Thanks Dona for the info! I've never been down there before and wasn't sure how easy the access was to get from Biloxi to Gulfport. We are not even sure we can make plans right now. He will be going to ECS school then FX and his battlion is supposed to be deployed in Oct. We don't know if he will be too busy with trainings and if he will be able to leave base on weekends. Also trying to prepare myself for the deployment. UGH...
You can also visit www.gulfcoast.org to find events, attractions, restaurants, and more for the area. Phillip's mom-your son should be able to leave base on the weekends. The rules when they are in ECS and battalion life are much more different than A school. They expect them to be adults, show up on time, and be able to function properly. As long as they do that and stay out of trouble, they're pretty much free to do what they want. The only exception would be on days when he has duty. He needs to be available in case they call him in and will possibly have watch. During ECS, they are really busy and their schedules are unpredictable. So I would definitely wait until he's finished with that. Depending on when his FEX is and his battalion, he should get a 96 when he gets home from that. He will also have most weekends off once in the battalion because the duty rotation isn't as frequent as in A school. With him being new, though, they may try to throw him in last minute classes. I definitely think it's possible for you to get good quality time with him before he leaves, though.
Thank you Seabeewife! This has all gone so quickly (PIR was 4/20) and I haven't known what to expect. He isn't sure yet either, or if he is, he isn't telling me. He had a alot of watch duties in the beginning of A-school, then his whole unit got put on phase 1 again after the 4th weekend. I am really nervous about the 1st deployment, but he is a CM, so will not be in harm's way. Thanks for the link and the clarification about the ECS and FEX.
ECS is combat training...they learn how to do things they might need in combat, such as...survival training...some medical training...weapons...tactical maneuvers...etc.
THANKS FOR THE INFO... This is all new to me... My son arrived in Mississippi last Sat. We want to visit him and we are not sure when to schedule a trip down to visit.
Littlelang: Is he in Seabee school or is he a fleet rate to be attached to a Seabee unit? My son is in Seabee Battalion 133 and is a gunner's mate. We live about 2 1/2 hours from Gulfport.
Joanie Tyler's Mom (133 Bees) ~ my son just graduated from Boot camp July 13th and is doing his "A" schooling for BU... That is all I know as of know. This is all so new to me...
Tyler didn't attend "A" school in Gulfport...so I don't know much about how they phase up or when they can have visitors...Hopefully someone else with that knowledge will come on and be able to answer more of your questions.
Other than speaking to Fleet & Family for preparation of deployment, I don't know of any pre-deployment events. It may be different for each battalion, though. They usually do more once they've come back from deployment-BBQ's and such. The FRG (Family Readiness Group) does put together events for the families during the deployment, but again not sure about right before. Your best bet would be to ask an ombudsman of the battalion or join the FRG page and ask them on Facebook.
133 usually has a pre deployment fair where they give out info on mailing addresses, contact info, etc re deployment...I talked with an ombudsman yesterday and they have not set that date yet...
133 Deployment Fair is Friday, 8-17-12 in Long Beach...10:30 AM - 3 PM...A friend (former ombudsman) is picking up some info for me and will mail it. One of the Ombudsmen can also mail this info to anyone interested. Just connect with them on Facebook and let them know what you want.
Hotflashes, (love your nickname) I am not new to the group. My son just joined a battalion, though, and this is his first deployment. He has been in Calif. for 3 years and now is stationed in Gulfport.
My son has been in Gulfport for over a year and a half which is great for us, only about a 7 hr drive, so we visit him every couple of months. This is his 2nd deployment and we get to breathe a little easier this time, last time was afghanistan. I find I am not on here as often when he is in GP but I do spend more time here during deployment. It helps to keep up with whats going on and of course for support. There is always someone to answer questions and even to just listen.
Hotflashes-we are a 6 hour drive from Gulfport. I am glad to have this site,too, especially during deployment. If you have any info on what, how, when to send care packages, I would appreciate it.
Dona, if your son is with my son, then they will only be at their location a short time. When they arrive at their actual destination we will get an addy to mail to. There is some great info on what and how to ship on the website. If you want to friend me, we can talk specifics that we cannot say here.
Glad I found you! My son (PIR 8/10) DQd from aircrew and is now a EO and is at Ft. Nowhere. He enlisted in the Reserves with three years of college. He will be based in PH while he finishes school. He's already learning there is new vocabulary and rules between boot and A school. Anyone else with a loved one in MO?
