Hello group, just checking in as it has been a while. I went to SD a couple of weeks ago and got to see where my son's squadron was located. He is set to be done at the end of December but they are setting the grad date for Jan 22 at this point. Of course I've learned how to be Navy Gumby. I am excited to see what squadron he will be assigned to and proud to follow him in his job. Blessings to you all. Welcome to those just starting out.mit is a long road for sure but does go by quickly. My son is married and living off base and has been free diving in the ocean. Had lobster dinner when I was there, his catch!
Cool on the lobster dinner, Ridgegirl. Those boys sure get to have an exciting life don't they? My son learned to surf in Pensacola and is still enjoying it in SD.
Hi Aster, I'm doing fine, just looking forward to the Christmas break to see my son. It will be a year, thank goodness for FaceTime lol. How is life treating you?
Good Afternoon, I am new here and just wanted to stop in to say hello. My son has his PIR on Friday and will be heading to Pensacola. I am not too up to date on all the schools, training etc, but I hope to learn a lot from you all. Have a great day.
SMW729 welcome to the group. You will find good information in the discussion forums above, especially ThePath of a Rescue Swimmer. If you have any questions there are a number of moms on here that will try to answer them for you.
Get ready for a fun ride. You will experience the highs and lows of your son's schooling but you both will get through it. We will be here to give you support and listen to your concerns if you need it so don't think you have to go it alone :) Good luck!
mtnestr-San Diego is good during January, we went there last year the week after New Year's, stayed with our son and his girlfriend in Chula Vista. Did lots of day trips - lots to see and do there!
Jeanine - glad to hear he is doing well! They make such great friends throughout all of this! :)
Ridgegirl- great! lobster dinner-Yum! 1st class all of the way!
Jodi- Life is good, so happy that my son's dreams have come true and he enjoys what he does. Also - he has a great girlfriend :) how lucky can I get?
SMW729 - if you are able to go to any of his graduations in Pensacola - go and make a vacation out of it. Nice soft beaches - nice Navy Lodge - some good restaurants in Pensacola - my son enjoyed playing golf on their course and did some local volunteer work.
ASTER!!! I'm so glad to hear from you!!! I think back on how you were so kind to meet my daughter right before little miss was born (the little pic in the corner matches your flower!). She is now two years old and is doing well! And our paths cross again with our sons being in the same squadron!!! I have a ton of questions to ask you!!! PM me so that I can find out who your son is! Again, you come to my rescue! Is there anything better than Navy Sisters? I think not!!
Jodi- thanks for your kind words and thoughts! I can't believe this journey... on one hand it feels like it took forever, on the other... it feels like time flew by! And by the way... he took his boards, passed and should have the wing ceremony any day... He already has his patch with the wings on them! Wow.. that was fast!
Ridgegirl- I just came back from SD too- in August... but it feels like I just came back from there! BTW- had a very interesting flight back from SD...our plane suddenly landed...and I mean suddenly in Amarillo Texas-12 people taken off of the flight and six were arrested. We ended up on the nightly news... all I could do was reach for an extra xanax and hope that I would fall asleep after we took off from Texas back towards Chicago. Ughhhh..... scary and aggravating all at the same time.
SMW729- welcome! This is a wonderful group to be part of... there are many veteran moms with tons of great advice!
Our son graduates from A School on Friday. They haven't yet told him if he has to fly or if they'll let him drive to SD. I told him to get his vehicle ready to go since someone will have to drive it somewhere regardless of their decision....being Navy flexible. ;)
mtnestr - when my son graduated on a Friday, he flew out Saturday afternoon to SD, started SERE on Monday. My husband drove my son's car home and I drove our car home. That June I drove my son's car from Florida to San Diego. He keeps he car registered in FL as it is cheaper to register in FL. Congratulations!! :)
Oops accidently deleted, Just want to to stop in and say hello it's been a while. I appreciate the go up of likeminded moms. What a blessing you have been to comfort, offer onsite, and encourage.Thank you!
