Julie, I am trying to send a message, but the cursor keeps circling and reading "sending". I think that main room chat box is slowing down this site or something, but I can't get it to close.
Dona, you probably need to turn the "chat" feature off. Down on the right hand side of your screen. I've seen others post that having the feature on slows your computer wayyyy down.
Julieb, I can also take things to the QD for you. My husband is also on FTX. So either your son is in 1 or 133. I live on base and can send you my address. Although, they should be returning soon so not sure how much time you have to get it here (at least 133 is returning soon). Care package boxes must not be any bigger than a shoe box and can't have any illegal items in them (guns, knives, etc.). I'm sure you knew that, but just in case lol. I was reading some of the questions posted and wanted to respond to a few myself, because I have gone through most of this side-by-side with my husband.
"A" (Apprentice) School-UT & CE's go to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX. It's a small town with very little to do. Most of them stay on base in their dorms and study. When my husband wasn't studying, he was sleeping. He came home to me on the weekends, because I moved to Texas with him. His graduation was about 10 minutes long and they take lots of pictures for you. We then came to MS, where SOME not all will report for ECS. There were several people my hubby went to A school with that were sent directly overseas to their new duty station....one to Italy, another to Japan, etc. When they leave A school, depending on report day, they can take leave. They usually give them about 10 days with no problems.
ECS- is about a month to two months of training. It depends on hold times and how well the class is doing. It won't just be those fresh out of A school either. My husband had officers and many tenured sailors in his class. They have long days of learning-medical training, gun training, etc. They will stay in the barracks during this time and have very little rules to follow. As long as they show up the next day for class, they don't really care what they do. Since my husband was stationed in Gulfport after ECS, we already had a home. So he lived with me during ECS. Directly after ECS he reported to his battalion (and actually deployed to Japan 2 weeks later). Usually they know all this before they even leave A school. My husband graduated in February from A school, but we knew in December where he was going to be stationed. It depends on how quickly they can process the orders during a certain time.
Once in the battalion, they will begin using all those skills they have learned. My husband has also cross-trained learning many of the other jobs. There were actually days where he didn't even do his job, but someone else's. It's a great learning experience for them. I would suggest to any of you that when your kids bring up SCWs (Seabee Combat Warfare), that you strongly encourage them to get their pins as quickly as possible. When at homeport, they have certain jobs they will be doing but there is A LOT of downtime too. There is no reason they can't focus on getting it finished. It looks better in their "portfolio" and can help when it comes time to advance. They go through a long process of testing and taskings, then have a huge "Murder Board" they go through. They sit in front of a panel and have to answer questions and do many other things. Once they pass this they become Seabee Combat Warfare qualified. They also have to go through FTX to get this. My husband finished all the paperwork last year in July. He just went through his first FTX this month and was awared his SCWs pin yesterday. It's long, boring, and not always fun.....but if they try hard enough and work hard enough and try to enjoy their jobs, the military is one of the best jobs they can have (at least in my opinion). Hope this helps out with some of the newer mom's, wives, girlfriends!
Seabeewife20 thanks for the awesome info and offer to help. I was able to get my box mailed and Dona's brother will take it to the QD for me. My son is in 133 and I was able to see him in some terrific photos on Facebook. I am going thru withdrawal from the inability to be in touch with him until he returns to base. It looks like this training is really keeping them all busy. I know that he will be really surprised to get my care package since he did not seem to know that he could even receive a package from home. I hope that this experience brings the guys closer as my son is new to this battalion. All his A school and ECS buddies went to another battalion that has already deployed so I know my son had to hook up with a new group of buddies. I really appreciate all of the support from everyone. He only left home last July when he graduated high school. He turned 19 while in Gulfport. I miss him a lot but so comforted that he doing somthing that he is meant to do with his life.