My name is Lorena Wills and have a son that is a seabee and am proud of him. I am in Aurora Colorado and love it here, looking forward to talking to all of you
Kym-if he is stateside, you do not have to fill out a customs form.
September is going to be a stressful month for me. School just started and I am now student teaching. Lesson plans aren't the easiest to come up with! My hubby is also leaving for deployment to Afghanistan. I am having the hardest time dealing with this. When he went to Japan, it wasn't a big deal. I missed him and wanted him home, but knew he was safe. I am having anxiety about him being in Afghan though. My dad is flying out from Cali to spend a week with me, because he knows this deployment is going to be tough for me. I can't imagine wives/mothers/etc who have had their loved one deploy to the Middle East multiple times-strong women, that's for sure! I just want the time he's gone to fly by and for him to return to me safely. I'm hoping school, the dogs, holidays, and working out will pass the time quickly.
Hope you all are doing well. We are waiting to see how Isaac is going to develop and how it's going to impact us. Maybe it will dissipate and we won't have anything to worry about! Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend :-)
What is the best shipping method for getting boxes to my EO Seabee in MO? I sent some decent running shoes via USPS, I was told they would arrive on Thursday, and he just asked when he might get them. Are UPS/FedEx better shipping options as they have tracking codes? Thanks.
Seabeewife 20 and hello to everyone else too. Your note really hit home today. My family just got home from Gulfport last night after spending a wonderful week with my son. It was so difficult to say goodbye knowing where he is going for his first deployment . I share your same worries after listening to him express so many emotions about the job and being so far from home . It is hard on everyone to go thru this experience. Family and friends will get us through these tough times and as always the love and support shared by all of us here on this group. I plan to be active with a real effort to get in shape while he is gone and keep my hands busy with crafts too. We will gain the strength to cope with worries and fears from the faith of knowing that they are all well trained for the job at hand and do the job as part if a team that works together and the anticipation of knowing that they will be home as soon as the job is done. I will really miss the daily quick texts and calls that have been so comforting . The first deployment is full of unknowns for me and my son who actually will go thru it but I know that love and support help us both.
Thinking about you Julieb. Glad to hear you had a good visit. We have heard from our son who just arrived at his deployment location, which is not a bad place now. You may get to hear from your son more than you think. Take care.
Hey Gulfport ladies, I am going down 9/6. Please let me know if anyone needs anything even if it is a picture of you kid, or to take them off base for a nice meal, or shopping. My treat! love my seabees.
Hurricane Isaac is really showing out around Gulfport and Long Beach this morning....Power is out on Arbor Station Drive in Long Beach...Praying for safety for all Sailors and Seabees...
Hi. My name is Robin and my son graduated BC 8/24 and is now at Ft. Leonard Wood for EO "A" School. My husband and I are excited for him and would like to know more about Ft. Leonard Wood and info about other's experiences.
Welcome Robin. My son graduated on 8/10, left the next Wednesday for EO school. I believe he started classes this past week as they were waiting for enough sailors to form a class. I am sure our sons know each other since they have the same school. The base is southwest of St. Louis, out in the middle of nowhere hence the nickname "Ft. Nowhere". The sailors are all grouped together and he said there are about 70+ on base. He also said there is a learning curve as there are differences between Navy and Army (eye contact, ranks, lingo, etc.).
I was able to give him his cell phone after graduation so he has been keeping in touch. The first weekend he was there, a group was taken to interact with residents of a juvenile camp. He said it was really fun. He is also able to get care packages from home--the priority mail from the US Post Office has been getting there within a couple of days. However, it takes another couple of days for the sailor to get the package. He did ask for his 'good' running shoes as the ones he bought at BC were causing shin pain.
Where will your sailor be stationed after A School? Is he active or reserve?
Hi Robin, My daughter finish her A school at Fort Leonard Wood for EO also, she also said that she had a hard time getting use to the different between Navy and Army. She had to do alot of standing watches, and running. When she gradurated in November. I went down there to pick her up for a small leave before she went back to her homeport in Gulfport, Miss. It was along drive from where I live in Northern Iowa to Missouri. However the country view was wonderful. Once you get to the base site, it's like a town within a town. The base site itself has some stores on it that they sometimes can go to on the weekend, after that the inital requirements are met, they must earn this privledge.. There are buildings that look like college dorms from the outside. If you go there to visit you must have on you, your son's name rank and division to get into the base they will stop you at the gate and we seen someone's car get searched. But over all I would say it looked like a good place.
