Sailors attending A School in Meridian, Mississippi

We've passed Basic, now its attending A school in Meridian, Mississippi. Let's talk and get to know one another.
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  • racing girl

    My son is in meridan is cold now there and they are alow to wear their civilian clothes in the afternoon and to hang he loves school.we just hoping he can make it home for xmas.even we tx everyday I miss jim so much especially with thanksgiving in 2 days we just to put decoration and do all the prepering together. :(
  • Momma TS

    I took my son a suit case of his clothing, he took most of it with him. The biggest request was his own underwear. It takes a week to two weeks before they can wear them.
    He had to wait a month before class started, but other people have said their sailors started in a week and a half. Not sure why the difference. The base is fairly good, lots of southern cooking, a decent gym, a Subway sandwich place, and a lake. The town is about 15 minutes away from base. They would split cab fare to go into town. I know there was an Olive Garden, Buffalo Wild Wings and a good BBQ place.
    I would like the NTTC Meriden Facebook page, they post info on what's happening and pictures.
    My sailor didn't go from BC to Meridian. Hopefully, one of the other Mom's can fill you in on how much time you will have with them before they leave for Meridian. I know they have lots of tips. Also, join your Div. BC page, check into Sarge's Meet and Greet the night before PIR, you'll get lots of great tips for PIR.
  • RuthTH

    My son just arrived in Meridian for LS School on 11/16. He said it will be at least a few weeks or more before he classes up. (begins classes)  Before he left for BC he packed a backpack w/ his laptop, computer games, headphones.  You know the most important things in life (Lol!!) and also a box of clothes. When I got his cell phone and shoes back from BC I added those. I took the backpack to the Airport in Chicago and shipped the box of clothes.  It's been almost 2 weeks and he's still not allowed to wear civilian clothes, so no hurry. 

  • RuthTH

    P.S. I told him to buy his own new underwear and socks if he wants them. He has the money and the NEX on Base.

  • Dexter93

    Thanks for the info everyone it has been very helpful!

  • racing girl

    They can buy stuff but they are double the price and they get charged for everything ..he can wait until hes allow to go to Walmart.
  • racing girl

    Im so happy my son just got his thanksgiving package I send him he can have mom's food.for this day.:)
  • adm402

    Does anyone know of anyone that lives close to Meridian NAS that can rescue a Marine from base on the 23rd and get him to the Airport? I am getting my son from Meridian on the 20th and going back on the 22 to rescue two Marines and I do not think I can make a 3rd trip so close to Christmas. I am all the way in South AL close to PNAS.

  • Momma TS

    Merry Christmas! Wishing you all love, peace and joy!
  • racing girl

    Best xmas my sailor came home. Thank god .god bless all the sailor
  • Momma TS

    Happy New Year!!!
  • Jamie

    Hey everyone, I'm new here. I was hoping someone can give me some kind of advice/guidance about visiting during a-school. My mom passed away recently and I'm going to have to miss my SR's graduation on the 24th. Seriously a difficult situation for me since I really would like to see/be with him during these tough times. I was planning to visit him in Mississippi instead, but I'm not exactly clear on how things work in a-school. I've been reading a lot of things and have been discouraged because everything just seems so complicated and uncertain. If someone could give me a little hope that I can see my sailor soon after a-school has started, I'd really appreciate it.
  • RuthTH

    What School is your Son attending in Meridian? My son is currently there for Logistics Specialist A School.  I know some about that.

  • Jamie

    It's actually my bf and he's an LS as well
  • RuthTH

    Oh, sorry. I forget everyone's not a Mom on her, Lol!   As soon as he gets there he can use his cell phone and computer. Skype (or something like is your friend)  Is someone going to his PIR? If so, they can give him those things to take to Meridian.but only if they meet him at the airport. AT&T has the best service there for cell. My son had t mobile and had to walk to the other side of the base, outside to get a signal. He changed when he got there at a kiosk on base and got a military discount. About 2 weeks after he gets there he gets something called a green dot. That means he's allowed to wear civilian clothes and leave the base. That is when, I assume you can visit. Be prepared, they have tons of studying to do though. The 2 weeks is not a guarantee. Tell him not to get in trouble, listen and don't piss anyone off or no green dot. Happened to my son. You'll see that it's not complicated once he gets there, relax. You can talk every day and you'll know what's going on. I predict you'll see him soon! :)

  • RuthTH

    Anything you want to ask? Maybe I'll know. Do you have facebook? If you do, Request to join the Logistics Specialist Navy Family Page. That is the greatest. LS's GFs, wifes, moms, dad's. From, like you, still at BC, at A School and been LS's for years. They know it all! and are so nice!

