Baker1013 - also a PowerSchool class only starts every 2 months and there are A school classes graduating every week, not always for every rate. At any rate, there will be lots of ET (or EM or MM) classes combined into one PS class. There will be different sections that may or may not include some of the people they were in A school with.
ProudOfK - thank you. That makes sense. On a side note, do we know when the last or next Power School is scheduled to start? I don't remember hearing that in the comments lately.
Baker1013 and all. The above comments are correct as far as I know.
Timing is everything!
My sailor is in middle of 7 weeks of T Track, with no leave because it was too close to the December holiday. A PS class (of 400+, all ratings including officers) graduated the same day as his A School grad (late Jan). The next PS was classing up that same day. He tells us that he is scheduled to class up for PS in late March. He also says that his whole A School class will stay together combined with about half of the next class of the same rating (assume this is a section or sub-set of the whole PS class).
Regarding the grouping for PS - my sailor's class was the first of that rating to finish A school in this cycle which is probably why they are staying together. It looks like alternate classes may be split up to make slightly bigger PS groups. Again, timing is everything and Semper Gumby.
So this sounds like the next PS would class up late May? Is it possible that an A school graduation late April might be included in that PS start? Or would it be another two months potentially. (Knowing full well that anything can change, I promise not to hold anyone to a strict timeline ;) )
Haoo168-I’m thinking of you and wondering if you have heard from your sailor since he went to the mast? F just released from MILDIV after her 18 days, she thinks most of those in the public masting relative to the incident will serve 45 days in MILDIV, then have a review to see if they go back into nuke program or not. If you do speak with your sailor, remind him that attitude, obedience and honesty are even more important now than ever. If he can make the most of this hard experience he will grow...my daughter has. She has a new appreciation for her job, her superiors, and the privileges she enjoys as a sailor. Hugs and prayers to you.
Baker1013 -
I cannot confirm your specific timeline but an April A school grad should make the May PS. BTW, my son's class is not the oldest in this cycle - there is one class on an 8 week TTrack (they graduated with one week to spare but still didn't get to go right on to PS).
As I understand it, there are only so many classrooms in the Rickover and that affects the size, type, number and frequency of classes. It seems that INDOCs are longer than when my son arrived last summer. It is all a domino effect. Semper Gumby and good luck.
Islandgirl - Thank you for sharing your daughter's insight. Glad to hear that things are going fairly well.
Canuka - Thanks for sharing the more recent experiences with T-Track. I think a lot of it has to do also with the readjustments in sending the sailors on to Prototype as well. It does seem like there is a constant shifting and juggling and then even out in the fleet, adjustments have to be made as to which rate they need where and the guessing game doesn't always work. I think this is one of the reasons they push to see if they can get the qualified nukes to go ahead and decide on star reenlistment early on. Just my opinion.
Baker1013 - order quiet is issued by the SLPO in "A" school and Power School due to issues within the class. It could be one person that messes up or the whole class not passing a test. There is also no set time frame for the order quiet. It does suck for those that work hard and play by the rules. Our sailor classed up with different people throughout his time in the pipeline (he is an ET). ET's tend to have a longer hold time than MM's or EM's as there aren't as many in this rate. Your son's SLPO definitely gave him an atta boy for sure! Hopefully things start to look up for his class!
Baker1013- My ET is in a class that graduates A school near yours I am guessing. He has been told PS would be about 4 months after A in part because of the recent influx of nukes. The Navy had been pushing hard to fill the ranks of nukes and that is now being seen in the class sizes. My guess in the Proto limitations may also effect this.
If you watch the FB page for NNPTC they post A school grad pic, usually the week following. The room and class sizes have defiantly gotten bigger since October when I first started looking.
So.... based on a May 24 PS estimated start, PS start every 2 months, and a late April A graduation I am guessing PS will start in late July for mine. Only time will tell.
I am a planner so the Navy is killing me. I want to book flights, lodging, and request vacation time as soon as possible. I am getting twitchy about A graduation plans but keep holding off as recommended cause things change.
The back log of Nuke student should be getting smaller because this divisions coming up are a lot smaller and February had two weeks without graduations. My son said he only had 4 nuke recruits in his division coming up.
