging work that they do. My DS is on an extended training and they are working looooong hours, but he sent a great photo of Saturday's trip to Tahoe. He looked great, driving a boat with his buddies. They are amazing people, aren't they?
I have just found this group!! I have a LO that will be graduating OCS on July 14. The. Headed to Pensacola for NFO. He is getting an apartment because he is getting married in August. is there a certain procedure that has to take place in order to live off base? I apologize if this has been answered somewhere..
USNmom2017 I do not have an answer to your question but I was excited to see your comment. My LO is graduating OCS on Aug 4 then supposed to head to P'cola as an NFO also. He was rushed into OCS and was told they needed NFOs so Im curious how quickly yours has to report after graduation.
There will be no problem living off base, it is not at all unusual. I would even say more normal than not.
I don't rememberat what point they declare where they are living but there is housing available all around base. My son lived on Blue Angel if that helps!
Welcome.My DS is an NFO Hawkeye instructor at the Top Gun school.He lived in two houses while in training at P'Cola. It is the loveliest base in the Navy,so be sure to visit and stay at the Navy Lodge on base.
There are a number of homes owned by Navy personnel that are also available for rent; Housing has lists (or Used to).
They are always short on NFO, and I have heard they are getting top priority in the flight training pipeline, so expect short report dates.
We also have an NFO Moms group if you have specific questions.
Roberts mom, Hebrew has to report within 10 days. He will graduate on July 14 and is headed to Pensacola middle of the following week. We live about 7 hours away so he is coming home first to get his car and some belongings as he has a deposit down on an apartment that Him and his fiancé will move into at that time. From what I read they are in need of NFO. So that is why the quick turnaround. Hope to get to know yiu thru this process , so we can go thru it together. Where do you live?
BuckeyeMom... I know from what I have read there is no problem with living off base. Just was unsure if there was a certain procedure they had to follow.they already have a deposit on an apartment,scheduled to move in on July 18. Of course they will need help moving and we hated to come that way to help if it was going to be a few days after they get there that they will be able to move in. Due to the inprocessing. I am an AF brat but of course I don't recall all of those things.. so any information is welcome.
Marianne...thank you for your information. I know they will love Pensacola. I hear Great
things about the base. You mentioned staying at the Navy Lodge. Can we do that as civilians?
And housing...they already have a deposit on an apartment, I was just under the impression that he would have to have permission or some sort of paperwork from Housing to be able to live off base. And how long it take to get all that done. Just trying to do some footwork although he says he has got it under control.
I have also joined the NFO moms. Hope to get information in that group along the way. Information that he might forget to tell us.
Thanks again for any information..
God bless you as well..
USNmom2017:
The Navy Lodge system is designed for visiting family. Your DS will have to sign you in. The one at P'COLA is gorgeous;right on the beach with full kitchen and a breakfast included. 7 yrs ago it was only $70! I've also stayed in the ones at Norfolk and Atsugi,Japan. I highly recommend your son make a reservation ASAP so you don't get closed out by other summer travelers.
Hi! My son is currently at OCS and has earned the selection for an aviation contract. Any advice from those further down the path? Is there anything in the process to keep him from continuing on his journey to flight school? How soon did your LO report to Pensacola after graduation? How about housing (on or off base)? TIA!
Welcome Jen C and Congrats to your son! It's an exciting path with twists and turns and many very proud moments! This is a great group and somebody has an answer to all your questions, so fire away. Also, read back across the years of discussion and specific questions forums and you will receive a plethora of information.
My son did not do OCS (contracted while he was still in school) but he reported to Pensacola 2 weeks after commissioning/graduation/wedding. He lived off-base; chose to live close to Milton, as he knew that's where he was going after API.
Jen C: continued: There will likely be fits and starts to his training as there always seem to be delays and surges in the pipeline. Take a deep breath and know that he will get through it. My DS commissioned in May '12; did API and then Primary in Milton; selected jets and went to Kingsville, TX, then moved to Lemoore, CA for F18 training and finally got assigned to a squadron in Feb '16. He deployed immediately and got back home in August '16.
I have heard that they have made some changes to the process since he went through, so someone else may have more recent information.
Jen, my son completed OCS April 2011, winged out of Kingsville 2013. He lived off base throughout his training. He had connected with several others in OCS and they rented an apartment or house together at each step of the process until they winged. They usually figure it out by looking online. Places like Pensacola, Corpus and Kingsville usually have housing markets to accommodate them.
As for you, hang on for the ride! Being supportive and accommodating is sometimes the best we parents can do. This is a small community. They stick together, party together and help each other. Mine has done two deployments and now is at TSP (test pilot school) at Pax River. I am always proud, but especially on a day like today - the 4th of July.
Thank you for your kind words and helpful information! This is all so new to me. I'm happy and excited for my son, as I know he'll be fulfilling his dream of flying.
