There is a group titled NAS CORPUS CHRISTI MOMS. It has less than 10 members and has not had activity in awhile. Would any other Moms like to join and share some discusson?
He's HOME!!!!! We joined our DIL and grands at the fly-in. So exciting to see the jets fly over and then land. And emotional to see the line of pilots walking to their families and watch the joyful hugs and reunions. I certainly teared up to see those littles race to their daddy to hug him. The separation is hard, but the reunions are very sweet.
My advice is, if you get a chance to attend a homecoming; be it in port or at an airfield, jump at it. We are so grateful that our DIL invites us to join them.
Now, a little down time and then off to the next squadron!
Yes, it is. They have 3 weeks of intense academics, then 1 week of classroom Cessna training, then they will have 6 Cessna flights, I believe. He’s already had the phase 1 basic swimming as well as the phase 4 week that involved the help dunker.
Michchat, yes, they would be in the same class. My son said about 40 classed up together! My son commissioned via ROTC last January (he was supposed to commission in December and went through the ceremony, but there was a little medical waiver problem....)
Congrats to both of you, Glenni and Michchat! And thank you for the update on NIFE...it's nice to know what the new acronyms are. They will have quite the experience in their new endeavor. We just had our son and family here for a week; he reports to his new squadron in 2 weeks as a Department Head. What a ride it has been!
Helomom...Congrats and Fair Winds to you and your DS! Love the video! I think you were among the first to welcome me back in 2011 when my DS first got his aviation assignment. I learned so much from all of you who were walking the path ahead of me. Thanks so much!
Thank you for the kind words, CheriH. Our Navy experience with our two children spanned 1990-1994 with our daughter’s enlisted tour and 1993-1997 while our son was in NROTC at the University of Washington. Then 1997-2023 after he received his commission. He will be officially retired in November, he and his family have relocated to the Seattle area and he is exploring career opportunities. Their daughter will be a sophomore at University of Oregon this fall and their son will be a sophomore in high school. Priority number one was get get him setup in a good school. Our son says he looks at this like a new set of three year orders. Get E through school, then once he goes off to college they will really figure out life after the Navy. We had a fantastic time in Naples again this year. His Change of Command/Retirement ceremony was incredible. Our daughter, her husband, and their two sons flew over to Naples too! It was great to have everyone there.
Helomom...we have been in West Seattle for almost 5 years now. Our daughter and family are here. We have sure enjoyed the weather this summer; as we were previously in Texas and Georgia! I know you will be glad to have them closer to you...if not in your back yard. I wish them well in their next adventure!
Helomom, congratulations on your son's milestone. You have encouraged me so much in my son's journey as we went through ROTC, got selected for aviation and are now in Primary. I loved watching the video you posted. What an incredible career your son has had! I pray for wonderful things for your family in this time of transition!
Thank you so much, Glenni. It has been quite a ride! I’m glad I have had the opportunity to provide a reflection about our journey to help other moms. It has been my privilege. I’m anxious to see what the future holds for our son. The Navy has been amazing but at 48 yrs old he is ready for something new.
Moms, I need some input on the aviator career path in the navy. My son is at OCS and is hearing that after Pens he will get his training (already has personal & instrument rating), do a tour, and then likely be on shore duty/desk job for a good part of the remainder of his commitment, unless he is top 10-20% of his class. Can anyone provide insight as to what the 8 years after training usually looks like for them? Many thanks.
NicoleH - it really all depends on what platform he gets as the training varies for each one. Once he gets his wings he will need to train in his selection. My DS is in jets. He trained an additional 14 months before he was patched into a squadron. After a deployment, they were supposed to get a land job, usually training at the advanced level, but things are always fluid in the Navy.
NicoleH - I agree with Andy'sMom. After all his training (whatever platform he gets) they are assigned to a squadron for a flying tour(2-3 years). After that, they get a shore tour, usually from 2-3 years; that is non-deployable. Usually in a training squadron of some sort. Then back to the fleet for a flying/deployable tour, then another shore tour. My DS is also in jets; he has not had a non-flying tour yet. He has been in 12 years. He has made it to Department Head; and his next shore tour may not be a flying one; they do like them to get some other experience at that stage. But my understanding is that as much money as they put into training a pilot, they need to keep them flying or training other pilots. There are many different options; some he will have a say in; some he won't. I hope that helps.
