Jodi, my son's Squadron is scheduled to deploy early 2017, so yes and no to your question. He has been doing short hops to both the ship and the desert since he arrived at Coronado. That I am aware of - and as we all know! - this is scheduled to change at any time, he has this hop to the ship, a month later this summer somewhere in Nevada, and then sometime around November another desert training. Just because they are out of school doesn't mean the training ends! I was very surprised also about the desert training (or turf training, because they do mountain training also).
He passed his final tests and is a fully qualified crew chief and to date has logged more than 500 flight hours!
Ma11-Good luck to your son. Remind your son he needs to stay focused. It's not easy but if he keeps himself focused on the end he will do fine. Get ready Mom to be his biggest cheerleader!
I hope all is doing well with everyone. I am excited to see my son in a couple of weeks. He got permission to leave school for a weekend to come to his sisters HS graduation. He will be home less than 48 hours but I will take what I can get. Graduation is still aiming for July but still no idea when and where to next.
Lucky you Marianne - my son missed his brother's wedding because of A School, so count your blessing and enjoy your visit!
And speaking of my son - guess who got promoted on Thursday? Yeah!! Petty Officer 2nd (E-5). He gets frocked on Friday, sure wish I could be there to see it.
Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. Jodi - do you hear anything from your son? Hope he is enjoy his float.
Good deal Jodi - mine was out for a three week training and was only able to get one email out to me. Glad to hear he is able to contact you and that he is enjoying his time on ship. Tell him to take lots of pictures at every port they stop at. One of the guys my son went to hs with is out on the Boxer and he is posting fabulous pictures from all their ports of call. I know it is work, and serious work at that, but oh what adventures for these fabulous men and women!
And thanks Jodi - I am so proud of the wonderful young man he has become. He's worked hard for this and it is paying off.
So excited! Our son got his wings today! Wishing we could have been there but he didn't notice in time for us to fly out there. :-( The great news is that he'll be coming straight home before he reports to duty. Are there any restrictions on this site about posting where their orders are for? I'd love to connect to other Moms that have kids stationed where he is going.
Congratulations to both!!! My son just graduate from RSS last Friday. Yesterday he was told that he will be assign to Romeo platform. Where I can get information about this kind of platform? Any word of advice for a mom? What to expect?
Not sure if there is anywhere that will give you specific information regarding Romeo vs Sierra swimmers. My son is Romeo out of San Diego - the train water, but also desert and turf (mountain) training. As his Mom, just continue to be his cheerleader on this journey. The trail is hard, and he will need to continue to study and work harder than ever, just know that it is all worth it once he is fully trained and actually spending time on ships and helos.
My son works hard, but is having the time of his life. Good luck to your son. Does he know yet where he is headed?
Congratulation to you also Grace - getting your wings is a huge step!
Hi all! Finally got graduation date, we are heading to Jacksonville middle of July. It has been a long hard 2 years, so proud of him! Still not sure where he is heading next.
Congrats to all the swimmers that are advancing and to their mommas that helped get them there!!! I agree with you Melissa, they work hard but what an adventure they are having. Mine has been deployed for several months but the nice thing is I think I hear from him more now that I ever have - not as many distractions right now out in the middle of the ocean :))
I found this article online. There is some history that is probably more than you asked for, but it does describe some differences between the Romeo (MH-60R) and the Sierra (MH-60S). According to my limited understanding, they are basically the same helo but have different equipment, and do some different jobs.
My guy is coming home tomorrow and I get him for a whole week!! Of course, I have to share him with his siblings and his grandparents, but I guess that's okay. =) Can't wait!
I'll ask while he's home, but I think the main difference has to do with nuclear subs and such - as in Romeo's go after them and Sierra's don't. Plus my guy (Sierra) also does turf training (mountain and desert) and I am not sure that the Romeo's do that - Jodi, do you know? I also know that the Romeo's do more schooling - but again, I think that is the nuclear portion of it.
My son did have more schooling. I think he mentioned that for every Romeo group going through Sierras graduated 3 or something like that. He is a sub chaser so he learned sonar. I don't think he did the turf training that I'm aware of.
