Yes - the rescue I am referring to just occurred this past week. My son's crew was mobilized and he was in the water swimming toward the pilot but another squadron's rescue swimmer got to him first. The pilot has serious injuries but is alive.
Oh sorry! Rookie mom. My son is just now in boot camp contracted to be a Rescue Swimmer scheduled PIR is 2/7/2014. Thank you to all the veteran moms that are showing me the ropes. I'm not even sure I'm using the correct terminology. :)
kkHoosier that brought tears to my eyes hearing that your son was there and in the water!
KkHoosier- Wow! Please send a virtual hug to your son from all of us ...I can't imagine the pride you must feel for your son. I am glad he is well and am glad that the Navy is optimistic about the Pilot's recovery. How long has your son been an air rescue swimmer?
kkrH..... congrats to your sons squadron and congrats to the squad that made the rescue. Now yall can see why the attrition rate is so high in the Pipeline.. Takes an amazing, tough-- well trained focused Sailor to do this job! kkrH... when next you speak to your son, ask him if perhaps if he has time too, he might get an address where we could send a card.. I might be able to look it up somehow on line aas we know the fighter squadron for which he was a pilot.. anyway - just and thought that myself and another mamma came up with. Give you son a shout out from us also!!!!! They all want to make rescues yet during their time as RSS they don't usually do any or very few.. (unless they are in Guam) who has no Coast Guard so the RSS make all their resccues both civilian and military I am told. Anyway hoooooahhhhh !!!! Prayers for that pilot and his family!!! And the families of all involved.
HEY any NEWBIES please go up above here to the Discussion Forum and read the Path of the Swimmer and Phases and Liberty.... it will help you a ton with general questions you may have... and if not then we are here for one another to help !!!!!! xoxoxoxoxox
Hey everybody-are you all staying warm??? Wind chills in the Chicago area are any where between -20- -45 degrees(yes, below zero). I have decided to become a hermit.... I am officially going to hibernate!!
Hey... gotta question for all the moms and dads out there of air rescue swimmers (already "working" in that field not still in training)....Have your air rescue swimmers continued to re-enlist in the Navy and make a career out of it or do they typically serve one term and then call it quits? Once they decide to go into the civilian world...what jobs do they usually end up doing? Do the majority of them remain in a responder type job or do most go to college and become professionals in unrelated fields?
HI Proud...... hey where is everyone.... snowed in Ill bet yuck!
proud... I know my B is planning on reup if it is offered to him. After his 6 years are up - they will determine if they will allow him to stay in. One of his RSS buddies just did... obviously he has been in a bit longer than Ben. I think he saw that there just is not much out there in the civ world right now.. plus he likes his job. I do know that the RSS Sierra are highly trained in helos.... they can literally take one apart and put it back together again so perhaps helo maintenance ... and or Flight nurse... I dunno - just thinking out loud. Still both would require certificates and school.
Well, hope every one can stay warm and healthy! Look forward to yall catching us up on your Sailors!!!!! I heard from mine and was in Bahrain (public knowledge so no OPSEC violation) but now headed to another Mid East Port. Ill sure be glad when he is headed back this direction what with all the unrest over there. Anyway.... God Bless and God Speed our kids!!!!
Hey yall!!!!!! Time to muster!!!! Where is everyone... how are our sailors in the pipeline... I know some are in BC some are just out of BC Some have classed up RSS and some are still on Hold and some are in SERE and FRS..... Lets all catch up!!! =D Yall know my B is of course is with the HSC-21 Black Jacks (Sierra) and is deployed over seas in the Arabian Theater.... Burning holes in the sky as he calls it (flying all the time)
Hey, Lydia. Great to hear from you. J is finishing up FRAC in Jacksonville. He is a Bravo and it seems like he has a trainer every day or so. He's thinking he will be done in March if all goes right and then head to San Diego. Of course nothing is in stone so who knows where he will actually end up. He's learning how to surf too.
Hey Lydia, Jodi & other fellow moms & wives. K is in Jax for FRS, finished SERE right before Christmas. He says they finally started swimming again week before last and he should class up in April. Fingers crossed that has changed twice already. LOL….. No complaints from this mama because we live an hour from Mayport. It is reassuring that your B is really loving his job. And Jodi that your son is so close to getting his wings! The Navy definitely teaches us how to be patient. I can't wait to hear how everyone else is doing.
Love & Prayers to you all.
Hello all. My S is just about ready to graduate BC 2/7 so excited to follow him on this journey! When do the earn their "wings"? Is that after RSS? Thanks for all who have come before me:-)
Hi Deb- my son had battlestations about 10 days or so before PIR. However, some SRs were going through Battlestations until the day before PIR. My son's group was impacted by the government shut down,
Ridgegirl-not sure when the Air rescue swimmers earn their wings... Jodi or Lydia- could you give some insight on that?
Haven't been on in a while. My Son has been in his squadron getting close to the 18 months time frame and still no wings. Hopefully real soon. He was in a very large class, new squadron, slow down, spec op numerous other things, that has slowed training. As a Mom this has caused great concern! I can't help but think of readiness, safety, morale etc.... So patience is the key, lots of prayer and remain flexible, and keep the good attitude flowing!!! Maybe this year!
