Nuke School Charleston

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My husband is in Nuke school at the NWS in Charleston, SC. We are enjoying it here! This group's for anyone who wants to talk.

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Terry_T_Tuckersmom

can someone tell me what they do when they first get to base?My son leaves today to go and I was just wondering what they do when they arrive at 9pm.Does it take like a week to get started in school?

Jan 3, 2011
Christina (EM Nuke gf 1111M )

They do what they call class up.. which if he is going with the rest of the nukes in BC he will be classed up asap. they do briefs the first week then they actually start school. everything is pretty laid back there as far as liberty times go. when he gets there you will get to hear from him that day if he has a phone

Jan 3, 2011
Christina

My husband had a different experience. He went to INDOC first which is cleaning and stuff like that. He did that for about 3 weeks. They move you into the BEQ right away and assign you bedding and all that jazz. Then they wait for you to class up, it is different for everyone. There are phases, 3 of them. 1st is you cannot do anything--wear uniform at all times, curfew is at midnight basically, can't drive, can't leave base except on the weekends if you are in INDOC, cannot put in leave chits to stay out overnight at all until you are phase 3, phase 2 you are allowed to drive and you can wear civis off base only and still no over nights, and phase 3-you can wear civis on base and you can stay out overnight until Sunday night...usually INDOC lasts about a week at most, so my husbands case was more unusual. They can call you but it is after they are done cleaning and they don't have cell phones in class. So they can't reach you until after they are done with work basically. And that is about it. And things stay like that until they marry or when they are done with Power school and they make them move out. They have 2 "big" graduations, one for A school and one for Power school, your son will have invitations he will mail out in advance to let you know. The big, big one is the Power school one. I hope this helps some, and good luck to you and your son!

Jan 3, 2011
Christina (EM Nuke gf 1111M )

Yeah my BF was in INDOC to for about a month because the class size wasn't big enough and they didn't want to brief for a group of 7. Either way he will be able to call more than likely because the cleaning stuff is usually done early (before 4) and the briefs were done by 4 each day.

All the info about Nukes and and their phases of what they can and cant do is on another discussion with a paper your nuke got at bootcamp

Jan 3, 2011
Christina

Also, they typically when they are in the INDOC phase they get out about 3pm or 4pm and they just have to be back by midnight, so if you were asking so you can visit him or something like that. It would still be worth the trip and they have Foster Creek Villas that family can rent here for like 30 bucks a night or so. And the AF base has hotels as well. I can recommend others if you need it. But I just sort of figured you missed him and sounds like you of course wanted to hear from him. And you definitely will. After they assign him a room he can call right away. And my husband had about 3 days of no work or anything so he can talk a good bit if it works out like that for him. But if you want to visit and spend a lot of time with him, wait til phase 3 so he can stay with you at the hotel :D

Jan 3, 2011
Christina

Awesome suggestion Darla, I will remember/recommend that if people need it in the future.

Jan 4, 2011
Christina (EM Nuke gf 1111M )

how long is the break between A school and power school?

Jan 4, 2011
Christina

It could be as short as 2 weeks or longer than 2 months. It just depends on their classing up like if they are first feeders(is the term) bottom feeders means last class in their upcoming class to graduate and they have admin work for 2 weeks, a shorter amt of time. And first feeders get more time off and do T-track in the meantime. Everyone does T track but it is just the length of time that is the difference. He will know a couple of weeks before he graduates. They always tell you last min like that.

