Beach bunny, I have not seen anything saying it will be approved but thankfully my husband was able to email me back quickly so I got the info straight from him. Thank you!
Oh good Brooke...just make sure there's a "military clause" in the lease....protect yourself, so if he gets PCS orders you can break the lease....some landlords don't put that it. I've read horrible stories on the Norfolk group...well, that's mainly why the lease need to be authorized...Good Luck!
That's good to hear CountryGirl. I forgot to ask about the last package, we were mainly planning his travel home for his chit.
My sailor missed second class by 3 points....he was upset.....congrats to all that made it....my sailor has not been home in 4 years for xmas or thanksgiving....he will be home for a month starting in January....so we can celebrate it then.....
I was sooooo excited to flip the calendar over to December! Getting close....getting very very excited!!!!
Congrats to all who advanced! Very proud moment for them and their momma's!!
NavymomfromCT - {{{hugs}}} tell your son not to give up and remember some rates don't advance as fast as others and when quotas are down it makes it even harder. It's frustrating I know!
Great words from the CNO on Thanksgiving as he dines with the fleet on the Truman:
Richardson said Thanksgiving is an important time to think of those who are spending the holidays deployed, separated from family and friends, to support the operations that keep America safe.
"We've all been there and know those mixed feelings of pride at accomplishing the mission, but also missing our loved ones while deployed during this time," said Richardson in his Thanksgiving message. "For those at home, please keep these shipmates in your thoughts and prayers. If you're forward, reach out, be good company for each other, and wish your shipmate a Happy Thanksgiving."
51124-N-DV340-070 RIO DE JANEIRO (Nov. 24, 2015) Sailors assigned to aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23 participate in a community relation event during a scheduled port visit to Rio De Janeiro. Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 are deployed in support of Southern Seas 2015. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class
Love it when the USN does goodwill volunteering! BZ
Well...some days am chatting to myself on here...lol....saw this poem...really cute and you may need tissue by time you finish reading it...
"The Sailor's Christmas Poem" by VetFriends.com
Twas the night before Christmas, the ship was out steaming, Sailors stood watch while others were dreaming. They lived in a crowd with racks tight and small, In a 80-man berthing, cramped one and all. I had come down the stack with presents to give, And to see inside just who might perhaps live. I looked all about, a strange sight did I see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stockings were hung, shined boots close at hand, On the bulkhead hung pictures of a far distant land. They had medals and badges and awards of all kind, And a sober thought came into my mind. For this place was different, so dark and so dreary, I had found the house of a Sailor, once I saw clearly. A Sailor lay sleeping, silent and alone, Curled up in a rack and dreaming of home. The face was so gentle, the room squared away, This was the United States Sailor today. This was the hero I saw on TV, Defending our country so we could be free. I realized the families that I would visit this night, Owed their lives to these Sailors lay willing to fight. Soon round the world, the children would play, And grownups would celebrate on Christmas Day. They all enjoyed freedom each day of the year, Because of the Sailor, like the one lying here. I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone, On a cold Christmas Eve on a sea, far from home. The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry. The Sailor awakened and I heard a calm voice, "Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice." "Defending the seas all days of the year, So others may live and be free with no fear." I thought for a moment, what a difficult road, To live a life guided by honor and code. After all it's Christmas Eve and the ship's underway! But freedom isn't free and it's sailors who pay. The Sailor says to our country "be free and sleep tight, No harm will come, not on my watch and not on this night. The Sailor rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep. I kept watch for hours, so silent, so still, I watched as the Sailor shivered from the night's cold chill. I didn't want to leave on that cold dark night, This guardian of honor so willing to fight. The Sailor rolled over and with a voice strong and sure, Commanded, "Carry on Santa, It's Christmas, and All is Secure!"
51202-N-YB023-1454 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 2, 2015) Command Master Chief of aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) Spike Call plays the role of King Neptune during a crossing the line ceremony aboard the ship. Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 are deployed in support of Southern Seas 2015. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Clemente A. Lynch/Released)
-N-JY875-314 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 2, 2015) Sailors participating in a crossing the line ceremony kneel before the royal court on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). Washington and its embarked air wing Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 are deployed in support of Southern Seas 2015. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist
I messaged the Obudsman yesterday...he got back to me right away....the names for the list to get on the pier for homecoming needed to be submitted by the sailors by December 3....I haven't talked to my sailor so I have no idea whether he put my name on the list...he also said there is a distribution email list...Our sailor needs to send an email with your information to info73ombudsman@gmail.com from his ship's CVN 73 email account so, can you can get information...Has anybody received an e-mail from the ombudsman with any information about homecoming? If so, can you please personal message me any information. Thanks.
navymomfromCT - I just sent you a friend request. I received an email yesterday from the Ombudsman explaining that the deadline to be on the access list was yesterday. They also sent an email stating they would pass along info as it becomes available but due to OPSEC I don't expect to get dates & times until right before.
