Andy’s Mom. Our son,too, is an OCS graduate in Pensacola. We have sent a few Priority Mail packages through USPS and at least one of them was totally destroyed. It was not only ripped open it was soaking wet.
Suzie, Thank you for sharing! God bless you and your family. I am thankful for the progress your family seems to be making. I hope and pray things will continue to improve. Much love and prayers!
Suzie, I'm sure this last year was a blur, but that is such good news about your DS! I will pray that he stays in remission and that your husband will find some relief. You have an awesome outlook. Thanks for the positive words!
Suzie, Very tough situation. We've been through cancer in my immediate family and it is very hard. My father lasted only eight months but that experience helped us know what to do when my sister had symptoms the doctors did not recognize. She survived multiple surgeries and chemo and is cancer free today. Glad to hear you've had good news about your DS. I'm sure that will help your husband in his fight, too. Sending you hugs.
Hi everybody, my son is a Midshipman third class at Auburn University in the NROTC program. After CORTRAMID this summer, he is pretty sure he wants to fly helicopters. He has received a lot of pressure to be a Nuke, but he knows that if he doesn’t go for the interview, they can’t force him to be a nuke! He is already preparing for the aviation test. Any suggestions?
Happy Mama here! Our DS got to do a flyover at our alma mater's football game. A bucket item list for him and such fun to be there to see him do it. They bring the pilots on the field after half time to introduce them; they both brought their babies on the field with them! So precious. My heart is full.
Very cool. Several months ago my son flew from Oceana to Arlington participating in a missing man formation. One way, @ 180 miles, was a 20 minute flight!
Cheri, that's awesome, congratulations! Our DS flew home for the weekend and landed his Super Hornet at the local airport--the local news was there, the streets around the airport were filled with people that wanted to see the jet land. It was a really awesome weekend. He flew over his high school football game on the way in...it was very cool. Hoping everyone is well...wishing you and your LO's blue skies!
Cheri, Chris, and Barb, those sound like very proud mama moments! What a thrill! I hope to have one of those someday.
I have a question regarding the selection at end of primary. Our DS has been in primary for a long time, since maybe January or February! His flights keep getting delayed due to weather or lack of planes. We kept thinking selection would be August, then realized no way, it will be September. Now he told us that most recent instructor on the flight admitted, "yeah we are slow rolling you guys out." Now I know that the Navy has its own unique time frame, hurry up and wait. But someone else indicated to us that it could have something to do with the Navy's fiscal year end and holding a group over until October. They seem to be holding everyone currently in formations. So does anyone know if the Navy's fiscal year end is September 30 and is this a possible reason for the slow rollout?
End of Fiscal Year for the US government is Sept 30. or you can say the federal FY is October 1 to September 30. Funding for almost everything it seems has been delayed over the past several years. example each time my son has been promoted his raises and bonuses have come much later. Some funds such as back pay for raises raises are finally paid up but late. Funds for planes. fuel , maintenance may be approved but not released on a timely basis. Then again with sequestration many things planned never got funded. Welcome to the Military.
Off he goes on deployment. We did get a phone call to say good-bye. He sounded so confident and ready. He knows so much more this time than last. It was so good to hear...but of course, I had a few tears. We will see his sweet wife and 7 month old son next week. So much to pray for! So grateful you all are "there" and get it.
There is much distraction for us however, as we are in the process of moving from Atlanta, GA to Seattle, WA. To be closer to our daughter and her family. The moving truck is on its way, and we are too...with an 80 lb dog in the back seat!
Here's to hoping each one of you has a marvelous day!
My DS completed his carrier quals at the end of Sept. and is finishing up his BFM now. We have a winging date of Nov. 9 and are anxiously counting down the days. It has been a long journey as my DS injured his knee and required surgery that had him med down for 10 months. The anticipation and excitement is off the charts for us and I needed to share with the community that understands! Thank you for sharing your joys and challenges with me!
Kaarinac, sending you positive vibes to get through...it's quite a ride.
CheriH, best wishes on your move and sending you warm thoughts for strength through another deployment.
