Nuke School Charleston

I have a question regarding graduations.  My son is supposed to graduate from A school next month at Goosecreek.  Which graduation is the most important to attend, A School or Power School?  Even though I would love to be there for both, I don't know that that will be possible.  Any advice for this new Navy mom who lives in the midwest? 

I have heard overwhelmingly that Power School grad is the one to go to if you can only make one. It is bigger, more formal, more impressive. I have also heard a few that say they preferred the A School grad, it is smaller and more intimate, a bit less formal. Depends on what you like I guess. Of course it would be wonderful to be able to go to both...

I only went to Power School graduation.  it was a nice ceremony and there were maybe around 350 graduating that day.  For A school it is usually just their class and maybe one other class, a very short ceremony, and most of them take leave right after it's over.  So if you can only go to one, then I'd say power school.

Just read about the surgeries thing, not that it helps your boys, but I will make a mental note and see if I can do anything to improve that process when I get down there with my hubby (be a bit easier for me since I'll be on site and have nothing to do until I find a job ; ) )

ya, the surgery thing hasn't been good.  I found out today that they are supposed to be doing things differently, but they didn't on these two cases.

That is sweet of you to even think about looking into it.  I do think they should somehow allow a wives group to help out, or something.  I would be soo willing to drive people to appointments and get them meals, and just call and check up on them. 

Exactly, and I know it must be really hard for all of the young kids who have never left home (my husband and I are old for new recruits, I'll be 29 on Sat and he is 26, lol).  I mean, I get the navy not wanting to treat them like babies, but a little bit of assistance in times of need is what we are supposed to be about!!

Geez, I am hoping we know names of other Sailors on base that we can contact (I have several phone numbers already) if we can't find our own. Mine was able to get a ride to the airport because of my friendship with another N4M friend and her Sailor!  I have been making a spread sheet for my Texas Sailors! I guess I need to start getting phone numbers as well!  Hope both guys get the medical needs taken care of before the weekend gets here.  I do know of a Mom who lives in Charleston... but she is not allowed on base. I know she would go take care of our boys! (and girls, but I think the girls take better care of each other).

hello all!!

kgor2011- my son said for us to wait till the power school graduation.  he said A school graduation isnt really worth a long trip.  not sure how far you are.  he is still in A school. he wont graduate till sometime in january.

Nobody is allowed on base. The notion that you can just waltz into NNPTC, walk into the BEQ and start nursing sick people back to health, is just plain silly.

William...there's no need to be like that.  These are mothers/wives that are willing to try to be advocates--not only for their own sailors but others as well.  No one is talking about "waltzing into NNPTC"...You owe these women an apology for the tone of your comments.  Completely unnecessary!

Agree suebal.

Thank you all for the information regarding graduation.  Although I would love to be there for A School graduation..it is not just a hope skip and a jump away from Nebraska. 

good morning!!!

kgor-  also if you wait till power school graduation, you might be able to plan a longer visit?!! 

Hi all, so glad to find this group.  My son is one of the young ones, but he is very mature for his age, at least that is what he says.  I am worried though about how much time he spends alone.  He was always so social here at home.  Anybody else have this worry?

We are from the high desert in California.  It is not feasible to fly out there for a weekend wondering if any one has done a road trip from California out to GC?

AngelainMojave and Debbie - where in the high desert are you from?  I was born in Barstow.  Still have family out that way.  Come over there usually once a year.  I live in Phoenix.  Drove my son's truck back to him in March.  Great trip right across I-40 to Nashville, then down to Atlanta, across to Columbia then down to Charleston.  Supper smooth and great roads.

Good morning all...Well, my son's PIR is this Friday--unbelievably happy that it's finally here. I know I won't get to spend an enormous amount of time with him, but at least in this next phase we'll get to be in touch more often--that's what's important. On Saturday he's shipping out to Charleston. Besides the internet access information, is there anything else that anyone can share with me to help with the transition? I appreciate every single piece of info I get...for the simple fact that it's way more than I had before.