Sweetpea- when did your son go to bc? Just wondering in total how long your son has been in the pipeline... that is a prime example of needing to be patient and persistent. Good things come to them that wait... and wait.... and wait....:)
Bayswan- that is NOT a stupid question :) I am under the impression that it means that the person who earns their wings has completed all of their qualifications, trainings etc. although does training ever stop?
Heartstrings- so how does your son like Jax as compared to P'cola? What does he do while on hold: work out, duty, etc.? Does he take any classes on line? Is he busy volunteering?
Jodi- What is Bravo? I thought everyone either went Romeo or Sierra? Has your son finished SERE as well?
Lydia- Your son is in our thoughts and prayers... !!!
Proudmama, Bravo, from what my son tells me, is similar to Romeo in training except Romeos have the newer (radar?) equipment. He actually was the last swimmer to become a Bravo as they are phasing out that rating. He has seen the inside of the Romeo helos and says it really neat to see all their equipment (but their study book is a lot thicker too haha). My son graduated BC Aug 2012 and did SERE July 2013.
Mine is Sierra, no injuries, no illness, top of his class, nothing to slow him down, very motivated just timing......almost 18 months and counting.......
Ridgegirl and Deb looks like your kids prob know each other!!!!! Awesome
WINGS!!! well, proud said it... so did sweetpea --- They get their wings long long after RSS... they have to pass A school, SERE, FRS.... once the grad FRS they are assigned to a squadron at that time they must qualify with their squadron.. much more training and testing are required of them.. book studying as well as various helo qualifications... (night flying, vertical replenishment, combat etc etc etc) and that can take over a year to two years... but then at that point they might get their wings.. some have to wait until after their first deployment... but it is up to their squadron command - hence the differences in time such and my B who got his last year and Sweetpea's boy who is still waiting... every squad is different and training is different depending on if they are Romeo or Sierra and depending on the squadrons "Expertise" my B's squadron is expert with the Spec Forces.. including Marines and "hangs out" with them...right now his Squadron the HSC 21 Black Jacks are on the Boxer with the Marines 13 Expeditionary Unit. (no OPSEC - it us public knowledge - of course we don't know exactly WHERE they are hahaha) But each squadron are different somewhat as I am told by him. They are of course Rescue Swimmers - but once in their Squadron... they will learn, train and test on lots of other activities
Gosh I hope all that made sense hahahahahahaha. I know it can be frustrating.. sometimes there just is no rhyme nor reason... they can only do what they are told and wait their turn ... such a LONG arduous Pipeline it is!!!!!
OH and HI yall !!!! It was quiet in here for bit, I was afraid that the weather had been so bad for yall up North! xoxoxoxoxox
Thanks to all you veteran moms for the info- my Sailor is very early in the pipeline and although it has seemed to go very well so far, it's good to remember there is a long ways to go still! I enjoy hearing all the reports of other sailors experiences and if there are any other Moms with sailors in RSS now, I'd love to hear from you. Take care and stay warm- We are preparing for a big snowfall tonight and tomorrow- I can't wait for Spring!
Bayswan- glad to hear that your son is doing well! I will keep my candle lit for him:)
Jodi, Sweetpea, and Lydia- your sons inspire me! Thank you for sharing your journey with us as our sons progress through the pipeline... it has been very helpful !
So many questions, just as I have, but I found this informative site that is helping me get through the pipeline--waiting for A school Romeo,
Google: "Aviation detailers-US Navy" (AZ US Navy worked too) Once the Navy page comes up look on the left side and go to AW Ratings..You most likely will find something there to answer a lot of your questions.
Good luck, and could you please say a quick prayer for the safety of our kids and for some rain in California
I think there is a handful of us eagerly awaiting PIR 2/7 and just really ready to know the next part of the journey as well as we can to support the ones we love. I've heard of long down times once they get to Pensacola prior to A (or C) schools. All words of wisdom are so very much appreciated! (I'm moving forward to this group since getting the after BattleStations call)
Welcome C'smom and all others arriving in Pensacola after bc. I hope you all have the opportunity to go to their PIR. It is a sight you will never forget. Congrats to all your SR's for completing battlestations.
C'smom , Ridgegirl and any others preparing to travel to GL... first of all, SAFE TRAVELS! GL opened late today due to weather... and have a wonderful day or two with your brand new sailor! A couple of last minute tips... I purchased the Navy seat cushions after we arrived on base... they were affordable (5 dollars each) and provided lots of comfort while we waited and waited for PIR to begin! Best 5 dollars (per cushion) that I spent:) If you can go to Sarge's MNG, do so... you will enjoy the company and Sarge is great at giving lots of inside travel tips. I bet your sailors will find it a relief to go to P'cola:).
For everybody else, if you go to the Navy Air Rescue Fb page... you might find one of our own from our N4M family featured there...I don't believe I am violating OPSEC since it is the Navy that released the photo and name!
Bays, Salty, Cs....... we are super happy yall are here. Please invite any new moms from your BC sites or otherwise to come here and be with us. We have lots of great info here..... go up to the Discussion Forum just up above here and read the Path of the Rescue Swimmer and also Phases.... lots of info I put in there to answer some initial questions.. BUT there are lots of moms in here who are in various times of this long arduous Pipeline... so we are here to answer your questions and if we do not know, we will find out... Very excited to have new mammas in here....!!!!! This is beyond a tough time for you and you will indeed need others who understand your heart, your fears and your prayers!!! Many come and go in here... hope yall will stay and that we can help you in any way we can!!!