Ladies - Thank you for sharing the recent information it is helpful for everyone. And yes, the hurry up and wait is always a difficult thing. My son's PS graduation was pushed back one week within the last month of his graduation due to a hurricane evacuation. Come to think of it, his A-school graduation was also pushed back a week, due to unprecedented snow storm for GC. We drove to A-school grad and flew to PS. We did not book tickets until the last minute and so we paid more, but the extra week was helpful to me because it meant I was able to close on the estate house I was selling and had money in the bank to pay for 4 tickets and then my son's home and back before Prototype.
I say NO to a lot more things now, so that I am available to see my sailor, but I also have a lot more flexibility with my schedule than some. I have always been a planner, but the Navy has helped me stretch myself to be more flexible.
Not sure if this is the right place for this question, but I thought I'd ask anyway. My husband went to boot camp the 13th of Feb. I received my DEERS form today, and two letters from him. I have not received the form that talks about PIR and has his address, and I for some reason thought this came first. He told me his PIR is April 17th because he got there over a federal holiday. When should I expect the form letter?
My son just found out where he'll be stationed after he graduates from college and receives his commission this spring (he's in the STA-21 program). He's going to Everett WA to the USS Momsen, his first choice! I'm super-excited to have him back in the pacific northwest! A 5 hour drive is SO much more reasonable then an 8-10 hour plane ride!
Baker1013 - Your son can see about training as an ELT after Prototype. I believe B'sNukeMom's son did that. It is extra training that only the MMs can do. My son just recently shared with me a qualification he was working on as an ETN3 on his carrier. It was interesting because as I understood it, as an ET he was the one that was qualified to perform the task, but he was also reminded that he had to have a qualified MM overseeing him do the task, otherwise he would be out of line. So, they all work together!
hanne2020 - the official letter with the PIR date usually take anywhere from 9-14 business days so you are right at the window. Maybe it will come today! If you haven't already signed up for USPS Informed Delivery you should. This shows you what mail you have coming each day - here's the link:
Actually it was B's fiancee that did the ELT training. And yes, only MM's get picked up for that. I don't remember if maybe NancyJo's son was also an ELT.....I know we have a number of sailors here that got picked up for it.
My son did get ELT, and it allowed him to do 2 yrs as a junior instructor in Ballston Spa before he hit the fleet, and now after 3 deployments he is senior staff in Goose Creek. It turns out to have been a good thing for him. After proto another extra thing you might get picked up for is welder if I'm not mistaken, but I could be off about that. Anybody know?
I read everything, but dont ususally wrte. My son just finished up ELT after prototype. He said he loves it. He was given his orders for the Esinhower in virginia. One happy mom.
PacNWmom - I know you’ll love having your son back in the Pacific Northwest. We’ve loved having our son in Bremerton this past year just 4 hours from us.
SR was assigned MM. For those whose Nuke sailors received MM, what time did their flight from GL leave ORD? I'm reading where one future MM flew Saturday morning following graduation, and another left a week later leaving the sailor stuck at GL an extra week. Also read where another sailor didn't fly til way late Saturday night.
What experiences did other future MM's have flying from GL to GC?
PacNWmom - when during the pipeline was your nuke approached to apply for Sta-21? We heard it could be after A-school, or if not then, then possibly after Power School.
Was your nuke approached and told to apply (recruiter mentioned that they could be singled out for having college courses completed already, and seem grounded). In that case, the nuke is expected to take the application, fill it out, and turn it in. How does the process occur for the nukes who have applied and have been accepted.
Mine flew out about 6pm from ohare Saturday nite,. We met him @4am in airport lobby, gave phone and clothes we packed. Went back to hotel to sleep us and him. We met back @1 ish had lunch, he wanted to just chill out till his flight
Daughter was bussed to O’Hare at 7:00 am, but her flight didn’t depart for GC until 7:00 pm! After the long night after graduation and the very early move out, we were all pretty wiped out. Took her civilian belongings to her at the airport, had breakfast together and then we went back to the hotel to sleep until 2:00 pm. She got a recliner in the USO and caught a few hours of sleep as well.
Mine left GL at 1 am for a 7 am flight. We met him at OHara at 1:30 am and hung until about 5:30. There is a Starbucks that is open at that hour and a couple of the restaurants open at 5 am. We had breakfast and then left. (We had a 12hr drive on that day and needed to get back to the hotel for a cat nap.)
