Norfolk Sailors - Family & Friends

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For families and friends of Sailors who are stationed at Norfolk; for either Sea Duty or Shore Duty Sailors. Just make sure to keep OPSEC issues in mind and not disclose ship movements in advance.

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diannep

Hi, Becky. Yes, because my son is there. Some are off-base. There is a barracks/dorm facility right there in Newport News that they stay in. The "base" that they are on...NEX/gym/track...is called Huntington Hall. He takes a shuttle over to his work. Other's may be close enough to their building or work area to walk. He had a room with a roommate/private bath, but transferred to another one....2 roommates and a hall community bath. He said he lives in a "closet!" Very small but he's ok with it. I bet there is much more space there than living on the ship!

Feb 21, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

A pretty cool rent split calculator is at http://www.splittherent.org. It's a good idea to put in writing the agreement regarding who pays what % of rent and utilities. And emphasize the importance of finding "no drama" roommates! :) My son shares an apartment off base and it's worked out well.

Feb 21, 2011
diannep

Becky: Yes, they can!

Feb 22, 2011
Grasshopper

Keep in mind, according to my son they can only do this if they are ranked E4 or higher...otherwise unmarrieds have to get their living quarters through the Navy. There are some apartments that are considered military housing for these lower E1-E3 that are just off base. My son lives there and loves it. It's just behind Camp Allen Marine Base.

Feb 22, 2011
diannep

bikernavymom: So so sad...prayers for his family.

Feb 22, 2011
diannep

Lynne! Where have you BEEN? So glad to see you here. Maybe I'll run into you in Norfolk sometime??? Welcome!

Feb 22, 2011
diannep

Yes, Grasshopper, sorry...forgot about that. My son was told he could only move into the Navy housing like you mentioned...because he is an E-3.

Feb 22, 2011
siscarrie

Hi everyone my son will be reporting to Norfolk the first of March, he will be on the USS Bataan. He is anxious about this next phase in the navy, very excited!

Feb 22, 2011
diannep

Welcome, siscarrie!

Feb 22, 2011
duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

i don't know if it's because she has a son or not but my daughter has lived off base in a house she found on her own (she lives in nc) since she was 6 months pregnant and she was not an e-3. it's not so much that you have to live in navy housing they just strongly recommend it. jes found her own place, she wanted to be 1/2 way between home and work, and they weren't happy about it but they couldn't do anything about it either.

carol

Feb 22, 2011
Grasshopper

If they are below E4 and are married and/or have children they do not have to live on base on in military housing. Since your daughter was pregnant would be why she was allowed to choose her own place even though she was not an E3.

Feb 22, 2011
proudmom7

Prayers to the Hernandez family.

Feb 23, 2011
Gman Navy Husband

If anybody knows a spouse that is looking for an easy job let me know. I got a job that is a long term placement through a temp agency and they are still hiring. I am a meter reader for the city of Portsmouth. It is a fairly easy job if you like to walk. If you are interested or know somebody that needs a job in the Hampton Roads area let me know.

Feb 24, 2011
duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

vickie

according to the news last night they captured some pirates. you will hear news on the tv before you hear it here. nothing is posted here unless it is public knowledge.

Feb 24, 2011
siscarrie

My son arrived in Norfolk last night. He called me this morning said the base there was huge, hes just walking around checking out everything. He said he thinks hes gonna like it there.

Feb 26, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Siscarrie, how great for him - and how reassuring for you! I"m so glad you shared that :)

Feb 26, 2011
diannep

If anyone one here is connected to the USS T. Roosevelt....do you have a suggestion of how I can get mail from S. Florida to my sailor living in barracks at Newport News more quickly? Ship is dry docked for 2 more years. I have mailed him 2 envelopes (regular sized) in the past month...regular 1st class mail...and neither has arrived yet. He asked at work and they said regular 1st class mail is the best way. But obviously it is not working for me. He doesn't have a car right now so getting a PO Box isn't too reasonable. What about Priority Mail with signature confirmation? Does anyone know? I can fax him some things, but obviously some things that I need to mail is the issue. Any help is appreciated!

