USS Bataan LHD-5

If I could I would hug every one of those Sailors and Marines, I am going on the cruse and believe-you-me there is defiantly going to be some hugging and shaking hands and patting the backs of our fine men and woman. I only wish I could hug every one of them and tell them all how much they a loved even by complete strangers. God bless them all.

joanne   If you see my son make sure you give him hug from me!!  You know our last name, first name Curtis.

Did you say the rest of the family staying @ Hampton Inn?

I'm going to message you.

@JCKV"SMOM What google alert about the marines? Are they in port yet? I turned son's phone on yesterday wonder when he will be able to use it.

pastordrakeford@hotmail.com could someone please email me information on the USS Bataan Ship. I'm confuse on when the ship will return . I have plans on leaving Feb 3, 2012. I don't want to miss when they come home. My son is not for sure.

Thank You!

@chandlersmom My son is also mess hall cranking. His name is Charles (CJ). Maybe they know each other.

Sandre AM Mom, THANK YOU SO MUCH! the web site was helpful!

Thanks for the sites ladies!!!

Great articles--when you read how long its been in print, it really makes you stop and think about how much time has really passed.  I'm just still stunned to realize it really has been alomost a whole year since they've been gone.

If anyone has a "hug request" e-mail me and I will do my best to track your son or daughter down, I know there are like a million people on that ship but I'm pretty persistent, ( my family says I'm a snapping turtle . . . . ."I don't let go till it thunders" )  anyway I WILL do my best. 

so far I have Chandler, Curtis and CJ . . . lots of love to all

Thanks joanne,  if you see a big yellow sign somewhat in a shape like Mo. that will be me.  lol  Finished the sign tonight that's why I'm still up.

good night all!

I know they said at the FRG meeting in Dec, that once we were seven days out, the return date wasn't a secret anymore, and it would end up being announced on the news. I think the time and pier number as well as tiger cruise are probably still not public information - if you have that information. I'm not 100% sure about that, though.

Sandra--what list are you talking about?

Got it thanks!  No tiger cruise for us--have fun those who are going!

Got a call.  Lost him when they turned about but he was in great spirits!  Havent heard from him for a bit, says he was leaving the phones and internet for those with wives and kids at home who had been gone much longer than he.  Love this guy!! I am excited for all of you getting to see your sailors soon.  This is not my turn, but it will come.  

Will the local news be there to report them coming back? I would love to see it, since i won't be there. If so, what is the news channel website?

I know my son is coming home the day after their return, but i'm pretty sure he would love a hug from someone!!!!

got a call from my son while getting my nails done. I was so surprise to see his name come across my cell phone. I shouted omg it's Curtis open my phone, of course my nails just got done with the 1st. coat, and I still have an antique phone. lol This was the 1st time I heard his voice since he left in March.  I was on Cloud 9 the rest of the day!!  :-))    Getting ready for Homecoming, got the sign done, got my nails done,got the car serviced for the long drive, got his room all ready for him to have a good night sleep in a nice cozy bed.  Leaving Sunday for Norfolk, can't wait!!

Those that are traveling safe travels to you and have a BLAST seeing your Sailor!    Prayers will be going out for safe travels to all!!

Heading to NC today. Son is getting of ship with Marines.  So anxious to see him. Safe travels to all.

Ladies be careful on your trip, I'm so excited for all of you, my time will be Wednesday.

I have been like a mother hen,getting everything prepared for my son, got new pillows and a foam mattress to go over his, i want him to be comfortable when he gets home.

@mirca, thank you so much !! I would love to have some video

Thank you Navy for moms , you were a great help to me. I couldn't find out anything about my sons return until I got intouch with you all. He didn't know anything about who to leave information with to let us know when he will be getting back thanks to you all I was able to keep up and had an idea when he was coming back home. So we started driving down to NC Friday and on our way he called someone let him use their phone and said he could see the USA, that he will be in Sunday. I.m so happy, can't wait to see him. THANK YOU SO MUCH! BE SAFE EVERYONE AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Does anyone have an idea of what time they actually get there on Tues?

Please share any videos and photos of USS Bataan's homecoming! When you have settled in... Hug a "Carper" male sailor if you should happen to see him... We have 10" of snow and more coming in Nebraska. I knew we should not plan on being in Norfolk. Guess I finaly did something corrrect after 61 years! Please friend me for my e-mail.. Stay safe! Have a great time all!!

Nancy--thanks so much for the answer.  Its our first, so its hard to know what to prepare for.  I will plan on being warm and occupied also - kind of reminds me of his endless little league practices, games, etc. 

Looking forward to the night before party!  Safe travels everyone!!

Joro,Thats just too funny:)

Thank you Joro, my son just e-mailed me the info for the livestream. I just don't know what time to watch it. I sent him a message to tell me what time,hopefully he will let me know.

I got a call from my son, Im looking forward for the homecoming and seeing my son after this long deployment, for been in all this for the first time it has very challenging for me getting adjusted to all the changes.  For parents is so hard because communication and getting updates is very hard and at times no answer to our questions, but i give thanks to the LORD that they are back home save.WELCOME BACK BATAAN.

This is so EXCITING!!!!!!! I can't wait!

Let us know when you get there!

So excited for you ladies!!!! YAY!!!!!

made it to Virginia. See you all at the night before party!!!

kathy dee

I am driving my husband crazy counting down the hours until we leave (not that he is any less excited)  I can't imagine how the kids feel with a parent coming home!

By the way its 11 hours until the car pulls out!

I just posted a photo taken last night. What a reunion. I am so happy to see he is safe. Will have to wait til he gets home Tuesday.