They went to the airport by division and which airport. It was a mix of ratings and destinations. Do not forget your Real ID. You get to go through security and stay with them but only if you have the right ID.
If you have not join the NavyMoms and FB group for your div/class. Lots of good info and the FB admins add maps and direction in the final days as well and airport info. We found it very helpful in our sleep deprived state. Also check the documents section of the sites- lots of good stuff there.
splehammarg, my daughter left GL at 2 am for Midway. Their flight left at 7:30 am.
As you've read, there are many different scenarios. If they're not on hold for some reason, most Nukes leave for the airport in the wee hours of Saturday. Their flights can be anytime between arrival at the airport and late that night. There is no "normal", no absolute on which airport, etc. Your sailor will know when you meet them after PIR. My daughter actually thought she was going to be on medical hold as the doctor left for vacation without signing off on everyone. Guess they got someone else to sign as she didn't get put on hold.
Think of it as a surprise. You're probably better off going into this with the knowledge that it is what it is.
splehammarg - here is a link to my discussion that I posted on BCMom after my son's PIR Aug 2017. The reason I posted it was because our son's scenario was nothing like anything else I had read about PIR for those flying out of GL. - Now I know that the normal is - Nothing is the same for any situation. Semper Gumby
Please note from the other replies - flying out of ORD is not an absolute either. The Navy books the cheapest flights and that can be any airline, any airport in the vicinity. I believe there are three. Only your sailor is able to give you flight information, so if he has it before PIR have him write it on a notecard and stick it in his uniform breast pocket. My son did not have his orders until several hours after PIR. Thankfully we saw him and my husband took a picture on his phone.
Finally, they fly as Nukes, they are not divided up by their rates. There will be one person in charge of all of them (if a larger group as with my sailor), to make sure they all get on the plane together.
splehammarg - I have information posted on the main Navy for Moms page regarding the STA-21 Application Process. They can start applying on 3/1/2020. Here's the link:
splehammarg - My son graduated last May and he did not leave for Nuc School at GC until Sunday. He had a larger Nuc group in his graduating class and they all left on Sunday from O'Hare. They were bussed out at 0100 from GL and we were at the airport at 0600 to drop off his and another sailor's items to them. They were all in the USO sleeping and the entire place was full of sailors in their whites...It was a wonderful scene to see all those whites everywhere. We were prepared for his possible Saturday departure however I had planned to not leave until Sunday morning anyway just in case he didn't leave until later. As the other Navy moms have stated, remain flexible as they are at the mercy of the needs of the Navy.
Welcome, splehammarg! The flights after PIR from GL to SC can vary greatly - it just depends on when they are available, so unfortunately there is no way to predict when yours will fly out. They also mix up all the sailors from that PIR class flying to SC, so they don't group them by rates (MM, EM, ET) when they book their flights. For example, my ET son was in a later division in his PIR group, but he flew out on the earlier flight (8 am) from O'Hare on Saturday morning with some of his friends who were EM/MM, but there were a bunch of other nukes who were in earlier divisions that flew out later that afternoon to SC from O'Hare.
So, the best you can do is "plan to be flexible", if you want to spend as much time with your sailor on PIR weekend before he leaves. Book tickets with an airline that will allow you to change flights, if you are ok with paying the change fee. We made plans to fly home on Sunday evening, just in case our sailor's flight wasn't going to be until Sunday, but since he left early on Sat morning we checked out of the hotel one day early and changed our flight to Saturday night, for a fee. Semper Gumby! :)
OMGoodness!!! Thanks so much; had no idea we'd have that much response regarding flights.
More questions....
-SR flew out on a United flight to basic. What are the chances that SN will fly to Goose Creek on United? What airlines did others' SN's go out of ORD/Midway to GC?
-If SN has a late flight on Saturday, can they leave the airport to take a nap at our airport hotel, is that allowed?
splehammarg - Your sailor will fly to GC on whatever airline the Navy is able to get tickets for. My son flew American Airlines as I recall from ORD to CHS. If you go to O'Hare, there is a fairly organized USO system, at least in 2017, that will inform the sailors and the parents of everything going on, but we were there at 1:45 AM or so after our sailor was dropped off to meet him.
