Anyone have any experience with their sailor filing income taxes while deployed? Is an extension the way to go or try to file in a port visit? (Internet is unreliable while underway.)
Hello! I'm excited to have found a place that shares the voices of experience. My son arrived in San Diego in late June and has been settling in. We are trying to learn everything we can to support him in his upcoming deployment.
Forgive my pride, Moms, but have to brag that my son was just promoted to Lt Commander!! He graduated from OCS in September of 2012, so just shy of ten years. He hopes to get 20 years in, and then retire. Hopefully, the Navy will want to keep him that long! :-)
He is in naval intelligence, and in 10 years has been stationed at NAS Whidbey Island near Seattle, three years at Yokota Japan, 10 months on the carrier USS Carl Vinson, and three years at the US Military Cyber Security Command at Ft. Meade near Baltimore. He just began a 3-year deployment in England at RAF Molesworth near Cambridge.
My husband and I have visited him and his wife wherever he has been stationed. (We loved Japan!) We hope to visit them in England next year. He and his wife have visited 14 countries so far during his leave in various parts of the world. "Join the Navy and see the World" is the saying! He and his wife hope to see quite a bit of Europe while they are in England, so the slogan certainly has been true for him!
Congratulations Kim8, proudmom, and M's mom! It so much fun to celebrate these milestones. You are all rightfully proud of the accomplishments of your Naval Officers. Proudmom, your SWO Officer will be at Pier 38? San Diego is a wonderful city. I hope you will have the chance to visit. Our son was stationed in that area several times. We live on the west coast to it was always fun to fly down for a quick visit. M's mom, you are at the halfway point already! That has happened so quickly seems like just yesterday they were on the Vinson. Our son has started his paperwork for retirement next summer. 26 years…time to move on to a new career. He’s not sure what yet but feels like it’s a good time to change.
Yes, it does seem that time has flown since our sons were both on the Vinson at the same time! Hope your son's command situation in Italy is improving. I recall you posting that he had a nightmare to deal with during the COVID pandemic with trash removal, etc. Hope you were able to attend your grandchild's graduation in Italy as you had hoped.
Congrats to your son on retiring at 26 years! He has had quite a career. I know he is a pilot; is he looking into flying after the Navy? I know he was a helo pilot, but I think you had written that he was transitioning to fixed wing? If he is interested in the airlines, I know they are scrambling for pilots right now and offering big bucks. The airlines love military pilots. In fact, most corporations love hiring ex-military for any position, because they know they will get the job done. Your son will probably be able to find a great job in any location he chooses to live! Keep us posted!
Congrats M's Mom! So exciting to hear about his accomplishments and career!
Helomom...wow! 26 years! What a career. I remember you were one of the first to welcome me when my DS was selected for an Aviator path 11 years ago. I so appreciated your (and others) welcome, advice and words of wisdom when I was a newbie! All the best as he transitions and finds his new path!
Hi CheriH and M'mom - Yes, we were finally able to visit the kids and grandkids in Italy! Had an absolutely fabulous time. We left Seattle on April 15 for Ft. Lauderdale and took a transatlantic cruise to Rome. After a train ride south, we spent two weeks touring the area with our daughter-in-law during the day and evenings at their house visiting with family. Purely by happenstance we were there for Prom! There must have been a dozen kids and parents gathered at the house for pre prom prep. Our daughter-in-law's mother and sister were arriving our third week for their first visit so we had planned to take a Greek Islands cruise and give them their own special time. Two train rides, a 10 day cruise and we were back at the base. We moved over to the Navy Lodge a couple of blocks from their house. Spent another week touring the area before graduation. 70 students in the graduating class. Graduation exercises were at the MWR park which is located in an extinct volcano crater. Our son was the commencement speaker. Post grad dinner was at a beautiful hotel overlooking the bay next door to the Italian Air Force Academy. Wonderful evening followed by a relaxing weekend including dinner at yet another winery, there are lots of wineries. Our granddaughter will be attending college in Oregon in September so she will be fairly close! We arrived back home on June 8, just in time for our other grandson's graduation here.
Things have settled into more of a routine for our son. While we were visiting he had a big base inspection conducted by a group from DC. Then there were meetings with the man who owns the support site base about facilities updates needed, the mayor, a quick trip up to Rome for a meeting with the Italian government, an aircraft carrier visited and 5,000 sailors needed entertainment and transportation, a small congressional delegation visited. He is a busy guy but we did get an idea of his responsibilities. We had the chance to visit his other base about 2 hours north and poke around that coastal city. Went to see his office at the Ops site next to the international airport, very cool. The three of us took a three day road trip to see the city of Matera featured in the beginning scenes of the latest James Bond movie. We stayed two nights in a cave apartment next to where the action took place. Through all this we got to listen to his decision to leave the Navy. He just feels like this is the right time. It’s been a really good life but realistically if he puts off retirement he would just be older and looking for something else to do. Better to be in your 40's and talking to companies instead of in your 50's. He is looking at the corporate world, that’s where he has the most connections.
So next summer we are heading back to Italy for his retirement ceremony and change of command!
Helomom: Wow! What an awesome trip, and a transatlantic cruise to Rome! I have only cruised to Alaska and to the Bahamas, but never across the entire "pond," (as the British say.) Italy is on my bucket list, so I'm jealous! How wonderful that you were able to spend so much time with your family, and be there for graduation.
Sounds like your son has quite a busy command schedule with enormous responsibilities, but I'm sure he does a great job. Hopefully, corporate life will much less stressful for him, compared to a naval base commander! Will your son be looking for jobs close to your city after retirement?
