Rita: When the officer candidates reach nine weeks at OCS, they become Candidate Officers, "Candi-Os." They can now receive as many candio boxes of goodies from home as the family wants to send, but they only have three weeks left at OCS, so if you go overboard it will just get thrown out. My son said his class couldn't eat everything they were sent, even sharing it around with those who didn't receive anything. Most families use a large-size flat rate mailing box from the Post Office. It costs about $16. to send it no matter how heavy it is. This is usually cheaper than UPS. You can get the boxes at any Post Office. You don't even have to pay for it until you bring it back to be mailed. The large size flat rate box is about 12"x12"x6." Tradition is to decorate the inside in a Navy theme. I got nautical-themed stickers and paper of anchors and ships at Hobby Lobby. You can send pretty much anything to a Candio except alcohol, tobacco, or anything that looks like a weapon--no squirt guns. My son wanted me to send him homemade cookies and his personal laptop computer which he wasn't allowed to have until nine weeks. You can use any box you want, though. You just have to write "CANDIO" on the outside so they know he is allowed to have it.
M's Mom, thank you so much for clarifying and giving these pointers. I will be prepared for his requests!! I can't believe he has two weeks in now. He was fearful of going to a holding company not being able to pass the initial pt test. Apparently though, he made it! No address change was given. I couldn't be prouder of him.!
Search for Candio Box on Pinterest. I found great ideas there and posted a photo of mine as well. I enjoyed doing it so much I made a similar box for our daughter who was away at the same time as a camp counselor. They both loved them. Neither finished all their goodies lol.
Rita: Yes, you CAN be prouder of him! Just wait until his graduation/ commissioning ceremony. You'll just about burst with pride!!!! I know it is hard for some families to make it to Newport, but if you can get there, you'll never forget it! They do video the graduation, though, for families who can't attend. You can purchase a DVD afterwards, (or your son can order one in advance with his official portrait package) form the NEX (Navy Exchange store) on base. The DVD was great to show the folks back home who couldn't make it to Newport.
Has anyone been to Nuke Power School graduation? That's the next event in our son's Naval career. As challenging as it's been, I'm thinking this could feel like a bigger accomplishment than OCS for him.
M's Mom, At this point it doesn't feel like I could be but I understand what you are saying! I imagine I will be prouder! In fact, this is my boy who wouldn't walk for his college graduation so there's going to be some over due pride waiting to burst when he gets pinned. I received 2 nice letters from him today thanks to blizzard Juno. :) I made hotel reservations yesterday for Newport. Once he makes it to week 9, I'll make the flight reservations. Just to be clear, I made the reservations in respect to the address on Meyerkord where he receives his mail. Is this correct? Thanks for the tip on the pictures and the video. When do they take the pictures? (which week)
Gatormom, Power school graduation is different than OCS graduation. Less military pageantry, there's no PIR, and there's only the one event/ceremony, no Hi Mom's reception, etc. It's more like a college graduation ceremony. After 6 months of stress, hard work and long hours, they deserve the recognition. Depending on whether he's staying in Charleston or going to Ballston Spa, and when his Prototype class begins, he may actually have some time to spend with you. My son had a tough time adapting to the instructional methods in Power School (learning nuclear engineering from the Navy is like trying to take a drink from a fire hose, as they say), so graduating was a huge accomplishment. We're lucky enough to live within a reasonable driving distance and it was well worth going. We'll be returning to Charleston soon for his graduation from Prototype.
Thanks IT gal. Our son thinks there's a 90% chance he'll stay in Charleston. He's had a similar experience with the pace of things lol. He's getting married 2 weeks after graduation so lots on his mind right now! Thanks for your response.
