it's been a long time since I visited this page. I was just hoping that someone would know where to find pictures from the DC Seabee Ball from this year. My son was the youngest Bee at the Ball and helped to cut the cake with the Oldest Bee and the Admiral. Would love to see that picture :)
Hi everyone...question for those familiar with the Gulfport area. I am going to visit my son in a couple weeks for a 4 day weekend. Any "must see" or "must do" things in the area? He isn't much of a history buff and likes to do outdoor or sport kinda of things! Good restaurants? Just curious! I live in Montana so we are still covered in snow :)
Hi Kim, tony'sbrick oven pizza Salute italian restaurant and Koi Sushi are all great. There is a Krispy Kreme donut shop too. There is a nice strip of beach with restaurants and casino. We have always done shoret road trips. It is about an hour to Mobile Alabama with pretty good shopping and then of course good oke New Orleans if you go there you should go to the WW2 museum. It is great for everyone and they show a 4d movie about WW2. My teenage son even liked the museum. We stayed at the Navy Lodge on base. It is very inexpensive comfortable and clean. We had a family suite eith 2bedrooms 2bath 3tv and kitchen are $100 a night! The visit will go quick so enjoy every minute! There is a shooting range goo not far from the beach also
The Half Shell House in downtown Gulfport is wonderful if you like seafood. Several of the restaurants give military discounts, just make sure you ask because the don't advertise it.
Thanks, both julieb and Doña! Food is always good for my son! I know the time will go by way too fast. He transferred from Norfolk last fall and I'd like to be able to visualize where he is :)
I am a local and you have to try Pirate Cove's Poboys. Our Little Rays in Long Beach. Very traditional local food. How about taking a ride out to Cat Island? Lots of fun. I am not in Gulfport currently but do miss the area.
I am just returning to the group after deployment. I just returned last Sunday from Gulfport visiting my son. This is about my 5th or 6th trip. Our favorite place on the beach to eat is Shaggy's. It is a fun little beachy place a view that's awesome. It's casual and we usually do lunch there and sit on the patio and watch the boats coming in. I recommend getting the online paper from the base that tells everything going on or coming up. Every trip has something different. I went to Seabee Day on the base this trip and last year. It's a family fun day on the base. Also went to a Music Festival when I was there last May. And in April the Lt. Dan Band is coming there and it's a free concert to see that. Our first trip there when my son first month there we took a walk on the beach and walked on the pier. It was a nice place to talk and relax. We also to a ship excursion to an island for only 25.00 a ticket. It was nice to do but definitely when it's warm. We took a picnic and had it on the island. I hope that helps. Have a good time Kim. Just do what I do, whatever he wants to do is fine. My best view was seeing my son. Seabee Lake is on the base you can take a little canoe ride on the lake for nothing. I keep wanting to do this and we haven't yet.
I just booked my hotel for our trip to Gulfport, on the beach and from what I see not too far from the base. Was also wondering about local restaurants, specifically that serve seafood. We will only be there a couple days during the week, as my son will be graduating during that time there. Any suggestions are welcome :-)
Wow! Lots of good suggestions! You are right, though, the best view is just looking at your sailor!! My son said a lot depended on the weather...if he had his way we would be at the Crossfit gym the whole time :) I was looking at the boat rides out to an island or an alligator ride that is closer to New Orleans. Is the Jefferson Davis house worth the time to go see?
Kim email bonnie.lindleymccgerr@navy.mil and let her know you would like to be put on the email list to get the Gulfport online Seabee Courier.It comes to your email weekly. You can read all the goings on on the base and see pictures.