So thankfully I bought the insurance for my airline ticket, graduation postponed 2 weeks :(
But my son got his orders, staying in Jacksonville! Closer for mom to go visit :)
I put my guy on a plane this afternoon and just got word that he is back "on deck" - so vacation is officially over. It was great fun having him (and EVERYONE else) home, but sure glad I don't have to feed the whole crew often!
So here is the scoop I got from him regarding Romeos v Sierras.
Romeo - HSM Squadron, which stands for Maritime Strike. They are sea-going only and do extra schooling for more in depth radar and oceanography coursework. Their Helo is equipment heavy and stationary, meaning that there are up to 4 sonar stations in the helo that don't move and room for only one litter. They are gunner equipped, but with less and smaller ammo than the Sierras.
Sierras - HSC Squadron, which stands for Sea Combat, They do sea, desert, & mountain rescue. Their Helo is adaptable for more cargo or personnel, when I saw it at graduation, only the pilot seats were inside, the rest was empty (my guy said they had the crew and 12 guys they were moving in his helo once - close quarters, but they fit), they also fit up to three litters. They have heavier guns and ammo.
On deployed ships there are both Romeo & Sierra helos and they work in "sister squadrons". He said basically, the Romeos are close in to the carrier (he called it MOM) and the Sierras are out farther; the Romeos monitor the sonar and surrounding area, and call out to the Sierras regarding hot spots - he said think of it as the Romeo is the dog, and the Sierra is the teeth and claws, one doesn't work without the other.
So basically the same job, different certifications working together to keep the carrier and all on board safe.
Hi, New here my son leaves for bc in week, contract for AIRRS. Could someone explain if they do fly out to Pensacola after PIR or do they stay for training in Great Lakes first, that's what he was told yesterday. Read the Path to Rescue swimmer here but it could be outdated. Any and All help appreciated, Thanks
Bats27 my son left the day after PIR headed straight to Pensacola has been there since March 28 he is in week 3 of RSS right now lots and lots of waiting to class up
@Melissa, many thanks for the information. It is very helpful. My son is waiting to class up to start A School in the Romeo platform.
@bats27, in my case my son graduated from BC in November 2015 but due to medical issues he had to stay in Great Lakes until January 2016. I had the opportunity to be with him during the whole weekend. Now is in Pensacola and just graduated from RSS in June.
@Ma11, I'm so happy for your son. In two weeks he will be graduating as a rescue swimmer. Yay!!!! Are you planning to go to the graduation ceremony? Is not as graduating from BC, it is a very short ceremony, but I enjoyed the weekend in Pensacola.
Unless things have changed, the only group that stays in Great Lakes after Boot Camp is the BUDS group (pre-SEAL/SWCC training) otherwise, they fly out immediately to where ever their A School is.
I wouldn't get your hopes up about leave between RSS and A School - they could have a day or two, or many months, it just really depends on the needs of the Navy at the time your son finishes RSS. My son went directly from one to the other and then immediately to CA for SERE, then directly to training with his Squadron, with no leave in between. It is different for others, again depending on the needs of the Navy, but don't count on leave happening - just be glad when it does!
My son also flew directly to P'cola from PIR. He has been in the Navy for 1 1/2 years and has only flown home for 1 long holiday weekend last fall. He is not expected to have a leave granted until the end of the pipeline in December, which will be his 2 year mark. He is Romeo also in SD.
Two weeks ago I went down to Jacksonville to watch my son graduate into an official rescue swimmer ( really nice ceremony, recommend going if you can!). I have been able to keep him these past 2 weeks but need to say good bye tomorrow. I don't know how. He is getting ready to deploy with his squadron in December for 9 months so when I hug him it will be the last time I get to hug him for about a year. This is so hard.
{{Hugs, Marianne}}. It is hard to watch them go. I can still remember crying as mine boarded the plane, hummm maybe that's why he just wants us to drop off at the door these days, lol. It does get a little better as time goes on but it still hurts. I'm pretty sure mine is never going to move back home when/if he decides to get out when the time comes, sigh.
