I have a question for families of sailors on subs. Mine will be deploying soon, so I asked the Ombudsman about the half way boxes. I wanted to know what size we needed to get ready and who we send them to. She said that we send them to our sailor and they take them on the ship. That surprised me because I thought that we mailed them to the ombudsman. Anyone with experience on this topic?
Our sailor is on a sub and we have had a little experience with this. We were given a few weeks notice of specific size and labeling instructions, as well as what you could and could not include. We were given a deadline to send the box to the ombudsman. The ombudsman is responsible for ensuring they are loaded on the sub.
Tulip- That is what I have always read so I was surprised to be told something different. I'll reach out to the ombudsman again. I know that she is new to the position but not new to Navy life. My sailor is on a Ohio class sub. Do you think that makes a difference?
I think halfway policy is set by the command, so it varies. On the Bremerton (SSN-698), halfway "boxes" were 1-gallon ziploc bags that were put together by the FRG, boxed up and stowed aboard for distribution Halfway. There was a list of suggested and prohibited items. We put one together for our son and, IIRC, we sent c/o the Ombudsman.
Halfway “boxes” are so fun to put together. I always had to work with the 1 gallon bag. I managed to get socks, gloves, caps, (it’s very cold on a sub), mini beach balls, zip cars, mini Zombie nerf guns, army men with parachutes, gummi bears, 8x11 pieces if paper, with 4 or 5 pictures that I photocopied , on each side, (just fold the paper, saves space) ramon soup and signed cards :))))))
Baker1013, when they're on a sub they take packages with them that are kept aside then distributed half way through their expected deployment. They do not get mail delivery on a regular basis like a carrier does. If you can't find a sub, you can't deliver things at sea.
JayDee659, thank you!! That is so fun!! Amazing that the Navy thought about something like that. Although I really shouldn't be surprised!! I assume there are guidelines? We are far from it, but never too soon to start thinking about it!!
My sailor's ship isn't likely to go for a deployment soon, but they are doing underways. So at Christmas, I gave him a pkg of Matchbox cars in his stocking. I had read someplace on here that Matchbox cars were popular for racing among the sailors. My son had not heard of any such thing though, and currently he is too busy trying to qualify or standing duty to always participate in the other activities that are going on. One of those, "can't win for losing" but at least I tried!
It's got to be difficult being limited to a halfway box on a sub. Carriers you can send all the packages you want......of course they still have an issue with storage - but nowhere near as bad as on a sub. And they can always share with others!
Johanna - sounds like you were able to get real creative!
I can just imagine rolling matchbox cars on a sub with a 15-degree up-angle. I've heard of sledding on trays, but of course that never really happens (nudge-nudge),
Happy Wednesday! Thanks for the info and comments on the half-way "boxes". My son is on a sub and is deploying soon, so I need to get on this and look into it. Frustrating part is that he hasn't provided me with the Ombudsman contact information. He seems to think they are for spouses and not Mom's... Is there any way to find out who the Ombudsman is for a certain boat (sub) apart from my son providing it?
Tulip - if I remember correctly, your son is in WA and if he is assigned to a fast attack Sea Wolf class, I wonder if our son's may be together?
Have a great time, B'sNuke! I have a friend who got back from Cozumel a couple weeks and said it was fabulous. Different coast but same country. Enjoy!
Hello sea sisters! I've been quiet while my sailor had a nice month at home. Now he is settling in (Kitsap in WA)and I am back in the saddle!
It was a very emotional time when the movers came to grab his stuff. My baby is all growed up and moved out! (note to all: He is 25 and it was time to cut the cord!)
Hey KayCee. My son is also on a sub. He is currently on his first deployment. Your sailor needs to put your name on the Ombudsman sheet for you to get information. Once your name is on the sheet, you will receive emails. Each sub also has a FRG (Family Readiness Group)page on Facebook. I can't tell you much about that as I don't do Facebook. I loath fecesbook and all forms of social media. But, I think you must be on the Ombudsman's list to join the FRG for your son's sub.
I don't know when the sailors submit the Ombudsman sheet. Perhaps he hasn't had the opportunity to do so yet. But, the Ombudsman isn't just for spouses. Hope this info helps you out.