Helomom, what an amazing trip!! Im so thankful you were able to create such great memories! We island hopped through Greece about 35 years ago - my dad took us on an amazing trip through Europe when my husband graduated from seminary. But we weren’t on a cruise. I think the cruise sounds amazing. You must be so proud of your son! I am so grateful for all the help and encouragement you have given me as my son is beginning his aviation career. I pray this final year will go smoothly for your son, and that all the pieces will fall into place for his retirement!
M’s Mom, congratulations on your son’s promotion! I hope that his stay in England is a good one.
Thank you Helomom for sharing the story of your trips and your DS's career. It's wonderful to read about the life of an experienced naval officer when my DS is in the early years!
What a fabulous trip and wonderful memories with your family. After reading that I realize why you have been such a voice of calm advice....so many years being involved in the Navy! Best of luck to your DS, DIL, and grandkids!
Andy'sMom - Thank you for your kind words. Yes, I’ve been a Navy Mom since our daughter enlisted in 1990. Our son started NROTC in 1993. We had sort of crossover year in 1994 until our daughter finished her active duty. She was still in the inactive reserves in 1997 when our son graduated and received his commission. She put on her uniform and gave him his first salute at commissioning. She and her family will be with us this summer for Change of Command and his retirement in Naples. It’s been ride, and now here we are…
Is your son going thru OCS? If he is, there is a page on this site just for OCS that was very helpful to me when my DS was there, and they have FB pages usually with Friends and Family in the name plus his class number.
Hi Cathy, welcome & congrats to your son on OCS! I am seeing FB groups for the OCS classes 05-23 & 06-23 but nothing for 07-23 as yet. I'm not exactly sure which class your son would be in but my son went around this time back in 2020 & he was in class 07-21. Search "Navy OCS class _ _ - 23" inserting his class # in the spaces & you can see if it pops up. These groups are not official Navy groups & usually headed up by one of the family members. If you aren't sure of your son's class # yet, then message the 06-23 group or ask to join & then ask when the class started. They are usually very nice & helpful. I was even told to join the class right before my son's & did just that so that I could see what was ahead for him by 3 weeks. :)
Hello! Can anyone help with info or resources I can look into re: homecoming - specifically in San Diego? My son is due home from deployment and we would love to get out there for that. This is his first deployment and we have no clue what to expect or how to make this happen. Thanks in advance!
Hi proudmom, my son just returned from his 1st deployment last year & the ombudsman was from whom we received all our information. Are you on Facebook? My son's ship's ombudsman has a private FB page; that was our connection point. The homecoming was awesome & we're so glad we drove to Norfolk to participate. I hope you're able to make the trip to San Diego.
Very exciting, proudmom! A homecoming is very special. The most important thing is that you son will need to put your name on the list of attendees so that you can get on base. Different bases need different info; some need just your name, some need a copy of your driver's license, etc. He can get that info from his command and will turn it in to them.
After that...it's just fun. Get there early; our son was on a carrier, so there were lots of people. They will direct you where to park; where to go to wait, etc. For us, it was lots of standing, out in the sun. So make sure you are ready for weather and lots of waiting. Take signs if you like. But you will have to carry whatever you take.
Fly/drive in the day before as arrival time can vary. We stayed downtown San Diego (make reservations) and had our son and dil stay with us for a few days before they went back to his base.
Hope this helps...feel free to ask more questions!
I forgot to mention...the details for the homecoming were not posted on FB even though the group is private but rather sent via email. The FB page is how we connected with the ombudsman & received info during deployment. Also, the FRG for your son's ship is a good resource for ship info.
This is great info! Thank you so much. They have a FB page, but haven't seen or heard of anything specific to Ombudsman. New to the concept of FRG but have seen it on a couple of navy sites. Is this something I can reach out to directly?
Thanks for the add, found I had a profile from when my son joined the Navy as Corpsman and felt should update as he is LT and DMD now stationed in Okinawa. Very Proud Navy mom and Veteran myself.
Posting a little brag about my daughter and an important study she is working on as an Aerospace Experimental Psychologist involving aviation. If you want to read up on it go to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) facebook page and scroll down about 6 or 7 posts. This study will really impact future women who are interested in aviation.
Wonderful to hear an update on your daughter! Sounds like she is doing important work, and I hope she finds it very rewarding. I think she graduated from OCS in the class after my son, way back in 2012. Where did ten years go?
Are you and your hubby still living the vagabond life around the country, or have you settled down somewhere now?
So good to hear from you!! Yes she was right behind your Son!! Where has the time gone!!!She is very excited about this study! When she was in OCS she wanted to fly helicopters but when she went through the assessments she was told her thumb was too short!!! This review of the anthropometric standards from the 60's can have major implications for women and minorities who want to be in aviation. Plus upgrading the uniforms for many sailors. In the 10+ years Jennifer has been in, she has never had boots that fit and never been able to buy new flight suits. There are a number of female officers who pass along their used flight suits to other women because smaller sizes just don't exist in uniform shops!!! It's amazing some of the obstacles our women aviators go through!!!
How is your Son doing??
Hubby and I are no longer doing the full time RVing!! We sold the big trailer and settled in an apartment in Asheville, NC. We got a smaller trailer to do more short trips yet have a "home" to come back to!!
Certainly the physical standards for aviators need to be revised, because they were written only for MEN. Of course, women and smaller men can do the job just as well, and with height adjustable seats and such, there is no reason why they shouldn't qualify. Good on her for helping the Navy to get real, because they need aviator candidates. I wasn't aware that women had such trouble with the fit of flight suits and boots. Sounds like these new standards are WAY overdue!
Asheville is lovely. Hope you enjoy it. I love to travel, but not sure that "weeks" on the road would be my thing!