It's always hard - even with the ones who are not military, but it does get easier to smile through the tears as they leave, because even if they don't move back near you, they always know where home is. Hugs to you Marianne, I hope you enjoyed a great time with your son.
Jodi - how is your son doing? Has he been able to contact you much?
So as I am facing my son's first deployment I am just wondering what to expect. Will he get to call? How often? Will he get to write, should I send him with envelopes? Is it regular stamps? What about packages? Is there a phone service that is better? We have Verizon but heard that is not always good overseas. He reports to the ship on September but deploys in December, what is he doing the next 3 months?? Sorry I just have so many questions that my son just can't answer. Thanks!
I'm not the best person to answer this as my son has only been out on short stints, but while he has been out I only received emails, not any phone calls - same goes for the people I know who have had kids out on boats. You might check with your specific carrier about overseas charges, I know when my daughter went to Europe for an extended trip, the cost for just minimal time was astounding, something like 3+ dollars a minute. We opted for her not to take her phone at all, instead she had her laptop and kept us updated with emails and Facebook when the hotels she stayed in had wi-fi available.
However, I do know he will spend the next three months training, training, training for deployment. My son is not scheduled for deployment until early 2017, but his Squadron started this summer with training and it is scheduled back to back to back until they leave. My son actually complained (just a little!) about all the flight hours he is logging lately.
Jodi - glad to hear your son is well. Please let him know that he and everyone else on board is in the thoughts and prayers of all of us.
My son just returned from a seven month deployment. Yay! He's thrilled to be back in San Diego, that's for sure. Anyway, while he was on the ship (carrier most of the time), we communicated ia email but he also used Facebook messenger.
He called whenever he was in a port and the charge, if any, was minimal because he downloaded an app called What's App to his phone before they left San Diego. The only time I has additional charges on our bill was when he let some of his buddies use his phone because they didn't download the app.
Regular mail was appreciated as well. Cards, letters, packages, he was happy just getting mail.
One other thing, it usually took my son several days to respond back to my emails and part of that is because their shop (where his squadron would hang out I guess), only had several computers and quite a few people trying to get on them when Internet was available, which wasn't all the time.
@ hsquared60 - My son is in HSC-14 and just returned from the same deployment (his first), We got to see him in HI, and he's home right now enjoying all his favorite meals and sleeping :) He'll be back in San Diego next week. I'll have to have him look into the What's App.
Anyway, to Marianne... we have Verizon as well and got an International plan before he left, but the charges were still huge when he was in port from calling his girlfriend. He paid for the charges, but said it was worth it. We encouraged him to use wifi when in port and Facetime instead of calling, but that rarely happened. When at sea their phones have to be on airplane mode, so we mainly communicated using Facebook Messenger and occasionally email. We sent monthly care packages using USPS Priority Mail. It cost all of $16.00 to ship the large box. The time it took the packages to get to him varied between 2 weeks to a month, so plan ahead for birthday or holiday shipments. Some folks even ship those first packages weeks before they even leave!
I strongly encourage you to go on Facebook and find out if your son's ship has a support group or friends/family page. They're private and you have to request to join, but the administrators are pros at the deployment ins and outs and have a wealth of information they share. That's where I got most of my information leading up to and during the deployment.
Our son left for Guam after a nice few weeks of leave at home. He's super excited about the move to Guam, it was his 1st choice after graduating. Seeing him so excited helped with this most recent departure.
I'm go grateful for all the info from other Moms through this group because it sure helps to understand the processes.
We haven't heard from him yet but I'm guessing that the process for "moving in" must take lots of time.
It's my understanding that our son will have to use the phone carrier on the island. Until then we might have to wait until he settles in to hear from him?
Is the What's App app safe while they're on deployment? We will definitely look into it to save money. Our son really really isn't the "write an email" kinda guy so that app and FB might be the only contact we have!
Hi, Son's PIR 9/2 then onto Pensacola for the next leg of his journey. Any info greatly appreciated as to what to expect in the next few months. His info not always reliable. Living arrangements, training, If they're waiting to class up (hope that's what it's called)what do they do, Can they drive/have vehicle at some point? Thanks
Congratulations to your son Grace - mine wanted a Guam assignment, but when he graduated there were only San Diego places available. I hear the water there is fabulous for diving. Hope he has a great time.