For anyone interested in the Navy for Moms Annual Holiday Project, here are the details: This year we will be adopting the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN76). The Reagan is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan and is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group Five. We will start shipping packages the week of November 18th to ensure all packages reach the command by Christmas. If anyone has questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Oh, by the way, this is the 10th anniversary of our starting this great project⚓️⚓️
To sign up you just have to find them on Facebook. We did a a hundred last year and put the word out to our friends, family, teachers in the community and they did tons more!
CheriH, my best wishes and prayers for your DS's deployment. I have been through 2 and it is our roles as mothers to be supportive (and always missing them).
Kaarinac, winging is fo much fun. Congrats to your DS.
It has been a while since I have posted (although I do read). DS completed two deployments and TPS. I am thankful he and wife are now in the same state as Mom, Dad, and brother. Yeah! We will spend as much time as possible with him while we can. Who knows where he will be in a couple of years.
Congrats Kaarinac! Winging is the best! Sounds like your DS had some major challenges to get to this point, so it will be even sweeter!
And, Nancy, hang in there. Everyone has a story about waiting in the aviation pipeline. So, while it is frustrating and you wonder if they will ever make it, just realize it is very normal.
JudyM...TPS is quite the accomplishment. Glad yours is closer now! DS is waiting word of his next assignment after this deployment. He had a rush ride for Top Gun. We will see.
helomom: we will be in west seattle. Only 1000 more miles to go.
We've just spent 2 days with our DIL and grandson. They are doing well and she has good support among the squadron wives. Plus several family trips planned in the next few months.
Andy'sMom, My DS finished up primary at the end of October and was selected for helicopters, which he really wanted. He stayed in Milton for primary, and he is staying in Milton for advanced. I am told this next phase will move faster without the slow downs experienced in primary. He has been happy to stay in the same place for awhile. It will end up being almost 2 years in one place! Can't wait for winging! Hope your DS enjoys Texas! Best wishes to you and your DS!
We just spent the weekend with our DS as he received his "wings of gold" and is preparing to head to his next assignment. We are so proud of him and his accomplishments and excited to have him stationed closer to us for the next year! Thank you for all your support and words of encouragement!
Congratulations to the moms of winging aviators. It’s such a career milestone for these officers. Now the pace quickens as there is so much to learn and so many duties to perform as junior officers to advance in the fleet. Exciting times!
Nancy, welcome to the small but mighty community of helo moms! The adventure continues!
DS is deployed...and celebrating his 30th birthday. Comms have been down alot, so I haven't heard from him since he left. BUT...I got an email today!!! He was actually newsy and he sounds good. Does this Mama heart good. Missing him so much.
CheriH, sending a hug...you just live for those little bits of communication while they are deployed. So glad you had a moment!
if any of you decided to do the Navy for Moms holiday project—stockings for USS Reagan—they have posted the shipping address and things need to be shipped between Tuesday and Saturday—go to the FB page to let them know how many you will send. (It’s a closed group so you have to ask to join)
Hello Ladies (I don't think we have any gentleman here). I'm going to post the address today since it wouldn't be fair to expect those that are sending many many many packages to have to wait until the last minute to complete those custom forms we all love!!
Please make sure you write Navy for Mom's Holiday Project on the outside of your packages and your contact info in your bags/stockings.
PLEASE DO NOT MAIL YOUR PACKAGES UNTIL TUESDAY, November 20th. As I've mentioned in the past, the ships do not have storage space to hold thousands of gifts. All packages should be mailed no later than Saturday, November 24th.
If anyone has questions, please let us know. If you haven't posted the # of stockings or bags your sending please do so asap so that I can inform the command. And as always, thank you for continuing to send holiday cheer to our sailors and Marines who aren't able to be with family & friends during the holidays.
Just got the news that DS is going to Top Gun! I could never have imagined when I watched that movie over 30 years ago that I would have a son that would be a naval aviator, let alone going to Top Gun. Course, I haven't been able to watch that movie since he became a naval aviator...
Cheri, awesome news. What a great opportunity for your DS.
My DS graduated from test next pilot school in June and is now at China Lake NAWS where they are filming Top Gun 2. They are even using extras from China lake.
