Thank you, Karen. Yes, that would be wonderful. :-) I'm sure they will be challenged, but will have a lot of fun, too. You've got less than 3 weeks to go to PIR!
My son is a brand new shiny Seabee and arrived in Gulfport ready and excited to start his Navy career. He had a decent bc experience, and by that I mean he passed everything easily and made wonderful life long friends. The stories were hysterical and he made the best of it, which is about all you can hope for. Looking forward to spending some time with all of you and appreciate the support as my family starts the next journey with our son!
It's nice to "meet" you, Hayden's Mom! My son is enjoying being on hold, waiting for his class to form. He passed his A-school PFA, although they were running in 100-degree heat on the runway. He's enjoying being at an AFB, because he loves planes and likes to watch them. He's making friends and enjoying the increased liberty. He is now in "second phase," whatever that is.
Lighthouse3 Phase 2 would be his liberty status...it means he can leave the base but has to be back by a curfew time. Once he hits phase 3 he can actually stay off base on the weekends if he doesn't have duty :) My Seabee is still trying to hit phase 2. He said they had to phase up as a class and some of his classmates are not making good choices..so when we go to see him next week we'll have to visit on base only..no exploring the area around the base :(
Thank you for the info Lighthouse3 and Debi. My boy starts A school June 13th. We plan to visit in mid Aug, so hopefully he will have some liberty by then. I am just happy to text daily and keep in touch..yikes, boot camp letters just didn't do it for me. He actually said, "Mom, as a rule, boot camp is harder on the family. We are too busy and tired to think much about anything other than getting to one day closer to graduation." Yep, pretty much sums it up!
I think Phase 2 must be different for different bases maybe? My son is in Witchita Falls now and says that Phases are an individual thing where you take a test to pass into the next phase. You keep your phase unless you don't do well on your tests.
My son called today and said his class is now supposed to start on Monday! That is good; two weeks on hold is probably enough. Is it accurate that they have to purchase their own training manuals (at $80 each x 2)? He said they no longer have to muster up each night, so he can call earlier or get to bed earlier--now I can't remember which!
I know my son had to buy a book for sure, but I didn't hear weather it was one or two. I talked to my son today and he said they will be working with the kids that start on Monday... Maybe they will meet! My son is squad leader for the night class group (there is a day class and night class going for their group... I think he called one s shift and I can't remember what the other is... T shift maybe...)
My son had PIR 5/17 and flew to gulfport for A School. He had a couple weeks to waste before classes started. He finally has a roommate... His roomate came later. He and his roommate seem to be friends and they have lots of them. Every time we talk his room is full of people just hanging out or dooing their homework, getting help from one another. My son sounds really good and is enjoying his time. He had watch the other night and when he got back hid friends had saved him some pizza... He has good friends, sounds happy, I'm so happy for him!!
Lighthouse3 my son also was in PIR 5/24 and is at A School to become a Seabee. My guess though is your son isn't at Port Hueneme? I haven't been able to have much communication with my son and to be honest I am missing him so much.
DaltonsMom, it seems our sons do know each other and will be on the same shift! That's fun. I was blessed with a nice long call this afternoon, so my son-love tank is quite full. :-)
Lighthouse3: That is great... I know how you feel... I got to talk to mine for a bit today... he is on phase 3 at school, so a bunch of them are staying in a super nice hotel tonight! He was excited to get a little freedom this weekend!
Karen - I remember the anticipation of PIR! Do your best to get there early so you can find your ship's section. There are no words to describe the flood of emotions as the new sailors march into that building! Enjoy!!
Karen - Enjoy every minute of PIR and every minute with your sailor. I started crying just sitting there waiting for the big overhead doors to open.......and then when they opened......OMG......it was unbelievable. Take lots of tissues. I cried through the entire ceremony.
It was the most amazing moment of my life when those doors started to open and all you could see we're those marching feet....the emotions go crazy!!! Have your camera ready....those moments are sooooo special !!!! We are 6 months out now, my Seabee is stationed in Key West, he has become a productive responsible young man and he's still only 19...We love the Seabees, enjoy your new sailor, PIR and everything that goes with it!