Feb 26, 2011
duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

are you sending to the ship or to the barracks?

Feb 26, 2011
diannep

HDuhhuh: Have to send to the ship address...which is in dry dock. No barracks address that I'm aware of. He is in Newport News.

Thanks, Nancy...I have thought of that. Most of his buddies live in barracks though...but still looking! That may be a good option if we can figure it out. Someone else mentioned sending priority as her pkgs have reached her son that way who is also in Newport News barracks. May try that. Thanks so much!

Feb 27, 2011
diannep

Sorry! Meant to type: "duhhuh" In a hurry this morning!

Feb 27, 2011
diannep

Thanks so much, Cecilia. He is actually in Newport News (ship is in dry dock) but I think you are correct. Others have suggested the PO Box so he can look into one there in Newport News. He is actually living in barracks....no one is living on the ship right now. Thanks so much for your input!

Feb 27, 2011
Colleen in PA

Don't know it this will help, my son is staioned in Goose Creek and got a PMB (personal mail box) on base at the mininex. It's not far from his barracks. Maybe they have something like that at Norfolk. My daughter is stationed in Norfolk and has an apartment so mail isn't an issue for her. If you son knows some who live off base, send his mail there, addressed to friend with your return address very visible and then the friend would know who it's for.

Feb 28, 2011
diannep

No, Lynne: I want to be clear that my son is in NewportNews, ship is dry docked there, so he has a ship address. I think the base addresses (Norfolk) will be easier to get mail to. It is the ship addresses that seem to pose the problem!

Weird thing is....I just remember that I sent him his license plate for his car when he first arrived there....and he got it...have a feeling that I sent it Priority Mail though. I just can't remember because it was so long ago! I really have not had to mail much to him...but sometimes what I have to mail must be there quickly. Therein lies the issue.

Thanks, Colleen. Hmmmm....interesting. He has a mininex where he is too. I will ask him to see about those boxes...if they might have them. Thanks for the info! Yes, we have thought about the friend address off base. I think that may be the key here! Thanks!

Feb 28, 2011
diannep

Thanks, Barb.

Mar 5, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Hi Kristine, we have a group on N4M, http://www.navyformoms.com/group/ussiwojima

Any questions right now feel free to PM me :)

Mar 5, 2011
ckmom

Hi, My son just arrived there yesturday from C school in Jacksonville Fl. Met his sponser, and showed him around. got all his belongings on his ship. He said the ship is Big! lol Was already going out with some friends last night. So I think he is doing ok. His ship is USS BATAAN. Will be there for 3 yrs.

Mar 6, 2011
siscarrie

Hi ckmom, my son arrived to the ship USS BATAAN last friday also. My son likes it so far, he went off base this weekend to check everything out.

Mar 7, 2011
ckmom

just got a text message he is doing pretty good. So I hope he is and not just saying that. Of course I will worry about him. Just really missing him right now and wish I was there. I've been in tears all weekend I have to pull myself together.

Mar 7, 2011
ckmom

Hi siscarrie, What job is your son?

Mar 7, 2011
siscarrie

ckmom, he is undesignated. I am so nervous right now,knowing they are leaving out pretty soon. I don't even have an address yet for the ship, he has it just hasn't give it to me yet.

Johanna, do you send the care packages to the address your son gave you? I like sending my son stuff, all this is happening to fast, so I need to know how and what can i send?

Mar 8, 2011
siscarrie

Can anyone tell me the site for ombudsman so my son can put in my information?

Mar 8, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Siscarrie, you can call the Fleet and Family Support Center in Norfolk, VA at Naval Station Norfolk - 757-444-2102. They will be able to provide you with the contact information for the Command Ombudsman and FRG (Family Readiness Group).