Julieb-I understand how difficult the separation can be. When my husband left for boot camp, that was the longest amount of time we'd gone being completely apart. We were two hours away from each other while he was on college, but we had Skype, phones, and we drove to see each other frequently. It was very difficult for both of us. We grew so much in those two months and it brought us much closer. Even though I lived one mile down the road while he was in A school, there were many days when I got a five minute phone call or a short dinner on base with him. He was so busy with other things that those three months were spent pretty separated too. Mississippi wasn't much different. He got into ECS and was gone during the days and I was working. He joined the battalion and literally two weeks later he left for 8 months to Japan. It was a long, hard 8 months. We figured out the time difference and the best times to talk. Many mornings I was up at 3,4,5am talking to him because he was getting ready for bed. He was new to the battalion, had never met any of the guys he was thrown in to work with, and had no idea what to expect. He was welcomed with open arms by most and those that didn't eventually came around lol. The military is a family. You don't have to like everyone you come across; but when you are stuck in a different country with none of your family/friends, you build a bond and relationship that is unlike any other. Things may change when you get home, but that's okay. You made it through that difficult time together. With your son joining the battalion while in home port, he will have the opportunity to meet lots of people. He will be able to see the ins and outs of the job. He also got to go to FTX so he can see what's expected of him and how to do his job properly. This training is very crucial, regardless if they ever actually use it while deployed. My husband told me that the people grading them on this FTX were so impressed they took a helicopter shot of the camp to show as an example to other battalions. You probably saw that picture in the Facebook album. Your son is definitely in a great battalion for his first one! The Runnin' Roos are the best. If he needs anything at all let me know. Maybe my husband can give him a hand with things if he needs it!
Seabeewife20 thanks so much for your support and encouragement. It makes such a difference to reach out to those of us who really know how this feels and to be there for each other to get through this all in one piece!
SeabeeWife20: Congrats on your husband's SCW; my son also received his!
Julieb1019: My son turned 20 on deployment, but he is loving what he is doing. On Mother's Day he even made a comment that he and his brothers are doing for real what they used to play when they were little! (I also have a firefighter, a Soldier, and a Marine). Life is certainly not boring!!!! LOL!!! Denise- A Seabee's Mom is right: join your son's command facebook page; it helps to know what's going on with them.
If you type in NMCB and your seabee's battalion number, it will usually pop up in the search box. You can also search for the FRG (Family Readiness Group) and the Ombudsman page. Not everyone's pages are labeled the same so sometimes it's a little more difficult to find. They post pictures, updates, alerts and many other things on the pages.
If he's still in school he probably doesn't know what battalion he is in yet. That won't come until closer to the end of his schooling. Unless he is there for ECS, then he may have a battalion he's going to afterwards. He's the only one who is going to know though. So you're going to have to ask him in order to add the Facebook page.
How do I get on base in Everett when a ship comes in? If I have my son with me (he's in the Reserves), would it be easier? Thanks in advance for your help.
Thank you to all the SeaBee's families for allowing us to follow your happiness and pain along the way while our loved ones are serving in the military in order to try to keep the USA safe and protecting our freedom. We Stand Together!
Many of you are sitting back reflecting on our sons and daughters who proudly serve the US. Thanks to our loved ones who make such a sacrifice to protect our freedom and to keep us safe! Thanks also to all of you who have provided a wealth of information, with whom I have shared tears and laughter. I truly treasure the friendships I have made along the way. Thanks for helping me along in this journey! Please keep our children safe!
I'm trying to find out how to get on base in Everett when a ship comes in. Yes, my son is a Seabee, and I know Seabee's don't go on ships!! LOL!! This is not for him. There is a Sailor on a ship that I would like to greet when the ship comes in sometime in the next month. I'll check with the ombudsmen as you advised. Thanks!
I will be in Gulfport for a few weeks as my son can't tell me when he will be coming home... If anyone wants to meet up for lunch or a cocktail let me know..
Hi proud mama. Welcome to the Seabee group. I am a Seabee Wife (my husband is also a UT) and have been for about two years now. I have a little information for you that will help you understand what your daughter will do during and after boot camp.
During boot camp you will have little to no communication. Depending on her division and her instructors, she could have reward calls home or none at all. She will send you a box, often referred to "kid in a box," and she will send home every item she takes with her on her trip to Chicago that isn't authorized. This will include her clothes, any electronics she takes, etc. You will get this within the first week or so of her being gone. She will pretty much go through hell the first week, these are called "P" days. This is where uniform sizes are taken, shots and medical information is done, and all the other important paperwork she will do. After that she'll he sent to her ship and begin her 7 to 8 weeks of boot camp (depends on how long P days are...my husband was only there for 7 weeks). You will receive the information packet within the first three weeks. This will examine her graduation date, rules of attending members, and her address. Once you get the address start sending letters!! She will need these letters to help keep her morale up. I wrote my husband every day from the moment he left, and he still didn't get a letter at every mail call. She will start writing you around the second week. They are only supposed to write during down time, which is normally Sunday. A lot of time they will try to sneak in a letter at night before bed. I don't recommend that because she will need all the sleep she can get. She will go through long hours of class and training. She will do great. Once she finishes her final task, she will call and say "I'm a sailor!" PIR Ceremony will come after and it is AMAZING! The long 8 weeks with no communication, heart ache, worry, and every other emotion is so worth it at that moment. The pride you feel when your sailor walks into that Hall makes you undertstand why they would want to join the military. You will watch as she graduates with hundreds of other sailors. She is now part of a larger family that only 1% of American's get to experience. So when you're missing her, look forward to this moment. Now, just a little explanation of Seabee's. They are a construction group. UT is Utilitiesman and is basically a plumber in the civilian world. Seabees are often referred to as dirt sailors, because they will probably never step foot on a ship. The post above has information which will explain the after boot camp stages.