  • Jamie

    Thanks so much Ruth :) that was really helpful. I'm sure he'll keep me well updated on his status while in mississippi. I'll join that Facebook group :) thanks again!
  • RuthTH

    Sure!

  • adm402

    My son is in Meridian for AZ and is on the Marines side. I talk to him several times a day. my sailor canceled his T mobile plan bc they have no coverage. He now has AT&T go phone and has no issues with phone calls. There is nothing really exciting to do on base. They go into Meridian. Cabs are a fortune. Find someone with a car and liberty. He will like it if he is the outdoorsy type.

  • Momma TS

    Hi Ruth,
    My son was at Meridian LS school most of the summer.
    His fiancé visited him and they had a great time. Wait until he is cleared to leave base. He reserved her a room on base at the Navy Lodge, I believe it was around $65 a night. He was able to stay with her on the non-school day nights. She stayed Wednesday through Monday and rented a car at the airport. If there was school the next day, he could not stay in the lodge with her, but could be with her as soon as school was done for the day. He traded duty days with some of his friends so he didn't have to do that while she was there. He had already pulled duty for some buddies prior to her visit, so it worked out nicely.
    We had lots of communication through cell and internet and FaceTime.
    The. Ase is about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive from the Jackson airport. I believe there are a couple other airports that people have flown in and out of too.
    Not sure how much a cab is into Meridian, but it's about 15 min away. My son was lucky enough to have a buddy with a car for most of his time there, I do know that a few times a bunch of them would share a cab. There's a Buffalo Wild Wimgs, Olive Garden and several local pizza and BBQ places.
    The base is pretty boring, but my son was able to find other sailors with similar interests and was also to work out a lot.
    He will enjoy it much more than BC, more sleep and down time!
    Hope this is helpful and welcome to the LS family.
  • bleutalefly_S14USSArizonaDiv061

    Hi all.  My daughter is AZ at Meridian.  Just did PIR on 1/17.  Any other AZ people on here??

  • htranthem (Ship 13 DIV 411)

    My son is AZ :) He has been in Meridian since November.

  • bleutalefly_S14USSArizonaDiv061

    Great.  So htranthem, your son must be nearing completion then or is done?  Can you tell me anything about his experience while there?  I am just trying to provide my daughter with any helpful hints while there.  She is currently in with Marine group and waiting to class up, only 7 there so far.  Her room has no functioning toilet.  She put in issue with Marine Sergeant in duty hut on Thursday and was supposed to get fixed Friday morning, but still not done.  She then went to Navy side Saturday morning to file issue and she is on duty so has to remain in room all day Sunday and without toilet!!!  I hope someone gets this fixed soon.  Let me know how your son likes AZ and what his experience in Meridian has been so far.  THANKS!!!

  • htranthem (Ship 13 DIV 411)

    Actually because of the holidays and the Marines going home for a month he has only been classed up for about two weeks. He has just been on duty and such since then. He is in with the Marines also. He does seem to be enjoying himself though. I know he has a few maintenance issues too but I sure hope they fix her toilet soon! Does she have liberty yet? I know my son had to wait to get liberty and was pretty bored until then but now he is enjoying going out more. I think my favorite part is all the regular contact! Love talking to him all the time :)

  • Jamie

    Kat16, I'm visiting my bf next week! I just booked my flight and hotel (not a cheap thing for just two days of seeing him). I decided to just rent a car and stay at a nearby hotel from the airport. He said he would just meet me at the mall when he and his liberty buddies go (and this mall is right across the street from the hotel.) This was one of the most stressful trips I had to book. One, he and his liberty friends have different duty sections so it was hard to match their schedules so they can go out with him. And two, I heard they can get their green dot taken away anytime so I kind of just took a leap of faith and hoped that everything would work out.
  • bleutalefly_S14USSArizonaDiv061

    My daughter told me can fare from Jackson to the base is $300, if that makes any difference. I also notice some flights to and from Meridian are actually cheaper than using Jackson. Shop around for best deal.
  • adm402

    For hotels if you are married you can stay at Navy Gateway on base. 65$ is what I am paying this weekend to see my son and the room is a suite with a bedroom and kitchen. as for transportation your sailor can come get you from the airport as long as he has a liberty buddy and a vehicle. I live 3 hours away so I drive, but you may want to ask him if anyone on base has a vehicle they can come get you in.

  • HawaiiKat

    Hello all, I've been hearing on different departure times for Sailors leaving BC to go to A school..some say, the very next day, Saturday..some say they leave on Sunday. Any thoughts?

  • Proud 1 ship 13 Div 070

    From what I know. Most leave on late Friday/early Sat for the airport. Flights vary
  • HawaiiKat

    Thanks Proud 1! Hoping my SR leaves Sat rather than Friday then..