Proudmamma..... hahahahahaahah you are amazing and sweet.... I am sooo excited that you found the article on my Bman!!!! Wooow I prob would have missed it !!!! So mammas, if you are on Face Book.... here is a great link for you to go to and "Like" It is an official page btw and lots of great posts!!! My son somehow got the most recent article on there published about him... so that was a GREAT highlight in my day!!!! Thank you again Proud for posting it on my FB wall... hehehehe... I just love that boy! Okay here is the link yall...
Hello all - and welcome to the newbies and congratulations on your bc graduation. Boy are you in for a ride over the next months!
My son is currently finishing FRS in San Diego - he started gun jumps (whatever that is; really not sure I want to know!) He was scheduled to finish mid-February, but said today that has been moved out closer to March. Budget cuts affect training schedules and cause delays. He is hoping for a duty assignment to Guam once he is finished in SD, but like someone else said, you never know until travel orders are in hand.
I have a new grandson! My middle son and his wife had a baby boy - Joseph Michael - at the end of January. I got to go meet him and spend a week with them and I have to say he is just about the most precious little guy ever. =) This makes grandson #4 for me.
I other news we have had snow, snow, and more snow - not to mention wind and blowing snow. In other words it has been snowing. A lot! I spent 2 hours yesterday shoveling my drive (which is large anyway, but winds left drifts of 3-4 feet in places) and then another hour opening up my alley from the snow plow so that I could actually get my car out. I can't figure out why I didn't move somewhere warm when I relocated last year!
Hope you are all staying warm and that your boys continue to stay safe and strong.
Melissa- Congrats on the birth of your newest grandson! Isn't being a grandparent the best? I am so glad that you were able to travel and spend a week with them. I flew to San Diego when my grand daughter was born... and I had a hard time going home! Leaving my daughter, SIL and grandson was the hardest thing I've had to do in awhile:(..
I hope your son is able to get a Guam assignment! My SIL and daughter are stationed there now... they are leaving sometime early summer. They have spent three years there and LOVE IT!
Congrats to the latest RSS graduates! I know some graduated today and some are in that school now. I'm thinking of all of our guys/gals wherever they are in the pipeline...and even if they are in a different pipeline!
We have tons of snow here as well... 3rd snowiest winter of Chicago's history. They even closed GL for a few hours this past week due to weather.
Stay warm everybody.... unless you live in Guam... then, stay cool!
Congratulations on your new grandson, Melissa - My son just started FRS in San Diego and originally hoped to graduate the end of May, but says it will probably be pushed back a few weeks at least. I'd love to go to that graduation, but it's hard to plan if you can't set a date. Proudmama, I'm with you - we live in Northern Illinois and have done nothing but shiver and shovel this winter.
Happy Valentine's Day to the best group of ladies ever! You are each inspiring, helpful, funny, interesting and full of compassion. I don't know what I would have done without all of you during this past year. I have turned to you when I felt scared, embarrassed (remember when I walked into the firing range?? hahaha), frustrated and confused. You were there to lend advice, laugh at my silly antics and inform me when I was confused. You are all THE BEST!!!!
C'mon everybody... Group HUG!!!
Hoping you all have a day that is special and uniquely right for you! (For me, that means watching the Olympics at home, glass of wine, and a steak dinner with the hubs).
Melissa... congrats yippie!!!!! And yes so much is being effected by the cut backs... arrrrrg --- Guam is beautiful I hear and they get a lot of Rescue Experience there as Guam has not Coast Guard so I am told....
well, here is the skinney on where they get to go (where they will be based)..... now this was several years ago when my B grad FRS ... A few days before Graduation, they see which kids are number one in class, two and three in top of class..... then which ever Bases "Pop" the number one can chose ... after he or she chooses... then number two and number three.... the rest get assigned where the Navy wants them.. my son was number two in his class and he wanted San Diego... fortunately, the number one kid wanted Guam and got it, so B got what he wanted (San Diego) and the third kid I can not recall.... anyway, that was the way they were doing it and I assume they still are... of course in a crisis situation then they go where they are needed.. we pray for none of that tho!!!!!!!!!
RSS grad are on Thursday unless there is a Holiday issue... so it can change. As far as the NACCS I think it is a Thursday but that one Im not sure so I go with airmom and proud !!!!!!!!.. seems the kids don't pay as much attention to it... although I have a GREAT photo of his class graduating NACCS - and of course RSS is major awesome!!!!!!!!
proud.... you are sooo fun!!! What I remember was when you had to duck into the bushes to talk to your son in Boot Camp ..... hahahaha yes we are all here to help each other...