"A" (Apprentice) School-UT & CE's go to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX. It's a small town with very little to do. Most of them stay on base in their dorms and study. When my husband wasn't studying, he was sleeping. He came home to me on the weekends, because I moved to Texas with him. His graduation was about 10 minutes long and they take lots of pictures for you. We then came to MS, where SOME not all will report for ECS. There were several people my hubby went to A school with that were sent directly overseas to their new duty station....one to Italy, another to Japan, etc. When they leave A school, depending on report day, they can take leave. They usually give them about 10 days with no problems.
ECS- is about a month to two months of training. It depends on hold times and how well the class is doing. It won't just be those fresh out of A school either. My husband had officers and many tenured sailors in his class. They have long days of learning-medical training, gun training, etc. They will stay in the barracks during this time and have very little rules to follow. As long as they show up the next day for class, they don't really care what they do. Since my husband was stationed in Gulfport after ECS, we already had a home. So he lived with me during ECS. Directly after ECS he reported to his battalion (and actually deployed to Japan 2 weeks later). Usually they know all this before they even leave A school. My husband graduated in February from A school, but we knew in December where he was going to be stationed. It depends on how quickly they can process the orders during a certain time.
Once in the battalion, they will begin using all those skills they have learned. My husband has also cross-trained learning many of the other jobs. There were actually days where he didn't even do his job, but someone else's. It's a great learning experience for them. I would suggest to any of you that when your kids bring up SCWs (Seabee Combat Warfare), that you strongly encourage them to get their pins as quickly as possible. When at homeport, they have certain jobs they will be doing but there is A LOT of downtime too. There is no reason they can't focus on getting it finished. It looks better in their "portfolio" and can help when it comes time to advance. They go through a long process of testing and taskings, then have a huge "Murder Board" they go through. They sit in front of a panel and have to answer questions and do many other things. Once they pass this they become Seabee Combat Warfare qualified. They also have to go through FTX to get this. My husband finished all the paperwork last year in July. He just went through his first FTX this month and was awared his SCWs pin yesterday. It's long, boring, and not always fun.....but if they try hard enough and work hard enough and try to enjoy their jobs, the military is one of the best jobs they can have (at least in my opinion). Hope this helps out with some of the newer mom's, wives, girlfriends!
Hi all planning a trip to Gulfport this summer and wonder if anyone has a suggestion for family friendly hotel in New Orleans we will be staying at the navy lodge in Gulfport but also want to visit New Orleans. Thanks . Have not seen my Seabee since March so really looking forward to an awesome trip.
I have lived in Gulfport or over a year now and have yet to go to New Orleans. Wish I could help you, Julieb, but you may do better searching and looking at star ratings to determine a good hotel.
AWESOME Halfofawhole and seabeewife20 great ideas!!! I ban always count on Navy Moms for help and advice!!! Traveling from New York so it will be a great trip> thanks so much
Dona congrats to your Seabee. Enjoy every moment of leave. Mine can't take leave until after he gets back hense the trip to Gulfport. My son also said that he heard Mobile is a fun day trip too.
My husband is having the same problem. We can't take any leave until he gets home from deployment. He had a chit put in and everything, then they put him into "C" school and had to cancel. He explains "C" school like this, " It's "A" School on steroids!" basically they learn their job in a lot more depth than they did in A school. He is the youngest person in his class and possibly one of the youngest to ever go through C school. Most people who go through C school have been in the Navy at least 5 to 6 years. He hits his two year mark next month and is already an E-5. He was advanced with this last cycle and we were so excited. He is doing great things in the Navy and will go far! Sorry about my bragging, but he just makes me so proud. I hope you enjoy your visit on the coast!
Thank you it will be a great and memorable trip! I am proud of your husband too. He must be an amazing guy. Hope he gets home soon! Btw how do homecomings work. Do they get leave soon after they return?