Happy Thursday! Sitting at the airport in San Diego waiting for our flight to Cabo! I'm in vacation mode lol ;-)
All this talk about deployments - It's definitely important to have your sailor get you on the email list (we received newsletters from the Truman once on the list) and get your name on the Ombudsman list. Your Sailor might say they don't know how but they can ask around and really should get it done for you! You don't won't to be stuck trying to get to a homecoming and not having any info....
B's NukeMom - have a great time! I'm sooo jealous!
Thanks Everyone for the info and encouragement with getting on the list with the Ombudsman. My son is currently visiting his Dad in AZ, but as soon as he returns to Bremerton I will beg him to get me on the list. Hopefully, it's not too late!! That would break my heart.
TheHammer - Naval Base Kitsap is Bremerton/Bangor :)
Tulip - my son is on the actual SeaWolf
Chipmunk - I have been thinking of you too. The past few weeks have been packed. How is the new granddaughter?
At the post office today to send a package to GC and saw they have Hot Wheels stamps. Though the the halfway package conversation instantly and had to buy a sheet.
Halfway package should be in my future but he is only in A school now so it will be awhile.
KayCee - I’ve been trying to get my son to add me for a year. I haven’t been too concerned to this point as they are in dry dock but I’m starting to get a bitantsy as we approach the end of dry dock. So I’ve requested that as my birthday present. We’ll see if that works.
I haven't read all the way through it, but maybe you can find something to copy and paste to your sailors! ProudOfK - Hopefully you get your birthday wish.
If by chance you are able to figure out your sailor's ombudsmen and you have your sailor's ship email, you might be able to send a request to the ombudsmen yourself and they will then verify with your sailor. No guarantee, but that was suggested by our ombudsmen.
New Adventures - How fun!! Hot Wheel stamps.
B'sNukeMom - I hope your travel went smoothly and you are settling in for some relaxation!
I just did a FB search, and typed in USS Seawolf. Various groups came up. I scrolled down till I found the one with Ombudsmen attached to it. When I clicked on the link it had the contact information for the Ombudsmen available. Maybe this will help.
If nothing else, maybe you can contact the Ombudsmen and see if they can send a message to the CO, that many of the single sailor's don't think they need to add their parent's information to the ombudsmen's contact list. Who knows.
Actually I’ve been in contact with the Ombudsman and have sent very detailed instructions that were posted by his ship’s ombudsman. He even checked with us on what email address of ours he should give the ombudsman. But then he didn’t actually go through the instructions to actually get us on the list. I do sometimes get just a little frustrated with the seemingly little things that he just never makes quite important enough to get done. It’s kind of the old you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. And then there’s other things that he makes me so proud. But I have to say sometimes my sailor takes procrastination to a whole new level.
ProudOfK - Now I understand how frustrating this has all been, trying to get your name on the Ombudsmen list. I hope he will make it a priority for your sake.
I checked with my sailor and he advised that he already put me on the list. I have not hear from the Ombudsmen nor do I see any groups out there other than one FB group. Any moms from the Carter in this group?
The Hammer - It is likely that you will not hear from the Ombudsmen. You will need to send a message to the Ombudsmen and ask to be added to the FB page. If you don't do FB, you need to ask them to put you on an email list. I don't know how reliable the email notifications will be. It seems that at least our ombudsmen don't communicate any way other than through FB. Is the ship the USS Carter Hall ? This is what I found - https://www.facebook.com/usscarterhallombudsman/
I noticed when looking this up for The Hammer, that someone had sent a FB message on the main page of the ship/ sub and asked who the FRG for the ship name was? Their son was late getting home and they and DIL were worried. That is where I saw a reply from the ombudsmen with how to reach her. That one did not seem to have a separate FB ombudsmen group. Hope this helps others locate and reach out to their ombudsmen.
At least with my daughter's ship, joining the FRG is very guarded. My Nuke had to send a request to the FRG with permission for me to join. I could not just ask to join. Then there were a list of questions that I needed to add about my Nuke.
I think Hammer means the Jimmy Carter. Like sailors, some vessels are more communicative than others. Submarines much less than Carriers. SSBNs are more secretive than SSNs. But the Jimmy Carter is a "special projects" boat with an extra 100 feet of ask-me-about-it-in-40-years. It wouldn't surprise me if even the FRG is pretty quiet.
