So Proud Sal: my DS has been training in jets at Meridian since Jan. 2016, however, both Kingsville and Meridian have been at a standstill with grounded jets due to the oxygen issue. This month they began allowing one flight a week for student pilots but they are not passing anything off. We don't know how much longer--we hope 6-8 months and then he will wing. We know it is "hurry up and wait".
So Proud Sal, our son was in advanced from 1/12 a 4/13. I also know some of his friends that were behind him in training took longer because of funding.
The guys in Kingsville often go to Austin on weekends. In fact, my son met his wife on one such weekend. She is a UT grad.
Don't miss winging. It a memorable ceremony and party.
My LO is a SNA at OCS getting ready to graduate. I have seen the news report on the training T-45 issues. I was wandering if any of the SNA prior OCS grads have had issues with orders to IFS/API in Pensacola; and if so, what was the OHARP or other type of orders issued to accommodate the T-45 delay issue. Hopefully, there are some moms out-there that had their LO's graduation this year that can enlighten me on what to expect. Sincerely grateful.
NavyMomNavyWife, I am one of those "moms out there" who had an OCS grad earlier this year, March 08-17. There are delays, but probably not due to T45 since that would only affect that particular jet pipeline. The early phases right after OCS I don't believe would be affected, IFS/API. Here's what seems to be happening, and later moms (09-17 and 10-17) I've been chatting with seem to be confirming. 12 weeks of OHARP is the norm for SNA. Then they report to Pcola. Once they are there they can expect another 6-8 weeks of waiting, where they could be working odd jobs such as helping out in the Naval Aviation Museum. Then finally IFS. Hope this helps.
NavyMomNavyWife, I am one of those "moms out there" who had an OCS grad earlier this year, March 08-17. There are delays, but probably not due to T45 since that would only affect that particular jet pipeline. The early phases right after OCS I don't believe would be affected, IFS/API. Here's what seems to be happening, and later moms (09-17 and 10-17) I've been chatting with seem to be confirming. 12 weeks of OHARP is the norm for SNA. Then they report to Pcola. Once they are there they can expect another 6-8 weeks of waiting, where they could be working odd jobs such as helping out in the Naval Aviation Museum. Then finally IFS. Hope this helps.
Just heard from my LO. He is heading to Point Mugu NAS from Norfolk to prepare for his first deployment. He mentioned that he was advised to take a mattress topper for his bunk. Any experienced moms/wives have suggestions? Twin or TwinXL? Any other items to add to his wish list??
The sheets are a great idea, because that's one thing my DS really didn't like with the Navy issue. He bought some good noise cancellation headphones as well. Another simple one was extra boot and athletic socks because he complained that the laundry always shrank them.
I used to collect magazines from friends and send them for the wardroom.
Be sure to take advantage of the special military boxes from the post office. It's a flat rate regardless of weight and they are priority. I also used them all the time when my son was stationed in Japan
Suzie and Marianne: Thanks for the useful info. Just returned from Norfolk where we stored all of my DS 's "stuff" in a storage unit. Since the Navy is backed up on moving, I will return in late August to meet the movers.
Shared your suggestions with my DS and he thought they were all great ideas. Thanks!!
We are all in this together, pcmcdaniel,but you are welcome. Point Mugu is beautiful, according to my D'S, so I hope your son likes it when he gets back. My DS has spent a lot of time there running training exercises.
Hi everyone. Could you some guidance. Our DS has to report to Pcola soon. His orders give two dates 5 days apart. A not before date and a not after date. This makes sense. My question is this. Does he do OHARP until the weekend before report date or do they give them a week to get down there and get a place to stay. Also, do they start class the following Monday, or do they have time after reporting to find a place. Sorry if this sounds confusing. We are trying to arrange time off to help move him south. Thanks :)
He needs to find a place before going. He can do this long distance. I suggest Angel Cove apartments, as a lot of moms on this site speak well of it. My son just moved into a house near the beach with some other OCS guys he knew. They do OHARP right up until reporting, at least my DS did. It may depend on where he is doing OHARP and what they say. If your son is NFO, he will begin class soon. If he is SNA, he will have to report in every morning Monday through Friday, but will not begin IFS (Initial Flight School) for a few weeks. Hope this helps.