Checking in this week. My son called me Wednesday night and said who is with you mom? Where are you? I started to brace myself. I said I'm alone in my car. I just got off work from working 13 hours. I said is something new going on? He said yes, kinda. He said we wanted to call you and let you know we are going to have a baby. I screamed so loud, I am so glad he didn't tell me while I was inside the retirement home. I had to come on here to tell our navy moms because they are driving home for Easter and they want to tell their brothers and sisters in person and they gave me instructions to not say a word to any family. That means I'm safe on here. I have to keep quiet 22 more days because even though they get here before Easter day they aren't announcing until Easter Day. He's only been home from deployment 6 weeks and she is 3 weeks pregnant. That was the plan though so he could be home for the delivery. I'm so excited. But I must keep my lips sealed around all who know my family. We are hoping the baby is born before he deploys again. I am definitely saving vacation time now all year to get to December and some for visiting before then again. They just moved into a home for rent with 3 bedrooms so that made it perfect timing. In the back of my mind I'm already concerned he will worry about being gone on next deployment but I'm going to do my best to be a strong support for all of them so it eases some of that worry. I'm thankful that I have a month of vacation a year so I can spread it out next year to help give her a break. So far everything has always worked out while we keep them in prayer.
Ktssong- Congratulations on being a Grandma. I was pregnant with our first when my Hubby deployed for his first WestPac. I was 3 months when he left and 9 when he got home. He was home less than 2 weeks before she arrived. When she was 10months he Deployed again (new ship) for another 6 month WestPac. It is not easy but it is do-able. Actually having a baby to care for made it a little easier in some ways because our days were always full. I didn't have a lot of time to sit alone and miss him on the second deployment. encourage her to get involved in a moms group like MOPS before and after baby comes and that way she'll have a local support group to help should she need someone.
Ktssong- congrats on becoming a grandma! Yes, I went on my trip...it was wonderful seeing my son and meeting some of his new friends. Now that I got a tour of the base I can picture where he lives and works! Getting in and out of Gulfport airport was a nightmare! I think next time I will fly into New Orleans as there are more options. My flight kept getting delayed and cancelled- although it gave me another evening to spend with my son! We got him stocked up on new workout gear, tee shirts and ate a ton! We even made it to New Orleans for a day and went through the WWII museum. We had our first beignet's and now he wants more! Restaurants that were great...White Cap, Salute, Shaggy's and Cafe DuMond in New Orleans for Beignets! Went way to fast :( but it's always fun to be with the sailor.
My son is currently in A school down at Shepards AFB. Someone there told him that he is very likely going to be deployed to a certain area. I am wondering if you moms found early rumors to be accurate. I know I sound rather cryptic but guidelines....
ProudMominJersey, unless he has hard orders on paper in hand it's all speculation :) Mine was told he'd go to GP and ended up in DC after A school. Nothing is final until they are in transit..and even then it can change ;) lol
Kim, glad you had a great trip with your son. My daughter in law told me Beignets are delicious. She picked up a box to make some at home and everytime I go we say we're going to make them and we don't get to. My next trip will be in August or September and then again in October and December. I've not been on our group wall much and I'm starting to feel anxious about when we will know about the next deployment. I always like to try to wrap my head around what we have in store for us and like Debi said, it can change even in transit. I just am praying that at least they don't leave on the next deployment before the baby delivers because he already feels bad that he will be gone after it delivers. I just hope he can experience the birth of his first child.
My son got home for a visit the first week of May and we had a surprise party for him and 65 family and friends surprised him at a reception hall. We had a great time and he announced to the attendees a surprise announcement to them of the pregnancy so it was very exciting for all. The day of the party I went to pick up the cakes at Costco and I had two cakes with American flags on each and it said Welcome Home on one and Surprise we're pregnant on the other. My daughter let me use her card to pick them up and when I went to pay for them, the card was expired she gave me the wrong one. I was talking to the Manager about calling her and he said fine when the lady behind me started crying and said I'm paying for both your cakes. She said she saw what they said and it would be her honor to take care of it. I was so emotional with him about to be home for first time in over a year and that just put me over the edge in tears too. We hugged each other (perfect strangers) in a store. I was so moved by her support for our soldiers. Thought I'd share to help everyone feel the appreciation is for all of them she just had me there to show it but it was for all our sons and daughters. There is something warm and fuzzy about feeling the love of fellow Americans have for our troops.
How heartwarming to hear what another customer would do for you, ktssong!
My son was sent to a 5 week class at Fort Huachuca in Arizona so I got to see him just in time!
Welcome to the group, Carolynl!! My son just left GP last week for deployment - he absolutely loves GP! Is your Sailor starting A school soon, or are you further along in your journey? I'm relatively new here myself. If you are on Facebook, check out the Seabee Moms page as it's pretty active!