Usually they do get a leave period. They give them a 96 the weekend after they arrive. So this last deployment's homecoming,my hubby came home the week of Thanksgiving. They arrived Tuesday and didn't return to work until the next Monday. Then they were able to take leave for Christmas. It just depends on the higher ups, time of year, and demand for people to be on base. Since they won't be doing much those first few months after returning, they are pretty easy going as long as you have the time to take the leave.
Now, as far as the actual homecoming goes, there won't be a lot of detail until just before they arrive. We may know the month for awhile, but that can change. For example, they weren't supposed to arrive until December last year and half way through deployment it changed to November. There is a care line to call as it gets closer to the return that will give you approximate times and days they will arrive. Again, nothing is ever set in stone. You can also talk to the ombudsman's of the battalion to get information. Personally, i find i know more by talking to my husband about whats going on, but most people discuss things with the ombudsman. About a month before they return, homecoming signs are painted. They start placing them at gate entrances and quarterdecks about a week before they come home. They arrive in groups known as AP (advanced party), Main Body (the bulk of the battalion), and DP (delayed party). Your Seabee will have to tell you what group he's in so you know when they announce on that care line that it's his group. There is also a list for people who don't have base access that you'll want to get on. Your Seabee has to give your name to a specific person or fill out a sheet stating that he wants you and whoever else to be at homecoming, you can check with an ombudsman as it gets closer to make sure you're on the list. He will find out this information while on deployment, so just kind of make him aware of it now. Then if you come down for homecoming, you just show your ID at the gate and you'll be able to get on. We wait at the training hall. They give a time frame for you to be there. They will announce when they land, when they are moving, when they are at the gate, and then you'll see and hear the rest. It's amazing, beautiful, tear-jerking, exciting, and every other emotion you can imagine would exist with such happiness. There is nothing like it in the world. You swell with pride and the moment they step off the bus and find you in the crowd it all becomes worth it. I hate the goodbye's, but those hello's are just something I wouldn't give up for the world.
Denise...I'm hoping you will hang around here to help guide us "newbie" Seabee moms. I feel bad for your Seabee and the way(s) he was shown the door. Glad to hear that he's good with it. That makes all the difference in the world. :-)
I'm glad that it's working out for him. I just think that what they are doing to the Seabee Unit's in general stinks. But what do I know? I'm just a mom!! LOL
I know for sure, Seabee's are tough! And most of time don't get the recognized for their positions cause no one even know they exist just like me until my daughter became one last year, the only thing I ever heard about was the people who joined the Navy and became sailors.
My son is also a BU and has completed A school and combat school too. He really enjoyed it and is now with his batallion. Any questions feel free to ask we are here to help.
Kym - my 5 were raised on John Wayne, and my SeaBee took my DVD of the Fighting SeaBees with him to Gulfport several months ago. Reminds me to let him know I want it back! LOL
My daughter sent me that movie for my birthday and I will treasure it forever. Her grandma didn't think we should watch it to much action. I stay with her grandma for health reasons for so that would have to be where I would watch it and I did. Her grandma is in her eighty's she needs some one with her most of the day. It was a great movie.
HI all - My son graduates from Boot camp July 6th and then heads to Gulfport for A School - I have been on N4M's all through his bootcamp, it seemed to help. I hope to get to know others here with much advise.
I need some info please...the last time my son (single seabee) was deployed to Afghan, he lived in the barracks before deployment and did not receive BAH...Now he lives off base and receives BAH and is getting ready to deploy again.....He is receiving conflicting info regarding his BAH and deployment...One commander says he will continue to receive BAH while in Afghan and another commander says no he will not receive BAH...We're trying to figure this out to see if he needs to get out of his lease and store his stuff at our home...Can anyone clarify this please?
Joanie, my best advice would be to tell him to go to PSD. I thought once you were receiving BAH, you continued to receive it. However, being that your son is single and would be technically living in military quarters in Afghan, they may not pay him BAH. I have also known men who were single and lived off base and kept their apartments while they were deployed. Not sure if they were receiving BAH or just paid out-of-pocket. Again, PSD will be his best bet because they are the ones who handle all the pay issues. Tell him it's the building across from his Quarter Deck, if he doesn't already know that. I don't usually say things like this, but tell him to go to the building and not a PS in the battalion. We have had several issues with them giving mixed information and lying about paperwork being submitted. It took us over a year to receive our refund for my move down here, because they didn't submit the paperwork correctly. We went to the actual office on base and got our money within a week after paperwork was submitted. Getting out of his lease (even with a military clause) will need 30 days notice (he's in Arbor Station right?), so he needs to do this ASAP, because September is just around the corner. Hope he gets everything figured out soon.
