Ok I do get emails from the yahoo FRG about upcoming events already, and I am set up on the family web site. Ill just keep checking and asking my fiance what he is able to tell me. Thx for everyone's response.
party details email the bataanfrg@yahoo.com. As things get closer maybe someone would be willing to meet those who arent going to get to the party and give them the details face to face. As things get closer and info will be able to get out more then trust me it does get easier... PROMISE (just my experience with ship deployments) There is that light!!!!!
I would like to THANK YOU for all of your kind words and support during this deployment!!!!! Like one of the members said below...dealing with the FRO's were extremely difficult during this deployment.. I actually left the bataan's fb page because of it...Even when not requesting information I found it difficult..Getting in touch with my husband was a hassle when my daughter was admitted in the hospital with pneumonia.....It was easier for me to just call red cross and send a message..During those times I would log on and read so many pleasant, comforting messages that you put out....Because of you...I was able to get through this long deployment...We need more people like you supporting us as FRO's...I think that most of them feel powerful over us because, they have information that we don't have and want.....It's sad...very sad..BUT LIKE I SAID THANK YOU for making this a stress free forum and not talking to or at us like we were beneath you.....I told all of my fellow bataan moms that felt the same as I to visit your page.......Even though I don't know you personally..I will always be thankful <3
Thank you so much for the video I loved it. Could someone tell me about what is going on on the 17th and the night before party? I do not have any information on anything. Thank you.
I am so in the dark about this and just hope I booked my hotel for the right timeframe. I am on the email list for the ombudsman and hoping that when we finally hear something concrete it is in sync with the information I think I have. LOL.
Thanks - good to know I am not the only one in the dark about some of this. It is my girl's first deployment so I am kind of feeling my way through this. Have a gret day everyone and hope to meet some of you when the ship returns.
Just booked our room at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Chesapeake...it's about 15 miles west of Norfolk, but convenient to where our son lives. They gave us a $54.00 rate that includes breakfast! All we had to do was request the rate for the BATAAN ARG Homecoming...757-465-2222. Can't wait to get there and see him!
There is no longer a Holiday Inn Greenbrier in Chesapeake. We found out it is now a Marriott and their rates are much higher (and service not any better!) We realize where we are planning to stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Chesapeake (those that want to check a map: it is just off of the Portsmouth Blvd. exit from I-664) entail having to go through the Downtown Tunnel, but on all of our visits there it is only bad at morning and evening rush hour. We have selected this place because it is near where my son lives in the Western Branch area of Chesapeake; once his ship arrives, we want to be close to his place and not the naval station.
Got it! And thanks for the alternate route suggestions. Our last visit on a previous deployment we also stayed there, and the staff was very accommodating. We found the delay getting on to the base was longer than the tunnel traffic on the way there! Ya nver know!
I don't know if you've all seen this yet or not, but the information for the night before party has just been posted to the Bataan Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/USSBataan
Hi Ladies - the following was in the Norfolk papers this morning. I have relatives that live in that area and they sent me this -
The ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group left Hampton Roads in March 2011, and its sailors are finally – finally -- headed home.
The Navy recently announced that the group, along with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Group, have been relieved of their duties in the 5th Fleet. Taking over are the Malkin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th MEU.
The Bataan's arrival date back in Hampton Roads has not yet been announced, but the deployment will end up being around 10 months. A leader of the group acknowledged that the mission has been a marathon.
"This has been an epic deployment," said Marine Col. Eric Steidl, commander of the 22nd MEU. "Not just in terms of duration, but for flexibility and adaptability the amphibious forces provide the combatant commander."
Capt. Erik M. Ross, the Bataan commander, called it "a long and challenging at-sea period," and said he was pleased that the ships of the Malkin group and the 11th MEU were taking over.
The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is headed by the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, based in Norfolk. It includes the Norfolk-based amphibious dock ship USS Mesa Verde and the dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island, homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.
Ok so for those of you who have had experience on the Tiger Cruise with Sons/Daughters or Husbands that are working in the Cafeteria. My son started on the Deck Crew but now they put him in the Cafeteria. His words to us were sorry this is going to mess up the Tiger Cruise. He said Christmas he worked from morning to night and he has rarly been on email. I am taking this as we won't really see him if we are on the Tiger Cruise. It's a big delimia for us should we go on the Cruise or not go on the Cruise and simply show up at Homecoming? We are in Texas so the tickets are bought and hotel booked. Can he get a refund if we don't go on the cruise? Any advice would be great!
