Considering what is going on in Iran right now, let's pray for our sailors and that cooler heads prevail and no miltary conflict arises. I am reading news articles and the Bataan is actually mentioned in a couple of these articles. Hoping that Iran is all talk at this point.
So quiet on here today. Everyone must be celebrating! Has anyone heard from the ship? I have heard nothing in days from my Sailor. No phone calls or emails. Am I the only one?
@joro, The only email I got was "I made it to the ship" he has called 2 or 3 times, and said he was "setting up" his email. But nothing in the past 2 days.
I have been chit chatting back and forth my sailor and his sign came in on Friday. It's so exciting. He just passed his crewman's board first try and he sounds more upbeat since its closer to homecoming. Everyone be safe tonight have a Happy New Year! I am working tonight.
My son has 1st. leave and said when he sees us we are leaving ASAP for home. He's pretty homesick. He's only 19 and this was his 1st. deployment. He never had time in Norfolk yet, pretty much went from C school in Jacksonville Fl. To the Bataan.
I'm not sure how long anyone is staying in the area, but ArmedForcesVacationClub.com has timeshares for $349 for a week. It was cheaper for me to stay a whole week than a few nights in a local (somewhat decent) hotel. Just an idea!!
Have you ladies started booking hotels yet or planning your trips. My husband told me one thing about a possible date, but I don't dare book a hotel until I'm sure. I've called the ombudsman hotline and only get updates from October. (of course be sure not to mention dates or ports)
Hows the traffic or difficulty to get to base for the homecoming if you don't stay right by the base? We were thinking about staying on the Virginia Beach.
Thanks Joro!! That helped a lot, I really hate traffic especially when I don't know where I'm going. I'm from the country we have very little traffic. I go to St. Louis for shopping, which is ok, but I know where I'm going and what lanes I should be in. LOL
My son is now on cafeteria duty and said he works night and day. He said it might mess up the Tiger Cruise? I guess he means we may not see him. I am thinking of not doing the Cruise now but showing up day of homecoming. Any suggestions?
chandlersmom I was going to do the TC untill my son said it would be better that I just go to the homecoming and he can show me around the ship and where his shop is and stuff the next day. Can't be that day because of everyone getting off the ship.
But now he has 1st leave so that starts as soon they get in, and he wants to leave ASAP for home. lol So now I wish I was doing the TC.
I used to live in Norfolk and did the commute to VA Beach and back for work for a while. It can get pretty bad all around that entire area... especially if you hit tunnel traffic (and there are several tunnels/bridges). I'm still staying out in VaBeach... I love the VaBeach area... and the hotel prices out there are pretty good off season.
Thanks for all the information that helped a lot. I made reservations at the Hampton Inn. What can we do or see the day before the homecoming. Hate to drive 2 days and see nothing. Can we tour any other ships? I wont be coming back with Curtis, he will be driving his car back to Norfolk. So I wont be seeing his ship like I was hoping to do.
There are great hotels on North Military Highway and Northhampton Blvd. in Norfolk. Which is about a 15 minute commute to the base. The best thing is that these hotels are located right next to I-64 to I-564 which leads you right to the base.
joanne ko Welcome I'm from Mo. also and my son is on this ship. What part of Mo. are you from. We are driving to Norfolk no Tiger Cruise for us. I hope later he will be able to give us a tour.
Just reminder NO DATES keep OPSEC in mind for our loved ones!
Is it gone? I'm not sure how to "paste" and "copy" so I will delete. I am so sorry to everyone. I'm new with computers and forget how easy it is for people to find things, I WILL be careful.
Got an email from my girl today and she said she passed her oral boards for ESWS pin. Last month, she also got the highest score on the written exam. I googled this so I could be up to date and it says " This designation is earned by sailors that serve on surface ships. It involves completing qualifications, passing written tests, and passing an oral board of 1st class petty officers and chiefs. In order to earn this pin, a sailor pretty much has to learn a lot of information about the capabilities of the ship they are on and has to learn about each division's job and purpose on the ship. It can take months to earn this pin. It is not easy and can take multiple attempts to pass the oral boards."
Considering that she has only been on the ship since March and she did this on her first attempt, I told her she should be very very proud. I know I am.
