Today is my son's Birthday and I woke up early to send off a Birthday email only to hear that they aren't coming home when planned. So disappointed! Hugs to all you moms out there...I know I need one.
It is official on the delay, but cruise still will happen. Just have to re-adjust and move forward!! I have been talking to my son and he is staying strong, optimistic, and yes he wants to come home! But, they know they have a job to do, and he will stay positive. Nice saying Colleen! Hang in there moms!
Thinking of you all & sharing in your disappointment,however we must all stay positive for all of our loved ones,in the military & on the homefront. Hang in there. sp
I spoke to US Air and Orbitz since mine was booked thru them. Orbitz waived my fees for one year with my letter from the ship. But....US Air was giving me a hard time. I then called Customer Service, and they told me to fax the letter from the ship and also all the info and a request, and they would review the info and decide if they could do anything or not, within 5-7 days. We'll see what happens. I think they should should waive the $200 fee for changing the ticket from Hawaii to San Diego. If not, I think we should boycott the US Airways. But that's just my opinion. I'm retired navy myself, and the supervisor I spoke with at the airlines, was very rude, prior to me speaking with customer service. She said that there were "no exceptions" for waiving the fee. However, we'll see what customer relations does when they review the situation and the Commanding Officer's letter.
I hope all you moms are hanging in there and hopefully the time will go by fast! I found myself counting days for when they were supposed to come home and it dragged so long! So I told myself not this time, just keep thinking positive thoughts of when that day does come it will be so sweet! My prayers are going out to the Navy yard families and our sailors hanging in there after a long deployment and staying strong!
We had tickets thru Priceline. My son got the insurance thru Priceline but I went directly thru Delta. They probably wouldn't have honored the insurance but after I FIRMLY discussed what was happening and gave the ombudsman's name & number, they issued vouchers without a $200 per ticket cancellation fee. I asked my son if he wanted me to try to get a full refund thru Priceline, but we decided that we would just use the vouchers and go with Delta when we know when they are returning. I also told Delta that I received a letter from the CO that I would fax or email to them, but they didn't need it. If US Air doesn't waive that fee, that's poor business and I wouldn't use them in the future. Good golly, it must be nice to be able to fly those planes in SAFE airways. Come on US Air, how & who do you think makes that happen?!
Colleen, that's great that you got the vouchers, I'm trying to be patient for the timeframe that US AIR asked for. I will call them next week to find out their decision, if I haven't heard anything before then. So far, I haven't heard squat! I am not the time to let things go without a fight, so we'll see what happens. I would think that they will want to do the right thing, but we'll see. I just sent off two care packages to my son because I know that the ship's store is very low on goodies about now, from my own past experience of long deployments. Hopefully, the boxes won't take long to get to the ship. :) Annie, you are right about thinking positive. It's the best way to deal with situations. Negativity, especially in public forums, only makes things worse and our sailors certainly need all the support and love they can get.
I'm anxious to hear what happens WackyWave. Keep us posted. I'll have to get a goodie box in the mail soon. Thanks for reminding us that the ship's store is probably low.
Today I made a follow up call to US Airlines. They now tell me it can take up to 20 business days to make a decision. I got an "official" email from the airlines stating the same thing. So it's a waiting game. We'll see what happens. I'll keep you posted. Ugh!
I have started a group called S.A.D.D. (Sons and Daughters Deployed) to support the sailors at sea currently deployed. We are getting donations for care packages from all over the USA. If anyone is interested in participating, please contact me. Since the ships deployment has been extended yet again, this was necessary because the men and women aboard are doing without many of the items that they need right now. We will be supporting the USS Stockdale first, then support another ship in the fleet currently deployed next, until all ships deployed are supported. We have a list of what is needed and/or requested by the sailors and we are looking for businesses, groups, schools, churches, and organizations to help sponsor the efforts. We can't let our sailors get discouraged by their long deployment.
Has anyone hear from their son/daughter lately? Its been over a week since I heard from mine... I know they are very busy, just wondered if anyone had any new news....My prayers are with all of them.
