Lita, David graduated A school in April. He was top of his class and got first pick of assignments. He chose a helo squadron based in San Diego. He chose helo's because "... they go more places than fixed wing aircraft." And he chose SD because; 1) he's a hard core Chargers fan, 2) his friend that he enlisted with is based there, 3) he's a hard core Chargers fan, 4) we are orignially from that area and have a lot of family around there, and 5) even though we move to Arkansas when he was in 2nd grade, he's STILL a hard core Chargers fan. He had a couple weeks leave after A school, when that was over he left to join the squadron already on deployment on the USS Abraham Lincoln. They returned in August and he's been in SD since. He enjoys his job, keeping the books updated.
It's been one years since he left home for boot camp. Navy life has been good for him.
Anyone have a daughter at Meridian right now? My daughter graduated A School last Friday. She said she is going to San Diego and be assigne to the USS Bunker Hill. I was wondering how long she may still be staying in Meridian! I would love any info!
David's mom - I have never been to San Diego, but it sounds good to me!
Just got word that my fiancé will be attending A school here instead of Pensacola now. I’m excited because Meridian, Mississippi is only 4 hours away from me. I look forward to meeting new people. Also, he graduates boot camp on the Dec 21st will he be allowed to bring a cell phone and laptop to school? Thanks!
Yes. They said we can bring cellphone and laptop to graduation already. He has to be able to fit it in his black bag. I'm assuming they issue them a bag or have them purchase one.
We gave our sailor his cell at the airport in Chicago and mailed his laptop once he had his address (he had it in 2 days) - Remember they are EXTREMELY busy once they get there with orientation - first 5 days.... as for their own sheets? I don't think so but it DOES get chilly there and some people buy xtra blankets @ the NEX.....
My hubby has been in Meridian for 2 weeks now.....after spending a whopping 12 weeks in Great Lakes!!! Waiting to find out his permanent base is driving me crazy! I just need to know so that I can research the area and make plans. Is anyone else going crazy from the wait?
The SR's can pretty much have anything, from phone to a car. For my SR he went out and bought everything he wanted. It seems that they have to much freedom in Meridian, if you understand what I mean by that. MY SR loved it there was never a dull moment and made lots of friends. The town is actually quite a few miles from the base. My SR spent every weekend in town at the mall or on a road trip. They can put weekend leave chit in so they can spend the time away from the base over night.
Just thought I would say in case you didn't know, you can got to NTTC Meridian on facebook and see pictures of what its like there. They post the graduation pictures there for those that aren't able to attend when time comes. The page does give you a little insight into somethings they do there.
ny son graduates from "A" school tomorrow and leaves Meridian on Wed. Thanks to all for the help and support on this site. We are going into our next phase - San Diego! If I can be of any assistance to any of you, just message me. It's been fun and went by really fast
yes, Jackson is the closest with good connections to Atlanta. However, if you are flying into Jackson try to rent a car or have a friend get you - my son had to pay almost $200 to cab it to the base when he first got there.
Thanks for the info, I'll look at those two options. Hope to make it there to visit my son while he's in school. I've never been to that part of the country.
Got my letter. Feb 01. PIR. Recruiters address was correct. Also marked last name off the 4 listed for graduation so it's only 3 now. They left the right 3 on there.
Alison - my son went to the airport at 2am Sat morning and flew out at 3:30am for Meridian. Lucky for him that Mon was a holiday, so they had Sat night, Sun., and Mon to recover before Indoc started.
My son also left on Saturday. He was at the airport at 6:30 am but didn;t fly out until early afternoon. We went to the airport and stayed with him until his flight.
My son graduates basic Jan 11th I am wanting to meet him at the airport and wait with him until his flight leaves for Meridan. How do you know when they arrive at the airport or where to meet up with him? Also do we need a pass to get to the gate and if so how or where do we get that?
There is a USO room at the airport and he can call you from there. You can't go into the USO room but it is a good place to meet. The room isn't hard to find. You don't need a pass, but will go through security. They are very nice and helpful at O'Hare. There are plenty of places to eat and relax. Your son will be able to tell you what time his flight leaves. As I said, my son was there very early, but had time to spend with us. My son just graduated November 30th. Enjoy!! It is an amazing, emotional, experience.
Pammiesue14 I would stay close to Bonita Lakes mall. There are several hotels around there and plenty of places to eat. the base in away from town not much around it. We live in the area. our son is overseas..i joined this group just to help anyone out ...
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Everyone! I will be leaving this group - my son graduated A school and is now home until he reports to Norfolk in Jan.... Good Luck to ALL your Sailors through A school and beyond!!!
