Norfolk Sailors - Family & Friends

Hey MTsWife- which one are you guys going to be living in?

interesting article in our paper this week:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/24/2233048/spending-cuts-will-fo...

G's Mom, I think they can only access it from military computers.  I'd ask your recruiters what their 'take' on it is.  I would think it best to limit his military email address to official stuff and use a gmail account for personal correspondence...

Anyone know if our Navy men/women can use phone cards somewhere in the foreign ports?

Concerning Jedi: if he hasn't found a home yet, they could check about local boxer and collie rescue groups who may be able to foster Jedi until a home is found. 

I came across these, with lots of good stuff :)

the Summer Fun guide from hamptonroads.com:  http://hamptonroads.com/SummerFun2011

and the Visitors' Guide:  

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/05/hampton-roads-visitors-guide

Maryann, I haven't stayed there but - in April this year I was visiting my son's condo, I stopped at the Navy Lodge, toured the rooms, got info and took pictures; here's the link to the Discussion: Navy Lodge Norfolk info, rates and photos.  Read CShore7222's comments there too, she said that despite having a two-burner stove, there was nothing to cook in, plan accordingly!  :)  There is a free continental breakfast served every morning, and coffee & tea 24/7.  


The double rooms (two queen beds) and family suites have a range (stovetop + oven) and microwave plus fridge.  The single rooms (one queen bed) only have a microwave and small fridge. To speak to them, the direct number to Navy Lodge Norfolk is 757-489-2656.

Here's something to be aware of - Gossip Shuts Down USS Bataan's Facebook Page (NavyTimes.com)

"Loose tweets sink fleets, and as sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship Bataan learned, unchecked gossip can bring down a command’s Facebook page.  The Bataan’s page was shut down May 15, severing a major communication line to sailors’ families as the Norfolk, Va.-based ship continues its deployment in the Mediterranean. A page for at least one other ship may also be removed, as well."

For that single (or not) sailor with "nothing to do" :)   Here's the 2011 Captain's Cup Athletic Program Calendar for Naval Station Norfolk

  2011 Captain's Cup Athletic Program Calendar for Naval Station Norfolk

Sandra, every sailor is given an email account so he should be able to give that to you.  His access may be limited though as they're busy and it also depends on his job. 

I would give anything to do a tiger cruise!  We were scheduled for one last November but after we (350+ people) got to the base, boarded the buses and rode 4 hours to the point of embarkation, only to wait a few hours until the seas were finally deemed too rough for us to go out to the ship.  Talk about a bummer!  Everyone was sooo disappointed - families and sailors alike.  The upside was being able to be at the pier for homecoming the next day, so that was the silver lining :)

Hi all!!! Joining this group.  Hubby just received orders to Norfolk.  He's joining the USS Mesa Verde.  He's meeting her on deployment, so I'm taking care of the relocation for us.  Any help about the area and the move would be great!!!!  Thanks in advance!

I don't know how many of you have sons or daughters that are on aircraft carriers, but I thought I would share some information with you about a book I just came across.

I am a children's librarian in a school in Kentucky and am working on the end of the year inventory.  I came across a book today that I forgot I had ordered for the library and I thought some of you might want to get it.

The book is called "Nugget on the Flight Deck" by Patricia Newman.  It gives lots of great information about what life is like on an aircraft carrier and explains a lot of the Navy lingo and terms they use.  I learned a lot by reading the book and I know if you have someone on an aircraft carrier, you would love this book.  Especially if you know of any children that have parents on an aircraft carrier.  This would be a great book to share with them.

Happy reading,

Jboysmom

Thanks for the the book info.  I will go look for it now.

Linda

This is my experience last fall, when the Iwo Jima returned from a four month humanitarian mission, so may not be typical.  And I want to observe OPSEC so will generalize a bit :)

The FRG (family readiness group) was in contact with us in the days leading up to its return, with information about car passes, pier # etc. The ship was due at 10:30 am, so I got to the base and parked just before 9:30 and got out of the car to hear someone say "Here they come!" so my point is, be early!!!  There were several small tents set up for VIP seating, and music played over loudspeakers. Everyone was crowded outside the gate to the pier, waving pompoms and wonderful homemade welcome-home signs to the sailors onboard.  New moms of babies born during deployment were escorted through the gate to the gangplank to be the first to welcome their sailors home (21 in this case!).  Then everyone, signs aloft, waited for their sailors to make their appearance coming through the gate.  Some sailors called their loved ones on their cellphones and went on deck to wave to us below, which makes good photos by the way! :)  Most sailors are lugging seabags with them.  Goodbyes to shipmates are said and everyone dispersed fairly quickly.  Some wives and girlfriends are dressed to kill, pretty funny to observe tottering in 3"+ heels, too LOL 

YamiBrooke,

what is your husband going to be doing in norfolk?  ship?