Hello all! My Seabee just graduated bootcamp on 6/6/14 and is in Gulfport, MS waiting for his class to fill up for A school. I was on a very active Facebook bootcamp page but was having trouble finding the next group! Thanks for the info, I will check out the Facebook Seabee group! My bee is going to be a builder too! :)
Carolynl- Sadly this page is not as active as the BC & PIR groups. I suspect that once you get past BC and can communicate on at least a somewhat normal basis with your sailor you just don't need as much from each other. Not that we don't still need support but it just isn't the same need. My bee was 8 weeks waiting to class up. FYI there is an order as to how they class up. Everyone who arrives this last week is put on the list in Alpha order. Sailors from the Fleet are the first to class-up, followed by those who are cross rating. Next comes other branches then They go down the list in alpha order by PIR date. They can be bumped by anyone higher up in the ranking structure. Class size is limited as well so that is also a factor. They will earn privileges while waiting but may have to re-earn them once they class up. While waiting they are found work to do. Helping at the Retirement center, Pulling weeds with a screwdriver, Helping at MWR events, Cleaning anything that doesn't move on 2 legs!! Learning that trash cans should NOT contain trash! and basically hurrying up and waiting!! Encourage your bee to stay in shape and learn everything he can while in the bee's. BU does not learn electrical, HVAC or plumbing while at A school but the can cross rate later. If they can cross rate into one of those 3 then they will be able to find good paying jobs after the Navy. BU pays well too but having several skills is a huge Bonus!!
hannahxvictoria - My sailor was recently in A school in Port Hueneme. A sailor at A school cannot have a vehicle when they first arrive. They must earn that privilege.
They have to earn privileges at A school. My daughter went to A School in Port Hueneme. She didn't get her car until after she completed combat training and got assigned to her battalion in Gulfport.
Happy Birthday to my 'Bee today. Even though he's far away physically, he's right here with me in my heart! Thinking of all other moms who have sons and daughters away on their "special" days. Thanks for their service!
fire fighter- It depends. They may go to combat school or they may go to their first duty station. They may or may not get to take leave after A school depending on when they are supposed to report to their next assignment. Usually if they are going to combat training they might not get leave, but this is the Navy!! It's a lot of hurry up and wait and you won't know till you do!!
Tereza(Angels Mom) and AuburnLark- Deployments are tough! This is our 2nd one. The 1st one was incredibly hard because he was in a combat zone, and in my mind, the worst possibly place on the planet! (6 months from the time he went to BC, btw) I didn't breath for 6 months. I am also grateful that I didn't know what he was was doing/ exactly where he was, because I could still believe that he was in a little bubble of protection. I am not so naive now, which is not necessarily a good thing. I liked my little bubble. This site gave me some comfort and connected me to other moms who were going through the same thing. I also joined Blue Star Moms and connected with other military moms in the area. This deployment is not in a combat zone (Thank God) but is on the other side of the world, so communication will be tough. He is supposed to be back in Feb. I know he can go off base on the weekends and his new wife is planning a visit. He will have his own room and WiFi. My mind is much more at ease with this one! Just remember, when you think you are falling apart, this is a place you can go to get support. You don't have to be so strong here. But, other moms don't hide the truth from you either. :)
My bee is in San Diego and wants to buy a car. Does anyone have any place I can refer him...he's only 19 and doesn't really know what to look for. He's only been there for a month and having a hard time hooking up with some new friends so he's a bit lonely. I've encouraged him to get involved in activities at the Base so he has tried flag football which he loved and hopes to continue. Are there any suggestions on other activities I can point him towards?
SheisaSeabee Ship11/Div420
Mar 6, 2014
mom2nw
Welcome to the Lucky Eleven, Beachmom!
Mar 7, 2014
Beachmom (Ship 13, Div 281)
Thanks mom2nw!
Mar 7, 2014
Debi
HI all!
it's been a long time since I visited this page. I was just hoping that someone would know where to find pictures from the DC Seabee Ball from this year. My son was the youngest Bee at the Ball and helped to cut the cake with the Oldest Bee and the Admiral. Would love to see that picture :)
Mar 10, 2014
belovedbyHim
Hey Debi- My Bee was the youngest at his base too. I'm hoping he has pics soon.