Redheadlass, my DS winged in 2013, did two deployments before timing out of the squadron and getting into TPS. Timing varies for everyone and what needs the Navy has.
Eight Oceana based VFA squadrons are participating in a missing man formation tomorrow in Houston for GHW Bush's funeral. 30 aircraft will go to make up a 21 aircraft formation. Squadrons participating are: VFA-103 Jolly Rogers, VFA-143 Pukin' Dogs, VFA-32 Fighting Swordsmen; VFA-83 Rampagers, VFA-131 Wildcats, VFA-105 Gunslingers, VFA-31 Tomcatters, and VFA-87 Golden Warriors.
Does anyone have any good,gift suggestions for naval aviators? My DS is a bit more than halfway through training for carrier qualification. Next up is winging and onto E2/C2 training. Anything your LO’s found helpful or fun? Also where do you purchase the gold wings for the ceremony? Thank you so much!
Two good stores to try: Wings in Pensacola FL, that is where I got my DS his gold wings. The other is the Flight Deck store at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. Both have websites. Some things my DS has appreciated are the gloves, kneeboards and a really nice pen that will write in any orientation such as when you are flying upside down :)
I was in Guatemala doing medical mission work last week and when I got home found out that DS got to do the solo F18 flyover of the USS George HW Bush for the day of mourning. I missed it :(
Here's a shout out to the good citizens of Pensacola. While on the phone with DS, he said "hang on mom" and I could hear him answering a sweet neighbor lady inviting him over that evening for pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, etc. and when he came back on the phone, he said she does that fairly often. She has grown children and she and her husband just really enjoy doing this. Just made my heart sing. Thank you, whoever you are, for giving my DS a home cooked meal and some family fellowship. Can't wait to meet her when I go visit next month!
After winging he/she will go to the RAG in Norfolk, VAW-120 Gray Hawks, where he/she will learn how to fly the Hawkeye or C2. Once qualified (CQ again), he/she will patch into an operational squadron. Operational Hawkeye squadrons are based in Pt. Mugu (4), CA, Norfolk, VA (4) and Iwakuni, Japan (1).
C2 "squadrons" (detachments of 2 planes) are based in North Island, CA (5 including 1 in Iwakuni, Japan) and Norfolk, VA. (5).
In 2020 the Navy will begin the transition from the C2 to the CMV-22B Osprey (tilt rotor). The Marines just started flying their version of the Osprey. Navy squadrons will be (are) in North Island, CA (1) and Norfolk, VA. Location of the RAG is to be determined.
The Hawkeye path is more known right now. I don't know what will become of the C2 pilots in several years. Will they become E2 pilots or go with the CMV-22B? I will try to find out.
I've had several discussions with my nephew who is the Commodore of the E2/C2, MV-22, and MQ-25 Stingray (new unmanned carrier based platform) Fleet.
Chris, I would like to remind you that this is an open blog and you need to keep OPSEC in mind. Certainly a lot of this can be found on Navy sites, but you should never give out projected dates, transitions, etc. even if they can be found elsewhere. Please be more mindful for our LOs safety. Thank you.
AeroArl, my DS is a Lt.Commander in the Hawkeye community. He switched to NFO after pilot training, got winged at N'folk, and went straight Japan for 3 years. He was also an instructor at the "Top Gun" school in Nevada for 3 years. All I can tell you is that the Hawkeye is a different enough platform that there would probably be more training down the lin.
Best of luck to your LO and your family. Even after this many years, the next step is always a roller coaster ride!
Chris, thank you for all the information! Your nephew is very accomplished, your family must be very proud of him! My DS is actually hoping that, after a couple of years, they will also train him for the Osprey, that would give him experience across all the flight platforms.
Thank you Marianne, I figured that he would have a good bit of training to go once he wings. When you say that your DS switched to NFO after pilot training, what did that mean for him? I thought NFO was a whole different training route than pilot.
We have a winging date, but as with everything else in the military, it is subject to change. Does anyone have any hotel/restaurant/things to do recommendations for Meridian?
