Hello all! Quick question: When sailors are asked to pick their top 3 duty station locations, what are the odds of their first pick being honored? Having said that, I realize that this is the Navy and can change at any time. Our son got to pick yesterday and put down Pearl Harbor, Kings Bay and Guam. He will be in Groton til sometime in January. I am hoping that he will get some leave between Thanksgiving and Christmas. If he does, we are planning on driving up to pick him up if we can. 11 1/2 hour drive but we have never been that far North so I think it will be exciting.
fayegirrl14 it depends on a lot of things. My son did not get his first choice of Mayport, but not a lot goes on there anyway. I think the higher they graduate in A School factors in (my son was second in his class, but he still didn't get first choice), what type of ship he will be on, what the need for his rate in that location is at the time they assign him, etc. It seems it really is just a crap shoot. Here is wishing him the best!
My son is MM. PIR 10-2. I'm so excited to see him. I have a question though. His recruiter told us he would be at sea no more than 9 months the first 4 years. But from what I'm reading, he will be at sea for a LOT longer. Is there an average? Am I having an anxiety attack over nothing? Please help!
AngieL - deployments average about 9 months and he may see more than one deployment in those 4 years depending on during what part of they cycle he joins the ship . The ship my son is on came back last October after leaving port in February. They have been in dry dock since this past February. Between deployments they will have "underways" which last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. During those, they test equipment, sailor readiness, etc. No need to panic! Breathe deep - in through the mouth, out through the nose. It will be an exciting time for him and he will get to visit places you can only dream of!
my son was one of the last to finish school. he didn't get any of his choices. he was in san diego, but not in HI. he loves it there. sometimes they may not think they will like where they start, but they do. good luck to your sailor!!
my son is on a sub. he had one deployment in the first 4 years. it was to last 6 months, but lasted 9 months. he has now re-enlisted for another 4 years. not sure if or when he will be deployed again.
Thanks for all of the advice! Our son passed his last test and will graduate BESS next Friday!! We are planning a short trip to visit him over Thanksgiving break. My husband is off that weekend and I work in the school district so we are all OFF!
I can't wait to see our sailor and get a chance to check out the area. WE haven't been that far north so it will be a great experience! ( or so I hope it will be!)
Thanks tina41 and MaeJay! We are all getting pretty excited about visiting with our sailor. He had originally though he would have duty on Thursday but turns out he has it Friday :( So we will probably explore a little on our own. Praying for decent weather on our trek up NorthEast. Thanks again to all who offered advice and tips. It's so appreciated!! I am THRILLED that the weather , so far, looks like it will cooperate for us later this week.
Hi moms my son is a future mm he had pir on 1/08 he at gl in the Missouri (on hold ) I'm so excited to meet moms like me thank you in advance in sure I'll have a million questions
Hello Group - my nephew will be graduating tomorrow at GL, and then heading to Goose Creek. Any advice? Any one has any idea when his flight might be on Saturday?
My daughter is an MM. She started the first portion of her A school beginning of December ( then had break for 2 weeks at Christmas). She finished Feb25, and is home on leave before headed to Japan
Question!! How long does my husbands schooling have to be for us to move with him? Iv heard sub school is 6 weeks and A school is 8 weeks then his C school is 7-17 weeks depending on which one he gets auxiliary or weapons
Hello All! I'm new here! My SAILOR just passed BS21 & has PIR on 06/03/16 from GL, IL. I understand that his next stop as of 06/04/16 will be New Groton to become a MM. He said he knows of 3 others in BC with him now destined to come to same place with him :). Can anyone of you tell me if you have loved ones waiting for 1st classes to start? And/or what their wait time might be once there? Much appreciated any advice/info at all
Hello Subermama! Our son also went to Groton for BESS and A school. I think he had to wait about 2 weeks to start BESS ( waiting for more sailors to arrive). He was in Groton from Sept.2015 until early Feb 2016. His A school graduation was cancelled due to a snowstorm so he just got his certificate and a handshake. He is currently stationed at Kings Bay. I hope this info helps! WELCOME!
Hello, I just joined the group.
My son is a mm and done with school.
He is just waiting for his orders.
He graduated Bess on April 29,2016.
Is there anyone else?
Welcome, Gardenia! Do you know where your son will be stationed? Mine is in Hawaii, has been there since June, 2015. Since going these, we have seen him once, he has met a girl and married her. Getting set for his first deployment. He is on a fast attack. What kind of ship is your son looking for?
I can't believe my son is home!!!
