Moms of Aviation Rescue Swimmers

Ridgegirl-so glad your son is doing well! My son is Romeo and is in SD too! Maybe our paths will cross sometime?

Welcome CNK999- Hang in there! Melissa is completely right about letters, keeping your phone on you at all times. I connected my home phone to my cell. This was very helpful! One time, my phone rang when I was out on my walk. I literally jumped into a bush to talk to my son because it was so windy. There I was inside this family's bush-just standing there. I heard I was quite the site LOL. Hang in there! Any questions? Write away!

Congrats to Hsquared and Airmom10! So great Hsquared that you will be able to attend graduation!

Jodi, Melissa, Mama D, heartstrings and  Lydia- how are your sons enjoying their rate? Is it all they hoped for or are they disappointed? For those in SD, what is their favorite thing to do there?

I can hardly believe that my son is in INDOC getting ready to start FRS. He finished A school and SERE. I guess I better start saving for graduation. You ladies (and MK diver who I believe is our Navy dad) have been so supportive to me. What would I have done without all of you? I am not on as often as I used to be... work, family, diet, and more work seems to get in my way. Oh how I wish I could retire and work only as a hobby!

Aster- Thinking about you this fall. Are you back teaching?

Congratulations to your son and his girl Tiffany! Weddings are such fun and as the Mother of the Groom, your stress level is much less - you get to just show up and enjoy.  =)

My son is also loving his job.  Since he graduated FRS, he stayed in San Diego and joined his Squadron there - they spend the summer in Nevada training guns and turf rescues, and have hit the desert/mountains around SD for additional turf rescue trainings.  He was playing the bad guy one night on a training run and sitting alone in the desert waiting for the helo to show up and rescue someone, so called me to chat while he waited to ambush it.  They also dumped him in the middle of the bay and left him to be rescued one night.  He said it was really great just out there alone in the water until he got to thinking about what else was out there in the water too.  He has been doing hops to ships; flying a lot, training a lot.  Really, really loves his job and the people he works with.  The Navy has been such a positive experience for him - and like Tiffany said, so very much worth all the tears and time away.  

Tiffany what a great picture! What a handsome son you have. I wish them both the best of luck.

I guess we all can say our sons love their jobs! My son is in San Diego too and seems to really like what he is doing. He used to say he didn't want a job where he did the same thing day after day and I think it is safe to say that he didn't get that type of job lol. He has really embraced the California life style. He's learning to surf which is something he couldn't do here.

CNK999 welcome. Is your son contracted as a rescue swimmer?  The 800 division has several other rates in there too so just checking. If the other group you were in was the boot camp moms, please stay on there also. You will stay in the loop when other 800 moms start to receive phone calls so you will know that yours may be coming. When my son was in bootcamp the first letter didn't come when the other moms in the other divisions were getting theirs. If I hadn't been on the 800 division discussion I would have been more worried but they weren't getting letters either so I didn't feel so bad. Melissa's advice was very good. Did your son take any phone cards? If not, send him one with your first letter. He can buy them at the NEX but it would cut into his calling time. If he already has a card he can spend his time calling you! We have all been in your shoes and know how much you are missing him. In fact I think it's safe to say that we are still missing them. Except for a few lucky ones like Ridgegirl (I'm envious of you by the way Ridgegirl lol) most of our sons aren't too close to home.  We are here for you to ask questions, vent or just cry on our shoulders if you need to.

Thank You ladies.

hey all,

I haven't been on in awhile, my son will be deploying soon. Difficult time for us parents with all of the world events happening. I will be on my knees!! 

Hello everyone, I don't get on much but do enjoy when we all do get on, we have a great community here.   sweetpea4 I do feel for you, my son deployed August 22 for a 10 month journey, and it is so hard on all of us, that is for sure.  But in the same sense you couldn't be prouder of them and the whole military community!  If he is being shipped out on one of the ships and there is any way you can watch the ship set sail I DO recommend you be there.  I am not saying it won't pull on your heartstring and you won't shed tears, you won't be alone in your tears though, and it is an amazing sight and such a feeling of community knowing everyone surrounding you is in the same exact place in their lives at that very moment.  And you'll meet others and that is also a comfort.  Glad everyone seems to be doing good, and kids moving right along and enjoying their jobs!  It is a long pipeline, but looking back it seems like wow, has it really been two years!!  Welcome to those that have kiddos in bootcamp.  We are all here for you if you have questions. 

