The Cyber Sisterhood

Oh, being on a carrier is ship duty, even if they're in port for extended periods, such as drydock.

Shore duty is when a sailor is assigned to a command that is land-based: ie no ship name.

Aircraft squadrons are assigned to the carrier, and is therefore considered ship duty.

!Congratulations to everyone receiving their orders! It is awesome to hear how everyone is advancing. We are pulling for ya"ll. It all seems to be moving soo fast.:)) It will be about another year and a half before Ed finds anything out. Nuke school is long going. They equate it to...trying to take a drink of water from a fire hose.

Soccercyn27, My brother in law (Shawn's brother) is on the George Washington. He will like Japan a lot if he like other cultures. Shawn's brother I believe is trying for a 2nd tour there. We will hopefully be heading that direction at some point in Shawn's career. It's close enough to Guam which is a plus.

Donna, Maybe you could give me an idea of the good areas. With just the two of us we probably won't be able to get base housing which is fine with us. We saw a lot in Alexandria but were told bc of the bridge that wasn't the best place to look. We did see one in Oxon Hill that looked nice.

Joy, yes, this means he will never go out on a ship - this tour. Usually it is 3-4 years between transfers. If he reenlists he will probably end up on a ship for the next 3-4 years.

Usually they alternate ship/shore/ship. Although a few ratings spend more time on shore duty, others spend more time on ships. Each has their own cycles. Engineering and aviation ratings are usually heavy on sea duty, 6-2-6 or even 8-2-8. Yeomen, ITs, CTs, and others may have a 4-4-4 or even a 4-3-4 cycle, lots of time on shore duty.

However, he could be sent on detached duty, so there is never any guarantee. He could end up deployed to a ship with some other command, even while technically on shore duty.

Deneen, no, you don't have to worry. It most likely means he's really getting into the flow there and is comfortable enough that he does not feel like he needs to turn to you for anything. He is probably so busy between school, studying and his social life that he keeps thinking he'll call you back, then gets distracted.

However, this does NOT help you. He should call you enough to keep you from going nuts.

Send him a small box of goodies, with a an open note on top either guilting him into calling you or simply saying that you really want to hear from him. Sailors will ALWAYS open the box, whereas letters might get shuffled away somewhere.

If it gets bad enough you can contact his command, usually through the PAO, and let them know that you haven't heard from your son. This WILL get him in trouble (when my husband did it to his mother the CO made him write a letter right there in front of him). If the goodie box doesn't produce a phone call, then bringing in the command's weight is a last resort guaranteed to work.

Now why is the Star Trek theme running through my head?

You will want to check this out - it was done on the Enterprise a few years ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puVmKfCwb4M

That's okay, we've been pretty slow lately. Shockingly so, for us.

Our sailors are all over the place, some are still in holding for A school (both late grads and regular grads), some are in school simply plugging along, and some already have their orders for their duty stations!

Sandra~ That is awesome!!! Things really sound as if they are looking up for Nichelle.:))

Hey Mel~ How are you doing luv?

Please no no no not Norfolk! Please! Washington STATE, think Washington STATE really hard now! Seattle! Rain! Trees! Starbucks!

Chris said everyone in his class knows their orders are coming soon, and that a lot of the guys are getting impatient to know where they are going next.

Somehow Chris is being very Zen about the whole thing. I think he's just kind of comfortable where he is and sees no need to rush things. He knows that he won't have anything like the freedoms he has now when he gets to a ship.

Arwen, I found out that several other guys in Shawn's class got DC as well. It is beginning to seem like everyone who put west coast is getting east coast. We know there was no Washington State shore because a chief asked if there was bc she made the mistake of pushing DC through instead of state. Hopefully they have sea duty open!

Hopefully all those DC/east coast billets being filled means there are tons of billets (of any type!) left unfilled on the west coast. I'd even take San Diego... anything out here. And if he gets overseas, well, that would be a great adventure for him.

So far he has had amazing luck, getting IT on his first trip to MEPS, having his ship date moved up 4 months after we were told it would be difficult/impossible to leave early, and having only one week of holding at A school! I'm hoping that luck continues and he gets something amazing.

Hey Ladies~ Hope all is well. When Ed finally gets his orders...I'm hoping for San Diego. Unfortunately, if he goes subs...I don't think that will be the case:( He finally reached Phase II. WooHoo...he gets to wear civies on the weekend. lol. He should finish A school in July. Then on to power and prototype school. From what I have read...there is a hold between schools, that could last a few months. He will have to take his college courses then. The hold time does not count towards his "commitment".

Fonda sue, how was it the second time around? And is Zach at GL for A school? If so, will he be able to get permission to go to his brother's PIR?

We're hoping that Chris can build-up enough leave time before Sean heads to GL so he can take leave for Sean's PIR. Either that or take a short leave between A school and his first command.

