Hi everyone. I have been a little out of touch lately but wanted to check in and send a shout out to Kalynn for taking time to meet my girl. ZZ really enjoyed herself and it means more to me than you can ever imagine. Hugs to you and your Sailor as your family transitions to your new base.
So, I am not going to get to go back to Jacksonville for Easter as I had planned. I am rather sad but economically I can't swing it right now.
Since I was last on ZZ has been switched to mid-shift where she works 10p - 630 a. She is having a rough time shifting her sleep schedule but is really enjoying the job more. She says without all the higher rank around she is actually getting to work on the planes.
Welp, thats all I have for now. Hugs to all you ladies. I really appreciate this forum.
I'm back! Had a wonderful visit with Dune. Even got to meet a couple of his friends. Such great guys and the one gal i got to meet was so nice and a cutie too. Dune says oh mom we are just friends. got to bug him a little ya know. I have to say Jacksonville is one huge city. not take in mind that i live in a little bitty town so was a bit overwhelmed with all the cars. Enjoyed the hotels on base very much and was so sorry to have to leave. OH Thank you Kalynn for the birthday singing to my Son:) So glad that ZZ is getting to work on those planes more. Yack more later:)
Anyone in the area who likes chicfilet, check this out, it's for VP 16, Family Support Group:
This Thursday from 5-8 PM is Spirit Night at Chickfila at the Towncenter. What this means is that everyone who comes in and mentions vp-16 when purchasing their food, a percentage of their purchase goes to the FRG. We need this fundraiser to be a success. What can you do to help?
Come to Chickfila Thursday evening for dinner and tell all you friends, family, neighbors, etc. Facebook them, text them, email them, call them, etc.
cfssnowmom: My daughter (AM) did C school in January but it really wasn't a school per say like A school. It was a couple weeks of things a little more specific to her plane. When she fiinished she just went right on over to her squadron.
navydadjim- there was a couple bad days with the smoke. The wind changed direction though so it hasn't been bad. The weather has been really nice though.
My son's homecoming from deployment will be soon and I would LOVE to have someone give him a hug, doesn't have to be that day, just find him and hug him for me. Kinda hard to get there from California but i wish I could. PM me if you would be willing to try and we'll talk about it. THANKS!
Can anyone answer this question? My son is 19 years old and arrived in Jacksonville two weeks ago. (He's been assigned to a helicopter squadron.) The first thing he did was buy himself a bike to get to and from work but he really wants us to make arrangements to bring his car down there. (We live in CT). Can anyone tell me if having a car on NAS is really necessary? I'm a bit concerned about trusting him with this responsibility. Thanks.
TrumbullCTMom, yes a car is almost necessary. Jacksonville is a very large city and there aren't a lot of options for shopping or entertainment just outside the gates. My daughter was there about 3 weeks without a car or bike before she request that we brought hers to her (from TX).
TrumbullCTMom as ZZsmom said yes he probably needs his car. Jacksonville is a very large city. The base is quite large also. Just remind him to drive safe. Also there are a couple local car clubs if he is interested in that. My oldest son is stationed NAS JAX and we live here also.
My son was in the Navy 2 years w/o a vehicle and when he bought his truck in JAX he was SO happy. He got so tired of having to get rides everywhere and be on others time schedule. He is 25 though...and it's his 2nd vehicle. He says the roads are crazy there, meaning the way they are laid out.
Tee the roads here are crazy. We live in just outside of Jax and my oldest is stationed here. The traffic here is crazy also. And so are some of the drivers. We just always watch our back.
Thank you for your input. I've made arrangements to take my son's car down there via the auto train the first weekend in June. Now for another question. If I stay in a hotel off base how do I get onto the base to pick him up? Someone told me that he has to get me a pass. Does anyone know where he gets this pass? Is the pass good for the entire weekend so that I can come and go on and off base? Also, has anyone stayed on base at the Navy Lodge? I appreciate any guidance that you could offer. My son is assigned to HSL 42. Thank you.