My son graduated in September, has been working with his squadron, and volunteered to go to Bahrain where he will be heading sometime soon.
aster, Wow! That was fast.....truly a "grad and go" situation! I know that my son starts SERE at the end of November.....he is hoping they'll let him drive. They haven't told him "no" yet. It would be nice to know as we are up in Iowa and really need to make plans if we have to get a vehicle this weekend! Further, if we do have to go down there, it might be nice to fly in time for the graduation.
mtnestr- we really never know with the Navy. My son had some friends that graduated the same time and they were able to drive their cars to SD....who knows who they choose to do what and why and when? :)
Well, my son graduated yesterday! He did get orders to drive from P'cola to SD. He won't be able to come home in between as we're too far north. Now, I just have to worry his car makes it! ha ha!
Congrats to your son. He will be fine on his trip to SD. Is he going with a group or by himself? My son traveled with another couple so I wasn't as worried. One thing I did hear on another group, if he arrives and checks in earlier than his check in date he will have to return some of the money so tell him to take his time and enjoy the drive ( or just get a hotel room if he arrives early). The sailor she was talking about checked in two days early and a few weeks later they deducted two days travel pay. Not a surprise your son would like I'm sure.
Jodi, There is, thankfully, one other driver traveling with him. I believe this person lives in the SD area, so they will spend Thanksgiving with his family. I am so grateful for that! I will be sure to share the "don't check in early" advice. Thanks!
mtnestr, it's always nice when they can travel together. My son's car wouldn't start one day on his way out to SD but thankfully one of the guys he was traveling with was a mechanic in his former life and they were able to get it running. How nice that he will be able to spend Thanksgiving with another family. I'm sure that eases your heart knowing he won't be celebrating the holiday by himself.
Hello all - it has been a while since I've been around. Actually, I've been keeping up with the reading, just not chatting. Congratulations to everyone who has graduated and safe travels to those making the big move.
I have been traveling myself, getting my 32 wks pregnant daughter to Texas and into her new house, since her Air Force husband is currently TDY elsewhere until mid-December. It's been hectic, but fun. I miss having that girl around and she is actually a little bit closer in TX rather than in DE. So yeah!
Also in the YEAH department - my Navy guy is on a plane headed to me as we speak and I get him until the beginning of December. I am so excited, I can hardly wait! All 4 of my children will be home for this holiday - which hasn't happened in 4 years - plus all of my siblings, their families, and my grandsons will be here. It will be a group, but I am excited to see everyone.
I hope you all have a joyous Thanksgiving and are staying warm and dry - we are expecting snow, which makes my San Diego boy happy as he has been missing it. =)
Happy Thanksgiving one and all! My sailor is on deployment so it won't be quite as nice as other years but hoping to at least hear from him over the Thanksgiving break. Enjoy!
Happy Thanksgiving to all the Navy moms out there!
Have any of you been on a Tiger Cruise? If so, what did you think? Would you do it again? Pros and cons? I was speaking to my son about it last night and he and I are leaning towards me not going but I promised him I would do a bit of research before I give him my for sure answer.
Any feedback would be appreciated and thank you all so much.
Hope you all have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Congrats mtnestr! It's been awhile for mine but I do remember those days. My son is currently on deployment on the Truman.He's been gone 2 weeks and I miss him! I've got a ways to go tho before he returns.
Navy Mom Hugs, Lorabelllee! I'm not sure I'm prepared for that yet! Since my last post, my sailor has passed SERE and is on his way home for Christmas!
Congrats to your son mtnestr for passing SERE! I know how worried I was when my son did SERE. They always have interesting stories to tell about that bit of training! Enjoy your son over the Holidays! I'm just hoping to get a phone call for Christmas!
Hey ho everyone! Looks like everyone is keeping busy and your son's are moving along nicely. Congratulations on the graduations and moves. If anyone ends up at HSC 8 or 15 at Coronado, let me know. I happen to know a couple of people there. =)
The last few months have been busy for me - my daughter was here for 6 weeks while her husband was at OTS (Air Force). Then I helped her move down to TX and get settled into her new house there. Her little brother - my swimmer - flew into TX and drove her back up here a week later for Thanksgiving. We had the whole crew in, with the exception of the son-in-law at OTS. I had my swimmer for 10 days, which was fabulous, then he drove his sister home and flew back to SD. Such a nice brother he is to add two 12 hr car rides to his trip so his sister didn't have to spend the holiday alone.
My SIL graduated OTS on 11 Dec, and was commissioned as a 2nd LT and then made the 2 day drive to TX. So now they are just waiting for the arrival of their first child - expected any day now. Yippee and grandson number 5 for me!!
