Moms of Aviation Rescue Swimmers

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  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    SoupMom, my son just finished SERE last week and is now stationed in Jacksonville. It was a nerve racking time but he made it through and so will your son. Did he tell you where he will be stationed once he finishes?

  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    Hi, GMom, how are things going? Can you believe that this time last year we were worrying about sending them off to bc? This past year seems to have flown by.

  • SoupMom

    Jodi - My son will be going to Norfolk.

  • GMom

    Aster - My son is Sierra.  He's probably been up in those helos!  He's been waiting for some of the Romeo's to get out to SD, since they were all together in Boot and then in Pensacola.

    Jodi - I can remember we were planning G's going away party this time last year.  My husband and I were just talking about this time last year and how we felt and how we feel now.  We miss him, but the worry is so less weighing.  He's having such a good time out there in San Diego.  Hubby and I are in a new routine now and it's calmer and the sense of pride we have for G is a million times multiplied.  I must admit though, we are all starting to talk about the "holidays" and when he comes home for a visit.  He's starting to get a little homesick, Mom can tell :)

  • GMom

    Jodi - BTW, glad SERE is over for you!  Yes, for you!

  • proudmama

    What is THU? I have seen the reference to that and when I looked it up on the NavySpeak   definition function on this site, it did not provide a definition.

    Wow! Congrats to everyone for graduating from their respective classes and heading towards their next destination. What I have learned from these posts is that while all your kids come from different parts of the country and different walks of life- it is a relatively small community with your kids ending up knowing each other! What a Small world!

    As for my son.... he is waiting just to start bc!

     

  • Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)

    WOOOOOOOOW Im gone for a few days and yall are blowing up the page here...  hahahahah   kewl beans!!!!

    here is the link to my Face Book Page   "For Our Troops"

    https://www.facebook.com/pages/For-Our-Troops/412762792128988?fref=ts

    Gosh so glad everyone is doing great... I had to go back two pages and catch up hahahaha

    Gmom - I did not see an answer to your question...   after the Grad FRS (FRAC) they will be assigned a squadron and a base...  they will not know until right at or a few days before which one and where......   indeed their scores at graduation will give them an opportunity to have 1 2 or 3rd choice...  my son was second in his class and requested SD Cali and he got it ....  the no 1 guy asked for Guam and he got it.....  BUT it also depends on what pops at the time they are graduating..  if SD Cali has no openings then it wont be on the list...  so scores are important but also can depend on the open bases etc.....

    NEW MOMS  please feel free to go up to the Discussion Forum up above here and read the Path of the Rescue Swimmer it will help you also and also the one about Phases...  =)    

  • GMom

    Thanks Lydia - that's pretty much what my son told me is that he wouldn't know until the very end of FRS.  We are so hoping he will have some time in between to come home for a visit, he's starting to get a little homesick (although he loves SD) and we haven't seen him since February in Pensacola. I will remind him how important these test scores for FRAC are!  Thanks.

  • aster

    Hello everyone back in Florida! Met Proudmama's daughter - we had a wonderful time chatting away, she looks great! San Diego was better than I was anticipating, my sailor is a wonderful tour guide. The weather was good, the room with a view of the ocean was better! Everyone was so friendly! Flew from there to Houston to meet at my parents for a family get together for 5 days, it is so hard to see everyone when all of us live in different states. Trying to catch up with everything at home, and got a short haircut today!

  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    Congrats on getting to spend some time with your sailor and with your family. I'm sure it made your week!!!

  • proudmama

    Aster- Welcome back! What a great trip you had- how wonderful! Lots of hugs to you for taking an afternoon to visit my daughter! She was able to schedule a move tot the Navy lodge that you were staying in- which is much more appropriate for her son- all because of you- and of course N4M! Glad you made it home safely!