Mar 10, 2014
Kim
Mar 15, 2014
julieb1019
Mar 15, 2014
Dona
Mar 15, 2014
Kim
Mar 15, 2014
Carrie (sh 14 Div 104 PIR 3/14)
I am a local and you have to try Pirate Cove's Poboys. Our Little Rays in Long Beach. Very traditional local food. How about taking a ride out to Cat Island? Lots of fun. I am not in Gulfport currently but do miss the area.
Mar 16, 2014
ktssong
I am just returning to the group after deployment. I just returned last Sunday from Gulfport visiting my son. This is about my 5th or 6th trip. Our favorite place on the beach to eat is Shaggy's. It is a fun little beachy place a view that's awesome. It's casual and we usually do lunch there and sit on the patio and watch the boats coming in. I recommend getting the online paper from the base that tells everything going on or coming up. Every trip has something different. I went to Seabee Day on the base this trip and last year. It's a family fun day on the base. Also went to a Music Festival when I was there last May. And in April the Lt. Dan Band is coming there and it's a free concert to see that. Our first trip there when my son first month there we took a walk on the beach and walked on the pier. It was a nice place to talk and relax. We also to a ship excursion to an island for only 25.00 a ticket. It was nice to do but definitely when it's warm. We took a picnic and had it on the island. I hope that helps. Have a good time Kim. Just do what I do, whatever he wants to do is fine. My best view was seeing my son. Seabee Lake is on the base you can take a little canoe ride on the lake for nothing. I keep wanting to do this and we haven't yet.
Mar 16, 2014
barefoot1
I just booked my hotel for our trip to Gulfport, on the beach and from what I see not too far from the base. Was also wondering about local restaurants, specifically that serve seafood. We will only be there a couple days during the week, as my son will be graduating during that time there. Any suggestions are welcome :-)
Mar 17, 2014
Kim
Mar 17, 2014
ktssong
Kim email bonnie.lindleymccgerr@navy.mil and let her know you would like to be put on the email list to get the Gulfport online Seabee Courier.It comes to your email weekly. You can read all the goings on on the base and see pictures.
Mar 18, 2014
Kim
Mar 18, 2014
ktssong
Checking in this week. My son called me Wednesday night and said who is with you mom? Where are you? I started to brace myself. I said I'm alone in my car. I just got off work from working 13 hours. I said is something new going on? He said yes, kinda. He said we wanted to call you and let you know we are going to have a baby. I screamed so loud, I am so glad he didn't tell me while I was inside the retirement home. I had to come on here to tell our navy moms because they are driving home for Easter and they want to tell their brothers and sisters in person and they gave me instructions to not say a word to any family. That means I'm safe on here. I have to keep quiet 22 more days because even though they get here before Easter day they aren't announcing until Easter Day. He's only been home from deployment 6 weeks and she is 3 weeks pregnant. That was the plan though so he could be home for the delivery. I'm so excited. But I must keep my lips sealed around all who know my family. We are hoping the baby is born before he deploys again. I am definitely saving vacation time now all year to get to December and some for visiting before then again. They just moved into a home for rent with 3 bedrooms so that made it perfect timing. In the back of my mind I'm already concerned he will worry about being gone on next deployment but I'm going to do my best to be a strong support for all of them so it eases some of that worry. I'm thankful that I have a month of vacation a year so I can spread it out next year to help give her a break. So far everything has always worked out while we keep them in prayer.
Kim have you been on your trip yet?
Mar 29, 2014
belovedbyHim
Ktssong- Congratulations on being a Grandma. I was pregnant with our first when my Hubby deployed for his first WestPac. I was 3 months when he left and 9 when he got home. He was home less than 2 weeks before she arrived. When she was 10months he Deployed again (new ship) for another 6 month WestPac. It is not easy but it is do-able. Actually having a baby to care for made it a little easier in some ways because our days were always full. I didn't have a lot of time to sit alone and miss him on the second deployment. encourage her to get involved in a moms group like MOPS before and after baby comes and that way she'll have a local support group to help should she need someone.