Rita: Concerning hotel reservations for OCS graduation, I advise folks to search for hotels in MIDDLETOWN, RI instead of Newport, because it's actually closer to the base. If you look at a map, Newport is on a peninsula and the "Naval Education and Training Center" is to the north of downtown Newport, closer to Middletown. Middletown has cheaper chain hotels such as Holiday Inn Express, etc. Most of the hotels in Newport are resorts catering to the tourists, so are more expensive. At least your son's grad will be in the spring, before Memorial Day when all the tourists influx, and the price of hotels skyrocket in the area until Labor Day. I think there is a Best Western hotel right outside one of the gates to the base, where my son stayed the night before he reported to OCS. I can't remember what week they took the official portraits at OCS, but they take several poses of them in their dress uniform, (whites for summer grads, blues for winter grads.) Then, the candidates can order various packages, like school pictures. I think there were instructions in the package that was mailed after graduation, on how to order more pics if you wanted additional. They also include photos of their First Salute after commissioning, when the drill instructor and class petty officer now have to salute the new officers, and the new Ensigns traditionally have to give them each a silver dollar!
We stayed at the Residence Inn in Middletown. Wonderful experience and very reasonable. They have a great breakfast and free buffets for dinner a couple of nights during the week. The taxi ride to base was less than 10 mins and cost about $10. Highly recommend!!
Enjoy your time.....it is a truly AWESOME experience!!
Thanks so much for the advice on hotels everyone! I just called and talked to the gentleman at the Residence Inn. So I changed my reservation from the Comfort Inn to the Res. Inn. It'a about a mile closer and food is also a plus. Dinner is M-T-W for anyone else interested. Does Hi-Moms include a meal?
Hi Moms is what the candidates decide (and they pay!). Ours was heavy appetizers at the O Club. On a side note be sure your LO lists everyone planning to attend. Our daughter was turned away one of the times we went to the gate - although she had been admitted several other times :)
Arrive early for Hi, Moms. Our was supposed to be heavy appetizers, but the food was gone by the time we arrived. Ended up eating out afterwards. Still a wonderful time meeting new friends and connecting faces to the names we had heard about.
I've been watching this thread with great interest. My "Hi Mom's" is just 3 weeks from today! Finally got a picture of my son in his dress blues! He is so happy about getting his Candio boxes today! It has been brutal on my Texas boy with all the blizzards. I don't think he ever wants to see another snow flake as long as he lives!
Hi Sylvas, I got a letter from my son this week. He explained: "that all 4 classes have been split in 6 parts and those parts have an hour of duty each so we can shovel 24/7" Where in Texas are you from? We are in Texas as well.
Oh, Rita. I had to laugh about the shoveling. My husband and I both grew up in snow country and did our share of shoveling. My son has not said a word about it though. We are north of Dallas, in Highland Village. How about you?
Rita & Sylvas: As Marmie wrote, the candidates themselves decide on what they want for the Hi Moms and they pay for each of their guests. Some have a full meal at the Officer's Club, some have a party off-base. My son's class had appetizers and a cash bar at a historic downtown Newport hotel. We had plenty to eat so we didn't go to dinner afterwards. They usually introduce the officers and drill instructors and give out some awards and show a funny class video the candidates make about the OCS experience. As Marmie also wrote, your candidate will have to submit a list of names of everyone coming to graduation about three weeks before, and the gate guards will have the list for cross-checking, so no last minute changes! Every adult in your car going into the base must have a photo ID to show the guard and the name must be on the list, so be prepared for this!!!! All military bases are on tight security these days, and necessarily so.
Hi Moms is not really a come and go event. There was a bit of confusion on the starting time. We arrrived abt 45 mins after it started. There was a cocktail hour with a nice slide show of the OCS experience followed by presentations and awards.
My daughter, and several other candidates stayed at the Best Western the night before. Then when we went up for her commissioning we all stayed at that same hotel. Very nice and very reasonable!!!
My son stayed on base at the navy lodge which is only a few blocks from the "check in bldg.". that is also where we stayed for graduation. he just was able to walk over and see us!!! there are several cabs that are allowed to enter the base from the airport. Tell him to save his receipts for the cab and the hotel...the navy will reimburse him.
Kabar That is of interest to me, too. I know some nurses that were on the deployment/practice cruise the Mercy took last summer. I don't have any real experience though, sorry.
Nope. His wife and the CO's wife flew out to meet the guys in Perth. Countdown to change of command. They have much to discuss. DS takes over soon and DIL will be the new COW, makes me laugh every time I see that. We will see him when they get home.