We're staying at this Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Chesapeake...our son said the CMC had gotten info on Homecoming Rates...they have a $54 rate available for those that mention USS BATAAN ARG Homecoming...that includes breakfast. My husband just called back and changed it to a suite (king bed + sleeper sofa) for only $10 more. In case anyone else is interested, their number is 757-465-2222. On the downside, it is about 35 minutes in no traffic to the base, but, once he gets off the ship, we don't care where we'll be as long as he is in are arms! We'll be near his apartment in the Portsmouth area. Look forward to meeting you all at the night before party!
Is that $71 rate for a standard room Or for a suite? Do you know? Also, do you know if breakfast is included? We got a regular room for our daughter at $54 and for only $64, a suite for us. Plus full breakfast included. I just spoke with Christy, their General Manager (Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Chesapeake at 757-465-2222) and she still has some rooms available at the group rate. We want our son to stay with us --- he smokes...a nasty habit he picked up since his enlistment --- and they also have smoking rooms.
For people willing to stay a little further away and wrestle with traffic, there are several beachfront hotels in Virginia Beach for well under $100/night... I paid $50/night for mine and it's an oceanview suite. Just do an Orbitz.com or Hotels.com search for VA Beach if you're interested. :)
To those looking at Oceanfront Hotels (Virginia Beach)...there are certainly some good quality hotels (the Hilton, Springhill Suites, Courtyard)...but be careful: some of the "independent" brands (NOT the chain hotels) are not the cleanest...some have had bed bug issues...and several of the hotels on Pacific Avenue (one block off the oceanfront) take in some very shady folks during their off season just to fill some rooms...use your imagination. Check out TripAdvisor for comments if you are unsure.
@ achesapeakeguy - thanks for the head's up. I had already booked with a hotel chain that I was familiar with and have had good experiences with and got a great deal... But when I went to TripAdvisor and read the reviews on that particular hotel, they were horrifying!! I know some people will just complain about anything, but this was page after page of bad reviews... really bad... even the good reviews were only 'it was a place to sleep'. yikes... good thing I went for the free cancellation policy. I'll be canceling today and pay just a little extra to stay at a nicer hotel on the beach -I've found some with great reviews. Thanks so much for the warning.
At the time when we were suppose to order Home Coming Shirts my Bataan shirts havn't arrived yet So I was to scared to order Home Coming Shirts. The Bataan shirts took months to get.
I'm not going to change hotels, I've stayed at Hampton Inn before and had really good service. My husband and I are going, so hope we can get together.
Is this party the night before the cruse or the homecoming? And does anyone know what time we have to be on the base the day of the cruse. I'm guessing we will get info on all that soon.
I'm hoping I get the bottom rack so I can just roll out of it when I get up . . . I am also bring slick PJ's and a slick sleeping bag to aid in my rolling . . . I know the width of the rack is narrow but I am also concerned about the space in between . . . if I roll over am I going to eject the person above me with my hip? . . . My son is giving my gal sponsor a video camera so he can see all the shenanigans and make fun of me later . . . what a sweetheart . . . lol
I was wondering too, if someone knows how to do it, to put up a "link" (or what ever it is called) so we can all put down where we are staying so we can maybe share a ride or even to get together to say "Hi". It would be a shame if 2 or 3 of us were at the same hotel and didn't spend some time together before the cruse . . . any thoughts?
Angiehm811
Ok I do get emails from the yahoo FRG about upcoming events already, and I am set up on the family web site. Ill just keep checking and asking my fiance what he is able to tell me. Thx for everyone's response.
Jan 7, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 7, 2012
sportsmom
party details email the bataanfrg@yahoo.com. As things get closer maybe someone would be willing to meet those who arent going to get to the party and give them the details face to face. As things get closer and info will be able to get out more then trust me it does get easier... PROMISE (just my experience with ship deployments) There is that light!!!!!
Jan 7, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 7, 2012
lxjohnson
NO Nancy,
I would like to THANK YOU for all of your kind words and support during this deployment!!!!! Like one of the members said below...dealing with the FRO's were extremely difficult during this deployment.. I actually left the bataan's fb page because of it...Even when not requesting information I found it difficult..Getting in touch with my husband was a hassle when my daughter was admitted in the hospital with pneumonia.....It was easier for me to just call red cross and send a message..During those times I would log on and read so many pleasant, comforting messages that you put out....Because of you...I was able to get through this long deployment...We need more people like you supporting us as FRO's...I think that most of them feel powerful over us because, they have information that we don't have and want.....It's sad...very sad..BUT LIKE I SAID THANK YOU for making this a stress free forum and not talking to or at us like we were beneath you.....I told all of my fellow bataan moms that felt the same as I to visit your page.......Even though I don't know you personally..I will always be thankful <3
Jan 7, 2012
ckmom
Very well said, THANKS!!
