For all of you that are still looling for a place to stay, don't forget about Airbnb. We are renting a little condo right near the beach. This is my 4th deployment and all of them have been out of Norfolk. It really doesn't take long to get to the base from just about anywhere in the Hampton Roads area, keeping in mind that there will be a few 1000 more people there so it will take a little longer than normal.
I feel like I'm going around in circles. I reached out to an ombudsman who told me I needed to have my son add me to the list to get onto the base and pier for homecoming. My son asked me today if someone contacted me for information because he gave them my info. When I said no he told me to contact an ombudsman. Is someone going to contact me. How will I know I have permission to be on that pier or on the base? Help
JackRussellMom..from what I have heard they just need to have your name on a list for the gate and pier. I'm still waiting to talk to my son and make sure he has us on a list. We have a military ID, but I had heard we still need to be on the list. So...as far as I know as long as your son has you on the list you should be OK. I doubt they will personally try to contact all of us who want to be there.
The way I understand both is that he has to give them your name to be on the list to get onto base to go to the pier. I believe that list was turned in a day or so ago. If your sailor added you to the FRG list the packet with homecoming information will be emailed to you soon. He had to request this via his Navy email to the FRG folks. If anyone reading this has a correction to my understanding please share!
thanks for the info. i think this was all done a little too late as he just sent FRG my info a couple of days ago. i just feel so alone and lost especially since i will be traveling there by myself, i just want to make sure everything goes smoothly. i hate not knowing what i'm doing. any info is greatly appreciated. thanks again
Welcome to the group Proud Navy Mom! Just keep reading the comments and hopefully we can all learn together. JackRussellMom feel free to message me if you need someone to talk to. We are all in this together as it is my first time seeing the ship come in (and last probably as it is my sons last year). We can do this together!
I heard from my son yesterday! The boy didnt have an adapter and his laptop was low on battery life AND he dropped his phone on the ship and his screen is cracked making the phone useless. How many times have we told him to get a case on his phone? Too macho for that..or he just doesnt want to take advice from his parents! Silly kid!
I was just added to FRG too but got the impression from FRG that it was not too late. Hopefully not since I am new too and feel lost as well. I think there will be a lot of us "lost folks" roaming around up there so don't feel alone!
JackRussellmom your son does have to add you to the list to get onto base the ombudsmen can't add you.
Proudnavymom welcome to the group
I am no expert on homecoming but this is my 2nd one. After you are added to the gate/pier list you should get a "homecoming packet. That will give the info of the do's/don't. I don't think it is too late to get added to the list to get in the gate but I wouldn't wait too long. We are all in this together learning as we go.
Hope you are all getting phone calls, skypes, and seeing lots of pics on fb of their port call. My daughter is loving this port. One day closer ladies, we can do this
Guess we are all "lost" together! I know he put me on the gate/dock list but don't think he did FRG (yet) as I have not received any info. I plan to go a day or so before and see what I can find out. I'm hoping they may have info on homecoming and arrival or direct me to where I can find out that info. I'm coming from out of state by myself too!
Have you moms seen the news from Crete(their current port)? A sailor got drunk, punched a taxi driver, stole the taxi, and crashed it. He/she is in the hospital. Do any of your sailors know about this?
oh man...don't like to hear those types of stories. I know this port must be really exciting because their tour is almost over. Let's pray all goes smooth!
I read the article, the sailor was 26. I snaped my sailor, and he said he promises it wasn't him! He was being funny... I knew it wasn't from the age, but ports worry me...so it was nice to hear from him.
Funny Bernapet... My son is 26 as well and I was glad to hear from him... Not that I had a thought it WOULD be him, but good to hear from him anyway. :)
Mine is 24 so I knew it wasnt him! It's always a worry when they do these port calls. I'm sure the sailors are so glad to be on land and have a drink....it can easily turn into a problem. I hope it gets sorted out. I'm sure it isnt the first time nor will it be the last...sadly. One day closer ladies! Seems almost REAL now!
Heard from my sailor today and she confirmed that this story is true. She said it is an officer and when they get back he will not be allowed off. Choices & consequences
Same here, I am on the gate list but not FRG. I wish we could just shake them and make them do what we need them to do for us. I got a picture of Crete today. It is beautiful!