It is not likely that your sailor is allowed to leave the airport and return to your motel room for a nap. They are on orders and will have some one, possibly your own sailor, who will be keeping track of everyone to make sure they are on the airplane to GC. My son's flight was at 6:30 AM, so we checked in around 3 AM or so, and all of us sailors & family, went through security. It was nice to get it done before the airport was crowded. Then we got food and sat at the boarding gate and just waited. My sailor rested his head on my lap and took a nap. Maybe others who had sailors fly out in the afternoon or evening can give you a better idea, but I have never heard of anyone going to the airport hotel and take a nap. I also am not sure about liberty on Sat. if their flight does not leave until Sunday.
ProudOfK
Baker1013 - also a PowerSchool class only starts every 2 months and there are A school classes graduating every week, not always for every rate. At any rate, there will be lots of ET (or EM or MM) classes combined into one PS class. There will be different sections that may or may not include some of the people they were in A school with.
Feb 26, 2020
Baker1013
ProudOfK - thank you. That makes sense. On a side note, do we know when the last or next Power School is scheduled to start? I don't remember hearing that in the comments lately.
Feb 26, 2020
ProudOfK
If I remember right it seems like they were ending and starting in the odd month - 3(March) and 5(May).
Feb 26, 2020
CanukaVet
Timing is everything!
My sailor is in middle of 7 weeks of T Track, with no leave because it was too close to the December holiday. A PS class (of 400+, all ratings including officers) graduated the same day as his A School grad (late Jan). The next PS was classing up that same day. He tells us that he is scheduled to class up for PS in late March. He also says that his whole A School class will stay together combined with about half of the next class of the same rating (assume this is a section or sub-set of the whole PS class).
Feb 26, 2020
CanukaVet
Feb 26, 2020
Baker1013
Canuka, 7 weeks of T-track!!!! Oh my!
So this sounds like the next PS would class up late May? Is it possible that an A school graduation late April might be included in that PS start? Or would it be another two months potentially. (Knowing full well that anything can change, I promise not to hold anyone to a strict timeline ;) )
Feb 26, 2020
Islandgirl
Feb 26, 2020
CanukaVet
I cannot confirm your specific timeline but an April A school grad should make the May PS. BTW, my son's class is not the oldest in this cycle - there is one class on an 8 week TTrack (they graduated with one week to spare but still didn't get to go right on to PS).
As I understand it, there are only so many classrooms in the Rickover and that affects the size, type, number and frequency of classes. It seems that INDOCs are longer than when my son arrived last summer. It is all a domino effect. Semper Gumby and good luck.
Feb 26, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Islandgirl - glad everything is working out for your daughter. Now she can buckle down and get focused on the nuke program.
Baker1013 - just remember, hurry up and wait lol!
Feb 26, 2020
Chipmunk
Islandgirl - Thank you for sharing your daughter's insight. Glad to hear that things are going fairly well.
Canuka - Thanks for sharing the more recent experiences with T-Track. I think a lot of it has to do also with the readjustments in sending the sailors on to Prototype as well. It does seem like there is a constant shifting and juggling and then even out in the fleet, adjustments have to be made as to which rate they need where and the guessing game doesn't always work. I think this is one of the reasons they push to see if they can get the qualified nukes to go ahead and decide on star reenlistment early on. Just my opinion.
Feb 26, 2020
SubMom
Baker1013 - order quiet is issued by the SLPO in "A" school and Power School due to issues within the class. It could be one person that messes up or the whole class not passing a test. There is also no set time frame for the order quiet. It does suck for those that work hard and play by the rules. Our sailor classed up with different people throughout his time in the pipeline (he is an ET). ET's tend to have a longer hold time than MM's or EM's as there aren't as many in this rate. Your son's SLPO definitely gave him an atta boy for sure! Hopefully things start to look up for his class!
Feb 26, 2020
New Adventures
Baker1013- My ET is in a class that graduates A school near yours I am guessing. He has been told PS would be about 4 months after A in part because of the recent influx of nukes. The Navy had been pushing hard to fill the ranks of nukes and that is now being seen in the class sizes. My guess in the Proto limitations may also effect this.
If you watch the FB page for NNPTC they post A school grad pic, usually the week following. The room and class sizes have defiantly gotten bigger since October when I first started looking.