Thank you all for being here!  I appreciate you so much!

I really can't think of much else to help with the transition. 

When he gets there, and gets his room, since it 's Saturday, there will be lots of people around.  Most of them will get to the NEX, which is about a mile walk down the road, or will find out how to get the taxi, right by Subway, and get to the mall.  Most head to Best Buy and restaurants.  My son also bought himself his own pillow, sheets, comforter (he likes his own stuff) and an ipad, all that first weekend, but he arrived the day before Veteran's Day last year so had a nice long weekend.  They have to wear uniforms at all times outside of their room, so he'll want a couple changes of clothes for the room, plus the rooms can get chilly.  My son loves his long sports pants and shorts, t-shirts and a good hoodie.  and in a few weeks after class starts they will be able to wear civilian clothes outside of their room on base, when they aren't in class, so he'll need his shoes, pants, etc.   Just remember that phone reception isn't too good in their rooms, so he'll have to go outside to talk and it gets pretty chilly as we get more into winter, so he won't want to do that.  Skype is really great instead. and we chat a lot on the facebook messaging.  They get distracted and don't like to be on the phone all that long, plus their new found independence starts to kick in. 

Hope  that helps.

Kat YOU ROCK!  Thank you thank you thank you....That is exactly the kind of information that I can work with!  I'll start putting together my initial care packages this week...Is it Thursday yet? :)

Actually, knowing him, he's going to work on finding workout buddies--especially running.  He looooooooooooves to go for a run.  Since he hasn't been able to do as much working out as he is accustomed to at GL, I have a feeling that's going to be one of his first things (after the initial settling in).  I know he's going to be hitting an enormous amount of books, but I can honestly say that when he started running his senior year in high school, his stress levels dropped and his grades picked up even more (he went from A's and B's to all A's).  The last couple of months before he left for GL he was hardly ever home--he was always riding his bike to the beach and out running. Made me tired just watching him :)  Thank you again for your help.  Ohboyohboyohboy..

That is great that he has that type of stress relief.  It will help him a lot as he continues throught the program. He will want a good pair of running shoes, but he'll need to go get those himself to find out what fits best.  They all hate the ones they got in bootcamp.

My son also eventually got himself a good mattress pad to help make his bed more comfy.  And if you send care packages, send a microwave able container, a fork and spoon, and maybe a travel mug or glass.  Or get them for Christmas.  That way he can heat up leftovers in his room.  And you can send him, or he can get, things like those little microwave buckets of raviolies, chili, etc. to have on hand just in case they go study and miss dinner in the galley, or ont he weekends when they galley doesn't serve a couple of meals and they don't feel like going out to find something. They are just good things to have on hand.  The fridge in their rooms is actually a fairly good size, so they can buy stuff and store in there, drinks, snacks, etc. and there is a tiny freezer on it too.

this is an awesome thing to do:

http://yipit.com/nation/living-social/15-toward-a-care-package-for-...

suebal 02/901 Send him just a few civies for now, and drive the rest when you take his car (if you are planning on doing that). My son discovered that many of his pants did not fit him anymore and had to buy new ones.  He actually has grown 2 inches since he has been in GC, which is amazing since he is 25 already!  One of my sons first purchases was a mountain bike. They have a great biking trail (13 miles long - what out for the alligators) and he loves to ride rather than run.  He also purchased some new running shoes and happily threw the ones from boot camp away!  He hates the mess hall food, so he hasn't gained any weight since arriving back in April, he is all muscle. What a hug he has now!

