Norfolk Sailors - Family & Friends

1316 members

Description

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.

Weather - Norfolk

Comments Discussions Members
Load Previous Comments

  • Grasshopper

    cshore...The one in Norfolk even has Family Suites you can request.  That's what we had for Thanksgiving.  It had a bedroom and a seperate living/kitchen area.  It was only $95 a night for that.  It worked out great because my Mom was with us and she could go to bed and close the bedroom room door while we stayed up in the living area and watched t.v.

    Mar 10, 2011

  • Grasshopper

    cshore - Great, keep in mind you will need your daughter there when you check in or she can go earlier in the day and register for you if she's going to be at work and tell them to have a key ready for you.  That's what my son had to do.  They will work with you at that Navy Lodge, they are great folks!!  The Lodge was just recently remodeled so it's really nice.

    Mar 10, 2011

  • duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

    Vincent's mom,

    I am so sorry for your loss.  I read about the accident, I live on the Outer Banks about 1 1/2 hours south, and I know the road where the accident took place.  Also my daughter knew who he was, she was stationed on the IKE at one time.  My brother retired from the Navy and lived in the trailer park back there.  I cannot imagine the pain you, his wife and child are experiencing.  According to the newspaper article she is also pregnant.  I hope she is going well with the pregancy.  My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

     

    Carol

    Mar 10, 2011

  • Grasshopper

    cshore...Navy Lodge in Norfolk is outside the gate.  I think they have wi-fi but I am not positive.  You may want to check their website or call them.  As I said, the folks at the Navy Lodge are GREAT and will help you any way they can.  They understand about our sons and daughters being at work and not always being able to be there when we check in.  As Johanna said, they actually give you 24 hours for your Sailor to come and show their ID.  Also, just like Johanna said, the NEX is great to.  As long as your Sailor shows their ID, you can then pay as long as you are using cash.  I think I tried using my debit card and they wouldn't let me do that if I'm remembering correctly.   Enjoy your visit!!

    Mar 11, 2011

  • proudmom7

    Vincent and Salina Mom:  we are so very sorry for your loss - our prayers are with you and your family.

    Mar 12, 2011

  • Colleen in PA

    Navy Lodge has wifi.  We stayed there this past Dec. when my daughter's ship came in and used a laptop in our room.  We did need ID for the little Nex. It is a great roomy hotel and we were able to bring our dog too.

    Mar 14, 2011

  • Janae' *My Love is HOME :)*

    The Navy Lodge is awesome and has everything you need. They also have movie rentals at the front desk.

    Mar 15, 2011

  • Colleen in PA

    Johanna, I always ask about their pet policy, we'd rather not pay to put Sophie in a kennel if we don't have too.  When I've had to search for hotels, I google "pet friendly" hotels in whatever city I need which so far is Norfolk and Goose Creek!  The Navy lodge needed a copy of her "shot records"  We stayed in the area where other dogs were too.  One always barked when we walked past the door.  Our dog is usually quiet.

    Mar 15, 2011

  • ProudMomS of a SAILOR! 10/29/10

    Hi Navy Moms!  We just found out my son will be stationed in Norfolk at the Amphibious Construction Battalion.  He is a Yoeman so I am not sure which group to join.  Is anyone familiar with the Seebees down there?

    Mar 15, 2011

  • duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

    Becky, let amanda know that we are entering our huid stage of the year.  unless she gets a climate controlled unit (probably about $100) she runs the risk of her stuff getting moldy then she has to throw it away and get all new stuff

    Mar 16, 2011

  • Cindy D

    I would love any ideas as what to send my sailor while he is on deployment.  He leaves in a couple weeks for his first deployment and we have no idea what to expect.    Is there restrictions on what you can send?  We are new to this!

    Mar 17, 2011

  • Sam-Mommy and Wife

    Hello everyone sorry I've been silent for so long been dealing with this deployment each day as it comes as it is my first is anyone here from the state Oklahoma and currently stationed in Va because I would love to talk to people from my home state I miss people from Oklahoma.

    Mar 17, 2011

  • duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

    becky, sorry, i meant to say HUMID

    Mar 17, 2011

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    Sharon & Cindy, the members of this group  http://www.navyformoms.com/group/carepackageideas will happily share what they know. Here are some tips about shipping:  care package tips

    Winavymom$ & Martha are right on.  Others thoughts: DVDs, beef jerky, powdered flavoring for drinking water, Purex 3 in 1 laundry sheets, "550 cord" (available via Amazon, used in many ways i.e. hanging things up, tying things down); and also 'thank you' cards from friends, school & church groups etc.