So.... based on a May 24 PS estimated start, PS start every 2 months, and a late April A graduation I am guessing PS will start in late July for mine. Only time will tell.
I am a planner so the Navy is killing me. I want to book flights, lodging, and request vacation time as soon as possible. I am getting twitchy about A graduation plans but keep holding off as recommended cause things change.
Feb 27, 2020
Northwoodsmom
The back log of Nuke student should be getting smaller because this divisions coming up are a lot smaller and February had two weeks without graduations. My son said he only had 4 nuke recruits in his division coming up.
Feb 27, 2020
Chipmunk
Ladies - Thank you for sharing the recent information it is helpful for everyone. And yes, the hurry up and wait is always a difficult thing. My son's PS graduation was pushed back one week within the last month of his graduation due to a hurricane evacuation. Come to think of it, his A-school graduation was also pushed back a week, due to unprecedented snow storm for GC. We drove to A-school grad and flew to PS. We did not book tickets until the last minute and so we paid more, but the extra week was helpful to me because it meant I was able to close on the estate house I was selling and had money in the bank to pay for 4 tickets and then my son's home and back before Prototype.
I say NO to a lot more things now, so that I am available to see my sailor, but I also have a lot more flexibility with my schedule than some. I have always been a planner, but the Navy has helped me stretch myself to be more flexible.
Feb 27, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Happy Thursday!
Feb 27, 2020
SubMom
New Adventures - I am the same way as you - plan and prepare (at least I used to be). Don't worry - the Navy will cure you :)
Feb 27, 2020
hanne2020
Hi everyone!
Not sure if this is the right place for this question, but I thought I'd ask anyway. My husband went to boot camp the 13th of Feb. I received my DEERS form today, and two letters from him. I have not received the form that talks about PIR and has his address, and I for some reason thought this came first. He told me his PIR is April 17th because he got there over a federal holiday. When should I expect the form letter?
Feb 27, 2020
Chipmunk
hanne2020 - you should be receiving your form letter any day now. I am copying a link to BelovedbyHim's blog from the BCMom's group.
https://navyformoms.ning.com/profiles/blogs/boot-camp-first-weeks-t...
The DEERS form most likely came from a different department, so that is why you might have received it sooner than the Form Letter.
Feb 27, 2020
PacNWmom
Hi folks!
My son just found out where he'll be stationed after he graduates from college and receives his commission this spring (he's in the STA-21 program). He's going to Everett WA to the USS Momsen, his first choice! I'm super-excited to have him back in the pacific northwest! A 5 hour drive is SO much more reasonable then an 8-10 hour plane ride!
This is one happy Mama!
Feb 27, 2020
Baker1013
Good Afternoon, Ladies!!
Yet again, I am amazed and so thankful for you all and your valuable input on all subjects!! Thank you for your guidance!!
Submom, my Sailor is MM. He had wanted ET but the Navy decided he would be MM.
New Adventures, I am such a planner as well! This Navy learning curve is tough, tough, tough!!!
Feb 27, 2020
hanne2020
Chipmunk- Thanks so much!
Feb 27, 2020
Chipmunk
PacNWmom - How Wonderful!! I know what a blessing that is to you. Congratulations on your son's upcoming graduation and commissioning.
hanne2020 - You are welcome!
Feb 27, 2020
Chipmunk
Baker1013 - Your son can see about training as an ELT after Prototype. I believe B'sNukeMom's son did that. It is extra training that only the MMs can do. My son just recently shared with me a qualification he was working on as an ETN3 on his carrier. It was interesting because as I understood it, as an ET he was the one that was qualified to perform the task, but he was also reminded that he had to have a qualified MM overseeing him do the task, otherwise he would be out of line. So, they all work together!
Feb 27, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
hanne2020 - the official letter with the PIR date usually take anywhere from 9-14 business days so you are right at the window. Maybe it will come today! If you haven't already signed up for USPS Informed Delivery you should. This shows you what mail you have coming each day - here's the link:
USPS Informed Delivery
Feb 27, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Actually it was B's fiancee that did the ELT training. And yes, only MM's get picked up for that. I don't remember if maybe NancyJo's son was also an ELT.....I know we have a number of sailors here that got picked up for it.