Trumbull, I've stayed at the Navy Lodge 2 different times and I love it. Very clean, comfie beds, mini fridge, and you can even get a yogurt & fruit type breakfast. The only drawback is that there is no elevator, so if you're on the seond floor you have to carry your luggage up the stairs.
When we were there we stayed on base so we didn't get a pass. They do allow you to go just inside the gate to wait for your sailor to meet you. Be sure to have everyone in your vehicle have their I.D. on them because they check every single time you go in whether your sailor is with you or not.
I highly recommend the Cabins on base costs about the same as the lodge, the navy gateway inns and suites, and typically better priced than the close off base hotels...But feels like home, has a fully stocked kitchen, table to eat at, living room with a pull out sofa, tv, dvd, 2 bedrooms - one with 2 twins, one with a queen and tv, has a large bathroom, washer and dryer, a screened in porch, they're private and nestled in the woods, some even overlooking the golf course, oh and each cabin has their own internet. As for a pass, your sailor can sponsor you for a day pass so you can go on and off as you please all day but the next day you'll need a new one. If he happens to have any friends that live in base housing they can sponsor up to 30 day passes, makes life easy! Good Luck and enjoy your trip!!
I didn't know about the cabins. Thanks Kalynn, I'm going to stay with my sailor for the week of Thanksgiving and I don't drive so that sounds great! BTW, my son was so disappointed that the Navy won't allow him to live off base when he gets back from Deployment. Anyone single, E-4 or lower has to live on base:(
Good morning...My sailor graduates from A school in Pensacola, FL as an AS. He is coming home for two weeks and then reports to Jacksonville for C school.....After C school he will be going to Japan on the George Washington. Anybody have a sailor who is AS at Jacksonville...Thanks!
My son just got his orders for C school in JAX. He is AV. Any other Moms out there whose son/daughter is in AV? I really enjoyed Pensacola and now on to Jacksonville. It looks like a great place!
Have you joined the Aircrew group Becky? I know you'll find other AV's there. Mine did Pensacola, JAX and now he's in Japan. I'm so anxious for him to get home!!!!!
Hi all, my son arrived Jax about a week and half ago. . He is working at the hospital. So far so good likes it but says he is going to lose his food $ so will have to it in their galley more often. Food is ok.
welcome 1windhaven maria. My oldest son is at NAS Jax but he works on the P3. We also live just outside Jax in Middleburg. It is really nice here. Lots to do your son will love it. If he is a car guy there are several clubs here. Let me know and my son can get him hooked up with them.
Thanks navymom3, thanks so much. He is liking it very much especially the ocean. He was lucky that he had a couple of friends there already from boot and San Antonio . What does your son do on p3 a sorry new to this
1windhavenMaria my son works on the radar and sonar on the P3. He is an ATI2. He likes it here a lot. He is day shift supervisor in his shop and in charge of training for the command. Not the c school training but just the extra stuff they all have to keep up with to stay certified. He was stationed Whidbey Island washington before here. My middle son is stationed in Yokosuka Japan. He is CTM. Not sure everything he does his is top secret.
Hi Everyone, I'm visiting my son this weekend (June 1) and bringing him his car. Does anyone have any suggestions about what to do in Jacksonville for the weekend? I would like to go kayaking or see some other sites. Also, can anyone recommend a few good restaurants in the area? Thanks.
TrumbullCTmom it should be nice this weekend for your visit. Make sure you visit St Augustine the oldest city. Taking one of the tram tours in nice and you can get off and one at any time. Plus you get to go back for the next 2 days for free. For bbq we live Mojo's bbq in Fleming Island. About 8 miles from base. Lot's of other good places just depends on what you are looking for.
Also have you and your son stop at the MWR office as you can get discount tickets to a bunch of places. You can also do a search for things to do in Jacksonville. Here is a link to an events schedule. http://events.firstcoastnews.com/
TrumbullCTMom - I added a discussion of things I've recommended in the past in comments for other members but they've been lost in the thread. Now it'll be right on top for you and other new users to see all in one spot. Others can add theirs reviews and recommendations to the dicussion to help others too! Enjoy your visit, hopefully the sucky Tropical Storm Weather will be gone when you arrive!