Happy Valentine's Day!!! I heard from my B and they are currently in a land that I (and most of yall too probably) love and hope he brings me home some sand!!! hint hint (actually everyone knows where they are but still Ill just keep it quiet..) After they get to a Port the info is released as to their whereabouts.. I also know that they will be home as scheduled and that is not tooooooo far away.. so Im on pins and needles as the Middle Eastern theater as we all know is a boiling pot... well, Happy Valentine's Day to yall..... congrats to our RSS grads.. and prayer to those classing up and or on hold!!!!! Its a Roller ferris wheel coaster this I know!!! So we are here and hope you all will check in and tell us what is going on with your Sailor(s)..... xoxoxoxoxoxox OH any new ones in here be sure and go up to the Discussion Form and read the Path of the Rescue Swimmer and also Phases and Liberty.... it will answer a lot of your questions... and I know that a few of you had kids that PIRd last few weeks.. let us know how they are doing
Lydia, by any chance do you know what day they tend to graduate from FRS? J is hoping to graduate next month. We want to go to this graduation because we have missed all the others and he will in all probability be heading to the opposite coast from us.
Oneproudmomca, and anyone else: How hard is/was A school ? Any tips for success, and are the PO's helpful ? Congrats to your family for getting this far!!
Congratulations on your son's graduation ProudMama! I need to send my son a large package to his PO box in San Diego - Does anyone know the best (and cheapest) way to send it?
Airmom10, the cheapest way to a PO box is either the priority flat rate box as weight doesn't matter and you can fit as much as you can into the box or it is Parcel Post. This is the slowest and cheapest. When we were in Florida we had to ship a bunch of clothes home. So we bought a small/ medium moving box and it took about 2-3 weeks but was only $25 to ship.
congrats to our graduates.. Oneproudmom and others!!. I think we have some RSS grads too maybe?? =)
Oneproudmom.... now it will be time for SERE and FRS.... but as far as the Drops and Fails.... he is past all that now mostly!!! Very exciting... can you remind me .. is he Romeo or Sierra - I can not remember???
Jodi - Fleet Replacement Squadron Graduation... gosh this one I am not sure about... I was not able to attend but I do know this..... (as you know) their graduations are random.. they can be totally finished but sometimes they have to wait for classes to be added or pilots to finish training... etc... It sure seems to me like B's was end of the week.. Guess the instructors are still teaching classes etc. so they do the graduations late in the week... seems it will be more last minute for yall. He should know a week in advance Id say .. I was not able to make it to Bs cause it requires a lot of preparing and saving for us to travel and it was sooo last minute that we just could not pull it together.. Broke my heart but my dear friends - the Pastor and Wife of his church go to almost all of them and they went to his and got photos and met the Commanders Instructors etc... so that made me happy.
airmom.... I have shipped literally thousands of care packages all over the world and I have found that if the items are heavy.... split them up and do the LARGE FLAT RATE shipping boxes from the Post Office... they are 14.95 and you can have up to 70 pounds in one of them..and tho they look small, you would be surprised at how much you can cram into them. hahaha or of course you can just do regular boxes ... Flat Rates are usually cheaper even if you have to do two or three of them. (If It Fits It Ships)
Saltyocean - depending on Romeo or Sierra, Romeo tends to be a bit more technical as they are tactical helos and they have to learn about a lot of equipment ie sonar radar etcc... BUT it depends on the Sailor... how much they listen and study also. So far I have not heard of any one failing their A schools. I have heard of some kids not passing exams and having to retake though.
Lydia - he is a Romeo and he is in San Diego now. He starts SERE on Monday, I am nervous about that. We are so happy he is back in CA. We didn't get to see any of his graduations in Pensacola. But he did send pictures, so I have those for his album. But we are definately going to see his graduation from FRS. I know SERE is two weeks, how long is FRS?
Saltyocean - A School is a lot of studying. They have to do all the studying in class and from their notes. There were five slots for eight sailors wanting to go to San Diego, so we are really happy our son was able to get San Diego, he really wanted it.
Hi all- My son is about to start RSS on Tuesday. I am excited for him and nervous as well... how did all you get through this time? Were any of you proud and nervous as well? I'm thinking that retail therapy is a must... any other suggestions? I hear that my son will be very busy while in school and that I probably won't hear from him. What were your experiences? I have bought several blue candles to burn... I just have to make sure I don't burn the house down!!! haha-
How did you all handle the stress and nerves? Ok what if I just happened to show up as a maintenance worker while the class is working out... think they would notice? If my son becomes a little tired... I could jump in the pool and give him a friendly push? If he is doing push ups... what if get on my hands and knees and let him stand on my back....Think the instructors would notice? Oh well... guess I better start my retail therapy!
One Proud Mom my son graduated air rescue Feb 14th also and is heading to Jacksonville, fla. He is excited that A school is over and he goes to the next step.
kkrHoosier
http://hamptonroads.com/2014/01/jet-crash-pilot-still-critical-navy...
Jan 19, 2014
kkrHoosier
I tried again with the link - Rescue Swimmer does the job - water rescue for downed Navy pilot this past week.
Jan 19, 2014
C's mom
A's Mom - that is from a CG rescue last August - but still on track!
Jan 19, 2014
kkrHoosier
Yes - the rescue I am referring to just occurred this past week. My son's crew was mobilized and he was in the water swimming toward the pilot but another squadron's rescue swimmer got to him first. The pilot has serious injuries but is alive.
Jan 19, 2014
A's Mom
Oh sorry! Rookie mom. My son is just now in boot camp contracted to be a Rescue Swimmer scheduled PIR is 2/7/2014. Thank you to all the veteran moms that are showing me the ropes. I'm not even sure I'm using the correct terminology. :)
kkHoosier that brought tears to my eyes hearing that your son was there and in the water!