Those of you from the California area, anyone Northern CA and going to fleet week in San Fran Oct 11-13?

Mama-D :  Check the San Francisco Bay area group.  They may tell you a lot about the events.

To anyone going to San Diego, North Island.. On Coronado's Orange Street check out the little hole-in-the-wall Night and Day cafe.  We went for breakfast when the lines at other places were so long.  Many of the sailors know about this place and that's where our sailor took us.  Not much to look at from the out side  maybe two tables, and inside a counter and about five or six small round tables.  BUT the FOOD--wow!  we had the omelets  California, Carne asada for breakfast, but you could order anything on the menu. The jalapeno sauce ( cream sauce) is something else--can order a side of it if you want  Bring a big appetite or a cooler to keep your dogie bag in if you plan on staying  out for a while.  Food really good and very generous portions.

It's also fun to watch the guy cooking in front of you! 

Thank you all for your comments, he is home right now and we are enjoying every minute of it.  He starts SERE in Dec..  He absolutely loves San Diego and he is attached to a squadron, feels like he is finally getting to his job. 

Hello everyone! It seems like it has been forever since I have been on here. My son is now in SD finishing FRS. He is supposed to graduate sometime around Thanksgiving. Does anyone have an actual dates they can share? My son seems to think it will be 11/28/14 which is the day after Thanksgiving. That might be the case, but I find it hard to believe they would do it then when so many of the instructors and command might be away with their families. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I hope all of your sons and daughters are doing well. It's a very long journey with so many ups and downs. We are so happy our son is finally finishing up. Conversely, we are very nervous at the thought of him being deployed during these uncertain times.

Cheers

Dave

Congratulations to your son Dave!  Have no idea about the dates, but having had a graduation around a holiday I would caution you to expect it to change, and change, and change again as the instructors get things settled.  We had 4 different dates before they settled on the one the day before the holiday.  Anywho - good luck!

Speaking of deploying - my son is headed (in his words) 'out to the Big Blue' on Saturday.  It is just a short training cruise and not a deployment, though I know that is coming sooner, rather than later.  It helps that he is excited to go, loves his job, and is ready to put his classroom training into real world practice.  Still, a Mom worries.  It is just training, but accidents happen.  So please, say a prayer, send good luck - or whatever it is that floats your particular boat - and help me wish the Sailor's leaving this weekend a safe journey, and the ones already out there 'in the Big Blue' a safe return. 

Hooyah!

eyes, in the discussions above is a link "Path of a rescue swimmer that Lydia started that explains what is involved. As far as relocating it will depend on whether he becomes a Sierra or a Romeo as the length of schooling is different. My son, who is a Romeo, was in FLA for about a year and a half I think before he moved to his permanent station.

Hi BJ! Congratulations to your son.  Is he in San Diego?  If so, my son (also BC Div 822) is there in Squad 8.  Another of their BC Buddies is also in SD, in Squad 15, though he is currently on deployment. 

Happy Veteran's Day to all of our men and women in uniform and the families who love and support them.  Thank you one and all for your service.

I hope everybody had a wonderful Thanksgiving... I'm feeling thankful for this group and all that I have learned along the way!

Congrats to those who have finished the pipeline and are now finally working full time in their specific squadron.  Blue candles lit for those in RSS, SERE or any other part of the pipeline that is challenging for him/her!

Ridgegirl- looks like your son finished A school in October... How's he doing? My son is also in SD. Maybe they know each other!

MK Diver- were you able to attend FRS graduation? I hope all is well with your son!

A quick hi to all the moms/dads on this site! Hope you get a chance to see your son or daughter during the holiday season- if not in person, then at least by Skype!

Finally, a special thank you to those who have extended a hand of friendship, offered an encouraging word, or shared a laugh with me during the past year and a half! Your words have warmed my heart, put a smile on my face! Thank you, thank you!

Thank you Melissa, Jodi, BJ, Travelsalot, Aster, and Lydia for taking time to sharing your knowledge and expertise on this site. It has been extremely helpful!

Happy Holidays everybody!!!

question for all- every now and then people have discussed watches as a gift. Which watch is popular among the rescue swimmers? Any suggestions?