Thanks Kalynn for the discussion with all of your good stuff in it. I think we need to try that seafood place here pretty soon. Lots of stuff I never would of thought of. Again thanks.
Trenton's right outside the gates was where Katlyn sent us and it was awesome. My daughter took the Grandparents a couple weeks ago and they raved about it too. It's not the sort of place you drive by and say lets eat there bit believe me try it! You will love it. BTW save room for their key lime pie!
Hello ladies! New to this group. My husband and I are stationed here at NAS Jax. Hope to talk/relate/give and take advice from all of you! Hope you are having a great night :)
My son recently returned from deployment and will be looking for an off base place. He's single and very excited to finally get to leave the barracks!~
Welcome Evie and Emily. Jax is a nice place to live with lots to do and see. My oldest son is stationed here and we live here also.
Tee I would have your son check around for places. He is going to want to live below the base and not above it. He can go to militarybyowner.com and see places offered by military owners. We live middleburg but it is right on the edge of Orange Park and Fleming island. Takes my son about 20-30 min to get to base. But it's only 14 miles away. We split the cost of a house with him so we can have a bigger house. He works on cars so we have a huge driveway for that.
navymom3 any suggestions for where a good place to rent a condo would be? My son will be at NAS Jax in a couple of weeks and once he gets settled I'd love to visit and explore JAX. It looks like this is going to be another fun adventure! There are so many beaches there. It sounds like his C school will start in September. I appreciate all of the advice from this group.
navymomfromCT that is quit a ways from base. Have him check in at the USO and they should send someone from base to pick him up I think. I pulled up the taxi fare finder and it was from 47 to 53 not including tip. Here is the link.
Becky I know Kalynn posted a discussion above on things to do while you visit your sailor. You may check into the navy lodge on base I have heard it is nice and on the water plus they have kitchenettes.
Yes it is where all military can go and relax, call base, wait for there flight. They have snacks, beverages, tv, video games etc. I believe it is downstairs here in Jax. Have him look for the signs as he comes out into the main area. If I remember right once you go down the escalator to baggage it is right there on the right.
navymom3.....Thank you so much.....it was so hard leaving him this morning.....worst than when he left for bootcamp......I might have to take a trip to jacksonville before he leaves for Japan on Aug. 30.....thanks again!
Good afternoon everyone! My husband and I have been stationed here in Jacksonville for 3 years. We currently live on base (which is amazing, the houses are beautiful!!). We are from Joliet, IL which is about 1 hour south of Chicago! I can't wait to hear stories from all of you and to just vent, ask for advice and vise versa with woman who are going through the same life as myself. Hope you all have a great day!
ZZsMom
Hi everyone. I have been a little out of touch lately but wanted to check in and send a shout out to Kalynn for taking time to meet my girl. ZZ really enjoyed herself and it means more to me than you can ever imagine. Hugs to you and your Sailor as your family transitions to your new base.
So, I am not going to get to go back to Jacksonville for Easter as I had planned. I am rather sad but economically I can't swing it right now.
Since I was last on ZZ has been switched to mid-shift where she works 10p - 630 a. She is having a rough time shifting her sleep schedule but is really enjoying the job more. She says without all the higher rank around she is actually getting to work on the planes.
Welp, thats all I have for now. Hugs to all you ladies. I really appreciate this forum.