Thanks for the great recommendations, Suzie! Just found out that they took a vote and decided to wing in Pensacola! Didn't know they could do that, but it'll actually be easier for us to get there.
And he's BACK! 6+months of deployment and he's back on home soil. Still winding his way home to his wife and son. Not sure when we will get to see him, but it's sufficient knowing he's back. He will have only 2 weeks at home before leaving again for 3 months to Top Gun. Navy life isn't easy, is it?
Suzie - I, too, am sorry for your losses this past year but happy that your DS has received the great news he's been waiting for... I'm sure our DS will be thrilled to hear his news as well!
Susie, I’m sorry to learn of all the strife you’ve endured this past year. The news of your DS’s flight status is wonderful and glad you’re feeling things are on the upswing. Best wishes, always!
Allison
No problems like that, but it is unusually slow to ship from New England to Pensacola by either USPS or UPS.
Jun 19, 2018
Matt's mom
Jun 19, 2018
Nancy
Suzie, Thank you for sharing! God bless you and your family. I am thankful for the progress your family seems to be making. I hope and pray things will continue to improve. Much love and prayers!
Jul 23, 2018
Andy'sMom
Suzie, I'm sure this last year was a blur, but that is such good news about your DS! I will pray that he stays in remission and that your husband will find some relief. You have an awesome outlook. Thanks for the positive words!
Jul 23, 2018
Allison
Suzie, Very tough situation. We've been through cancer in my immediate family and it is very hard. My father lasted only eight months but that experience helped us know what to do when my sister had symptoms the doctors did not recognize. She survived multiple surgeries and chemo and is cancer free today. Glad to hear you've had good news about your DS. I'm sure that will help your husband in his fight, too. Sending you hugs.
Jul 24, 2018
Glenni
Hi everybody, my son is a Midshipman third class at Auburn University in the NROTC program. After CORTRAMID this summer, he is pretty sure he wants to fly helicopters. He has received a lot of pressure to be a Nuke, but he knows that if he doesn’t go for the interview, they can’t force him to be a nuke! He is already preparing for the aviation test. Any suggestions?
Sep 9, 2018
CheriH
Happy Mama here! Our DS got to do a flyover at our alma mater's football game. A bucket item list for him and such fun to be there to see him do it. They bring the pilots on the field after half time to introduce them; they both brought their babies on the field with them! So precious. My heart is full.
Sep 13, 2018
JudyM
Cheri, what a proud moment for you! Being a Navy Mom has many of those moments!
Sep 13, 2018
Chris
CheriH,
Very cool. Several months ago my son flew from Oceana to Arlington participating in a missing man formation. One way, @ 180 miles, was a 20 minute flight!
Sep 17, 2018
Barb
Cheri, that's awesome, congratulations! Our DS flew home for the weekend and landed his Super Hornet at the local airport--the local news was there, the streets around the airport were filled with people that wanted to see the jet land. It was a really awesome weekend. He flew over his high school football game on the way in...it was very cool. Hoping everyone is well...wishing you and your LO's blue skies!
Sep 17, 2018
Nancy
Cheri, Chris, and Barb, those sound like very proud mama moments! What a thrill! I hope to have one of those someday.
I have a question regarding the selection at end of primary. Our DS has been in primary for a long time, since maybe January or February! His flights keep getting delayed due to weather or lack of planes. We kept thinking selection would be August, then realized no way, it will be September. Now he told us that most recent instructor on the flight admitted, "yeah we are slow rolling you guys out." Now I know that the Navy has its own unique time frame, hurry up and wait. But someone else indicated to us that it could have something to do with the Navy's fiscal year end and holding a group over until October. They seem to be holding everyone currently in formations. So does anyone know if the Navy's fiscal year end is September 30 and is this a possible reason for the slow rollout?
Sep 19, 2018
TriciaM
End of Fiscal Year for the US government is Sept 30. or you can say the federal FY is October 1 to September 30. Funding for almost everything it seems has been delayed over the past several years. example each time my son has been promoted his raises and bonuses have come much later. Some funds such as back pay for raises raises are finally paid up but late. Funds for planes. fuel , maintenance may be approved but not released on a timely basis. Then again with sequestration many things planned never got funded. Welcome to the Military.