I just heard from my son and he said that all communication has been down. We sent him an email yesterday and told him what we knew. He said he was ok but didn't comment on what happened. Praying for our Navy family.
I figured communication would be down. I haven't heard from my Sailor since late last week. My dentist has committed to donating 144 toothbrushes to the Stockdale. I will send them when he gets them.
Colleen, that's great about the toothbrushes, I know the sailors will appreciate them! S.A.D.D. have over 10 Large Priority Mail boxes mailed out already and more being packed as we speak.
I contacted US Air for an update on my refund, and was told that it can take 20 business days, so I am trying to be patient and see what happens. I imagine they have a lot of people they deal with asking for refunds for various reasons. Not that I want a refund, just a credit, to which I am going to use to fly back to Hawaii anyway, for the new Tiger cruise. :)
I am soooo excited to see my son. I can't afford to greet him at the ship, but I'm hoping he'll get his leave so he can fly to NC to see me and the family!! Glad the wait is almost over! I've missed him so. He's had quite an adventure for his first deployment!
I haven't asked for any refund, they said I have up to a year to reschedule and just pay the difference, so just waiting for official date and will start booking again! I am with you WackyWaveUSN, doing the tiger cruise! Can't wait! I hope your son will be able to go home SailorMom59 and everything will work out! This month will definetly go slow because of the anticipation, but, I am staying focused and ready!!
Excited ,as we all are, I'm sure. I have just contacted my Senator's office for assistance with getting the airlines to let us change our tickets without the $ 200 per ticket charge that United wants to charge. I am sure if we all contact our Senator, the airlines will have to do the right thing & support the Military. I say they should put their $ where there mouth is
vanripm1, I had to give Delta the Ombudsman's name & #, the CO's name and within 5 min. they gave me vouchers for our tickets. I would call United back and let them know what Delta's policy is. Let them know that if that is their policy, then you won't be flying with them anymore. Gee, it must be nice to fly those planes in safe air space.
I just heard from USAir. They claimed that they didn't receive the CO letter. I fortunately, had proof of the fax receipt. Now, I resent it and immediately, I got a confirmation email stating that they apologize for the inconvenience, and "a request for an audit will be within ten business days. If a refund is due, you can expect the funds to post to the account originally used for purchase within an additional seven to ten days and appear on the statement in one to two billing cycles". It was signed by US Airways Passenger Refunds. So, I now have to wait once again. I have been playing their game. I already have booked a new flight for the Tiger Cruise, and needless to say, it is NOT thru US Airways. If this Tiger Cruise does not happen this time, I will be going regardless, and then, just book a flight to their homeport. I won't go through this again for a refund. (However, I'm pretty sure, that this time, I allowed enough leeway that even if the dates change, I'll be okay). That's the latest in this ongoing saga.
I have not heard of any dates yet. Maybe someone should contact the Ombudsman and see if she has any information. I know people need to make arrangements for work and travel, and it would be nice to know. Hopefully soon there should be some word.
WackyWave, so glad to see the Congressman stepped in and helped. I can not believe that an airline would put families through that. Not good for business. I won't consider flying with them.
Yes, I was able to Skype with my son a few days ago. Its always so comforting to actually SEE and HEAR that he is alright, in addition to Facebook chatting.
Annie, that is great news. I Was hoping that would happen for them! Can't wait to hear the stories! I talked to my son two days ago. Hopefully I can catch him on Facebook today!
Colleen, I didn't get Congress involved. I just used the letter from the CO of the ship. However, in the letter that I sent to the airlines, I threatened to contact the media, as well as my elected officials, if need be, if I didn't receive a refund. We should know something this week. The ten business days are up on Thursday, so we'll see what happens. Congrats to the new Shellbacks! Any official news from the Ombudsman about the Tiger Cruise? I'm just curious.
I went back and looked at the email I got and it was from vanripm1 that said her Congressman called and it got taken care of. I wasn't aware that there was a couple of you having trouble.
