This will sound like such a silly question...but for deployments, how often do they get to come home? He wasn't gone for the entire year was he? Four brothers who were enlisted, but DS's experience is a brand new thing!
He is still training, but will be stationed at Coronado once he finishes in a couple months.
BuckeyeMom- No question is a silly question! In our experience, when a squadron leaves on a ship, they don't come back until the ship comes back. The VINSON left on the first day of school in August and the didn't return until June when school got out. No one goes home unless there is some sort of extreme family emergency and even then it is only if the command can get approval.
BuckeyeMom: Congratulations to your DS on his winging! My son was also deployed with Helomom's son on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, and they left San Diego in August 2014 and did not return until June of 2015! They spent most of it in the Persian Gulf launching airstrikes against ISIS.
Deployments are usually not THAT long. They did get some R&R time off the ship for a few days, in Dubai, Bahrain, and Perth Australia and Pearl Harbor on the way home. But yeah, they were gone for nearly a year.
My son's wife stayed back at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station near Seattle while he was gone. They emailed, and Skyped each other when he could. Deployments are tough on the families, but my D-I-L knew what she was signing on for when they got married.
August til June is a long deployment! I am hoping that my DIL finds the support that she need there. She has joined a spouses group that meets once a month. I worry about her...
I just love reading all of these comments! It is quiet around here sometimes...
DS was in NROTC at the University of Idaho and Commissioned in December 2014. He's been in Florida since then going through the EOD pipeline. Was home for Christmas, which was so fun and amazing...he definitely misses Idaho and the cool weather/snow/seasons. He was back home for a few days in May in order to get married!! Another fun and amazing event in the life of this mom. His EOD graduation is at the end of August and we will be traveling to Florida to see the ceremony. Florida...August...should be pleasant, huh? He has orders for Rota, Spain in November.
BuckeyeMom: Yes, the spouses groups are so helpful. My DIL found lots of support with the spouses of my son's unit during his deployment. For instance, they all got together and had a carry-in Thanksgiving dinner, and a Christmas party, and a New Year's party, and even an Easter celebration for the ones who had little kids. My son's squadron missed all of those holidays that year!
kmaidaho: Idaho vs Florida would be quite a climate change. I know a kid who did the opposite. He grew up in Hawaii, then enlisted in the Navy, and got sent to Great Lakes (Chicago) for enlisted basic training in the middle of the winter!!! He just about froze to death, to hear him tell it! haha
BuckeyeMom: Encourage your DIL to really engage in the spouse's group so she can get the support she needs. Our niece's husband is in the Air Force and everywhere they have been stationed, she has developed a strong network of friends/support. She was chronically ill when they were stationed in Belgium and never would have made it without the help of those other military families. But, you do have to invest yourself. I'm worried about my new DIL too, as we have heard that DS will be traveling a lot from Spain for training in the US.
My son's first deployment was just a little short of 11 months, and the worst part was they were "surged" early with very little notice and, for a long time, didn't know when the deployment would end. This was on the Mesa Verde in 2011-12. The good part was he found out the ship would be in Italy for maintenance for about a week midway through the deployment, and we were able to meet him there. We had about two weeks' notice, but we made it work.
BuckeyeMom- Yes, the spouses groups are really great! My DIL has worked with great groups in every area they have been stationed. One of the great things about Navy life is the way they all take care of each other. DS is at the 19 year mark in his career, DIL has known him from the beginning of this Navy ride. They have been married 13 years, two kids, 10 moves, and lots of missed birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. Navy spouses are a special breed.
Reading these posts got me thinking about the places my son has "worked" while in the Navy. He was born and raised in Virginia. Great lakes in January for boot camp. Goose Creek (Charleston) SC for Nuke school. Ballston Spa NY for prototype and SPU (he asked for this one). Newport Rhode Island for NSI. Back to Charleston for school. Spain and Germany for summer courses. Pensacola for flight school, Meridian MS for more flight school, Key West for CQ, and now Oceana (home!) for a few years.
Throw in a few dets to El Centro CA, Maine (SERE), a few cross countrys to Tennessee, Virginia, etc., and a fellowship in Philly.
Ten years so far, all at various training commands! First OCONUS deployment should come 2017-2018.
AUnavymom and others...it's been a while since I posted, however I do get the messages. My son and his wife graduated from AU in 2005 and he was commissioned into the Navy. Today he is an EA-18G (Electronic Warfare) Top Gun pilot. AND he and his wife and two children are living on base at NAS Atsugi Japan! He is assigned to the USS RR there in the Tokyo area. They dropped their German Shepard off with us last August, went home to Whidby Island, packed up and waited for their orders. They final left Nov 1 and and should be there through 2017. It is so nice to know there are other moms with their children there as well.