Jan 8, 2012
Terri-Dustin's Proud Mom-IC
Jan 8, 2012
joanne ko
I am going an the cruise and don't have a clue about anything . . .
I love surprises :)
I am getting there 2 days early so I can have a trial run
Jan 8, 2012
joanne ko
I am staying downtown. I went through "Travelosity" for air fare and hotel.
Maybe we can exchange cell phone #s and communicate when we get there.
Someone said something about an email tree but I'm not sure how to become part of that. Any suggestions?
Jan 8, 2012
ckmom
I don't think they can say that yet, I'm still waiting for that info. also.
Jan 8, 2012
jakesmom USS Bataan
Did you guys see this video the bataan posted recently?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtPpJu377OU
Jan 8, 2012
ckmom
Jakesmom, Thanks that was cool!
Jan 8, 2012
maddox1
Thank you so much for the video I loved it. Could someone tell me about what is going on on the 17th and the night before party? I do not have any information on anything. Thank you.
Jan 8, 2012
siscarrie
I really like that video!!! I'm glad they had a great turn out with pkgs. for Christmas.
Jan 9, 2012
Kathy Dee
I am so in the dark about this and just hope I booked my hotel for the right timeframe. I am on the email list for the ombudsman and hoping that when we finally hear something concrete it is in sync with the information I think I have. LOL.
Kathy Dee
Jan 9, 2012
ckmom
Kathy Dee we are all in the same boat, dates can change so I'm in a time frame also.
Jan 9, 2012
Kathy Dee
Thanks - good to know I am not the only one in the dark about some of this. It is my girl's first deployment so I am kind of feeling my way through this. Have a gret day everyone and hope to meet some of you when the ship returns.
Kathy Dee
Jan 9, 2012
achesapeakeguy
Just booked our room at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Chesapeake...it's about 15 miles west of Norfolk, but convenient to where our son lives. They gave us a $54.00 rate that includes breakfast! All we had to do was request the rate for the BATAAN ARG Homecoming...757-465-2222. Can't wait to get there and see him!
Jan 9, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 9, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 9, 2012
achesapeakeguy
There is no longer a Holiday Inn Greenbrier in Chesapeake. We found out it is now a Marriott and their rates are much higher (and service not any better!) We realize where we are planning to stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Chesapeake (those that want to check a map: it is just off of the Portsmouth Blvd. exit from I-664) entail having to go through the Downtown Tunnel, but on all of our visits there it is only bad at morning and evening rush hour. We have selected this place because it is near where my son lives in the Western Branch area of Chesapeake; once his ship arrives, we want to be close to his place and not the naval station.
Jan 9, 2012
achesapeakeguy
Got it! And thanks for the alternate route suggestions. Our last visit on a previous deployment we also stayed there, and the staff was very accommodating. We found the delay getting on to the base was longer than the tunnel traffic on the way there! Ya nver know!
Jan 9, 2012
sportsmom
JCKV
Dont think the ombudsman meant for that email to be put out to the general public at this point.
Jan 10, 2012
Stephanie
Jan 10, 2012
lalagoe
I don't know if you've all seen this yet or not, but the information for the night before party has just been posted to the Bataan Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/USSBataan
Jan 10, 2012
Kathy Dee
Hi Ladies - the following was in the Norfolk papers this morning. I have relatives that live in that area and they sent me this -
The ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group left Hampton Roads in March 2011, and its sailors are finally – finally -- headed home.
The Navy recently announced that the group, along with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Group, have been relieved of their duties in the 5th Fleet. Taking over are the Malkin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th MEU.
The Bataan's arrival date back in Hampton Roads has not yet been announced, but the deployment will end up being around 10 months. A leader of the group acknowledged that the mission has been a marathon.
"This has been an epic deployment," said Marine Col. Eric Steidl, commander of the 22nd MEU. "Not just in terms of duration, but for flexibility and adaptability the amphibious forces provide the combatant commander."
Capt. Erik M. Ross, the Bataan commander, called it "a long and challenging at-sea period," and said he was pleased that the ships of the Malkin group and the 11th MEU were taking over.
The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is headed by the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, based in Norfolk. It includes the Norfolk-based amphibious dock ship USS Mesa Verde and the dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island, homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.
It won't be long now...
Kathy Dee
Jan 10, 2012
milwife2
can I just say...... YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jan 10, 2012
chandlersmom
Ok so for those of you who have had experience on the Tiger Cruise with Sons/Daughters or Husbands that are working in the Cafeteria. My son started on the Deck Crew but now they put him in the Cafeteria. His words to us were sorry this is going to mess up the Tiger Cruise. He said Christmas he worked from morning to night and he has rarly been on email. I am taking this as we won't really see him if we are on the Tiger Cruise. It's a big delimia for us should we go on the Cruise or not go on the Cruise and simply show up at Homecoming? We are in Texas so the tickets are bought and hotel booked. Can he get a refund if we don't go on the cruise? Any advice would be great!