Helomom: I'm still learning the Navy acronyms, so is "COW" the Commanding Officer's Wife? If so, you'd think they could come up with a more flattering acronym for her title! Will your DS be CO of his helo squadron or air wing? My DS says he couldn't find a female to sponsor me on the Tiger cruise, so alas, I don't get to go. Was really hoping to. I'm not sure he tried really hard, since now that he doesn't have guests coming aboard, he may fly back with his squadron from Pearl Harbor to Whidbey Island, WA instead of sailing to San Diego with the ship. Of course, his WIFE is waiting back at NAS Whidbey. Imagine, after ten months at sea, he would rather see his wife than his mother!!! ;-) ha ha
M's mom- Hahaha, yes the Commanding Officer's wife is indeed the COW. They have great fun with it, all sorts of cow gifts. DS will be the CO of the squadron where he is currently XO. We are hoping to see the boat come in. We have a "window" and have reservations but all things are subject to change. May just be a fun week with the grandkids. That's fine too. We will catch up with DS at some point.
Denise F: I am so jealous! I didn't get to go on the Tiger cruise on the USS Carl Vinson. Have a geat time!
Helomom: Have you heard anything about a Family Day on the Carl Vinson in July out of San Diego? My son claims he has heard nothing about this, but he is with the air wing and not assigned to the ship. Are the air wing families allowed on the ship for family days also? I suppose it is like a Tiger cruise-- the family has to have an active duty sponsor? Maybe my son could get a weekend leave and meet us in San Diego if that is possible. Have you ever been to a ship's Family Day with your son in the air wing? I suppose I should email the CV ombudsman and ask these questions.
Have fun! The Tiger Cruise on the Mesa Verde a few years back was a great experience. A couple of weekends ago, we got to go out on a family day underway on a YP at the Naval Academy, where my son is teaching now. Great fun! And it's always nice to get a real picture of where your child is working.
M's mom-Haven't heard a word about Family Day or anything with any specifics about anything. I'm the perfect OPSEC mom. I don't know anything, therefore I cannot say anything I shouldn't say. All I know is that we are going to go visit the grandkids for a week and if we should encounter the elusive DS, bonus. I didn't sign up for any notifications from the ship for this cruise, I'm relying on their Facebook posts, which have been very informative. The FRG usually relays post from the ship. Hopefully you can get information from your Ombudsman.
Welcome, Okie Cowgirl. Besides the Moms of Officers group here, you should also join and read the posts in the group "OSC Graduate Moms" and "Naval Aviation" if your LO (loved one) is headed to Pensacola after OCS. We have had several Moms of OCS candidates join recently and we have probably answered many of your questions already. Read all the "discussion forum" topics above and also the comment wall here, and at OCS Grad Moms, as far back as you have time for, and you'll probably find the answers to many of your questions. If not, just ask away!
If you do Facebook, search for and join your LO's Facebook group. If you know the class number, search Facebook for "Navy OSC Class XX-15 Friends & Family" or similar. These are closed groups and you have to ask to join. Also search Facebook for "Officer Training Command Newport." This is the official FB page of OCS and it is a public page for all to view. They post pictures and news of the current candidates in training, and you might see a pic of your LO!
I'm a 45 min ride to Newport. Born & brought up in the area. Anything I can do or let you know about the area, let me know. My DD heads to P'Cola end of June. guess we better buckle OUR seatbelts...!!
my DS also went to OCS Newport. we saw his graduation from there. he is just getting his winging next week from Pensacola. let me know if you have specific questions. I am with you girl.
Denise F: Sounds like great time! My son is currently aboard the USS Carl Vinson, and I really hope they do a family day when they get back. I didn't get to go on their Tiger cruise, so I'm really hoping to be able to tour the ship sometime.
After 9 months, the USS Carl Vinson has left Hawaii and is on its way to San Diego. Husband and I are flying down on Tuesday to help with activities at the squadron. Very excited! They left last August 22, it's been a long deployment. Just a few more days and the squadron will be home safe and sound. Our thoughts are with the family of VFA 94 for their lost in September on this deployment.