Chris: How lucky for you that you get to see your son so often because he is stationed so close to home! Mine is presently "OCONUS" in Japan. With the 13-hr time difference, we have to think before we call him. If we want to call at 1900 hrs OUR time, that is 0800 in the morning THE NEXT DAY in Japan! He has some kind of phone service through his computer, so it doesn't cost us long distance charges to call him. We sometimes Skype so we can see him and his wife, but it's not as nice as actually being with them (&hugs,) so enjoy your son being so close!
Diane2557: The Navy is a small world! MY son was also at Whidbey Island from July 2013 to July 2015. He was an intelligence officer with a squadron of EA-18G's, --squadron VAQ-139, the "Cougars." They all were deployed for 10 mos. 2014-15 on the USS Carl Vinson. I'll bet my son has met your son, because he knew some Growler pilots from other squadrons at Whidbey!
Now son & his wife are at Yokota, about 35 miles from Tokyo. It's an Air Force base, but has other service personnel there also. He does "something" intel-related at HQ of the Joint US Forces in Japan. (We don't ask and he doesn't tell---loose lips sink ships! ) They love Japan so far. Hubby & I hope to visit them next summer, a 15-hr flight from here in the Midwest! Ugh! Hope you get a chance to visit your son & family at Atsugi.
I just found this group! My DS had his Winging at Corpus Christi in June and has just reported to NAS Jacksonville to train on the P3 (after he goes to SERE). Then he will be stationed at Whidby Island. His fiance just started her first job as a nurse and they have been living in an empty apt for a week waiting for the movers.
What squadron will your son be going to? My son is going to be at Whidbey after he gets back from his 5th deployment. He's not an officer - his younger sister is!!! Family fun there!!! But he is a career sailor tho!
Anna,
5th deployment! That's crazy. My son doesn't know his Whidby Squadron yet. He literally just arrived in Jacksonville. The movers bring his furniture tomorrow. So it will be 8-12 months before he goes to Whidby, depending on how much flying time he gets during P8 training. He actually hopes it's the longer time frame so that his fiance could stay in her first nursing job a year before leaving. Where is your daughter?
Welcome helenp! If you haven't already, join the group "Naval Aviation" on this site for moms of flyers.
Your son will enjoy Whidbey Island. My son & wife were there for two years. You and Anna both will have to make plans to visit while your loved ones are there. The island itself is beautiful, but lots of fun stuff to do in Seattle, if you've never been.
I have a question that hopefully someone can answer. I called Navy Affairs this morning about it and they basically told me "You realize you called Navy Affairs right?" Anyways, I have a son who is an Officer and a stepson who is Enlisted, they both may end up being stationed in the same city. My son wants to rent a beach house when he arrives and my stepson said he would like to live with him and they be room mates but my son said he does not believe they can live together even though they are related due to fratinization. Is this true?
My own thought are that it could put both of them in potentially awkward situations when dealing with their own friends/peers socially, perhaps limiting their ability to host their friends at their own home. I'm sure your son would be advised to at least discuss it with his command, and maybe he doesn't want to do that? I know it's difficult for them as they move down this new path, with all the stress it entails, to be what they perceive as the one to 'make waves'.
Even though we see them as our boys, our sons are now officers in the US Navy and the Navy both trusts and expects them to take care of themselves, their jobs and the people they serve with. I would really caution you against contacting any Naval department without your son's OK. The last thing he wants is for anyone to get the impression he's not 'squared away'.
Ask away on this site - you'll get lots of help here!
Myvampress - I ran this past my son, who is currently in command of a squadron. Here's the response:
DS: Tough one... I assume not same command. If in the same command, definitely not. Different command it just isn't good practice. But family makes its tough. Preexisting relationships tend to be viewed less restrictively.
Me: Hmm. Who would they run this thru?
DS: Their chain of command.
DS: That's who'd make the call anyway.
DS: If it was considered fraternization, their commands would have to prosecute it. So I'd ask them before doing it.
Helomom and ITGal, thanks for the info. No they are not in the same command, my son is sub and my stepson is a master of arms on shore duty but will be assigned to a ship once he transfers here. I don't think my son is going to allow him to move in with him though. Like my son told me, it is not the fact that my stepson is enlisted, it is the fact that if my stepson has buddies over who are also enlisted and something happens whether partying or whatever then my son would be held liable and he is not going to put himself in that situation so I assume that idea is out the window but I still feel bad about it.