     

  • SoupMom

    Hi Everyone, my son completed SERE! Whew, so glad that is over. He is now in Norfolk. We are planning a trip to go see him. Does anyone have any suggestions on hotels in Norfolk?
  • Vitamama

    Congrats to your son,  SoupMom!!  Our son is stationed our of Norfolk.  We will be going there for the Homecoming of the USS IKE where he is with his squadron!!    Check the NavyLodge.  It's a great deal  There are a lot of options through priceline etc.  There are all booked for when we are heading out there.  boo hoo!!       And proudmama, see, you give and give to others, and then they give back to you!!!  :)  

  • Joann

    Definitely the Navy Lodge is a nice place to stay. They have refrigs & microwaves in all rooms. Some have kitchenetts if wanted. Comfortable rooms and safe. You can call
    757-489-2656. My son has been stationed in Norfolk but will soon deploy again.
  • Vitamama

    Joann, does you son live in the barracks in Norfolk or off base? What squadron is he with? 

  • Joann

    My son lives in apartment building with two other rescue swimmers. One is just coming back from deployment when my son ships out. It has been like this since they moved in. Not what they planned. My son is in the Dusty Dogs. It is his second deployment and he plans on re-enlisting in the fall.
  • Vitamama

    Joann,  it's good they stick together.  Their squadron is coming back.  They were trained Romeo but the helo was decommissioned and so now it's back to school to be Sierra and a new copter.  So they will be living there for a while.  I can see why he wants to get a place off base.  

  • aster

    congratulations to your son, SoupMom, now you can breathe again! - sorry don't know anything about Norfolk.

    I have been to two Navy Lodges, the one in Pensacola and the one in San Diego at Coronado, both were waterfront and great, a definite $$ value and comfortable.

     

     

     

  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    Vitamama, my son may be going through the same thing your son did. He was a Romeo but became the one of the last Bravos(?) when he went to JAX. I guess they are phasing out the Bravos but for now he's one. He doesn't start classes until August so he won't know if he stays Bravo or goes back to being a Romeo until then. 

  • proudmama

    SoupMom- Congrats! What a relief! Can you breathe again?

    Vitamama- Thank you for your gracious comment, but what you ladies do on this site and you do for each other is... Priceless! (Sounds like a MasterCard commercial

    Everybody- I only have one thing to say.... GO BLACKHAWKS! (in case you don't follow hockey- Chicago won the Stanley Cup last night! )

     

  • nancynature

    Hi All! Just back from a short P'scola visit with our son. So good to see him! Just wondering if anyone knows how they decide who to class up? My son's roommate and then another sailor that got there the same time as my son, June 1, have classed up and started aircrew school. My son thinks it's a random pick so I was wondering...

    SoupMom - Awesome!!! Such a relief for both of you! :)

    Aster - I am so glad you had a wonderful and safe trip. I think it is awesome that you were able to hook up with Proudmama's daughter. How cool is that?! Got to just love the connections we make here!

  • Travelsalot

    Hi NancyNature... I wish I had the answer.. My son arrived in Pcola in Feb and didnt class up until mid April for NACCS... here it is June and he is in his 3rf of 5 weeks RSS school..
    He was a little frustrated in the beginning as well.. And as the other moms have stated, DOWN time is very difficult.. Im not sure if it has anything to do with how they are with regard to fitness, or academics, how well they pass a test, test scores, peer reviews.. I dont know...
    They have so many sailors who want to be AIR Rescue or Rescue Swimmers.. The Navy will take the top candidates..My advice is to : Stay fit, Stay alert, Do what your told, Stay out of trouble, Show respect and Be the best..Everyone wants it, make sure you want it more than everyone else. . thats all I can add.. I hope other moms have more info.
    Also, RSS school is extremely difficult and sailors can and will be rolled or cut from the program.. Stay sharp....
  • aster

    Proudmama-how is your daughter is your daughter doing? She is so sweet. I guess you are getting ready for your trip to SD. It has truly wonderful weather, and the Lodge is very nice!

    Nancynature- I don't know how the Navy classes up the sailors for their classes.