We don't have a date yet for Sean, he has to get a waiver for his knee first. Today was the operation to remove the screw and it was more complicated than the doctor expected, but the doc says his knee is "within military regulations" now. I'm so glad he got a doctor who has dealt with the military before!

Today we got the process officially rolling for Sean to go in the Navy. We had the results (medical records) from his surgery faxed to the recruiters office so they can start the paperwork for his waiver. Who knows how long that will take. That's okay, though, he still has about 4 months until he can graduate from high school, so no hurry.

Sandra - So glad to hear that thing everything is working out for Nichelle after a little bump in the start.

Hey slimsam~ How is everything going? I watched it...it took me back. I had this urge to hug my son :(. lol. It was a nice dvd, but unless Sam stood out...you would really have to know where he stood.

How will I handle it again? LOL, you remember me, the cool character.

I've never been bothered by separations, I've been sending my kids on long visits with grandparents and to camp in other states since they were about 5, and went on a 2-week vacation with my husband in London (without the kids!) when they were 3, 7 and 10. During these separations none of us has ever felt the need to call to check up on how things are going. Just a call to make sure they arrived safely (unaccompanied minors on interstate flights - once United lost my sons!), and to check that they made it to their return flight on time.

Also, boot camp is no biggie to me since I've been there. I know what they are going through, so there's no mystery or worry.

I'm excited to learn of their adventures, and to experience it all again vicariously. My anxiety over getting a letter or phone call isn't due to separation, more like the annoyed waiting for the next book in a series, or the next episode of a TV show that ended in a cliffhanger.

Since Chris went through it so recently, I'm approaching the next one with just a little expectation of boredom. I just did this. It will seem longer because I have fewer new things to learn. At least he will have a different experience, maybe even make RCPO or RMA.

I have one more at home, a daughter whom I hope will have the option of joining the Navy. She has psoriasis, which may be a disqualifier, in which case college is her only real option. It kills me to imagine her staying home after high school. We plan on moving onto a boat and taking to the sea, childfree, the moment we can get her installed somewhere. Actually, we may do the boat first, and give her a rack somewhere in a corner to encourage her to want to leave, LOL.

Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, but I really can't wait to see them spread their wings and fly. Watching Chris succeed far away with minimal parental input is so satisfying, it give me the ultimate warm-fuzzy feeling, even if he has made some bonehead moves. He's not drinking, he's not partying, and he's not flunking out. This is something I only dreamed of 5 years ago.

In fact, today my youngest went on a college visit trip - for 7th graders. Yeah, they're starting young with the college thing now. We're already making plans for how to get her gone (with love).

Wow, awesome orders. The Mercy is world-famous for her humanitarian work. Bravo Zulu Justin!

Congrats! Those are amazing orders.

So Shawn is back in holding for the next 3 weeks. On the bright side I will no longer have to hear him complain about getting up for 4am PT. Oh we have been put on the housing waiting list which is so much short then we were told. I hope everyone enjoys there their weekend! I'm driving back n forth between Atlanta and Pensacola so Shawn see our dog. Plus we get to be together on our 9mth anniversary.

That is fantastic Pam:))) Tell Justin, "CONGRATULATIONS!" He should enjoy San Diego. Lots to do!! When you go to visit...you have to visit Seal Beach. You can snorkel/dive with the seals. :))

Hey slimsam,
If he gets San Diego, we will have to have a reunion (margaritas). lol.

hahahaha.:))

Hey Mel~ We had fun:)) Next time it will be my turn.
Pam~ I'm in Palm Springs, but love San Diego. The drive is not bad, because we take the "back" way. lol. Manda and I try to go down as much as possible.

Pam~ So, I will come to you :)))

Slim, what week are you planning on come down. I know the Navy Lodge is full the weekend of the 30th and has been full the past several weekends. I hope you are able to find a room!

All kinds of GOOD NEWS!!! Congratulations Mel. xoxo. Text me:)
Sue~Congratulations to Josh...that is fantastic.

Slimsam, I will be here that weekend...that is if I ever leave. I was suppose to leave Monday night but Shawn didn't want me to drive and take painkillers and now I am sick. He is taking me to the clinic later when he gets off and will probably not let me try and drive the 6 hr home. It's a good thing we have the money for a hotel. Oh and he graduates this Friday and will at the latest be he until May 3rd!

Mel- Congrats!!! I'm so happy that you will soon get to be with him!!!

Fonda Sue- Congrats and have fun next weekend!!

Congrats Mel!!!!!!!
I finally have some good news too. Ryan graduates BESS tomorrow and I get to move and live with him next week. Our things will be picked up on Tuesday and packed and I head up there Thur or Fri.

I called PPO and the woman there told Ryan I'm a go getter lol I guess they aren't used to wives questioning them lol she liked it though and got it done really fast.