Hi! It is great to read posts from others who have sons/ daughters in the same position as my son. I look at this as his next great adventure in life. He seems to be adjusting now, it was the first week or so that was more difficult. Mama Bear- did you go to the graduation? We would like to go, but it is 16 hours away! Ah, well, we have time to decide! Wishing you all a great weekend.
I need prayers for my son he is taking the test on Thursday to see if he advanced this is going to be his third time and he is nervous so keep in prayers will let you know the results thanks a lot
Julieb, Momofahousefull, and Joanie-We are all in the same boat right now. Thankfully my hubby is keeping in touch pretty well and letting me know how things are going. Still have a journey to go, but this second deployment is different. I have some anxiety about where he will be, but I don't feel as upset as I was with the first one. He feels the same way about this one. I think each deployment you begin to realize that as much as you miss them, there's nothing that you can do about it. So loving them, keeping in touch, sending care packages, and keeping a routine at home helps the time pass so much quicker. Dwelling on the where and how long just makes everything so much worse and drags it out. Going to stay positive and get through this deployment in no time! If you ladies need anything at all please don't hesitate to ask. Julie I see you post every now and then on the Facebook page. If you want me to have my husband tell your son to call, I definitely can. I'm sure he wouldn't be too hard to find right now!
Hi seabeewife 20 thanks for your support and insight. It really helps to keep my sanity and perspective on this experience. i sent you a private message.
Julieb, Seabee wife, Momofahouseful, Joanie - my son is still in Gulfport finishing his ECS school. As soon as he gets his govt passport he'll be joining your guys. We are going on a visit in early Oct, since he'll probably leave soon after. 1st deployment, so this is hard. I'm telling myself he'll be at the base most of the time (he's a CM) and they wouldn't put a newbie (PIR 4/20) in harm's way. It seems to be working for now. I looked at the pics from Bangor and it hit me that he'll be there soon too. I am keeping your boys in my prayers and hope for the same in return! I haven't gotten on this site much because I always end up crying when I do. God bless!
Deb things have moved very fast for all of you. My son had PIR a year ago ad had finished ECS a few months ago. We had time to adjust before deployment. I would recommend staying at the Navy Lodge on base it is affordable and very nice. We rented a car too. Be glad to share more info if you need. We can also private message too. There are good and hard moments thru this. No matter what stage we are all in we as Moms support each other so that we can stay strong for Seabees when they need us most. They get top notch training and are well prepared for deployment when they go. Let's stay in touch please.
Philip'sMom (Deb)
Thanks Dona for the info! I've never been down there before and wasn't sure how easy the access was to get from Biloxi to Gulfport. We are not even sure we can make plans right now. He will be going to ECS school then FX and his battlion is supposed to be deployed in Oct. We don't know if he will be too busy with trainings and if he will be able to leave base on weekends. Also trying to prepare myself for the deployment. UGH...
Jul 18, 2012
Dona
Philip's Mom-I have the same feeling-our first deployment-not sure when it is yet.
Jul 18, 2012
SeabeeWife20
Jul 19, 2012
Philip'sMom (Deb)
Thank you Seabeewife! This has all gone so quickly (PIR was 4/20) and I haven't known what to expect. He isn't sure yet either, or if he is, he isn't telling me. He had a alot of watch duties in the beginning of A-school, then his whole unit got put on phase 1 again after the 4th weekend. I am really nervous about the 1st deployment, but he is a CM, so will not be in harm's way. Thanks for the link and the clarification about the ECS and FEX.
Jul 19, 2012
Philip'sMom (Deb)
Do you know how long ECS lasts?
Jul 19, 2012
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
ECS lasts about a month..
Jul 19, 2012
littlelang (ship 09 Div 215)
What is ECS?
Jul 19, 2012
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
ECS is combat training...they learn how to do things they might need in combat, such as...survival training...some medical training...weapons...tactical maneuvers...etc.
Jul 19, 2012
littlelang (ship 09 Div 215)
THANKS FOR THE INFO... This is all new to me... My son arrived in Mississippi last Sat. We want to visit him and we are not sure when to schedule a trip down to visit.
Jul 19, 2012
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
Littlelang: Is he in Seabee school or is he a fleet rate to be attached to a Seabee unit? My son is in Seabee Battalion 133 and is a gunner's mate. We live about 2 1/2 hours from Gulfport.