That was really helpful for me too. Thank you so much. My son just finished primary. He had high scores, but really wanted helos, and that’s what he got. He is happy to be staying in Milton for another 9 months or so. He was an aerospace engineering major and ultimately wants to become a test pilot. Does anyone have an aviator who has gone that route?
Glenni, it's my understanding that test pilot stints are a shore tour following the first squadron tour. At least it was for jets. They get to submit their choices; ranked; and then they see what happens. My DS had test pilot for his 2nd choice, but got his 1st which was Topgun. I know helos are managed differently; so I don't know for sure. I hope he gets his choice!
Glenn, my DS was hoping for either Test Pilot School or Top Gun after his deployment. Unfortunately, he has been extended and was told even before the extension that he was going to have to deploy again. With the way things are in the world right now, it seems nothing is "normal"
As of tomorrow my son will be a Hellion with Helo training wing 28! It's hard to believe that he's starting his advanced training. This journey seems like it's gone really fast, and before we know it he'll be winging and going to his FRS!
I was honestly hoping he would go to one of the squadrons that has the new helo trainers, but he's content with what he got. It helps that one of his best friends is a couple of months ahead of him in the same unit.
Congratulations Glenni! That seems to have happened so fast! My son is now in his first squadron as an E2D pilot and he is on his first deployment with his squadron currently.
Congratulations Glenni! Your son is on his way! My son just texted me that he is officially retired today…November 1. He turned in his active duty ID and received his Retired ID.
Helomom, congratulations on this new era of life for your son! May you all be blessed as you enjoy having him closer❤️
Redheadlass, E2’s were his second choice. One of his best friends just winged as an E2 NFO and is headed to his FRS! I’m sure it’s a very different feeling when they are actually deployed.
Congratulations to yo, your family, and especially your son! Winging is a special time. He will enjoy San Diego, it’s a beautiful area.
Our son has begun his post retirement career and is working for Microsoft. He said it will keep him in our area for the next few years so their son can complete high school. We are certainly enjoying seeing them so often. Happy times. Enjoy your trips to San Diego!
Thank you, Helomom! I’m so glad you are able to enjoy having your son and his family nearby. We’re excited about helping our son and DIL move from Milton to San Diego!
Congrats Glenni. Those wings of gold are such a big deal, rightfully so. They work their butts off to earn them. Mine is just in the pipeline at Corpus, so has a way to go, but am proud of all who get to that achievement.
Huskermom
Thanks, CheriH. I am glad to know more about the process. I hope his orders come through in a way that is best for his family.
Jul 3, 2022
NFAO
Andy'sMom - CONGRATS! Our DS is the Training Officer in the Black Lions so I'm sure they know each other...
Jul 3, 2022
missmellen
Moms with aviators in training in Corpus Christi
Jul 29, 2022
CheriH
He's HOME!!!!! We joined our DIL and grands at the fly-in. So exciting to see the jets fly over and then land. And emotional to see the line of pilots walking to their families and watch the joyful hugs and reunions. I certainly teared up to see those littles race to their daddy to hug him. The separation is hard, but the reunions are very sweet.
My advice is, if you get a chance to attend a homecoming; be it in port or at an airfield, jump at it. We are so grateful that our DIL invites us to join them.
Now, a little down time and then off to the next squadron!
Aug 12, 2022
Andy'sMom
NFAO - Thanks! We hope to get out there sometime next month!
Aug 12, 2022
Andy'sMom
CheriH
So excited for you! Such good advice too. Enjoy!
Aug 12, 2022
Glenni
My son finally started NIFE today! It's only been 9 months in a stash job. He is sooo ready for this next step!
Oct 24, 2022
Helomom
Glenni - Excellent! That’s the new program that replaced IFS and API, isn’t it? He is starting flight school! Awesome!
Oct 24, 2022
Glenni
Yes, it is. They have 3 weeks of intense academics, then 1 week of classroom Cessna training, then they will have 6 Cessna flights, I believe. He’s already had the phase 1 basic swimming as well as the phase 4 week that involved the help dunker.
Oct 25, 2022
Andy'sMom
Glenni,
Congrats on this next chapter in his life!
Oct 25, 2022
michchat
My son just started his NIFE yesterday in Pensacola, FL! I wonder if he is in the same class as Glenni's son. My son was in OCS class 07-22.
Oct 25, 2022
Glenni
Michchat, yes, they would be in the same class. My son said about 40 classed up together! My son commissioned via ROTC last January (he was supposed to commission in December and went through the ceremony, but there was a little medical waiver problem....)