He is a Navy sailor through and through so a couple of these he requested. Including many months on the ground in Afghanistan. But he got three extra medals for that deployment so it all looks good!!!!! He told his wife who is the absolute best Navy wife, that a sailor belongs at sea!!!
M's Mom,
Hubby and I are starting our travels across the northern US heading for Whidbey!!! We should be there mid September when he comes back!!!!
I'm jealous of your vagabond lifestyle. My hubby and I are going on a road trip to Colorado in early October, but that will only be a week or so. I still have to work a few more years before I can become a lady of leisure!
If you'll be heading through Indiana on I-70, there's lots of interesting stuff to see in Indianapolis, IMHO. (In My Hoosier Opinion--haha)
I have a question. My DS is a new Ensign on an aircraft carrier. He has been put in a department that everyone acknowledges was in total disarray before his arrival. As a new person on the ship with no prior experience, he is expected to clean up the prior person's mess and succeed. Needless to say, this has not happened. At this point, it sounds like no one is guiding him or mentoring him in any way. Any suggestions on who he can talk to or get advice? Thanks!
This is going to sound really crazy but it is something I strongly believe in. As a former Navy enlisted myself, and having two enlisted and one officer kids, and a former officer husband vet, I suggest he talk to his lead petty officer of that department. Too many times junior officers are thrown into the position of division officer or put in charge of a department and they just don't have the experience or knowledge of all things Navy yet. Especially in the fleet. Both my enlisted son and I have been in a situation where JOs come in and start making decisions with no idea of what works and what doesn't. My son is a lead PO right now and has an Ensign DIVO and is having these same problems. Have your son talk to the Lead PO and ask him what was done is the past, what worked, what didn't work. Get the experience and the knowledge from those that have been in the department for a much longer time. Tell him not to cross the line between officer and enlisted, don't try to be buddy buddies, because the experienced POs will see right through that!!! But ask them what they think and what their opinions are, then make his own decisions based on what he learns.
Anna - thank you for the advice! I just heard from my son. The Senior Chief told him that a new Ensign should never have been put in his position and there is an LT coming on ship soon to head the department. I am a manager in the civilian world and his situation raised numerous questions in my mind but I am glad my son will now get some help. Thank you so much!!
Doreen: Anna gave excellent advice, and I will ditto it. My son is now a LT, and he said the smartest thing he learned from a senior officer is to respect the knowledge of the Senior Chiefs about what has worked and what hasn't in that department previously. The Chiefs usually have years more experience, and a wise junior officer will ask for their insight before making major decisions.
Doreen,
My daughter was also thrown into the same situation when she came aboard her ship. It will all work out in the end. She finally loved her job. As Ensign your child will move around the ship until he finishes his SWO program. That will be about 18 months if all works out well. My daughter is now a LTJG. She will be leaving her first ship to a new ship in January. Doing a job that still is not a EDO. Hang in there! Life is good and will get better.
For anyone thinking of Christmas gifts for their LOs: anticipating upcoming workups from the ship, last Christmas time I gave my DS a pure beech jersey knit twin extra long sheet set & pillow/mattress protectors (from BB&B). He has had several chances to make use of them (along with the memory foam mattress top that he bought). Just recently he asked where I got the sheets so he could get an additional set of sheets. "So comfy!," he said. Made this Mom's heart happy to think that at the end of a mission, her DS could be cozily tucked in for a good night's rest before the next venture out.
It seems like yesterday that my son graduated from OCS but in fact it was in 2007.
My former Navy boy is now 32 years old and has been out of the Navy since 2012. He got hired by one of the big three tech companies in North CA last year. He is their subject matter expert on electrical systems for data centers. He has a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering and of course tons of applicable work experience. He is compensated handsomely to solve problems that no one else can solve. Sorry I can't explain it better but we just know it's great job security for the next few decades. He is happily married (wife, house, dog - the whole enchilada). This is his third job. With each one, his experience as a former Navy nuke was very very beneficial. Invariably, he would run into a former nuke guy doing the interview - he would then be fast tracked. I thought I would be retired, eating bon bons and knitting all day. Still working - as busy as ever
Congrats to your son and his post-Navy success! I'm sure all of our sailors will find that "Navy officer" looks very impressive on a resume for post-military jobs as your son found, especially with his nuke experience. My LT son is talking about making a career of the Navy, if he's able. He is in intelligence and currently stationed in Japan, and loves his job and where he lives. Of course, future jobs/deployments could change his mind!