He showed up on Saturday,for his sister 's BD!
He is home for 2 weeks,he doesn't know what boat he is going to be on,his choices were Guam,san Diego and Hawaii!
He really does not know much but I'm just Soo happy!!
Enjoy your visit with your son,Gardenia100! What a great bday gift for your daughter! Still patiently waiting for our son's sub to come back into com range. It will be nice to hear his voice!
If you are fortunate to have your sailors with you hug them extra for my family and I. Our bubblehead is not home but currently in refit w/ his sub to leave sometime in the New Year. Our other son is currently in boot camp. First call home yesterday and first letter arrived earlier in the week.
This site and groups have been a godsend for me. I may not post much but I do read up and feel so BLESSED to be a part of such an amazing group-- NAVY FAMILIES. May God continue to watch over our Sailors, families, military, country.
Hello all.. this may be an odd question but it's been swirling in my mind... is it a general theory/idea/thought that machinist mates are uptight? I realize that every job on a ship, boat, destroyer, etc is important but our MM, well, sometimes he worries me. Then again, he is prob trying TOO HARD to fit in and become a valuable member of his crew. Just a worried mom that probably needs to let it go and give it to Him.
Bubblehead sailor earned his "dolphins" this last patrol. He was super happy and so were we. Even received a letter from his CO.
Thanks for listening/reading. I am trying very hard not to interfere with either of our sailors and I believe Im doing an ok job. Im not creeping on their social media sites nor am I asking lots of questions ( just when the need arises) . I just hope that both sailors are making friends, doing their jobs and trying to enjoy life.
Fayegirrl4 -- by what way do you mean uptight? My son's a MM and is very lax about everything. I asked him about the Fitzgerald and if he's doing ok/concerned and he said "he was fine. It's their job to close the hatch, etc. and there's no sense worrying about it. they drill for this and that's what they have to do."
It's not that he lacks empathy, but he's the 'suck it up you're in the military' kind of guy. A bit unattached I guess you could say.
I think you have to understand their world is all about close, confined spaces. My son is also an MM and works in the reactor section. It's loud, it's hot as heck, and they work crazy long hours, plus watch, with little sleep. He was just home on leave from 6 months deployment and all he wanted to do was sleep and eat and catch up on tv. He was easily irritated (maybe "uptight") so we just let him chill a few days and he evened out, but he's not the "kid" that went in 2 years ago (just turned 21). They have heavy responsibilities and job functions. I think when deployed, especially with this North Korea stuff, being uptight is kinda their normal. Hang in there momma.
Thank you patrickgirl and J-RockyMtn for your advice and insight. I am sure our son will be fine and this is just part of the growing up and learning how to be yourself. He was home on leave recently and did remark several times that it was good to be back and not have to worry so much. I just hope that his coping skills keep improving and that he remembers there are many resources and people he can turn to. Thanks again!
hey patrickgirl - No names, but it sounds like our sailors work in the same dept on the same ship! They just came back from deployment in N.K. and he got to come home for 2 weeks ... went back to the ship yesterday. The Navy isn't for everyone, but our son has always been laid-back and doesn't seem bothered by anything Navy. He re-enlisted 2 years ago and this was his 2nd deployment. He goes on shore duty this fall for a couple years. Be strong moms. They will get through this and will have a few good skills under their belt.
Can anyone on here tell me how LEave works after MM school in GL? I have asked my son and he tells me he doesnt know or who to ask. I know we/he has to buy ticket home, but when do they find out final day in GL? Is it after MM school so they know they have graduated?
@CLEO1997, hope you found your answer to your question. Usually the detailer ( can't remember the correct title) lets the sailor know what he/she can do after MM school. Some sailors choose to go "home" for x amount of days ( that number varies) or go straight to first duty station. Our MM left Groton and went straight to his duty station. Then took leave in December since there was a stand down for Christmas. I do know that if sailors come home on leave before rerouting, the sailors have to pay the difference in price for tickets from home to duty station ( our second sailor did that. We picked him up in GL after A school, he came home for 10 days then flew out from our state to his first duty station). I apologize if this info is late. I do hope all is going well for your MM!
Greetings. I am a brand newbie. My son leaves for Boot the end of this month or next. I am looking for all the information I can find and am looking forward to being part of the group. :)
Navyhusband - It all depends on what assignment they get. If their ship is in dry dock for repairs or just came back, they will have shore duty with that ship. If assigned to ship who is deployed they might get flown out to it. All depends on the command
Thank u J-RockyMtn. My sailor just started A school today. I was just wondering how long until we can move wherever she gets stationed and how long she will be gone after that. I really appreciate all the info provided.