My son finished his assignment with the US Military Cyber Security Command at Ft Meade in MD last June, and then started a 3-year overseas deployment to the UK. He is an intelligence analyst at the Joint Intelligence Command Europe Analytic Center at Royal Air Force Base Molesworth near Cambridge, England. His office has "eyes on the screens" 24/7, so they are closely watching areas of concern in that hemisphere. (We don't ask and he doesn't tell---as it should be.)
He was promoted to Lt Commander in August, and will have 11 years in September. He's hoping to make 20, then retire and do something else.
He and his wife just had their first child (our only grandchild!) in April. They have been married for 10 years, so we were wondering if they were ever going to get around to that, but I was determined not to be THAT MOM who nags, so I never said anything, but hubby and I are just thrilled to have a grandson!! Only problem is, England is so far away! Hopefully in 2 years, he'll be able to rotate back to stateside duty.
We have done Face Time with them, but it's not like being there, so Hub and I are flying to London on June 1st! Can't wait to see the little guy in person. We are going to insist that son and d-i-l go out to eat and a movie while we are there to give them a break, and give us a chance to babysit.
As a government employee, son gets 12 weeks parental leave, so he doesn't have to go back to duty until July 1st. It's great that he can be home to help his wife, and spend more time with us while we're there, before he has to report back. They are sleep-deprived with a newborn, but we've all been there and survived!
Where is your daughter now stationed doing her study, or does she travel?
Sounds like your son is moving up in his career!! How exciting for him and his family!! And a new (future) sailor!!! I forgot that he is an IS as that is my son's rating also!! He just made CWO2 so now both of my sailors are officers!! He's got 20 years in but the promotion made him extend for another 6 then he can retire. He wants to make CWO3 before he gets out!! He started off as an E-1 in bootcamp!! He is currently deployed on the Nimitz but will come back to Fallon, NV.
Daughter transferred to Patuxent River, MD when she got the lateral transfer to AEP. Unfortunately it also pushed back her first look for 04 by a year. She knew that was going to happen with this transfer so its all good for her.
We love living here in Asheville but it is so expensive here!! And we live in an apartment!! Wouldn't want to buy another house at our age.
I hope you have a fantastic trip to London. I got to go there in 1997 when my oldest son's high school band was invited to march in the Lord Mayor's New Year's Day parade. It was an exciting visit!!! Let me know how it goes!!! And give lots of love to that new grandbaby!!!
I know exactly where NAS Pax River is! My husband's aunt lived on Chesapeake Bay right across the river from the base, and we visited her several times. If you ever visit, there are many fabulous seafood restaurants on Solomons Island across the river from the base. It requires driving across a very HIGH bridge over the river---not for those with a fear of heights!
Congrats to your son on making warrant officer! I didn't know that he had been in that long. At least he will retire at a higher rank for the pension dollars.
It may actually work in your daughter's favor on the year delay for promotion. That way she may get her 20 before she has to face another "up or out" promotion board. My son is hoping that he can milk the O-4 rank for another 9 and a half years, and not have to face another promotion board and possibly be drummed out at 18-19 years! I have seen several retired Navy folks who have "LCDR (Ret.)" after their name, so it looks possible to retire with the rank of O-4. I know that O-5 rank is harder to get, so I hope he can coast through!
The good thing about an apartment is that you don't have to worry about yard work or repairs (if you have a good landlord!) Hubby and I downsized to a smaller house in a country subdivision 5 years ago, and there's always SOMETHING that must be done maintenance-wise. I have to shovel the driveway snow in winter (Indiana) because Hub has a bad back---especially when it comes to shoveling, the poor thing! I told him that this house is IT. We are NOT moving again except maybe to the nursing home!!! haha
We're excited to go to England, but not the 8-hour flights "across the pond." --Although not as bad as the 14-hour flights we did to/from Japan when son was stationed there. I'm glad we went, and really enjoyed Japan, but 14 HOURS in coach seats on a plane is brutal.
Yes our family lived in Annapolis for years and spent lots of time on the Eastern shore!! Lots of really good seafood!! Are you referring to the Bay Bridge? It is very tall!! Twice I got to walk that bridge!! Don't know if they still do that but they would close one span and open it for people to do the Bay Bridge Walk. Scary to feel it moving and looking down through the grating!!!
Jennifer is OK with the year wait because she has to have time in her new assignment to put on her fitrep!!
Hope it works out for your Son! They all have to learn how to work the system!!!! Good luck to all our officers!!!
You must be referring to the Bay Bridge near Annapolis? I've been across that one too, but I meant the bridge over the Patuxent River between Solomons and near the Naval base. It's maybe not as long as the one near Annapolis, but seems to be very high when you get in the middle!
I've also been across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel further south near Norfolk. I think it's about 18 miles long in total!! So weird---you're driving out in the middle of it with water as far as the eye can see, then suddenly the bridge ahead disappears down into the water into the tunnel! ---A triple trauma for anyone who has fears of bridges, wide water, AND tunnels!! They don't bother me, but I can see how that thing could get people really nervous!
When we visited my son when he was stationed in Baltimore, he took us on a day trip to Annapolis. Such a cool old state house! Son used his military ID to get us into the Naval Academy. It was spring break, so pretty deserted, but we walked around and went to the museum and gift shop for some Navy souvenirs.
Helomom: Congrats to you and your son on the end of his very accomplished Navy career!!! I remember that he had many headaches to deal with as CO in Naples during the pandemic. Hope you got to attend the ceremony.
Seems a long time ago (2014-15) that our sons were both on the Carl Vinson at the same time! Thanks for reaching out to me at that time, and answering lots of my questions during my son's first ship deployment.