Sep 19, 2018
CheriH
Off he goes on deployment. We did get a phone call to say good-bye. He sounded so confident and ready. He knows so much more this time than last. It was so good to hear...but of course, I had a few tears. We will see his sweet wife and 7 month old son next week. So much to pray for! So grateful you all are "there" and get it.
There is much distraction for us however, as we are in the process of moving from Atlanta, GA to Seattle, WA. To be closer to our daughter and her family. The moving truck is on its way, and we are too...with an 80 lb dog in the back seat!
Here's to hoping each one of you has a marvelous day!
Oct 21, 2018
redheadlass
CheriH- the best to your son and his family! And to you all in your move! Welcome to the West Coast-I love Seattle!
Oct 21, 2018
jsefamily
Oct 21, 2018
Helomom
CheriH! Welcome to the PNW!
Oct 21, 2018
kaarinac
My DS completed his carrier quals at the end of Sept. and is finishing up his BFM now. We have a winging date of Nov. 9 and are anxiously counting down the days. It has been a long journey as my DS injured his knee and required surgery that had him med down for 10 months. The anticipation and excitement is off the charts for us and I needed to share with the community that understands! Thank you for sharing your joys and challenges with me!
Oct 21, 2018
Barb
Kaarinac, sending you positive vibes to get through...it's quite a ride.
CheriH, best wishes on your move and sending you warm thoughts for strength through another deployment.
For anyone interested in the Navy for Moms Annual Holiday Project, here are the details: This year we will be adopting the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN76). The Reagan is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan and is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group Five. We will start shipping packages the week of November 18th to ensure all packages reach the command by Christmas. If anyone has questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Oh, by the way, this is the 10th anniversary of our starting this great project⚓️⚓️
To sign up you just have to find them on Facebook. We did a a hundred last year and put the word out to our friends, family, teachers in the community and they did tons more!
Have a great day!
Oct 21, 2018
JudyM
CheriH, my best wishes and prayers for your DS's deployment. I have been through 2 and it is our roles as mothers to be supportive (and always missing them).
Kaarinac, winging is fo much fun. Congrats to your DS.
It has been a while since I have posted (although I do read). DS completed two deployments and TPS. I am thankful he and wife are now in the same state as Mom, Dad, and brother. Yeah! We will spend as much time as possible with him while we can. Who knows where he will be in a couple of years.
Oct 21, 2018
CheriH
Congrats Kaarinac! Winging is the best! Sounds like your DS had some major challenges to get to this point, so it will be even sweeter!
And, Nancy, hang in there. Everyone has a story about waiting in the aviation pipeline. So, while it is frustrating and you wonder if they will ever make it, just realize it is very normal.
JudyM...TPS is quite the accomplishment. Glad yours is closer now! DS is waiting word of his next assignment after this deployment. He had a rush ride for Top Gun. We will see.
helomom: we will be in west seattle. Only 1000 more miles to go.
We've just spent 2 days with our DIL and grandson. They are doing well and she has good support among the squadron wives. Plus several family trips planned in the next few months.
Thanks to all for your support!
Oct 25, 2018
Andy'sMom
Nancy, where is your DS doing his Primary? My DS is finishing API and is heading to TX early next month.
Nov 10, 2018
Nancy
Andy'sMom, My DS finished up primary at the end of October and was selected for helicopters, which he really wanted. He stayed in Milton for primary, and he is staying in Milton for advanced. I am told this next phase will move faster without the slow downs experienced in primary. He has been happy to stay in the same place for awhile. It will end up being almost 2 years in one place! Can't wait for winging! Hope your DS enjoys Texas! Best wishes to you and your DS!
Nov 10, 2018
kaarinac
We just spent the weekend with our DS as he received his "wings of gold" and is preparing to head to his next assignment. We are so proud of him and his accomplishments and excited to have him stationed closer to us for the next year! Thank you for all your support and words of encouragement!
Nov 11, 2018
Helomom
Congratulations to the moms of winging aviators. It’s such a career milestone for these officers. Now the pace quickens as there is so much to learn and so many duties to perform as junior officers to advance in the fleet. Exciting times!