Sgknavymom: Thanks so much for the help. We live in PA so we are flying into the area. I had initially made our flight plans to fly into Atlanta and then connect to the Meridian Airport, which is slightly expensive. What are your thoughts on flying into Birmingham and driving to Meridian? Also, if we do fly into Meridian, do you know if there are car rental in the area? Thanks so much for your help!
My son is flying into Jackson tomorrow and said he would have to take a cab to Meridian. I saw that someone posted it was about $200 for a cab. Is that the only way he could get to base?
@ hunters mom. Unless he can rent a car. We do have a airport. But it is prob too late Our flights oly go thru Atlanta. It is pricey but prob cheaper than a cab.
We were having the same issue . That is why we drove to pick him up from Austin Texas. We thought about him flying back but the cab fair is crazy!! If he does end up flying he would arrive in Jackson at 7 pm on Friday evening. When will your son be arriving in Jackson?
My son has his car in Charleston and finally got approval to drive with his Dad from Charleston to Meridian. I just have to figure out where my husband is going to stay in Meridian and get him transportation to the airport when he leaves. He took a whole week off of work and is going to stay in Meridian for a few days. Got flight from Meridian to Atlanta and then on to BWI.
I am so sry. I advise him to stay near Bonita lakes mall and park. There is nothing near the base. These are 15. - 20 min drive but not a bad drive. I would be glad to get him to the airport if needed. This is why I am on this blog. Our son was stationed in charleston last year before he went to sea duty. We loved Charleston. Not a bad drive. Straight interstate. 9-10 hrs.
He said he would be reimbursed for the cab fee, but I just hate for him to spend that money. Who knows when he'll get reimbursed. We thought about driving to take him ourselves but we are hoping he may get to take a few days of his leave and then we would have to turn around and go back. It's a 6 hr trip for us. I just thought there may be a service other than a cab that would be cheaper. He is 21 but I think u have to be 23 to rent a car.
I read somewhere that they can not have their cell phones until Phase 2 at Meridan. I assume my SR will use his phone cards until then. Has anyone else confirmed this information?
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Nov 12, 2012
Alison(LS A school)
Nov 12, 2012
Mrs. David's mom
Lita, David graduated A school in April. He was top of his class and got first pick of assignments. He chose a helo squadron based in San Diego. He chose helo's because "... they go more places than fixed wing aircraft." And he chose SD because; 1) he's a hard core Chargers fan, 2) his friend that he enlisted with is based there, 3) he's a hard core Chargers fan, 4) we are orignially from that area and have a lot of family around there, and 5) even though we move to Arkansas when he was in 2nd grade, he's STILL a hard core Chargers fan. He had a couple weeks leave after A school, when that was over he left to join the squadron already on deployment on the USS Abraham Lincoln. They returned in August and he's been in SD since. He enjoys his job, keeping the books updated.
It's been one years since he left home for boot camp. Navy life has been good for him.
Nov 12, 2012
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Nov 12, 2012
Mari'smom(ship09,div327)
Anyone have a daughter at Meridian right now? My daughter graduated A School last Friday. She said she is going to San Diego and be assigne to the USS Bunker Hill. I was wondering how long she may still be staying in Meridian! I would love any info!
David's mom - I have never been to San Diego, but it sounds good to me!
Nov 13, 2012
bittersweet914
Just got word that my fiancé will be attending A school here instead of Pensacola now. I’m excited because Meridian, Mississippi is only 4 hours away from me. I look forward to meeting new people. Also, he graduates boot camp on the Dec 21st will he be allowed to bring a cell phone and laptop to school? Thanks!
Dec 2, 2012
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Dec 2, 2012
Alison(LS A school)
Dec 2, 2012
durrichShip03/Div354
We gave our sailor his cell at the airport in Chicago and mailed his laptop once he had his address (he had it in 2 days) - Remember they are EXTREMELY busy once they get there with orientation - first 5 days.... as for their own sheets? I don't think so but it DOES get chilly there and some people buy xtra blankets @ the NEX.....
Dec 3, 2012
Mandy
My hubby has been in Meridian for 2 weeks now.....after spending a whopping 12 weeks in Great Lakes!!! Waiting to find out his permanent base is driving me crazy! I just need to know so that I can research the area and make plans. Is anyone else going crazy from the wait?
Dec 3, 2012
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Dec 3, 2012
navyboy2012
The SR's can pretty much have anything, from phone to a car. For my SR he went out and bought everything he wanted. It seems that they have to much freedom in Meridian, if you understand what I mean by that. MY SR loved it there was never a dull moment and made lots of friends. The town is actually quite a few miles from the base. My SR spent every weekend in town at the mall or on a road trip. They can put weekend leave chit in so they can spend the time away from the base over night.
Dec 3, 2012
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Dec 3, 2012
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Dec 3, 2012
navyboy2012
Twin beds! Twin beds every where!