My son was promoted to Lt Commander last fall, and will have 11 years of service this September. He's hoping to get that 20-year retirement like your son. He is currently starting year two of three on deployment to England. On July 1st, he became CO of his office at the Joint Intelligence Operations Center.
Hubby and I had to fly over the pond for a visit in June, because son and his wife had our first grandbaby in April!!!! So far away---we're going to have to learn that FaceTime thing!
Does your son have a new civilian job lined up, or is he going to take a well-deserved break for a while? Hopefully, he will settle somewhere near you, so you will get to see him & his family more often now. Congrats again to you both!
M's mom - Fantastic news, grandma! It's great to hear your son and his family are doing so well! We loved our time we were able to spend in the London area in 2019. We were all able to make the trip to Naples for the Change of Command and Retirement, even our daughter, he husband and their two sons flew over. It was a great time! Our son was busy most days with turnover during the day but he was able to schedule some time for tourist activities with us. The cousins are all about the same age so they spent a solid two weeks hanging out.
They have moved back to our area but over on the east side of Seattle…a ferry ride away. We couldn’t talk them into the more rural life on the west side of Puget Sound. It’s a process as he checks out of the Navy. He was on travel leave the first week and then TDY to Naval Base Kitsap. He had more out processing for two weeks, his last day reporting in uniform was last Friday. Now he is on exit leave until November 1. November 1, he will be retired,..after 26 yrs 7 months plus NROTC. He did take a hard look at the next set of 3 year orders but decided at 48 he would be a better job candidate than at 51. Age optics are real. He is looking at opportunities in the Seattle area. This will be a new adventure. It will be fun to have them in the area. Best wishes to you and your family, good fortune to your son as he moves up the ladder.
Helomom - Congrats to your son and entire family. We all appreciate his service as well as his family's. That video was great! Our son is on his first deployment on the Ford. It is always so comforting to be able to reach out to other moms who have experienced what I am going thru for the 1st time. So glad that his family will be closer to you now! Enjoy!
Thanks Andy'sMom! It’s a little strange having their around. It still feels like they are just here for vacation. The other night they texted us to see what we were doing for dinner. They were over at our daughter's house. Her husband was BBQing. It will be different when they move into their house across the water but still…it’s lots closer than Virginia, Florida, or San Diego. Our daughter's son goes to UW so he is already planning laundry weekend at his aunt and uncle’s house. I must say, our son looks so rested. It was almost immediate after Change of Command.
Helomom, I'm sure it will be wonderful to have your son and his family so close now!
My son's first assignment in 2013 was with a squadron of Growler jets at NAS Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, near Seattle. When we visited him, we took a few days to tour Seattle, and did Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture. It was "Fleet Week" and got to see the Blue Angels do a show over the bay! Lovely area.
I'm sure your son felt the weight of the world leave his shoulders after he left that command, so no wonder he looks more relaxed. He had much more than usual to deal with during the pandemic. Lots of aerospace jobs around Seattle. I'm sure he'll find something interesting to do, and his family will probably be glad to stay in one place for a while!
Hello Everyone - My son is getting ready for his first deployment. He'll be on a carrier and flying the F18-Superhornet. I am trying to help with the whole "communication part" while he is away. Could you please educate me on how he might use a phone? I called ATT (our service provided) and after an hour of getting nowhere I remember that I had this other awesome source for information ! I've read some blogs about the SCRA act which might pay off his phone (which is currently financed) and suspend it for a period for a period of time if needed and I see some folks have opted for burner phones, etc. Help Please. I am so lost :)
Katryn - With ATT use this link to request suspension of their line. https://www.att.com/military/military-landing-page. If I remember correctly it use a more permenant sounding word for the suspensionm like "cancel". But they hold the number for 3 years so when you start the line up when they return, they will keep their same number. They will also pay off the phone if it meets certain criteria on the timing of when they entered the finance agreement.
My son has been based overseas vs on a ship needing a phone so I can't tell you any thing about their phone needs if they are carrier based for some number of months. Good luck!
Katryn - Your son will want to keep his phone! My DS is currently carrier deployed and uses his phone quite a bit! You can use WhatsApp to text him when he is in port. Sometimes there is wifi on board. And he will want it for its camera as well. I'm sure everyone in his squadron will have their phones!
Kim8
Anyone have any experience with their sailor filing income taxes while deployed? Is an extension the way to go or try to file in a port visit? (Internet is unreliable while underway.)
Mar 5, 2022
proudmom
Hello! I'm excited to have found a place that shares the voices of experience. My son arrived in San Diego in late June and has been settling in. We are trying to learn everything we can to support him in his upcoming deployment.
Aug 29, 2022
M's mom
Welcome proudmom! Will your son be deploying on a ship?
Aug 29, 2022
Kim8
Hello proudmom! My son received his SWO commission in 2021. What type of officer is your son?
Aug 30, 2022
proudmom
Thanks! He is also a SWO, commissioned the same day he graduated in late May.
Aug 30, 2022
M's mom
Forgive my pride, Moms, but have to brag that my son was just promoted to Lt Commander!! He graduated from OCS in September of 2012, so just shy of ten years. He hopes to get 20 years in, and then retire. Hopefully, the Navy will want to keep him that long! :-)
He is in naval intelligence, and in 10 years has been stationed at NAS Whidbey Island near Seattle, three years at Yokota Japan, 10 months on the carrier USS Carl Vinson, and three years at the US Military Cyber Security Command at Ft. Meade near Baltimore. He just began a 3-year deployment in England at RAF Molesworth near Cambridge.
My husband and I have visited him and his wife wherever he has been stationed. (We loved Japan!) We hope to visit them in England next year. He and his wife have visited 14 countries so far during his leave in various parts of the world. "Join the Navy and see the World" is the saying! He and his wife hope to see quite a bit of Europe while they are in England, so the slogan certainly has been true for him!