BeachBunny - had to chuckle when you said you feel like you're chatting with yourself on here...sorry I'm not on here as much as I'd like to be...I live a crazy lifestyle...catch myself coming & going most of the time! Plus work gets in the way of my personal stuff sometime LOL
I've seen that Christmas poem before but my eyes swell up with tears each time I read it
My sailor just sent me a message....I was freaking out for nothing....he says "mom I am on top of it...I did that a week ago" thank god.....and he will e-mail the ombudsman to give him my e-mail....
I loved the poem...I'm going to print it and put it in his book....I too welled up...
Some how it really all works out...but the limited communication does cause anxiety ....Two years old I was freaking about the same thing, being on the list...problems I had was I was talking with the ships ombudsman not the squadrons...my sailor had us on the list the squadrons list the whole time! Then the squadron submitted the list to the ship....learning curve there...:)
Love the pic BeachBunny! I have that on my facebook page....I stole it from you a while back...heeheehee
Is anyone else finding it hard to contain their excitement? I've got my house decorated, Christmas shopping done and cookies are baked but I'm still fretting over clothes! What's wrong with me...my sailor could care less what I'm wearing when he sees me! I bought new warm weather attire thinking it would be pretty cold standing on the pier waiting for the ship but this December is rather mild and the long range forecast is looking good so I'm all in a tizzy as to what clothes to pack. Good thing we're driving the truck and have lots of room...my husband is going to think I'm nuts when he sees all the suitcases I'm taking! LOL
I can tell sailor is getting anxious too. I think he's emailed me more these past few weeks than the entire deployment!
Funny joshmom...check out this Mom that was at a homecoming last week in Norfolk...love love her scarf!!
I have an infinity flag scarf, it's stylish but not warm...lol
my sailor will hop off before they pull into Norfolk so am expecting a phone call anytime or day now..."Mom am finally on land!". Well, my sailor has been on the sea 20 out of 24 months....have his flight booked to come home this year for Christmas...Yeah...nope not containing the excitement!!
joshmom, I just feel your excitement!! Makes me excited for you!!
My son just got word that he'll be flown to the GW in several days. He's been waiting there in Norfolk to do so since September!!! And now that he's going, it's only going to be for about a week or so. Is that because some of the sailors are leaving before it gets into port?
He's been told a few different scenarios about what will happen for him once the ship is in port....whether he'll be in barracks while they work on the overhaul, on the ship, etc.
So excited for all of you who haven't seen your sailors in so long!!!
Hey everybody with homecoming right around the corner I was wondering if anyone who has been through a homecoming before could share their experiences. I don't know if this is the first homecoming for anyone else on here but I would personally love to hear anyone's past experiences or tips. Not knowing what to expect makes me a little anxious, so if anyone has any information on what to expect such as parking, wait time, how hard or easy it is to find your sailor, really anything that would be so appreciated!
Brooke...that's a great question...are you a memeber of the Norfolk group? I think you should ask them, since many here haven't been to a homecoming...the Norfolk base is big, thinking a few of the seasoned Norfolk Moms would know which gate, dock and how homecoming works.....well, just a thought for you..:)
I went to a big homecoming over 30 years ago when my brother pulled into SD from WestPac..my sailor is on squadron and they have a homecoming at their base as they pull off the carrier before it docks...the planes have to be dumped before port....:)
oh..love what they do out there...new pictures posted on the GW page:
205-N-DV340-010 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 5, 2015) – Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department test an F414 engine from an F/A-18 Super Hornet on the fantail aboard aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 are deployed in support of Southern Seas 2015. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chas
-N-EH855-006 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 7, 2015) Sailors apply dressing to a dummy during a Damage Control Olympics competition in the hangar bay of aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).
151207-N-YB023-028 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 7, 2015) Sailors from the Combat Systems Department download a NATO Sea Sparrow weapon system aboard aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).
Brooke - go to youtube and check out videos there. Just the other day I watched one and it showed a young woman running into the arms of her sailor husband and of course I thought of you. Warning - have tissues close by when you watch! I've heard from other moms that a Homecoming is 100x's more exciting than PIR!
Alyce - how cool your son will be going out to join the GW. I've heard that's a great experience to be flown out and land on a carrier. My son hoped he'd get to do it but the ship was in port in Yokosuka when he joined it. Things the Navy does don't always make sense to us but I'm sure it all makes sense to them!