Oct 25, 2022
michchat
Glenni, I am so happy for them to both be moving forward with their training.
Oct 26, 2022
CheriH
Congrats to both of you, Glenni and Michchat! And thank you for the update on NIFE...it's nice to know what the new acronyms are. They will have quite the experience in their new endeavor. We just had our son and family here for a week; he reports to his new squadron in 2 weeks as a Department Head. What a ride it has been!
Oct 26, 2022
Glenni
Michchat, I sent you a friend request.
Oct 26, 2022
Glenni
Yesterday was flight suit Friday for my son!
Nov 19, 2022
CheriH
Congrats Glenni! I remember that day...10 years ago for my son. I still have that pic as his contact pic on my phone. He is on his way!
Nov 19, 2022
Helomom
Glenn I! How fun and exciting!❤️
Nov 19, 2022
Andy'sMom
Congrats to you and your DS, Glenni! So many "firsts" to come!
Nov 19, 2022
Quilter
Dec 19, 2022
CheriH
Welcome Maryelens! Feel free to introduce yourself...and ask any questions you have!
May 29, 2023
Helomom
DOD_109785463-512x288-1000k.mp4
Hi moms! We have reached the end of the big Navy journey.
Hopefully this attachment from AFN/DOD works.
Aug 6, 2023
CheriH
Helomom...Congrats and Fair Winds to you and your DS! Love the video! I think you were among the first to welcome me back in 2011 when my DS first got his aviation assignment. I learned so much from all of you who were walking the path ahead of me. Thanks so much!
Aug 6, 2023
Helomom
Thank you for the kind words, CheriH. Our Navy experience with our two children spanned 1990-1994 with our daughter’s enlisted tour and 1993-1997 while our son was in NROTC at the University of Washington. Then 1997-2023 after he received his commission. He will be officially retired in November, he and his family have relocated to the Seattle area and he is exploring career opportunities. Their daughter will be a sophomore at University of Oregon this fall and their son will be a sophomore in high school. Priority number one was get get him setup in a good school. Our son says he looks at this like a new set of three year orders. Get E through school, then once he goes off to college they will really figure out life after the Navy. We had a fantastic time in Naples again this year. His Change of Command/Retirement ceremony was incredible. Our daughter, her husband, and their two sons flew over to Naples too! It was great to have everyone there.
Aug 7, 2023
CheriH
Helomom...we have been in West Seattle for almost 5 years now. Our daughter and family are here. We have sure enjoyed the weather this summer; as we were previously in Texas and Georgia! I know you will be glad to have them closer to you...if not in your back yard. I wish them well in their next adventure!
Aug 7, 2023
Glenni
Helomom, congratulations on your son's milestone. You have encouraged me so much in my son's journey as we went through ROTC, got selected for aviation and are now in Primary. I loved watching the video you posted. What an incredible career your son has had! I pray for wonderful things for your family in this time of transition!
Aug 7, 2023
Helomom
Thank you so much, Glenni. It has been quite a ride! I’m glad I have had the opportunity to provide a reflection about our journey to help other moms. It has been my privilege. I’m anxious to see what the future holds for our son. The Navy has been amazing but at 48 yrs old he is ready for something new.
Aug 7, 2023
NicoleH
Moms, I need some input on the aviator career path in the navy. My son is at OCS and is hearing that after Pens he will get his training (already has personal & instrument rating), do a tour, and then likely be on shore duty/desk job for a good part of the remainder of his commitment, unless he is top 10-20% of his class. Can anyone provide insight as to what the 8 years after training usually looks like for them? Many thanks.
Oct 17, 2023
Andy'sMom
NicoleH - it really all depends on what platform he gets as the training varies for each one. Once he gets his wings he will need to train in his selection. My DS is in jets. He trained an additional 14 months before he was patched into a squadron. After a deployment, they were supposed to get a land job, usually training at the advanced level, but things are always fluid in the Navy.
Oct 17, 2023
CheriH
NicoleH - I agree with Andy'sMom. After all his training (whatever platform he gets) they are assigned to a squadron for a flying tour(2-3 years). After that, they get a shore tour, usually from 2-3 years; that is non-deployable. Usually in a training squadron of some sort. Then back to the fleet for a flying/deployable tour, then another shore tour. My DS is also in jets; he has not had a non-flying tour yet. He has been in 12 years. He has made it to Department Head; and his next shore tour may not be a flying one; they do like them to get some other experience at that stage. But my understanding is that as much money as they put into training a pilot, they need to keep them flying or training other pilots. There are many different options; some he will have a say in; some he won't. I hope that helps.