Anyhow, at least on a sub, the Ombudsman may not contact you unless it is necessary, and there may not be much she can tell you. When my son was stationed at Pearl, and on deployment, the Ombudsman had specific information on movements that could only be discussed with family members, face-to-face. Sometimes we would hear about a special mail drop when someone might be meeting the boat in some vague timeframe at an undisclosed location.
There is a reason they call it the Silent Service.
WearsLargeHats - Thanks! I do have the sense that the subs are a lot quieter than the ships. And in my son's case, being on the newest controversial carrier, there is a lot of news that is shared to the public that I am sure is not as available for other Navy vessels.
I think the biggest concern that some of my Nuke Mom friends have is that their sailors are single and don't even think they should put their parents name on the Ombudsmen's list. If they are serving on subs, with little information given anyway, that "No News is Good News" mantra is even harder to accept.
The Hammer- Small world - we are also the ‘Carter’. we again are a little behind you. I am making the trip from S.C. up north next week with my sailor. Glad you found the info (I might have to request it if I can’t locate it- lol).
I want to congratulate all the families of sailors graduating from “A” school at NNPTC today. Although my daughter,F, will not graduate with this class (2 1/2 weeks delay) we will always be grateful to these shipmates who were so wonderful and supportive to F throughout this time. Hooyah!
I want to congratulate all the families of sailors graduating from “A” school at NNPTC today. Although my daughter,F, will not graduate with this class (2 1/2 weeks delay) we will always be grateful to these shipmates who were so wonderful and supportive to F throughout this time. Hooyah!
I want to congratulate all the families of sailors graduating from “A” school at NNPTC today. Although my daughter,F, will not graduate with this class (2 1/2 weeks delay) we will always be grateful to these shipmates who were so wonderful and supportive to F throughout this time. Hooyah!
The Ombudsman for my son's sub sends out a monthly newsletter email. Is this not standard practice? The newsletter is greatly appreciated and will be even more so if the Ombudsman is going above and beyond what is normally done.
WearsLargeHats is spot on! Our son's sub has an Ombudsman page that requires questions to be answered (and verified) in order to be accepted. I have joined the FRG page since then. The FRG page does focus more on spouses and children but there are things for parents. Currently there is a project that we can participate in from out of state. All communication is handled face to face for our sailors boat so we will never know much of anything until after the fact. I keep referring to the boot camp days of no communication as this is the easiest way for me to process.
One thing I would encourage asking a submarine Ombudsman/FRG about: when the Bremerton went on deployment they made up a deployment handbook for the families. My eligible-bachelor sailor just assumed it was only for the wives, but the Ombudsman very graciously sent me one and it was quite useful, and a nice souvenir. Especially helpful were the pages on communication and OPSEC. Especially OPSEC.
Sadly the SSN-698 has retired after 36+ years of service and will never sail again.
I shared this on the USS Ford page, but thought I would post the link here. My husband found this on the main FB pages yesterday, but could not locate it elsewhere. The Captain tours some areas of the carrier that you don't often see. I thought it was neat and others might enjoy, even if not the same for your sailors. Might prompt some discussions.
ProudParent
I have a question for families of sailors on subs. Mine will be deploying soon, so I asked the Ombudsman about the half way boxes. I wanted to know what size we needed to get ready and who we send them to. She said that we send them to our sailor and they take them on the ship. That surprised me because I thought that we mailed them to the ombudsman. Anyone with experience on this topic?
Mar 2, 2020
Tulip
Mar 2, 2020
ProudParent
Tulip- That is what I have always read so I was surprised to be told something different. I'll reach out to the ombudsman again. I know that she is new to the position but not new to Navy life. My sailor is on a Ohio class sub. Do you think that makes a difference?
Mar 2, 2020
Tulip
Mar 2, 2020
WearsLargeHats
I think halfway policy is set by the command, so it varies. On the Bremerton (SSN-698), halfway "boxes" were 1-gallon ziploc bags that were put together by the FRG, boxed up and stowed aboard for distribution Halfway. There was a list of suggested and prohibited items. We put one together for our son and, IIRC, we sent c/o the Ombudsman.