Welcome to the group Kim g. We all know how you feel so don't feel like you are alone. Join the Bootcamp Moms discussion group for extra support. That group is much more active than this one for when you are feeling sad. Once you get your letter with his ship number start writing. I wrote both my son and his best friend everyday. They really look forward to mail call. Also join the 800 division group within the Bootcamp Moms. They will be a great support plus you will get a heads up when calls are coming. You won't believe it now but the time does go by. Soon you will be getting that "I'm a Sailor" call.Good luck to you and your son.

kim g., I just sent you a friend request as I think our sons may be together.  They flew out on the same day, and if you're in this group, I am thinking they are in the same division? 

Chiming in kind of late proudmama - but go for a matte black watch, make sure it is dive proof to 300 meters, can do all the stuff - keep track of run times, countdown meters, alarms, etc.  Also, make sure it can do military time.  My guy actually has two - one he wears everyday with all the bells and whistles, and one plain dress one he wears with dress uniforms or dress up events. Both are black, which might be a uniform regulation. 

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving - got to have my guy home.  Actually, all of my guys - all 7 of them! - were here along with their girls.  We had great fun, but unfortunately I managed to get sick with some upper respiratory thing that will just not let go. Thankfully I didn't manage to pass it along to anyone else. 

Everyone ready for Christmas or Hanukkah, as the case may be?  I am still struggling to get things under control.  Since everyone was here for Thanksgiving, they are all going to in-law's houses for Christmas.  My brother, my niece, and my parents will be here, so it will be a laid back holiday - if I ever get my shopping and mailing completed!

Welcome to all the newbees!  Hope you are getting your questions answered and hearing from your Recruits. 

Thought this was fabulous, especially since our own MamaD's son is on this ship -

Happy Holidays from the crew of the USS Carl Vinson -

http://youtu.be/weI7t1Zvebc

Happy Christmas Eve everyone - hope you are enjoying family and good health.  Wishing everyone blessings in the New Year, and fair winds and following seas to all of our sailors and airmen, both home and abroad. 

Have any of your sailors had trouble fitting in? He can perform physically, but Isn't sure now this is what he wants. I'm not sure how to advise. He's in week 2 of RSS

CJ'sNvymom, I can't give you any advise on not fitting in but just encourage and support him. He is in the toughest part of his journey and he needs to really want it because it will push him to his limits. There is no shame if he decides this isn't really what he wants to do. There are other jobs in the Navy that may be a better fit. I wish him and you the best in whatever decision he makes.

CJ'sNvymom - I concur with what Jodi said.  This is a tough gig, and not for everyone.  Your son needs to be sure that he is in this for the long haul because as the Navy says - the only easy day was yesterday.  Thoughts and prayers are with you both.

My guy is headed out to sea again for another training cruise.  He flies out to meet the carrier on Friday.  Please add him and his Squadron to your prayers. 

Also, one of his best friends (Army) is headed to Africa next week for a 9 month deployment.  This is an article about their deployment:

http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_27345987/steel-tigers-about-700-...   

Prayers for these men and women would be appreciated also. 

It seems like most people must have switched to the Facebook pages- not so many conversations here these days.  I am wondering if there are any other families with a swimmer graduating FRS in San Diego soon.  My son will graduate, passed his final flight yesterday with "above average" score, whatever that means.  He was happy with it and glad to be done.  We are headed out for graduation next week, would be happy to take pics if anyone else needs me to.  He has verbal orders but still waiting on written orders to be sure but it sounds like I may get to visit San Diego more often for  a while.  

Hope all your swimmers are doing well and your families are healthy and happy!  

Congrats, Bayswan on your son's graduation. Have a safe trip and enjoy that fabulous weather.

I come to this page often.  I don't always comment because my son is just getting done with BC at GL and will head to Pensacola soon...just starting the journey!

Thank you to everyone for the well wishes.  I like this site too, no drama compared to FB :-)  I check it often but don't comment too much- probably the same as most others.  

We are excited to visit SD to see FRS graduation.  We got a tentative grad date about 3.5-4 weeks in advance but didn't get confirmation until about 2.5 weeks out (stress!!!)  We are fortunate that it did not change once we began to plan our trip- I understand that can happen frequently.  Looking forward to SD weather although ours has been quite pleasant for MO in January.  Still happy to share pics if anyone else has a Sierra graduating.  We are getting to check out the Navy Lodge there too- very excited!  