Jan 19, 2014
proudmama
KkHoosier- Wow! Please send a virtual hug to your son from all of us ...I can't imagine the pride you must feel for your son. I am glad he is well and am glad that the Navy is optimistic about the Pilot's recovery. How long has your son been an air rescue swimmer?
Jan 19, 2014
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Good Monday morning yall....
kkrH..... congrats to your sons squadron and congrats to the squad that made the rescue. Now yall can see why the attrition rate is so high in the Pipeline.. Takes an amazing, tough-- well trained focused Sailor to do this job! kkrH... when next you speak to your son, ask him if perhaps if he has time too, he might get an address where we could send a card.. I might be able to look it up somehow on line aas we know the fighter squadron for which he was a pilot.. anyway - just and thought that myself and another mamma came up with. Give you son a shout out from us also!!!!! They all want to make rescues yet during their time as RSS they don't usually do any or very few.. (unless they are in Guam) who has no Coast Guard so the RSS make all their resccues both civilian and military I am told. Anyway hoooooahhhhh !!!! Prayers for that pilot and his family!!! And the families of all involved.
HEY any NEWBIES please go up above here to the Discussion Forum and read the Path of the Swimmer and Phases and Liberty.... it will help you a ton with general questions you may have... and if not then we are here for one another to help !!!!!! xoxoxoxoxox
Jan 20, 2014
proudmama
Hey everybody-are you all staying warm??? Wind chills in the Chicago area are any where between -20- -45 degrees(yes, below zero). I have decided to become a hermit.... I am officially going to hibernate!!
Hey... gotta question for all the moms and dads out there of air rescue swimmers (already "working" in that field not still in training)....Have your air rescue swimmers continued to re-enlist in the Navy and make a career out of it or do they typically serve one term and then call it quits? Once they decide to go into the civilian world...what jobs do they usually end up doing? Do the majority of them remain in a responder type job or do most go to college and become professionals in unrelated fields?
Jan 24, 2014
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
HI Proud...... hey where is everyone.... snowed in Ill bet yuck!
proud... I know my B is planning on reup if it is offered to him. After his 6 years are up - they will determine if they will allow him to stay in. One of his RSS buddies just did... obviously he has been in a bit longer than Ben. I think he saw that there just is not much out there in the civ world right now.. plus he likes his job. I do know that the RSS Sierra are highly trained in helos.... they can literally take one apart and put it back together again so perhaps helo maintenance ... and or Flight nurse... I dunno - just thinking out loud. Still both would require certificates and school.
Well, hope every one can stay warm and healthy! Look forward to yall catching us up on your Sailors!!!!! I heard from mine and was in Bahrain (public knowledge so no OPSEC violation) but now headed to another Mid East Port. Ill sure be glad when he is headed back this direction what with all the unrest over there. Anyway.... God Bless and God Speed our kids!!!!
Jan 25, 2014
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Hey yall!!!!!! Time to muster!!!! Where is everyone... how are our sailors in the pipeline... I know some are in BC some are just out of BC Some have classed up RSS and some are still on Hold and some are in SERE and FRS..... Lets all catch up!!! =D Yall know my B is of course is with the HSC-21 Black Jacks (Sierra) and is deployed over seas in the Arabian Theater.... Burning holes in the sky as he calls it (flying all the time)
Jan 28, 2014
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Hey, Lydia. Great to hear from you. J is finishing up FRAC in Jacksonville. He is a Bravo and it seems like he has a trainer every day or so. He's thinking he will be done in March if all goes right and then head to San Diego. Of course nothing is in stone so who knows where he will actually end up. He's learning how to surf too.
I will keep B in my thoughts and prayers.
Jan 28, 2014
Tiffany
Love & Prayers to you all.
Jan 28, 2014
Ridgegirl
Hello all. My S is just about ready to graduate BC 2/7 so excited to follow him on this journey! When do the earn their "wings"? Is that after RSS? Thanks for all who have come before me:-)
Jan 29, 2014
proudmama
Hi Deb- my son had battlestations about 10 days or so before PIR. However, some SRs were going through Battlestations until the day before PIR. My son's group was impacted by the government shut down,
Ridgegirl-not sure when the Air rescue swimmers earn their wings... Jodi or Lydia- could you give some insight on that?
Jan 30, 2014
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Sorry, I really don't know either. My son hasn't earned his yet but he's still finishing up his schooling. Lydia probably knows though.
Jan 31, 2014
sweetpea4
Hey,
Haven't been on in a while. My Son has been in his squadron getting close to the 18 months time frame and still no wings. Hopefully real soon. He was in a very large class, new squadron, slow down, spec op numerous other things, that has slowed training. As a Mom this has caused great concern! I can't help but think of readiness, safety, morale etc.... So patience is the key, lots of prayer and remain flexible, and keep the good attitude flowing!!! Maybe this year!
Jan 31, 2014
Bayswan
Can I ask a stupid question? What does it mean to earn their wings? Just curious. Anyone else in this group have a sailor in RSS now?
Jan 31, 2014
proudmama
Sweetpea- when did your son go to bc? Just wondering in total how long your son has been in the pipeline... that is a prime example of needing to be patient and persistent. Good things come to them that wait... and wait.... and wait....:)
Bayswan- that is NOT a stupid question :) I am under the impression that it means that the person who earns their wings has completed all of their qualifications, trainings etc. although does training ever stop?