Aug 30, 2022
Helomom
Congratulations Kim8, proudmom, and M's mom! It so much fun to celebrate these milestones. You are all rightfully proud of the accomplishments of your Naval Officers. Proudmom, your SWO Officer will be at Pier 38? San Diego is a wonderful city. I hope you will have the chance to visit. Our son was stationed in that area several times. We live on the west coast to it was always fun to fly down for a quick visit. M's mom, you are at the halfway point already! That has happened so quickly seems like just yesterday they were on the Vinson. Our son has started his paperwork for retirement next summer. 26 years…time to move on to a new career. He’s not sure what yet but feels like it’s a good time to change.
Aug 30, 2022
Allison
Congratulations M's Mom! Sounds like your son has had a great career!
Aug 30, 2022
proudmom
M's mom - I enjoyed your brag :) Congratulations!
Aug 30, 2022
M's mom
Helomom:
Yes, it does seem that time has flown since our sons were both on the Vinson at the same time! Hope your son's command situation in Italy is improving. I recall you posting that he had a nightmare to deal with during the COVID pandemic with trash removal, etc. Hope you were able to attend your grandchild's graduation in Italy as you had hoped.
Congrats to your son on retiring at 26 years! He has had quite a career. I know he is a pilot; is he looking into flying after the Navy? I know he was a helo pilot, but I think you had written that he was transitioning to fixed wing? If he is interested in the airlines, I know they are scrambling for pilots right now and offering big bucks. The airlines love military pilots. In fact, most corporations love hiring ex-military for any position, because they know they will get the job done. Your son will probably be able to find a great job in any location he chooses to live! Keep us posted!
Aug 30, 2022
CheriH
Congrats M's Mom! So exciting to hear about his accomplishments and career!
Helomom...wow! 26 years! What a career. I remember you were one of the first to welcome me when my DS was selected for an Aviator path 11 years ago. I so appreciated your (and others) welcome, advice and words of wisdom when I was a newbie! All the best as he transitions and finds his new path!
Aug 31, 2022
Helomom
Hi CheriH and M'mom - Yes, we were finally able to visit the kids and grandkids in Italy! Had an absolutely fabulous time. We left Seattle on April 15 for Ft. Lauderdale and took a transatlantic cruise to Rome. After a train ride south, we spent two weeks touring the area with our daughter-in-law during the day and evenings at their house visiting with family. Purely by happenstance we were there for Prom! There must have been a dozen kids and parents gathered at the house for pre prom prep. Our daughter-in-law's mother and sister were arriving our third week for their first visit so we had planned to take a Greek Islands cruise and give them their own special time. Two train rides, a 10 day cruise and we were back at the base. We moved over to the Navy Lodge a couple of blocks from their house. Spent another week touring the area before graduation. 70 students in the graduating class. Graduation exercises were at the MWR park which is located in an extinct volcano crater. Our son was the commencement speaker. Post grad dinner was at a beautiful hotel overlooking the bay next door to the Italian Air Force Academy. Wonderful evening followed by a relaxing weekend including dinner at yet another winery, there are lots of wineries. Our granddaughter will be attending college in Oregon in September so she will be fairly close! We arrived back home on June 8, just in time for our other grandson's graduation here.
Things have settled into more of a routine for our son. While we were visiting he had a big base inspection conducted by a group from DC. Then there were meetings with the man who owns the support site base about facilities updates needed, the mayor, a quick trip up to Rome for a meeting with the Italian government, an aircraft carrier visited and 5,000 sailors needed entertainment and transportation, a small congressional delegation visited. He is a busy guy but we did get an idea of his responsibilities. We had the chance to visit his other base about 2 hours north and poke around that coastal city. Went to see his office at the Ops site next to the international airport, very cool. The three of us took a three day road trip to see the city of Matera featured in the beginning scenes of the latest James Bond movie. We stayed two nights in a cave apartment next to where the action took place. Through all this we got to listen to his decision to leave the Navy. He just feels like this is the right time. It’s been a really good life but realistically if he puts off retirement he would just be older and looking for something else to do. Better to be in your 40's and talking to companies instead of in your 50's. He is looking at the corporate world, that’s where he has the most connections.
So next summer we are heading back to Italy for his retirement ceremony and change of command!
Aug 31, 2022
M's mom
Helomom: Wow! What an awesome trip, and a transatlantic cruise to Rome! I have only cruised to Alaska and to the Bahamas, but never across the entire "pond," (as the British say.) Italy is on my bucket list, so I'm jealous! How wonderful that you were able to spend so much time with your family, and be there for graduation.
Sounds like your son has quite a busy command schedule with enormous responsibilities, but I'm sure he does a great job. Hopefully, corporate life will much less stressful for him, compared to a naval base commander! Will your son be looking for jobs close to your city after retirement?
Sep 1, 2022
Glenni
Helomom, what an amazing trip!! Im so thankful you were able to create such great memories! We island hopped through Greece about 35 years ago - my dad took us on an amazing trip through Europe when my husband graduated from seminary. But we weren’t on a cruise. I think the cruise sounds amazing. You must be so proud of your son! I am so grateful for all the help and encouragement you have given me as my son is beginning his aviation career. I pray this final year will go smoothly for your son, and that all the pieces will fall into place for his retirement!
M’s Mom, congratulations on your son’s promotion! I hope that his stay in England is a good one.
Sep 7, 2022
M's mom
Thank you, Glenni
What does your son fly?
Sep 7, 2022
Glenni
He hopes to fly the SeaHawk. He's still in A pool waiting for NIFE. So although his preference is the SeaHawk, he'll get whatever they give him ---
Sep 16, 2022
Allison
Thank you Helomom for sharing the story of your trips and your DS's career. It's wonderful to read about the life of an experienced naval officer when my DS is in the early years!