Helomom, YAY, my son's on the Vinson also, and almost home! Hubby & I didn't get to go on the Tiger Cruise, (bummer), so we asked DS about meeting the ship in SD. He is with Squadron VAQ-139, and as you know, the planes fly off the carrier before they dock. (Don't know if the helos do too?) His squadron is not based in San Diego, but at Whidbey Island NAS, Washington. So he didn't know if they would be flying directly back to Whidbey, in which case, he wouldn't even be on the ship when it docked, so we didn't make plans to go to SD. We have been keeping in touch with our D-I-L back at Whidbey, and she is SO ready for him to get home! Just celebrated their second anniversary, and DS has been gone for 10 months of it!
BTW, have you heard anything about the Vinson having a Family Day from SD this summer? I emailed the Vinson FRG president asking about that, and never received an answer. My son says he hasn't heard about it, but he is with the visiting air wing and not with the ship's crew. I would hope if they have a Family Day, the air wing squadrons' families could go too. Please post it here if you hear anything about it.
Yes, my heart also goes out to the family of the lost pilot. I can't imagine the sorrow, especially now that the ship is returning home.
Hi M's mom-Yes, helos fly off too. In the 15 years DS has been flying we have never had an opportunity to see the squadron fly in or a ship come in. This time we get to see both! With the squadron on NI, the ship on NI, and they live on NI we get to experience everything. I think we are going over to make posters, signs and banners with our DIL and help decorate the hanger. Should be fun!
That sounds so cool! What an exciting time, and so long awaited! Congratulations to all of you, welcome home to your LO's, and heartfelt thank you to the crew and their families for their service and sacrifice.
M's mom
Rita: When the officer candidates reach nine weeks at OCS, they become Candidate Officers, "Candi-Os." They can now receive as many candio boxes of goodies from home as the family wants to send, but they only have three weeks left at OCS, so if you go overboard it will just get thrown out. My son said his class couldn't eat everything they were sent, even sharing it around with those who didn't receive anything. Most families use a large-size flat rate mailing box from the Post Office. It costs about $16. to send it no matter how heavy it is. This is usually cheaper than UPS. You can get the boxes at any Post Office. You don't even have to pay for it until you bring it back to be mailed. The large size flat rate box is about 12"x12"x6." Tradition is to decorate the inside in a Navy theme. I got nautical-themed stickers and paper of anchors and ships at Hobby Lobby. You can send pretty much anything to a Candio except alcohol, tobacco, or anything that looks like a weapon--no squirt guns. My son wanted me to send him homemade cookies and his personal laptop computer which he wasn't allowed to have until nine weeks. You can use any box you want, though. You just have to write "CANDIO" on the outside so they know he is allowed to have it.
Jan 31, 2015
Rita
M's Mom, thank you so much for clarifying and giving these pointers. I will be prepared for his requests!! I can't believe he has two weeks in now. He was fearful of going to a holding company not being able to pass the initial pt test. Apparently though, he made it! No address change was given. I couldn't be prouder of him.!
Jan 31, 2015
Gatormom
Jan 31, 2015
M's mom
Rita: Yes, you CAN be prouder of him! Just wait until his graduation/ commissioning ceremony. You'll just about burst with pride!!!! I know it is hard for some families to make it to Newport, but if you can get there, you'll never forget it! They do video the graduation, though, for families who can't attend. You can purchase a DVD afterwards, (or your son can order one in advance with his official portrait package) form the NEX (Navy Exchange store) on base. The DVD was great to show the folks back home who couldn't make it to Newport.