It has been awhile since I have been on this page... During the past several months, I started a new job and moved to a new condo. Gone are the days of mowing my lawn, shoveling the driveway, and taking out the garbage...and I love it!

My son is in the thick of FRS training which will continue for sometime now. He enjoys the flights and using the equipment. He loves SD. He is either surfing or snow boarding. His graduation will be sometime in August (as it stands now). We will be making the trip for his graduation.

Melissa- Thanks for your description of the black watch. It was greatly appreciated! I have decided that will be his graduation present from FRS as I was sick with the flu right up to Christmas. No extra shopping for me!

Bayswan- I'm so happy that your son has done so well. Congrats!! Enjoy the Navy Lodge!! Enjoy the walks on the beaches, the beautiful scenery, the ships going out to sea and the helos flying above. Quite a sight! I loved every minute of my trip!!

CJs mom-Your son is one the most difficult portion of the training/ pipeline. If he is realizing that it isn't for him, I have heard of / others moving on to different rates and being very happy with their new role in the Navy. Please keep us updated!

Love hearing how everybody is doing! 

Vet moms- are the flights where they go to the ship for training for a few days or a week come before or after FRS graduation? Would somebody describe the type of pressure that is on the rescue swimmers? Very stressful or more routine (is there ever a routine flight?).

proudmama - the duration of the flights to the ships actually depend on what is happening/where they are in FRS.  For example, my son did several flights out to ships during FRS for carrier landing trainings, delivery of supplies, to transfer things from one ship to another - all of which is training for actual missions (learning how to land/tie down on a carrier - things like that).  Since graduating FRS, he has been on several two-three week trainings onboard ship. 

However, almost immediately following graduation MamaD's son was deployed on a 9 month cruise. 

There is no standard route following graduation - where you go and when and for how long is really dependent on which HSC Squadron they are assigned too and what that Squadron's current mission is.  All of which is subject to change as the Navy needs change.

Bayswan - congratulations to your son!  Enjoy your trip to San Diego.  Coronado is beautiful, and the graduation ceremony (weather permitting) is held outside, right next to the bay.  If you are lucky, there will be ships cruising out to sea during the ceremony.  Such a grand sight to see!

Hi All  Does anyone know which Navy Lodge is the best to stay at in Norfolk?

Thanks for all the great info  ...

My son arrived in Pensacola 2/7, had indoc. this week, and  I just found out he classed up today.  He is ready to start NACCS.  Here we go!  

Welcome mtnestr. Lydia has a good discussion up above, The Path of a Rescue Swimmer, that may answer any questions you may have plus the moms on here will be happy to answer any other questions you may have. This is a great support group for when your son goes through the different stages so feel free to lean on us. Good luck to your son.

Cc1058,  I certainly am no expert as my son just arrived at the beginning of this month, but there is a link above called The Path of a Rescue Swimmer which lays out the steps of training.  It didn't take long (less than a week) for my son to class up, but sometimes there is a wait for NACCS.  

Congratulations and welcome to all of our new Moms!  I am sure you are as proud of your swimmers as we all are of ours.

Hang in there with Pensacola - sometimes it seems like all they do is hurry up and wait.  There are several classes they have to take along the route and sometimes there is a big wait between classes.  If your son ends up with time on his hands be sure to tell him to keep his training on course and to study, study, study.  Now is the time they weed out anyone who is not fully committed to this path - I read the other day that only 22% of those who begin Air Rescue actually end up going to the Fleet. 

Becoming a Rescue Swimmer is not easy - but then again, no one said it would be - but it is worth it in the end.  My son is with his Squadron in Coronado and loves what he does.  There are not that many 20 year olds who can say that!

I agree with Melissa. It's a tough rate but if your son really wants it he will be alright. Remind him to keep himself in shape, study and to keep positive during this time. They are hard on them but they need to know that your son is committed to this rate. Also suggest that he volunteer if he finds he has time on his hands during the wait between classes. Good luck to all the new swimmers!

Thank you mtnestr..I will take a peak!

Psss - Cc1058.  Just so you know, our guys are Air Rescue - that makes them Airmen, not Sailors.  =)

I asked my son about a ship we were watching in the bay at Coronado; something along the lines of at what length does a boat become a ship.... he gave me a funny look and asked me why I thought he would know that and I said, well, you're in the Navy.  His reply?  Sure, but I fly, I don't sail!