Mar 2, 2020
Johanna
Halfway “boxes” are so fun to put together. I always had to work with the 1 gallon bag. I managed to get socks, gloves, caps, (it’s very cold on a sub), mini beach balls, zip cars, mini Zombie nerf guns, army men with parachutes, gummi bears, 8x11 pieces if paper, with 4 or 5 pictures that I photocopied , on each side, (just fold the paper, saves space) ramon soup and signed cards :))))))
Mar 3, 2020
Baker1013
I love reading all the posts and learning about all things Navy. My Sailor is still in A school.
What is a "half way box?"
Mar 3, 2020
JayDee659
Baker1013, when they're on a sub they take packages with them that are kept aside then distributed half way through their expected deployment. They do not get mail delivery on a regular basis like a carrier does. If you can't find a sub, you can't deliver things at sea.
Mar 3, 2020
Baker1013
JayDee659, thank you!! That is so fun!! Amazing that the Navy thought about something like that. Although I really shouldn't be surprised!! I assume there are guidelines? We are far from it, but never too soon to start thinking about it!!
Mar 3, 2020
Chipmunk
My sailor's ship isn't likely to go for a deployment soon, but they are doing underways. So at Christmas, I gave him a pkg of Matchbox cars in his stocking. I had read someplace on here that Matchbox cars were popular for racing among the sailors. My son had not heard of any such thing though, and currently he is too busy trying to qualify or standing duty to always participate in the other activities that are going on. One of those, "can't win for losing" but at least I tried!
Mar 3, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 3, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
It's got to be difficult being limited to a halfway box on a sub. Carriers you can send all the packages you want......of course they still have an issue with storage - but nowhere near as bad as on a sub. And they can always share with others!
Johanna - sounds like you were able to get real creative!
Mar 3, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 3, 2020
WearsLargeHats
I can just imagine rolling matchbox cars on a sub with a 15-degree up-angle. I've heard of sledding on trays, but of course that never really happens (nudge-nudge),
Mar 3, 2020
KayCee
Happy Wednesday! Thanks for the info and comments on the half-way "boxes". My son is on a sub and is deploying soon, so I need to get on this and look into it. Frustrating part is that he hasn't provided me with the Ombudsman contact information. He seems to think they are for spouses and not Mom's... Is there any way to find out who the Ombudsman is for a certain boat (sub) apart from my son providing it?
Tulip - if I remember correctly, your son is in WA and if he is assigned to a fast attack Sea Wolf class, I wonder if our son's may be together?
Mar 4, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Happy Wednesday! Today is my Friday, woohoo! Heading to Cabo tomorrow - can't wait! Looking forward to some fun in the sun ;-D
Mar 4, 2020
NancyJo (NNPTC)
Have a great time, B'sNuke! I have a friend who got back from Cozumel a couple weeks and said it was fabulous. Different coast but same country. Enjoy!
Mar 4, 2020
The Hammer
Hello sea sisters! I've been quiet while my sailor had a nice month at home. Now he is settling in (Kitsap in WA)and I am back in the saddle!
It was a very emotional time when the movers came to grab his stuff. My baby is all growed up and moved out! (note to all: He is 25 and it was time to cut the cord!)
Happy hump day all!
Mar 4, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Thanks everyone - I know we will have a great time.
thesuperm72 - I'm taking 5 books with me but I'm not anticipating getting through all of them - but I'm gonna try lol!
Mar 4, 2020
JayDee659
B'sNukeMom have fun and stay out of trouble
Mar 4, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
JayDee - I make no promises!
Mar 4, 2020
SubMom
Mar 4, 2020
Tulip
Mar 4, 2020
Chipmunk
Good evening everyone!
Hi KayCee, I have been thinking about you, NNLori and MOMom!
B'sNukeMom - Have a wonderful trip.
Mar 4, 2020
Know Weigh
I don't know when the sailors submit the Ombudsman sheet. Perhaps he hasn't had the opportunity to do so yet. But, the Ombudsman isn't just for spouses. Hope this info helps you out.