I hope you all have a fabulous Christmas holiday - those of you who are lucky enough to share it with your swimmers, hug them tight, time with them is precious. Those of you who aren't, know that all of us are thinking of you and them and wishing them happy and healthy and safe this holiday season and always.
Congratulations, Melissa, on the SIL's graduation....and the new addition to your family. I'll just bet those 12 hour drives were pretty enjoyable....it warms my heart to think about two siblings traveling across the country together catching up on each others' lives. It will make good memories for them! Our swimmer flies out Sunday morning....trying not to miss him while he's still here! :)
Hello everyone - I have an update on the grandbaby situation, IT'S A BOY!! Xavier Jameson, arrived on the 7th, weighing in at 10.1 lbs. I spent the last week with the new family and everyone is doing well and he is fabulous. This makes 5 grandsons for me and as my Dad said, now we have our own basketball team. =)
Hope everyone else's New Year got off to a great start as well!
Hey all! Hope everyone is doing well and your swimmers keep advancing.
When I spoke with my guy a couple of weeks ago he said he had been studying for his Crew Chief quals, and had a 'murder board' scheduled for the next week (from what I gathered, this is a pre-qualification review to help with the study portion of things) anywho - he did the murder board and passed his Crew Chief quals! He was a bit worried, as he said, if he didn't pass them he wouldn't be allowed to continue as a swimmer. I had no doubt he would pass, but then I'm his Mom. =)
He also mentioned that they were headed out to to destroyer hops - just taking people from one boat to another and landing where they really weren't intended to land, as the destroyers are much smaller than the carriers. All in a days work, I guess.
Right now he is enjoying Pensacola - which has always been his preferred location. I wish the sunny weather would head my way. I am tired of cold and wind.
Hello, Melissa, good to hear from you. My boy is in San Diego. He arrived in November, did SERE, and is due to graduate near December. He is talking about places he might put down as preferences to be placed when he's done. Some of the options freak this momma out! ;)
Congratulations to your son mtnestr. Depending on which rate your son is - Romeo or Sierra, there is a limited number of places they get posted. I actually was really hoping (as was my son) that he would be posted to Guam. I mean, really - when else are you going to be able to visit someplace like that and have the opportunity to travel and visit that part of the world? And mostly, someone else pays for it!
In reality, I'm excited for our boys who get to venture out into the world. It's good for them to see and experience new things. I am grateful that my son is in San Diego because it means I get to see him occasionally but I want him to look back on his Naval career as a positive opportunity to learn about more than just his part of the world - and have the chance to do good along the way.
Continued good luck to your son along his path. Tell him to study hard and be mindful of the others around him. His instructors are watching - and not just when he's in the classroom or flying.
He is Romeo. He has talked with his long time girlfriend about places he (they-once they're married) might be stationed. He hasn't really asked me, so I don't say. I wouldn't try to direct him to request any particular place, for it is his experience to have. I do not anticipate being able to visit him outside the U.S., but I don't want that to affect his list! He does study hard; he is only 19, but he is so kind and responsible. Thank you so much for your advice. I will remind him to be mindful of others, always.
Hi, it has been awhile, I hope all is well with everyone! So hard to believe my son is a year and half in already! Looking forward to graduation in July sometime. He is still in Jacksonville and loving it. Still no idea where the next road will take him. Take care!!
Way to go Marianne's son!! That's awesome! Graduation in July - a light at the end of the tunnel. I can't wait to be in your shoes - ours is 1/2 way through the program.
Welcome NurseMom. I wouldn't worry yet about potential assignments. It will be a while even if he goes Sierra which has a shorter training program than the Romeos. My son has been in almost 4 years and will be going out in a while for the first time, although part of his delay was due to additional schooling because they phased out his original platform. The next few months will be a lot of waiting to class up. Suggest to him to do some volunteer work during his wait time. It helps keep them out of trouble lol. The Path of the Rescue Swimmer up in the discussions does explain what your son will be going through. He will need you to be his cheerleader once he starts the classes as they are tough but if he is really motivated to become a rescue swimmer he will do fine. Good luck to him and to you :)
NurseMom - you son will finish his training in Pensacola, then do SERE, then complete his training as either a Sierra or Romeo swimmer - then he will be assigned to a Squadron (where will depend on his classification).