I LOL'd at your comment about not yet able to sit and eat bon bons and knit all day!!! I won't be retiring early either because our current health insurance is through hubby's employment, and since he's 65, he wants to retire next year and will go on Medicare. I'm self-employed and "only" 60, so I'll have to buy my own insurance for 5 years! Current quotes are over $10,000 per year plus a high deductible, just for me! No bon bons and knitting for me just yet either! That's what I get for marrying an old man! haha
Did you ever make it to Whidbey Island? Hope you have found someplace warm to spend the winter. We are in the midst of a "polar vortex" here in Indiana now. Brrrrr
Oh I know how cold you are feeling right now!!! After living for years in Cleveland, Chicago, and Milwaukee, I've had it with that cold!!!!!! And lake effect snow!!!!
Yes, we made it to Whidbey Island, stayed 3 weeks with son and his family. Even spent a weekend at a cabin in Mt Rainier!!!! I was sad because that was during the time N4Ms went down so I couldn't contact any of the WA moms to get together!!!! But we had a blast!!!!
My son is currently stationed at Yokota, Japan, near Tokyo. He and his wife love it there. They have had no trouble getting around on the trains and other public transportation. They feel safe, and the people are friendly. They are trying to learn Japanese to speak to the locals, but they find that many of the young people speak English, having learned it in school, but my son feels that when in Japan, he should attempt to speak Japanese, out of respect. His wife is picking it up better than he is!
The one big adjustment is that they drive on the LEFT side of the road in Japan, like in the UK and Australia. My son bought an old used Nissan to drive to work on the base, and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car and he shifts gears with his left hand! He says it has taken some getting used to, but it just takes practice, (and concentration!) They take public transportation on outings to Tokyo, because he doesn't want to deal with driving on the left in Tokyo traffic. I myself wouldn't want to drive on the right side in Tokyo traffic!!!!!
Hubby and I are making plans to visit them in July 2017. I told my son to put in for leave then, because we want to be given the Grand Tour! I'm sure your son will enjoy his time in Japan also.
I'm glad you had a good time at Whidbey Island with your son & family. My son and his wife really enjoyed their 2 1/2 years at Whidbey. My son worked with a squadron of "Growler" planes. Your son?
That high bridge over to the island has incredible views. One morning, when we were visiting my son there, the bridge was totally engulfed in fog. You could not see the other side, and it looked like the bridge just disappeared into oblivion about 30 feet ahead. It was so eerie. I'm not sure we would have wanted to drive across it, if we were arriving for the first time, because you had no idea what was on the other side! Sure is a beautiful area, though.
Mountain Momma,
My son has been in Atsugi for about 18 months now. He loves Japan! Bought a used Honda Life to get to and from the base. He's about an hour train ride to Tokyo or Yokohama. Done lots of sight seeing on the weekends.
My son is with a VP squadron who just transferred from Hawaii. Needless to say, he and his wife are "adjusting" to cold WA from paradise and daily visits to the beach!!!
Are you talking about that bridge over Deception Pass onto Whidbey?? It is incredible and a little nervewracking driving over it in a big truck pulling a 40 foot RV!!!! So lucky we didn't have to deal with fog!!! We did hike in the park just on the other side and then climbed the stairs to walk across the bridge. It was awesome!!!! I really hope we get to visit up there a few more times - there is so much to see!!!!
Yes, that's the bridge. Imagine going across it in fog and not being able to see across or down! But at least you wouldn't know how high you actually were in fog.
So your son's family is having to adjust to the "cold" at Whidbey Island after paradise in Hawaii? My son enjoyed the relatively balmy winters in the Pacific Northwest as compared to Indiana! He said it rarely got below freezing at Whidbey, as compared to our forecast of a high of 9 degrees for tomorrow here!!!!! I'll take the weather at Whidbey over this! Of course, having also been to Hawaii, that is hard to beat!
BuckeyeMom
This will sound like such a silly question...but for deployments, how often do they get to come home? He wasn't gone for the entire year was he? Four brothers who were enlisted, but DS's experience is a brand new thing!
He is still training, but will be stationed at Coronado once he finishes in a couple months.
Jul 7, 2016
Helomom
Jul 7, 2016
M's mom
BuckeyeMom: Congratulations to your DS on his winging! My son was also deployed with Helomom's son on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, and they left San Diego in August 2014 and did not return until June of 2015! They spent most of it in the Persian Gulf launching airstrikes against ISIS.