Our DS lived with a friend further north to avoid the whole party scene of beach life. He had a gorgeous apartment in a newer building and was close to everything. Nothing (beach, airport, etc) is very far. NFOs seem to report and jump into training faster because of the shortage of NFOs. Our DS was an SNA and all the SNAs from his class had OHARP. But timing changes. If your DS already has a private or commercial pilot's license, he will not need to go to IFS and will hurry up and wait again.
Hi everyone. I am new to this group. My daughter was commissioned from Villanova's NROTC program in May (I need to change my picture!). She has been in P'Cola since early August, awaiting the start of NFO training. Praying she and all Navy people in the area are safe during Irma!
Hi Fran. Our son commissioned from OCS beginning of August. He did OHARP until last Friday. He has to report to P'Cola next week. A little concerned about Irma.
Prayers for all our Navy family dealing with this storm. P'Cola was actually rebuilt after a devastating hurricane (I don't remember how long ago), so the base itself is very well designed. Unfortunately, this storm surge may be too high for the breakwaters and much of the area is built up along those gorgeous beaches.
Fran, welcome to the NFO community. Please check out our separate group, as NFOs have a different track after they finish primary and intermediate flight training. My DS is currently an instructor at Top Gun and will be leaving there next year to be the squadron trainer for VAW-113 at Point Mugu.
So far, he has gotten his top choice for every assignment, so he has been lucky. It also helps that the Navy needs more NFOs. That is good for your DD, because she will get priority in training schedules at P'Cola .
Except for the families of aviators, most believe it’s a glamorous profession. It’s dangerous, plain and simple. My son winged in Meridian February 2016. God bless the pilots and their families who made the ultimate sacrifice.
My DS is stationed at NAS Meridian. He called last night to let us know that he was fine but he was in tears. I feel so blessed, however, I know that another mother is not getting the same call. My heart is aching for their families and the other pilots there. It is such a close knit community and they are hurting. This is the third crash since my DS has been there--the first fatal. We are honestly concerned with the age of the T45s.
Growing up a daughter of a military pilot, I know there are dangers, however, it is different feeling of danger with my son. Thank you for being a community I feel understands my mixed emotions and heartache.
Suzie, thanks! For some reason I cannot log on from my phone and that's where I usually catch up on the comments.
We were in an emotional spot when I first saw the news of the T45 pilots in Meridian. I was actually standing on the run way watching my DS doing touch and go's in his F18 in the last re-certs before deployment. My heart was swelling with pride and also filled with so much sadness for those pilots and their families. I really could not even face the tragedy.
On the positive side, it was AMAZING to stand right there and feel the jet wash and be hit with the wall of sound as my DS and his squadron made their passes. My husband and I were in 7th heaven watching it, photographing it and hugging each other in awe of what they do.
It was really cool to see the hangar filled with pallet after pallet of supplies and personal gear as they prepared to shove off for 7+ months.
I've sent my first home-packed box of goodies, along with a few trial orders from Amazon. I'm curious what percentage of stuff will actually get to him.
This is the deployment he has been waiting for through all these years of training and he is excited to do the job he has prepared for. My emotions run a full range. I'm happy for his happiness. I'm sad to know that he will miss every holiday, the first Christmas in 28 years we won't all be together. He'll miss the arrival of TWO nieces/nephews as both of his sisters are expecting--one on New Year's Eve and the other on his birthday in the spring.
But I'm thankful for all the holidays we've had and look forward to his homecoming when we'll celebrate everything all over again!
Anyways, have a wonderful day, everyone. And know that we are all here for each other. No one outside quite understands what we feel so I'm appreciative for this group!
What a touching tribute. Seeing pictures of them makes it even more heartbreaking. May they rest in peace and may their families know the love and support of their naval aviation family.
My DS was the last to be winged before the T-45 were grounded. Our family was grateful that there wasn't an incident but many days went by when I knew they would be up there flying and we all lost sleep praying that everything would be ok ! We pray for those two families as we do every Sunday in our Church. Our priest has everyone kneel and say 3 "Hail Mary" for our men and woman in and out of the armed services. He has been doing this for a good number of years and when our son went in we felt those prayers. Now when I say them after Church I cant get through all three without getting tears in my eyes and speechless ! may those two pilots rest in peace !