Mar 9, 2012
Dunesmom
I'm back! Had a wonderful visit with Dune. Even got to meet a couple of his friends. Such great guys and the one gal i got to meet was so nice and a cutie too. Dune says oh mom we are just friends. got to bug him a little ya know. I have to say Jacksonville is one huge city. not take in mind that i live in a little bitty town so was a bit overwhelmed with all the cars. Enjoyed the hotels on base very much and was so sorry to have to leave. OH Thank you Kalynn for the birthday singing to my Son:) So glad that ZZ is getting to work on those planes more. Yack more later:)
Apr 7, 2012
Tee-1sailor's mom
Anyone in the area who likes chicfilet, check this out, it's for VP 16, Family Support Group:
This Thursday from 5-8 PM is Spirit Night at Chickfila at the Towncenter. What this means is that everyone who comes in and mentions vp-16 when purchasing their food, a percentage of their purchase goes to the FRG. We need this fundraiser to be a success.
What can you do to help?
Come to Chickfila Thursday evening for dinner and tell all you friends, family, neighbors, etc. Facebook them, text them, email them, call them, etc.
Thanks much, the War Eagles Family
Apr 10, 2012
ZZsMom
cfssnowmom: My daughter (AM) did C school in January but it really wasn't a school per say like A school. It was a couple weeks of things a little more specific to her plane. When she fiinished she just went right on over to her squadron.
Apr 13, 2012
navymom3
navydadjim- there was a couple bad days with the smoke. The wind changed direction though so it hasn't been bad. The weather has been really nice though.
Apr 15, 2012
Tee-1sailor's mom
My son's homecoming from deployment will be soon and I would LOVE to have someone give him a hug, doesn't have to be that day, just find him and hug him for me. Kinda hard to get there from California but i wish I could. PM me if you would be willing to try and we'll talk about it. THANKS!
Apr 26, 2012
TrumbullCTMom
Can anyone answer this question? My son is 19 years old and arrived in Jacksonville two weeks ago. (He's been assigned to a helicopter squadron.) The first thing he did was buy himself a bike to get to and from work but he really wants us to make arrangements to bring his car down there. (We live in CT). Can anyone tell me if having a car on NAS is really necessary? I'm a bit concerned about trusting him with this responsibility. Thanks.
Apr 28, 2012
ZZsMom
Apr 28, 2012
navymom3
TrumbullCTMom as ZZsmom said yes he probably needs his car. Jacksonville is a very large city. The base is quite large also. Just remind him to drive safe. Also there are a couple local car clubs if he is interested in that. My oldest son is stationed NAS JAX and we live here also.
Apr 28, 2012
Tee-1sailor's mom
My son was in the Navy 2 years w/o a vehicle and when he bought his truck in JAX he was SO happy. He got so tired of having to get rides everywhere and be on others time schedule. He is 25 though...and it's his 2nd vehicle. He says the roads are crazy there, meaning the way they are laid out.
Apr 30, 2012
navymom3
Tee the roads here are crazy. We live in just outside of Jax and my oldest is stationed here. The traffic here is crazy also. And so are some of the drivers. We just always watch our back.
Apr 30, 2012
TrumbullCTMom
Thank you for your input. I've made arrangements to take my son's car down there via the auto train the first weekend in June. Now for another question. If I stay in a hotel off base how do I get onto the base to pick him up? Someone told me that he has to get me a pass. Does anyone know where he gets this pass? Is the pass good for the entire weekend so that I can come and go on and off base? Also, has anyone stayed on base at the Navy Lodge? I appreciate any guidance that you could offer. My son is assigned to HSL 42. Thank you.
May 8, 2012
Tee-1sailor's mom
Congrats to your son minecoyote, that's awesome!!
Trumbull, I've stayed at the Navy Lodge 2 different times and I love it. Very clean, comfie beds, mini fridge, and you can even get a yogurt & fruit type breakfast. The only drawback is that there is no elevator, so if you're on the seond floor you have to carry your luggage up the stairs.
When we were there we stayed on base so we didn't get a pass. They do allow you to go just inside the gate to wait for your sailor to meet you. Be sure to have everyone in your vehicle have their I.D. on them because they check every single time you go in whether your sailor is with you or not.