Congratulations to you also bats37 - I hope you are able to go to Great Lakes for PIR, it is quite a ceremony. He should leave for Pensacola shortly after PIR, and he could be on hold there for a bit, it just really depends on the needs of the Navy at the time he arrives. While waiting to class up, he should continue studying and training - swimming, running, lifting - the classes in Pensacola are designed to weed out those that are not absolutely focused on Air Rescue. My son always said it was more mental than physical, but the physical counts a lot. Tell him to keep his nose clean, don't know his age, but there is a lot of underage drinking on base, and there have been instances of guys being caught drinking in their dorms, and either being kicked out of the program, or being back burnered for an extended period, so his best bet is just not.
Living arrangements are dorms on base, if I remember correctly, there is limited leave at first, and quite tight uniform regs they have to follow, but that will loosen up as they move along. Not sure about the vehicle, as my son didn't have one. Just tell him to stay strong and work hard and he will do great.
hsquared60 - thanks for the head's up on the What's App. I will have my son check it out before he deploys. It sounds like it will come in handy.
Thank you Melissa, He'll be turning 20. Definitely going to tell him to keep his nose clean and hoping he'll be busy studying,swimming, and working out. I had read about the underage drinking but will have to remind him if this is what he wants in life better not mess it up. I can't wait to see him at PIR and see how he is. Thanks again!
Congrats bats27 on your son's graduation. It's been a while since my son was at that stage but I do remember him getting mad at others screwing up because it effects the barracks (same as at bc they all pay for someone's screwing up). Like Melissa says tell him to work hard, keep up on his running etc. to keep physically fit. Also he should volunteer if he can. It looks good to their superiors plus it keeps him busy and out of trouble.
Marianne, my son is deployed right now. He uses the ships email to keep in contact. Sometimes the email is down depending on where they are so contact sometimes is spotty but I do hear from him frequently. His phone got fried by the ship radar so his phone no longer is working. When in port he does FB message us which is nice. I send him priority boxes every few weeks. He said it's just like Christmas! The whole squadron benefits from care packages so they really enjoy getting them. I use the large "gameboard" size box-it seems to hold more than the other large box USPS has and I do stuff that box full. The sides are bulging lol. However do not send anything that can't take a beating and definitely tape the whole box because they do arrive beat up. I sent crackers once and was told they were all crumbs.
My son just had PIR on 9/2 and now in Pensacola. His birthday is Saturday and was wondering if I can send mail or do they have to wait also what about box of snacks?
Go ahead and send mail - you might ask your son what, if anything he wants from home now. Mine wanted civilian clothes, some personal items, and some electronic items. I think there was/is a restriction on food in the barracks, but like SMW729 said - check with your guy, he will know.
Congratulations on PR - did you get to go to the ceremony? Good luck to your Sailor in Pensacola.
Thank you Melissa. Yes I did go to his PIR, it was great. Didn't get much time with him as he flew out Sat morn. He did take a few cloths I had brought with me but said they took them till he's allowed, so I'll wait. He has to wait few weeks to class up and he's still taking it all in and he has studying to do.
Melissa
Jodi, my son's Squadron is scheduled to deploy early 2017, so yes and no to your question. He has been doing short hops to both the ship and the desert since he arrived at Coronado. That I am aware of - and as we all know! - this is scheduled to change at any time, he has this hop to the ship, a month later this summer somewhere in Nevada, and then sometime around November another desert training. Just because they are out of school doesn't mean the training ends! I was very surprised also about the desert training (or turf training, because they do mountain training also).
He passed his final tests and is a fully qualified crew chief and to date has logged more than 500 flight hours!
Apr 20, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Congrats to you son! He sounds like he's been very busy. How long has he been in?
My son left on deployment yesterday. I sure hope they got the wi-fi fixed on the ship :)))
Apr 20, 2016
Melissa
Prayers to you and your son Jodi - and to all the personnel on the ship. Fair winds and following seas!