Denise congrats on a job well done to your Seabee. Please stay with us you are a strong no nonsense inspiration to us all!! Wish your son for me.! My journey is just about underway with first deployment looming...
I haven't been on for awhile. Just got word that my son's home-base will be Gulfport. He'll be heading there in August, after A-School. Anyone have any recommendations of nice hotels/casinos in the area?
Hello SeaBee moms. My son was just home on leave for a short visit and I am so glad to have seen him. I hope you and all of your families are doing well and are safe.
My son arrived at Gulfport July 14th for “A” school. We hope to visit him in about 5 or 6 weeks and would like any good advice on hotels and things to do.
Most of the nice hotels/casinos are in Biloxi. The Beau Rivage is the plushest-we were just there 2 wks. ago. The Hard Rock and The Grand are also there. The IP was nice a year ago, but was undergoing remodeling-should be nice now. The Palace is smoke-free now. I have heard the Oasis in Gulfport is nice, also. We have been there, but did not stay in the hotel. There is also a Hampton Inn in Biloxi. Several chains are out at the interstate I-10-the others I mentioned are on the coast. We usually go down 2-3 times a year. Our son was just stationed there, so we will be back probably more than that now. In fact, we will be down there the last weekend in this month. Looks like several of us have Seabees newly-stationed there now.
julieb1019
May 16, 2012
Dona
Julie, I am trying to send a message, but the cursor keeps circling and reading "sending". I think that main room chat box is slowing down this site or something, but I can't get it to close.
May 16, 2012
ebigirl
Dona, you probably need to turn the "chat" feature off. Down on the right hand side of your screen. I've seen others post that having the feature on slows your computer wayyyy down.
May 17, 2012
SeabeeWife20
Julieb, I can also take things to the QD for you. My husband is also on FTX. So either your son is in 1 or 133. I live on base and can send you my address. Although, they should be returning soon so not sure how much time you have to get it here (at least 133 is returning soon). Care package boxes must not be any bigger than a shoe box and can't have any illegal items in them (guns, knives, etc.). I'm sure you knew that, but just in case lol. I was reading some of the questions posted and wanted to respond to a few myself, because I have gone through most of this side-by-side with my husband.
"A" (Apprentice) School-UT & CE's go to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX. It's a small town with very little to do. Most of them stay on base in their dorms and study. When my husband wasn't studying, he was sleeping. He came home to me on the weekends, because I moved to Texas with him. His graduation was about 10 minutes long and they take lots of pictures for you. We then came to MS, where SOME not all will report for ECS. There were several people my hubby went to A school with that were sent directly overseas to their new duty station....one to Italy, another to Japan, etc. When they leave A school, depending on report day, they can take leave. They usually give them about 10 days with no problems.
ECS- is about a month to two months of training. It depends on hold times and how well the class is doing. It won't just be those fresh out of A school either. My husband had officers and many tenured sailors in his class. They have long days of learning-medical training, gun training, etc. They will stay in the barracks during this time and have very little rules to follow. As long as they show up the next day for class, they don't really care what they do. Since my husband was stationed in Gulfport after ECS, we already had a home. So he lived with me during ECS. Directly after ECS he reported to his battalion (and actually deployed to Japan 2 weeks later). Usually they know all this before they even leave A school. My husband graduated in February from A school, but we knew in December where he was going to be stationed. It depends on how quickly they can process the orders during a certain time.
Once in the battalion, they will begin using all those skills they have learned. My husband has also cross-trained learning many of the other jobs. There were actually days where he didn't even do his job, but someone else's. It's a great learning experience for them. I would suggest to any of you that when your kids bring up SCWs (Seabee Combat Warfare), that you strongly encourage them to get their pins as quickly as possible. When at homeport, they have certain jobs they will be doing but there is A LOT of downtime too. There is no reason they can't focus on getting it finished. It looks better in their "portfolio" and can help when it comes time to advance. They go through a long process of testing and taskings, then have a huge "Murder Board" they go through. They sit in front of a panel and have to answer questions and do many other things. Once they pass this they become Seabee Combat Warfare qualified. They also have to go through FTX to get this. My husband finished all the paperwork last year in July. He just went through his first FTX this month and was awared his SCWs pin yesterday. It's long, boring, and not always fun.....but if they try hard enough and work hard enough and try to enjoy their jobs, the military is one of the best jobs they can have (at least in my opinion). Hope this helps out with some of the newer mom's, wives, girlfriends!