Hi there, I hope this finds you well. It's turning pretty crisp and fall-like here! Hey, just wanted to post here that the TR has been chosen by the Navy for Moms group to receive their Christmas packages this year. They are looking for volunteers to help provide these little gift bags (or stockings) for 5,000! Everyone will receive one. They are about 1,800 short right now. Most people are volunteering in batches of 25, 50, or 100. If you are interested in making some and shipping them to the TR for the holidays, let me know and I'll send you the details. Have a spook-facular Halloween!
Hi there! Sorry for the delay, I've been busy at work! I think you can all join the closed Facebook group because you are Navy Moms. There are moms there from all over:
So you can fill stockings or bags, whichever you like. I have a list of things that they suggest like: granola bars, beef jerky, cards, pens, little tissue packs, rice krispie treats, etc. The lady in charge will post the address when it is nearly time to ship them. They do not want anyone to ship early because there's just not room for all those boxes. As they arrive, they are distributed. So they said probably Thanksgiving week. I posted that I was doing 50 stockings on my FB page and friends have been donating things too...toothbrushes from the dentist, candy, soap, etc. They suggest no big bottles of anything that can break open and ruin everything else. Also no nuts in shells as that can cause our pilots trouble on the flight deck! If you are not able to join the group let me know and I will post how many stockings you want to send on the page. They are getting closer to the 5,000. I think last count was about 4000.
Suzie, our squadron ombudsman noticed that there were 100 single sailors in our group, so she asked people to adopt a sailor and agree to send at least two packages or letters over the course of the deployment. So many people agreed that they are adopting the whole squadron, so everyone will get some things no matter what! Congrats on the big weekend, that is so cool!
Check out the pictures of the three carriers in the south Pacific, it's pretty cool with the jets in a V formation overhead!
People often decorate the inside of their care package boxes, but it is not necessary. The bags/stockings are the wrapping themselves. I'm going to use regular sized stockings from the Dollar store, but we won't fill them to the top. Then they can be folded over and boxed together so stuff does not fall out. It's up to you how much wrapping you want to do! They also suggested that you tuck a note of encouragement inside too!
Congratulations Suzie!! What an amazing time for your family! Much to be thankful for!
Mailed 62 stockings to the TR last Tuesday, plus we sewed 28 smaller stockings with aviation themed fabric to my DS’s squadron. If you are making some they should ship soon. They are trying to do the final math on the FB page.
Good Morning...Suzie, that's hard when a tragedy comes so close. Holding all our pilots, their crew, and families in our thoughts and prayers.
We had a short email from our DS on Thanksgiving and again during the big game on Saturday. It always brightens my day to see that in my inbox! I have not had an update for my world map and my clocks in about a week.
It looks like the Navy4Mom's holiday project is still short on the stocking/gift bag delivery for the TR. If anyone is still thinking of sending some along, that would be great. It looks to me like they are at around 4,500. If you sent or are sending some and have not posted it to their Facebook page, please let me know and I will add it. Thanks! And thanks GoNavyMom for the 100 you sent out! I posted that last week.
My son CQ'd this week in his "new" aircraft F/A - 18E Super Hornet. His third CQ in the last two years, each time in a different aircraft (T45 Goshawk and F/A - 18C Hornet previously). Two strongest emotions: pride and fear. Still incredulous that this is what he does for a living. Eleven years and counting. I pray, often. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to all of you!
Chris, many of us feel the same way that you do. After two CQs, two deployments, and TPS (test pilot school), I am still amazed that this is my "baby". Although I worry every day, my confidence in his ability (combined with prayers) has made his career easier to live with as a Mom.
Congrats Chris on his latest CQ. I do remember holding my breath for those firsts. And while the fear is always close by, it becomes a new normal.
My DS and his sweet wife are expecting their first baby, a boy, in March. He will be on a det for the entire month of April and will deploy late summer. But they take it in stride. I do my best to swallow my "what ifs" and just remind them I'm on standby anytime they need me!