Lisartru97(Ship 07 Div 359)
Today is my son's Birthday and I woke up early to send off a Birthday email only to hear that they aren't coming home when planned. So disappointed! Hugs to all you moms out there...I know I need one.
Sep 7, 2013
Colleen
Sending ((hugs)) to you Lisa and to all Moms. I emailed my Sailor and told him, "Every wave that rolls by your ship is a hug from me."
Sep 7, 2013
Annie
Sep 7, 2013
vanripm1
Thinking of you all & sharing in your disappointment,however we must all stay positive for all of our loved ones,in the military & on the homefront. Hang in there. sp
Sep 10, 2013
SailorMom59 (son deployed)
I'm disappointed but we're just hanging in there. I'm so proud of my son and all the sailors! I'll be getting his care package ready to send out!
Colleen I like that "Every wave that rolls by your ship is a hug from me"
<NMH>>>to all!!
Sep 10, 2013
vanripm1
Does anyone have any info regarding rescheduling of airline tickets without incurring large r3escheduling fees?
Sep 11, 2013
WackyWaveUSN
I spoke to US Air and Orbitz since mine was booked thru them. Orbitz waived my fees for one year with my letter from the ship. But....US Air was giving me a hard time. I then called Customer Service, and they told me to fax the letter from the ship and also all the info and a request, and they would review the info and decide if they could do anything or not, within 5-7 days. We'll see what happens. I think they should should waive the $200 fee for changing the ticket from Hawaii to San Diego. If not, I think we should boycott the US Airways. But that's just my opinion. I'm retired navy myself, and the supervisor I spoke with at the airlines, was very rude, prior to me speaking with customer service. She said that there were "no exceptions" for waiving the fee. However, we'll see what customer relations does when they review the situation and the Commanding Officer's letter.
Sep 11, 2013
Annie
Sep 18, 2013
Colleen
We had tickets thru Priceline. My son got the insurance thru Priceline but I went directly thru Delta. They probably wouldn't have honored the insurance but after I FIRMLY discussed what was happening and gave the ombudsman's name & number, they issued vouchers without a $200 per ticket cancellation fee. I asked my son if he wanted me to try to get a full refund thru Priceline, but we decided that we would just use the vouchers and go with Delta when we know when they are returning. I also told Delta that I received a letter from the CO that I would fax or email to them, but they didn't need it. If US Air doesn't waive that fee, that's poor business and I wouldn't use them in the future. Good golly, it must be nice to be able to fly those planes in SAFE airways. Come on US Air, how & who do you think makes that happen?!
Sep 19, 2013
WackyWaveUSN
Colleen, that's great that you got the vouchers, I'm trying to be patient for the timeframe that US AIR asked for. I will call them next week to find out their decision, if I haven't heard anything before then. So far, I haven't heard squat! I am not the time to let things go without a fight, so we'll see what happens. I would think that they will want to do the right thing, but we'll see. I just sent off two care packages to my son because I know that the ship's store is very low on goodies about now, from my own past experience of long deployments. Hopefully, the boxes won't take long to get to the ship. :) Annie, you are right about thinking positive. It's the best way to deal with situations. Negativity, especially in public forums, only makes things worse and our sailors certainly need all the support and love they can get.
Sep 19, 2013
Colleen
I'm anxious to hear what happens WackyWave. Keep us posted. I'll have to get a goodie box in the mail soon. Thanks for reminding us that the ship's store is probably low.
Sep 19, 2013
WackyWaveUSN
Today I made a follow up call to US Airlines. They now tell me it can take up to 20 business days to make a decision. I got an "official" email from the airlines stating the same thing. So it's a waiting game. We'll see what happens. I'll keep you posted. Ugh!
Sep 20, 2013
Lisartru97(Ship 07 Div 359)
Alaska airlines 100% refund. Didn't have to send letter from CO.
Sep 22, 2013
Colleen
Happy to hear that, Lisartru97! Thanks Alaska Airlines!