Cheerio
Mar 5, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Happy Thursday! Sitting at the airport in San Diego waiting for our flight to Cabo! I'm in vacation mode lol ;-)
All this talk about deployments - It's definitely important to have your sailor get you on the email list (we received newsletters from the Truman once on the list) and get your name on the Ombudsman list. Your Sailor might say they don't know how but they can ask around and really should get it done for you! You don't won't to be stuck trying to get to a homecoming and not having any info....
Mar 5, 2020
KayCee
B's NukeMom - have a great time! I'm sooo jealous!
Thanks Everyone for the info and encouragement with getting on the list with the Ombudsman. My son is currently visiting his Dad in AZ, but as soon as he returns to Bremerton I will beg him to get me on the list. Hopefully, it's not too late!! That would break my heart.
TheHammer - Naval Base Kitsap is Bremerton/Bangor :)
Tulip - my son is on the actual SeaWolf
Chipmunk - I have been thinking of you too. The past few weeks have been packed. How is the new granddaughter?
Mar 5, 2020
New Adventures
At the post office today to send a package to GC and saw they have Hot Wheels stamps. Though the the halfway package conversation instantly and had to buy a sheet.
Halfway package should be in my future but he is only in A school now so it will be awhile.
Happy Thursday- The weekend is almost here!
Mar 5, 2020
ProudOfK
KayCee - I’ve been trying to get my son to add me for a year. I haven’t been too concerned to this point as they are in dry dock but I’m starting to get a bit antsy as we approach the end of dry dock. So I’ve requested that as my birthday present. We’ll see if that works.
Mar 5, 2020
Chipmunk
Very conveniently, one of the ombudsmen for my sailor's ship recently posted a link to information about the Ombudsmen program. https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/07/27/ombudsmen-make-a-difference...
I haven't read all the way through it, but maybe you can find something to copy and paste to your sailors! ProudOfK - Hopefully you get your birthday wish.
If by chance you are able to figure out your sailor's ombudsmen and you have your sailor's ship email, you might be able to send a request to the ombudsmen yourself and they will then verify with your sailor. No guarantee, but that was suggested by our ombudsmen.
New Adventures - How fun!! Hot Wheel stamps.
B'sNukeMom - I hope your travel went smoothly and you are settling in for some relaxation!
Mar 5, 2020
Chipmunk
I just did a FB search, and typed in USS Seawolf. Various groups came up. I scrolled down till I found the one with Ombudsmen attached to it. When I clicked on the link it had the contact information for the Ombudsmen available. Maybe this will help.
If nothing else, maybe you can contact the Ombudsmen and see if they can send a message to the CO, that many of the single sailor's don't think they need to add their parent's information to the ombudsmen's contact list. Who knows.
Mar 5, 2020
ProudOfK
Actually I’ve been in contact with the Ombudsman and have sent very detailed instructions that were posted by his ship’s ombudsman. He even checked with us on what email address of ours he should give the ombudsman. But then he didn’t actually go through the instructions to actually get us on the list. I do sometimes get just a little frustrated with the seemingly little things that he just never makes quite important enough to get done. It’s kind of the old you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. And then there’s other things that he makes me so proud. But I have to say sometimes my sailor takes procrastination to a whole new level.
Mar 5, 2020
Chipmunk
ProudOfK - Now I understand how frustrating this has all been, trying to get your name on the Ombudsmen list. I hope he will make it a priority for your sake.
Mar 6, 2020
The Hammer
I checked with my sailor and he advised that he already put me on the list. I have not hear from the Ombudsmen nor do I see any groups out there other than one FB group. Any moms from the Carter in this group?
Mar 6, 2020
Chipmunk
The Hammer - It is likely that you will not hear from the Ombudsmen. You will need to send a message to the Ombudsmen and ask to be added to the FB page. If you don't do FB, you need to ask them to put you on an email list. I don't know how reliable the email notifications will be. It seems that at least our ombudsmen don't communicate any way other than through FB. Is the ship the USS Carter Hall ? This is what I found - https://www.facebook.com/usscarterhallombudsman/
Main ship page - should be public - https://www.facebook.com/USSCarterHall/ or if it is USS Jimmy Carter - https://www.facebook.com/USS-Jimmy-Carter-SSN-23-1550731711846190/ or https://www.facebook.com/groups/SSN23/ - I spotted something there, I will copy and send it in a PM to you.