Happy Holidays to all! I am thankful to have my children and their spouses here with us for Christmas. May the year ahead be filled with love, joy, and good health.
Just introducing myself to the group. My DS , who is 25, who has been working as an aerospace engineer for the last 3 1/2 years, has decided he wants to join the Navy and become a Naval Aviator. He has applied to OCS and has handed in all of the required paperwork but he still has to have his physical. He was hoping to be considered for the February 2018 board but now that the physical has not been completed he will probably not be considered till the following board in 2018.
Thanks, everyone, and most recently, CheriH.. MEPS just required some additional information on his medical file, so he is sending it in this week. Hopefully that will be the last thing he needs, and he can get an appointment for his physical and then be considered for the May Aviation board. As I mentioned before, he is turning 26 at the end of February so he can't afford too many other delays.
Introducing myself really quickly here. My fiance just left for OCS last week but was unfortunately rolled to the next class, 10-18. He is going for pilot. He is prior service, but served in the army as an army ranger and now is hoping to fulfill his dream of becoming a naval aviator.
Welcome, heyloworld. Even with your fiancee's prior impressive service, aviation is a whole new world. Don't hesitate to ask questions; we've all helped each other out.
kaarinac
So Proud Sal: my DS has been training in jets at Meridian since Jan. 2016, however, both Kingsville and Meridian have been at a standstill with grounded jets due to the oxygen issue. This month they began allowing one flight a week for student pilots but they are not passing anything off. We don't know how much longer--we hope 6-8 months and then he will wing. We know it is "hurry up and wait".
Jul 7, 2017
JudyM
The guys in Kingsville often go to Austin on weekends. In fact, my son met his wife on one such weekend. She is a UT grad.
Don't miss winging. It a memorable ceremony and party.
Jul 9, 2017
NavyMomNavyWife
Hello Everyone,
My LO is a SNA at OCS getting ready to graduate. I have seen the news report on the training T-45 issues. I was wandering if any of the SNA prior OCS grads have had issues with orders to IFS/API in Pensacola; and if so, what was the OHARP or other type of orders issued to accommodate the T-45 delay issue. Hopefully, there are some moms out-there that had their LO's graduation this year that can enlighten me on what to expect. Sincerely grateful.
Jul 19, 2017
Nancy
NavyMomNavyWife, I am one of those "moms out there" who had an OCS grad earlier this year, March 08-17. There are delays, but probably not due to T45 since that would only affect that particular jet pipeline. The early phases right after OCS I don't believe would be affected, IFS/API. Here's what seems to be happening, and later moms (09-17 and 10-17) I've been chatting with seem to be confirming. 12 weeks of OHARP is the norm for SNA. Then they report to Pcola. Once they are there they can expect another 6-8 weeks of waiting, where they could be working odd jobs such as helping out in the Naval Aviation Museum. Then finally IFS. Hope this helps.
Jul 22, 2017
Nancy
NavyMomNavyWife, I am one of those "moms out there" who had an OCS grad earlier this year, March 08-17. There are delays, but probably not due to T45 since that would only affect that particular jet pipeline. The early phases right after OCS I don't believe would be affected, IFS/API. Here's what seems to be happening, and later moms (09-17 and 10-17) I've been chatting with seem to be confirming. 12 weeks of OHARP is the norm for SNA. Then they report to Pcola. Once they are there they can expect another 6-8 weeks of waiting, where they could be working odd jobs such as helping out in the Naval Aviation Museum. Then finally IFS. Hope this helps.
Jul 22, 2017
pbmcdaniel
Just heard from my LO. He is heading to Point Mugu NAS from Norfolk to prepare for his first deployment. He mentioned that he was advised to take a mattress topper for his bunk. Any experienced moms/wives have suggestions? Twin or TwinXL? Any other items to add to his wish list??
Jul 24, 2017
Marianne
I used to collect magazines from friends and send them for the wardroom.
Be sure to take advantage of the special military boxes from the post office. It's a flat rate regardless of weight and they are priority. I also used them all the time when my son was stationed in Japan
Jul 24, 2017
pbmcdaniel
Suzie and Marianne: Thanks for the useful info. Just returned from Norfolk where we stored all of my DS 's "stuff" in a storage unit. Since the Navy is backed up on moving, I will return in late August to meet the movers.