Jul 19, 2012
littlelang (ship 09 Div 215)
Joanie Tyler's Mom (133 Bees) ~ my son just graduated from Boot camp July 13th and is doing his "A" schooling for BU... That is all I know as of know. This is all so new to me...
Jul 19, 2012
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
Tyler didn't attend "A" school in Gulfport...so I don't know much about how they phase up or when they can have visitors...Hopefully someone else with that knowledge will come on and be able to answer more of your questions.
Jul 19, 2012
Momofahousefull
Can anyone give me information about events for families before deployment? Recommendations for being in Gulfport? Thanks!
Aug 3, 2012
SeabeeWife20
Aug 4, 2012
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
133 usually has a pre deployment fair where they give out info on mailing addresses, contact info, etc re deployment...I talked with an ombudsman yesterday and they have not set that date yet...
Aug 4, 2012
Momofahousefull
Thanks for the info SeaBeeWife & Joanie Tyler's Mom. I'll keep my ears & eyes opened.
Aug 5, 2012
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
133 Deployment Fair is Friday, 8-17-12 in Long Beach...10:30 AM - 3 PM...A friend (former ombudsman) is picking up some info for me and will mail it. One of the Ombudsmen can also mail this info to anyone interested. Just connect with them on Facebook and let them know what you want.
Aug 13, 2012
Momofahousefull
Joanie: does that include the 133's from Gulfport?
Aug 14, 2012
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
Momofahousefull: That is only the 133 from Gulfport..
Aug 15, 2012
Dona
NMCB one Moms?
Aug 16, 2012
hotflashes
hi Dona, my son is in One also, nice to meet you , are you new to the group?
Aug 16, 2012
Dona
Aug 16, 2012
hotflashes
My son has been in Gulfport for over a year and a half which is great for us, only about a 7 hr drive, so we visit him every couple of months. This is his 2nd deployment and we get to breathe a little easier this time, last time was afghanistan. I find I am not on here as often when he is in GP but I do spend more time here during deployment. It helps to keep up with whats going on and of course for support. There is always someone to answer questions and even to just listen.
Aug 18, 2012
Dona
Aug 18, 2012
hotflashes
Dona, if your son is with my son, then they will only be at their location a short time. When they arrive at their actual destination we will get an addy to mail to. There is some great info on what and how to ship on the website. If you want to friend me, we can talk specifics that we cannot say here.
Aug 18, 2012
SueCasa
Glad I found you! My son (PIR 8/10) DQd from aircrew and is now a EO and is at Ft. Nowhere. He enlisted in the Reserves with three years of college. He will be based in PH while he finishes school. He's already learning there is new vocabulary and rules between boot and A school. Anyone else with a loved one in MO?
Aug 19, 2012
navygrandma
Hello all
My name is Lorena Wills and have a son that is a seabee and am proud of him. I am in Aurora Colorado and love it here, looking forward to talking to all of you
Aug 23, 2012
SeabeeWife20
September is going to be a stressful month for me. School just started and I am now student teaching. Lesson plans aren't the easiest to come up with! My hubby is also leaving for deployment to Afghanistan. I am having the hardest time dealing with this. When he went to Japan, it wasn't a big deal. I missed him and wanted him home, but knew he was safe. I am having anxiety about him being in Afghan though. My dad is flying out from Cali to spend a week with me, because he knows this deployment is going to be tough for me. I can't imagine wives/mothers/etc who have had their loved one deploy to the Middle East multiple times-strong women, that's for sure! I just want the time he's gone to fly by and for him to return to me safely. I'm hoping school, the dogs, holidays, and working out will pass the time quickly.
Hope you all are doing well. We are waiting to see how Isaac is going to develop and how it's going to impact us. Maybe it will dissipate and we won't have anything to worry about! Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend :-)
Aug 24, 2012
SueCasa
What is the best shipping method for getting boxes to my EO Seabee in MO? I sent some decent running shoes via USPS, I was told they would arrive on Thursday, and he just asked when he might get them. Are UPS/FedEx better shipping options as they have tracking codes? Thanks.
Aug 24, 2012
navygrandma
I always sent by priority mail from post office he had no problem getting it remember get insurance so it can be traced
Aug 24, 2012
julieb1019
Aug 24, 2012
Dona
Aug 24, 2012
julieb1019
Aug 25, 2012
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)
Hey Gulfport ladies, I am going down 9/6. Please let me know if anyone needs anything even if it is a picture of you kid, or to take them off base for a nice meal, or shopping. My treat! love my seabees.