     

    Mar 19, 2011

  • duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

    cecelia,

    how do you get them vacuum packed without breaking?

    Mar 20, 2011

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    Someday I'll treat myself to one of those, always seems like a good thing to have :) I sent cookies packed in a plastic Tupperware-type box from the dollar store (fits in a USPS large priority box) and they always made it fine...layered with wax paper. This recipe doesn't use eggs, which seems safer - ?. I add a handful of chocolate chips, craisins, whatever's on hand. 

    2 c. quick oats
    1 1/2 c. Bisquick
    1 c. brown sugar, packed
    1/2 c. vegetable oil
    1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
    1/2 cup lowfat milk
    Mix all ingredients in the order given till moistened. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees till golden, about 12-15 min.

    Mar 20, 2011

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    I got to test my own! My mom a batch to him on shore duty, arrived a few weeks later & found he hadn't checked his mail lol - opened & they were fine.

    Mar 20, 2011

  • duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

    no, i've never vacuum packed cookies just other things (tried bread) and it got crushed

    Mar 20, 2011

  • Janae' *My Love is HOME :)*

    Cindy D, I send my fiance' lots of prepackaged sweets and microwavable food. I have also sent him cans of pineapples and under clothes.

    Mar 20, 2011

  • Charlotte Anne

    My son just informed us that he will be stationed there.  Any infor.  will help me.  He is in A-school right now in Pen. Fla.  I miss him but am so very proud of him.  Proud trumps over missing him.  Char

    Mar 20, 2011

  • Janae' *My Love is HOME :)*

    Hampton Roads is a great area. I love it there. Does your son know exactly where he's going Charlotte Anne? What's his job?

    Mar 20, 2011

  • duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

    thanks for the tip johanna!

    Mar 21, 2011

  • dancer

    How spread out is Norfolk Naval base.  My daughter just arrived and not to happy.

    Her ship was not ready for her.  Can't seem to find her way.  Is there public transportation. Please any advice.

    Mar 22, 2011

  • duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

    cshore, they fly the mail out to them (i think depending o where they are is why it takes different lenghts to get there)

     

    dancer, norfolk is pretty spread out.  if she's at norolk naval air i know there is a "tour" shack that has maps.  there are city buses, should be able to get a schedule on base.  there is a bus system of some kind on the base but not sure what.  tell your sailor to see if they can find the MWR office or even the nex  should have some kind of pamphlets. 

     

    shat ship is she on?

    carol

    Mar 22, 2011

  • Janae' *My Love is HOME :)*

    cshore, when my fiance's ship wasn't ready yet they put him in the barracks for a few days until the ship came back in port.

    Mar 22, 2011

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    Welcome Karen!

    Mar 24, 2011

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    First thing that comes to mind, is that it seems like a lot of the new sailors there without cars have questions about getting around.

    Mar 24, 2011

  • duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

    karen, that's where my daughter is

     

    carol

    Mar 24, 2011

  • Janae' *My Love is HOME :)*

    Hi Karen and duhh...  My fiance' is also on the Bush and has been there for 2 years this June.

    Mar 24, 2011

  • duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

    yea, she's abh but right now she's in the wonderful world of "kranking" and HATES it.  just got my first email since they left.

    Mar 24, 2011

  • duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

    the really great part is i only live 1 1/2 hours away and get to keep my 2 1/2 year old grandson when she's out!

     

    love my sugar butt!

     

    carol

    Mar 24, 2011

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    A car seems to be a must-have.  Sailors have to beware of unscrupulous local dealers when buying near the base.  Here's a good program to know about:  http://www.mappva.com mentioned in this related article in the March 23rd Flagship newspaper 

    http://www.norfolknavyflagship.com/news/top_stories/article_6347c96...

    Mar 24, 2011

  • JOSHUAKEITH

    Hi my son in on one of the ships in norfolk and we went down last weekend to help him get a car. his salesman at toyota is a ex navy man and also a cab driver. he owns 2 cabs and gave our son a card and said that he knew what it was like and to call him and recommend him to his friends; he was a really nice guy. his cell # is 1-757-286-2880 and his name is john. hope this helps.

    Mar 24, 2011

  • Janae' *My Love is HOME :)*

    Duhhuh, my fiance' was kranking last year around this time and he liked it at first, but than he slowly started hating it... I think it had its pros and cons like every other job... Whats your daughters job?