You must be so proud of your DS! (Okay, dumb question, but what does DS stand for? See, I told you that I am new to all this, lol).
No problems Jen C...there are no dumb questions. DS= Dear Son; DD= Dear Daughter. We don't use names here for OPSEC reasons. Make sure and read the OPSEC guidelines on the page on the left.
My DS graduated from OCS in 2015 . Left 4 days after to Pensacola. He rented a house with his buddies from OCS. He had a pilot lines so he skip the first part of training and went strait to primary.It took a year to complete this phase. He did very good and was assigned to F18. Now in Meridian MS. The Navy assign base on need and how well you do in class. Happy 4 th to all.
My DS completed each phase in Pensacola then Corpus Christi fairly quickly, however, he is in a holding pattern (with all the others in T45s) stationed in Meridian. Hopefully, he will finish up and wing. He rented off base with a buddy until he married and now he and his wife rent a home off base. Congratulations to your son!
Ditto on previous comments, especially being patient and knowing hurry up and wait is common. He scholarshipped ROTC, graduated college one day, commissioned the next and was off to Pensacola by the end of the month. He selected helicopters, and yes they all love to talk their particular bird.He went to Corpus, to Milton, to Mayport. He graduated in May and now stationed in Japan on a carrier. It's been quite a ride. Good luck to you and your loved one.
My husband is retired Navy Supply Corps. He was the supply officer in Meridian from 90-93 and my DS was born in Meridian. We were recently traveling in the area and went on base to reminisce.
I love this forum! Thank you for sharing your stories. My son just finished Primary in Milton and was selected for Jets. He is waiting to start Advanced in Kingsville, TX. Does anyone know how long Advanced training is? Do they get winged after that?
CheriH
Good morning moms...DS leaves today for Anchorage for a 3 week DET. He is excited about the flying; joint ops with the Air Force. His sweet wife told me that "3 weeks is nothing!" when compared to deployment. So glad that they have adjusted to Navy life. I, of course, am thinking about the Russian planes that are buzzing about up there.
On another note, DS and DIL managed to make it for a family funeral on Easter weekend and he showed up in his dress blues. When I saw them enter the church, I teared up. What is it about the uniform that makes me cry every time?
Apr 26, 2017
JudyM
CheriH, my son did two deployments attached to the air force. It is a slightly different experience, but he enjoyed it. Now DS is off to start TPS (test pilot school) in Pax River in July, moving from Washington to Maryland.
Apr 26, 2017
tiff794613
Hi everyone -
If anyone has some insight on a timeline of how long an NFO will be in Pensacola, that would be great! (Recent info would be most helpful since things are constantly changing). I know the pipeline, but looking more for time frame now. I am a spouse and my husband is in API currently. I am in grad school, and just trying to have a rough estimate timeline of our time here. Any info would be appreciated.
Thank You
Tiffany
Apr 26, 2017
Gina Mills
Apr 26, 2017
CheriH
Congrats JudyM on your son heading to TPS. Very cool.
Suzie...very funny about your son and the whites. I always think about the line from A Few Good Men..."nobody likes the whites!" But they sure do look good. Especially when they are manning the rails!
Welcome to Tiffany...and sorry I can't answer your question about NFO timelines. I'm sure there is someone on here who can. API is probably the same as the pilots. If I remember, it was about 3 months, but it took my DS 3 months to class up. But I think NFO's stay in Pensacola for the entire time of training, don't they?
Apr 26, 2017
tiff794613
Hey Gina! Yes Joel and Chandler are good friends! I see him often! They are studying a lot these weeks and don't have much time for fun!
Thanks Cheri! Hopefully someone may be able to help! I know a lot of the pilots for my husband's class are going through a lot slower, the demand for NFO'S are high right now, so they are being pushed through quicker. So maybe someone who recently had an NFO go through may be able to help!
Thanks again!
Apr 26, 2017
Marianne
tiff794613-
Pensacola will vary depending on the backup of people who are going through Primary. My DS was there for 7 months, but had to sit around between stages because of lack of equipment. As you noted, they are getting priority now! He then had another 8 or 9 months (can't remember exactly) in Norfolk because of NFO training on the Hawkeye. Hawkeye tends to be longer because of all the communications and electronics.
The NFO community is a lot smaller - there were only 6 in his winging class! We have a separate Group here and you would be most welcome.
After that he got his pick and chose Japan for 3 yrs. He's now a strategy designer and instructor at what most people would call the Top Gun school. DS got moved up a year on the promotions list, so we won't find about what happens and where he'll be going next until Spring 2018.
You'll find that the best you can do is for your LO is just to be there for support; I've learned that the Navy is not on any predictable timeline!