Shared your suggestions with my DS and he thought they were all great ideas. Thanks!!
Jul 28, 2017
Marianne
Jul 28, 2017
Matt's mom
Hi everyone. Could you some guidance. Our DS has to report to Pcola soon. His orders give two dates 5 days apart. A not before date and a not after date. This makes sense. My question is this. Does he do OHARP until the weekend before report date or do they give them a week to get down there and get a place to stay. Also, do they start class the following Monday, or do they have time after reporting to find a place. Sorry if this sounds confusing. We are trying to arrange time off to help move him south. Thanks :)
Aug 24, 2017
Nancy
He needs to find a place before going. He can do this long distance. I suggest Angel Cove apartments, as a lot of moms on this site speak well of it. My son just moved into a house near the beach with some other OCS guys he knew. They do OHARP right up until reporting, at least my DS did. It may depend on where he is doing OHARP and what they say. If your son is NFO, he will begin class soon. If he is SNA, he will have to report in every morning Monday through Friday, but will not begin IFS (Initial Flight School) for a few weeks. Hope this helps.
Aug 24, 2017
jsefamily
Aug 24, 2017
Fran
Hi everyone. I am new to this group. My daughter was commissioned from Villanova's NROTC program in May (I need to change my picture!). She has been in P'Cola since early August, awaiting the start of NFO training. Praying she and all Navy people in the area are safe during Irma!
Sep 9, 2017
Matt's mom
Sep 10, 2017
Marianne
Prayers for all our Navy family dealing with this storm. P'Cola was actually rebuilt after a devastating hurricane (I don't remember how long ago), so the base itself is very well designed. Unfortunately, this storm surge may be too high for the breakwaters and much of the area is built up along those gorgeous beaches.
Fran, welcome to the NFO community. Please check out our separate group, as NFOs have a different track after they finish primary and intermediate flight training. My DS is currently an instructor at Top Gun and will be leaving there next year to be the squadron trainer for VAW-113 at Point Mugu.
So far, he has gotten his top choice for every assignment, so he has been lucky. It also helps that the Navy needs more NFOs. That is good for your DD, because she will get priority in training schedules at P'Cola .
Sep 10, 2017
AeroArl
I saw the same thing last night. Navy has just confirmed that neither of the 2 pilots survived. My heart is breaking for their families.
Oct 2, 2017
Chris
Oct 2, 2017
jsefamily
Oct 2, 2017
Beata
Oct 2, 2017
kaarinac
My DS is stationed at NAS Meridian. He called last night to let us know that he was fine but he was in tears. I feel so blessed, however, I know that another mother is not getting the same call. My heart is aching for their families and the other pilots there. It is such a close knit community and they are hurting. This is the third crash since my DS has been there--the first fatal. We are honestly concerned with the age of the T45s.
Growing up a daughter of a military pilot, I know there are dangers, however, it is different feeling of danger with my son. Thank you for being a community I feel understands my mixed emotions and heartache.
Oct 2, 2017
Parv
We pray and give strength to the families who have sacrificed so much for all of us. We also count our blessings every day.
Oct 2, 2017
jsefamily
Oct 4, 2017
Chris
Wingman Foundation pays tribute to lost pilots
Oct 12, 2017
Barb
Suzie, thanks! For some reason I cannot log on from my phone and that's where I usually catch up on the comments.
We were in an emotional spot when I first saw the news of the T45 pilots in Meridian. I was actually standing on the run way watching my DS doing touch and go's in his F18 in the last re-certs before deployment. My heart was swelling with pride and also filled with so much sadness for those pilots and their families. I really could not even face the tragedy.
On the positive side, it was AMAZING to stand right there and feel the jet wash and be hit with the wall of sound as my DS and his squadron made their passes. My husband and I were in 7th heaven watching it, photographing it and hugging each other in awe of what they do.
It was really cool to see the hangar filled with pallet after pallet of supplies and personal gear as they prepared to shove off for 7+ months.
I've sent my first home-packed box of goodies, along with a few trial orders from Amazon. I'm curious what percentage of stuff will actually get to him.