Unfortunately the only way to get a copy of the Homecoming Packet is to be on the FRG mailing list. It cannot be shared for security reasons. Keep after your sailors to get you on the list! Remember OPSEC!!!!
Hi everyone,I'm not on the FRG list either. I spoke to my sailor on Friday. He was having a nice time with some friends at a restaurant. I plan to come out but my husband is having some health issues so not sure if it going to work out now....
We're happy for all you moms and dads whose son or daughter will soon be back! We know you are looking forward to their homecoming and spending time at home. Enjoy your reunion!
JGMom: We NAVYMOMS have to do what we have to do. I'm going solo too... with a painful foot to boot. Pardon the pun. LOL I missed the first homecoming so I feel I've been given a second chance. Thank you GOD.
John and Yvonne: Thank you for all your kindness to our sailors. It means so much to all of us mothers! Please pray for everyone to get there safely. (HUGS)
JackRussellMom I too am flying in by myself. My daughters 2nd deployment and I didn't make the first one. I watched it on livestream. It was really hard. This time we will be in front of a camera for sure so the folks back home can see us. I am a little nervous, but will do fine. Maybe once we get to the hotels we are staying at another Navyformoms mom can show us what to do. Anyway I'm so excited.
Does anyone know how/when the information for streaming the return will come out? Sadly, our son does not want us to come. He says he barely knows is wife now (married 2 years), doesn't know his son (now 9 months old), and doesn't recognize where he lives (she painted everything)... so he wants to meet up with his wife and son, and have 2 weeks to acclimate to His family and life... then have us come. I certainly understand... but don't have to like it :) I had been so excited about seeing that ship pull in. And I assume his name was not drawn in the "1st off" raffle, but I tried. Enjoy all. I hope we can watch it stream live. Let me know what ya know. Thanks.
Oh, BoomMom, I sympathize with you! Sounds like his world totally changed right down to the paint on the walls (let alone the newest family member)! He does have quite a lot to which to acclimate! On the bright side, you will see him soon, and just knowing he's home and safe will make that wait pass in a snap!! And then you have the best of both worlds - that little one along with your son!! Your son is blessed to have so many of his family able and/or willing to be there to greet him!!
My plan is simple. Get there and follow what and where everyone else is doing and going, lol. Can't wait! Spoke to him yesterday and he was loving Crete and sent me beautiful pictures too. He said he put my name on the list for the base and the pier and he emailed FRG but I haven't heard from FRG as of yet. So I am thinking I should be ok.
I too would like to watch it stream live. My son said they will go straight to the airport to fly back to his assigned base so that I wouldn't even get a chance to see him but for a second. I do know he'll be manning the rails so I sure would like to watch it approach online if possible!
I would love the info on watch a live stream if I am unable to make it out. Will know within the week. Thanks to everyone for all the info. I am like Jackrussellmom just get there and follow everyone! It will work out.
At one point my sailor said all we had to do was give his name at the gate to get on base. I hope he's right! As I have said before, he won't put me on the Ombudsman list.
:(
I agree with JackRussellMom, "Get there and follow what and where everyone else is doing and going."!
I will be arriving a couple of days before homecoming. I would love to help anyone once you get to Virginia. We coukd setup a place to meet. I did receive the packet from FRG.
We will definitely pray for all moms(and dads) to get here safely and the ship too! We sure hope when everything settles down and all the sailors come back from their time home, that we will get to meet some of them and invite them into our home on the weekends.:)
Texted with my sailor this morning, and I asked him if he's having a great time, and he said..."ya, great time...I have stories that will make your hair turn white!" Now, that's what a mother wants to hear! LOL!!!
Wow, I'm getting so excited for all of you as homecoming nears! Sailor Mom again - that's awesome that you will set something up for everyone to meet. And Bernapet I'm sure the signs will be perfect. You ladies are going to have a fantastic time ;-)
Sounds like you are in for some good stories Bernapet! Hopefully you'll be able to share a few lol!