May 8, 2012
Kalynn
I highly recommend the Cabins on base costs about the same as the lodge, the navy gateway inns and suites, and typically better priced than the close off base hotels...But feels like home, has a fully stocked kitchen, table to eat at, living room with a pull out sofa, tv, dvd, 2 bedrooms - one with 2 twins, one with a queen and tv, has a large bathroom, washer and dryer, a screened in porch, they're private and nestled in the woods, some even overlooking the golf course, oh and each cabin has their own internet. As for a pass, your sailor can sponsor you for a day pass so you can go on and off as you please all day but the next day you'll need a new one. If he happens to have any friends that live in base housing they can sponsor up to 30 day passes, makes life easy! Good Luck and enjoy your trip!!
NAS JAX Heritage Cottages
(904) 542-3138/39 - This is also the number for Navy Gateway Inns and Suites, so if there is no Cabins available ask about their NGIS availability.
http://www.cnic.navy.mil/jacksonville/FleetAndFamilyReadiness/Housi...
May 8, 2012
Tee-1sailor's mom
I didn't know about the cabins. Thanks Kalynn, I'm going to stay with my sailor for the week of Thanksgiving and I don't drive so that sounds great! BTW, my son was so disappointed that the Navy won't allow him to live off base when he gets back from Deployment. Anyone single, E-4 or lower has to live on base:(
May 9, 2012
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Good morning...My sailor graduates from A school in Pensacola, FL as an AS. He is coming home for two weeks and then reports to Jacksonville for C school.....After C school he will be going to Japan on the George Washington. Anybody have a sailor who is AS at Jacksonville...Thanks!
May 15, 2012
navymom3
Hey navymomfromCT! My oldest is stationed at NAS JAX and we live here also. But he is AT2.
May 15, 2012
Becky
My son just got his orders for C school in JAX. He is AV. Any other Moms out there whose son/daughter is in AV? I really enjoyed Pensacola and now on to Jacksonville. It looks like a great place!
May 15, 2012
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
How do your sailors like Jacksonville...Pensacola was like a country club...I went down for a visit....How did your daughter like the GW??
May 15, 2012
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
I'm hearing that they work you really hard on the GW.....I am very worried about him going to Japan....its so far away.....
May 15, 2012
Tee-1sailor's mom
Have you joined the Aircrew group Becky? I know you'll find other AV's there. Mine did Pensacola, JAX and now he's in Japan. I'm so anxious for him to get home!!!!!
May 16, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
Maria
May 27, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
May 27, 2012
navymom3
welcome 1windhaven maria. My oldest son is at NAS Jax but he works on the P3. We also live just outside Jax in Middleburg. It is really nice here. Lots to do your son will love it. If he is a car guy there are several clubs here. Let me know and my son can get him hooked up with them.
May 27, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
May 27, 2012
navymom3
1windhavenMaria my son works on the radar and sonar on the P3. He is an ATI2. He likes it here a lot. He is day shift supervisor in his shop and in charge of training for the command. Not the c school training but just the extra stuff they all have to keep up with to stay certified. He was stationed Whidbey Island washington before here. My middle son is stationed in Yokosuka Japan. He is CTM. Not sure everything he does his is top secret.
May 27, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
May 28, 2012
TrumbullCTMom
Hi Everyone, I'm visiting my son this weekend (June 1) and bringing him his car. Does anyone have any suggestions about what to do in Jacksonville for the weekend? I would like to go kayaking or see some other sites. Also, can anyone recommend a few good restaurants in the area? Thanks.
May 28, 2012
navymom3
TrumbullCTmom it should be nice this weekend for your visit. Make sure you visit St Augustine the oldest city. Taking one of the tram tours in nice and you can get off and one at any time. Plus you get to go back for the next 2 days for free. For bbq we live Mojo's bbq in Fleming Island. About 8 miles from base. Lot's of other good places just depends on what you are looking for.