Nancy, welcome to the small but mighty community of helo moms! The adventure continues!
Nov 11, 2018
CheriH
DS is deployed...and celebrating his 30th birthday. Comms have been down alot, so I haven't heard from him since he left. BUT...I got an email today!!! He was actually newsy and he sounds good. Does this Mama heart good. Missing him so much.
Nov 14, 2018
Barb
CheriH, sending a hug...you just live for those little bits of communication while they are deployed. So glad you had a moment!
if any of you decided to do the Navy for Moms holiday project—stockings for USS Reagan—they have posted the shipping address and things need to be shipped between Tuesday and Saturday—go to the FB page to let them know how many you will send. (It’s a closed group so you have to ask to join)
Hello Ladies (I don't think we have any gentleman here). I'm going to post the address today since it wouldn't be fair to expect those that are sending many many many packages to have to wait until the last minute to complete those custom forms we all love!!
Please make sure you write Navy for Mom's Holiday Project on the outside of your packages and your contact info in your bags/stockings.
PLEASE DO NOT MAIL YOUR PACKAGES UNTIL TUESDAY, November 20th. As I've mentioned in the past, the ships do not have storage space to hold thousands of gifts. All packages should be mailed no later than Saturday, November 24th.
If anyone has questions, please let us know. If you haven't posted the # of stockings or bags your sending please do so asap so that I can inform the command. And as always, thank you for continuing to send holiday cheer to our sailors and Marines who aren't able to be with family & friends during the holidays.
Nov 18, 2018
CheriH
Just got the news that DS is going to Top Gun! I could never have imagined when I watched that movie over 30 years ago that I would have a son that would be a naval aviator, let alone going to Top Gun. Course, I haven't been able to watch that movie since he became a naval aviator...
So excited for him!
Dec 4, 2018
redheadlass
Wow! Congrats to your LO! How long has your son been in the Navy as a Naval aviator? You must be so proud!
Dec 4, 2018
JudyM
Cheri, awesome news. What a great opportunity for your DS.
My DS graduated from test next pilot school in June and is now at China Lake NAWS where they are filming Top Gun 2. They are even using extras from China lake.
Redheadlass, my DS winged in 2013, did two deployments before timing out of the squadron and getting into TPS. Timing varies for everyone and what needs the Navy has.
Dec 4, 2018
CheriH
JudyM...that would be cool if he was in it! I read a book by one of the pilots who was around when they filmed the first one. Very interesting.
Redheadlass...he commissioned in June 2012, winged in July 2014 and went to an F-18 squadron in February 2016.
Dec 4, 2018
Chris
Dec 5, 2018
AeroArl
Does anyone have any good,gift suggestions for naval aviators? My DS is a bit more than halfway through training for carrier qualification. Next up is winging and onto E2/C2 training. Anything your LO’s found helpful or fun? Also where do you purchase the gold wings for the ceremony? Thank you so much!
Dec 14, 2018
gonavymom
Two good stores to try: Wings in Pensacola FL, that is where I got my DS his gold wings. The other is the Flight Deck store at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. Both have websites. Some things my DS has appreciated are the gloves, kneeboards and a really nice pen that will write in any orientation such as when you are flying upside down :)
I was in Guatemala doing medical mission work last week and when I got home found out that DS got to do the solo F18 flyover of the USS George HW Bush for the day of mourning. I missed it :(
Dec 14, 2018
AeroArl
GoNavymom, Thank you for your suggestions!
How exciting for your DS, sorry you missed the flyover, but I am sure there are recordings available.
Dec 14, 2018
Allison
Thanks for the store and gift suggestions.
Dec 15, 2018
Nancy
Here's a shout out to the good citizens of Pensacola. While on the phone with DS, he said "hang on mom" and I could hear him answering a sweet neighbor lady inviting him over that evening for pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, etc. and when he came back on the phone, he said she does that fairly often. She has grown children and she and her husband just really enjoy doing this. Just made my heart sing. Thank you, whoever you are, for giving my DS a home cooked meal and some family fellowship. Can't wait to meet her when I go visit next month!