Heartstrings- so how does your son like Jax as compared to P'cola? What does he do while on hold: work out, duty, etc.? Does he take any classes on line? Is he busy volunteering?
Jodi- What is Bravo? I thought everyone either went Romeo or Sierra? Has your son finished SERE as well?
Lydia- Your son is in our thoughts and prayers... !!!
Feb 1, 2014
sweetpea4
Grad BC Jan 2011 Long journey.......
Feb 1, 2014
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Proudmama, Bravo, from what my son tells me, is similar to Romeo in training except Romeos have the newer (radar?) equipment. He actually was the last swimmer to become a Bravo as they are phasing out that rating. He has seen the inside of the Romeo helos and says it really neat to see all their equipment (but their study book is a lot thicker too haha). My son graduated BC Aug 2012 and did SERE July 2013.
Feb 3, 2014
sweetpea4
Mine is Sierra, no injuries, no illness, top of his class, nothing to slow him down, very motivated just timing......almost 18 months and counting.......
Feb 3, 2014
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
HI yall - glad to see some in here!!!
Ridgegirl and Deb looks like your kids prob know each other!!!!! Awesome
WINGS!!! well, proud said it... so did sweetpea --- They get their wings long long after RSS... they have to pass A school, SERE, FRS.... once the grad FRS they are assigned to a squadron at that time they must qualify with their squadron.. much more training and testing are required of them.. book studying as well as various helo qualifications... (night flying, vertical replenishment, combat etc etc etc) and that can take over a year to two years... but then at that point they might get their wings.. some have to wait until after their first deployment... but it is up to their squadron command - hence the differences in time such and my B who got his last year and Sweetpea's boy who is still waiting... every squad is different and training is different depending on if they are Romeo or Sierra and depending on the squadrons "Expertise" my B's squadron is expert with the Spec Forces.. including Marines and "hangs out" with them...right now his Squadron the HSC 21 Black Jacks are on the Boxer with the Marines 13 Expeditionary Unit. (no OPSEC - it us public knowledge - of course we don't know exactly WHERE they are hahaha) But each squadron are different somewhat as I am told by him. They are of course Rescue Swimmers - but once in their Squadron... they will learn, train and test on lots of other activities
Gosh I hope all that made sense hahahahahahaha. I know it can be frustrating.. sometimes there just is no rhyme nor reason... they can only do what they are told and wait their turn ... such a LONG arduous Pipeline it is!!!!!
OH and HI yall !!!! It was quiet in here for bit, I was afraid that the weather had been so bad for yall up North! xoxoxoxoxox
Feb 3, 2014
Bayswan
Feb 3, 2014
proudmama
Bayswan- glad to hear that your son is doing well! I will keep my candle lit for him:)
Jodi, Sweetpea, and Lydia- your sons inspire me! Thank you for sharing your journey with us as our sons progress through the pipeline... it has been very helpful !
Feb 4, 2014
Saltyocean
Hi to all you moms,
So many questions, just as I have, but I found this informative site that is helping me get through the pipeline--waiting for A school Romeo,
Google: "Aviation detailers-US Navy" (AZ US Navy worked too) Once the Navy page comes up look on the left side and go to AW Ratings..You most likely will find something there to answer a lot of your questions.
Good luck, and could you please say a quick prayer for the safety of our kids and for some rain in California
Feb 4, 2014
C's mom
I think there is a handful of us eagerly awaiting PIR 2/7 and just really ready to know the next part of the journey as well as we can to support the ones we love. I've heard of long down times once they get to Pensacola prior to A (or C) schools. All words of wisdom are so very much appreciated! (I'm moving forward to this group since getting the after BattleStations call)
Feb 4, 2014
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Welcome C'smom and all others arriving in Pensacola after bc. I hope you all have the opportunity to go to their PIR. It is a sight you will never forget. Congrats to all your SR's for completing battlestations.
Feb 5, 2014
proudmama
C'smom , Ridgegirl and any others preparing to travel to GL... first of all, SAFE TRAVELS! GL opened late today due to weather... and have a wonderful day or two with your brand new sailor! A couple of last minute tips... I purchased the Navy seat cushions after we arrived on base... they were affordable (5 dollars each) and provided lots of comfort while we waited and waited for PIR to begin! Best 5 dollars (per cushion) that I spent:) If you can go to Sarge's MNG, do so... you will enjoy the company and Sarge is great at giving lots of inside travel tips. I bet your sailors will find it a relief to go to P'cola:).
For everybody else, if you go to the Navy Air Rescue Fb page... you might find one of our own from our N4M family featured there...I don't believe I am violating OPSEC since it is the Navy that released the photo and name!
Hope everyone is staying warm!
Feb 5, 2014
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Bays, Salty, Cs....... we are super happy yall are here. Please invite any new moms from your BC sites or otherwise to come here and be with us. We have lots of great info here..... go up to the Discussion Forum just up above here and read the Path of the Rescue Swimmer and also Phases.... lots of info I put in there to answer some initial questions.. BUT there are lots of moms in here who are in various times of this long arduous Pipeline... so we are here to answer your questions and if we do not know, we will find out... Very excited to have new mammas in here....!!!!! This is beyond a tough time for you and you will indeed need others who understand your heart, your fears and your prayers!!! Many come and go in here... hope yall will stay and that we can help you in any way we can!!!