Hello everyone! My son just graduated bootcamp and starts ASchool on 11/5 as a MM. I know nothing about A School and my son says I ask too many questions. Anyone who can tell me anything is much appreciated.
Hi y’all! My daughter just graduated BC 11/21. She should be going to MM school but instead she is holding for something they forgot to do on her dental record. I’ve heard it could take a few days or a few weeks. She hates it there. They treat it like a frat house and don’t seem to care about much of anything. She is miserable there and when she unpacked she realized she lost all her letters we wrote.
Hello all. It's been a long time since I posted but I check in to see what's going on from time to time. Just a general question : Our 1st son is a MMA on a ballistic sub. How hard is it to switch to fast attack and/or a surface ship? I realize that there will be many qualifications to obtain along with an opening on a ship. Just curious. He has been tossing around the idea of switching to fast attack or going surface. He isn't happy with his current command but we told him to wait until it was time to re-enlist or start shore duty.
Hope everyone is doing well. No sons home this year for the holidays. We had them both home last year. One is currently deployed and the other is preparing for his next patrol. A very quiet holiday season for sure.
My daughter enjoys being a MM, her schooling was at Great Lakes after graduation. I heard the schooling for submarine Machinist Mate is in Connecticut though.
Thank you for adding me to this group. My son just graduated from BC and will be training to be a MM but, we're in a holding pattern. Hopefully he will be shipped out tomorrow... I think to sub school but, we haven't gotten enough accurate info. I'll have to blame it on covid, things keep changing. Once we get all the info. I am sure I will have a ton of questions. Thanks for being here, Catskill Mountain Gere
A school for subs is in Groton, CT. Coincidentally, your kiddo might run into mine there in passing. He's on his 2nd tour and stationed there. I heard from him on Sunday, they've got him doing gate guard school right now on top of his regular duty.
Hi Silverpuppy, Looks like my son will be stuck in GL quite a bit longer. Today they were told it was a no-go, maybe on Sat..... or longer. One bright silver lining was he got his phone back. We got a very long phone call:). It was so great to hear his voice. We only had 2 very short calls under 5 min. during BC. It would be cool if your son bumped into mine, he might be able to give him some insight on sub life. I'll have to let you know when BJ finally ships out to sub school. Hopefully sooner than later. Thanks, Catskill Mountain Gere
fayegirrl4*
Hello all! Quick question: When sailors are asked to pick their top 3 duty station locations, what are the odds of their first pick being honored? Having said that, I realize that this is the Navy and can change at any time. Our son got to pick yesterday and put down Pearl Harbor, Kings Bay and Guam. He will be in Groton til sometime in January. I am hoping that he will get some leave between Thanksgiving and Christmas. If he does, we are planning on driving up to pick him up if we can. 11 1/2 hour drive but we have never been that far North so I think it will be exciting.
Sep 23, 2015
Forever proud
Sep 23, 2015
AngieL
Sep 23, 2015
Forever proud
Sep 24, 2015
AngieL
Sep 24, 2015
tina41
hello all!!
my son was one of the last to finish school. he didn't get any of his choices. he was in san diego, but not in HI. he loves it there. sometimes they may not think they will like where they start, but they do. good luck to your sailor!!
my son is on a sub. he had one deployment in the first 4 years. it was to last 6 months, but lasted 9 months. he has now re-enlisted for another 4 years. not sure if or when he will be deployed again.
Sep 26, 2015
fayegirrl4*
Thanks for all of the advice! Our son passed his last test and will graduate BESS next Friday!! We are planning a short trip to visit him over Thanksgiving break. My husband is off that weekend and I work in the school district so we are all OFF!
I can't wait to see our sailor and get a chance to check out the area. WE haven't been that far north so it will be a great experience! ( or so I hope it will be!)
Nov 4, 2015
tina41
hello all!!
fayegirl--enjoy your time with your sailor!! safe travels!!
Nov 22, 2015
fayegirrl4*
Thanks tina41 and MaeJay! We are all getting pretty excited about visiting with our sailor. He had originally though he would have duty on Thursday but turns out he has it Friday :( So we will probably explore a little on our own. Praying for decent weather on our trek up NorthEast. Thanks again to all who offered advice and tips. It's so appreciated!! I am THRILLED that the weather , so far, looks like it will cooperate for us later this week.