Deployment will depend on the Squadron's schedule. For instance my son is in San Diego and went to his Squadron in March 2014. They have been training and doing short hops, but are not scheduled for deployment until 2017 - and yes, deployments are typically 9 or more months. However, another of his friends graduated in June 2014, was assigned to a different Squadron in San Diego and deployed in August 2014 for 9 months.
There is really no way to plan for any of this. Where and when they go depends on so many factors - when they graduate, what classification they are, which Squadron they are assigned to, and when the Navy needs that Squadron to deploy. The easiest thing I can tell you is to not stress about it. You can't change it, you can't control it, you can't direct it, you just go with it. Just like the rest of us!
Continued good luck to your son as he moves through the pipeline. Let us know if we can help with any other questions you may have.
Hope everyone had a nice Easter - we had snow! Thankfully it melted quickly and today it is in the 60's. Gotta love the weather in the Mid-West.
Really missing my baby boy today - I will never get used to spending his birthday without him. The Navy should allow him to come home and eat cake with his Momma!
We, too, had snow just before Easter...caused us to miss school on Thursday as it was mostly ice. Happy birthday to your son, Melissa. My youngest sailor son will be 20 in June. the older sailor is 21. Most days I am pretty happy, but I sure do miss my boys, too. They are happy, so that's most important, but, golly my house feels empty sometimes.
Happy birthday to your sailor Melissa! I hope you were at least able to call and wish him Happy Birthday and hear his voice. Mine turns 22 next month and will probably be out to sea. This will be the first time I won't be able to talk to him on his birthday :(
I did call him Jodi - but he was boarding a helo for a late night flight. He called me when he returned - after midnight, my time!
Oh well, it was good to hear from him.
He just returned from a month long training in FL, he said he got to stop in in Pensacola and see the school house and had a chance to chat with some of his instructors and see the new group currently training. He said they looked sharp - so any of you with guys there now, they are doing well. =)
Is your son deploying Jodi? Or just going out for training?
He's deploying. He's looking forward to it. He's been in almost 4 years and this is his first. He was supposed to deploy several years ago but instead he went back to school to become a Romeo.
So I have a question, my son should have his final graduation in July, can't believe it has been 2 years already! I want to go to Jacksonville to watch however he still has no idea when it will be. How long in advance did your sailors know when their graduation was going to be? Of course it is summertime so prices will be more, hotel reservations will be more difficult, and getting off from work will be hard since other people are on vacation. Do you think we will learn anytime soon?? Aldo wondering how long it will be before he leaves Jacksonville to whatever his destination will be?
Morning Marianne, I'm trying to think back on my son's graduation. I don't think you get much advance notice, maybe a week or so but they do get some idea of a suggested date before that so that you can make plans. I seem to remember my son taking one of his final tests while we were waiting at the hotel the day or so before graduation lol. He did come home for a few days after graduation then left for San Diego right after that.
Sorry, Marianne, my son won't graduate until Dec. so we'll be in the same boat, I guess. Although my son is in San Diego. I do hear that Southwest Airlines are good to work with in case you need to change flights.......?
I seem to remember driving to Pensacola for graduation, still wondering if they were going to have it. The Navy is really not big on giving you lots of planning time! When your son had a good idea when he will graduate, have him check availability at the Navy Lodge. Prices are much cheaper, and you get to stay on base, plus they are usually really nice. The one in Coronado is right on the beach and is less than $100 a night - but they go fast, and your sailor has to make the reservations. Good luck - and congratulations!
Jodi - please keep us posted on the deployment. My son is headed out the beginning of May, but just for three weeks.
Melissa, is you son going out for training in preparation of a deployment? My son did that about a month ago. The wifi on the ship wasn't very good so I did get a taste of not being able to talk to him whenever we wanted. It will be an adjustment but I think I'll handle it fine (I hope lol)
Ridgegirl
Nov 1, 2015
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Cool on the lobster dinner, Ridgegirl. Those boys sure get to have an exciting life don't they? My son learned to surf in Pensacola and is still enjoying it in SD.
Hi Aster, I'm doing fine, just looking forward to the Christmas break to see my son. It will be a year, thank goodness for FaceTime lol. How is life treating you?
Nov 2, 2015
SMW729
Good Afternoon, I am new here and just wanted to stop in to say hello. My son has his PIR on Friday and will be heading to Pensacola. I am not too up to date on all the schools, training etc, but I hope to learn a lot from you all. Have a great day.