Apr 28, 2017
Barb
Apr 30, 2017
jsefamily
Apr 30, 2017
jsefamily
Apr 30, 2017
Barb
JSEfamily, thanks. That's what I thought.
Apr 30, 2017
helenp
My DS uses USAA. I sent him your warning about a possible spam email. We haven't received any unusual emails. He commented that you can transfer funds from person to person with usaa via their app. So his guess is he went out with his buddies and they didn't split the check or something so he paid using usaa funds transfer.
Apr 30, 2017
jsefamily
If he receives money in his account, he'll get it either way (if he opens the e-mail or not). There is no harm by ignoring/deleting it. If it's spam, the senders don't have a live e-mail address that was opened or compromised information in the link.
Apr 30, 2017
Kama
Hi Moms,
So my DS has received orders. We plan on flying to his base to see him off. Can anybody offer some help with what to expect and what family typically does to show support that day. my email is kamajama@comcast.net if you have some info to contribute. Thank you.
Apr 30, 2017
CheriH
May 6, 2017
CheriH
DS made it back home from Alaska...had a great trip. The flying was wonderful and they got to do and see some fabulous things on their down time. Here are two pics...one that the Navy took of him in his plane and one that he took from the cockpit of his buddy as they flew by Mt Denali.
May 21, 2017
BuckeyeMom
Time well spent.
May 21, 2017
peachstatemom
May 21, 2017
Helomom
May 25, 2017
Barb
CheriH, great photos! I've been following, but haven't had a chance to write. Sounds like lots of exciting things going on...we had our DS home for a weekend and we packed in lots of visiting time and his GF flew in too. He is busy with all the work ups and will be back and forth to the boat until deployment. Anxious to hear all the suggestions folks have to share on sending them off and welcoming them back. Hoping your LOs are all safe, secure, and enjoying happy landings. Welcome to all the new moms...N4M's is a great resource to get you through the ups and downs of Naval Aviation!
Jun 2, 2017
helenp
My DS and his fiancee just drove cross-country from Jacksonville to Whidby Island. He's the new guy in VP1. Anyone else in VP1?
They have an apt. in Burlington, so hopefully his fiancee can find a nursing job. She is looking for a reasonably priced used car. Anyone in the area have any leads/advice for her - cars or nursing jobs? He job in Jacksonville was her first - in a Cardiac Telemetry Unit.
Jun 3, 2017
BuckeyeMom
I have been so glad that I've been able to connect to DS ships Facebook page! They post pictures fairly regularly of what's going on, more so than he is able to anyway, and every once in a while I catch a glimpse of a familiar face!
I feel so very lucky to have the communication that we have available!
Jun 3, 2017
gonavymom
helenp: fiancee should check out Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett. There is at least one other F18 wife from NAS Whidbey here. I train all the new nurse hires here. A little closer to Burlington is Skagit Valley Hospital in Mt. Vernon and they also have a telemetry unit but it is a much smaller hospital. I think ours is a 30 bed telemetry unit in a 501 bed hospital.
I haven't been on here in a while but still follow everyone's posts and remember you and your LOs in prayer.
Barb, I wonder if our LOs are working up on the same boat? You can PM me, I'm curious.
Jun 8, 2017
helenp
Thank you gonavymom. I will pass this information to my future DIL. She has a car now, so she's ready to start - well maybe as soon as she unpacks all the boxes.
Jun 8, 2017
Barb
Sending love to all our Navy family this Monday and hoping that all of you are well too...our hearts go out to the Fitz and proud of our aviators in the incredibly challenging work that they do. My DS is on an extended training and they are working looooong hours, but he sent a great photo of Saturday's trip to Tahoe. He looked great, driving a boat with his buddies. They are amazing people, aren't they?
Jun 19, 2017
USNmom2017
Jun 29, 2017
Robertsmom
USNmom2017 I do not have an answer to your question but I was excited to see your comment. My LO is graduating OCS on Aug 4 then supposed to head to P'cola as an NFO also. He was rushed into OCS and was told they needed NFOs so Im curious how quickly yours has to report after graduation.
Jun 29, 2017
BuckeyeMom
I don't rememberat what point they declare where they are living but there is housing available all around base. My son lived on Blue Angel if that helps!
Jun 29, 2017
Marianne
There are a number of homes owned by Navy personnel that are also available for rent; Housing has lists (or Used to).
They are always short on NFO, and I have heard they are getting top priority in the flight training pipeline, so expect short report dates.
We also have an NFO Moms group if you have specific questions.
Good luck & God bless.
Jun 29, 2017
USNmom2017
Jun 29, 2017
USNmom2017
Jun 29, 2017
USNmom2017
things about the base. You mentioned staying at the Navy Lodge. Can we do that as civilians?