    My son went very quickly into NACCS - waited until the 3rd class up for RSS and about 2 months for A school. Graduated A school on a Friday, flew to SD the next day, and on Monday was at SERE. He is not classing up for FRAC until 8/15...very confusing...just study, workout, volunteer whenever the opportunity arrives...point out the positive, they are getting paid to wait....and strengthen up!

  • Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)

    Howdy everyone!!!    YEA SERE is over, trips all done and back safe and sound.. eveyone is moving right along.....

    aster......    DANG IT GIRL.....   If Id have known you were laying over a few days in Houston Id have met up with you....  Im just north east of Houston!!!!

    It does seems to be random, but they probably have a method to the madness that we just are not aware of...  you know the military / Navy  hahahaha

    Hi Joann - my boy also lives in an apartment with two other Rescue Swimmers on North Island Base... they come and then go !  But still loves it better than barracks!  He is Black Jacks....

    Well, just thought Id check in with everyone to see how its going....   lots are MIA right now??????   Guess cause its summer and everyone is busy!!!  Lets me know how yall are and your sailors...  we are here for you!!!!   How's are boot camp moms??

  • Vitamama

    Hi everyone.  We are getting ready to drive to Norfolk for the Homecoming of USS IKE!!  We got such a nice letter from the captain  and the N4M's ( and dads) group are so stoked about it all.  Many are ready to go on the Tiger Cruise which they say is a lifetime experience. Maybe next time his brothers can do that.  THey have such pretty neat stuff planned on board for them.  I need to make some signs and get ready for the big party!!   He will then be moving into a condo with 2 other rescue swimmers. I guess they will be switching to Sierra now because the helo was decommissioned.  Well, I still need to book the hotel!!  Maybe I should just take a tent.  :)  

  • proudmama

    Vitamama- So exciting to have your son finish his first deployment (first-right?). Are you going on the Tiger Cruise? Have a great trip- I am so happy for you all!

     

    Lydia- my son is getting ready to go to bc beginning of August. He is in Wisconsin today with his spec ops dep group. He was pretty excited about that. BTW- I used to teach school in Dallas... sharing that love for Texas  with you ! Also- my daughter did not move into that complex that your son was a negative.. so thanks for that advice- You are the best!

     

    Aster- Thank you for your kind words about my daughter - but right back at you! She so loved getting to meet you. She is now at the lodge you were at- and loving it!  She is ready to have that baby any time...any day... I hope she will have the baby when I am there... but she might have her before then! She is really tired..her husband put her on modified bed rest...:) Thanks again for everything you did!

    I am worried about decommissioning Romeo.. and what that means to new rescue swimmers in the pipeline...oh well, gotta worry about something-right?

     

  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    Hey, Lydia, good to see you around again. You've been quiet lately too. I was looking back trying to figure out how long J was in Pensacola and came across a few comments from people that we haven't heard from recently, one of them being TeamNavy. Her comment mentioned 50+ days until bc which by my calculations should have been sometime in March, meaning she should have finished bc by now. Have you heard from her? Just wondering if she remained in the rescue swimmer or changed her contract.

  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    Vitamama, what an exciting time you've got coming up!! I can't even begin to imagine how excited you are to see your son again. Have a safe trip and enjoy every minute you can with your son.

  • Vitamama

    Thank you Jodi and proudmama.  I am going shopping today to get my red white and blue stuff...not too much to embarrass him but we are there to have fun while we WAIT patiently and the band plays " The boys are back".  

  • Jodi-alumni Ship 4

    Vitamama, I would imagine that kleenex will be high on that shopping list too, right? And as far as embarrassing him, isn't that a Mom's job? I hope to see my son next week if he can get away to visit over the 4 day holiday but I have my doubts he'll be allowed to leave. I haven't seen him since Christmas so I'm just a wee bit jealous of you.

  • aster

    Lydia, my parents live in Sugarland...next time I go (probably next summer) - I'll let you know, maybe we can meet   :)

    Vitamama ~ be safe, have a wonderful time with your sailor!!! Lots of hugs to all of you! Take lots of pictures.