BeachBunny - be sure to let us know when your son hits land!
For all you ladies going to the Homecoming I would love to meet you but the question is how? Anyone have suggestions as to how we could meet? I'm assuming we'll all be hanging out at the pier for quite some time before the ship arrives.
Beachbunny, thank you I will head over to that group and see what they have to say!
Joshmom, aww thank you I will definitely check out YouTube! I can't even imagine something more exciting then PIR, I can't wait!
Lizzie, it's my understanding that the ship will be in port not long after he gets there, and then he doesn't know if he'll be living on the ship or in barracks after that. I told him that Santa needs to know where to send a present, so whenever the Navy gives him an address, I need to let him know! ;-)
I am bursting with excitement....I have a mop of read curly hair...you cannot miss me....This is my first homecoming....if you find out anything from Norfolk folks can you let me know.....Any word from the ombudsman?
navymomfromCT - you're so funny...I'll be looking for ya!
Welcome lizzie19! Has your sailor given you any address at all yet? Just because he's being flown out to the ship his address shouldn't change.
2SailorMom - the t-shirt idea is awesome but I personally don't see how we could get that taken care of in such short notice....crap we should have started working on this a long time ago!
Sailor emailed me last night and I had to laugh: "hey mom I got to warn you, me and "so & so" might be going to a going away party for the two of us on the "date" (date ship arrives)" I respond back "can me & dad crash the party LOL" and his response was "Sure am hoping you will we need a ride to the hotel that night LOL" Lucky me I get to party with sailors! This should be interesting! My son and his buddy are both detaching from the ship right away, so hence the going away party. Also, my son got Technician of the Month...so proud!
N-DV340-007 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 7, 2015) – Capt. Timothy Kuehhas, commanding officer of aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), addresses the selectees before a frocking ceremony in Washington’s hangar bay.
H855-025 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 7, 2015) Sailors dress out in firefighting ensemble during a Damage Control Olympics competition in the hangar bay of aircraft carrier USS George Washington
8-N-YB023-002 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 8, 2015) Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192 cleans the dome of an F/A-18F Super Hornet on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73)
Congrats joshmom...awesome..BZ to your sailor! Partyhard...lol
funny navymomfromCT...there's your picture too...maybe you can meet up....
what about a meet and greet at the Navy Lodge the night before?
got to FB message with a sailor last night...he was wondering about online shopping packages showing up at home...yup, they are here...should hear land oh, pretty soon! Then the squadron makes it's way back to their home base in CA....
I sure hope our son got us on the list. He was asking for info. I hope he did it timely. Is there a way to check if you are on the list? I asked him to give our email to the ombudsman too but haven't gotten anything from them.
Can't wait to see him. He says he has surprises for us. Maybe an advancement? Maybe re-enlistment? My daughter says she knows and we will be excited. Hope she's right.
Brooke - I am with you. I can't imagine something more exciting than PIR! I was a bundle of nerves and emotion then (3.5 years ago) but still get goose bumps just thinking about it. Can't wait to see that ship pull in!
joshmom - congrats! to your sailor. How exciting! Would love to meet any and all who are there for the homecoming. Putting names with faces would be fabulous.
BeachBunny - the night before sounds great! I will watch on here for any postings with details. You have sooooo much knowledge. 3.5 years in and still in the dark on most things.
sethsmom - surprise excitement...you've got my curiosity up now too...please let us know what the good news is. So happy for you...whatever the surprise is!
I wish there was a way to verify our names on the list but I'm not aware of any. Anyone else know?
I wish we all could meet. A meet & great would be wonderful but I'm driving in and not sure what time I'll arrive. If I get there early enough I would love to meet up with any of you.
If any of you are okay with giving out your cell phone # please send me a private message. Perhaps we could try to find each other while waiting on the ship to arrive. We could do group texts. Just a suggestion!
BeachBunny - wooohooo on land!!! I'm sure that was a good feeling getting that call
I know everyone is excited...ok extremely excited...but lets not forget OPSEC. If you're on other groups or on social media sites please refrain from mentioning dates. Until the Navy makes an official statement we shouldn't post comments about specific info. Our sailors aren't here yet and we want them to have a safe trip in! Just a friendly reminder
Hi all! My son arrived back in Norfolk (from San Diego and the TR) last week and he is happy to be home. He is currently on Holiday leave and will report to the GW after Christmas. I know you all are very excited about homecoming! Let me just say...the TR homecoming in San Diego was AMAZING!