  • tammyl

    anyone know  about wifi while there would like to be able to skype with my daughter. thanks 

  • bleutalefly_S14USSArizonaDiv061

    My daughter says you have to sign up for general access wifi at $20 month or free in library but you have to have buddy to go there.
  • bleutalefly_S14USSArizonaDiv061

    Anyone know how the rerouting of plane tickets works?? My daughter said it cost a buddy $3000 to redo. I checked online and my daughter could fly to her new duty station and then get round trip ticket home n back for $400, which seems more reasonable to me if that is an option.
  • SRsailormoon

    $3000 seems a bit excessive to me, I believe my son paid $300 at most.
  • rockenrobin

    Our sailor payed 280.00 to reroute. Her duty station is in the same state as we live.(lucky) the cab ride is 300.00 to Jackson, navy doesn't pay for your ride if your going home. If her duty station is over seas you will pay BIG money to reroute. The cost for wifi is worth it our sailor skyped every nite before bed. She is out to sea and hes only skyped once. Her lunch time is 230am our time. She calls from the ship phone once a week for 15 mins and emails when she can  GOOD LUCK & CARRY ON

  • rockenrobin

    From my earler comment You will not be able to book a flight yourself (cheaper of corse) like southwest.Navy only flys american/ united/delta/us airways and thats more. The Navy is in control all the way...I hope your having a blessed day CARRY ON

  • tammyl

    Thanks all will have her check it out when she gets there 1st weekend in april...pir is 04/04. 

  • HawaiiKat

    Hello all! Anyone know if there are holds for YN classes when our sailor gets there?

  • rockenrobin

    Hello normally there are holds in all classes AZ,SH,LS,YN they wait until class is full... Some are there already  and some haven't had PIR..My sailor was in hold for 2 weeks, a friend was on hold for 2 months waiting for class to fill up.So good luck CARRY ON

  • HawaiiKat

    Thanks Rockenrobin!

  • rockenrobin

    Your welcome(:Once your sailor is TPU they will go through fazeup class to beable to leave the base on liberty. Sailors can travel down to the gulf as long as there back in time.(Always with a buddy) Nobody can go alone. More freedom as they go on... I would like to help with any info. we have been through bootcamp/ A-school / C-school/dutystation/ and now she is at sea... BRAVO ZUZU to your sailor and you too... CARRY ON

  • tammyl

    Thanks for the info...knew I forgot to ask. Knew she might have to wait, but hope not long. PIR is 04/04

  • Vania (Ship2 Div920)

    My son is headed there today what should we expect
  • rockenrobin

    What to expect(:Whats his rateing? some classes take 6/8/weeks or longer depending on the job.Meridian technical training center is out there( in the country) once in TPU like my earler comment said Fazeup for liberty. If sailors don't have watch on weekends they can go to town... Cab rides cost  so they all pool there money. the cabs are minivans so they holds some sailors 5.00 up/5.00 back per sailor.WiFi on base to SKYPE cost 20.00 per month. I will think of more stuff later. Have to go for now CARRY ON

  • HawaiiKat

    Hello all! Are they allowed to wear contact lenses in A school?

  • rockenrobin

    HK if your sailor has a doctors perscription YES...AS long as they don't interfere with duty (Like falling out) you can't leave your post to fix them. How was it for you sailor in BC? Did you get to go GL and watch your sailor march into the hall... was it cold, did you spend time after?We had lots of fun with ours... now we are going to our first homecoming. It will be AWESOME to see all the sailors standing on the deck of the ship... GO NAVY AND CARRY ON

  • HawaiiKat

    Hi RockenRobin! Yes, he has prescription as well as a supply of contact lenses he had prior to BC. He graduates this Friday 04/04/14..I'm so very excited!!  Is there a wait to start school for YNs?

  • rockenrobin

    HK  Its hard to say if he is the first one there or the last one... there could be 5 others coming with him.You'll have to wait until he arrives.Yeoman is a great job, its clean and mostly inside.But once aboard ship he will have his share of what the Navy calls (cracken) To help out in other areas... like cleaning the galley or remove trash, maintain the head and so on... You must be getting ready for the trip to GL... He must be in battlestations...He will be calling you to let you know he has the Navy ball cap. I when my sailor called I cryed... I'm very happy for you PROUD NAVY MOM HawaiiKat CARRY ON

  • hoosiermamma

    Hi Kat!  Love the fact we are still together!!!  Tom said YN will start 4/14.

  • HawaiiKat

    Hi Hoosiermamma! Yes me too!! Angelo is doing a lot of evening watch duties it seems this week..looking forward to him starting classes on Monday! Another anxious moment to when they will finish and the next duty station..