Deployments are usually not THAT long. They did get some R&R time off the ship for a few days, in Dubai, Bahrain, and Perth Australia and Pearl Harbor on the way home. But yeah, they were gone for nearly a year.
My son's wife stayed back at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station near Seattle while he was gone. They emailed, and Skyped each other when he could. Deployments are tough on the families, but my D-I-L knew what she was signing on for when they got married.
Jul 7, 2016
BuckeyeMom
August til June is a long deployment! I am hoping that my DIL finds the support that she need there. She has joined a spouses group that meets once a month. I worry about her...
Jul 7, 2016
kmaidaho
I just love reading all of these comments! It is quiet around here sometimes...
DS was in NROTC at the University of Idaho and Commissioned in December 2014. He's been in Florida since then going through the EOD pipeline. Was home for Christmas, which was so fun and amazing...he definitely misses Idaho and the cool weather/snow/seasons. He was back home for a few days in May in order to get married!! Another fun and amazing event in the life of this mom. His EOD graduation is at the end of August and we will be traveling to Florida to see the ceremony. Florida...August...should be pleasant, huh? He has orders for Rota, Spain in November.
Jul 7, 2016
M's mom
BuckeyeMom: Yes, the spouses groups are so helpful. My DIL found lots of support with the spouses of my son's unit during his deployment. For instance, they all got together and had a carry-in Thanksgiving dinner, and a Christmas party, and a New Year's party, and even an Easter celebration for the ones who had little kids. My son's squadron missed all of those holidays that year!
Jul 7, 2016
M's mom
kmaidaho: Idaho vs Florida would be quite a climate change. I know a kid who did the opposite. He grew up in Hawaii, then enlisted in the Navy, and got sent to Great Lakes (Chicago) for enlisted basic training in the middle of the winter!!! He just about froze to death, to hear him tell it! haha
Jul 7, 2016
kmaidaho
BuckeyeMom: Encourage your DIL to really engage in the spouse's group so she can get the support she needs. Our niece's husband is in the Air Force and everywhere they have been stationed, she has developed a strong network of friends/support. She was chronically ill when they were stationed in Belgium and never would have made it without the help of those other military families. But, you do have to invest yourself. I'm worried about my new DIL too, as we have heard that DS will be traveling a lot from Spain for training in the US.
Jul 7, 2016
LindaB
My son's first deployment was just a little short of 11 months, and the worst part was they were "surged" early with very little notice and, for a long time, didn't know when the deployment would end. This was on the Mesa Verde in 2011-12. The good part was he found out the ship would be in Italy for maintenance for about a week midway through the deployment, and we were able to meet him there. We had about two weeks' notice, but we made it work.
Jul 7, 2016
Helomom
Jul 7, 2016
Chris
Reading these posts got me thinking about the places my son has "worked" while in the Navy. He was born and raised in Virginia. Great lakes in January for boot camp. Goose Creek (Charleston) SC for Nuke school. Ballston Spa NY for prototype and SPU (he asked for this one). Newport Rhode Island for NSI. Back to Charleston for school. Spain and Germany for summer courses. Pensacola for flight school, Meridian MS for more flight school, Key West for CQ, and now Oceana (home!) for a few years.
Throw in a few dets to El Centro CA, Maine (SERE), a few cross countrys to Tennessee, Virginia, etc., and a fellowship in Philly.
Ten years so far, all at various training commands! First OCONUS deployment should come 2017-2018.
They get around to say the least.
Jul 8, 2016
M's mom
Chris: Sounds like your son has had quite a career so far! What does he fly? My son was at Oceana for intelligence school. Nice area.
I'm not familiar with all the Navy acronyms yet. What does OCONUS stand for?
Jul 8, 2016
Diane2557
Jul 10, 2016
Chris
M's Mom. My son was assigned the F/A -18C Hornet. "C" Charlie -- single seat, though he's flown the two seat variant also -- the F/A -18D, "D" Delta.
OCONUS -- Outside the Continental United States.
Cheers!
I see my son once or twice a week. I've seen him more in the last three months (since he's been at Oceana) than I have in the last ten years combined!
Jul 11, 2016
M's mom
Chris: How lucky for you that you get to see your son so often because he is stationed so close to home! Mine is presently "OCONUS" in Japan. With the 13-hr time difference, we have to think before we call him. If we want to call at 1900 hrs OUR time, that is 0800 in the morning THE NEXT DAY in Japan! He has some kind of phone service through his computer, so it doesn't cost us long distance charges to call him. We sometimes Skype so we can see him and his wife, but it's not as nice as actually being with them (&hugs,) so enjoy your son being so close!