I know there are strict rules and regulations upon entering the base, pier, etc. Because my Sailor hasn't added me to the newsletter thingy, I was wondering if this tent would be allowed. It is very small. I have suffer from migraines and seizures...that the sun sometimes causes. I just want enough time to prepare for the "maybe's". Thank you for all the information you have provided me being a first time homecoming mom.
kdshow - no large coolers are allowed but small lunch boxes/soft coolers are ok. It doesn't specifically say anything about small tents but it does say "sunscreen, umbrellas or anything else needed for weather" is permitted. Hopefully someone here with more knowledge can help. Otherwise I would suggest contacting the FRG and asking them.....
kdshow: From when I went before I am pretty sure that would not be allowed. They do have a new Mom/Baby tent set up with snack food and drinks and a bigger tent with activities for the kids. You could always ask if you could please sit in one of those and I am sure they will let you....
Carol Ann: That would be perfect. Just a little something to get out of the sun if/when I feel one coming on. Thank you. I'll leave the tent at home. More room for my Sailor.
kdshow - does it help to use an umbrella? I'm not good in the sun either, it makes me real sick if it's direct. I've found that an umbrella helps a lot along with sun grasses and sometimes a visor. I look like a huge dork, but I'm outside enjoying myself, so who cares. LOL I'm sure the Navy will be very accommodating to your situation. They've always helped me when the need arose.
I never minded the look, as long as I could do what I wanted it made it all worth it. There's also those Stay-cool scarves that you get wet and they keep you cool for hours. Maybe you can find one of those, they are really wonderful and work great. Stay-cool.jpg I've attached a picture if I did it right.
Sailor Mom Again
Jun 21, 2016
JackRussellMom
Jun 21, 2016
Lorabelllee
JackRussellMom..from what I have heard they just need to have your name on a list for the gate and pier. I'm still waiting to talk to my son and make sure he has us on a list. We have a military ID, but I had heard we still need to be on the list. So...as far as I know as long as your son has you on the list you should be OK. I doubt they will personally try to contact all of us who want to be there.
if anyone knows any different please let us know.
Jun 21, 2016
Cam'smom
Jun 21, 2016
JackRussellMom
thanks for the info. i think this was all done a little too late as he just sent FRG my info a couple of days ago. i just feel so alone and lost especially since i will be traveling there by myself, i just want to make sure everything goes smoothly. i hate not knowing what i'm doing. any info is greatly appreciated. thanks again
Jun 22, 2016
Lorabelllee
Welcome to the group Proud Navy Mom! Just keep reading the comments and hopefully we can all learn together. JackRussellMom feel free to message me if you need someone to talk to. We are all in this together as it is my first time seeing the ship come in (and last probably as it is my sons last year). We can do this together!
I heard from my son yesterday! The boy didnt have an adapter and his laptop was low on battery life AND he dropped his phone on the ship and his screen is cracked making the phone useless. How many times have we told him to get a case on his phone? Too macho for that..or he just doesnt want to take advice from his parents! Silly kid!
Jun 22, 2016
Cam'smom
I was just added to FRG too but got the impression from FRG that it was not too late. Hopefully not since I am new too and feel lost as well. I think there will be a lot of us "lost folks" roaming around up there so don't feel alone!
Jun 22, 2016
JackRussellMom
Thanks, I don't feel so alone anymore! :)
Jun 22, 2016
too tall Joan
Proudnavymom welcome to the group
I am no expert on homecoming but this is my 2nd one. After you are added to the gate/pier list you should get a "homecoming packet. That will give the info of the do's/don't. I don't think it is too late to get added to the list to get in the gate but I wouldn't wait too long. We are all in this together learning as we go.
Hope you are all getting phone calls, skypes, and seeing lots of pics on fb of their port call. My daughter is loving this port. One day closer ladies, we can do this
Jun 22, 2016
Redsmom
Guess we are all "lost" together! I know he put me on the gate/dock list but don't think he did FRG (yet) as I have not received any info. I plan to go a day or so before and see what I can find out. I'm hoping they may have info on homecoming and arrival or direct me to where I can find out that info. I'm coming from out of state by myself too!
Jun 22, 2016
Redsmom
Have the "homecoming packets" been sent yet?