Mar 29, 2014
Momofahousefull
Ktssong - Congratulations!! Being a Grandmother is so much fun! I'll be praying for your son & his family as well as you. Congrats again!!
Apr 2, 2014
Kim
Apr 9, 2014
ProudMominJersey
My son is currently in A school down at Shepards AFB. Someone there told him that he is very likely going to be deployed to a certain area. I am wondering if you moms found early rumors to be accurate. I know I sound rather cryptic but guidelines....
May 15, 2014
Debi
ProudMominJersey, unless he has hard orders on paper in hand it's all speculation :) Mine was told he'd go to GP and ended up in DC after A school. Nothing is final until they are in transit..and even then it can change ;) lol
May 17, 2014
ProudMominJersey
Oh Thank you so much, Debi!!!
May 19, 2014
ktssong
Kim, glad you had a great trip with your son. My daughter in law told me Beignets are delicious. She picked up a box to make some at home and everytime I go we say we're going to make them and we don't get to. My next trip will be in August or September and then again in October and December. I've not been on our group wall much and I'm starting to feel anxious about when we will know about the next deployment. I always like to try to wrap my head around what we have in store for us and like Debi said, it can change even in transit. I just am praying that at least they don't leave on the next deployment before the baby delivers because he already feels bad that he will be gone after it delivers. I just hope he can experience the birth of his first child.
My son got home for a visit the first week of May and we had a surprise party for him and 65 family and friends surprised him at a reception hall. We had a great time and he announced to the attendees a surprise announcement to them of the pregnancy so it was very exciting for all. The day of the party I went to pick up the cakes at Costco and I had two cakes with American flags on each and it said Welcome Home on one and Surprise we're pregnant on the other. My daughter let me use her card to pick them up and when I went to pay for them, the card was expired she gave me the wrong one. I was talking to the Manager about calling her and he said fine when the lady behind me started crying and said I'm paying for both your cakes. She said she saw what they said and it would be her honor to take care of it. I was so emotional with him about to be home for first time in over a year and that just put me over the edge in tears too. We hugged each other (perfect strangers) in a store. I was so moved by her support for our soldiers. Thought I'd share to help everyone feel the appreciation is for all of them she just had me there to show it but it was for all our sons and daughters. There is something warm and fuzzy about feeling the love of fellow Americans have for our troops.
May 20, 2014
ProudMominJersey
What a wonderful story!!!! Thank you so much.
May 28, 2014
Kim
My son was sent to a 5 week class at Fort Huachuca in Arizona so I got to see him just in time!
May 28, 2014
carolynl
My Sailor arrived in Gulfport, MS on June 7, 2014. Any other moms out there?
Jun 11, 2014
barefoot1
Welcome to the group, Carolynl!! My son just left GP last week for deployment - he absolutely loves GP! Is your Sailor starting A school soon, or are you further along in your journey? I'm relatively new here myself. If you are on Facebook, check out the Seabee Moms page as it's pretty active!
Jun 11, 2014
belovedbyHim
Welcome Carolynl- My Bee builder is at his first duty station in Italy. What Rate is your Bee?
Jun 11, 2014
carolynl
Hello all! My Seabee just graduated bootcamp on 6/6/14 and is in Gulfport, MS waiting for his class to fill up for A school. I was on a very active Facebook bootcamp page but was having trouble finding the next group! Thanks for the info, I will check out the Facebook Seabee group! My bee is going to be a builder too! :)
Jun 12, 2014
belovedbyHim
Carolynl- Sadly this page is not as active as the BC & PIR groups. I suspect that once you get past BC and can communicate on at least a somewhat normal basis with your sailor you just don't need as much from each other. Not that we don't still need support but it just isn't the same need. My bee was 8 weeks waiting to class up. FYI there is an order as to how they class up. Everyone who arrives this last week is put on the list in Alpha order. Sailors from the Fleet are the first to class-up, followed by those who are cross rating. Next comes other branches then They go down the list in alpha order by PIR date. They can be bumped by anyone higher up in the ranking structure. Class size is limited as well so that is also a factor. They will earn privileges while waiting but may have to re-earn them once they class up. While waiting they are found work to do. Helping at the Retirement center, Pulling weeds with a screwdriver, Helping at MWR events, Cleaning anything that doesn't move on 2 legs!! Learning that trash cans should NOT contain trash! and basically hurrying up and waiting!! Encourage your bee to stay in shape and learn everything he can while in the bee's. BU does not learn electrical, HVAC or plumbing while at A school but the can cross rate later. If they can cross rate into one of those 3 then they will be able to find good paying jobs after the Navy. BU pays well too but having several skills is a huge Bonus!!