Jul 11, 2016
M's mom
Diane2557: The Navy is a small world! MY son was also at Whidbey Island from July 2013 to July 2015. He was an intelligence officer with a squadron of EA-18G's, --squadron VAQ-139, the "Cougars." They all were deployed for 10 mos. 2014-15 on the USS Carl Vinson. I'll bet my son has met your son, because he knew some Growler pilots from other squadrons at Whidbey!
Now son & his wife are at Yokota, about 35 miles from Tokyo. It's an Air Force base, but has other service personnel there also. He does "something" intel-related at HQ of the Joint US Forces in Japan. (We don't ask and he doesn't tell---loose lips sink ships! ) They love Japan so far. Hubby & I hope to visit them next summer, a 15-hr flight from here in the Midwest! Ugh! Hope you get a chance to visit your son & family at Atsugi.
Jul 11, 2016
helenp
I just found this group! My DS had his Winging at Corpus Christi in June and has just reported to NAS Jacksonville to train on the P3 (after he goes to SERE). Then he will be stationed at Whidby Island. His fiance just started her first job as a nurse and they have been living in an empty apt for a week waiting for the movers.
Aug 16, 2016
Anna
helenp,
What squadron will your son be going to? My son is going to be at Whidbey after he gets back from his 5th deployment. He's not an officer - his younger sister is!!! Family fun there!!! But he is a career sailor tho!
Aug 16, 2016
helenp
5th deployment! That's crazy. My son doesn't know his Whidby Squadron yet. He literally just arrived in Jacksonville. The movers bring his furniture tomorrow. So it will be 8-12 months before he goes to Whidby, depending on how much flying time he gets during P8 training. He actually hopes it's the longer time frame so that his fiance could stay in her first nursing job a year before leaving. Where is your daughter?
Aug 16, 2016
M's mom
Welcome helenp! If you haven't already, join the group "Naval Aviation" on this site for moms of flyers.
Your son will enjoy Whidbey Island. My son & wife were there for two years. You and Anna both will have to make plans to visit while your loved ones are there. The island itself is beautiful, but lots of fun stuff to do in Seattle, if you've never been.
Aug 16, 2016
myvampress
Aug 19, 2016
ITgal
myvampress, here's a link to an explanation of the fraternization policy written in layman's terms. https://www.thebalance.com/navy-fraternization-policies-3354650
My own thought are that it could put both of them in potentially awkward situations when dealing with their own friends/peers socially, perhaps limiting their ability to host their friends at their own home. I'm sure your son would be advised to at least discuss it with his command, and maybe he doesn't want to do that? I know it's difficult for them as they move down this new path, with all the stress it entails, to be what they perceive as the one to 'make waves'.
Even though we see them as our boys, our sons are now officers in the US Navy and the Navy both trusts and expects them to take care of themselves, their jobs and the people they serve with. I would really caution you against contacting any Naval department without your son's OK. The last thing he wants is for anyone to get the impression he's not 'squared away'.
Ask away on this site - you'll get lots of help here!
Aug 20, 2016
Helomom
DS: Tough one... I assume not same command. If in the same command, definitely not. Different command it just isn't good practice. But family makes its tough. Preexisting relationships tend to be viewed less restrictively.
Me: Hmm. Who would they run this thru?
DS: Their chain of command.
DS: That's who'd make the call anyway.
DS: If it was considered fraternization, their commands would have to prosecute it. So I'd ask them before doing it.
So that's his opinion.
Aug 20, 2016
myvampress
Aug 20, 2016
Helomom
Aug 20, 2016
myvampress
Aug 20, 2016
Anna
helenp,
He is a Navy sailor through and through so a couple of these he requested. Including many months on the ground in Afghanistan. But he got three extra medals for that deployment so it all looks good!!!!! He told his wife who is the absolute best Navy wife, that a sailor belongs at sea!!!
M's Mom,
Hubby and I are starting our travels across the northern US heading for Whidbey!!! We should be there mid September when he comes back!!!!
Aug 21, 2016
M's mom
Anna,
I'm jealous of your vagabond lifestyle. My hubby and I are going on a road trip to Colorado in early October, but that will only be a week or so. I still have to work a few more years before I can become a lady of leisure!
If you'll be heading through Indiana on I-70, there's lots of interesting stuff to see in Indianapolis, IMHO. (In My Hoosier Opinion--haha)
Safe travels to you!
Aug 21, 2016
Helomom
Aug 29, 2016
kaarinac
Anyone else have a son or daughter in Intermediate or Advanced training at NAS Meridian?