This is the deployment he has been waiting for through all these years of training and he is excited to do the job he has prepared for. My emotions run a full range. I'm happy for his happiness. I'm sad to know that he will miss every holiday, the first Christmas in 28 years we won't all be together. He'll miss the arrival of TWO nieces/nephews as both of his sisters are expecting--one on New Year's Eve and the other on his birthday in the spring.
But I'm thankful for all the holidays we've had and look forward to his homecoming when we'll celebrate everything all over again!
Anyways, have a wonderful day, everyone. And know that we are all here for each other. No one outside quite understands what we feel so I'm appreciative for this group!
Oct 12, 2017
gonavymom
What a touching tribute. Seeing pictures of them makes it even more heartbreaking. May they rest in peace and may their families know the love and support of their naval aviation family.
Oct 12, 2017
PA Navy Mom 1st
My DS was the last to be winged before the T-45 were grounded. Our family was grateful that there wasn't an incident but many days went by when I knew they would be up there flying and we all lost sleep praying that everything would be ok ! We pray for those two families as we do every Sunday in our Church. Our priest has everyone kneel and say 3 "Hail Mary" for our men and woman in and out of the armed services. He has been doing this for a good number of years and when our son went in we felt those prayers. Now when I say them after Church I cant get through all three without getting tears in my eyes and speechless ! may those two pilots rest in peace !
Oct 14, 2017
Barb
Hi there, I hope this finds you well. It's turning pretty crisp and fall-like here! Hey, just wanted to post here that the TR has been chosen by the Navy for Moms group to receive their Christmas packages this year. They are looking for volunteers to help provide these little gift bags (or stockings) for 5,000! Everyone will receive one. They are about 1,800 short right now. Most people are volunteering in batches of 25, 50, or 100. If you are interested in making some and shipping them to the TR for the holidays, let me know and I'll send you the details. Have a spook-facular Halloween!
Oct 30, 2017
Marmie
Barb - I have a LO on the TR - I would be interested in helping with the Christmas packages.
Oct 30, 2017
So Proud Sal
Hi Barb, my family would like to help with the packages as well. How do we get more information on what is needed? Thanks!
Nov 9, 2017
Allison
Send me information on the packages, too - if it's not too late!
Nov 9, 2017
Barb
Hi there! Sorry for the delay, I've been busy at work! I think you can all join the closed Facebook group because you are Navy Moms. There are moms there from all over:
Navy for Mom's Annual Holiday Project
So you can fill stockings or bags, whichever you like. I have a list of things that they suggest like: granola bars, beef jerky, cards, pens, little tissue packs, rice krispie treats, etc. The lady in charge will post the address when it is nearly time to ship them. They do not want anyone to ship early because there's just not room for all those boxes. As they arrive, they are distributed. So they said probably Thanksgiving week. I posted that I was doing 50 stockings on my FB page and friends have been donating things too...toothbrushes from the dentist, candy, soap, etc. They suggest no big bottles of anything that can break open and ruin everything else. Also no nuts in shells as that can cause our pilots trouble on the flight deck! If you are not able to join the group let me know and I will post how many stockings you want to send on the page. They are getting closer to the 5,000. I think last count was about 4000.
Suzie, our squadron ombudsman noticed that there were 100 single sailors in our group, so she asked people to adopt a sailor and agree to send at least two packages or letters over the course of the deployment. So many people agreed that they are adopting the whole squadron, so everyone will get some things no matter what! Congrats on the big weekend, that is so cool!
Check out the pictures of the three carriers in the south Pacific, it's pretty cool with the jets in a V formation overhead!
Nov 10, 2017
Barb
Nov 10, 2017
Barb
Nov 10, 2017
Allison
Are the bags/stockings supposed to be wrapped?
Nov 11, 2017
Barb
Hi Allison,
People often decorate the inside of their care package boxes, but it is not necessary. The bags/stockings are the wrapping themselves. I'm going to use regular sized stockings from the Dollar store, but we won't fill them to the top. Then they can be folded over and boxed together so stuff does not fall out. It's up to you how much wrapping you want to do! They also suggested that you tuck a note of encouragement inside too!