May 28, 2012
navymom3
Also have you and your son stop at the MWR office as you can get discount tickets to a bunch of places. You can also do a search for things to do in Jacksonville. Here is a link to an events schedule. http://events.firstcoastnews.com/
May 28, 2012
Kalynn
TrumbullCTMom - I added a discussion of things I've recommended in the past in comments for other members but they've been lost in the thread. Now it'll be right on top for you and other new users to see all in one spot. Others can add theirs reviews and recommendations to the dicussion to help others too! Enjoy your visit, hopefully the sucky Tropical Storm Weather will be gone when you arrive!
May 28, 2012
navymom3
Thanks Kalynn for the discussion with all of your good stuff in it. I think we need to try that seafood place here pretty soon. Lots of stuff I never would of thought of. Again thanks.
May 28, 2012
ZZsMom
May 28, 2012
ZZsMom
May 28, 2012
ZZsMom
May 28, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
May 28, 2012
Maria ( 9/132 - HM- 04-2011)
May 29, 2012
ZZsMom
I don't know what the official title is but in plain english (lol) it is the Honor Guard.
May 29, 2012
Evie (Brett's Wife)
Hello ladies! New to this group. My husband and I are stationed here at NAS Jax. Hope to talk/relate/give and take advice from all of you! Hope you are having a great night :)
May 30, 2012
EmilyDanielle(12/074)
May 30, 2012
Tee-1sailor's mom
Welcome new members!
My son recently returned from deployment and will be looking for an off base place. He's single and very excited to finally get to leave the barracks!~
May 30, 2012
navymom3
Welcome Evie and Emily. Jax is a nice place to live with lots to do and see. My oldest son is stationed here and we live here also.
Tee I would have your son check around for places. He is going to want to live below the base and not above it. He can go to militarybyowner.com and see places offered by military owners. We live middleburg but it is right on the edge of Orange Park and Fleming island. Takes my son about 20-30 min to get to base. But it's only 14 miles away. We split the cost of a house with him so we can have a bigger house. He works on cars so we have a huge driveway for that.
May 30, 2012
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Good morning.....My sailor is on his way to Jacksonville.....can anybody tell me what the cost of the taxi ride is from the airport to the naval base?
May 30, 2012
Becky
navymom3 any suggestions for where a good place to rent a condo would be? My son will be at NAS Jax in a couple of weeks and once he gets settled I'd love to visit and explore JAX. It looks like this is going to be another fun adventure! There are so many beaches there. It sounds like his C school will start in September. I appreciate all of the advice from this group.
May 30, 2012
navymom3
navymomfromCT that is quit a ways from base. Have him check in at the USO and they should send someone from base to pick him up I think. I pulled up the taxi fare finder and it was from 47 to 53 not including tip. Here is the link.
http://www.taxifarefinder.com/main.php?city=Jacksonville-FL&fro...
It also has the phone numbers for the taxi places.
May 30, 2012
navymom3
Becky I know Kalynn posted a discussion above on things to do while you visit your sailor. You may check into the navy lodge on base I have heard it is nice and on the water plus they have kitchenettes.
May 30, 2012
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Navymom3.....he should be calling me soon when his plane lands.....what is the USO? Is it at the airport??
May 30, 2012
navymom3
Yes it is where all military can go and relax, call base, wait for there flight. They have snacks, beverages, tv, video games etc. I believe it is downstairs here in Jax. Have him look for the signs as he comes out into the main area. If I remember right once you go down the escalator to baggage it is right there on the right.
May 30, 2012
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
navymom3.....Thank you so much.....it was so hard leaving him this morning.....worst than when he left for bootcamp......I might have to take a trip to jacksonville before he leaves for Japan on Aug. 30.....thanks again!
May 30, 2012
Evie (Brett's Wife)
Good afternoon everyone! My husband and I have been stationed here in Jacksonville for 3 years. We currently live on base (which is amazing, the houses are beautiful!!). We are from Joliet, IL which is about 1 hour south of Chicago! I can't wait to hear stories from all of you and to just vent, ask for advice and vise versa with woman who are going through the same life as myself. Hope you all have a great day!
May 30, 2012