My son entered Boot Camp in August 2012.
Apr 22, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Your son was entering just as mine was leaving :)
Thanks for the prayers!
Apr 22, 2016
Ma11
Apr 26, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Ma11-Good luck to your son. Remind your son he needs to stay focused. It's not easy but if he keeps himself focused on the end he will do fine. Get ready Mom to be his biggest cheerleader!
May 23, 2016
Marianne
May 30, 2016
Melissa
Lucky you Marianne - my son missed his brother's wedding because of A School, so count your blessing and enjoy your visit!
And speaking of my son - guess who got promoted on Thursday? Yeah!! Petty Officer 2nd (E-5). He gets frocked on Friday, sure wish I could be there to see it.
Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. Jodi - do you hear anything from your son? Hope he is enjoy his float.
May 31, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Hi, Melissa. Congrats to your son, that's a great accomplishment!!
Yeah, I been getting a fair amount of emails from him, more than I thought I would so I'm a very happy momma!! He is enjoying it so far.
Marianne, how lucky for you! Enjoy your short time with your boy :))
Jun 1, 2016
Melissa
Good deal Jodi - mine was out for a three week training and was only able to get one email out to me. Glad to hear he is able to contact you and that he is enjoying his time on ship. Tell him to take lots of pictures at every port they stop at. One of the guys my son went to hs with is out on the Boxer and he is posting fabulous pictures from all their ports of call. I know it is work, and serious work at that, but oh what adventures for these fabulous men and women!
And thanks Jodi - I am so proud of the wonderful young man he has become. He's worked hard for this and it is paying off.
Jun 1, 2016
Grace
So excited! Our son got his wings today! Wishing we could have been there but he didn't notice in time for us to fly out there. :-( The great news is that he'll be coming straight home before he reports to duty. Are there any restrictions on this site about posting where their orders are for? I'd love to connect to other Moms that have kids stationed where he is going.
Jun 17, 2016
mtnestr
I think it's okay to say where he's going.....just not the when, how, and other specifics. Congratulations!
Jun 18, 2016
mtnestr
My son is currently training in SD.....will graduate approx. Dec.
Jun 18, 2016
mtnestr
Romeo.
Jun 18, 2016
lelolaipr
Congratulations to both!!! My son just graduate from RSS last Friday. Yesterday he was told that he will be assign to Romeo platform. Where I can get information about this kind of platform? Any word of advice for a mom? What to expect?
Jun 18, 2016
Melissa
Not sure if there is anywhere that will give you specific information regarding Romeo vs Sierra swimmers. My son is Romeo out of San Diego - the train water, but also desert and turf (mountain) training. As his Mom, just continue to be his cheerleader on this journey. The trail is hard, and he will need to continue to study and work harder than ever, just know that it is all worth it once he is fully trained and actually spending time on ships and helos.
My son works hard, but is having the time of his life. Good luck to your son. Does he know yet where he is headed?
Congratulation to you also Grace - getting your wings is a huge step!
Jun 20, 2016
Marianne
Jun 20, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Congrats to all the swimmers that are advancing and to their mommas that helped get them there!!! I agree with you Melissa, they work hard but what an adventure they are having. Mine has been deployed for several months but the nice thing is I think I hear from him more now that I ever have - not as many distractions right now out in the middle of the ocean :))
Jun 21, 2016
mtnestr
I found this article online. There is some history that is probably more than you asked for, but it does describe some differences between the Romeo (MH-60R) and the Sierra (MH-60S). According to my limited understanding, they are basically the same helo but have different equipment, and do some different jobs.
USN: Nighthawk and Seahawk
Jun 26, 2016
Melissa
My guy is coming home tomorrow and I get him for a whole week!! Of course, I have to share him with his siblings and his grandparents, but I guess that's okay. =) Can't wait!
I'll ask while he's home, but I think the main difference has to do with nuclear subs and such - as in Romeo's go after them and Sierra's don't. Plus my guy (Sierra) also does turf training (mountain and desert) and I am not sure that the Romeo's do that - Jodi, do you know? I also know that the Romeo's do more schooling - but again, I think that is the nuclear portion of it.