Nov 23, 2015
Fla_navy_mom
Jan 21, 2016
MM - Nuke BigBear'sTeam
Hello Group - my nephew will be graduating tomorrow at GL, and then heading to Goose Creek. Any advice? Any one has any idea when his flight might be on Saturday?
Jan 21, 2016
tina41
hello all!!
good luck to your sailors as they start their schooling!
Jan 31, 2016
coolleigh11
Mar 19, 2016
Samantha315
Mar 19, 2016
NavywifeAY
Mar 27, 2016
Subermama
May 29, 2016
fayegirrl4*
Hello Subermama! Our son also went to
Groton for BESS and A school. I think he had to wait about 2 weeks to start BESS ( waiting for more sailors to arrive). He was in Groton from Sept.2015 until early Feb 2016. His A school graduation was cancelled due to a snowstorm so he just got his certificate and a handshake. He is currently stationed at Kings Bay. I hope this info helps! WELCOME!
Jun 16, 2016
Gardenia100
My son is a mm and done with school.
He is just waiting for his orders.
He graduated Bess on April 29,2016.
Is there anyone else?
Aug 12, 2016
ELO.Navy.Mom
Aug 13, 2016
Gardenia100
He showed up on Saturday,for his sister 's BD!
He is home for 2 weeks,he doesn't know what boat he is going to be on,his choices were Guam,san Diego and Hawaii!
He really does not know much but I'm just Soo happy!!
Aug 16, 2016
Gardenia100
Congratulations on your son's wedding!
My son is waiting for his orders.
Aug 16, 2016
fayegirrl4*
Enjoy your visit with your son,Gardenia100! What a great bday gift for your daughter! Still patiently waiting for our son's sub to come back into com range. It will be nice to hear his voice!
Aug 16, 2016
tina41
hello all!
I want to wish everyone and their families a very merry Christmas. may you all have a safe and blessed new year!!
Dec 23, 2016
fayegirrl4*
MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!
If you are fortunate to have your sailors with you hug them extra for my family and I. Our bubblehead is not home but currently in refit w/ his sub to leave sometime in the New Year. Our other son is currently in boot camp. First call home yesterday and first letter arrived earlier in the week.
This site and groups have been a godsend for me. I may not post much but I do read up and feel so BLESSED to be a part of such an amazing group-- NAVY FAMILIES. May God continue to watch over our Sailors, families, military, country.
Peace and Blessings to you all.
Dec 24, 2016
ELO.Navy.Mom
Dec 24, 2016
fayegirrl4*
Hello all.. this may be an odd question but it's been swirling in my mind... is it a general theory/idea/thought that machinist mates are uptight? I realize that every job on a ship, boat, destroyer, etc is important but our MM, well, sometimes he worries me. Then again, he is prob trying TOO HARD to fit in and become a valuable member of his crew. Just a worried mom that probably needs to let it go and give it to Him.
Bubblehead sailor earned his "dolphins" this last patrol. He was super happy and so were we. Even received a letter from his CO.
Thanks for listening/reading. I am trying very hard not to interfere with either of our sailors and I believe Im doing an ok job. Im not creeping on their social media sites nor am I asking lots of questions ( just when the need arises) . I just hope that both sailors are making friends, doing their jobs and trying to enjoy life.
Jul 9, 2017
J-RockyMtn
Fayegirrl4 -- by what way do you mean uptight? My son's a MM and is very lax about everything. I asked him about the Fitzgerald and if he's doing ok/concerned and he said "he was fine. It's their job to close the hatch, etc. and there's no sense worrying about it. they drill for this and that's what they have to do."
It's not that he lacks empathy, but he's the 'suck it up you're in the military' kind of guy. A bit unattached I guess you could say.
Jul 9, 2017
patrickgirl
Jul 9, 2017
fayegirrl4*
Thank you patrickgirl and J-RockyMtn for your advice and insight. I am sure our son will be fine and this is just part of the growing up and learning how to be yourself. He was home on leave recently and did remark several times that it was good to be back and not have to worry so much. I just hope that his coping skills keep improving and that he remembers there are many resources and people he can turn to. Thanks again!
Jul 10, 2017
J-RockyMtn
hey patrickgirl - No names, but it sounds like our sailors work in the same dept on the same ship! They just came back from deployment in N.K. and he got to come home for 2 weeks ... went back to the ship yesterday. The Navy isn't for everyone, but our son has always been laid-back and doesn't seem bothered by anything Navy. He re-enlisted 2 years ago and this was his 2nd deployment. He goes on shore duty this fall for a couple years. Be strong moms. They will get through this and will have a few good skills under their belt.