May 21, 2012
julieb1019
May 21, 2012
SeabeeWife20
May 21, 2012
julieb1019
Seabeewife20 thanks so much for your support and encouragement. It makes such a difference to reach out to those of us who really know how this feels and to be there for each other to get through this all in one piece!
May 22, 2012
Momofahousefull
SeabeeWife20: Congrats on your husband's SCW; my son also received his!
Julieb1019: My son turned 20 on deployment, but he is loving what he is doing. On Mother's Day he even made a comment that he and his brothers are doing for real what they used to play when they were little! (I also have a firefighter, a Soldier, and a Marine). Life is certainly not boring!!!! LOL!!! Denise- A Seabee's Mom is right: join your son's command facebook page; it helps to know what's going on with them.
May 22, 2012
SeabeeWife20
May 22, 2012
SeabeeWife20
May 22, 2012
Philip'sMom (Deb)
Thank you for all of the information! You all have been so patient with us new moms and provided so much valuable information!
May 24, 2012
ebigirl
Hey Denise,
How do I get on base in Everett when a ship comes in? If I have my son with me (he's in the Reserves), would it be easier? Thanks in advance for your help.
May 26, 2012
mama bear
Thank you to all the SeaBee's families for allowing us to follow your happiness and pain along the way while our loved ones are serving in the military in order to try to keep the USA safe and protecting our freedom. We Stand Together!
May 28, 2012
Philip'sMom (Deb)
Many of you are sitting back reflecting on our sons and daughters who proudly serve the US. Thanks to our loved ones who make such a sacrifice to protect our freedom and to keep us safe! Thanks also to all of you who have provided a wealth of information, with whom I have shared tears and laughter. I truly treasure the friendships I have made along the way. Thanks for helping me along in this journey! Please keep our children safe!
May 28, 2012
ebigirl
I'm trying to find out how to get on base in Everett when a ship comes in. Yes, my son is a Seabee, and I know Seabee's don't go on ships!! LOL!! This is not for him. There is a Sailor on a ship that I would like to greet when the ship comes in sometime in the next month. I'll check with the ombudsmen as you advised. Thanks!
May 28, 2012
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)
Hey Ladies,
I will be in Gulfport for a few weeks as my son can't tell me when he will be coming home... If anyone wants to meet up for lunch or a cocktail let me know..
May 31, 2012
Steph Proud AG Mom
Hi, I am new to this group- my daughter leaves for bc in the Fall and will be a UT, Any suggestions, or advise????
Jun 6, 2012
SeabeeWife20
During boot camp you will have little to no communication. Depending on her division and her instructors, she could have reward calls home or none at all. She will send you a box, often referred to "kid in a box," and she will send home every item she takes with her on her trip to Chicago that isn't authorized. This will include her clothes, any electronics she takes, etc. You will get this within the first week or so of her being gone. She will pretty much go through hell the first week, these are called "P" days. This is where uniform sizes are taken, shots and medical information is done, and all the other important paperwork she will do. After that she'll he sent to her ship and begin her 7 to 8 weeks of boot camp (depends on how long P days are...my husband was only there for 7 weeks). You will receive the information packet within the first three weeks. This will examine her graduation date, rules of attending members, and her address. Once you get the address start sending letters!! She will need these letters to help keep her morale up. I wrote my husband every day from the moment he left, and he still didn't get a letter at every mail call. She will start writing you around the second week. They are only supposed to write during down time, which is normally Sunday. A lot of time they will try to sneak in a letter at night before bed. I don't recommend that because she will need all the sleep she can get. She will go through long hours of class and training. She will do great. Once she finishes her final task, she will call and say "I'm a sailor!" PIR Ceremony will come after and it is AMAZING! The long 8 weeks with no communication, heart ache, worry, and every other emotion is so worth it at that moment. The pride you feel when your sailor walks into that Hall makes you undertstand why they would want to join the military. You will watch as she graduates with hundreds of other sailors. She is now part of a larger family that only 1% of American's get to experience. So when you're missing her, look forward to this moment. Now, just a little explanation of Seabee's. They are a construction group. UT is Utilitiesman and is basically a plumber in the civilian world. Seabees are often referred to as dirt sailors, because they will probably never step foot on a ship. The post above has information which will explain the after boot camp stages.