Feb 1, 2015
Gatormom
Feb 1, 2015
Rita
M's Mom, At this point it doesn't feel like I could be but I understand what you are saying! I imagine I will be prouder! In fact, this is my boy who wouldn't walk for his college graduation so there's going to be some over due pride waiting to burst when he gets pinned. I received 2 nice letters from him today thanks to blizzard Juno. :) I made hotel reservations yesterday for Newport. Once he makes it to week 9, I'll make the flight reservations. Just to be clear, I made the reservations in respect to the address on Meyerkord where he receives his mail. Is this correct? Thanks for the tip on the pictures and the video. When do they take the pictures? (which week)
Feb 3, 2015
ITgal
Gatormom, Power school graduation is different than OCS graduation. Less military pageantry, there's no PIR, and there's only the one event/ceremony, no Hi Mom's reception, etc. It's more like a college graduation ceremony. After 6 months of stress, hard work and long hours, they deserve the recognition. Depending on whether he's staying in Charleston or going to Ballston Spa, and when his Prototype class begins, he may actually have some time to spend with you. My son had a tough time adapting to the instructional methods in Power School (learning nuclear engineering from the Navy is like trying to take a drink from a fire hose, as they say), so graduating was a huge accomplishment. We're lucky enough to live within a reasonable driving distance and it was well worth going. We'll be returning to Charleston soon for his graduation from Prototype.
Feb 4, 2015
Gatormom
Feb 4, 2015
M's mom
Rita: Concerning hotel reservations for OCS graduation, I advise folks to search for hotels in MIDDLETOWN, RI instead of Newport, because it's actually closer to the base. If you look at a map, Newport is on a peninsula and the "Naval Education and Training Center" is to the north of downtown Newport, closer to Middletown. Middletown has cheaper chain hotels such as Holiday Inn Express, etc. Most of the hotels in Newport are resorts catering to the tourists, so are more expensive. At least your son's grad will be in the spring, before Memorial Day when all the tourists influx, and the price of hotels skyrocket in the area until Labor Day. I think there is a Best Western hotel right outside one of the gates to the base, where my son stayed the night before he reported to OCS. I can't remember what week they took the official portraits at OCS, but they take several poses of them in their dress uniform, (whites for summer grads, blues for winter grads.) Then, the candidates can order various packages, like school pictures. I think there were instructions in the package that was mailed after graduation, on how to order more pics if you wanted additional. They also include photos of their First Salute after commissioning, when the drill instructor and class petty officer now have to salute the new officers, and the new Ensigns traditionally have to give them each a silver dollar!
Feb 4, 2015
Anna
Rita,
Our family stayed in the Best Western in Middletown and it was a very nice hotel and very affordable for the several days we were there!!!!!!
Feb 4, 2015
pbmcdaniel
Rita,
We stayed at the Residence Inn in Middletown. Wonderful experience and very reasonable. They have a great breakfast and free buffets for dinner a couple of nights during the week. The taxi ride to base was less than 10 mins and cost about $10. Highly recommend!!
Enjoy your time.....it is a truly AWESOME experience!!
Feb 5, 2015
Rita
Thanks so much for the advice on hotels everyone! I just called and talked to the gentleman at the Residence Inn. So I changed my reservation from the Comfort Inn to the Res. Inn. It'a about a mile closer and food is also a plus. Dinner is M-T-W for anyone else interested. Does Hi-Moms include a meal?
Feb 5, 2015
Marmie
Hi Moms is what the candidates decide (and they pay!). Ours was heavy appetizers at the O Club. On a side note be sure your LO lists everyone planning to attend. Our daughter was turned away one of the times we went to the gate - although she had been admitted several other times :)
Feb 5, 2015
Rita
Cool, thanks! Good tip on who's coming along. I've always heard of the "O" Club. It will be fun to see the inside of one.
Feb 5, 2015
pbmcdaniel
Rita,
Arrive early for Hi, Moms. Our was supposed to be heavy appetizers, but the food was gone by the time we arrived. Ended up eating out afterwards. Still a wonderful time meeting new friends and connecting faces to the names we had heard about.
Feb 5, 2015
JediGrey
Feb 5, 2015
Rita
Hi Sylvas, I got a letter from my son this week. He explained: "that all 4 classes have been split in 6 parts and those parts have an hour of duty each so we can shovel 24/7" Where in Texas are you from? We are in Texas as well.
Feb 5, 2015
Rita
Wow, thanks pbmcdaniel. We will make sure to do that. Is it a come and go event?