Proudmamma..... hahahahahaahah you are amazing and sweet.... I am sooo excited that you found the article on my Bman!!!! Wooow I prob would have missed it !!!! So mammas, if you are on Face Book.... here is a great link for you to go to and "Like" It is an official page btw and lots of great posts!!! My son somehow got the most recent article on there published about him... so that was a GREAT highlight in my day!!!! Thank you again Proud for posting it on my FB wall... hehehehe... I just love that boy! Okay here is the link yall...
https://www.facebook.com/NavyAirRescue
Feb 5, 2014
Melissa
Hello all - and welcome to the newbies and congratulations on your bc graduation. Boy are you in for a ride over the next months!
My son is currently finishing FRS in San Diego - he started gun jumps (whatever that is; really not sure I want to know!) He was scheduled to finish mid-February, but said today that has been moved out closer to March. Budget cuts affect training schedules and cause delays. He is hoping for a duty assignment to Guam once he is finished in SD, but like someone else said, you never know until travel orders are in hand.
I have a new grandson! My middle son and his wife had a baby boy - Joseph Michael - at the end of January. I got to go meet him and spend a week with them and I have to say he is just about the most precious little guy ever. =) This makes grandson #4 for me.
I other news we have had snow, snow, and more snow - not to mention wind and blowing snow. In other words it has been snowing. A lot! I spent 2 hours yesterday shoveling my drive (which is large anyway, but winds left drifts of 3-4 feet in places) and then another hour opening up my alley from the snow plow so that I could actually get my car out. I can't figure out why I didn't move somewhere warm when I relocated last year!
Hope you are all staying warm and that your boys continue to stay safe and strong.
Feb 7, 2014
proudmama
Melissa- Congrats on the birth of your newest grandson! Isn't being a grandparent the best? I am so glad that you were able to travel and spend a week with them. I flew to San Diego when my grand daughter was born... and I had a hard time going home! Leaving my daughter, SIL and grandson was the hardest thing I've had to do in awhile:(..
I hope your son is able to get a Guam assignment! My SIL and daughter are stationed there now... they are leaving sometime early summer. They have spent three years there and LOVE IT!
Congrats to the latest RSS graduates! I know some graduated today and some are in that school now. I'm thinking of all of our guys/gals wherever they are in the pipeline...and even if they are in a different pipeline!
We have tons of snow here as well... 3rd snowiest winter of Chicago's history. They even closed GL for a few hours this past week due to weather.
Stay warm everybody.... unless you live in Guam... then, stay cool!
Feb 7, 2014
airmom10
Congratulations on your new grandson, Melissa - My son just started FRS in San Diego and originally hoped to graduate the end of May, but says it will probably be pushed back a few weeks at least. I'd love to go to that graduation, but it's hard to plan if you can't set a date. Proudmama, I'm with you - we live in Northern Illinois and have done nothing but shiver and shovel this winter.
Feb 7, 2014
proudmama
Airmom10- we must be neighbors! We live in the NW suburbs of Chicago... brrrrrr!:)
Feb 7, 2014
ALNavyMom
Feb 12, 2014
airmom10
ALNavyMom - my son graduated from Air Crew Candidate School on a Thursday morning.
Feb 12, 2014
proudmama
I believe my son graduated on a Thursday morning as well.
Feb 12, 2014
proudmama
Happy Valentine's Day to the best group of ladies ever! You are each inspiring, helpful, funny, interesting and full of compassion. I don't know what I would have done without all of you during this past year. I have turned to you when I felt scared, embarrassed (remember when I walked into the firing range?? hahaha), frustrated and confused. You were there to lend advice, laugh at my silly antics and inform me when I was confused. You are all THE BEST!!!!
C'mon everybody... Group HUG!!!
Hoping you all have a day that is special and uniquely right for you! (For me, that means watching the Olympics at home, glass of wine, and a steak dinner with the hubs).
Feb 14, 2014
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Melissa... congrats yippie!!!!! And yes so much is being effected by the cut backs... arrrrrg --- Guam is beautiful I hear and they get a lot of Rescue Experience there as Guam has not Coast Guard so I am told....
well, here is the skinney on where they get to go (where they will be based)..... now this was several years ago when my B grad FRS ... A few days before Graduation, they see which kids are number one in class, two and three in top of class..... then which ever Bases "Pop" the number one can chose ... after he or she chooses... then number two and number three.... the rest get assigned where the Navy wants them.. my son was number two in his class and he wanted San Diego... fortunately, the number one kid wanted Guam and got it, so B got what he wanted (San Diego) and the third kid I can not recall.... anyway, that was the way they were doing it and I assume they still are... of course in a crisis situation then they go where they are needed.. we pray for none of that tho!!!!!!!!!
RSS grad are on Thursday unless there is a Holiday issue... so it can change. As far as the NACCS I think it is a Thursday but that one Im not sure so I go with airmom and proud !!!!!!!!.. seems the kids don't pay as much attention to it... although I have a GREAT photo of his class graduating NACCS - and of course RSS is major awesome!!!!!!!!
proud.... you are sooo fun!!! What I remember was when you had to duck into the bushes to talk to your son in Boot Camp ..... hahahaha yes we are all here to help each other...