I see where some of you have questions and concerns about the homecoming, itself. Since my son isn't coming in on the GW, I can't give you any help specifically for this ship, but I can tell you that we were given the majority of our information from the ship's FRG, in the days leading up to our homecoming. We also had a "night before party" held on base, by the FRG, where we were given directions on how to get on base, where to park, where the ship would be, times, etc. I hope you all will get this info soon, because it cuts down on the stress level, dramatically!
I would recommend one of you plan a little gathering for those in Norfolk for the homecoming, even if it's after your sailors get in. We had several of the TR moms get together a few days after homecoming, with our families and sailors, and it was such a great time! I'm so glad I got to meet these ladies who supported me and each other throughout our deployment. I consider them and their sailors as family!
I hope all of you going to homecoming have as wonderful an experience as we had! From the hotel we stayed in to everyone we met along the way...it was the most wonderful trip!! It was so awesome to watch the ship pull in, to see all those sailors manning the rails, to hear them rejoicing as they saw us, to see my child as he came to me, arms wide open (and with a rose for his momma!)...gives me chills just thinking about it! :) Enjoy every moment!
May you all have a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!!
Well... It's all exciting.... Guess it's time for me to move on... Told you my sailor gets around... He's back at his home base and will report to another carrier after the holiday stand down...but he'll be home for Christmas first!!!
BZ to all for A successful cruise...
Happy Homecoming and Happy Holidays!!
As I always say...Be proud, be safe and be your best!
Cheers...
Good morning, all! I just saw this on the GW Ombudsman page on Facebook. Thought I'd share for those who aren't on FB.
*Emergency Meeting*
We will have an emergency meeting to provide family members with homecoming information. No information will be posted on social media. If you have been added to the email distribution list, you will receive the information via email. You are still welcome to attend if you would like to.
There will be three different meeting times to choose from. They are as follows:
Tomorrow, December 15th from 11 am - 12 noon at Norfolk Navy Exchange in the food court area. Address is: 1560 Mall Drive Norfolk, VA 23511
Tomorrow, December 15th from 6 pm - 7 pm at Greenbriar Mall in the food court area. Address is: 1401 Greenbriar Parkway South Chesapeake, VA 23320
Wednesday, December 16th from 10 am - 11 am at Norfolk Navy Exchange in the food court area. Address is: 1560 Mall Drive Norfolk, VA 23511
Thanks for all the info TJCsMom! Enjoy having your sailor home for Christmas....may this holiday be your best yet!
BeachBunny - it's been great having you along for this ride, please pop in every now and then and let us know how you & your sailor are doing. Glad he is spending Christmas at home. Give him a hug and tell him thanks for hanging out with the GW!
For everyone going to the Homecoming, safe travels and have a great time. Keeping my fingers crossed some of us will meet!
I'm packed and ready for a road trip...Virginia here I come!
I've been looking at pics from today's homecoming. Hope you all had a wonderful day and enjoy the rest of your time with your sailors!! Merry Christmas!
Hello ladies! It was so wonderful to get to meet a few of you at the Homecoming now I can put faces with names.
Homecoming was WOW what a sight to behold! My sailor has officially detached from the GW and he's home spending the holidays with us...happy momma here!!! He's already eaten most of the Christmas cookies I had baked! LOL The first thing he wanted when we got home was a bologna sandwich on FRESH bread! Oh the deployment stories I've been hearing!
Welcome MaryMaMa! Bummer your son didn't get to go to Japan especially since he wanted to. The GW will not be going on deployments (out at sea for long periods of time) but it still will be getting underway. My understanding is that it will be used as a training ship until it goes into dry dock. Hope your son enjoys the GW. This is going to be a big change for some of us having our sailors in Virginia. Mine will be back in the spring sometime so I'm going to stick around on here.
Sethsmom - don't forget to share your exciting news...the anticipation is killing me!
Well the surprise was not advancement or reenlisting. No proposal or baby, thank god! When I asked about surprise was told I have to wait until February 18. Can I choke him?
Homecoming was awesome and very nice yo meet some of you. Can't say thanks enough to those who helped others of us stay sane.
Well, my son officially reported to the GW yesterday. He said it was like starting a new job...having to get to know people and the routines. I hope it will be a good command/a good fit for him.
sethsmom, I agree with the others...shame on him for making you wait that long! :)
Brooke
Nov 30, 2015
BeachBunny
Oh good Brooke...just make sure there's a "military clause" in the lease....protect yourself, so if he gets PCS orders you can break the lease....some landlords don't put that it. I've read horrible stories on the Norfolk group...well, that's mainly why the lease need to be authorized...Good Luck!
That's good to hear CountryGirl. I forgot to ask about the last package, we were mainly planning his travel home for his chit.