Jan 4, 2011
Christina (EM Nuke gf 1111M )

ohkay great :) thanks

Jan 4, 2011
Christina

Yeah, Chris' Power School graduation was not what I expected, they have you arrive wayyyyyyyy early so we sat there for a total of like 3 or 4 hours. It was freezing...right at that temp change so no one expected it and people were buying hoodies and freezing. No sun at all either lol And they do a lot of talking from Navy folks of course and they call out each name which takes forever because the classes are big. There are no snacks served or anything so if you want coffee or something either bring it or have some change for the Bowman Center. They sell gifts and souvenirs there and it is cash only. They allow gracious space for pics(can get right up next to the stage) and there is a lot of room for socialization and meeting people! It was very nice. I wasn't able to be here for A school but hubby said it was much more informal, quick and not much to it, at least compared to Power School. So it is 100 percent the one to make if you can only do one! Prototype is very hit and miss due to what happens--can get staff pick up, deployed right away or you could be on hold here for a bit, just depends and you don't know until about 2 weeks before hand. So it will be interesting to see what happens to us in a couple of months. My husband is in about month 2 of prototype at this point. I've seen others around here in the neighborhood that we knew were in prototype be here one day and gone the next, happens fast.

Jan 5, 2011
Kelli_wife of JP

My husband is finishing up power school in Feb and he put New York down as his first pick for prototype. I'm not sure if we got it or when we will know but has anyone gone through that process? We have a 17 month old daughter and this waiting to find out stuff drives me crazy. My questions are; how soon will we find out? should i start packing now, just in case? when would we have to be out of our current house after graduation. is it the same day or later? I keep hearing there are holds here in Charleston and in New York.

Jan 11, 2011
Kelli_wife of JP

rlyons, my husband is a ET.

and thank you, I knew a few girls that had to be out of their houses at noon on the day their husbands graduated power school. That's what scares me. We have family coming up from Texas. I was also told sometimes the sailors don't know until a week prier to graduation and that wouldn't give me enough time to clean and pack and everything with having a one year old. She likes to "help" and that just makes more of a mess. So I'm really concerned about all that.

I thought about packing up the stuff we just have in the closets. I don't want to pack everything just in case. I just wish I knew what are chances were.

Jan 11, 2011
Terry_T_Tuckersmom

Christina-thanx for the info.My son has been INDOC since he arrivedbut he says they should be classing up prolly next week.He is doing much betterI talk to him every nightbefore I go to bed and I know once he starts school I will here from him less and less!!Thank you for support!

Jan 12, 2011
Nukemom

My son is at basic right and will be getting to Goose Creek in early March. I was hoping to find out what he can have in his room while there. He has own LCD TV and he was hoping they were allowed in the rooms. We live in Atlanta so are planning to bring anything he needs as soon as we can. We are very luck to have only a 5 hour drive to be there. If anyone knows what can brought into the rooms I would be very grateful for that information... Thanks in advance.

Jan 12, 2011
Terry_T_Tuckersmom

FaithR-I believe they can have TV's,laptops and cell phones.They also can take their own pillows and blankets.My son went and bought a new pillow when he got there but took his laptop and cell with him and he is also going to best buy to get a TV cuz his roommate will be moving to his next level of schooling and taking his tv with him.Hope that helps.

Jan 13, 2011
amanda

Also, I don't think they can bring anything with them that could easily catch fire (no coffee maker, hot water heater). Except an iron...

Jan 13, 2011
elizabeth77(USS SAN FRANCISCO)

Never forget the faithful IRON. That has me laughing every time I look at mine. When I got to talk to my son when he was at Goose Creek and I asked him if there was anything he was going to need he asked me if I could get him an iron. I NEVER EXPECTED THAT.

Jan 13, 2011
crmom

Any advice for a new Nuc. mom? My son should be starting his A school down there this week. He flies into Charleston on Thursday and I don't know any details other than that. When can I mail his things to him? Where do I mail his things down to him?

Jan 17, 2011
nvmomma

Welcome, crmom! There is a discussion on page 4 of the discussion forum above called 'Your Sailor's Schedule Upon Arrival at GC' that I found helpful when my son arrived a month ago or so. You can also find it on the Nuke Moms group's discussion forum, on page 1. It is the same document the sailors receive when they arrive on base. They can have their belongings as soon as they get there, so make sure he gives you his address asap.

Ladies, please chime in if I didn't get it quite right or left something out. I'm still a newbie myself, don't want to steer anyone wrong...