I have a question for anyone with a Sailor with the rating of CE. Where do they complete combat training? Is that part of A school at Wichita Falls? Or do they go elsewhere for this? I would appreciate any info available. I am so excited for PIR on Friday. Still waiting on the "I'm a Sailor" call that should come early next week.
Morning Seabee Moms. My future Seabee has PIR on 6/21. I am so excited. I got a 30 minute call yesterday after his division won Captains Cup!. He is so excited to be almost done, one more test on Monday. He cant wait to get to A school and become part of the Seabee group!
my future Seabee is UT havent seen anybody going to TX for A school. Anybody know anything about this. It's all new to me. Thanks in advance for a reply!
OMG i thought mine was the only one! lol I know there is only a small group of them like 1000? right? how is yours doing if you cant say here, just email me. the
Hi Ladies. Well its finally here. Got the Im a Sailor call yesterday. Flying out tomorrow for PIR. My son will then be on his way to Wichita Falls for A school. I appreciate all the support and questions answered thus far. I am sure I will have many more to come. LOL
optimo - My son is an EO and did his A schooling in Fort Leonard Wood, MO or as the guys like to call it Fort Lost in the oods. Not a lot to do around there, but they are there for training anyways. FLW is very strict with their rules. A lot of watch and duty time, but my son enjoyed it at the same time. He had to earn time to wear his civilian clothes. I think I sent them about three weeks into the training. They can get phased backward too if someone does something wrong. And it only takes one to spoil it for the whole bunch. Good luck to your Seabee. I am sure he will do just fine. My son is now in Gulfport. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Daltonsmom, Yes, my son is in Souda Bay Greece(Crete) since May. He loves it! Do you have a son there? I have another son in Bremerton, WA with the USS Stennis.
Daltonsmom-my son is a BU..just turned 22yo. We put his cell on military hold he use that and his ipad for internet communication. Mostly facetime or fb inbox communication. My advice sunscreen! My son got in trouble for a sunburn.." vandalism of government property" LOL! I sent my son a message asking what I can pass along to you. He loves it there and his pics are gorgeous. Keep you posted.
optimo my son is currently at FLW as an EO. He's been there since the beginning of May and his class FINALLY phased up to phase 2. We just visited him down there too while he was still phase 1. Lynette is right..they are VERY strict about phasing up and duty/watch. Most of the petty officers are formal but friendly. We only had issues with one petty officer who is just a mean spirited person. Luckily my son doesn't have to deal with him except as Office of the Day once in a while.
FLW is HUGE! There is a burger king and churches chicken by the Exchange/commissary/PX/Dry cleaners. They also have a pizza hut right in their living area that they can walk to when they have to stay put due to duty. They have access to a nice gym / track/ Chapel, and chow hall. There's a full out door adventure area that has a paintball field, trap shooting, and archery ranges. They can rent fishing gear and fish in the river that runs through part of the base.
The guys/gals like to grill out on the weekends on their small grill/picnic area in the living area. They have access to pool tables, computers, big screen tv with DVD player and a microwave. Not a bad set up at all.
Hi all. I am finally home after PIR. What an awesome experience. My Sailor is now settled in at Sheppard Air Force Base thanks to DaltonsMom and her wonderful Sailor. Lighthouse3... Congrats!!! My son will be right behind yours. Looking forward to following along on your sons experiences!
HI everyone! This is all new to me, since my son is still an SR. But he will be heading to Sheppard Air Force Base, as well, Karen. He will be UT. Is there anything that I could pass on to him in his letters, on what he can expect when he gets to A School? We still have 32 days left until PIR. This mom is anxious to see her boy!
Hello all. I'm a mega newby here. My son shipped to BC last Wed. He is supposed to go to A school in Biloxi as a BU after that. I have no idea how long A school is or what to expect. Does anyone know how long after PIR they usually have before they leave for A school? When in BC do they usually find out? Are you better able to visit with them at A school than at PIR? Any advice from anyone who has "been there, Done that" would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to knowing you all.