Sep 17, 2022
Andy'sMom
Helomom,
What a fabulous trip and wonderful memories with your family. After reading that I realize why you have been such a voice of calm advice....so many years being involved in the Navy! Best of luck to your DS, DIL, and grandkids!
Oct 25, 2022
Helomom
Andy'sMom - Thank you for your kind words. Yes, I’ve been a Navy Mom since our daughter enlisted in 1990. Our son started NROTC in 1993. We had sort of crossover year in 1994 until our daughter finished her active duty. She was still in the inactive reserves in 1997 when our son graduated and received his commission. She put on her uniform and gave him his first salute at commissioning. She and her family will be with us this summer for Change of Command and his retirement in Naples. It’s been ride, and now here we are…
Oct 25, 2022
Cathy
Nov 28, 2022
Andy'sMom
Welcome Cathy!
Is your son going thru OCS? If he is, there is a page on this site just for OCS that was very helpful to me when my DS was there, and they have FB pages usually with Friends and Family in the name plus his class number.
Nov 28, 2022
Cathy
hi! Yes he just started OCS and I’m looking on Facebook with his class number but nothing is showing up.
Nov 28, 2022
Kim8
Hi Cathy, welcome & congrats to your son on OCS! I am seeing FB groups for the OCS classes 05-23 & 06-23 but nothing for 07-23 as yet. I'm not exactly sure which class your son would be in but my son went around this time back in 2020 & he was in class 07-21. Search "Navy OCS class _ _ - 23" inserting his class # in the spaces & you can see if it pops up. These groups are not official Navy groups & usually headed up by one of the family members. If you aren't sure of your son's class # yet, then message the 06-23 group or ask to join & then ask when the class started. They are usually very nice & helpful. I was even told to join the class right before my son's & did just that so that I could see what was ahead for him by 3 weeks. :)
Nov 28, 2022
Glenni
Welcome, Cathy. I hope all goes well in your son's OCS!!
Dec 3, 2022
Kim8
Cathy, I now also see a FB group for the 07-23 OCS class; have you found your son's group?
Dec 3, 2022
Cathy
Hi!! Yes I found it! Thank you
Dec 3, 2022
Cathy
Dec 3, 2022
proudmom
Hello! Can anyone help with info or resources I can look into re: homecoming - specifically in San Diego? My son is due home from deployment and we would love to get out there for that. This is his first deployment and we have no clue what to expect or how to make this happen. Thanks in advance!
Apr 13, 2023
Kim8
Hi proudmom, my son just returned from his 1st deployment last year & the ombudsman was from whom we received all our information. Are you on Facebook? My son's ship's ombudsman has a private FB page; that was our connection point. The homecoming was awesome & we're so glad we drove to Norfolk to participate. I hope you're able to make the trip to San Diego.
Apr 13, 2023
CheriH
Very exciting, proudmom! A homecoming is very special. The most important thing is that you son will need to put your name on the list of attendees so that you can get on base. Different bases need different info; some need just your name, some need a copy of your driver's license, etc. He can get that info from his command and will turn it in to them.
After that...it's just fun. Get there early; our son was on a carrier, so there were lots of people. They will direct you where to park; where to go to wait, etc. For us, it was lots of standing, out in the sun. So make sure you are ready for weather and lots of waiting. Take signs if you like. But you will have to carry whatever you take.
Fly/drive in the day before as arrival time can vary. We stayed downtown San Diego (make reservations) and had our son and dil stay with us for a few days before they went back to his base.
Hope this helps...feel free to ask more questions!
Apr 13, 2023
Kim8
I forgot to mention...the details for the homecoming were not posted on FB even though the group is private but rather sent via email. The FB page is how we connected with the ombudsman & received info during deployment. Also, the FRG for your son's ship is a good resource for ship info.
Apr 13, 2023
proudmom
This is great info! Thank you so much. They have a FB page, but haven't seen or heard of anything specific to Ombudsman. New to the concept of FRG but have seen it on a couple of navy sites. Is this something I can reach out to directly?
I appreciate all the help!
Apr 13, 2023
Ann.rilene
Thanks for the add, found I had a profile from when my son joined the Navy as Corpsman and felt should update as he is LT and DMD now stationed in Okinawa. Very Proud Navy mom and Veteran myself.
May 4, 2023
Anna
Hey Moms!
Posting a little brag about my daughter and an important study she is working on as an Aerospace Experimental Psychologist involving aviation. If you want to read up on it go to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) facebook page and scroll down about 6 or 7 posts. This study will really impact future women who are interested in aviation.
May 16, 2023
M's mom
Hello, Anna!
Wonderful to hear an update on your daughter! Sounds like she is doing important work, and I hope she finds it very rewarding. I think she graduated from OCS in the class after my son, way back in 2012. Where did ten years go?
Are you and your hubby still living the vagabond life around the country, or have you settled down somewhere now?
May 16, 2023
Anna
M's mom,
So good to hear from you!! Yes she was right behind your Son!! Where has the time gone!!!She is very excited about this study! When she was in OCS she wanted to fly helicopters but when she went through the assessments she was told her thumb was too short!!! This review of the anthropometric standards from the 60's can have major implications for women and minorities who want to be in aviation. Plus upgrading the uniforms for many sailors. In the 10+ years Jennifer has been in, she has never had boots that fit and never been able to buy new flight suits. There are a number of female officers who pass along their used flight suits to other women because smaller sizes just don't exist in uniform shops!!! It's amazing some of the obstacles our women aviators go through!!!
How is your Son doing??