Dec 4, 2012
navyboy2012
Just thought I would say in case you didn't know, you can got to NTTC Meridian on facebook and see pictures of what its like there. They post the graduation pictures there for those that aren't able to attend when time comes. The page does give you a little insight into somethings they do there.
Dec 4, 2012
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Dec 4, 2012
Alison(LS A school)
Dec 5, 2012
marmee4 (alumni mom)
ny son graduates from "A" school tomorrow and leaves Meridian on Wed. Thanks to all for the help and support on this site. We are going into our next phase - San Diego! If I can be of any assistance to any of you, just message me. It's been fun and went by really fast
Dec 9, 2012
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Dec 9, 2012
marmee4 (alumni mom)
Lita - he is AZ (E3)
Dec 10, 2012
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Dec 10, 2012
Alison(LS A school)
What are nearby airports to Meridian?
Dec 14, 2012
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Dec 14, 2012
Alison(LS A school)
I saw that but 3 airline changes to get there for me...lol. Wonder if there is a larger airport within a reasonable driving distance?
Dec 14, 2012
durrichShip03/Div354
Jackson, MS - about a 30 min drive, or Birmingham, Ala - 1 1/2 hrs
Not an easy place to get to... :-)
Dec 14, 2012
marmee4 (alumni mom)
yes, Jackson is the closest with good connections to Atlanta. However, if you are flying into Jackson try to rent a car or have a friend get you - my son had to pay almost $200 to cab it to the base when he first got there.
Dec 14, 2012
Alison(LS A school)
Dec 15, 2012
Lita (DIV 083 SHIP 13)
Dec 15, 2012
Alison(LS A school)
Dec 17, 2012
marmee4 (alumni mom)
Alison - my son went to the airport at 2am Sat morning and flew out at 3:30am for Meridian. Lucky for him that Mon was a holiday, so they had Sat night, Sun., and Mon to recover before Indoc started.
Dec 17, 2012
Alison(LS A school)
Dec 17, 2012
DonnaB
My son also left on Saturday. He was at the airport at 6:30 am but didn;t fly out until early afternoon. We went to the airport and stayed with him until his flight.
Dec 17, 2012
tracy1220 (ship 14 Div 055)
Dec 17, 2012
DonnaB
There is a USO room at the airport and he can call you from there. You can't go into the USO room but it is a good place to meet. The room isn't hard to find. You don't need a pass, but will go through security. They are very nice and helpful at O'Hare. There are plenty of places to eat and relax. Your son will be able to tell you what time his flight leaves. As I said, my son was there very early, but had time to spend with us. My son just graduated November 30th. Enjoy!! It is an amazing, emotional, experience.
Dec 17, 2012
Pammiesue14
Where is the best place to stay in Meridian when visiting our Sailor?
Dec 19, 2012
Sgknavymom
@ Pammiesue14,,,,,,I would
Dec 19, 2012
Sgknavymom
Pammiesue14 I would stay close to Bonita Lakes mall. There are several hotels around there and plenty of places to eat. the base in away from town not much around it. We live in the area. our son is overseas..i joined this group just to help anyone out ...
Dec 19, 2012
durrichShip03/Div354
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Everyone! I will be leaving this group - my son graduated A school and is now home until he reports to Norfolk in Jan.... Good Luck to ALL your Sailors through A school and beyond!!!
Dec 20, 2012
Alison(LS A school)
Thanks sgknavymom, any local assistance would be great. I hope to come there in march and will def need advice.
Merry Christmas to all.
Dec 23, 2012
Pammiesue14
Sgknavymom: Thanks so much for the help. We live in PA so we are flying into the area. I had initially made our flight plans to fly into Atlanta and then connect to the Meridian Airport, which is slightly expensive. What are your thoughts on flying into Birmingham and driving to Meridian? Also, if we do fly into Meridian, do you know if there are car rental in the area? Thanks so much for your help!
Dec 24, 2012
marmee4 (alumni mom)
Enterprise has a rental - don't know if there are others
Dec 24, 2012
Hunter's mom
Dec 27, 2012
Sgknavymom
Dec 27, 2012
sheltonhome
Dec 27, 2012
Pammiesue14
My son has his car in Charleston and finally got approval to drive with his Dad from Charleston to Meridian. I just have to figure out where my husband is going to stay in Meridian and get him transportation to the airport when he leaves. He took a whole week off of work and is going to stay in Meridian for a few days. Got flight from Meridian to Atlanta and then on to BWI.
Dec 27, 2012
Sgknavymom
Dec 27, 2012
Sgknavymom
Dec 27, 2012
Hunter's mom
Dec 27, 2012
NicksMom
Dec 28, 2012