Sep 8, 2016
jsefamily
Many of my DS's friends are there but my DS is in Kingsville.
Sep 8, 2016
Doreen
I have a question. My DS is a new Ensign on an aircraft carrier. He has been put in a department that everyone acknowledges was in total disarray before his arrival. As a new person on the ship with no prior experience, he is expected to clean up the prior person's mess and succeed. Needless to say, this has not happened. At this point, it sounds like no one is guiding him or mentoring him in any way. Any suggestions on who he can talk to or get advice? Thanks!
Oct 23, 2016
Anna
Doreen,
This is going to sound really crazy but it is something I strongly believe in. As a former Navy enlisted myself, and having two enlisted and one officer kids, and a former officer husband vet, I suggest he talk to his lead petty officer of that department. Too many times junior officers are thrown into the position of division officer or put in charge of a department and they just don't have the experience or knowledge of all things Navy yet. Especially in the fleet. Both my enlisted son and I have been in a situation where JOs come in and start making decisions with no idea of what works and what doesn't. My son is a lead PO right now and has an Ensign DIVO and is having these same problems. Have your son talk to the Lead PO and ask him what was done is the past, what worked, what didn't work. Get the experience and the knowledge from those that have been in the department for a much longer time. Tell him not to cross the line between officer and enlisted, don't try to be buddy buddies, because the experienced POs will see right through that!!! But ask them what they think and what their opinions are, then make his own decisions based on what he learns.
Oct 24, 2016
Doreen
Anna - thank you for the advice! I just heard from my son. The Senior Chief told him that a new Ensign should never have been put in his position and there is an LT coming on ship soon to head the department. I am a manager in the civilian world and his situation raised numerous questions in my mind but I am glad my son will now get some help. Thank you so much!!
Oct 25, 2016
M's mom
Doreen: Anna gave excellent advice, and I will ditto it. My son is now a LT, and he said the smartest thing he learned from a senior officer is to respect the knowledge of the Senior Chiefs about what has worked and what hasn't in that department previously. The Chiefs usually have years more experience, and a wise junior officer will ask for their insight before making major decisions.
Oct 25, 2016
Anna
M's mom,
Thank you for your kind words!! My daughter just made LT as well!!! Congrats to your son!!
Oct 26, 2016
Noni
My daughter was also thrown into the same situation when she came aboard her ship. It will all work out in the end. She finally loved her job. As Ensign your child will move around the ship until he finishes his SWO program. That will be about 18 months if all works out well. My daughter is now a LTJG. She will be leaving her first ship to a new ship in January. Doing a job that still is not a EDO. Hang in there! Life is good and will get better.
Nov 20, 2016
Rose
For anyone thinking of Christmas gifts for their LOs: anticipating upcoming workups from the ship, last Christmas time I gave my DS a pure beech jersey knit twin extra long sheet set & pillow/mattress protectors (from BB&B). He has had several chances to make use of them (along with the memory foam mattress top that he bought). Just recently he asked where I got the sheets so he could get an additional set of sheets. "So comfy!," he said. Made this Mom's heart happy to think that at the end of a mission, her DS could be cozily tucked in for a good night's rest before the next venture out.
Dec 5, 2016
BunkerQB
Dear Nuke Moms & Dads,
It seems like yesterday that my son graduated from OCS but in fact it was in 2007.
My former Navy boy is now 32 years old and has been out of the Navy since 2012. He got hired by one of the big three tech companies in North CA last year. He is their subject matter expert on electrical systems for data centers. He has a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering and of course tons of applicable work experience. He is compensated handsomely to solve problems that no one else can solve. Sorry I can't explain it better but we just know it's great job security for the next few decades. He is happily married (wife, house, dog - the whole enchilada). This is his third job. With each one, his experience as a former Navy nuke was very very beneficial. Invariably, he would run into a former nuke guy doing the interview - he would then be fast tracked.
I thought I would be retired, eating bon bons and knitting all day. Still working - as busy as ever
Regards, BunkerQB.
Dec 6, 2016
Anna
BunkerQB,
Good to hear from you!!!!! Congrats to your son!!!
Dec 7, 2016
Anna
MaryJeanette,
Not that I'm aware of. Have you tried doing a search in the groups tab and see if something comes up?
Dec 7, 2016
M's mom
BunkerQB,
Congrats to your son and his post-Navy success! I'm sure all of our sailors will find that "Navy officer" looks very impressive on a resume for post-military jobs as your son found, especially with his nuke experience. My LT son is talking about making a career of the Navy, if he's able. He is in intelligence and currently stationed in Japan, and loves his job and where he lives. Of course, future jobs/deployments could change his mind!