Feb 27, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
PacNWmom - that is exciting news! I know you will enjoy having him closer to home ;-D
Feb 27, 2020
NancyJo (NNPTC)
My son did get ELT, and it allowed him to do 2 yrs as a junior instructor in Ballston Spa before he hit the fleet, and now after 3 deployments he is senior staff in Goose Creek. It turns out to have been a good thing for him. After proto another extra thing you might get picked up for is welder if I'm not mistaken, but I could be off about that. Anybody know?
Feb 27, 2020
pandalvr
I read everything, but dont ususally wrte. My son just finished up ELT after prototype. He said he loves it. He was given his orders for the Esinhower in virginia. One happy mom.
Feb 27, 2020
JayDee659
Nancy Jo, my SIL was offered the welding training but decided to pass. So yes that is a possibility.
Feb 27, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Don't forget to wear your RED tomorrow!
Feb 27, 2020
ProudOfK
PacNWmom - I know you’ll love having your son back in the Pacific Northwest. We’ve loved having our son in Bremerton this past year just 4 hours from us.
Feb 27, 2020
splehammarg
SR was assigned MM. For those whose Nuke sailors received MM, what time did their flight from GL leave ORD? I'm reading where one future MM flew Saturday morning following graduation, and another left a week later leaving the sailor stuck at GL an extra week. Also read where another sailor didn't fly til way late Saturday night.
What experiences did other future MM's have flying from GL to GC?
Thanks in advance :)
Feb 27, 2020
splehammarg
PacNWmom - when during the pipeline was your nuke approached to apply for Sta-21? We heard it could be after A-school, or if not then, then possibly after Power School.
Was your nuke approached and told to apply (recruiter mentioned that they could be singled out for having college courses completed already, and seem grounded). In that case, the nuke is expected to take the application, fill it out, and turn it in. How does the process occur for the nukes who have applied and have been accepted.
Feb 27, 2020
pandalvr
Mine flew out about 6pm from ohare Saturday nite,. We met him @4am in airport lobby, gave phone and clothes we packed. Went back to hotel to sleep us and him. We met back @1 ish had lunch, he wanted to just chill out till his flight
Feb 28, 2020
Islandgirl
Feb 28, 2020
The Hammer
My EM was bussed to O'Hare at 4am and flight didn't leave until 6:30pm. Met him there and spent day together... best day ever!!!
Feb 28, 2020
New Adventures
Mine left GL at 1 am for a 7 am flight. We met him at OHara at 1:30 am and hung until about 5:30. There is a Starbucks that is open at that hour and a couple of the restaurants open at 5 am. We had breakfast and then left. (We had a 12hr drive on that day and needed to get back to the hotel for a cat nap.)
They went to the airport by division and which airport. It was a mix of ratings and destinations. Do not forget your Real ID. You get to go through security and stay with them but only if you have the right ID.
If you have not join the NavyMoms and FB group for your div/class. Lots of good info and the FB admins add maps and direction in the final days as well and airport info. We found it very helpful in our sleep deprived state. Also check the documents section of the sites- lots of good stuff there.
Feb 28, 2020
JayDee659
splehammarg, my daughter left GL at 2 am for Midway. Their flight left at 7:30 am.
As you've read, there are many different scenarios. If they're not on hold for some reason, most Nukes leave for the airport in the wee hours of Saturday. Their flights can be anytime between arrival at the airport and late that night. There is no "normal", no absolute on which airport, etc. Your sailor will know when you meet them after PIR. My daughter actually thought she was going to be on medical hold as the doctor left for vacation without signing off on everyone. Guess they got someone else to sign as she didn't get put on hold.
Think of it as a surprise. You're probably better off going into this with the knowledge that it is what it is.
Feb 28, 2020
Chipmunk
splehammarg - here is a link to my discussion that I posted on BCMom after my son's PIR Aug 2017. The reason I posted it was because our son's scenario was nothing like anything else I had read about PIR for those flying out of GL. - Now I know that the normal is - Nothing is the same for any situation. Semper Gumby
https://navyformoms.ning.com/group/bootcampmoms/forum/topics/what-p...
Please note from the other replies - flying out of ORD is not an absolute either. The Navy books the cheapest flights and that can be any airline, any airport in the vicinity. I believe there are three. Only your sailor is able to give you flight information, so if he has it before PIR have him write it on a notecard and stick it in his uniform breast pocket. My son did not have his orders until several hours after PIR. Thankfully we saw him and my husband took a picture on his phone.