Or post your question here and the group's moderator will give you the info: http://www.navyformoms.com/group/whatsanombudsmanandhowtocontactthem

Mar 8, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

In re the ombudsman/FRG questions - there may be private (by invitation) Facebook pages for your ombudsman and FRG, too.
When contacting them, you'll be asked to provide your sailor's name, rank and rating, and your relationship.
Good luck! :)

Mar 8, 2011
siscarrie

Thank you Marcy, i will try that

Mar 8, 2011
siscarrie

Thanks winavymom for the info, my son said he was going to send alot of things home,

Mar 8, 2011
angelicasailorsmom

Hello every one, I am excited of being part of a group where we share something so important in common, I am very new on these so please bare with me please I will take any advice from any one on how to move around here.

Mar 9, 2011
angelicasailorsmom

I would like to know if there is any links on how where to look for any pic taken in the area if possible

Mar 9, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Go to google.com, click on "Images" and enter "norfolk va images" in the search box. You'll see lots of great photos there to browse through. Here's that link:

Norfolk VA images

Mar 9, 2011
angelicasailorsmom

Marcy, thanky you ounce more I have seeing these images before I was woundering of more images like our guys on ship.

Mar 9, 2011
angelicasailorsmom

Thank you Johanna and Judy for the imformation now I know in wich direccion go, But after reading Johanna on how she stay in touch in touch trough facebook made her feel safer to know they where safe in there deployment it seems a great relief

Mar 9, 2011
Vincent & Salina MoM

little did we know that evening god was going to call your name.
in life we loved you dearly.
in death we do the same
it broke our hearts to lose you
but you did not go alone
for part of us went with you
the day god called you home
you left us peaceful memories
your love is. still our guide
and though we cannot see you
you are always by our side
our family chain is broken
and nothing seems the same
but as god calls us one by one
the chain will link again
until we meet again ," RIP my son, I Love You! "

Mar 10, 2011
Vincent & Salina MoM

my wonderful son ,was a resident sailor in norfolk up until two weeks ago when he was killed in a car accident . "bless his heart" ,exactly two weeks after his 2nd wedding anniversary. he was laid to rest exactly two years after reporting to boot camp. rest in peace my son.

Mar 10, 2011
ckmom

Vincent& Salina Mom, First off I have to give you (HUGS). I'm So Sorry my Prayers are With You and Your Family. What a beautiful poem!!!

Mar 10, 2011
siscarrie

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family, so sorry

Mar 10, 2011
diannep

Vincent and Salina Mom: We are so very very sorry for your loss. As Navy ladies here, we are so proud of his service to our country and pray for healing and comfort of your hurting heart. Lots of prayers and hugs ....

Mar 10, 2011
NecornhuskerMom

VincentandSaline Mom, no words can ease the pain of your loss. My aunt has a saying that she lives by.... If God brought you to it, he will see you through it. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Mar 10, 2011
angelicasailorsmom

Vincent & Salina Mom No is no words for me to say, may time and God give you peace to survive such a hurtfull tragedy. My prayers are with you! And what a beautifull poem.

Mar 10, 2011
Grasshopper

Vincent&SalinaMom:Just as others have said, no words can ease your pain right now. Time will heal your pain though. I had a brother that died in a car accident when he was 20 and I have often wondered as a Mom how my Mom survived that. It has helped me to realize what a strong and wonderful Mom I have. I am grateful for your Son's service and sacrifice to us and our Country. I am also grateful to you as a Navy Mom for your dedication and sacrifice to us and our Country! May your Son rest in peace and may God heal your heart! Hugs and prayer to you and your Family!

Mar 10, 2011
polli k

Please accept my heartfelt prayers to you for the loss of your son.. What a beautiful poem.

Mar 10, 2011
Grasshopper

cshore-There is a great Navy Lodge in Norfolk. Have stayed there numerous times and it's great. I don't know why your daughter's sponsor said you can't have cars or visitors on base. Your daughter is allowed a car if that is what you are referring to. My son has had his car there since he arrived. I have also gone on base numerous times with my son. You can't go on base without a sponsor such as your daughter to visit but your daughter can get you on base. Hope this info helps.

Mar 10, 2011