Jun 11, 2012
SeabeeWife20
"A" (Apprentice) School-UT & CE's go to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX. It's a small town with very little to do. Most of them stay on base in their dorms and study. When my husband wasn't studying, he was sleeping. He came home to me on the weekends, because I moved to Texas with him. His graduation was about 10 minutes long and they take lots of pictures for you. We then came to MS, where SOME not all will report for ECS. There were several people my hubby went to A school with that were sent directly overseas to their new duty station....one to Italy, another to Japan, etc. When they leave A school, depending on report day, they can take leave. They usually give them about 10 days with no problems.
ECS- is about a month to two months of training. It depends on hold times and how well the class is doing. It won't just be those fresh out of A school either. My husband had officers and many tenured sailors in his class. They have long days of learning-medical training, gun training, etc. They will stay in the barracks during this time and have very little rules to follow. As long as they show up the next day for class, they don't really care what they do. Since my husband was stationed in Gulfport after ECS, we already had a home. So he lived with me during ECS. Directly after ECS he reported to his battalion (and actually deployed to Japan 2 weeks later). Usually they know all this before they even leave A school. My husband graduated in February from A school, but we knew in December where he was going to be stationed. It depends on how quickly they can process the orders during a certain time.
Once in the battalion, they will begin using all those skills they have learned. My husband has also cross-trained learning many of the other jobs. There were actually days where he didn't even do his job, but someone else's. It's a great learning experience for them. I would suggest to any of you that when your kids bring up SCWs (Seabee Combat Warfare), that you strongly encourage them to get their pins as quickly as possible. When at homeport, they have certain jobs they will be doing but there is A LOT of downtime too. There is no reason they can't focus on getting it finished. It looks better in their "portfolio" and can help when it comes time to advance. They go through a long process of testing and taskings, then have a huge "Murder Board" they go through. They sit in front of a panel and have to answer questions and do many other things. Once they pass this they become Seabee Combat Warfare qualified. They also have to go through FTX to get this. My husband finished all the paperwork last year in July. He just went through his first FTX this month and was awared his SCWs pin yesterday. It's long, boring, and not always fun.....but if they try hard enough and work hard enough and try to enjoy their jobs, the military is one of the best jobs they can have (at least in my opinion). Hope this helps out with some of the newer mom's, wives, girlfriends!
Jun 11, 2012
julieb1019
Jun 11, 2012
SeabeeWife20
Jun 12, 2012
julieb1019
AWESOME Halfofawhole and seabeewife20 great ideas!!! I ban always count on Navy Moms for help and advice!!! Traveling from New York so it will be a great trip> thanks so much
Jun 13, 2012
Dona
Julieb-we do the same-stay in Gulfport and do day trips to New Orleans.
Our Seabee came home today on leave-moving from Coronado to Gulfport for deployment in the near future. He just made E5 last week, too!!
Jun 13, 2012
julieb1019
Jun 13, 2012
SeabeeWife20
Jun 14, 2012
julieb1019
Jun 14, 2012
SeabeeWife20
Now, as far as the actual homecoming goes, there won't be a lot of detail until just before they arrive. We may know the month for awhile, but that can change. For example, they weren't supposed to arrive until December last year and half way through deployment it changed to November. There is a care line to call as it gets closer to the return that will give you approximate times and days they will arrive. Again, nothing is ever set in stone. You can also talk to the ombudsman's of the battalion to get information. Personally, i find i know more by talking to my husband about whats going on, but most people discuss things with the ombudsman. About a month before they return, homecoming signs are painted. They start placing them at gate entrances and quarterdecks about a week before they come home. They arrive in groups known as AP (advanced party), Main Body (the bulk of the battalion), and DP (delayed party). Your Seabee will have to tell you what group he's in so you know when they announce on that care line that it's his group. There is also a list for people who don't have base access that you'll want to get on. Your Seabee has to give your name to a specific person or fill out a sheet stating that he wants you and whoever else to be at homecoming, you can check with an ombudsman as it gets closer to make sure you're on the list. He will find out this information while on deployment, so just kind of make him aware of it now. Then if you come down for homecoming, you just show your ID at the gate and you'll be able to get on. We wait at the training hall. They give a time frame for you to be there. They will announce when they land, when they are moving, when they are at the gate, and then you'll see and hear the rest. It's amazing, beautiful, tear-jerking, exciting, and every other emotion you can imagine would exist with such happiness. There is nothing like it in the world. You swell with pride and the moment they step off the bus and find you in the crowd it all becomes worth it. I hate the goodbye's, but those hello's are just something I wouldn't give up for the world.