I also have another question - not sure if anyone can answer this or perhaps send me a private message. I notice that some Moms are saying they are booking hotels already for the Bataan's return. I would like to as well, but how will I know what dates to book for??? Any advice is welcome.
My sailor is being hit with personal property tax on his car? Has anyone had this issuse because I thought if they are active and on deployment they get exempted. Also that is the issuse for him to register his car for new tags in the state of Va. I already lived here but I don't know what to do also he needs to reinstate his base tags. Ugh right before he comes home we have to get this done so he can drive his car.
I didn't know if your active duty and deployed you didn't have to pay personal property tax. I just paid Curtis before Dec. 31. Or is this only for Vi. state?
Do I need to have a pass or something to get on base and what do I need to do to be on the pier when he arrives. I'm hoping to be at the homecoming party the night before but I don't have any details and have no idea what's needed to be on the pier.
Will the email say how we access the base ect. Also how r they texting I thought they they could not use cells. I shut my sons off when he joined the ship wonder if I should turn it back on
As soon as the command gives the ombudsman the information they will be sending out the information via emails, groups and things of that nature. I would for those that can attend the FRG meeting on the 17th to go. There will be alot of emails going out over the next few weeks. Right now there are alot of speculations of when (time wise) and pier they will be pulling into. As soon as the command release that information to the ombudsman they will get that out.
The first of the month paycheck was not affected because we were still in the tax free. Next paycheck will (not sure ) but the tax free will be gone. I believe everything else stays. I know the FSA (family separation allowance ) command has not said about the other pays yet....
Ok, not going to argue (worked mil pay for 3 years). Like I said I do not know what we lose and when I know the FSA will stay till they pull in port. Call the banks for a projected amount of money for the 15th and that will tell you if it left or not.
How can I make sure that I will get all of the upcoming information that the ombudsman is going to be emailing. I can not make it to the 17th meeting, because I am stationed at Camp Lejeune. I will be able to attend the night before meeting though.
I have a few concerns about getting information too. We're out of state. I'm not sure I'll be able to attend the meeting the night before and I won't have internet access to check emails that night before either. Can I just show up and be directed as to where to go?
I think most of us are out of state. I figure I'll find out what I need to know, when I need to know it (through my husband) and unfortunately from my experience ombud is unhelpful and unsympathetic. I hope never need to communicate with her again.
As far as getting info they keep saying just contact people. I know alot of times they cant say anything over the phone till right before, so I am sure there will be lots of phone calls happening those last few nights for everyone
well said, Nancy. My husband was just recently assigned to the Bataan. Before that he was on the Roosevelt. I've come to learn to just roll with the punches... and learn to deal with not knowing anything. I haven't done a pier-side homecoming in over 5 years, so I don't remember exactly how I got all of the details that I did. I get emails from the FRG so hopefully I get most of the information I need after their meeting on the 17th... if not, then I'll just wing it.
Thanks, Nancy that was very nice of you, I'm out of state also and not going on Tiger Cruise so getting details is even harder. We are going to the homecoming, but not the party before it either. So again details wont be there, I'm just counting on that I meet someone from the Hotel to fill us in on what to do and where to go.
jakesmom USS Bataan
Good for you Stepanie, I can tell you are just walking on air.
Dec 29, 2011
ckmom
Sandra Congrats to your son!!
Dec 29, 2011
Kathy Dee
Considering what is going on in Iran right now, let's pray for our sailors and that cooler heads prevail and no miltary conflict arises. I am reading news articles and the Bataan is actually mentioned in a couple of these articles. Hoping that Iran is all talk at this point.
Kathy Dee
Dec 29, 2011
chandlersmom
Dec 30, 2011
chandlersmom
Dec 30, 2011
jakesmom USS Bataan
I am posting that info on my facebook Joro! Thanks. My but will be on my couch even though I only live 10 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip!!
Dec 31, 2011
jakesmom USS Bataan
So quiet on here today. Everyone must be celebrating! Has anyone heard from the ship? I have heard nothing in days from my Sailor. No phone calls or emails. Am I the only one?
Dec 31, 2011
jakesmom USS Bataan
@joro, The only email I got was "I made it to the ship" he has called 2 or 3 times, and said he was "setting up" his email. But nothing in the past 2 days.