Nov 2, 2015
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
SMW729 welcome to the group. You will find good information in the discussion forums above, especially The Path of a Rescue Swimmer. If you have any questions there are a number of moms on here that will try to answer them for you.
Get ready for a fun ride. You will experience the highs and lows of your son's schooling but you both will get through it. We will be here to give you support and listen to your concerns if you need it so don't think you have to go it alone :) Good luck!
Nov 3, 2015
aster
mtnestr-San Diego is good during January, we went there last year the week after New Year's, stayed with our son and his girlfriend in Chula Vista. Did lots of day trips - lots to see and do there!
Jeanine - glad to hear he is doing well! They make such great friends throughout all of this! :)
Ridgegirl- great! lobster dinner-Yum! 1st class all of the way!
Jodi- Life is good, so happy that my son's dreams have come true and he enjoys what he does. Also - he has a great girlfriend :) how lucky can I get?
SMW729 - if you are able to go to any of his graduations in Pensacola - go and make a vacation out of it. Nice soft beaches - nice Navy Lodge - some good restaurants in Pensacola - my son enjoyed playing golf on their course and did some local volunteer work.
Nov 4, 2015
proudmama
ASTER!!! I'm so glad to hear from you!!! I think back on how you were so kind to meet my daughter right before little miss was born (the little pic in the corner matches your flower!). She is now two years old and is doing well! And our paths cross again with our sons being in the same squadron!!! I have a ton of questions to ask you!!! PM me so that I can find out who your son is! Again, you come to my rescue! Is there anything better than Navy Sisters? I think not!!
Jodi- thanks for your kind words and thoughts! I can't believe this journey... on one hand it feels like it took forever, on the other... it feels like time flew by! And by the way... he took his boards, passed and should have the wing ceremony any day... He already has his patch with the wings on them! Wow.. that was fast!
Ridgegirl- I just came back from SD too- in August... but it feels like I just came back from there! BTW- had a very interesting flight back from SD...our plane suddenly landed...and I mean suddenly in Amarillo Texas-12 people taken off of the flight and six were arrested. We ended up on the nightly news... all I could do was reach for an extra xanax and hope that I would fall asleep after we took off from Texas back towards Chicago. Ughhhh..... scary and aggravating all at the same time.
SMW729- welcome! This is a wonderful group to be part of... there are many veteran moms with tons of great advice!
Have a great evening all!
Nov 7, 2015
mtnestr
Our son graduates from A School on Friday. They haven't yet told him if he has to fly or if they'll let him drive to SD. I told him to get his vehicle ready to go since someone will have to drive it somewhere regardless of their decision....being Navy flexible. ;)
Nov 8, 2015
aster
mtnestr - when my son graduated on a Friday, he flew out Saturday afternoon to SD, started SERE on Monday. My husband drove my son's car home and I drove our car home. That June I drove my son's car from Florida to San Diego. He keeps he car registered in FL as it is cheaper to register in FL. Congratulations!! :)
Nov 8, 2015
A's Mom
My son graduated in September, has been working with his squadron, and volunteered to go to Bahrain where he will be heading sometime soon.
Nov 9, 2015
aster
A's Mom - welcome back to the group! Congratulations your son's graduation!
Prayers and hugs to your son for safe deployment and return home.
Nov 9, 2015
mtnestr
aster, Wow! That was fast.....truly a "grad and go" situation! I know that my son starts SERE at the end of November.....he is hoping they'll let him drive. They haven't told him "no" yet. It would be nice to know as we are up in Iowa and really need to make plans if we have to get a vehicle this weekend! Further, if we do have to go down there, it might be nice to fly in time for the graduation.
Nov 9, 2015
aster
mtnestr- we really never know with the Navy. My son had some friends that graduated the same time and they were able to drive their cars to SD....who knows who they choose to do what and why and when? :)
Nov 9, 2015
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
mtnestr, my son drove his car from Fla to home then to SD after his graduation from A school.
Nov 10, 2015
mtnestr
Well, my son graduated yesterday! He did get orders to drive from P'cola to SD. He won't be able to come home in between as we're too far north. Now, I just have to worry his car makes it! ha ha!