Oct 17, 2023
NicoleH
Thank you, CheriH and Andy'sMom. So helpful.
Oct 18, 2023
Glenni
That was really helpful for me too. Thank you so much.
My son just finished primary. He had high scores, but really wanted helos, and that’s what he got. He is happy to be staying in Milton for another 9 months or so. He was an aerospace engineering major and ultimately wants to become a test pilot. Does anyone have an aviator who has gone that route?
Oct 18, 2023
CheriH
Glenni, it's my understanding that test pilot stints are a shore tour following the first squadron tour. At least it was for jets. They get to submit their choices; ranked; and then they see what happens. My DS had test pilot for his 2nd choice, but got his 1st which was Topgun. I know helos are managed differently; so I don't know for sure. I hope he gets his choice!
Oct 18, 2023
Glenni
Thank you Cheri, that’s helpful. I’m just so thankful that he’s enjoying his journey 😍
Oct 18, 2023
Andy'sMom
Glenn, my DS was hoping for either Test Pilot School or Top Gun after his deployment. Unfortunately, he has been extended and was told even before the extension that he was going to have to deploy again. With the way things are in the world right now, it seems nothing is "normal"
Oct 18, 2023
NicoleH
I appreciate all the info on each of your aviator's paths. It helps to set expectations for what is to come.
Oct 19, 2023
Glenni
Andy’s Mom,
Hopefully after this deployment extension, hopefully he’ll get one or the other! 🤞
Oct 20, 2023
Glenni
As of tomorrow my son will be a Hellion with Helo training wing 28! It's hard to believe that he's starting his advanced training. This journey seems like it's gone really fast, and before we know it he'll be winging and going to his FRS!
I was honestly hoping he would go to one of the squadrons that has the new helo trainers, but he's content with what he got. It helps that one of his best friends is a couple of months ahead of him in the same unit.
Nov 1, 2023
redheadlass
Congratulations Glenni! That seems to have happened so fast! My son is now in his first squadron as an E2D pilot and he is on his first deployment with his squadron currently.
Nov 1, 2023
Helomom
Congratulations Glenni! Your son is on his way! My son just texted me that he is officially retired today…November 1. He turned in his active duty ID and received his Retired ID.
Nov 1, 2023
Glenni
Helomom, congratulations on this new era of life for your son! May you all be blessed as you enjoy having him closer❤️
Redheadlass, E2’s were his second choice. One of his best friends just winged as an E2 NFO and is headed to his FRS! I’m sure it’s a very different feeling when they are actually deployed.
Nov 2, 2023
Andy'sMom
Congrats to your son and your family, Glenn! The time will pass quickly and you will soon see those gold wings on his chest!
Helomom, So happy to hear the news. Big grateful thanks to your son and your family for his service and their (your) sacrifice. Enjoy!
Nov 2, 2023
Glenni
Two and half years of hard work are coming to a climax tomorrow when my son receives his wings of gold. Next stop is San Diego!
Jun 27, 2024
redheadlass
Jun 27, 2024
Glenni
He will be flying the MH-60 R helicopter.
Jun 28, 2024
Helomom
Our son has begun his post retirement career and is working for Microsoft. He said it will keep him in our area for the next few years so their son can complete high school. We are certainly enjoying seeing them so often. Happy times. Enjoy your trips to San Diego!
Jun 28, 2024
Glenni
Thank you, Helomom! I’m so glad you are able to enjoy having your son and his family nearby. We’re excited about helping our son and DIL move from Milton to San Diego!
Jun 28, 2024
shocklady
The winging weekend is such a great celebration!!
Getting training will be much like all the primary training, hurry up and wait!! But San Diego is a great place to have free time!!
Jun 28, 2024
Huskermom
Congratulations, Glenni! I am sure today was very special. The winging day was wonderful.
San Diego is a wonderful place to learn more. Fly Navy!
Jun 28, 2024
CCMA-USN
Congrats Glenni. Those wings of gold are such a big deal, rightfully so. They work their butts off to earn them. Mine is just in the pipeline at Corpus, so has a way to go, but am proud of all who get to that achievement.
Jun 28, 2024