Jan 18, 2011
Sharon ~ K's Mom

Welcome crmom!! As soon as he gets there he will know the address and can give it to you. You can then mail him his things that he has asked for. He will get his mail/package during the week, the mailroom is not open on the weekends. So, if you mail it "priority" and pay extra it won't mean anything if it gets there on the weekend, he won't get it until Monday. Best to mail things to him on Monday so he can get them by Friday. Though, not sure where you live and how long it actually takes to get to S.C. Wishing you all the best!!

Jan 18, 2011
javajo50 (MM Power School 1103)

I spoke to my son this evening and he passed his comps with flying colors. So very happy for him and can't wait till his graduation on Friday. Woo hoo!

Jan 18, 2011
elizabeth77(USS SAN FRANCISCO)

congratulations javajo50

Jan 18, 2011
crmom

Thanks to all of the moms/wives that gave me information about what to expect when my son gets to SC. Is Goose Creek the name of the base? I know that sounds stupid, but all I knew was that it was in Charleston. Thanks again.

Jan 19, 2011
SumiK0125 (wife of a Nuke MM)

Goose creek is actually the City in South Carolina, the base is Navel weapons station (NWS) or Joint base Charleston (JBC) depending on who you are...we recently merged with Charleston Air force base to become one huge base so either one of those would work when describing the base name :)

Jan 19, 2011
javajo50 (MM Power School 1103)

Thanks Darla and Elizabeth for sharing in my excitement. I just arrived at the hotel and it's a gorgeous 62 degrees and sunny. Just waiting for a call to arrange our mother/son dinner date tonight :) Have a great weekend all!

Jan 20, 2011
elizabeth77(USS SAN FRANCISCO)

So jealous Javajo...send us pics

Jan 20, 2011
elizabeth77(USS SAN FRANCISCO)

Sue, I do believe things that they carry in uniform have some rstrictions as to how they can be carried and what colors they are. He will know.

Jan 20, 2011
nvmomma

Sue, my sailor was very concerned at the time that his computer case was not black - it is very dark gray, which has turned out to be okay. Red is probably a no-no...;)

Jan 20, 2011
javajo50 (MM Power School 1103)

Thanks Ginny and Elizabeth. I will definitely have to find a pic to post :)

Jan 20, 2011
nvmomma

Sue, do you have Ross, Marshalls, or TJ Maxx in your area? I bought a nice black bag for $20-25 at Ross not long ago...

Jan 20, 2011
Aggie08Mom (ship 02,div. 903)

Have fun, javajo. Let me know where you stayed and what you thought. My older son and I are planning on going to Charleston for a long Easter weekend and I'm needing advise on where would be a good place to stay.

Jan 21, 2011
javajo50 (MM Power School 1103)

Aggie~ Everyone I'm sure has their own favorite hotel around here. I stay at the Hyatt Place in No. Charleston. The rates are very reasonable and it is a brand new hotel....just opened in April so everything here is pretty nice. To give you an idea, I just got my room with my AAA discount for $89 bucks a night - King bed, non-smoking. The entire hotel is non-smoking so if you are a smoker you'd need to keep that in mind here :) I know you'll have a great time in Charleston! Lots of good food and places to visit :)

Jan 22, 2011
Christina

There is internet access in the rooms, idk if it is wireless or not. I am sure someone will chime in that knows, but if not I can ask my husband later when he gets in! But it is available and when they move in the BEQ they let them know the carrier(Sprint I believe) and the costs. There is also free internet in the Bowman Center for them to use in the meantime.

Jan 24, 2011
amanda

Internet access is wireless but your sailor will have to set up and pay for internet. Comcast is the only one on base. They'll need a wireless router.

Jan 24, 2011
Christina

Comcast is for the married folks, Sprint is used by the bachelors I am pretty sure of that. I know it is expensive. My husbands friend used it while he was in the BEQ and the cost was pretty hefty from what I heard. But yes, they do have it at the NEX.

Jan 25, 2011
amanda

Yes they do have them at the NEX but definitely shop around. You can get some pretty cheap on Amazon or Overstock too.