Nov 14, 2015
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Congrats to your son. He will be fine on his trip to SD. Is he going with a group or by himself? My son traveled with another couple so I wasn't as worried. One thing I did hear on another group, if he arrives and checks in earlier than his check in date he will have to return some of the money so tell him to take his time and enjoy the drive ( or just get a hotel room if he arrives early). The sailor she was talking about checked in two days early and a few weeks later they deducted two days travel pay. Not a surprise your son would like I'm sure.
Nov 15, 2015
mtnestr
Jodi, There is, thankfully, one other driver traveling with him. I believe this person lives in the SD area, so they will spend Thanksgiving with his family. I am so grateful for that! I will be sure to share the "don't check in early" advice. Thanks!
Nov 15, 2015
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
mtnestr, it's always nice when they can travel together. My son's car wouldn't start one day on his way out to SD but thankfully one of the guys he was traveling with was a mechanic in his former life and they were able to get it running. How nice that he will be able to spend Thanksgiving with another family. I'm sure that eases your heart knowing he won't be celebrating the holiday by himself.
Nov 16, 2015
Melissa
Hello all - it has been a while since I've been around. Actually, I've been keeping up with the reading, just not chatting. Congratulations to everyone who has graduated and safe travels to those making the big move.
I have been traveling myself, getting my 32 wks pregnant daughter to Texas and into her new house, since her Air Force husband is currently TDY elsewhere until mid-December. It's been hectic, but fun. I miss having that girl around and she is actually a little bit closer in TX rather than in DE. So yeah!
Also in the YEAH department - my Navy guy is on a plane headed to me as we speak and I get him until the beginning of December. I am so excited, I can hardly wait! All 4 of my children will be home for this holiday - which hasn't happened in 4 years - plus all of my siblings, their families, and my grandsons will be here. It will be a group, but I am excited to see everyone.
I hope you all have a joyous Thanksgiving and are staying warm and dry - we are expecting snow, which makes my San Diego boy happy as he has been missing it. =)
Nov 19, 2015
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Congrats Melissa. Safe travels for your entire family and enjoy that boy of yours :)))
Nov 20, 2015
Lorabelllee
Happy Thanksgiving one and all! My sailor is on deployment so it won't be quite as nice as other years but hoping to at least hear from him over the Thanksgiving break. Enjoy!
Nov 25, 2015
hsquared60
Happy Thanksgiving to all the Navy moms out there!
Have any of you been on a Tiger Cruise? If so, what did you think? Would you do it again? Pros and cons? I was speaking to my son about it last night and he and I are leaning towards me not going but I promised him I would do a bit of research before I give him my for sure answer.
Any feedback would be appreciated and thank you all so much.
Hope you all have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Nov 25, 2015
aster
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
My son is on the Washington and last year and the year before he was in SD so it's been awhile....
I have not been on a Tiger Cruise, however, a friend of mine was on one and she and her husband loved it!
I have not been offered the opportunity yet, but when it comes up I will definitely go.
Nov 26, 2015
mtnestr
My son has arrived in San Diego for the next part of training....
Nov 30, 2015
Lorabelllee
Congrats mtnestr! It's been awhile for mine but I do remember those days. My son is currently on deployment on the Truman.He's been gone 2 weeks and I miss him! I've got a ways to go tho before he returns.
Nov 30, 2015
mtnestr
Navy Mom Hugs, Lorabelllee! I'm not sure I'm prepared for that yet! Since my last post, my sailor has passed SERE and is on his way home for Christmas!
Dec 15, 2015
Lorabelllee
Congrats to your son mtnestr for passing SERE! I know how worried I was when my son did SERE. They always have interesting stories to tell about that bit of training! Enjoy your son over the Holidays! I'm just hoping to get a phone call for Christmas!
Dec 18, 2015
Melissa
Hey ho everyone! Looks like everyone is keeping busy and your son's are moving along nicely. Congratulations on the graduations and moves. If anyone ends up at HSC 8 or 15 at Coronado, let me know. I happen to know a couple of people there. =)
The last few months have been busy for me - my daughter was here for 6 weeks while her husband was at OTS (Air Force). Then I helped her move down to TX and get settled into her new house there. Her little brother - my swimmer - flew into TX and drove her back up here a week later for Thanksgiving. We had the whole crew in, with the exception of the son-in-law at OTS. I had my swimmer for 10 days, which was fabulous, then he drove his sister home and flew back to SD. Such a nice brother he is to add two 12 hr car rides to his trip so his sister didn't have to spend the holiday alone.