Sep 22, 2013
WackyWaveUSN
I have started a group called S.A.D.D. (Sons and Daughters Deployed) to support the sailors at sea currently deployed. We are getting donations for care packages from all over the USA. If anyone is interested in participating, please contact me. Since the ships deployment has been extended yet again, this was necessary because the men and women aboard are doing without many of the items that they need right now. We will be supporting the USS Stockdale first, then support another ship in the fleet currently deployed next, until all ships deployed are supported. We have a list of what is needed and/or requested by the sailors and we are looking for businesses, groups, schools, churches, and organizations to help sponsor the efforts. We can't let our sailors get discouraged by their long deployment.
Sep 22, 2013
Lisa S.
how do you get involved in the SADD program you are starting??
Sep 22, 2013
Lisa S.
i have two sons deployed on two different ships
Sep 22, 2013
WackyWaveUSN
Lisa, I sent a friend request to you.
Sep 23, 2013
Lisathedreamhealer
Has anyone hear from their son/daughter lately? Its been over a week since I heard from mine... I know they are very busy, just wondered if anyone had any new news....My prayers are with all of them.
Sep 23, 2013
MaggieH
I am certain that all outgoing communication has been cut off due to the search and rescue efforts
Prayers for the two still missing and their families
http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76730
Sep 23, 2013
MaggieH
Updated info...
God Speed to the 2 still missing and their families
http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2013/130923%20175.html
Sep 23, 2013
Colleen
Thanks for the updates Maggie. My heart goes out to the families of those 2 that are still missing.
Sep 23, 2013
Lisartru97(Ship 07 Div 359)
I just heard from my son and he said that all communication has been down. We sent him an email yesterday and told him what we knew. He said he was ok but didn't comment on what happened. Praying for our Navy family.
Sep 23, 2013
Colleen
I figured communication would be down. I haven't heard from my Sailor since late last week. My dentist has committed to donating 144 toothbrushes to the Stockdale. I will send them when he gets them.
Sep 23, 2013
WackyWaveUSN
Colleen, that's great about the toothbrushes, I know the sailors will appreciate them! S.A.D.D. have over 10 Large Priority Mail boxes mailed out already and more being packed as we speak.
Sep 23, 2013
Colleen
I have another dentist donating floss and toothpaste now.
Sep 23, 2013
Annie
Everybody getting excited? Getting closer. Seems like forever, hopefully the time will fly by.
Oct 3, 2013
Lisartru97(Ship 07 Div 359)
Yes Annie, excited!!
HAPPY... A week of good news. Today I got to see a picture of my son that was posted. He looks great!!! Can't wait to hear his voice again.
Oct 3, 2013
vanripm1
Thrilled is the word,how is everyone making out with the airlines. United is being very slow.
Oct 4, 2013
vanripm1
Are you folks planning on going to San Diego for this homecoming?
Oct 4, 2013
WackyWaveUSN
I contacted US Air for an update on my refund, and was told that it can take 20 business days, so I am trying to be patient and see what happens. I imagine they have a lot of people they deal with asking for refunds for various reasons. Not that I want a refund, just a credit, to which I am going to use to fly back to Hawaii anyway, for the new Tiger cruise. :)
Oct 4, 2013
SailorMom59 (son deployed)
I am soooo excited to see my son. I can't afford to greet him at the ship, but I'm hoping he'll get his leave so he can fly to NC to see me and the family!! Glad the wait is almost over! I've missed him so. He's had quite an adventure for his first deployment!
Oct 4, 2013
Annie
I haven't asked for any refund, they said I have up to a year to reschedule and just pay the difference, so just waiting for official date and will start booking again! I am with you WackyWaveUSN, doing the tiger cruise! Can't wait! I hope your son will be able to go home SailorMom59 and everything will work out! This month will definetly go slow because of the anticipation, but, I am staying focused and ready!!