Jun 14, 2012
ebigirl
Denise...I'm hoping you will hang around here to help guide us "newbie" Seabee moms. I feel bad for your Seabee and the way(s) he was shown the door. Glad to hear that he's good with it. That makes all the difference in the world. :-)
Ebigirl
Jun 16, 2012
mama bear
sorry to hear that your Seabee was shown the door, hope all is going with him now and his family including yourself. Hang in there better days ahead.
Jun 17, 2012
ebigirl
I'm glad that it's working out for him. I just think that what they are doing to the Seabee Unit's in general stinks. But what do I know? I'm just a mom!! LOL
Jun 18, 2012
candy (ship 07/div 163)
Hello all. My son just graduated from bootcamp on June 1st and is training in Gulfport, MS right now to be a SeaBee.
Jun 28, 2012
Momofahousefull
Candy: welcome aboard! My son is a SeaBee in Gulfport. He's a BU (builder).
Jun 28, 2012
candy (ship 07/div 163)
So is mine =)
Jun 28, 2012
SeabeeWife20
Jun 29, 2012
mama bear
I know for sure, Seabee's are tough! And most of time don't get the recognized for their positions cause no one even know they exist just like me until my daughter became one last year, the only thing I ever heard about was the people who joined the Navy and became sailors.
Jul 1, 2012
julieb1019
My son is also a BU and has completed A school and combat school too. He really enjoyed it and is now with his batallion. Any questions feel free to ask we are here to help.
Jul 1, 2012
Momofahousefull
Kym - my 5 were raised on John Wayne, and my SeaBee took my DVD of the Fighting SeaBees with him to Gulfport several months ago. Reminds me to let him know I want it back! LOL
Jul 2, 2012
mama bear
My daughter sent me that movie for my birthday and I will treasure it forever. Her grandma didn't think we should watch it to much action. I stay with her grandma for health reasons for so that would have to be where I would watch it and I did. Her grandma is in her eighty's she needs some one with her most of the day. It was a great movie.
Jul 2, 2012
Dana (Proud Seabee Mom)
HI all - My son graduates from Boot camp July 6th and then heads to Gulfport for A School - I have been on N4M's all through his bootcamp, it seemed to help. I hope to get to know others here with much advise.
Thank you!!
Jul 3, 2012
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
I need some info please...the last time my son (single seabee) was deployed to Afghan, he lived in the barracks before deployment and did not receive BAH...Now he lives off base and receives BAH and is getting ready to deploy again.....He is receiving conflicting info regarding his BAH and deployment...One commander says he will continue to receive BAH while in Afghan and another commander says no he will not receive BAH...We're trying to figure this out to see if he needs to get out of his lease and store his stuff at our home...Can anyone clarify this please?
Jul 3, 2012
SeabeeWife20
Jul 5, 2012
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
Thanks SeabeeWife...I'll relay that info to him...
Jul 5, 2012
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
Jul 9, 2012
julieb1019
Denise congrats on a job well done to your Seabee. Please stay with us you are a strong no nonsense inspiration to us all!! Wish your son for me.! My journey is just about underway with first deployment looming...
Jul 9, 2012
ebigirl
Yes Denise...PLEASE stay with us. You are an inspiration and wealth of information.
Jul 9, 2012
mama bear
Denise we need your throughts and prayers, so please do not leave us. Congratulations to your Seabee son and his service.
Jul 12, 2012
Philip'sMom (Deb)
I haven't been on for awhile. Just got word that my son's home-base will be Gulfport. He'll be heading there in August, after A-School. Anyone have any recommendations of nice hotels/casinos in the area?
Jul 18, 2012
gbeyer
Hello SeaBee moms. My son was just home on leave for a short visit and I am so glad to have seen him. I hope you and all of your families are doing well and are safe.
Jul 18, 2012
littlelang (ship 09 Div 215)
My son arrived at Gulfport July 14th for “A” school. We hope to visit him in about 5 or 6 weeks and would like any good advice on hotels and things to do.
Jul 18, 2012
Dona
Most of the nice hotels/casinos are in Biloxi. The Beau Rivage is the plushest-we were just there 2 wks. ago. The Hard Rock and The Grand are also there. The IP was nice a year ago, but was undergoing remodeling-should be nice now. The Palace is smoke-free now. I have heard the Oasis in Gulfport is nice, also. We have been there, but did not stay in the hotel. There is also a Hampton Inn in Biloxi. Several chains are out at the interstate I-10-the others I mentioned are on the coast. We usually go down 2-3 times a year. Our son was just stationed there, so we will be back probably more than that now. In fact, we will be down there the last weekend in this month. Looks like several of us have Seabees newly-stationed there now.
Jul 18, 2012