Feb 5, 2015
JediGrey
Feb 5, 2015
Rita
NE of Dallas in Commerce, Tx. I had to stop and look up where you are Sylvas. We are about 1 1/2 hours apart! Small world.
Feb 5, 2015
M's mom
Rita & Sylvas: As Marmie wrote, the candidates themselves decide on what they want for the Hi Moms and they pay for each of their guests. Some have a full meal at the Officer's Club, some have a party off-base. My son's class had appetizers and a cash bar at a historic downtown Newport hotel. We had plenty to eat so we didn't go to dinner afterwards. They usually introduce the officers and drill instructors and give out some awards and show a funny class video the candidates make about the OCS experience. As Marmie also wrote, your candidate will have to submit a list of names of everyone coming to graduation about three weeks before, and the gate guards will have the list for cross-checking, so no last minute changes! Every adult in your car going into the base must have a photo ID to show the guard and the name must be on the list, so be prepared for this!!!! All military bases are on tight security these days, and necessarily so.
Feb 5, 2015
aggiemom
Hey Sylvas I'm right up the road from you in Denton. Lurk more than post, my son is a SNA in Kingsville.
Feb 7, 2015
pbmcdaniel
Rita,
Hi Moms is not really a come and go event. There was a bit of confusion on the starting time. We arrrived abt 45 mins after it started. There was a cocktail hour with a nice slide show of the OCS experience followed by presentations and awards.
Feb 16, 2015
Anna
Quilter,
My daughter, and several other candidates stayed at the Best Western the night before. Then when we went up for her commissioning we all stayed at that same hotel. Very nice and very reasonable!!!
Feb 23, 2015
Quilter
Thank you so much Anna!!
Feb 23, 2015
laurajotx
My son stayed on base at the navy lodge which is only a few blocks from the "check in bldg.". that is also where we stayed for graduation. he just was able to walk over and see us!!! there are several cabs that are allowed to enter the base from the airport. Tell him to save his receipts for the cab and the hotel...the navy will reimburse him.
Feb 23, 2015
Quilter
Thank you Laurajotx, I booked a room at the Lodge. Thanks again for all your help!!
Feb 23, 2015
NavyBoys2x
Feb 26, 2015
J/J Mom
It's still a ways off, but I'm interested in ideas for winging gifts too.
Feb 26, 2015
CheriH
NavyBoys 2x and Jn/Jf Mom - are you members of the Naval Aviation Page? There is a discussion there about winging gifts if you are interested.
Feb 26, 2015
J/J Mom
CheriH - thanks! i'll check that out.
Feb 27, 2015
NavyBoys2x
Feb 28, 2015
Kabar
Does anyone have any experience with a deployment on either of the hospital ships? Comfort or Mercy.
Feb 28, 2015
J/J Mom
Kabar That is of interest to me, too. I know some nurses that were on the deployment/practice cruise the Mercy took last summer. I don't have any real experience though, sorry.
Mar 3, 2015
M's mom
Helomom: Did you get a call from "Down Under" today? We did, and were thrilled to hear from Dear Son! On their way home--yay!!!!!
Apr 26, 2015
Helomom
Apr 30, 2015
M's mom
Helomom: I'm still learning the Navy acronyms, so is "COW" the Commanding Officer's Wife? If so, you'd think they could come up with a more flattering acronym for her title! Will your DS be CO of his helo squadron or air wing? My DS says he couldn't find a female to sponsor me on the Tiger cruise, so alas, I don't get to go. Was really hoping to. I'm not sure he tried really hard, since now that he doesn't have guests coming aboard, he may fly back with his squadron from Pearl Harbor to Whidbey Island, WA instead of sailing to San Diego with the ship. Of course, his WIFE is waiting back at NAS Whidbey. Imagine, after ten months at sea, he would rather see his wife than his mother!!! ;-) ha ha
Apr 30, 2015
Helomom
Apr 30, 2015
M's mom
Denise F: I am so jealous! I didn't get to go on the Tiger cruise on the USS Carl Vinson. Have a geat time!