Finally, they fly as Nukes, they are not divided up by their rates. There will be one person in charge of all of them (if a larger group as with my sailor), to make sure they all get on the plane together.
Feb 28, 2020
Chipmunk
pandalvr - congratulations on your son's completion of the Pipeline and fleet assignment. My son is in the same area as well.
Feb 28, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Good Morning all - Happy Friday!
splehammarg - I have information posted on the main Navy for Moms page regarding the STA-21 Application Process. They can start applying on 3/1/2020. Here's the link:
STA-21 Application Process
Feb 28, 2020
SubMom
PacNWoman- so happy for you and your Nuke! Our son is stationed in WA too. I am patiently waiting for him to ask us to come visit :)
Feb 28, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
I've got my RED on!
Feb 28, 2020
jes12joy
splehammarg - My son graduated last May and he did not leave for Nuc School at GC until Sunday. He had a larger Nuc group in his graduating class and they all left on Sunday from O'Hare. They were bussed out at 0100 from GL and we were at the airport at 0600 to drop off his and another sailor's items to them. They were all in the USO sleeping and the entire place was full of sailors in their whites...It was a wonderful scene to see all those whites everywhere. We were prepared for his possible Saturday departure however I had planned to not leave until Sunday morning anyway just in case he didn't leave until later. As the other Navy moms have stated, remain flexible as they are at the mercy of the needs of the Navy.
Feb 28, 2020
Velvetenor
Welcome, splehammarg! The flights after PIR from GL to SC can vary greatly - it just depends on when they are available, so unfortunately there is no way to predict when yours will fly out. They also mix up all the sailors from that PIR class flying to SC, so they don't group them by rates (MM, EM, ET) when they book their flights. For example, my ET son was in a later division in his PIR group, but he flew out on the earlier flight (8 am) from O'Hare on Saturday morning with some of his friends who were EM/MM, but there were a bunch of other nukes who were in earlier divisions that flew out later that afternoon to SC from O'Hare.
So, the best you can do is "plan to be flexible", if you want to spend as much time with your sailor on PIR weekend before he leaves. Book tickets with an airline that will allow you to change flights, if you are ok with paying the change fee. We made plans to fly home on Sunday evening, just in case our sailor's flight wasn't going to be until Sunday, but since he left early on Sat morning we checked out of the hotel one day early and changed our flight to Saturday night, for a fee. Semper Gumby! :)
Feb 28, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Have a great weekend everyone! Getting our taxes done in the AM and then going to a surprise 60th birthday party for one of my dearest friends.
Feb 28, 2020
splehammarg
OMGoodness!!! Thanks so much; had no idea we'd have that much response regarding flights.
More questions....
-SR flew out on a United flight to basic. What are the chances that SN will fly to Goose Creek on United? What airlines did others' SN's go out of ORD/Midway to GC?
-If SN has a late flight on Saturday, can they leave the airport to take a nap at our airport hotel, is that allowed?
Again... thanks in advance! :)
Mar 1, 2020
Chipmunk
splehammarg - Your sailor will fly to GC on whatever airline the Navy is able to get tickets for. My son flew American Airlines as I recall from ORD to CHS. If you go to O'Hare, there is a fairly organized USO system, at least in 2017, that will inform the sailors and the parents of everything going on, but we were there at 1:45 AM or so after our sailor was dropped off to meet him.
It is not likely that your sailor is allowed to leave the airport and return to your motel room for a nap. They are on orders and will have some one, possibly your own sailor, who will be keeping track of everyone to make sure they are on the airplane to GC. My son's flight was at 6:30 AM, so we checked in around 3 AM or so, and all of us sailors & family, went through security. It was nice to get it done before the airport was crowded. Then we got food and sat at the boarding gate and just waited. My sailor rested his head on my lap and took a nap. Maybe others who had sailors fly out in the afternoon or evening can give you a better idea, but I have never heard of anyone going to the airport hotel and take a nap. I also am not sure about liberty on Sat. if their flight does not leave until Sunday.
Mar 2, 2020
helena2000
My son was able to take a nap at the motel on Friday afternoon, but had to leave for the airport very early on Saturday.
Mar 2, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 2, 2020