Janie and Mel that's amazing. I am so excited and happy for both of you!!

Okay so since I'm in Pensacola visiting, the only way I was able to be seen was at the er. After a few hours, lots of fluids and meds, I feel so much better! I have meds to take and can now enjoy Shawn's graduation in the morning.

Glad that you are feeling better Sarah, have fun at his graduation tomorrow. Ryan grads from BESS tomorrow as well in CT. Wishing I could go but way to much to do with the move next week.

Thanks! I'm sure that moving to be with most of the time out weighs see him for one. Just think... a few months ago we were trying to hold on and wait to see them for a tiny bit and we are planning to move and be with them! Shawn still has a week left in holding, 2wks of leave, and then we are off to DC.

Sarah - That's so exciting. Good luck with the move to DC

Yea so the A school graduation is not worth it. I went because I am down here but I would not drive or fly to it. I hope everyone enjoys their weekend! 1 more week until I never have to drive to Pensacola again!

Hey there sisters!!!!!!! :-) Remember little 'ole me? I've spent the day checking on the weather and the status/safety of family members and catching up on posts....took me ALL day between this group and Dec bootcamp group to catch up - which is what I get for being gone soooo long.

Didn't mean to neglect you guys, was ultra busy at work with multiple deadlines that couldn't be ignored, its always a very busy time at school this time of year - but because I went to PIR and then to Goose Creek and then on a 3 day field trip with my youngest....I was double timing to meet deadlines. :-) Didn't help that the state can't make up their mind how they want things to be done, so several things had to be done and re-done.

Anyway......I've missed you. I was so excited to see all the sailors getting their orders. Phillip will be at Goose Creek for a year and a half at least. He is doing ok now, the first course kicked his tail, but he has done well since. He is sick with sinus infection, but won't go to the doc because he doesn't want SIQ and get set back. He's working on me to go up to Goose Creek this weekend to take his truck.

Pam - hope that Justin is doing better.
Sandra - I'm soooo proud of Nichelle!!
Arwen - you are a scream as always, I so enjoy your stories and dreams and zany antics.

Love you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cyn - WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Smiling ear to ear for your wonderful surprise!! :-) :-) :-)

Joyce - did budget issue go ok for you? PM me how you are doing, K? They are letting go 15 certified positions in our county - I already know of two. :-(

Beverly!!! I missed you!! Cobb is dealing with a lot too. My mom is hoping she still has a job in the fall. Oh and ksu is dealing with major cuts so I am happy to be getting out.

Sandra, yes it was pretty bad weather down here. Needless to say, I was not going out in it even if my life depended on it.

Hey there BooBoo :-) I talked to my mom today, and she said that Cobb was laying off 400 teachers?????? Geez!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know my sister must be glad that she took several years off to stay home with her little ones....

BTW: Rachael didn't tell me about the death at KSU - and she is out of town, so she didn't answer my frantic message to make sure that neither a serial killer nor a killer tornado had gotten her.....so I googled the KSU death - and saw that the death was NOT foul play!?! Is that the last you heard?

Ugh!!

Yes that is the last I heard. It is rumor that they have a video of her jumping. This year is a bad one at KSU. I just checked my email, which I never do, and apparently there were 2 students that died and 1 abducted(not on campus).

I don't know the exact number but that sounds about right. New teachers won't have a job and a lot who don't have their masters won't be around. My mom is in the middle of getting her masters. It is going to get pretty bad soon since no one is suppose to know anything until May from what I've heard.

Yay! I am probably heading back down there Wednesday night or Thursday. It will be my last time making that boring drive. We should all get together one night!

12:59 am? LOL, oh, the suffering! At least you can sleep on the flight. Hopefully you don't get one of those nasty spring snowstorms. The Spring Blizzard of 2003 happened when we were trying to leave for a visit to the in-laws in Texas.

Pensacola is soooo (relatively) close to where I am. I'm about 2.5 hours from there. It is a long rural drive for the most part. :-) It just seems like all of your kiddos are in schools that are over quickly (Phillip will be in SC about 2 years). By the time I am out of school and could come meet you on the beach....you'll be somewhere else!!

Thanks for the welcome back :-) Its so nice to be able to walk in the door and have the freedom to check on my girls.

Colleen - 15 hours is a LONG way!!! We did the 13 hour thing to GL - it took forever!!!!!! So, I won't complain about the six hour drive from S. GA to SC. :-)

Mel, you make me smile.

He's doing okay, not sailing through it as he was before. He's still having fun, but radio school is harder for him than computer school was. He's a little behind, but doing what he has to in order to catch up. His grades aren't an issue, only his speed. Slow and steady finishes the race... just maybe not on time.

Arwen, I saw Chris the other night in the liberty center but didn't want to interupt his game.

Beverly, according to my mom 560 are losing jobs.