    Jodi-alumni ~ hope you get to see your son and spend some time with him.

    Monday driving up to North Georgia Mountains with my mother-in-law and dog (14 1/2 y.o.) to celebrate her 80th birthday (July 3rd) up there! My brother in-law and his family will drive up from Panama City to spend the week with us. Hubby is flying in Tuesday and out on Sunday.

     

  • Travelsalot

    NAVY SEA BEES - Anyone have a chance to watch Dateline tonight? ... A woman, her young daughter and a newborn baby were in a terrible car accident in Santa Barbara Ca. The car was a mangled twisted mess and hanging off a bridge after it was hit and run off the road by a semi truck (the driver was on drugs).
    A caravan of NAVY SEA BEES ( a group of about 8-10 of them) rolled up on this accident, stood by and watched as the civilian rescue crews tried without success to rescue the family in the car. The SEA BEES watched out of respect for the civilian rescue crews and after several rescue attempts failed, the SEA Bees stepped in offering their assistance.
    Ironically, the SEA BEE caravan was running late, they were detoured down the same route as the family in the accident and happened to have a large Military Fork Lift in their caravan. The fork lift was used to hold the car up and stabilize it so that the Fire Dept could use the Jaws of Life to cut away the car and rescue the passengers... Had the SEA BEES not been running late and had they not been detoured from their scheduled route, they would not have arrived at this horrific accident scene at the exact time they were needed with the exact piece of equipment (the forklift). This family would not have been rescued in a timely manner and may have perished from the injuries they sustained. The mother had a broken / crushed pelvis, the baby was asleep the entire time and virtually uninjured and the little girl was in critical condition.

    Every one in the accident is fine, they all survived even the little girl who was critically injured. Doctors thought she would not survive and if she did, she would never walk again. Can I get a HOOYAH!
  • Travelsalot

    ► 1:46► 1:46
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQOrV8hmQlY
    May 6, 2012 - Uploaded by docbengsy21
    Woman and Her Children Hanging Over a Bridge Receive a Miracle... God puts people in the ...
    _____ If this doesnt work, google Navy Sea Bees rescue car or family or santabarbara....________
  • Travelsalot

    Bridge rescue in Calif. - CAUGHT ON TAPE ..There are a couple news videos on the rescue.... pretty amazing.
  • Mama~D Ship 4 Div 822

    Melissa: My son was in Ship 4 Div 822, he is Sierra and Graduating A school the 3rd as well.  Would be super grateful if you got a chance during the graduation to snap a picture of him for me.  If it is possible we can private message the info.  Hope you enjoy your trip, it is a amazing base and seeing our kiddos is beyond words!!  I didn't get to be there for any of the graduations but got to visit him last month and it was AMAZING!!!  

  • proudmama

    Travelsalot- Thanks for the heads up and sharing that news story! I'm going to check out those videos and see if dateline posted the entire story through their app... I'm so proud of those Navy men! What an example for others !:)

  • aster

    Travelsalot ~ thank you for the information and links to the SeaBees assisting the rescue of the family. Those young men have a lot to be proud of!

     

  • Melissa

    MamaD - pm me your information and I will do my best to get you a pictures.  I am leaving early Monday am to drive in from KS, so the sooner the better. 

    Hooyah SeaBees!  My son's recruiter was/is a SeaBee and tried to convince my son he should look into it, but he was Rescue Swimmer from the get go! 

  • Travelsalot

    My grandfather was one of the Fighting Sea Bees..
  • Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)

    Vita...   SWEEEEEEEEEEET    Im with Jodi, lots of tissues!!!!!  I got a free banner for my son from:  copy and paste into your browser

    http://www.buildasign.com/Troops?pscid=10531&extcid=1389&mt...

    Jodi - I had a Navy Mom whom I met at PIR and have stayed friends with for these many years, come here to visit me...  so I was sort of MIA entertaining her with good ole Texas fun (in the SWELTERING heat uggg)

    Aster - I love North Ga....  I lived for many years in Pigeon Forge TN and I loved those mountain!!!  Have fun!