Helomom: Have you heard anything about a Family Day on the Carl Vinson in July out of San Diego? My son claims he has heard nothing about this, but he is with the air wing and not assigned to the ship. Are the air wing families allowed on the ship for family days also? I suppose it is like a Tiger cruise-- the family has to have an active duty sponsor? Maybe my son could get a weekend leave and meet us in San Diego if that is possible. Have you ever been to a ship's Family Day with your son in the air wing? I suppose I should email the CV ombudsman and ask these questions.
May 1, 2015
LindaB
Have fun! The Tiger Cruise on the Mesa Verde a few years back was a great experience. A couple of weekends ago, we got to go out on a family day underway on a YP at the Naval Academy, where my son is teaching now. Great fun! And it's always nice to get a real picture of where your child is working.
May 1, 2015
Helomom
May 2, 2015
M's mom
Welcome, Okie Cowgirl. Besides the Moms of Officers group here, you should also join and read the posts in the group "OSC Graduate Moms" and "Naval Aviation" if your LO (loved one) is headed to Pensacola after OCS. We have had several Moms of OCS candidates join recently and we have probably answered many of your questions already. Read all the "discussion forum" topics above and also the comment wall here, and at OCS Grad Moms, as far back as you have time for, and you'll probably find the answers to many of your questions. If not, just ask away!
If you do Facebook, search for and join your LO's Facebook group. If you know the class number, search Facebook for "Navy OSC Class XX-15 Friends & Family" or similar. These are closed groups and you have to ask to join. Also search Facebook for "Officer Training Command Newport." This is the official FB page of OCS and it is a public page for all to view. They post pictures and news of the current candidates in training, and you might see a pic of your LO!
May 3, 2015
randy04
I'm a 45 min ride to Newport. Born & brought up in the area. Anything I can do or let you know about the area, let me know. My DD heads to P'Cola end of June. guess we better buckle OUR seatbelts...!!
May 3, 2015
naturegirl1
my DS also went to OCS Newport. we saw his graduation from there. he is just getting his winging next week from Pensacola. let me know if you have specific questions. I am with you girl.
just remember, the navy has their own schedule!!!
May 3, 2015
M's mom
Denise F: Sounds like great time! My son is currently aboard the USS Carl Vinson, and I really hope they do a family day when they get back. I didn't get to go on their Tiger cruise, so I'm really hoping to be able to tour the ship sometime.
May 4, 2015
Helomom
May 31, 2015
M's mom
Helomom, YAY, my son's on the Vinson also, and almost home! Hubby & I didn't get to go on the Tiger Cruise, (bummer), so we asked DS about meeting the ship in SD. He is with Squadron VAQ-139, and as you know, the planes fly off the carrier before they dock. (Don't know if the helos do too?) His squadron is not based in San Diego, but at Whidbey Island NAS, Washington. So he didn't know if they would be flying directly back to Whidbey, in which case, he wouldn't even be on the ship when it docked, so we didn't make plans to go to SD. We have been keeping in touch with our D-I-L back at Whidbey, and she is SO ready for him to get home! Just celebrated their second anniversary, and DS has been gone for 10 months of it!
BTW, have you heard anything about the Vinson having a Family Day from SD this summer? I emailed the Vinson FRG president asking about that, and never received an answer. My son says he hasn't heard about it, but he is with the visiting air wing and not with the ship's crew. I would hope if they have a Family Day, the air wing squadrons' families could go too. Please post it here if you hear anything about it.
Yes, my heart also goes out to the family of the lost pilot. I can't imagine the sorrow, especially now that the ship is returning home.
Have a safe & fun trip to SD.
May 31, 2015
Helomom
May 31, 2015
Barb
That sounds so cool! What an exciting time, and so long awaited! Congratulations to all of you, welcome home to your LO's, and heartfelt thank you to the crew and their families for their service and sacrifice.
Jun 1, 2015
J/J Mom
Helomon -- how exciting!! I'd be so excited to go to SD, but even more thrilled to see son's squadron fly in, ship come in, etc. Have a great time.
Jun 1, 2015