    Mar 24, 2011

  • Fl..GATOR

    Hi, Since you guys are talking cars,does the car have to be in the sailors name. i gave him an old car of mine that  I still have. He drives it when he comes home .My son is still under my Ins. Now,he wants to take it back to Norfork until he ships out. Its cheaper to keep it in my name!? Thanks

    Mar 24, 2011

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    FLGator:  This is from the Naval Station Oceana website page

    Decals for your vehicle:

    To obtain a DOD vehicle decal, you must present proof of ownership (i.e. title, registration or a notarized statement giving you permission to drive the vehicle). In addition, you will need a current insurance policy (valid card, policy, or binder), driver's license and an ID. If your vehicle is registered in Virginia, you will also need a current Virginia State Inspection (the pink receipt issued by the inspection station).

    Or see page 6 of this publication (includes insurance info):  http://issuu.com/militarynews/docs/welcome-aboard_spring2011

    Last thought - my son has very reasonable insurance through USAA, you might be surprised at the rates.  

    Mar 24, 2011

  • Fl..GATOR

    Hi Marcy,Thank you so much for that info. I will tell my son to call USAA. Thanks again. Hes coming home for a week after USS Nassau decom.3/31 and wants to drive the car back with him before he starts C-school in April.

    Mar 25, 2011

  • Charlotte Anne

    My son will be leaving soon and will be stationed on the command ship Mt.Witney.

    Any infor.  for me?????

    Mar 25, 2011

  • Sue(Daniel's Mom)

    Hello Norfolk Folks !! I just found this site and I am so excited to be able to communicate with other family and friends of sailors stationed at Norfolk.  I guess I am a little slow at finding things here N4M.  My son has been at Norfolk since last August and I can tell you there has been many a time I could have used some help with questions and now I have a place to go ask questions. Navy for Moms has been a real blessing to me since my son left for BC last February. N4M helped me so much during that time and since.  I hope by being a part of Norfolk Sailors I will be able to help some of you in return for all the help that has been give to me.  Thanks and I look forward to reading your posts.

    Mar 25, 2011

  • Janae' *My Love is HOME :)*

    FI Gator, The car does not have to be in his name. My fiance' went through this when he first got to his A school... The car was in his mother's name and he just had to have a notarized letter saying that his mother was giving him permission to drive her car.

    Mar 25, 2011

  • duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

    janae

    my daughter is abh.  the biggest reason she hates it is she doesn't get to see her son much.  she was living in elizabeth city (about an hour away in NC) and by the time she got off and got home he was in bed asleep, he's 2 1/2.  she's still kranking but doing something different, not sure what.  finally got a 2 sentance email.

     

    carol

    Mar 25, 2011

  • Janae' *My Love is HOME :)*

    Duhhuh, yea it's always hard for the "krankers" to email when underway. I used to hate it.

    Mar 25, 2011

  • duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

    with the short trip i don't have a problem with not hearing from her alot it's just weird because i'm used to getting messages several times a day, i have her 2 1/2 year old.

    Mar 25, 2011

  • dms

    my daughter is on the USS Kearsarge  now  involved in the NATO  Odyssey dawn mission

    enforcing the no fly zone

    Mar 26, 2011

  • ckmom

    My son is on the USS Bataan, I just keep praying to keep them safe and a safe return.

    Mar 26, 2011

  • Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons

    Anyone who lives in the VA Beach/Norfolk area. There is a group of us planning on meeting one day for lunch (shooting for Thursday) the last week of April. I will be there that week for spring break. We would love to meet as many other moms/families etc as possible for lunch one day. If you have a sailor or recruit in that area and they could possibly join us that would be awesome. If you are in that area and would like to join us please let me know. Send me a private message with your name and number. We will keep the time and place in private messages as well. Thanks, Lora

    Mar 26, 2011

  • polli k

    I must have had the  odd sailor. When my daughter was in and on the Kearsarge she said that the deployments were the best and most exciting time of her life... where she could actually feel she was part of a gobal dorce for good.  She truly loved it all even the scary parts.

    Mar 27, 2011

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    Same here Polli - mine would go back in a heartbeat.  He felt so good to be helping others, even though sleeping in a rack for months isn't quite the Hilton :)

    Mar 27, 2011

  • dms

    my sailor likes it now and wants to re-enlist     but did not like it in washington  because of all the paperwork

    Mar 27, 2011

  • Fl..GATOR

    Thanks Janae, hats good to kow we have that option!

    Mar 28, 2011