And housing...they already have a deposit on an apartment, I was just under the impression that he would have to have permission or some sort of paperwork from Housing to be able to live off base. And how long it take to get all that done. Just trying to do some footwork although he says he has got it under control.
I have also joined the NFO moms. Hope to get information in that group along the way. Information that he might forget to tell us.
Thanks again for any information..
God bless you as well..
Jun 29, 2017
Marianne
The Navy Lodge system is designed for visiting family. Your DS will have to sign you in. The one at P'COLA is gorgeous;right on the beach with full kitchen and a breakfast included. 7 yrs ago it was only $70! I've also stayed in the ones at Norfolk and Atsugi,Japan. I highly recommend your son make a reservation ASAP so you don't get closed out by other summer travelers.
Jun 29, 2017
USNmom2017
Jun 29, 2017
Jen C
Hi! My son is currently at OCS and has earned the selection for an aviation contract. Any advice from those further down the path? Is there anything in the process to keep him from continuing on his journey to flight school? How soon did your LO report to Pensacola after graduation? How about housing (on or off base)? TIA!
Jul 4, 2017
CheriH
Welcome Jen C and Congrats to your son! It's an exciting path with twists and turns and many very proud moments! This is a great group and somebody has an answer to all your questions, so fire away. Also, read back across the years of discussion and specific questions forums and you will receive a plethora of information.
My son did not do OCS (contracted while he was still in school) but he reported to Pensacola 2 weeks after commissioning/graduation/wedding. He lived off-base; chose to live close to Milton, as he knew that's where he was going after API.
Jul 4, 2017
CheriH
Jen C: continued: There will likely be fits and starts to his training as there always seem to be delays and surges in the pipeline. Take a deep breath and know that he will get through it. My DS commissioned in May '12; did API and then Primary in Milton; selected jets and went to Kingsville, TX, then moved to Lemoore, CA for F18 training and finally got assigned to a squadron in Feb '16. He deployed immediately and got back home in August '16.
I have heard that they have made some changes to the process since he went through, so someone else may have more recent information.
Jul 4, 2017
JudyM
Jen, my son completed OCS April 2011, winged out of Kingsville 2013. He lived off base throughout his training. He had connected with several others in OCS and they rented an apartment or house together at each step of the process until they winged. They usually figure it out by looking online. Places like Pensacola, Corpus and Kingsville usually have housing markets to accommodate them.
As for you, hang on for the ride! Being supportive and accommodating is sometimes the best we parents can do. This is a small community. They stick together, party together and help each other. Mine has done two deployments and now is at TSP (test pilot school) at Pax River. I am always proud, but especially on a day like today - the 4th of July.
Jul 4, 2017
Jen C
CheriH:
Thank you for your kind words and helpful information! This is all so new to me. I'm happy and excited for my son, as I know he'll be fulfilling his dream of flying.
You must be so proud of your DS! (Okay, dumb question, but what does DS stand for? See, I told you that I am new to all this, lol).
Jul 4, 2017
Jen C
JudyM:
Thank you for sharing about your son's experience. It's helpful to hear from others who have been down this road. You must be so proud of your son!
Jul 4, 2017
CheriH
No problems Jen C...there are no dumb questions. DS= Dear Son; DD= Dear Daughter. We don't use names here for OPSEC reasons. Make sure and read the OPSEC guidelines on the page on the left.
Does your DS know what he wants to fly?
Jul 4, 2017
Jen C
CheriH:
Okay, thanks! We've been using LO (loved one) on a Facebook site. Yes, I've read the OPSEC guidelines and Navy Speak (but didn't see DS or DD).
My DS wants to be in the F18.
Jul 4, 2017
CheriH
Yep, LO is used here as well. Mine does love the F18...however he did say that every aviator he has ever talked to loves what they fly!
Jul 4, 2017
Beata
Jul 4, 2017
kaarinac
My DS completed each phase in Pensacola then Corpus Christi fairly quickly, however, he is in a holding pattern (with all the others in T45s) stationed in Meridian. Hopefully, he will finish up and wing. He rented off base with a buddy until he married and now he and his wife rent a home off base. Congratulations to your son!
Jul 4, 2017
peachstatemom
Jul 4, 2017
peachstatemom
Jul 4, 2017
Jen C
Thanks everyone for your helpful comments and your experiences. We all have every reason to be thankful and incredibly proud of our LO's!
Jul 5, 2017
Jen C
Suzie:
I don't think my DS was in the parade; sounds like a lot of fun though!
Thanks for the information regarding your DS, and your willingness to help. I appreciate it! (and you must be very proud of your DS!).
Jul 7, 2017
So Proud Sal
I love this forum! Thank you for sharing your stories. My son just finished Primary in Milton and was selected for Jets. He is waiting to start Advanced in Kingsville, TX. Does anyone know how long Advanced training is? Do they get winged after that?
Jul 7, 2017