    Aster -  that would be great Sugarland is about 1.5 hours away not a problem!

    Travels - whoooooop to the SEA BEES  saved their lives hands down!!  They were most definitely at the right place at the right time!  I pray that woman came to believe that she is loved by a GREAT GOD!!!!  

    Mamma D and Melissa.....   the friendship we all make become so long lasting...  as you see I went to visit my friend last year...  there are 4 of us moms that have stayed in touch..  and we are sooo close!!!  We all live in different states, mine being the farthest...  still we talk every day!!!

    Well, congrats to everyone moving on!!!!   There are a number of moms here that have not checked in in quite a while...  I can only hope that it is because it is summer and everyone is busy...  hopefully!  TeamNavy if I remember correctly went a different rate...  I could be wrong about that.  

    So, my boy just came back from A DET and we will be meeting up in Colorado at my daughters house next month for a week -  then off he goes for a year!  =(   BUT he is happy, well, healthy and super excited so I suppose I am too  haha  I am excited to see him in August that's for dang certain!!!!!!

  • Vitamama

    Lydia and all my dear friends, I am so excited . We are driving to Norfolk for the homecoming of our rescue swimmers ship. He just emailed that tonight in quarters he will be awarded his WINGS.. This is one happy mama.
  • aster

    Vitamama - congratulations! Enjoy your visit with your son!

    Driving to Big Canoe tomorrow with my mother-in-law and my dog! Here I come Georgia mountains!

  • Melissa

    Headed for Pensacola in the morning - going to meet up with my son and I get to meet MamaD's son as a bonus! 

    Anyone else have a son who is graduating AWA School - Sierra on the 3rd?  I'm taking lots and lots of pictures.  =) 

    Vitamama - welcome home to your son!  Enjoy your visit and safe travels for all. 

  • proudmama

    My daughter is in labor! She is at the Navy hospital in SD. I am flying out there to be with her and her family (husband and son) on the 4th. Am going to miss the birth by a few days..but looking forward to staying with them for the next several weeks!

    Melissa- Congrats on your son's graduation. So glad you can be there for your son as well as others to take pics and give them a big Hooyah!

    Vitamama- Congrats to your son with earning his wings! Have a safe journey as you travel out east!

  • aster

    Proudmama ~ congratulations! I know she is looking forward to you visiting and helping with the new baby! Please tell her congratulations!

    Lydia ~ thank you for the link for the banners/cards - I saved it as a favorite.

    Melissa ~ safe trip to Pensacola and Congratulations ~ lots of nice places to visit ~ breakfast at Another Broken Egg is very good...lots of good dining places, and of course, the beach...

     

  • nancynature

    Proudmama ~ Congratulations!!!!!!!!! Safe travels!

    Melissa - safe travels for you also and congrats to your Sailor!

    Aster - safe travels for you also. Enjoy your visit!

    Vitamama - How exciting!!!! Safe travels and many hugs! 

  • proudmama

    Aster- You are having quite a summer! Have a great trip-travel safely! I will let my daughter know that you are thinking of her!

    Nancy-Thanks so much! Can't wait to leave-my bags are already packed!

  • Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)

    Proud...  soooo wonderful dear friend!!!!  

    Melissa...  have a GREAT time!

    Vita... I know you are high as a kite with pride and love....  we can all feel it for you!  Congrats to you and to him!

    nancynature... Hi there!!    Hi Aster!!!

  • proudmama

    I am thrilled to announce the birth of my granddaughter, Lorelei. She was born at the Navy Hospital in SD weighing 9 lbs 13 oz. weighing 21 inches long. Mom and baby are healthy!

    Thanks to you all for your encouraging words, pieces of advice, and hand holding during the past month or so. You ladies are THE BEST!!!

     

     

  • Melissa

    Congratulations on your grandaughter, she sounds like the healthy babies my fily has' :)
    Enjoy your time with her.

    I am in Tupelo tonight where there have been numerous Elvis sightings already!