Jun 26, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
My son did have more schooling. I think he mentioned that for every Romeo group going through Sierras graduated 3 or something like that. He is a sub chaser so he learned sonar. I don't think he did the turf training that I'm aware of.
Jun 27, 2016
lelolaipr
Thank you ladies for all your input and information. I really appreciate your comments.
Melissa, I'm so happy for you. I'm pretty sure you will enjoy you Sailor as well as the whole family.
My Sailor is still waiting to start A School, but first he's hoping to finally move to the other side of the base (hopefully this week).
Wish you all well!!
Jun 28, 2016
Marianne
But my son got his orders, staying in Jacksonville! Closer for mom to go visit :)
Jul 2, 2016
Melissa
I put my guy on a plane this afternoon and just got word that he is back "on deck" - so vacation is officially over. It was great fun having him (and EVERYONE else) home, but sure glad I don't have to feed the whole crew often!
So here is the scoop I got from him regarding Romeos v Sierras.
Romeo - HSM Squadron, which stands for Maritime Strike. They are sea-going only and do extra schooling for more in depth radar and oceanography coursework. Their Helo is equipment heavy and stationary, meaning that there are up to 4 sonar stations in the helo that don't move and room for only one litter. They are gunner equipped, but with less and smaller ammo than the Sierras.
Sierras - HSC Squadron, which stands for Sea Combat, They do sea, desert, & mountain rescue. Their Helo is adaptable for more cargo or personnel, when I saw it at graduation, only the pilot seats were inside, the rest was empty (my guy said they had the crew and 12 guys they were moving in his helo once - close quarters, but they fit), they also fit up to three litters. They have heavier guns and ammo.
On deployed ships there are both Romeo & Sierra helos and they work in "sister squadrons". He said basically, the Romeos are close in to the carrier (he called it MOM) and the Sierras are out farther; the Romeos monitor the sonar and surrounding area, and call out to the Sierras regarding hot spots - he said think of it as the Romeo is the dog, and the Sierra is the teeth and claws, one doesn't work without the other.
So basically the same job, different certifications working together to keep the carrier and all on board safe.
Bravo Zulu Swimmers!
Jul 6, 2016
bats27
Hi, New here my son leaves for bc in week, contract for AIRRS. Could someone explain if they do fly out to Pensacola after PIR or do they stay for training in Great Lakes first, that's what he was told yesterday. Read the Path to Rescue swimmer here but it could be outdated. Any and All help appreciated, Thanks
Jul 7, 2016
Ma11
Jul 7, 2016
lelolaipr
Hi ladies, hope all of you are well!!
@Melissa, many thanks for the information. It is very helpful. My son is waiting to class up to start A School in the Romeo platform.
@bats27, in my case my son graduated from BC in November 2015 but due to medical issues he had to stay in Great Lakes until January 2016. I had the opportunity to be with him during the whole weekend. Now is in Pensacola and just graduated from RSS in June.
@Ma11, I'm so happy for your son. In two weeks he will be graduating as a rescue swimmer. Yay!!!! Are you planning to go to the graduation ceremony? Is not as graduating from BC, it is a very short ceremony, but I enjoyed the weekend in Pensacola.
Jul 7, 2016
Ma11
Jul 7, 2016
Melissa
Unless things have changed, the only group that stays in Great Lakes after Boot Camp is the BUDS group (pre-SEAL/SWCC training) otherwise, they fly out immediately to where ever their A School is.
I wouldn't get your hopes up about leave between RSS and A School - they could have a day or two, or many months, it just really depends on the needs of the Navy at the time your son finishes RSS. My son went directly from one to the other and then immediately to CA for SERE, then directly to training with his Squadron, with no leave in between. It is different for others, again depending on the needs of the Navy, but don't count on leave happening - just be glad when it does!
Jul 8, 2016
mtnestr
My son also flew directly to P'cola from PIR. He has been in the Navy for 1 1/2 years and has only flown home for 1 long holiday weekend last fall. He is not expected to have a leave granted until the end of the pipeline in December, which will be his 2 year mark. He is Romeo also in SD.