Nov 13, 2017
Allison
Great photo! Thanks for sharing Suzie. Must have been thrilling!
Nov 14, 2017
Barb
Mailed 62 stockings to the TR last Tuesday, plus we sewed 28 smaller stockings with aviation themed fabric to my DS’s squadron. If you are making some they should ship soon. They are trying to do the final math on the FB page.
Sending love to all our Navy family...
Nov 24, 2017
Barb
Good Morning...Suzie, that's hard when a tragedy comes so close. Holding all our pilots, their crew, and families in our thoughts and prayers.
We had a short email from our DS on Thanksgiving and again during the big game on Saturday. It always brightens my day to see that in my inbox! I have not had an update for my world map and my clocks in about a week.
It looks like the Navy4Mom's holiday project is still short on the stocking/gift bag delivery for the TR. If anyone is still thinking of sending some along, that would be great. It looks to me like they are at around 4,500. If you sent or are sending some and have not posted it to their Facebook page, please let me know and I will add it. Thanks! And thanks GoNavyMom for the 100 you sent out! I posted that last week.
Hang in there everyone...
Nov 28, 2017
Chris
My son CQ'd this week in his "new" aircraft F/A - 18E Super Hornet. His third CQ in the last two years, each time in a different aircraft (T45 Goshawk and F/A - 18C Hornet previously). Two strongest emotions: pride and fear. Still incredulous that this is what he does for a living. Eleven years and counting. I pray, often. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to all of you!
Dec 7, 2017
JudyM
Chris, many of us feel the same way that you do. After two CQs, two deployments, and TPS (test pilot school), I am still amazed that this is my "baby". Although I worry every day, my confidence in his ability (combined with prayers) has made his career easier to live with as a Mom.
Dec 7, 2017
CheriH
Congrats Chris on his latest CQ. I do remember holding my breath for those firsts. And while the fear is always close by, it becomes a new normal.
My DS and his sweet wife are expecting their first baby, a boy, in March. He will be on a det for the entire month of April and will deploy late summer. But they take it in stride. I do my best to swallow my "what ifs" and just remind them I'm on standby anytime they need me!
Dec 8, 2017
Barb
Sending warm wishes for a happy holiday to all...
Dec 24, 2017
JudyM
Happy Holidays to all! I am thankful to have my children and their spouses here with us for Christmas. May the year ahead be filled with love, joy, and good health.
Dec 24, 2017
redheadlass
Just introducing myself to the group. My DS , who is 25, who has been working as an aerospace engineer for the last 3 1/2 years, has decided he wants to join the Navy and become a Naval Aviator. He has applied to OCS and has handed in all of the required paperwork but he still has to have his physical. He was hoping to be considered for the February 2018 board but now that the physical has not been completed he will probably not be considered till the following board in 2018.
Dec 24, 2017
JudyM
Welcome rousse54. Congrats to your DS. You both have lots of wonderful experiences ahead.
Dec 26, 2017
LoniJ
Welcome rousse54! One thing I have learned from our Navy experience is that patience is a necessity. Just encourage your DS and have a great 2018.
Dec 28, 2017
CheriH
And another welcome to rousse54! Best wishes to your son; it can be quite the process, but is so rewarding! Feel free to post any questions!
Jan 14, 2018
redheadlass
Thanks, everyone, and most recently, CheriH.. MEPS just required some additional information on his medical file, so he is sending it in this week. Hopefully that will be the last thing he needs, and he can get an appointment for his physical and then be considered for the May Aviation board. As I mentioned before, he is turning 26 at the end of February so he can't afford too many other delays.
Jan 14, 2018
heyloworld
Hello!
Introducing myself really quickly here. My fiance just left for OCS last week but was unfortunately rolled to the next class, 10-18. He is going for pilot. He is prior service, but served in the army as an army ranger and now is hoping to fulfill his dream of becoming a naval aviator.
Looking forward to connect with you all!
Jan 24, 2018
Marianne
Welcome, heyloworld. Even with your fiancee's prior impressive service, aviation is a whole new world. Don't hesitate to ask questions; we've all helped each other out.
Jan 24, 2018