My son PIR'ed 5/31 and is presently going to A school SW in Gulfport. It has been our experience that SR's routinely graduate on Friday, spend the day with loved ones until 7pm that evening, return to RTC and get on a bus to O'Hare early Sat morning(2:30am for us) You are able to meet your sailor and sit with them with a special pass issued through the USO. Once they arrive to A school they will be briefed and most likely will be on "hold" until their class fills. My son was on hold for 3 weeks before his classes started. During that time they do a lot of cleaning and busy work. Although not as strict as boot camp, they have very few liberties. Over time they "phase up" and receive liberties that include civilian clothing and extended curfews. I hope this information is helpful :)
Belovedbyhim, I think you mean Gulf Port.
If he has A-school there, he will move barracks once done to start ECS training which is also done at Gulf Port. During A-school he will find out what base and battalion he will Join. Mine is a CE, she is at Port Hueneme. She A-schooled in TX. She just passed her 3 year anniversary. Is also getting ready for her second deployment in a few months.
Beloved byHim, my son's PIR was 12/21 he got to come home for a week for Christmas....best gift ever!!! He is also a BU and was at Gulfport for A school...It's hard to visit there to because they are scheduled at random times for watch and they can't leave the base then...but they do level up to having most weekends off so if you can time it right it's worth it! My son didn't have to do ECS...he was sent out right after graduation he is now n Public Works and is lucky enough to be stationed in Key West !!!! We've visited once and plan to go back for his birthday...Navy lodge is only $60 even in Key West!!!! Good Luck to you it's a roller coaster of emotions but 7 months down the road you get to reap the benefits!!! A quick hint..I saved the "kid in a Box' box and I use.it for all the keepsakes, letters, PIR program, everything that he will get a kick out of seeing when he finally gets out!!! Enjoy your ride!!!
Lighthouse3 Div203 PIR5/24/13
Thank you, Karen. Yes, that would be wonderful. :-) I'm sure they will be challenged, but will have a lot of fun, too. You've got less than 3 weeks to go to PIR!
Jun 1, 2013
Hayden's Mom 12 207
Good Morning Seabee Moms,
My son is a brand new shiny Seabee and arrived in Gulfport ready and excited to start his Navy career. He had a decent bc experience, and by that I mean he passed everything easily and made wonderful life long friends. The stories were hysterical and he made the best of it, which is about all you can hope for. Looking forward to spending some time with all of you and appreciate the support as my family starts the next journey with our son!
Jun 3, 2013
Lighthouse3 Div203 PIR5/24/13
It's nice to "meet" you, Hayden's Mom! My son is enjoying being on hold, waiting for his class to form. He passed his A-school PFA, although they were running in 100-degree heat on the runway. He's enjoying being at an AFB, because he loves planes and likes to watch them. He's making friends and enjoying the increased liberty. He is now in "second phase," whatever that is.
Jun 5, 2013
Debi
Lighthouse3 Phase 2 would be his liberty status...it means he can leave the base but has to be back by a curfew time. Once he hits phase 3 he can actually stay off base on the weekends if he doesn't have duty :) My Seabee is still trying to hit phase 2. He said they had to phase up as a class and some of his classmates are not making good choices..so when we go to see him next week we'll have to visit on base only..no exploring the area around the base :(
Jun 5, 2013
Hayden's Mom 12 207
Thank you for the info Lighthouse3 and Debi. My boy starts A school June 13th. We plan to visit in mid Aug, so hopefully he will have some liberty by then. I am just happy to text daily and keep in touch..yikes, boot camp letters just didn't do it for me. He actually said, "Mom, as a rule, boot camp is harder on the family. We are too busy and tired to think much about anything other than getting to one day closer to graduation." Yep, pretty much sums it up!
Jun 5, 2013
DaltonsMom (Ship 13 Div 127)
Jun 5, 2013
Lighthouse3 Div203 PIR5/24/13
Jun 5, 2013
DaltonsMom (Ship 13 Div 127)
Jun 5, 2013
DsMomma
My son had PIR 5/17 and flew to gulfport for A School. He had a couple weeks to waste before classes started. He finally has a roommate... His roomate came later. He and his roommate seem to be friends and they have lots of them. Every time we talk his room is full of people just hanging out or dooing their homework, getting help from one another. My son sounds really good and is enjoying his time. He had watch the other night and when he got back hid friends had saved him some pizza... He has good friends, sounds happy, I'm so happy for him!!