Jul 10, 2017
patrickgirl
J-RockyMtn, yep, sounds like they are shipmates! Mine just drove back yesterday too. His car was stored here while he was gone. Small world, huh?
Jul 10, 2017
Cleo1997
Can anyone on here tell me how LEave works after MM school in GL? I have asked my son and he tells me he doesnt know or who to ask. I know we/he has to buy ticket home, but when do they find out final day in GL? Is it after MM school so they know they have graduated?
Aug 16, 2017
fayegirrl4*
@CLEO1997, hope you found your answer to your question. Usually the detailer ( can't remember the correct title) lets the sailor know what he/she can do after MM school. Some sailors choose to go "home" for x amount of days ( that number varies) or go straight to first duty station. Our MM left Groton and went straight to his duty station. Then took leave in December since there was a stand down for Christmas. I do know that if sailors come home on leave before rerouting, the sailors have to pay the difference in price for tickets from home to duty station ( our second sailor did that. We picked him up in GL after A school, he came home for 10 days then flew out from our state to his first duty station). I apologize if this info is late. I do hope all is going well for your MM!
Sep 17, 2017
Cleo1997
Sep 17, 2017
Saint 04/14
Thank you for accepting me. Looking forward to questions, and answers and most importantly support. :)
Nov 6, 2017
alw64
Greetings. I am a brand newbie. My son leaves for Boot the end of this month or next. I am looking for all the information I can find and am looking forward to being part of the group. :)
Apr 9, 2018
Navyhusband2018
how soon they get deployed after A school?
Jul 2, 2018
J-RockyMtn
Navyhusband - It all depends on what assignment they get. If their ship is in dry dock for repairs or just came back, they will have shore duty with that ship. If assigned to ship who is deployed they might get flown out to it. All depends on the command
Jul 2, 2018
Navyhusband2018
Jul 2, 2018
J-RockyMtn
No problem. Your sailor will find out once they get their orders and closer to graduation.
Jul 2, 2018
NevadaSierra
Thank you for accepting me. Our Grandson left for boot camp last week.
Sep 8, 2018
Lolabny00
Can anyone tell me how long is A school?
Sep 10, 2018
Jana
My Daughter just arrived at GC on Saturday. Starts School on Monday! A ton of emotions right now.
Nov 1, 2018
SailorMom18
Hello everyone! My son just graduated bootcamp and starts ASchool on 11/5 as a MM. I know nothing about A School and my son says I ask too many questions. Anyone who can tell me anything is much appreciated.
Nov 5, 2018
LoudandProud
Nov 26, 2018
fayegirrl4*
Hello all. It's been a long time since I posted but I check in to see what's going on from time to time. Just a general question : Our 1st son is a MMA on a ballistic sub. How hard is it to switch to fast attack and/or a surface ship? I realize that there will be many qualifications to obtain along with an opening on a ship. Just curious. He has been tossing around the idea of switching to fast attack or going surface. He isn't happy with his current command but we told him to wait until it was time to re-enlist or start shore duty.
Hope everyone is doing well. No sons home this year for the holidays. We had them both home last year. One is currently deployed and the other is preparing for his next patrol. A very quiet holiday season for sure.
Dec 20, 2018
My Navy Girl
Aug 23, 2019
Catskill Mountain Gere
Thank you for adding me to this group. My son just graduated from BC and will be training to be a MM but, we're in a holding pattern. Hopefully he will be shipped out tomorrow... I think to sub school but, we haven't gotten enough accurate info. I'll have to blame it on covid, things keep changing. Once we get all the info. I am sure I will have a ton of questions. Thanks for being here, Catskill Mountain Gere
Oct 27, 2020
Silverpuppy
A school for subs is in Groton, CT. Coincidentally, your kiddo might run into mine there in passing. He's on his 2nd tour and stationed there. I heard from him on Sunday, they've got him doing gate guard school right now on top of his regular duty.
Oct 28, 2020
Catskill Mountain Gere
Hi Silverpuppy, Looks like my son will be stuck in GL quite a bit longer. Today they were told it was a no-go, maybe on Sat..... or longer. One bright silver lining was he got his phone back. We got a very long phone call:). It was so great to hear his voice. We only had 2 very short calls under 5 min. during BC. It would be cool if your son bumped into mine, he might be able to give him some insight on sub life. I'll have to let you know when BJ finally ships out to sub school. Hopefully sooner than later. Thanks, Catskill Mountain Gere
Oct 28, 2020