Jun 22, 2016
Bigmama
Have you moms seen the news from Crete(their current port)? A sailor got drunk, punched a taxi driver, stole the taxi, and crashed it. He/she is in the hospital. Do any of your sailors know about this?
http://www.chaniapost.eu/2016/06/22/drunk-american-soldier-from-uss...
Jun 22, 2016
Bernapet
Jun 22, 2016
Redsmom
Wow! No, hadn't seen that one. I can't find anything on their Crete port at all!
Jun 22, 2016
Devinsmom
Jun 22, 2016
Bernapet
Jun 22, 2016
BoomMom
Funny Bernapet... My son is 26 as well and I was glad to hear from him... Not that I had a thought it WOULD be him, but good to hear from him anyway. :)
Jun 22, 2016
Lorabelllee
Mine is 24 so I knew it wasnt him! It's always a worry when they do these port calls. I'm sure the sailors are so glad to be on land and have a drink....it can easily turn into a problem. I hope it gets sorted out. I'm sure it isnt the first time nor will it be the last...sadly. One day closer ladies! Seems almost REAL now!
Jun 22, 2016
too tall Joan
Jun 22, 2016
Amy L.
Jun 22, 2016
JakesMom
Same here, I am on the gate list but not FRG. I wish we could just shake them and make them do what we need them to do for us. I got a picture of Crete today. It is beautiful!
Jun 22, 2016
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Unfortunately the only way to get a copy of the Homecoming Packet is to be on the FRG mailing list. It cannot be shared for security reasons. Keep after your sailors to get you on the list! Remember OPSEC!!!!
One day closer.....
Jun 22, 2016
Navymom2
JackRussellmom: there is a lot of us in the same boat - you are definitely not alone.
Redsmom: yes, I'm definitely lost too.
Bernapet: Did we decide on what color scarves or something else? So exciting!!! :)
Jun 22, 2016
JGMom
Hi everyone,I'm not on the FRG list either. I spoke to my sailor on Friday. He was having a nice time with some friends at a restaurant. I plan to come out but my husband is having some health issues so not sure if it going to work out now....
I would hate to miss this.
Jun 22, 2016
John and Yvonne
We're happy for all you moms and dads whose son or daughter will soon be back! We know you are looking forward to their homecoming and spending time at home. Enjoy your reunion!
Yvonne and John
Jun 22, 2016
Navymom2
JGMom: We NAVYMOMS have to do what we have to do. I'm going solo too... with a painful foot to boot. Pardon the pun. LOL I missed the first homecoming so I feel I've been given a second chance. Thank you GOD.
John and Yvonne: Thank you for all your kindness to our sailors. It means so much to all of us mothers! Please pray for everyone to get there safely. (HUGS)
Jun 22, 2016
sheis22 Ship 02 Div. 932
JackRussellMom I too am flying in by myself. My daughters 2nd deployment and I didn't make the first one. I watched it on livestream. It was really hard. This time we will be in front of a camera for sure so the folks back home can see us. I am a little nervous, but will do fine. Maybe once we get to the hotels we are staying at another Navyformoms mom can show us what to do. Anyway I'm so excited.
One day closer.
Jun 23, 2016
BoomMom
Does anyone know how/when the information for streaming the return will come out? Sadly, our son does not want us to come. He says he barely knows is wife now (married 2 years), doesn't know his son (now 9 months old), and doesn't recognize where he lives (she painted everything)... so he wants to meet up with his wife and son, and have 2 weeks to acclimate to His family and life... then have us come. I certainly understand... but don't have to like it :) I had been so excited about seeing that ship pull in. And I assume his name was not drawn in the "1st off" raffle, but I tried. Enjoy all. I hope we can watch it stream live. Let me know what ya know. Thanks.
Jun 23, 2016
Redsmom
Oh, BoomMom, I sympathize with you! Sounds like his world totally changed right down to the paint on the walls (let alone the newest family member)! He does have quite a lot to which to acclimate! On the bright side, you will see him soon, and just knowing he's home and safe will make that wait pass in a snap!! And then you have the best of both worlds - that little one along with your son!! Your son is blessed to have so many of his family able and/or willing to be there to greet him!!