Dec 31, 2011
ckmom
I did hear from my son and he got his goodies, and I was to tell his brother to have extra beer for him. lol
Dec 31, 2011
jakesmom USS Bataan
Jake is dc so he is probably busy. Thanks for the support girls :)
Dec 31, 2011
VCabana523
Dec 31, 2011
ckmom
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jan 1, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 1, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 1, 2012
ckmom
My son has 1st. leave and said when he sees us we are leaving ASAP for home. He's pretty homesick. He's only 19 and this was his 1st. deployment. He never had time in Norfolk yet, pretty much went from C school in Jacksonville Fl. To the Bataan.
Jan 1, 2012
Angiehm811
I'm not sure how long anyone is staying in the area, but ArmedForcesVacationClub.com has timeshares for $349 for a week. It was cheaper for me to stay a whole week than a few nights in a local (somewhat decent) hotel. Just an idea!!
Jan 1, 2012
lalagoe
Have you ladies started booking hotels yet or planning your trips. My husband told me one thing about a possible date, but I don't dare book a hotel until I'm sure. I've called the ombudsman hotline and only get updates from October. (of course be sure not to mention dates or ports)
Jan 2, 2012
ckmom
Hows the traffic or difficulty to get to base for the homecoming if you don't stay right by the base? We were thinking about staying on the Virginia Beach.
Jan 2, 2012
ckmom
Thanks Joro!! That helped a lot, I really hate traffic especially when I don't know where I'm going. I'm from the country we have very little traffic. I go to St. Louis for shopping, which is ok, but I know where I'm going and what lanes I should be in. LOL
Jan 2, 2012
chandlersmom
My son is now on cafeteria duty and said he works night and day. He said it might mess up the Tiger Cruise? I guess he means we may not see him. I am thinking of not doing the Cruise now but showing up day of homecoming. Any suggestions?
Jan 2, 2012
ckmom
chandlersmom I was going to do the TC untill my son said it would be better that I just go to the homecoming and he can show me around the ship and where his shop is and stuff the next day. Can't be that day because of everyone getting off the ship.
But now he has 1st leave so that starts as soon they get in, and he wants to leave ASAP for home. lol So now I wish I was doing the TC.
Jan 2, 2012
lalagoe
I used to live in Norfolk and did the commute to VA Beach and back for work for a while. It can get pretty bad all around that entire area... especially if you hit tunnel traffic (and there are several tunnels/bridges). I'm still staying out in VaBeach... I love the VaBeach area... and the hotel prices out there are pretty good off season.
Jan 2, 2012
ckmom
Thanks for all the information that helped a lot. I made reservations at the Hampton Inn. What can we do or see the day before the homecoming. Hate to drive 2 days and see nothing. Can we tour any other ships? I wont be coming back with Curtis, he will be driving his car back to Norfolk. So I wont be seeing his ship like I was hoping to do.
Jan 2, 2012
ckmom
Joro Thanks for the info. but found out the Battleship Wisconsin is closed on Mondays. :-((((((((((
Jan 2, 2012
ckmom
I don't think my son will wait, he said as soon he sees us were getting out of town. lol
Jan 2, 2012
maddox1
There are great hotels on North Military Highway and Northhampton Blvd. in Norfolk. Which is about a 15 minute commute to the base. The best thing is that these hotels are located right next to I-64 to I-564 which leads you right to the base.
Jan 2, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 2, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 2, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 2, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 2, 2012
ckmom
joanne ko Welcome I'm from Mo. also and my son is on this ship. What part of Mo. are you from. We are driving to Norfolk no Tiger Cruise for us. I hope later he will be able to give us a tour.
Just reminder NO DATES keep OPSEC in mind for our loved ones!
Jan 3, 2012
joanne ko
Is it gone? I'm not sure how to "paste" and "copy" so I will delete. I am so sorry to everyone. I'm new with computers and forget how easy it is for people to find things, I WILL be careful.