Oct 5, 2013
WackyWaveUSN
Won't be much longer now! Getting really excited, and the countdown begins! Annie, contact me! :)
Oct 8, 2013
becki(uss stockdale)
i Will be so happy to start the count down again..... any news on when new dates are going to be released??
Oct 8, 2013
Colleen
becki, your Sailor will let you know somehow. But remember, dates are not to be posted publicly.
Oct 8, 2013
vanripm1
Hello
Excited ,as we all are, I'm sure. I have just contacted my Senator's office for assistance with getting the airlines to let us change our tickets without the $ 200 per ticket charge that United wants to charge. I am sure if we all contact our Senator, the airlines will have to do the right thing & support the Military. I say they should put their $ where there mouth is
Oct 8, 2013
Colleen
vanripm1, I had to give Delta the Ombudsman's name & #, the CO's name and within 5 min. they gave me vouchers for our tickets. I would call United back and let them know what Delta's policy is. Let them know that if that is their policy, then you won't be flying with them anymore. Gee, it must be nice to fly those planes in safe air space.
Oct 8, 2013
WackyWaveUSN
I just heard from USAir. They claimed that they didn't receive the CO letter. I fortunately, had proof of the fax receipt. Now, I resent it and immediately, I got a confirmation email stating that they apologize for the inconvenience, and "a request for an audit will be within ten business days. If a refund is due, you can expect the funds to post to the account originally used for purchase within an additional seven to ten days and appear on the statement in one to two billing cycles". It was signed by US Airways Passenger Refunds. So, I now have to wait once again. I have been playing their game. I already have booked a new flight for the Tiger Cruise, and needless to say, it is NOT thru US Airways. If this Tiger Cruise does not happen this time, I will be going regardless, and then, just book a flight to their homeport. I won't go through this again for a refund. (However, I'm pretty sure, that this time, I allowed enough leeway that even if the dates change, I'll be okay). That's the latest in this ongoing saga.
Oct 11, 2013
Lisartru97(Ship 07 Div 359)
Has a date been released for the new Tiger Cruise? If so can someone contact me!
Oct 11, 2013
Annie
I have not heard of any dates yet. Maybe someone should contact the Ombudsman and see if she has any information. I know people need to make arrangements for work and travel, and it would be nice to know. Hopefully soon there should be some word.
Oct 11, 2013
Lisartru97(Ship 07 Div 359)
Heard back from the ombudsman. No dates set yet. WackyWaveUSN said in her post that she had a new flight booked so I got a little nervous.
Oct 11, 2013
Colleen
WackyWave, so glad to see the Congressman stepped in and helped. I can not believe that an airline would put families through that. Not good for business. I won't consider flying with them.
Oct 17, 2013
SailorMom59 (son deployed)
Anyone hear from their Sailors lately??
Oct 18, 2013
Colleen
Yes I have.
Oct 18, 2013
Annie
Yes, and they did there ceremony of pollywog to shellbacks! My son is an official shellback now. Getting excited to come home soon!
Oct 19, 2013
Lisathedreamhealer
Yes, I was able to Skype with my son a few days ago. Its always so comforting to actually SEE and HEAR that he is alright, in addition to Facebook chatting.
Oct 19, 2013
Lisartru97(Ship 07 Div 359)
Annie, that is great news. I Was hoping that would happen for them! Can't wait to hear the stories! I talked to my son two days ago. Hopefully I can catch him on Facebook today!
Oct 19, 2013
WackyWaveUSN
Colleen, I didn't get Congress involved. I just used the letter from the CO of the ship. However, in the letter that I sent to the airlines, I threatened to contact the media, as well as my elected officials, if need be, if I didn't receive a refund. We should know something this week. The ten business days are up on Thursday, so we'll see what happens. Congrats to the new Shellbacks! Any official news from the Ombudsman about the Tiger Cruise? I'm just curious.
Oct 19, 2013
Colleen
I went back and looked at the email I got and it was from vanripm1 that said her Congressman called and it got taken care of. I wasn't aware that there was a couple of you having trouble.
Oct 19, 2013