Mar 6, 2020
Chipmunk
I noticed when looking this up for The Hammer, that someone had sent a FB message on the main page of the ship/ sub and asked who the FRG for the ship name was? Their son was late getting home and they and DIL were worried. That is where I saw a reply from the ombudsmen with how to reach her. That one did not seem to have a separate FB ombudsmen group. Hope this helps others locate and reach out to their ombudsmen.
Mar 6, 2020
JayDee659
At least with my daughter's ship, joining the FRG is very guarded. My Nuke had to send a request to the FRG with permission for me to join. I could not just ask to join. Then there were a list of questions that I needed to add about my Nuke.
Mar 6, 2020
WearsLargeHats
I think Hammer means the Jimmy Carter. Like sailors, some vessels are more communicative than others. Submarines much less than Carriers. SSBNs are more secretive than SSNs. But the Jimmy Carter is a "special projects" boat with an extra 100 feet of ask-me-about-it-in-40-years. It wouldn't surprise me if even the FRG is pretty quiet.
Anyhow, at least on a sub, the Ombudsman may not contact you unless it is necessary, and there may not be much she can tell you. When my son was stationed at Pearl, and on deployment, the Ombudsman had specific information on movements that could only be discussed with family members, face-to-face. Sometimes we would hear about a special mail drop when someone might be meeting the boat in some vague timeframe at an undisclosed location.
There is a reason they call it the Silent Service.
Mar 6, 2020
The Hammer
Thanks all!
Mar 6, 2020
Chipmunk
WearsLargeHats - Thanks! I do have the sense that the subs are a lot quieter than the ships. And in my son's case, being on the newest controversial carrier, there is a lot of news that is shared to the public that I am sure is not as available for other Navy vessels.
I think the biggest concern that some of my Nuke Mom friends have is that their sailors are single and don't even think they should put their parents name on the Ombudsmen's list. If they are serving on subs, with little information given anyway, that "No News is Good News" mantra is even harder to accept.
Mar 6, 2020
Ceej0347
The Hammer- Small world - we are also the ‘Carter’. we again are a little behind you. I am making the trip from S.C. up north next week with my sailor.
Glad you found the info (I might have to request it if I can’t locate it- lol).
Mar 6, 2020
The Hammer
Mar 6, 2020
Islandgirl
Mar 6, 2020
Islandgirl
Mar 6, 2020
Islandgirl
Mar 6, 2020
Know Weigh
The Ombudsman for my son's sub sends out a monthly newsletter email. Is this not standard practice? The newsletter is greatly appreciated and will be even more so if the Ombudsman is going above and beyond what is normally done.
Mar 6, 2020
SubMom
WearsLargeHats is spot on! Our son's sub has an Ombudsman page that requires questions to be answered (and verified) in order to be accepted. I have joined the FRG page since then. The FRG page does focus more on spouses and children but there are things for parents. Currently there is a project that we can participate in from out of state. All communication is handled face to face for our sailors boat so we will never know much of anything until after the fact. I keep referring to the boot camp days of no communication as this is the easiest way for me to process.
Mar 6, 2020
WearsLargeHats
Know Weigh, I don't think there is a standard practice, it is up to the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman will usually be the spouse of one of the officers.
Mar 6, 2020
WearsLargeHats
One thing I would encourage asking a submarine Ombudsman/FRG about: when the Bremerton went on deployment they made up a deployment handbook for the families. My eligible-bachelor sailor just assumed it was only for the wives, but the Ombudsman very graciously sent me one and it was quite useful, and a nice souvenir. Especially helpful were the pages on communication and OPSEC. Especially OPSEC.
Sadly the SSN-698 has retired after 36+ years of service and will never sail again.
Mar 6, 2020
Chipmunk
I shared this on the USS Ford page, but thought I would post the link here. My husband found this on the main FB pages yesterday, but could not locate it elsewhere. The Captain tours some areas of the carrier that you don't often see. I thought it was neat and others might enjoy, even if not the same for your sailors. Might prompt some discussions.
https://www.facebook.com/USSGeraldRFord/videos/526055251661879/
Mar 7, 2020