Jan 3, 2012
Kathy Dee
Got an email from my girl today and she said she passed her oral boards for ESWS pin. Last month, she also got the highest score on the written exam. I googled this so I could be up to date and it says " This designation is earned by sailors that serve on surface ships. It involves completing qualifications, passing written tests, and passing an oral board of 1st class petty officers and chiefs. In order to earn this pin, a sailor pretty much has to learn a lot of information about the capabilities of the ship they are on and has to learn about each division's job and purpose on the ship. It can take months to earn this pin. It is not easy and can take multiple attempts to pass the oral boards."
Considering that she has only been on the ship since March and she did this on her first attempt, I told her she should be very very proud. I know I am.
I also have another question - not sure if anyone can answer this or perhaps send me a private message. I notice that some Moms are saying they are booking hotels already for the Bataan's return. I would like to as well, but how will I know what dates to book for??? Any advice is welcome.
Thanks.
Kathy Dee
Jan 3, 2012
milwife2
@Kathy Dee, ask your daughter, she knows when the return date is. Or, you could get in touch with the ombudsmen at bataanombudsman2003@yahoo.com
Jan 3, 2012
jakesmom USS Bataan
I got an email from Jake today!! It was short but he sounded up beat. I read every word 3 times!
Jan 3, 2012
VCabana523
Jan 4, 2012
ckmom
I didn't know if your active duty and deployed you didn't have to pay personal property tax. I just paid Curtis before Dec. 31. Or is this only for Vi. state?
Jan 4, 2012
Robyn
Jan 5, 2012
Kathy Dee
my girl said she has first leave. Does anyone know long that is...days, week, etc. Any information would be great.
Kathy Dee
Jan 5, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 5, 2012
ckmom
I know Curtis used his because he droped and it broke so I had to send him a new I phone. But I think he only use it for music and games.
Jan 6, 2012
sportsmom
As soon as the command gives the ombudsman the information they will be sending out the information via emails, groups and things of that nature. I would for those that can attend the FRG meeting on the 17th to go. There will be alot of emails going out over the next few weeks. Right now there are alot of speculations of when (time wise) and pier they will be pulling into. As soon as the command release that information to the ombudsman they will get that out.
Jan 7, 2012
sportsmom
@Joro
The first of the month paycheck was not affected because we were still in the tax free. Next paycheck will (not sure ) but the tax free will be gone. I believe everything else stays. I know the FSA (family separation allowance ) command has not said about the other pays yet....
Jan 7, 2012
sportsmom
Ok, not going to argue (worked mil pay for 3 years). Like I said I do not know what we lose and when I know the FSA will stay till they pull in port. Call the banks for a projected amount of money for the 15th and that will tell you if it left or not.
Jan 7, 2012
Angiehm811
How can I make sure that I will get all of the upcoming information that the ombudsman is going to be emailing. I can not make it to the 17th meeting, because I am stationed at Camp Lejeune. I will be able to attend the night before meeting though.
Jan 7, 2012
lalagoe
I have a few concerns about getting information too. We're out of state. I'm not sure I'll be able to attend the meeting the night before and I won't have internet access to check emails that night before either. Can I just show up and be directed as to where to go?
Jan 7, 2012
Stephanie
I think most of us are out of state. I figure I'll find out what I need to know, when I need to know it (through my husband) and unfortunately from my experience ombud is unhelpful and unsympathetic. I hope never need to communicate with her again.
Jan 7, 2012
sportsmom
As far as getting info they keep saying just contact people. I know alot of times they cant say anything over the phone till right before, so I am sure there will be lots of phone calls happening those last few nights for everyone
Jan 7, 2012
lalagoe
well said, Nancy. My husband was just recently assigned to the Bataan. Before that he was on the Roosevelt. I've come to learn to just roll with the punches... and learn to deal with not knowing anything. I haven't done a pier-side homecoming in over 5 years, so I don't remember exactly how I got all of the details that I did. I get emails from the FRG so hopefully I get most of the information I need after their meeting on the 17th... if not, then I'll just wing it.
Jan 7, 2012
ckmom
Thanks, Nancy that was very nice of you, I'm out of state also and not going on Tiger Cruise so getting details is even harder. We are going to the homecoming, but not the party before it either. So again details wont be there, I'm just counting on that I meet someone from the Hotel to fill us in on what to do and where to go.
Jan 7, 2012