Happy Valentine's Day!!! I heard from my B and they are currently in a land that I (and most of yall too probably) love and hope he brings me home some sand!!! hint hint (actually everyone knows where they are but still Ill just keep it quiet..) After they get to a Port the info is released as to their whereabouts.. I also know that they will be home as scheduled and that is not tooooooo far away.. so Im on pins and needles as the Middle Eastern theater as we all know is a boiling pot... well, Happy Valentine's Day to yall..... congrats to our RSS grads.. and prayer to those classing up and or on hold!!!!! Its a Roller ferris wheel coaster this I know!!! So we are here and hope you all will check in and tell us what is going on with your Sailor(s)..... xoxoxoxoxoxox OH any new ones in here be sure and go up to the Discussion Form and read the Path of the Rescue Swimmer and also Phases and Liberty.... it will answer a lot of your questions... and I know that a few of you had kids that PIRd last few weeks.. let us know how they are doing
Feb 14, 2014
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Lydia, by any chance do you know what day they tend to graduate from FRS? J is hoping to graduate next month. We want to go to this graduation because we have missed all the others and he will in all probability be heading to the opposite coast from us.
Feb 14, 2014
oneproudmomca
Hi Everyone, my son graduated A school today. We are so pround of him. Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Feb 14, 2014
proudmama
Oneproudmomca- Congrats!!!
Feb 15, 2014
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Congrats to your son, oneproudmomca!!!
Feb 15, 2014
oneproudmomca
Thank you Jodi and proudmama.
Feb 15, 2014
Saltyocean
Oneproudmomca, and anyone else: How hard is/was A school ? Any tips for success, and are the PO's helpful ? Congrats to your family for getting this far!!
Feb 15, 2014
airmom10
Congratulations on your son's graduation ProudMama! I need to send my son a large package to his PO box in San Diego - Does anyone know the best (and cheapest) way to send it?
Feb 16, 2014
BusyMom13
Feb 16, 2014
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
congrats to our graduates.. Oneproudmom and others!!. I think we have some RSS grads too maybe?? =)
Oneproudmom.... now it will be time for SERE and FRS.... but as far as the Drops and Fails.... he is past all that now mostly!!! Very exciting... can you remind me .. is he Romeo or Sierra - I can not remember???
Jodi - Fleet Replacement Squadron Graduation... gosh this one I am not sure about... I was not able to attend but I do know this..... (as you know) their graduations are random.. they can be totally finished but sometimes they have to wait for classes to be added or pilots to finish training... etc... It sure seems to me like B's was end of the week.. Guess the instructors are still teaching classes etc. so they do the graduations late in the week... seems it will be more last minute for yall. He should know a week in advance Id say .. I was not able to make it to Bs cause it requires a lot of preparing and saving for us to travel and it was sooo last minute that we just could not pull it together.. Broke my heart but my dear friends - the Pastor and Wife of his church go to almost all of them and they went to his and got photos and met the Commanders Instructors etc... so that made me happy.
airmom.... I have shipped literally thousands of care packages all over the world and I have found that if the items are heavy.... split them up and do the LARGE FLAT RATE shipping boxes from the Post Office... they are 14.95 and you can have up to 70 pounds in one of them..and tho they look small, you would be surprised at how much you can cram into them. hahaha or of course you can just do regular boxes ... Flat Rates are usually cheaper even if you have to do two or three of them. (If It Fits It Ships)
Saltyocean - depending on Romeo or Sierra, Romeo tends to be a bit more technical as they are tactical helos and they have to learn about a lot of equipment ie sonar radar etcc... BUT it depends on the Sailor... how much they listen and study also. So far I have not heard of any one failing their A schools. I have heard of some kids not passing exams and having to retake though.
HI Proud!
Feb 16, 2014
oneproudmomca
Lydia - he is a Romeo and he is in San Diego now. He starts SERE on Monday, I am nervous about that. We are so happy he is back in CA. We didn't get to see any of his graduations in Pensacola. But he did send pictures, so I have those for his album. But we are definately going to see his graduation from FRS. I know SERE is two weeks, how long is FRS?
Saltyocean - A School is a lot of studying. They have to do all the studying in class and from their notes. There were five slots for eight sailors wanting to go to San Diego, so we are really happy our son was able to get San Diego, he really wanted it.
Feb 16, 2014
proudmama
Hi all- My son is about to start RSS on Tuesday. I am excited for him and nervous as well... how did all you get through this time? Were any of you proud and nervous as well? I'm thinking that retail therapy is a must... any other suggestions? I hear that my son will be very busy while in school and that I probably won't hear from him. What were your experiences? I have bought several blue candles to burn... I just have to make sure I don't burn the house down!!! haha-
How did you all handle the stress and nerves? Ok what if I just happened to show up as a maintenance worker while the class is working out... think they would notice? If my son becomes a little tired... I could jump in the pool and give him a friendly push? If he is doing push ups... what if get on my hands and knees and let him stand on my back....Think the instructors would notice? Oh well... guess I better start my retail therapy!
Feb 16, 2014
NavyMomNurse
One Proud Mom my son graduated air rescue Feb 14th also and is heading to Jacksonville, fla. He is excited that A school is over and he goes to the next step.
Feb 16, 2014