My SIL graduated OTS on 11 Dec, and was commissioned as a 2nd LT and then made the 2 day drive to TX. So now they are just waiting for the arrival of their first child - expected any day now. Yippee and grandson number 5 for me!!
I hope you all have a fabulous Christmas holiday - those of you who are lucky enough to share it with your swimmers, hug them tight, time with them is precious. Those of you who aren't, know that all of us are thinking of you and them and wishing them happy and healthy and safe this holiday season and always.
Merry Christmas!
Dec 20, 2015
mtnestr
Congratulations, Melissa, on the SIL's graduation....and the new addition to your family. I'll just bet those 12 hour drives were pretty enjoyable....it warms my heart to think about two siblings traveling across the country together catching up on each others' lives. It will make good memories for them! Our swimmer flies out Sunday morning....trying not to miss him while he's still here! :)
Dec 23, 2015
Melissa
Hello everyone - I have an update on the grandbaby situation, IT'S A BOY!! Xavier Jameson, arrived on the 7th, weighing in at 10.1 lbs. I spent the last week with the new family and everyone is doing well and he is fabulous. This makes 5 grandsons for me and as my Dad said, now we have our own basketball team. =)
Hope everyone else's New Year got off to a great start as well!
Jan 19, 2016
mtnestr
Congratulations, Melissa! 5! Wow!
Jan 19, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Congrats Melissa!!!
Jan 20, 2016
proudmama
Melissa! Congrats!!!! What wonderful news!
Jan 23, 2016
Melissa
Hey all! Hope everyone is doing well and your swimmers keep advancing.
When I spoke with my guy a couple of weeks ago he said he had been studying for his Crew Chief quals, and had a 'murder board' scheduled for the next week (from what I gathered, this is a pre-qualification review to help with the study portion of things) anywho - he did the murder board and passed his Crew Chief quals! He was a bit worried, as he said, if he didn't pass them he wouldn't be allowed to continue as a swimmer. I had no doubt he would pass, but then I'm his Mom. =)
He also mentioned that they were headed out to to destroyer hops - just taking people from one boat to another and landing where they really weren't intended to land, as the destroyers are much smaller than the carriers. All in a days work, I guess.
Right now he is enjoying Pensacola - which has always been his preferred location. I wish the sunny weather would head my way. I am tired of cold and wind.
Mar 7, 2016
mtnestr
Hello, Melissa, good to hear from you. My boy is in San Diego. He arrived in November, did SERE, and is due to graduate near December. He is talking about places he might put down as preferences to be placed when he's done. Some of the options freak this momma out! ;)
Mar 8, 2016
Melissa
Congratulations to your son mtnestr. Depending on which rate your son is - Romeo or Sierra, there is a limited number of places they get posted. I actually was really hoping (as was my son) that he would be posted to Guam. I mean, really - when else are you going to be able to visit someplace like that and have the opportunity to travel and visit that part of the world? And mostly, someone else pays for it!
In reality, I'm excited for our boys who get to venture out into the world. It's good for them to see and experience new things. I am grateful that my son is in San Diego because it means I get to see him occasionally but I want him to look back on his Naval career as a positive opportunity to learn about more than just his part of the world - and have the chance to do good along the way.
Continued good luck to your son along his path. Tell him to study hard and be mindful of the others around him. His instructors are watching - and not just when he's in the classroom or flying.
Mar 8, 2016
mtnestr
He is Romeo. He has talked with his long time girlfriend about places he (they-once they're married) might be stationed. He hasn't really asked me, so I don't say. I wouldn't try to direct him to request any particular place, for it is his experience to have. I do not anticipate being able to visit him outside the U.S., but I don't want that to affect his list! He does study hard; he is only 19, but he is so kind and responsible. Thank you so much for your advice. I will remind him to be mindful of others, always.
Mar 9, 2016
Marianne
Mar 17, 2016
MountainMom
Mar 17, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Welcome NurseMom. I wouldn't worry yet about potential assignments. It will be a while even if he goes Sierra which has a shorter training program than the Romeos. My son has been in almost 4 years and will be going out in a while for the first time, although part of his delay was due to additional schooling because they phased out his original platform. The next few months will be a lot of waiting to class up. Suggest to him to do some volunteer work during his wait time. It helps keep them out of trouble lol. The Path of the Rescue Swimmer up in the discussions does explain what your son will be going through. He will need you to be his cheerleader once he starts the classes as they are tough but if he is really motivated to become a rescue swimmer he will do fine. Good luck to him and to you :)
Yeah, Marianne on your son's progress!
