USS Kearsarge (LHD-3)

He has only been out there a month...we haven't heard anything about the tiger cruise as of yet.  How old is your sailor?  Our's is 19.  SO thankful to know they may be home sooner then later.  I am glad to "meet" you too.  If I hear from him about the tiger cruise, I will be in touch.  Blessings on your day!

I will email him and see if he wants us to come, or at least his Dad.  Our sons name is Ethan.  Sending him was heartbreaking, but I knew all his life he would join one of the branches...from the time he could walk he'd practice marching.  I know our middle one will not join, our "baby" maybe...that would be taking my prayer life and faith life to a whole new level. 

My son said the deadline for Tiger Cruise was 2 days ago?

This homecoming will be fantastic, if you are able to attend!  This video is a "Cox Video Diary" about the most recent homecoming of 'sister ship' USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) in Norfolk after a long deployment.  It captures the event and the high emotions, and it focuses on NAVY MOMS - major tissue alert!!

Thank you Proudmom, I did receive paperwork and submitted.  Curious,  was it open to grandparents as well or only Moms, Dads, and siblings?

It is open to any family member except wife / girlfriend. Grandparents are the best to come out because they really enjoy all the activities. Just some advice make sure they are mobile meaning it is a bunch of walking and up and down ladders. They will have a great time because there is a schedule of events all the way thru coming into the channel. I have been on 9 deployments and the homecoming was always the best part. It is really cool when the tigers come out they will enjoy.

Our son emailed that he actually found out about tiger cruise too late to get the stuff to us.  Next one.  He has only been out there just over a month.  His first fleet assignment out of a and c school.  I hope he is able to get us the information for homecoming so we can fly out.  I work for an airline and we will just buzz out there for a few days.  He says he doesn't have any idea of date.  the very FEW emails I get from him are just answering the few questions I ask.  Very to the point.  

thanks proud mom.  I will look into it. It has been a real adjustment to him to be on the ship.  IS it a real possiblity that my son doesn't know the date?  Maybe he is saying he doesn't know it because he thinks it will be too expensive for us to come out there.  He is always protective of us like that.  ty so much for your help!  If I call them to get the information he will not get in trouble, will he?

It's always possible that dates can change, so mrsdelac, good thing you work for an airline :)  

For others, keep in mind that Southwest flies into Norfolk and doesn't charge for ticket changes, though the fare may have increased since you purchased; and if you cancel, your money is "banked' until you use it to rebook.

lol, isn't it amazing that they can't tell us directly, but that the frg can?  I will talk to my hubby about it.  Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom.  I know it's silly, but a few years ago I worked at an airline in Mt before they lost their essential air contract.  I specifically stood in faith for this airline job so that we can fly to see him and he can fly to see us....my airline extends travel benefits to active military until they are past 24.  I am SO glad we have 4 years till we are there. 

That's why they have the FRG and the Ombudsmen, to act as official liaison between the Command and the families and control the info that goes out - remember, OPSEC!  :)   Hey I'm jealous of your airline connection!  I don't think they'd hire me at this point LOL

 And I didn't mean to imply that the date would vary much if at all, but it's possible with any return from deployment and so folks need to keep that thought in mind and not get upset if it does happen - could be something as simple as weather.  They WANT the date to come through as planned of course!!

I know.  Hubby served 7 years in Army.  I was family support group leader thru a deployement because all the officers were single.  When they came back the date changed 3 times....ugh.  I will tell you that I am SO thankful for the airline job, and as a 42 year old woman who spent half of last year on the couch from a serious broken ankle, the airline job is a true answer to prayer.  The 1st time I took the agility test I failed...but got it done the next time.  It is a physically demanding job that I love every minute of, its fun and never dull! 

In need of additional info on Tiger Cruise, date etc., to make arrangements, paperwork submitted to e/mail provided my Proudmom   I signed up for the ombudsman mail list and was approved by my son but still have not received an e/mail.  Any info would be appreciated, thank you.

I have signed up for the Tiger Cruise.  I was able to get phone numbers, did speak to Crystal, and was given what info. she had.  Thank you for your help.  Where are you coming from Proudmom?

Proudmom I am coming from MA

I am flying solo, yes would be nice to meet!

Welcome new members kmurphy and DONNA D!

Ginny, "Proudmom" are you staying in a hotel the night before the Tiger Cruise?

Don't be nervous!  It's easy getting around.  If you can still get one, make a reservation ASAP at the Navy Lodge on Hampton Blvd in Norfolk - here's the contact information, rates, and photos:  http://navyformoms.com/group/norfolksailorsfamilyfriends/forum/topi...

You can make the reservation yourself, just give the name, rate and rating of the sailor (your Sponsor) who will check you in.  Tell them it's for a homecoming; your sponsor will have to check you in within 24 hours of your arrival.

It's very close to Gate Five so getting to the pier and ship is easy.  If you're not renting a car, you can take a taxi through the gate.  Get info from the ombudsman and/or the FRG about base access for the morning of homecoming.  

The taxi fare from the airport to the Navy Lodge on Hampton Blvd is about $20-$25, if the friend can't meet you.  And if the Navy Lodge is full, the info for the next-closest hotels (Hampton Inn and Quality Inn on Hampton Blvd)  is in the Discussion at that link too.

Hi, I'm new to the navy life, my husband joined the navy in April 2013, when he came home from A school he had a week of vacation than flown out to the ship, how do I find out when the ship is coming home and what pier and time to meet it at. Thank you for all you help

kmurphy, check out the Discussion above with links to the Ombudsman Team and the Family Readiness Group.

Great Thank you for the help

The Family Readiness Group is perfect for a new Navy wife :)  Ask them about the "No Spouse Left Behind" program the awesome Kearsarge FRG has - they pair you with a 'seasoned' spouse who can help you navigate all the new stuff.  And welcome to the Navy family!! 

IMPORTANT UPDATE from the Ombudsman regarding base access for homecoming:  

"If you do not have a DoD ID, you must be on a list of guests to get on base the day of homecoming and the day of Tiger Cruise. No exceptions!!

Your Sailor must provide a guest list to the Command. We cannot add names to that list, it must be through your Service member."

Do you know when we can expect an official announcement on when Homecoming will be? I will be traveling from out of state and would like to make hotel reservations soon.