Jan 25, 2011
Dayami

Hey everyone, just joined this site and wanted to introduce myself. :) My name is Dayami, I'm 21 (turning 22 next month.) I first met and got together with my Sailor (boyfriend) when we were 13 and after going our separate ways, we've been back together for the last 2 months. He is also 21 and an EM currently in T-Track. I'm from Miami, Florida and going to school in Gainesville for Nursing but I'm back home for this semester to work. Looking forward to getting to know all of you! :)

Jan 25, 2011
amanda

Welcome ms. yami. I'm also 20, turning 21 soon. My fiance is an EM as well. Feel free to add me here or on facebook too!

Jan 25, 2011
Dayami

Thank you, Amanda! I'm going to go ahead and add you. :)

Jan 25, 2011
Dana (David's Mom)

My son have Comcast Cable internet /TV in the BEQ. It was cheaper than Sprint.

Jan 25, 2011
Christina

Yea I was wrong my husband told me he knew people in the BEQ with Comcast. Someone told me all they could get was Sprint, so must have been a deal that was personal to them and obviously not for everyone. Thanks for sharing that so I know for next time.

Jan 26, 2011
SumiK0125 (wife of a Nuke MM)

the internet is ONLY wireless if your sailor pays for his our wireless router, otherwise they have a wired connection, almost all the guys have comcast because it is less expensive, you can also have sprint (a wireless card type thing) which you buy at the mini-Nex.

Jan 27, 2011
Sharon ~ K's Mom

We have the "Sprint" card for our home as we don't have other internet access being in a rural area. It has a phone number for the account, it is about $70.00 a month just to have it. Then you have a cap on your downloading and you can sign up to get alerts and we have to because of how much we are on-line. We have gone over and it adds up quickly! We don't have a choice at the moment, so we have to really watch what we download. We are hoping to change it when we can change phones, we will look into the data plans for the four of us as Diego can start his own account with him and Kelsey.

Jan 27, 2011
NF Mom

Any one with Nukes graduating from Boot Camp 02/11/2011 ???

My understanding is divisions 64 through 74 and 804 & 912 graduate

on February 11th, 2011.

My son, div 65, is heading to ET school at Goose Creek on Saturday Morning

or so he is informed.

Anyone else have a son/daughter heading to ET after 2/11/2011 graduation.

Jan 31, 2011
Michimom (MM Nuke Mom)

TC, I heard that there won't be any days off for Easter liberty. Just like a regular weekend. Maybe it will be different for some??

Jan 31, 2011
Kelli_wife of JP

Annette, My husband is graduating on Feb 25th. It's so exciting.

Feb 1, 2011
MJ214 (Ship 11 Div 200)

Hey girls, haven't been on here in a while because my boyfriend is STILL waiting to go to BC. He is confused about when he will start power school once he finally finishes BC and I thought someone could help. Anyone know when power school sessions start/how often? He is worried that after BC he might have to wait a while before he starts. Any info is much appreciated!!

Feb 1, 2011
amanda

Mj- it really all depends. After BC there's about a 2 week wait of classing up, getting briefs, etc. A-school can be 3 or 6 months depending on if he's an EM, ET (both 6 mo) or an MM (3mo). He'll find out what he is towards the later half of BC. Then after A-school he could start Power anywhere between 2 weeks to 2 months. I think even MMs right now are waiting longer between a-school and power. I know the wait time for them is extremely long compared to everyone else going from power to prototype. My fiancee is an EM so I'm not sure what current wait times are. Maybe someone here with a loved one MM can answer that. Hope this helps!

Feb 1, 2011
Dana (David's Mom)

MJ214,

When your boyfriend graduates Boot Camp he will go straight to Goose Creek, SC and start with Indoctrination (briefs and rules and cleaning about 1 or 2 weeks) then class up for A School which usually has a new class begin every week.

Feb 1, 2011
MJ214 (Ship 11 Div 200)

Thanks for the help! He's hoping to be an EM. Definitely cleared some things up though. Thanks girls!

Feb 1, 2011