Hubby and I are no longer doing the full time RVing!! We sold the big trailer and settled in an apartment in Asheville, NC. We got a smaller trailer to do more short trips yet have a "home" to come back to!!
May 16, 2023
M's mom
Anna,
Certainly the physical standards for aviators need to be revised, because they were written only for MEN. Of course, women and smaller men can do the job just as well, and with height adjustable seats and such, there is no reason why they shouldn't qualify. Good on her for helping the Navy to get real, because they need aviator candidates. I wasn't aware that women had such trouble with the fit of flight suits and boots. Sounds like these new standards are WAY overdue!
Asheville is lovely. Hope you enjoy it. I love to travel, but not sure that "weeks" on the road would be my thing!
My son finished his assignment with the US Military Cyber Security Command at Ft Meade in MD last June, and then started a 3-year overseas deployment to the UK. He is an intelligence analyst at the Joint Intelligence Command Europe Analytic Center at Royal Air Force Base Molesworth near Cambridge, England. His office has "eyes on the screens" 24/7, so they are closely watching areas of concern in that hemisphere. (We don't ask and he doesn't tell---as it should be.)
He was promoted to Lt Commander in August, and will have 11 years in September. He's hoping to make 20, then retire and do something else.
He and his wife just had their first child (our only grandchild!) in April. They have been married for 10 years, so we were wondering if they were ever going to get around to that, but I was determined not to be THAT MOM who nags, so I never said anything, but hubby and I are just thrilled to have a grandson!! Only problem is, England is so far away! Hopefully in 2 years, he'll be able to rotate back to stateside duty.
We have done Face Time with them, but it's not like being there, so Hub and I are flying to London on June 1st! Can't wait to see the little guy in person. We are going to insist that son and d-i-l go out to eat and a movie while we are there to give them a break, and give us a chance to babysit.
As a government employee, son gets 12 weeks parental leave, so he doesn't have to go back to duty until July 1st. It's great that he can be home to help his wife, and spend more time with us while we're there, before he has to report back. They are sleep-deprived with a newborn, but we've all been there and survived!
Where is your daughter now stationed doing her study, or does she travel?
May 16, 2023
Anna
M's mom,
Sounds like your son is moving up in his career!! How exciting for him and his family!! And a new (future) sailor!!! I forgot that he is an IS as that is my son's rating also!! He just made CWO2 so now both of my sailors are officers!! He's got 20 years in but the promotion made him extend for another 6 then he can retire. He wants to make CWO3 before he gets out!! He started off as an E-1 in bootcamp!! He is currently deployed on the Nimitz but will come back to Fallon, NV.
Daughter transferred to Patuxent River, MD when she got the lateral transfer to AEP. Unfortunately it also pushed back her first look for 04 by a year. She knew that was going to happen with this transfer so its all good for her.
We love living here in Asheville but it is so expensive here!! And we live in an apartment!! Wouldn't want to buy another house at our age.
I hope you have a fantastic trip to London. I got to go there in 1997 when my oldest son's high school band was invited to march in the Lord Mayor's New Year's Day parade. It was an exciting visit!!! Let me know how it goes!!! And give lots of love to that new grandbaby!!!
May 17, 2023
M's mom
Anna,
I know exactly where NAS Pax River is! My husband's aunt lived on Chesapeake Bay right across the river from the base, and we visited her several times. If you ever visit, there are many fabulous seafood restaurants on Solomons Island across the river from the base. It requires driving across a very HIGH bridge over the river---not for those with a fear of heights!
Congrats to your son on making warrant officer! I didn't know that he had been in that long. At least he will retire at a higher rank for the pension dollars.
It may actually work in your daughter's favor on the year delay for promotion. That way she may get her 20 before she has to face another "up or out" promotion board. My son is hoping that he can milk the O-4 rank for another 9 and a half years, and not have to face another promotion board and possibly be drummed out at 18-19 years! I have seen several retired Navy folks who have "LCDR (Ret.)" after their name, so it looks possible to retire with the rank of O-4. I know that O-5 rank is harder to get, so I hope he can coast through!
The good thing about an apartment is that you don't have to worry about yard work or repairs (if you have a good landlord!) Hubby and I downsized to a smaller house in a country subdivision 5 years ago, and there's always SOMETHING that must be done maintenance-wise. I have to shovel the driveway snow in winter (Indiana) because Hub has a bad back---especially when it comes to shoveling, the poor thing! I told him that this house is IT. We are NOT moving again except maybe to the nursing home!!! haha
We're excited to go to England, but not the 8-hour flights "across the pond." --Although not as bad as the 14-hour flights we did to/from Japan when son was stationed there. I'm glad we went, and really enjoyed Japan, but 14 HOURS in coach seats on a plane is brutal.
Nice to "chat" with you again!
May 18, 2023
Anna
M's mom,
Yes our family lived in Annapolis for years and spent lots of time on the Eastern shore!! Lots of really good seafood!! Are you referring to the Bay Bridge? It is very tall!! Twice I got to walk that bridge!! Don't know if they still do that but they would close one span and open it for people to do the Bay Bridge Walk. Scary to feel it moving and looking down through the grating!!!
Jennifer is OK with the year wait because she has to have time in her new assignment to put on her fitrep!!
Hope it works out for your Son! They all have to learn how to work the system!!!! Good luck to all our officers!!!
May 23, 2023
M's mom
Anna,
You must be referring to the Bay Bridge near Annapolis? I've been across that one too, but I meant the bridge over the Patuxent River between Solomons and near the Naval base. It's maybe not as long as the one near Annapolis, but seems to be very high when you get in the middle!