Nov 30, 2015
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
My sailor missed second class by 3 points....he was upset.....congrats to all that made it....my sailor has not been home in 4 years for xmas or thanksgiving....he will be home for a month starting in January....so we can celebrate it then.....
Nov 30, 2015
Odi_Ship09_Div140
Dec 1, 2015
BeachBunny
Ok Ladies...you know what month it is!!
Dec 1, 2015
MaggieMay
I was sooooo excited to flip the calendar over to December! Getting close....getting very very excited!!!!
Congrats to all who advanced! Very proud moment for them and their momma's!!
NavymomfromCT - {{{hugs}}} tell your son not to give up and remember some rates don't advance as fast as others and when quotas are down it makes it even harder. It's frustrating I know!
Have a great day ladies!
Dec 1, 2015
BeachBunny
This is what replenishment looks like:
Story about the exercise they finished..I tried to post it but it went sideways...so just click on the link:
http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92215
Great words from the CNO on Thanksgiving as he dines with the fleet on the Truman:
Richardson said Thanksgiving is an important time to think of those who are spending the holidays deployed, separated from family and friends, to support the operations that keep America safe.
"We've all been there and know those mixed feelings of pride at accomplishing the mission, but also missing our loved ones while deployed during this time," said Richardson in his Thanksgiving message. "For those at home, please keep these shipmates in your thoughts and prayers. If you're forward, reach out, be good company for each other, and wish your shipmate a Happy Thanksgiving."
Dec 1, 2015
BeachBunny
51124-N-DV340-070 RIO DE JANEIRO (Nov. 24, 2015) Sailors assigned to aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23 participate in a community relation event during a scheduled port visit to Rio De Janeiro. Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 are deployed in support of Southern Seas 2015. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class
Love it when the USN does goodwill volunteering! BZ
Dec 1, 2015
BeachBunny
Well...some days am chatting to myself on here...lol....saw this poem...really cute and you may need tissue by time you finish reading it...
"The Sailor's Christmas Poem" by VetFriends.com
Twas the night before Christmas, the ship was out steaming,
Sailors stood watch while others were dreaming.
They lived in a crowd with racks tight and small,
In a 80-man berthing, cramped one and all.
I had come down the stack with presents to give,
And to see inside just who might perhaps live.
I looked all about, a strange sight did I see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stockings were hung, shined boots close at hand,
On the bulkhead hung pictures of a far distant land.
They had medals and badges and awards of all kind,
And a sober thought came into my mind.
For this place was different, so dark and so dreary,
I had found the house of a Sailor, once I saw clearly.
A Sailor lay sleeping, silent and alone,
Curled up in a rack and dreaming of home.
The face was so gentle, the room squared away,
This was the United States Sailor today.
This was the hero I saw on TV,
Defending our country so we could be free.
I realized the families that I would visit this night,
Owed their lives to these Sailors lay willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each day of the year,
Because of the Sailor, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve on a sea, far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The Sailor awakened and I heard a calm voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice."
"Defending the seas all days of the year,
So others may live and be free with no fear."
I thought for a moment, what a difficult road,
To live a life guided by honor and code.
After all it's Christmas Eve and the ship's underway!
But freedom isn't free and it's sailors who pay.
The Sailor says to our country "be free and sleep tight,
No harm will come, not on my watch and not on this night.
The Sailor rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent, so still,
I watched as the Sailor shivered from the night's cold chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.
The Sailor rolled over and with a voice strong and sure,
Commanded, "Carry on Santa, It's Christmas, and All is Secure!"
Dec 1, 2015
BeachBunny
This is a Ceremony that is an Old Navy Tradition for Sailors crossing the Equator for the first time aboard Ship. Before the Ceremony they are considered Polywogs. After the ceremony they become Shellbacks ! All Sailors that have crossed the Equator by Ship go through the Ceremony!
Dec 2, 2015
BeachBunny
oh that posted funny...don't know why?grrr
BZ to the new Shellbacks!!
Dec 2, 2015
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
I messaged the Obudsman yesterday...he got back to me right away....the names for the list to get on the pier for homecoming needed to be submitted by the sailors by December 3....I haven't talked to my sailor so I have no idea whether he put my name on the list...he also said there is a distribution email list...Our sailor needs to send an email with your information to info73ombudsman@gmail.com from his ship's CVN 73 email account so, can you can get information...Has anybody received an e-mail from the ombudsman with any information about homecoming? If so, can you please personal message me any information. Thanks.
Dec 4, 2015
MaggieMay
Happy Friday Ladies!
navymomfromCT - I just sent you a friend request. I received an email yesterday from the Ombudsman explaining that the deadline to be on the access list was yesterday. They also sent an email stating they would pass along info as it becomes available but due to OPSEC I don't expect to get dates & times until right before.