Aug 25, 2012
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
Hurricane Isaac is really showing out around Gulfport and Long Beach this morning....Power is out on Arbor Station Drive in Long Beach...Praying for safety for all Sailors and Seabees...
Aug 29, 2012
Robin Harrison
Hi. My name is Robin and my son graduated BC 8/24 and is now at Ft. Leonard Wood for EO "A" School. My husband and I are excited for him and would like to know more about Ft. Leonard Wood and info about other's experiences.
Aug 31, 2012
SueCasa
Welcome Robin. My son graduated on 8/10, left the next Wednesday for EO school. I believe he started classes this past week as they were waiting for enough sailors to form a class. I am sure our sons know each other since they have the same school. The base is southwest of St. Louis, out in the middle of nowhere hence the nickname "Ft. Nowhere". The sailors are all grouped together and he said there are about 70+ on base. He also said there is a learning curve as there are differences between Navy and Army (eye contact, ranks, lingo, etc.).
I was able to give him his cell phone after graduation so he has been keeping in touch. The first weekend he was there, a group was taken to interact with residents of a juvenile camp. He said it was really fun. He is also able to get care packages from home--the priority mail from the US Post Office has been getting there within a couple of days. However, it takes another couple of days for the sailor to get the package. He did ask for his 'good' running shoes as the ones he bought at BC were causing shin pain.
Where will your sailor be stationed after A School? Is he active or reserve?
Sep 1, 2012
Tobianne
Sep 1, 2012
mama bear
Hi Robin, My daughter finish her A school at Fort Leonard Wood for EO also, she also said that she had a hard time getting use to the different between Navy and Army. She had to do alot of standing watches, and running. When she gradurated in November. I went down there to pick her up for a small leave before she went back to her homeport in Gulfport, Miss. It was along drive from where I live in Northern Iowa to Missouri. However the country view was wonderful. Once you get to the base site, it's like a town within a town. The base site itself has some stores on it that they sometimes can go to on the weekend, after that the inital requirements are met, they must earn this privledge.. There are buildings that look like college dorms from the outside. If you go there to visit you must have on you, your son's name rank and division to get into the base they will stop you at the gate and we seen someone's car get searched. But over all I would say it looked like a good place.
Sep 1, 2012
Robin Harrison
Hi! It is great to read posts from others who have sons/ daughters in the same position as my son. I look at this as his next great adventure in life. He seems to be adjusting now, it was the first week or so that was more difficult. Mama Bear- did you go to the graduation? We would like to go, but it is 16 hours away! Ah, well, we have time to decide! Wishing you all a great weekend.
Sep 2, 2012
Momofahousefull
Heard from my 133 Bee who said that all is well.
Sep 11, 2012
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
Momofahousefull:
This is a link to pictures of our 133 Bees taken in Bangor Maine last night....Found my son in the pics...Maybe your Bee is there too!!http://http://ourstopinmaine.smugmug.com/TheTroops2012/September-2012
Sep 11, 2012
julieb1019
Sep 11, 2012
navygrandma
I need prayers for my son he is taking the test on Thursday to see if he advanced this is going to be his third time and he is nervous so keep in prayers will let you know the results thanks a lot
Sep 11, 2012
SeabeeWife20
Sep 12, 2012
julieb1019
Hi seabeewife 20 thanks for your support and insight. It really helps to keep my sanity and perspective on this experience. i sent you a private message.
Sep 12, 2012
Philip'sMom (Deb)
Julieb, Seabee wife, Momofahouseful, Joanie - my son is still in Gulfport finishing his ECS school. As soon as he gets his govt passport he'll be joining your guys. We are going on a visit in early Oct, since he'll probably leave soon after. 1st deployment, so this is hard. I'm telling myself he'll be at the base most of the time (he's a CM) and they wouldn't put a newbie (PIR 4/20) in harm's way. It seems to be working for now. I looked at the pics from Bangor and it hit me that he'll be there soon too. I am keeping your boys in my prayers and hope for the same in return! I haven't gotten on this site much because I always end up crying when I do. God bless!
Sep 13, 2012
julieb1019
Sep 13, 2012
chelsealoo
Sep 25, 2012
Dona
Sep 26, 2012