Jun 23, 2016
JackRussellMom
My plan is simple. Get there and follow what and where everyone else is doing and going, lol. Can't wait! Spoke to him yesterday and he was loving Crete and sent me beautiful pictures too. He said he put my name on the list for the base and the pier and he emailed FRG but I haven't heard from FRG as of yet. So I am thinking I should be ok.
Jun 23, 2016
Betsy
I too would like to watch it stream live. My son said they will go straight to the airport to fly back to his assigned base so that I wouldn't even get a chance to see him but for a second. I do know he'll be manning the rails so I sure would like to watch it approach online if possible!
Jun 23, 2016
JGMom
I would love the info on watch a live stream if I am unable to make it out. Will know within the week. Thanks to everyone for all the info. I am like Jackrussellmom just get there and follow everyone! It will work out.
Jun 23, 2016
1Bodyprof
At one point my sailor said all we had to do was give his name at the gate to get on base. I hope he's right! As I have said before, he won't put me on the Ombudsman list.
:(
I agree with JackRussellMom, "Get there and follow what and where everyone else is doing and going."!
Jun 23, 2016
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jun 23, 2016
Sailor Mom Again
Jun 23, 2016
John and Yvonne
Navymom2,
We will definitely pray for all moms(and dads) to get here safely and the ship too! We sure hope when everything settles down and all the sailors come back from their time home, that we will get to meet some of them and invite them into our home on the weekends.:)
Yvonne and John
Jun 24, 2016
Bernapet
Jun 24, 2016
Bernapet
Jun 24, 2016
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Wow, I'm getting so excited for all of you as homecoming nears! Sailor Mom again - that's awesome that you will set something up for everyone to meet. And Bernapet I'm sure the signs will be perfect. You ladies are going to have a fantastic time ;-)
Sounds like you are in for some good stories Bernapet! Hopefully you'll be able to share a few lol!
hang in there ladies.....one day closer!
Jun 24, 2016
kdshow
Jun 24, 2016
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
kdshow - no large coolers are allowed but small lunch boxes/soft coolers are ok. It doesn't specifically say anything about small tents but it does say "sunscreen, umbrellas or anything else needed for weather" is permitted. Hopefully someone here with more knowledge can help. Otherwise I would suggest contacting the FRG and asking them.....
Jun 24, 2016
kdshow
Thank you. I forgot all about the FRG. My mind is in anxiety mode. :)
Jun 24, 2016
Carol Ann
kdshow: From when I went before I am pretty sure that would not be allowed. They do have a new Mom/Baby tent set up with snack food and drinks and a bigger tent with activities for the kids. You could always ask if you could please sit in one of those and I am sure they will let you....
Jun 24, 2016
kdshow
Carol Ann: That would be perfect. Just a little something to get out of the sun if/when I feel one coming on. Thank you. I'll leave the tent at home. More room for my Sailor.
Jun 24, 2016
Carol Ann
kdshow: Welcome!
Jun 24, 2016
DonnaEricsMom
kdshow - does it help to use an umbrella? I'm not good in the sun either, it makes me real sick if it's direct. I've found that an umbrella helps a lot along with sun grasses and sometimes a visor. I look like a huge dork, but I'm outside enjoying myself, so who cares. LOL I'm sure the Navy will be very accommodating to your situation. They've always helped me when the need arose.
Jun 24, 2016
Carol Ann
If any of you know the livestream to watch please let me know what it is so I can watch....
Jun 24, 2016
DonnaEricsMom
Yes please . . . I'd like to know that also.
Jun 24, 2016
kdshow
Donna: Looks like I will be looking like a dork....as long as I feel good. I have to get me a hug.
A small cooler will carry a cold rag, an umbrella and sunglasses. Oh and my seizure meds. I'll be set and ready!
Thank you all for being so helpful.
Jun 24, 2016
DonnaEricsMom
I never minded the look, as long as I could do what I wanted it made it all worth it. There's also those Stay-cool scarves that you get wet and they keep you cool for hours. Maybe you can find one of those, they are really wonderful and work great. Stay-cool.jpg I've attached a picture if I did it right.
Jun 24, 2016