BeachBunny - had to chuckle when you said you feel like you're chatting with yourself on here...sorry I'm not on here as much as I'd like to be...I live a crazy lifestyle...catch myself coming & going most of the time! Plus work gets in the way of my personal stuff sometime LOL
I've seen that Christmas poem before but my eyes swell up with tears each time I read it
Hooray for the new Shellbacks!!!
Dec 4, 2015
willsmom
Dec 4, 2015
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
My sailor just sent me a message....I was freaking out for nothing....he says "mom I am on top of it...I did that a week ago" thank god.....and he will e-mail the ombudsman to give him my e-mail....
I loved the poem...I'm going to print it and put it in his book....I too welled up...
Dec 4, 2015
BeachBunny
Some how it really all works out...but the limited communication does cause anxiety ....Two years old I was freaking about the same thing, being on the list...problems I had was I was talking with the ships ombudsman not the squadrons...my sailor had us on the list the squadrons list the whole time! Then the squadron submitted the list to the ship....learning curve there...:)
Dec 4, 2015
BeachBunny
Well...am feeling this way today:
Dec 8, 2015
MaggieMay
Love the pic BeachBunny! I have that on my facebook page....I stole it from you a while back...heeheehee
Is anyone else finding it hard to contain their excitement? I've got my house decorated, Christmas shopping done and cookies are baked but I'm still fretting over clothes! What's wrong with me...my sailor could care less what I'm wearing when he sees me! I bought new warm weather attire thinking it would be pretty cold standing on the pier waiting for the ship but this December is rather mild and the long range forecast is looking good so I'm all in a tizzy as to what clothes to pack. Good thing we're driving the truck and have lots of room...my husband is going to think I'm nuts when he sees all the suitcases I'm taking! LOL
I can tell sailor is getting anxious too. I think he's emailed me more these past few weeks than the entire deployment!
Dec 8, 2015
MaggieMay
willsmom - were you able to get on the access list? I sure hope so!
Dec 8, 2015
BeachBunny
Funny joshmom...check out this Mom that was at a homecoming last week in Norfolk...love love her scarf!!
I have an infinity flag scarf, it's stylish but not warm...lol
my sailor will hop off before they pull into Norfolk so am expecting a phone call anytime or day now..."Mom am finally on land!". Well, my sailor has been on the sea 20 out of 24 months....have his flight booked to come home this year for Christmas...Yeah...nope not containing the excitement!!
Dec 8, 2015
Alyce
joshmom, I just feel your excitement!! Makes me excited for you!!
My son just got word that he'll be flown to the GW in several days. He's been waiting there in Norfolk to do so since September!!! And now that he's going, it's only going to be for about a week or so. Is that because some of the sailors are leaving before it gets into port?
He's been told a few different scenarios about what will happen for him once the ship is in port....whether he'll be in barracks while they work on the overhaul, on the ship, etc.
So excited for all of you who haven't seen your sailors in so long!!!
Dec 8, 2015
Brooke
Dec 8, 2015
BeachBunny
Good day GW group....
Brooke...that's a great question...are you a memeber of the Norfolk group? I think you should ask them, since many here haven't been to a homecoming...the Norfolk base is big, thinking a few of the seasoned Norfolk Moms would know which gate, dock and how homecoming works.....well, just a thought for you..:)
I went to a big homecoming over 30 years ago when my brother pulled into SD from WestPac..my sailor is on squadron and they have a homecoming at their base as they pull off the carrier before it docks...the planes have to be dumped before port....:)
Dec 9, 2015
BeachBunny
oh..love what they do out there...new pictures posted on the GW page:
205-N-DV340-010 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 5, 2015) – Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department test an F414 engine from an F/A-18 Super Hornet on the fantail aboard aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 are deployed in support of Southern Seas 2015. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chas
-N-EH855-006 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 7, 2015) Sailors apply dressing to a dummy during a Damage Control Olympics competition in the hangar bay of aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).
151207-N-YB023-028 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 7, 2015) Sailors from the Combat Systems Department download a NATO Sea Sparrow weapon system aboard aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).
Notice how "blue" the sky is....so pretty!
Dec 9, 2015
MaggieMay
Brooke - go to youtube and check out videos there. Just the other day I watched one and it showed a young woman running into the arms of her sailor husband and of course I thought of you. Warning - have tissues close by when you watch! I've heard from other moms that a Homecoming is 100x's more exciting than PIR!