Linda - I'm so glad they'll be PTg together...Cam will really love that! And I stopped by the Post Office today and have already gotten some boxes...nothing like having supplies at hand :)

Guiltblue--Thanks for that! Cam doesn't have a car but I do plan on road trips--it's only 9 hours door to door.  Completely doable.  I have to have him figure out when he gets some time on the weekends...not "full on liberty" mind you, but when he has time off.  Right now I feel like I could easily drive 9 hours for dinner...THAT may change..don't know. :)  That's funny you said your son grew 2 inches, Cam has grown 3/4 since he left home.  I think they sprinkle Miracle Grow in the food.  He said he's also lost another 8 pounds--and I think I'm the one that FOUND 'EM! I think I'll take his mountain bike in and get it tuned up for him so he can have that.

I think what I need to do is chill...Let him tell me what he needs and then work with him on that. I have to practice stepping back a wee bit and let him take charge of his life...I am not that good at having to grow up--ME, not him!

Thanks for your counsel ladies.  I am sooooooooooooooooooooooo appreciative!

Big hugs from Greenacres!

LOL - I just realized how many times I said "I think" in that last note....I have to stop thinking for a while....thinking gets me in trouble! :)

Thanks for sharing all the info for new Nukes at A school.  My SR graduates on 12/02 (getting closer . . . YEA!!) and will be heading to GC on the 3rd.  You're info is most helpful and greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the welcome Debbie,  I am trying to plan a trip to take my son's car also.  Hope you have a nice trip.  Kat Mojave is a city north between Lancaster and Bakersfield.

Angelain, yes, I am familiar.  We used to go to Lancaster when I was a kid, to the turkey farm, to pick out our Thanksgiving turkey.  the horrors of it all, LOL.  I was born in Barstow, then we moved to Oregon when I was 10.  Still go over there to visit family though.

Thanks Linda!  He is so funny...wouldn't dream of riding without a helmet! I love him for that!  Y'all are so great for all the info....don't know what I'd do without all of you!

Hi everyone...well, yesterday I got my "I'm a sailor" call...I knew he was going to make it through basic, but isn't it funny how getting "that call" really makes your heart sing!? A quick question (or two)...next week is Thanksgiving...do they do anything special for the sailors at school AND since Christmas will be coming shortly thereafter and it's too soon for leave, do they get a day or two "off" so that maybe I can do a roadtrip and spend the day with my son? I figured I'd start with "my experts" before going further.  Headed to O'Hare tomorrow for Friday's PIR...never thought my pride in my son could go any higher than it already was...my heart just might burst on Friday! Thank the Gods for waterproof mascara! :)

My son got to GC on Nov. 10 last year, which was a Wednesday. He had Thursday off for Veteran's day, I don't think he did much on Friday, and then had the weekend off.  He had indoc. the next week then classes started, I believe, the Monday of Thanksgiving week.  He had a 4 day weekend.  He did the adopt a sailor program and went to the house of someone higher up, with another sailor, for dinner.  He then got the full two weeks leave during the Christmas stand down. So, it is possible your son will probably get Christmas off for two weeks.  I don't know if they have a choice.  They advance them their leave for it, which is fine because once school starts they can't take leave anyway so it all works out.   He will know more once he gets there.   Congratulations on your new sailor.  I remember that feeling well.  Have a wonderful time at PIR, and remember to get pictures of you and him together.  I only got like 2 of me and him, and I sure wish I had more.

Thanks Kat!  I'm all kinda bouncing around here at my desk...it's only 9:00 and  feels like it should be a whoooooooooole lot later! Heading out at 1:30 for the airport.  I plan on taking tons and tons and tons of pictures--maybe even one or two of me with my sailor :)  Thanks very much for the info.  It would really be awesome if he got to come home for Christmas...that would be the only gift I need!  Hope everyone has an amazing day!

hello all!

suebal---i feel the same.  my son is coming home for christmas.  when he asked me what i wanted, i told him that him coming home was enough!!!

Hi Peggy.  ya, it's getting close.  Hard to believe isn't it?   You are going to PIR right?  I hope he comes home for the holidays too.  He gets there so close to them that I don't know if he'd have to start class before or after the holidays.  But surely he'll get to come home.  I hope they tell them asap when they get there so they can get reservations.

we also have the Nuke Moms group on here.