Jun 12, 2014
ProudMominJersey
My Bee is finishing up A school and has orders for Gulfport. Anyone know what his day will be like there?
Jun 25, 2014
hannahxvictoria
Jul 13, 2014
Sarabi2013
Jul 14, 2014
ProudMominJersey
Well now his orders were changed and he's going to Port Hueneme. How is it there?
Jul 18, 2014
SheisaSeabee Ship11/Div420
Jul 18, 2014
Momofahousefull
Happy Birthday to my 'Bee today. Even though he's far away physically, he's right here with me in my heart! Thinking of all other moms who have sons and daughters away on their "special" days. Thanks for their service!
Jul 19, 2014
Navyhubby FF
Jul 24, 2014
abbyblue
some of you may not read blogs but I wanted to post this here We lost a good seabee navy veteran http://navyformoms.com/profiles/blogs/i-have-lost-my-son?id=1971797...
Jul 27, 2014
Navyhubby FF
does any one know what happens after A school for seabees once their leave is finished?????
Jul 28, 2014
belovedbyHim
fire fighter- It depends. They may go to combat school or they may go to their first duty station. They may or may not get to take leave after A school depending on when they are supposed to report to their next assignment. Usually if they are going to combat training they might not get leave, but this is the Navy!! It's a lot of hurry up and wait and you won't know till you do!!
Jul 28, 2014
Navyhubby FF
thank you beloved im new to all this
Jul 28, 2014
cs3370cs
My son went to combat school for 3-4 weeks and then to his base. He loved learning to shoot guns.
Jul 28, 2014
ProudMominJersey
That is what my son is doing too -- 3 weeks of combat school then off to his assigned battalion.
Jul 30, 2014
Philip'sMom (Deb)
Beginning deployment today. Never get used to this!
Aug 7, 2014
Philip'sMom (Deb)
Tereza(Angels Mom) and AuburnLark- Deployments are tough! This is our 2nd one. The 1st one was incredibly hard because he was in a combat zone, and in my mind, the worst possibly place on the planet! (6 months from the time he went to BC, btw) I didn't breath for 6 months. I am also grateful that I didn't know what he was was doing/ exactly where he was, because I could still believe that he was in a little bubble of protection. I am not so naive now, which is not necessarily a good thing. I liked my little bubble. This site gave me some comfort and connected me to other moms who were going through the same thing. I also joined Blue Star Moms and connected with other military moms in the area. This deployment is not in a combat zone (Thank God) but is on the other side of the world, so communication will be tough. He is supposed to be back in Feb. I know he can go off base on the weekends and his new wife is planning a visit. He will have his own room and WiFi. My mind is much more at ease with this one! Just remember, when you think you are falling apart, this is a place you can go to get support. You don't have to be so strong here. But, other moms don't hide the truth from you either. :)
Aug 8, 2014
Tracey
Aug 18, 2014
Navyhubby FF
Aug 18, 2014
KathybShip13Div099
My bee went to A school in Pt Hueneme as a cmca. He is now stationed in Coronado, CA. Loves it. Didn't get car until he got to Coronado.
Aug 19, 2014
mominconnecticut
My bee is in San Diego and wants to buy a car. Does anyone have any place I can refer him...he's only 19 and doesn't really know what to look for. He's only been there for a month and having a hard time hooking up with some new friends so he's a bit lonely. I've encouraged him to get involved in activities at the Base so he has tried flag football which he loved and hopes to continue. Are there any suggestions on other activities I can point him towards?
Aug 19, 2014
Navyhubby FF
im trying to figure out if anyone sailor was on hold for A school
Aug 25, 2014