Alyce - how cool your son will be going out to join the GW. I've heard that's a great experience to be flown out and land on a carrier. My son hoped he'd get to do it but the ship was in port in Yokosuka when he joined it. Things the Navy does don't always make sense to us but I'm sure it all makes sense to them!
BeachBunny - be sure to let us know when your son hits land!
For all you ladies going to the Homecoming I would love to meet you but the question is how? Anyone have suggestions as to how we could meet? I'm assuming we'll all be hanging out at the pier for quite some time before the ship arrives.
Have a great day all!
Dec 9, 2015
Brooke
Joshmom, aww thank you I will definitely check out YouTube! I can't even imagine something more exciting then PIR, I can't wait!
Dec 9, 2015
lizzie19
Dec 10, 2015
Alyce
Dec 10, 2015
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
I am bursting with excitement....I have a mop of read curly hair...you cannot miss me....This is my first homecoming....if you find out anything from Norfolk folks can you let me know.....Any word from the ombudsman?
Dec 10, 2015
MaggieMay
navymomfromCT - you're so funny...I'll be looking for ya!
Welcome lizzie19! Has your sailor given you any address at all yet? Just because he's being flown out to the ship his address shouldn't change.
2SailorMom - the t-shirt idea is awesome but I personally don't see how we could get that taken care of in such short notice....crap we should have started working on this a long time ago!
Sailor emailed me last night and I had to laugh: "hey mom I got to warn you, me and "so & so" might be going to a going away party for the two of us on the "date" (date ship arrives)" I respond back "can me & dad crash the party LOL" and his response was "Sure am hoping you will we need a ride to the hotel that night LOL" Lucky me I get to party with sailors! This should be interesting! My son and his buddy are both detaching from the ship right away, so hence the going away party. Also, my son got Technician of the Month...so proud!
Dec 10, 2015
BeachBunny
Dec 10, 2015
BeachBunny
Congrats joshmom...awesome..BZ to your sailor! Partyhard...lol
funny navymomfromCT...there's your picture too...maybe you can meet up....
what about a meet and greet at the Navy Lodge the night before?
got to FB message with a sailor last night...he was wondering about online shopping packages showing up at home...yup, they are here...should hear land oh, pretty soon! Then the squadron makes it's way back to their home base in CA....
Dec 10, 2015
BeachBunny
Dec 13, 2015
sethsmom
So much exciting news from everyone!
I sure hope our son got us on the list. He was asking for info. I hope he did it timely. Is there a way to check if you are on the list? I asked him to give our email to the ombudsman too but haven't gotten anything from them.
Can't wait to see him. He says he has surprises for us. Maybe an advancement? Maybe re-enlistment? My daughter says she knows and we will be excited. Hope she's right.
Brooke - I am with you. I can't imagine something more exciting than PIR! I was a bundle of nerves and emotion then (3.5 years ago) but still get goose bumps just thinking about it. Can't wait to see that ship pull in!
joshmom - congrats! to your sailor. How exciting! Would love to meet any and all who are there for the homecoming. Putting names with faces would be fabulous.
BeachBunny - the night before sounds great! I will watch on here for any postings with details. You have sooooo much knowledge. 3.5 years in and still in the dark on most things.
Dec 14, 2015
MaggieMay
Good Morning Ladies!
sethsmom - surprise excitement...you've got my curiosity up now too...please let us know what the good news is. So happy for you...whatever the surprise is!
I wish there was a way to verify our names on the list but I'm not aware of any. Anyone else know?
I wish we all could meet. A meet & great would be wonderful but I'm driving in and not sure what time I'll arrive. If I get there early enough I would love to meet up with any of you.
If any of you are okay with giving out your cell phone # please send me a private message. Perhaps we could try to find each other while waiting on the ship to arrive. We could do group texts. Just a suggestion!
BeachBunny - wooohooo on land!!! I'm sure that was a good feeling getting that call
I know everyone is excited...ok extremely excited...but lets not forget OPSEC. If you're on other groups or on social media sites please refrain from mentioning dates. Until the Navy makes an official statement we shouldn't post comments about specific info. Our sailors aren't here yet and we want them to have a safe trip in! Just a friendly reminder
Dec 14, 2015
TJCsMom
Hi all! My son arrived back in Norfolk (from San Diego and the TR) last week and he is happy to be home. He is currently on Holiday leave and will report to the GW after Christmas. I know you all are very excited about homecoming! Let me just say...the TR homecoming in San Diego was AMAZING!
I see where some of you have questions and concerns about the homecoming, itself. Since my son isn't coming in on the GW, I can't give you any help specifically for this ship, but I can tell you that we were given the majority of our information from the ship's FRG, in the days leading up to our homecoming. We also had a "night before party" held on base, by the FRG, where we were given directions on how to get on base, where to park, where the ship would be, times, etc. I hope you all will get this info soon, because it cuts down on the stress level, dramatically!