Jul 12, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Congrats Ma11 to your son!
Jul 19, 2016
lelolaipr
@Ma11, congrats to you and to your son!
Jul 19, 2016
Marianne
Aug 12, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
{{Hugs, Marianne}}. It is hard to watch them go. I can still remember crying as mine boarded the plane, hummm maybe that's why he just wants us to drop off at the door these days, lol. It does get a little better as time goes on but it still hurts. I'm pretty sure mine is never going to move back home when/if he decides to get out when the time comes, sigh.
Aug 12, 2016
Melissa
It's always hard - even with the ones who are not military, but it does get easier to smile through the tears as they leave, because even if they don't move back near you, they always know where home is. Hugs to you Marianne, I hope you enjoyed a great time with your son.
Jodi - how is your son doing? Has he been able to contact you much?
Aug 14, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Melissa, my son is doing good. For a while I heard from him more that when he was here on US soil lol. But it's been quiet for the past week or so.
Aug 16, 2016
Marianne
Aug 18, 2016
Melissa
I'm not the best person to answer this as my son has only been out on short stints, but while he has been out I only received emails, not any phone calls - same goes for the people I know who have had kids out on boats. You might check with your specific carrier about overseas charges, I know when my daughter went to Europe for an extended trip, the cost for just minimal time was astounding, something like 3+ dollars a minute. We opted for her not to take her phone at all, instead she had her laptop and kept us updated with emails and Facebook when the hotels she stayed in had wi-fi available.
However, I do know he will spend the next three months training, training, training for deployment. My son is not scheduled for deployment until early 2017, but his Squadron started this summer with training and it is scheduled back to back to back until they leave. My son actually complained (just a little!) about all the flight hours he is logging lately.
Jodi - glad to hear your son is well. Please let him know that he and everyone else on board is in the thoughts and prayers of all of us.
Aug 18, 2016
hsquared60
He called whenever he was in a port and the charge, if any, was minimal because he downloaded an app called What's App to his phone before they left San Diego. The only time I has additional charges on our bill was when he let some of his buddies use his phone because they didn't download the app.
Regular mail was appreciated as well. Cards, letters, packages, he was happy just getting mail.
One other thing, it usually took my son several days to respond back to my emails and part of that is because their shop (where his squadron would hang out I guess), only had several computers and quite a few people trying to get on them when Internet was available, which wasn't all the time.
Good luck to your son!
Aug 19, 2016
TXmom
@ hsquared60 - My son is in HSC-14 and just returned from the same deployment (his first), We got to see him in HI, and he's home right now enjoying all his favorite meals and sleeping :) He'll be back in San Diego next week. I'll have to have him look into the What's App.
Anyway, to Marianne... we have Verizon as well and got an International plan before he left, but the charges were still huge when he was in port from calling his girlfriend. He paid for the charges, but said it was worth it. We encouraged him to use wifi when in port and Facetime instead of calling, but that rarely happened. When at sea their phones have to be on airplane mode, so we mainly communicated using Facebook Messenger and occasionally email. We sent monthly care packages using USPS Priority Mail. It cost all of $16.00 to ship the large box. The time it took the packages to get to him varied between 2 weeks to a month, so plan ahead for birthday or holiday shipments. Some folks even ship those first packages weeks before they even leave!
I strongly encourage you to go on Facebook and find out if your son's ship has a support group or friends/family page. They're private and you have to request to join, but the administrators are pros at the deployment ins and outs and have a wealth of information they share. That's where I got most of my information leading up to and during the deployment.
Best of luck to your son!
Aug 19, 2016
Grace
Our son left for Guam after a nice few weeks of leave at home. He's super excited about the move to Guam, it was his 1st choice after graduating. Seeing him so excited helped with this most recent departure.
I'm go grateful for all the info from other Moms through this group because it sure helps to understand the processes.
We haven't heard from him yet but I'm guessing that the process for "moving in" must take lots of time.
It's my understanding that our son will have to use the phone carrier on the island. Until then we might have to wait until he settles in to hear from him?