I LOL'd at your comment about not yet able to sit and eat bon bons and knit all day!!! I won't be retiring early either because our current health insurance is through hubby's employment, and since he's 65, he wants to retire next year and will go on Medicare. I'm self-employed and "only" 60, so I'll have to buy my own insurance for 5 years! Current quotes are over $10,000 per year plus a high deductible, just for me! No bon bons and knitting for me just yet either! That's what I get for marrying an old man! haha
Dec 8, 2016
M's mom
Anna,
Did you ever make it to Whidbey Island? Hope you have found someplace warm to spend the winter. We are in the midst of a "polar vortex" here in Indiana now. Brrrrr
Dec 8, 2016
Anna
M's mom,
Oh I know how cold you are feeling right now!!! After living for years in Cleveland, Chicago, and Milwaukee, I've had it with that cold!!!!!! And lake effect snow!!!!
Yes, we made it to Whidbey Island, stayed 3 weeks with son and his family. Even spent a weekend at a cabin in Mt Rainier!!!! I was sad because that was during the time N4Ms went down so I couldn't contact any of the WA moms to get together!!!! But we had a blast!!!!
Dec 9, 2016
Mountain Momma
Howdy all! my son is currently stationed in San Diego but is getting ready to head to Atsugi Japan.
Dec 11, 2016
M's mom
Mountain Momma,
My son is currently stationed at Yokota, Japan, near Tokyo. He and his wife love it there. They have had no trouble getting around on the trains and other public transportation. They feel safe, and the people are friendly. They are trying to learn Japanese to speak to the locals, but they find that many of the young people speak English, having learned it in school, but my son feels that when in Japan, he should attempt to speak Japanese, out of respect. His wife is picking it up better than he is!
The one big adjustment is that they drive on the LEFT side of the road in Japan, like in the UK and Australia. My son bought an old used Nissan to drive to work on the base, and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car and he shifts gears with his left hand! He says it has taken some getting used to, but it just takes practice, (and concentration!) They take public transportation on outings to Tokyo, because he doesn't want to deal with driving on the left in Tokyo traffic. I myself wouldn't want to drive on the right side in Tokyo traffic!!!!!
Hubby and I are making plans to visit them in July 2017. I told my son to put in for leave then, because we want to be given the Grand Tour! I'm sure your son will enjoy his time in Japan also.
Dec 11, 2016
M's mom
Anna,
I'm glad you had a good time at Whidbey Island with your son & family. My son and his wife really enjoyed their 2 1/2 years at Whidbey. My son worked with a squadron of "Growler" planes. Your son?
That high bridge over to the island has incredible views. One morning, when we were visiting my son there, the bridge was totally engulfed in fog. You could not see the other side, and it looked like the bridge just disappeared into oblivion about 30 feet ahead. It was so eerie. I'm not sure we would have wanted to drive across it, if we were arriving for the first time, because you had no idea what was on the other side! Sure is a beautiful area, though.
Dec 11, 2016
Parv
My son has been in Atsugi for about 18 months now. He loves Japan! Bought a used Honda Life to get to and from the base. He's about an hour train ride to Tokyo or Yokohama. Done lots of sight seeing on the weekends.
Dec 11, 2016
Anna
M's mom,
My son is with a VP squadron who just transferred from Hawaii. Needless to say, he and his wife are "adjusting" to cold WA from paradise and daily visits to the beach!!!
Are you talking about that bridge over Deception Pass onto Whidbey?? It is incredible and a little nervewracking driving over it in a big truck pulling a 40 foot RV!!!! So lucky we didn't have to deal with fog!!! We did hike in the park just on the other side and then climbed the stairs to walk across the bridge. It was awesome!!!! I really hope we get to visit up there a few more times - there is so much to see!!!!
Dec 12, 2016
M's mom
Anna,
Yes, that's the bridge. Imagine going across it in fog and not being able to see across or down! But at least you wouldn't know how high you actually were in fog.
So your son's family is having to adjust to the "cold" at Whidbey Island after paradise in Hawaii? My son enjoyed the relatively balmy winters in the Pacific Northwest as compared to Indiana! He said it rarely got below freezing at Whidbey, as compared to our forecast of a high of 9 degrees for tomorrow here!!!!! I'll take the weather at Whidbey over this! Of course, having also been to Hawaii, that is hard to beat!
Dec 14, 2016