Jan 23, 2019
Allison
Love this story! Thanks Nancy!
Jan 23, 2019
LoniJ
Nancy that's wonderful. Wish I was closer to him so he could over. Every time I hear those T6 planes overhead I say a little prayer for our pilots.
Jan 24, 2019
CheriH
Welcome Mom04...if we can answer any questions or help in any way, let us know!
Feb 24, 2019
AeroArl
Any moms of E2 or C2 pilots on here? My LO is working on carrier quals in the T45. Just wondering what the next steps look like.
Apr 3, 2019
Chris
@AeroArl
After winging he/she will go to the RAG in Norfolk, VAW-120 Gray Hawks, where he/she will learn how to fly the Hawkeye or C2. Once qualified (CQ again), he/she will patch into an operational squadron. Operational Hawkeye squadrons are based in Pt. Mugu (4), CA, Norfolk, VA (4) and Iwakuni, Japan (1).
C2 "squadrons" (detachments of 2 planes) are based in North Island, CA (5 including 1 in Iwakuni, Japan) and Norfolk, VA. (5).
In 2020 the Navy will begin the transition from the C2 to the CMV-22B Osprey (tilt rotor). The Marines just started flying their version of the Osprey. Navy squadrons will be (are) in North Island, CA (1) and Norfolk, VA. Location of the RAG is to be determined.
The Hawkeye path is more known right now. I don't know what will become of the C2 pilots in several years. Will they become E2 pilots or go with the CMV-22B? I will try to find out.
I've had several discussions with my nephew who is the Commodore of the E2/C2, MV-22, and MQ-25 Stingray (new unmanned carrier based platform) Fleet.
https://www.cacclw.navy.mil/index.html
Enjoy the ride!
Apr 4, 2019
Marianne
Chris, I would like to remind you that this is an open blog and you need to keep OPSEC in mind. Certainly a lot of this can be found on Navy sites, but you should never give out projected dates, transitions, etc. even if they can be found elsewhere. Please be more mindful for our LOs safety. Thank you.
AeroArl, my DS is a Lt.Commander in the Hawkeye community. He switched to NFO after pilot training, got winged at N'folk, and went straight Japan for 3 years. He was also an instructor at the "Top Gun" school in Nevada for 3 years. All I can tell you is that the Hawkeye is a different enough platform that there would probably be more training down the lin.
Best of luck to your LO and your family. Even after this many years, the next step is always a roller coaster ride!
Apr 4, 2019
AeroArl
Chris, thank you for all the information! Your nephew is very accomplished, your family must be very proud of him! My DS is actually hoping that, after a couple of years, they will also train him for the Osprey, that would give him experience across all the flight platforms.
Thank you Marianne, I figured that he would have a good bit of training to go once he wings. When you say that your DS switched to NFO after pilot training, what did that mean for him? I thought NFO was a whole different training route than pilot.
We have a winging date, but as with everything else in the military, it is subject to change. Does anyone have any hotel/restaurant/things to do recommendations for Meridian?
Apr 9, 2019
AeroArl
Thanks for the great recommendations, Suzie! Just found out that they took a vote and decided to wing in Pensacola! Didn't know they could do that, but it'll actually be easier for us to get there.
Apr 12, 2019
CheriH
And he's BACK! 6+months of deployment and he's back on home soil. Still winding his way home to his wife and son. Not sure when we will get to see him, but it's sufficient knowing he's back. He will have only 2 weeks at home before leaving again for 3 months to Top Gun. Navy life isn't easy, is it?
Apr 28, 2019
NavyMom - Lora
Suzie, GOOD NEWS! Our family is praying for yours.
Jul 12, 2019
redheadlass
Wonderful news!
Jul 12, 2019
kaarinac
Suzie,
Thrilled for your DS! I am sorry for your loss and tough year.
Jul 12, 2019
NFAO
Suzie - I, too, am sorry for your losses this past year but happy that your DS has received the great news he's been waiting for... I'm sure our DS will be thrilled to hear his news as well!
We wish him (and you) the best always!
Jul 12, 2019
jsefamily
Jul 12, 2019