Is the What's App app safe while they're on deployment? We will definitely look into it to save money. Our son really really isn't the "write an email" kinda guy so that app and FB might be the only contact we have!
Any Rescue Swimmer Guam Moms here?
Aug 19, 2016
bats27
Hi, Son's PIR 9/2 then onto Pensacola for the next leg of his journey. Any info greatly appreciated as to what to expect in the next few months. His info not always reliable. Living arrangements, training, If they're waiting to class up (hope that's what it's called)what do they do, Can they drive/have vehicle at some point? Thanks
Aug 21, 2016
Melissa
Congratulations to your son Grace - mine wanted a Guam assignment, but when he graduated there were only San Diego places available. I hear the water there is fabulous for diving. Hope he has a great time.
Congratulations to you also bats37 - I hope you are able to go to Great Lakes for PIR, it is quite a ceremony. He should leave for Pensacola shortly after PIR, and he could be on hold there for a bit, it just really depends on the needs of the Navy at the time he arrives. While waiting to class up, he should continue studying and training - swimming, running, lifting - the classes in Pensacola are designed to weed out those that are not absolutely focused on Air Rescue. My son always said it was more mental than physical, but the physical counts a lot. Tell him to keep his nose clean, don't know his age, but there is a lot of underage drinking on base, and there have been instances of guys being caught drinking in their dorms, and either being kicked out of the program, or being back burnered for an extended period, so his best bet is just not.
Living arrangements are dorms on base, if I remember correctly, there is limited leave at first, and quite tight uniform regs they have to follow, but that will loosen up as they move along. Not sure about the vehicle, as my son didn't have one. Just tell him to stay strong and work hard and he will do great.
hsquared60 - thanks for the head's up on the What's App. I will have my son check it out before he deploys. It sounds like it will come in handy.
Aug 21, 2016
bats27
Thank you Melissa, He'll be turning 20. Definitely going to tell him to keep his nose clean and hoping he'll be busy studying,swimming, and working out. I had read about the underage drinking but will have to remind him if this is what he wants in life better not mess it up. I can't wait to see him at PIR and see how he is. Thanks again!
Aug 22, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Congrats bats27 on your son's graduation. It's been a while since my son was at that stage but I do remember him getting mad at others screwing up because it effects the barracks (same as at bc they all pay for someone's screwing up). Like Melissa says tell him to work hard, keep up on his running etc. to keep physically fit. Also he should volunteer if he can. It looks good to their superiors plus it keeps him busy and out of trouble.
Aug 22, 2016
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Marianne, my son is deployed right now. He uses the ships email to keep in contact. Sometimes the email is down depending on where they are so contact sometimes is spotty but I do hear from him frequently. His phone got fried by the ship radar so his phone no longer is working. When in port he does FB message us which is nice. I send him priority boxes every few weeks. He said it's just like Christmas! The whole squadron benefits from care packages so they really enjoy getting them. I use the large "gameboard" size box-it seems to hold more than the other large box USPS has and I do stuff that box full. The sides are bulging lol. However do not send anything that can't take a beating and definitely tape the whole box because they do arrive beat up. I sent crackers once and was told they were all crumbs.
Aug 22, 2016
bats27
My son just had PIR on 9/2 and now in Pensacola. His birthday is Saturday and was wondering if I can send mail or do they have to wait also what about box of snacks?
Sep 5, 2016
SMW729
Sep 5, 2016
Melissa
Go ahead and send mail - you might ask your son what, if anything he wants from home now. Mine wanted civilian clothes, some personal items, and some electronic items. I think there was/is a restriction on food in the barracks, but like SMW729 said - check with your guy, he will know.
Congratulations on PR - did you get to go to the ceremony? Good luck to your Sailor in Pensacola.
Sep 5, 2016
bats27
Thank you Melissa. Yes I did go to his PIR, it was great. Didn't get much time with him as he flew out Sat morn. He did take a few cloths I had brought with me but said they took them till he's allowed, so I'll wait. He has to wait few weeks to class up and he's still taking it all in and he has studying to do.
Sep 6, 2016