I would recommend one of you plan a little gathering for those in Norfolk for the homecoming, even if it's after your sailors get in. We had several of the TR moms get together a few days after homecoming, with our families and sailors, and it was such a great time! I'm so glad I got to meet these ladies who supported me and each other throughout our deployment. I consider them and their sailors as family!
I hope all of you going to homecoming have as wonderful an experience as we had! From the hotel we stayed in to everyone we met along the way...it was the most wonderful trip!! It was so awesome to watch the ship pull in, to see all those sailors manning the rails, to hear them rejoicing as they saw us, to see my child as he came to me, arms wide open (and with a rose for his momma!)...gives me chills just thinking about it! :) Enjoy every moment!
May you all have a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!!
Dec 14, 2015
BeachBunny
BZ to all for A successful cruise...
Happy Homecoming and Happy Holidays!!
As I always say...Be proud, be safe and be your best!
Cheers...
Dec 14, 2015
TJCsMom
Good morning, all! I just saw this on the GW Ombudsman page on Facebook. Thought I'd share for those who aren't on FB.
*Emergency Meeting*
We will have an emergency meeting to provide family members with homecoming information. No information will be posted on social media. If you have been added to the email distribution list, you will receive the information via email. You are still welcome to attend if you would like to.
There will be three different meeting times to choose from. They are as follows:
Tomorrow, December 15th from 11 am - 12 noon at Norfolk Navy Exchange in the food court area. Address is: 1560 Mall Drive Norfolk, VA 23511
Tomorrow, December 15th from 6 pm - 7 pm at Greenbriar Mall in the food court area. Address is: 1401 Greenbriar Parkway South Chesapeake, VA 23320
Wednesday, December 16th from 10 am - 11 am at Norfolk Navy Exchange in the food court area. Address is: 1560 Mall Drive Norfolk, VA 23511
Dec 15, 2015
MaggieMay
Thanks for all the info TJCsMom! Enjoy having your sailor home for Christmas....may this holiday be your best yet!
BeachBunny - it's been great having you along for this ride, please pop in every now and then and let us know how you & your sailor are doing. Glad he is spending Christmas at home. Give him a hug and tell him thanks for hanging out with the GW!
For everyone going to the Homecoming, safe travels and have a great time. Keeping my fingers crossed some of us will meet!
I'm packed and ready for a road trip...Virginia here I come!
Dec 15, 2015
girlnboots
Dec 16, 2015
MaggieMay
Dec 16, 2015
girlnboots
Dec 16, 2015
sethsmom
Dec 17, 2015
TJCsMom
I've been looking at pics from today's homecoming. Hope you all had a wonderful day and enjoy the rest of your time with your sailors!! Merry Christmas!
Dec 17, 2015
MaggieMay
Hello ladies! It was so wonderful to get to meet a few of you at the Homecoming now I can put faces with names.
Homecoming was WOW what a sight to behold! My sailor has officially detached from the GW and he's home spending the holidays with us...happy momma here!!! He's already eaten most of the Christmas cookies I had baked! LOL The first thing he wanted when we got home was a bologna sandwich on FRESH bread! Oh the deployment stories I've been hearing!
Welcome MaryMaMa! Bummer your son didn't get to go to Japan especially since he wanted to. The GW will not be going on deployments (out at sea for long periods of time) but it still will be getting underway. My understanding is that it will be used as a training ship until it goes into dry dock. Hope your son enjoys the GW. This is going to be a big change for some of us having our sailors in Virginia. Mine will be back in the spring sometime so I'm going to stick around on here.
Sethsmom - don't forget to share your exciting news...the anticipation is killing me!
Dec 22, 2015
sethsmom
Homecoming was awesome and very nice yo meet some of you. Can't say thanks enough to those who helped others of us stay sane.
Merry Christmas and happy new year to you all.
Dec 22, 2015
MaggieMay
sethsmom - I can't believe he's doing this to you...yep choke him! Doesn't he know he's not allowed to keep surprises from his mother for that long!
Dec 22, 2015
TJCsMom
Well, my son officially reported to the GW yesterday. He said it was like starting a new job...having to get to know people and the routines. I hope it will be a good command/a good fit for him.
sethsmom, I agree with the others...shame on him for making you wait that long! :)
Dec 22, 2015
Ted gasman1423
TJCsMom what rate is your sailor? My sailor is IT3 and staying on the GW.
Dec 22, 2015
que'smom
Dec 22, 2015