Jan 10, 2012
ckmom
LongIsland, I made reservations at Hampton Inn, Can't wait to meet you all!
Jan 11, 2012
achesapeakeguy
We're staying at this Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Chesapeake...our son said the CMC had gotten info on Homecoming Rates...they have a $54 rate available for those that mention USS BATAAN ARG Homecoming...that includes breakfast. My husband just called back and changed it to a suite (king bed + sleeper sofa) for only $10 more. In case anyone else is interested, their number is 757-465-2222. On the downside, it is about 35 minutes in no traffic to the base, but, once he gets off the ship, we don't care where we'll be as long as he is in are arms! We'll be near his apartment in the Portsmouth area. Look forward to meeting you all at the night before party!
Jan 11, 2012
achesapeakeguy
Jan 11, 2012
lalagoe
For people willing to stay a little further away and wrestle with traffic, there are several beachfront hotels in Virginia Beach for well under $100/night... I paid $50/night for mine and it's an oceanview suite. Just do an Orbitz.com or Hotels.com search for VA Beach if you're interested. :)
Jan 11, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 11, 2012
joanne ko
I will be at the Holiday Inn Express - I fly in 2 days before the cruse.
Jan 11, 2012
Cancel Account
I'll be at the LaQuinta on Military Hwy, anyone going to be staying there? I didn't hear of the cruise until too late...drat!
Jan 11, 2012
achesapeakeguy
To those looking at Oceanfront Hotels (Virginia Beach)...there are certainly some good quality hotels (the Hilton, Springhill Suites, Courtyard)...but be careful: some of the "independent" brands (NOT the chain hotels) are not the cleanest...some have had bed bug issues...and several of the hotels on Pacific Avenue (one block off the oceanfront) take in some very shady folks during their off season just to fill some rooms...use your imagination. Check out TripAdvisor for comments if you are unsure.
Jan 12, 2012
lalagoe
@ achesapeakeguy - thanks for the head's up. I had already booked with a hotel chain that I was familiar with and have had good experiences with and got a great deal... But when I went to TripAdvisor and read the reviews on that particular hotel, they were horrifying!! I know some people will just complain about anything, but this was page after page of bad reviews... really bad... even the good reviews were only 'it was a place to sleep'. yikes... good thing I went for the free cancellation policy. I'll be canceling today and pay just a little extra to stay at a nicer hotel on the beach -I've found some with great reviews. Thanks so much for the warning.
Jan 12, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 12, 2012
ckmom
At the time when we were suppose to order Home Coming Shirts my Bataan shirts havn't arrived yet So I was to scared to order Home Coming Shirts. The Bataan shirts took months to get.
Jan 12, 2012
ckmom
Barbara with tax and my AAA discount it was 123.02. For 1 king size room.
Jan 12, 2012
chandlersmom
Marriott Waterfront downtown is 88.00 per night.
at the night before party will there be a way we can all meet at some point? It would be nice to see you in person.
Jan 13, 2012
ckmom
I'm not going to change hotels, I've stayed at Hampton Inn before and had really good service. My husband and I are going, so hope we can get together.
Barb
Jan 13, 2012
ckmom
Barbara Oh I see, Thanks for the information and I will call tomorrow, Saving money sounds good. and again thanks!
Jan 13, 2012
ckmom
Ok Thanks
Jan 14, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 14, 2012
ckmom
Good question, I wanted to know the same thing.
Jan 14, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 14, 2012
joanne ko
Is this party the night before the cruse or the homecoming? And does anyone know what time we have to be on the base the day of the cruse. I'm guessing we will get info on all that soon.
Jan 15, 2012
joanne ko
I'm hoping I get the bottom rack so I can just roll out of it when I get up . . . I am also bring slick PJ's and a slick sleeping bag to aid in my rolling . . . I know the width of the rack is narrow but I am also concerned about the space in between . . . if I roll over am I going to eject the person above me with my hip? . . . My son is giving my gal sponsor a video camera so he can see all the shenanigans and make fun of me later . . . what a sweetheart . . . lol
I was wondering too, if someone knows how to do it, to put up a "link" (or what ever it is called) so we can all put down where we are staying so we can maybe share a ride or even to get together to say "Hi". It would be a shame if 2 or 3 of us were at the same hotel and didn't spend some time together before the cruse . . . any thoughts?
Jan 15, 2012
ckmom
Barbara Thanks for the info on the Hampton Inn you saved me over 20 $.
I appreciate it very much!!
Jan 16, 2012