I've also been across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel further south near Norfolk. I think it's about 18 miles long in total!! So weird---you're driving out in the middle of it with water as far as the eye can see, then suddenly the bridge ahead disappears down into the water into the tunnel! ---A triple trauma for anyone who has fears of bridges, wide water, AND tunnels!! They don't bother me, but I can see how that thing could get people really nervous!
When we visited my son when he was stationed in Baltimore, he took us on a day trip to Annapolis. Such a cool old state house! Son used his military ID to get us into the Naval Academy. It was spring break, so pretty deserted, but we walked around and went to the museum and gift shop for some Navy souvenirs.
May 24, 2023
Helomom
Hi moms! We have reached the end of the big Navy journey.
Hopefully this attachment from AFN/DOD works.
DOD_109785463-512x288-1000k.mp4
Aug 6, 2023
M's mom
Helomom: Congrats to you and your son on the end of his very accomplished Navy career!!! I remember that he had many headaches to deal with as CO in Naples during the pandemic. Hope you got to attend the ceremony.
Seems a long time ago (2014-15) that our sons were both on the Carl Vinson at the same time! Thanks for reaching out to me at that time, and answering lots of my questions during my son's first ship deployment.
My son was promoted to Lt Commander last fall, and will have 11 years of service this September. He's hoping to get that 20-year retirement like your son. He is currently starting year two of three on deployment to England. On July 1st, he became CO of his office at the Joint Intelligence Operations Center.
Hubby and I had to fly over the pond for a visit in June, because son and his wife had our first grandbaby in April!!!! So far away---we're going to have to learn that FaceTime thing!
Does your son have a new civilian job lined up, or is he going to take a well-deserved break for a while? Hopefully, he will settle somewhere near you, so you will get to see him & his family more often now. Congrats again to you both!
Aug 6, 2023
Helomom
M's mom - Fantastic news, grandma! It's great to hear your son and his family are doing so well! We loved our time we were able to spend in the London area in 2019. We were all able to make the trip to Naples for the Change of Command and Retirement, even our daughter, he husband and their two sons flew over. It was a great time! Our son was busy most days with turnover during the day but he was able to schedule some time for tourist activities with us. The cousins are all about the same age so they spent a solid two weeks hanging out.
They have moved back to our area but over on the east side of Seattle…a ferry ride away. We couldn’t talk them into the more rural life on the west side of Puget Sound. It’s a process as he checks out of the Navy. He was on travel leave the first week and then TDY to Naval Base Kitsap. He had more out processing for two weeks, his last day reporting in uniform was last Friday. Now he is on exit leave until November 1. November 1, he will be retired,..after 26 yrs 7 months plus NROTC. He did take a hard look at the next set of 3 year orders but decided at 48 he would be a better job candidate than at 51. Age optics are real. He is looking at opportunities in the Seattle area. This will be a new adventure. It will be fun to have them in the area. Best wishes to you and your family, good fortune to your son as he moves up the ladder.
Aug 7, 2023
Andy'sMom
Helomom - Congrats to your son and entire family. We all appreciate his service as well as his family's. That video was great! Our son is on his first deployment on the Ford. It is always so comforting to be able to reach out to other moms who have experienced what I am going thru for the 1st time. So glad that his family will be closer to you now! Enjoy!
Aug 7, 2023
Helomom
Thanks Andy'sMom! It’s a little strange having their around. It still feels like they are just here for vacation. The other night they texted us to see what we were doing for dinner. They were over at our daughter's house. Her husband was BBQing. It will be different when they move into their house across the water but still…it’s lots closer than Virginia, Florida, or San Diego. Our daughter's son goes to UW so he is already planning laundry weekend at his aunt and uncle’s house. I must say, our son looks so rested. It was almost immediate after Change of Command.
Aug 7, 2023
M's mom
Helomom, I'm sure it will be wonderful to have your son and his family so close now!
My son's first assignment in 2013 was with a squadron of Growler jets at NAS Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, near Seattle. When we visited him, we took a few days to tour Seattle, and did Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture. It was "Fleet Week" and got to see the Blue Angels do a show over the bay! Lovely area.
I'm sure your son felt the weight of the world leave his shoulders after he left that command, so no wonder he looks more relaxed. He had much more than usual to deal with during the pandemic. Lots of aerospace jobs around Seattle. I'm sure he'll find something interesting to do, and his family will probably be glad to stay in one place for a while!
Aug 8, 2023
Katryn
Hello Everyone - My son is getting ready for his first deployment. He'll be on a carrier and flying the F18-Superhornet. I am trying to help with the whole "communication part" while he is away. Could you please educate me on how he might use a phone? I called ATT (our service provided) and after an hour of getting nowhere I remember that I had this other awesome source for information ! I've read some blogs about the SCRA act which might pay off his phone (which is currently financed) and suspend it for a period for a period of time if needed and I see some folks have opted for burner phones, etc. Help Please. I am so lost :)
Thanks in advance !!!!!!
Dec 3, 2023
CindyN
Katryn - With ATT use this link to request suspension of their line. https://www.att.com/military/military-landing-page. If I remember correctly it use a more permenant sounding word for the suspensionm like "cancel". But they hold the number for 3 years so when you start the line up when they return, they will keep their same number. They will also pay off the phone if it meets certain criteria on the timing of when they entered the finance agreement.
My son has been based overseas vs on a ship needing a phone so I can't tell you any thing about their phone needs if they are carrier based for some number of months. Good luck!
Dec 3, 2023
Andy'sMom
Katryn - Your son will want to keep his phone! My DS is currently carrier deployed and uses his phone quite a bit! You can use WhatsApp to text him when he is in port. Sometimes there is wifi on board. And he will want it for its camera as well. I'm sure everyone in his squadron will have their phones!
Dec 3, 2023