MountainMom, you will get there soon!
Mar 18, 2016
Melissa
NurseMom - you son will finish his training in Pensacola, then do SERE, then complete his training as either a Sierra or Romeo swimmer - then he will be assigned to a Squadron (where will depend on his classification).
Deployment will depend on the Squadron's schedule. For instance my son is in San Diego and went to his Squadron in March 2014. They have been training and doing short hops, but are not scheduled for deployment until 2017 - and yes, deployments are typically 9 or more months. However, another of his friends graduated in June 2014, was assigned to a different Squadron in San Diego and deployed in August 2014 for 9 months.
There is really no way to plan for any of this. Where and when they go depends on so many factors - when they graduate, what classification they are, which Squadron they are assigned to, and when the Navy needs that Squadron to deploy. The easiest thing I can tell you is to not stress about it. You can't change it, you can't control it, you can't direct it, you just go with it. Just like the rest of us!
Continued good luck to your son as he moves through the pipeline. Let us know if we can help with any other questions you may have.
Mar 18, 2016
Melissa
Hope everyone had a nice Easter - we had snow! Thankfully it melted quickly and today it is in the 60's. Gotta love the weather in the Mid-West.
Really missing my baby boy today - I will never get used to spending his birthday without him. The Navy should allow him to come home and eat cake with his Momma!
Stay warm everyone.
Mar 29, 2016
mtnestr
We, too, had snow just before Easter...caused us to miss school on Thursday as it was mostly ice. Happy birthday to your son, Melissa. My youngest sailor son will be 20 in June. the older sailor is 21. Most days I am pretty happy, but I sure do miss my boys, too. They are happy, so that's most important, but, golly my house feels empty sometimes.
Mar 29, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Happy birthday to your sailor Melissa! I hope you were at least able to call and wish him Happy Birthday and hear his voice. Mine turns 22 next month and will probably be out to sea. This will be the first time I won't be able to talk to him on his birthday :(
Mar 30, 2016
Melissa
I did call him Jodi - but he was boarding a helo for a late night flight. He called me when he returned - after midnight, my time!
Oh well, it was good to hear from him.
He just returned from a month long training in FL, he said he got to stop in in Pensacola and see the school house and had a chance to chat with some of his instructors and see the new group currently training. He said they looked sharp - so any of you with guys there now, they are doing well. =)
Is your son deploying Jodi? Or just going out for training?
Mar 30, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
He's deploying. He's looking forward to it. He's been in almost 4 years and this is his first. He was supposed to deploy several years ago but instead he went back to school to become a Romeo.
Mar 30, 2016
Marianne
Apr 13, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Morning Marianne, I'm trying to think back on my son's graduation. I don't think you get much advance notice, maybe a week or so but they do get some idea of a suggested date before that so that you can make plans. I seem to remember my son taking one of his final tests while we were waiting at the hotel the day or so before graduation lol. He did come home for a few days after graduation then left for San Diego right after that.
Apr 13, 2016
mtnestr
Sorry, Marianne, my son won't graduate until Dec. so we'll be in the same boat, I guess. Although my son is in San Diego. I do hear that Southwest Airlines are good to work with in case you need to change flights.......?
Apr 13, 2016
Melissa
I seem to remember driving to Pensacola for graduation, still wondering if they were going to have it. The Navy is really not big on giving you lots of planning time! When your son had a good idea when he will graduate, have him check availability at the Navy Lodge. Prices are much cheaper, and you get to stay on base, plus they are usually really nice. The one in Coronado is right on the beach and is less than $100 a night - but they go fast, and your sailor has to make the reservations. Good luck - and congratulations!
Jodi - please keep us posted on the deployment. My son is headed out the beginning of May, but just for three weeks.
Apr 14, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Melissa, is you son going out for training in preparation of a deployment? My son did that about a month ago. The wifi on the ship wasn't very good so I did get a taste of not being able to talk to him whenever we wanted. It will be an adjustment but I think I'll handle it fine (I hope lol)
Apr 15, 2016