Jun 6, 2013
Luvmyboyz
Lighthouse3 my son also was in PIR 5/24 and is at A School to become a Seabee. My guess though is your son isn't at Port Hueneme? I haven't been able to have much communication with my son and to be honest I am missing him so much.
Jun 6, 2013
Lighthouse3 Div203 PIR5/24/13
DaltonsMom, that would be great if they met! I don't know what shift he will be on.
Jun 6, 2013
Lighthouse3 Div203 PIR5/24/13
Jun 8, 2013
DaltonsMom (Ship 13 Div 127)
Jun 8, 2013
Debi
Yes the phase proceedure does vary by base and base command. Don't know why Ft.LW is so much stricter but what can one do but wait.
Jun 10, 2013
Karen
Hello Seabee Moms. I am now 9 days away from my Sons PIR and getting so excited I can hardly contain myself!!!
Jun 11, 2013
Momofahousefull
Karen - I remember the anticipation of PIR! Do your best to get there early so you can find your ship's section. There are no words to describe the flood of emotions as the new sailors march into that building! Enjoy!!
Jun 11, 2013
Lynette
Karen - Enjoy every minute of PIR and every minute with your sailor. I started crying just sitting there waiting for the big overhead doors to open.......and then when they opened......OMG......it was unbelievable. Take lots of tissues. I cried through the entire ceremony.
Jun 11, 2013
deniseMatt'smom
Jun 11, 2013
Karen
I have a question for anyone with a Sailor with the rating of CE. Where do they complete combat training? Is that part of A school at Wichita Falls? Or do they go elsewhere for this? I would appreciate any info available. I am so excited for PIR on Friday. Still waiting on the "I'm a Sailor" call that should come early next week.
Jun 15, 2013
Dona
My son is a CM and did his in Gulfport
Jun 15, 2013
Karen
Morning Seabee Moms. My future Seabee has PIR on 6/21. I am so excited. I got a 30 minute call yesterday after his division won Captains Cup!. He is so excited to be almost done, one more test on Monday. He cant wait to get to A school and become part of the Seabee group!
Jun 16, 2013
Lighthouse3 Div203 PIR5/24/13
Jun 17, 2013
optimo
my future Seabee is UT havent seen anybody going to TX for A school. Anybody know anything about this. It's all new to me. Thanks in advance for a reply!
Jun 17, 2013
Seabeemom78 Ship 03 DIV 183
Jun 17, 2013
optimo
OMG i thought mine was the only one! lol I know there is only a small group of them like 1000? right? how is yours doing if you cant say here, just email me. the
Jun 17, 2013
Karen
Hi Ladies. Well its finally here. Got the Im a Sailor call yesterday. Flying out tomorrow for PIR. My son will then be on his way to Wichita Falls for A school. I appreciate all the support and questions answered thus far. I am sure I will have many more to come. LOL
Jun 19, 2013
Lighthouse3 Div203 PIR5/24/13
YIPEE! Congratulations to your son and his fellow sailors! May the Lord grant you a safe flight and wonderful celebration, Karen.
Jun 19, 2013
optimo
Jun 20, 2013
DaltonsMom (Ship 13 Div 127)
Jun 21, 2013
Lynette
optimo - My son is an EO and did his A schooling in Fort Leonard Wood, MO or as the guys like to call it Fort Lost in the oods. Not a lot to do around there, but they are there for training anyways. FLW is very strict with their rules. A lot of watch and duty time, but my son enjoyed it at the same time. He had to earn time to wear his civilian clothes. I think I sent them about three weeks into the training. They can get phased backward too if someone does something wrong. And it only takes one to spoil it for the whole bunch. Good luck to your Seabee. I am sure he will do just fine. My son is now in Gulfport. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Jun 22, 2013
Lynette
P.S. to optimo - FLW is an Army base and my son says that the food there does not begin to compare to the Navy's. Lol!!!