Peggy, my son PIR'd 12/3/10 & was able to come home for the entire holiday stand down. The MMs classed up before the holiday leave, but as an EM, my son didn't class up until he went back after leave. 

He bought his airfare about 10 days prior to leave so he didn't get any deals on the fare $$$, but he didn't care. He was just happy to be able to come home and relax & spend time w/family/friends.

My MM3 son also graduates Power School on 12/2.  I arrive in GC on 11/28 and stay through 12/5.  Will be staying at the Day's Inn just down the street.  If anybody is going to be there and looking for someone to do things with during the day while the kids are busy at Rickover, let me know and I'll share with you my cell phone number.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Enjoy your day and the people you spend it with!

My SR graduates this Friday and will head to Goose Creek.  I'm just curious, how many are normally in a class? My SR is an EM.

Goooood morning everyone.  Just found out from Cameron yesterday that he's in class 1209B...they still haven't met their SLPO, he's hoping that will happen very very soon as he is chompin at the bit to get going! (He's weird that way :))  He hasn't mentioned how many people are in his class, I'll have to ask that next time we talk (which should be tonite). He also told me he gets to come home for 2 weeks over Christmas as the school is on standown. Best Christmas present I could ever ever ask/hope for! I told him I'm going to put a bow on his head and just put him under the tree--there was silence on the other end of the line...hmmm :)  While I'd rather have him home all the time, the fact that we can text, call, Skype and email "when we want" has made having him gone soooooooooooooooooo much easier and WAY better than when he was in boot!

Good morning everyone!  I'm getting ready to leave SC right now.  I've been here for a week, and it was really nice to spend time with my son and see what it's like here.  It's a little sad to leave him again, but it helps that he is so happy.  He really does seem happy and healthy.  It also helps that I get to see him again in a few weeks.  :)  

Navybound...I just arrived here last night.  If I had known, would have loved meeting another Nuke mom !!!  :(

hello!!

i am back home.  got home last night.   just to warn anyone who might drive from the top of virginia to the bottom,  it is a long ride.   it seemed like we were never going to get through the state!LOL

i am going to get a navyformoms t-shirt or something.  i was kinda of looking around to see if i knew anyone from here while i was in goose creek.  we need something to be able to recognize each other. 

Try California !!!!!  UGH   They do have Navy Mom t-shirts, but maybe we can find a place that will do Navy4Moms - that would be quite cool!!!

congrats MomofNuke.  What a relief you must feel.  I remember that feeling.  I was sitting right there at the Subway, waiting for him to get his score and come out to meet me for a celebration.  He had a terrible headache but it miraculously went away as soon as he found out his score. :)  A couple margaritas later he was feeling good and happy.  I hope yours is able to celebrate tonight too.

yes, Penny, I was thinking the same thing aboug California.  A very long distance.

yeah Peggy.  I am so happy for you.  What a wonderful feeling.

My son stayed in GL until the Wednesday after PIR, but that was way back last November.  I supposed anything is possible.  It might be because of housing issues in GC or something.  I know they are sending off some guys to NY for prototype next week, then probably moving guys from A school housing into Power school housing, then that would make room for new incoming from bootcamp.  But that is just a guess.  I really dont' know.   You are going to PIR, right?

Yay Peggy!  My son is an MM too! (I keep wanting to say M&M but he might not "smile") So proud of all our sailors!

Hi All - my son is one that will be shipping out of goose creek next week, he graduated power school 10/07, and has been on hold since.  he will checkout on 12/9 and then report to BS by 12/16.  my nephew is currently in A school at the base in Great Lakes, its right across the street from RTC, most likely that is where he will be on hold Peggy, he checked in a few hours after PIR and then had liberty weekend off (did have to return to base every night).  To all the Moms attending graduation on friday, enjoy! the sailors will be in such good spirits, we had a wonderful weekend ..