USS Kearsarge (LHD-3)

Watch the USS Kearsarge transit the Suez Canal - in 60 seconds :)  

Yes, I've been emailing with my son almost every day! Sometimes he won't get to email back for a few days if they're busy. We sent him a package and he just got it last week, so it took about 2.5 weeks to get to him. We're sending another one tomorrow. He really liked the fruit roll-ups we put in there. He said it reminded him from when he was a little kid. ;-)

My 2-week-old grandson "watching" old videos of his Daddy. I'm glad he'll recognize Daddy's voice when he returns! 

Oh. My. Gosh.  Is that the sweetest thing ever or what?!  Thank you for sharing this!

Often times I have difficulty sending e/mails to my son on the Kearsarge, anyone else have this problem?

My son told me they can receive emails but can't always send as they go dark at times.  Hope this helps.  :)

Thank you for the 60 sec video of the Suez Canal, my son said the experience was amazing, glad you shared with us :)

Anyone from the Boston area that has a son/daughter on the USS Kearsarge?

No emails because they are in River City which means they are unable to email. I believe it will be like this for another week. No worries though. Everything's fine. They are still updating their Facebook page. Just no communication for a bit.

Please let's all remember to observe OPSEC here, which includes not discussing security measures.  Operational Security guidelines

Links to the FRG and Ombudsman Team, and how to join their Facebook pages, are above in the Discussions.

Thanks for the updates...I was starting to get concerned myself. 

Dear Kearsarge Families:

We completely understand your concerns for not hearing from your Sailor.  They are safe, but the current communication status is done to protect the safety of our Sailors.  If you have an emergency please do not hesitate to contact us.  Marcy: We thank you so much for sharing our information!  

If you wish to be part of our email distribution list please send us an email: kearsargeombudsman@gmail.com  we will let you know what information we need from you.

Have a safe 4th of July!

Respectfully,

USS KEARSARGE Ombudsman Team (Crystal & Lucia)

An important note regarding using social media, including Facebook and NavyforMoms.com -

Please review these OPSEC (Operational Security) Rules. 

Ship homecomings have been postponed and their command Facebook pages taken down due to OPSEC violations on social media.    

An example of how indiscretions have immediate impact:  USS Bataan (LHD-5) had its Facebook page taken down and 3,000 sailors and Marines lost that means of contact with loved ones due to posts that violated OPSEC:  USS Bataan's Facebook page shut down.  

Here are the OPSEC guidelines for us all to observe:

✓ Donʼt discuss future destinations or ports of call.

✓ Donʼt discuss future operations, exercises or missions.

✓ Donʼt discuss dates and times of when we will be in port or conducting exercises.

✓ Donʼt discuss security procedures, movements, or arms.

✓ Donʼt discuss readiness issues and numbers.

✓ Donʼt discuss specific training equipment.

✓ Donʼt speculate about future operations.

✓ Donʼt spread rumors about past, current or future operations or movements.

✓ Donʼt discuss deployment or homecoming dates (including Tiger or Family Day Cruises)

✓ DO assume the enemy is always trying to collect information.

✓ Keep in mind there is NO guarantee of security for information transmittal.  A chat room or forum described as “military” is NOT secure just because it's a group or even 'closed group' of military and their families.

✓ Be smart, use your head, and always think OPSEC when using email, phone, chatrooms and message boards.

What's this "OPSEC," Sam I am?

We must use it here and there...

We must use it everywhere!

Could you share it in a car?  

Yes - But never in a bar.

You cannot tell it in a text,

And do not share it at the NEX.

You can say it in your house,

But don't include a random spouse.

You can sing it in the shower,

Just don't go blabbing at Happy Hour.

PLEASE don’t make the Ombudsman sweat!

DON’T post it on the internet.

You cannot share it in a Tweet

(that would NOT be very sweet.)

Do not share on Facebook too, though

It’s tempting to let your feelings through. 

You cannot tell it to a friend

Not even at the very end.

It’s a privilege to know a date - so

DONT tell ANYONE or they may be late!

"Homecoming" T shirts are available for purchase from the FRG now - Sept 15!

Anyone hear from our sailors recently?  

Please let's all observe OPSEC :)  This is an open group.  Patti, the FRG and Ombudsman Team keep in touch with family members, see the above Discussion about how to be on their lists.  

Thank you, Sindy, mattsmom, and Marcy for the info., appreciated!!!

I to heard from my son as well!!

Yes, my son is on the Kearsarge.    I received an e/mail this a.m..  Initially when they first went on deployment I was having difficulty sending e/mails, but lately no problem.  Proudmom where are you from?

Marcy:  We thank you very much to keep reminding loved ones to ensure that OPSEC is being observed.  

To all:  Please be mindful of the terms you use here.  As Marcy mentioned it is an OPEN Groupd so ANYONE in the world can read what you are posting.  Crystal and I are always willing to assist you as much as we can.  We ask you to keep in mind that we serve as volunteers.  We do not get paid a penny to be the the ombudsmen.   We have normal responsibilities just like any of you.  We have children, we work full time, we go to college, etc.  We do not monitor the email all day long due to our other responsibilities.  We ask you to be patient.  And if it is an emergency, we are available via phone.  The information that we share with you is considered via email is PRIVILEGED.  It means is for your EYES only and not to be posted here or any other social media.  Please refrain from using the RC term so openly here.  The SAFETY of our Sailors and Marines are always at risk, let's not be the cause for the BAD guy to find something to harm them.  

Thank you,

Very Respectfully,

USS KEARSARGE Ombudsman Team

Crystal & Lucia

Welcome new member Debbie!

Homecoming t-shirts!  Order and pay for by Sept 15.  Order Form

I have e/mailed the Ombudsman Team twice to get on the mailing list with no reply....can you help me Marcy?

Sorry, I wasn't aware, thank you for your quick response

Thanks Team! :)

@Debbie, got your message and sent you a reply.  Forgot to mention this though - the group Care Package Ideas - lots of good info and inspiration!  http://www.navyformoms.com/group/carepackageideas

Video?

Patti, the video is above, called "Reveille to Taps." 

USS San Antonio joins destroyers in eastern Med - Navy Times.

My little girl is done with her contract and is home now. But I continue to watch for any developments. I just want to say a big THANK YOU for the past 4 years of your support and to keep me sane. I know for many here the ride is just beginning but it was a good ride for us.
Again THANK YOU all.

Instead of saying goodbye, I hope you'll keep in touch with this group.  Your presence is always welcome and your experience is valuable!  I wish your daughter the absolute best in the next chapter of her life, and please tell her 'thank you' for her years of service to her country.

Oh I will. Thanks Marcy!

Just a reminder to follow OPSEC guidelines here, there and everywhere!  :)

More ship terminology - "River City" is a term used for a temporary state of reduced outgoing communications.  Sailors can usually read their emails, just not reply.

Welcome new members!  Introduce yourself and tell us about you and your Sailor :)

Our sailor is new to the fleet on the Kearsarge...has been out there a month.  I was glad to read from another mom that it took awhile for her son to give her his address, ours says he doesn't want letters or packages, so he hasn't given us or anyone his address.  Sailor is the oldest of 3 boys.  I grew up in a Navy family.  My spouse was Army. Our sailor choose the Navy because of the schooling and because he wanted to do his job more then not, and he felt they offered the best option.  Hope to get to know some of you Keararge Family...