Jun 22, 2013
Leisure-Ley
Jun 23, 2013
DaltonsMom (Ship 13 Div 127)
Jun 23, 2013
DaltonsMom (Ship 13 Div 127)
Jun 23, 2013
Leisure-Ley
Jun 23, 2013
DaltonsMom (Ship 13 Div 127)
Jun 23, 2013
Debi
optimo my son is currently at FLW as an EO. He's been there since the beginning of May and his class FINALLY phased up to phase 2. We just visited him down there too while he was still phase 1. Lynette is right..they are VERY strict about phasing up and duty/watch. Most of the petty officers are formal but friendly. We only had issues with one petty officer who is just a mean spirited person. Luckily my son doesn't have to deal with him except as Office of the Day once in a while.
FLW is HUGE! There is a burger king and churches chicken by the Exchange/commissary/PX/Dry cleaners. They also have a pizza hut right in their living area that they can walk to when they have to stay put due to duty. They have access to a nice gym / track/ Chapel, and chow hall. There's a full out door adventure area that has a paintball field, trap shooting, and archery ranges. They can rent fishing gear and fish in the river that runs through part of the base.
The guys/gals like to grill out on the weekends on their small grill/picnic area in the living area. They have access to pool tables, computers, big screen tv with DVD player and a microwave. Not a bad set up at all.
Jun 23, 2013
Lighthouse3 Div203 PIR5/24/13
My son passed his first CE block exam. One step at a time....
Jun 24, 2013
DaltonsMom (Ship 13 Div 127)
Jun 24, 2013
Lighthouse3 Div203 PIR5/24/13
Jun 25, 2013
Karen
Hi all. I am finally home after PIR. What an awesome experience. My Sailor is now settled in at Sheppard Air Force Base thanks to DaltonsMom and her wonderful Sailor. Lighthouse3... Congrats!!! My son will be right behind yours. Looking forward to following along on your sons experiences!
Jun 25, 2013
Lighthouse3 Div203 PIR5/24/13
Jun 26, 2013
Lighthouse3 Div203 PIR5/24/13
Jun 30, 2013
tabu1218
HI everyone! This is all new to me, since my son is still an SR. But he will be heading to Sheppard Air Force Base, as well, Karen. He will be UT. Is there anything that I could pass on to him in his letters, on what he can expect when he gets to A School? We still have 32 days left until PIR. This mom is anxious to see her boy!
Jun 30, 2013
shea05-ship11div288pir8-9-13
hello everyone-Im also very new to this my son's PIR is Aug. 9 then on his way to Missouri to A school.
Jun 30, 2013
belovedbyHim
Hello all. I'm a mega newby here. My son shipped to BC last Wed. He is supposed to go to A school in Biloxi as a BU after that. I have no idea how long A school is or what to expect. Does anyone know how long after PIR they usually have before they leave for A school? When in BC do they usually find out? Are you better able to visit with them at A school than at PIR? Any advice from anyone who has "been there, Done that" would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to knowing you all.
Jul 1, 2013
Hayden's Mom 12 207
Hi belovedbyHim,
My son PIR'ed 5/31 and is presently going to A school SW in Gulfport. It has been our experience that SR's routinely graduate on Friday, spend the day with loved ones until 7pm that evening, return to RTC and get on a bus to O'Hare early Sat morning(2:30am for us) You are able to meet your sailor and sit with them with a special pass issued through the USO. Once they arrive to A school they will be briefed and most likely will be on "hold" until their class fills. My son was on hold for 3 weeks before his classes started. During that time they do a lot of cleaning and busy work. Although not as strict as boot camp, they have very few liberties. Over time they "phase up" and receive liberties that include civilian clothing and extended curfews. I hope this information is helpful :)
Jul 1, 2013
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
Got my sailor home on leave for a week...Just love having him so close.
Jul 1, 2013
Tobianne
If he has A-school there, he will move barracks once done to start ECS training which is also done at Gulf Port. During A-school he will find out what base and battalion he will Join. Mine is a CE, she is at Port Hueneme. She A-schooled in TX. She just passed her 3 year anniversary. Is also getting ready for her second deployment in a few months.
Jul 1, 2013
deniseMatt'smom
Jul 1, 2013