My sailor has been deployed since January, and I rarely hear from him. A few weeks ago I missed an opportunity to talk to him on the phone :'( Occasionally I get a 1 or 2 line text. I hope he's doing OK. As a mom I can't help but worry about him, and can't wait until he's back in San Diego.
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke - How did you all weather through the storm? Were you close by or farther away? I am so glad that your son has found a job that he is enjoying.
Q's Momma - I do hope you get to see your son before he is deployed. Especially now that he is back so close to home!!
B'sNukeMom - Being grandparents is the best!! But it is no fun when you are far away! I am thankful that the technology is more advanced than when I lived a distance from my parents. I realize now how much my mom missed not being able to see my children growing up.
PacNWmom - Oh I am sorry that you missed your phone call opportunity!
So, my son is enjoying being out of Nuke life, although he recently joined the reserves. His wife is still enlisted, normally he is the stay-at-home dad and cook. He has been polishing up on his Gordon Ramsey skills with their meal prep food delivery boxes. Both of my sailors are also getting further education with some form of military assistance and our preemie baby is continuing to gain weight and has reached the 10-month-old mark!!
AxolotlMom - I am glad to hear that your daughter is still pushing through and glad for her decision. Yes, SC is a lot different than rural OK. I believe it tends to also be a lot more humid.
My son is in TPU at Norfolk waiting to be sent to SD for the GW. He said he would be there for a bit longer, but I think since its in port, he will be sent sooner than the dates he gave me. He did not keep the car, I brought it back with me. I am hoping to see him before he leaves for Japan. I was going to bring him the things he can have but was afraid to pack. He wasn't sure how many bags he would be able to have. Otherwise he is fine, a bit nervous for this next step. He just passed his 2 years in. The "see ya later" have been hard, but I think that one was harder. The others (besides BC) I knew I would see him again at specific times. We have now hit the "I'll see ya when I see ya" stage. I hit that stage called "We find that we need our children more than they need us" and I'm not liking it at all. Even though he didn't want to spend time with me, I loved having him home. He played his video games and watched YT and anime. We are still working on figuring out the phone/data thing. Otherwise he is good and I'm hanging in there.
JNMnavymomOH - I was thinking about you earlier and wondered how things had all worked out. I am glad your son is at least settled somewhat in Norfolk for the time being. Yes, those "I'll see you when I see you are hard."
KayCee and MoMom - Just sending a shout out and hello to you both!!
Hi Chipmunk and hello to Everyone! This month will be 7 years since my son left for boot camp. After graduation from Nuke school, he was assigned to a fast attack sub that was underway - preparing for deployment. He was able to meet up with the boat when they arrived at a port. He never was good at communication, but all of a sudden I had none at all. With this command, he had three deployments that lasted the maximum amount of days allowed, but that doesn't even count the time out during under ways. My idea of him being home based in Bremerton, close to where I am, didn't even matter. I think I spent more time with him during my three visits to SC.
In January, he started his shore duty and moved to Guam. I thought I would have contact from here on, but I was mistaken. He told me he was leaving again. He has been in and out of ports now since May. I still don't understand, but he said it's because this is a sea command, even though he is supposed to be on shore duty... The life of a Navy Mom....
Welcome Seahawks12! Maybe I will see you at a game this year?
Hello everyone! It’s been six and a half years since boot camp for my sailor - can’t believe it. He graduated in 2019 and left for his duty station in Bangor, WA (Kitsap) on a Seawolf class sub in early 2020. He was extended for six months on his sea duty and is now a First Class LPO… but will transition in August to shore duty at the same base. He got married to his sister’s best friend last December and they are expecting our first grandchild in February! It’s been quite a ride!
Great to hear from you all. Hoping for visits, phone calls/texts and all the things!
My son starts ELT school in Goose Creek next week. He should get his orders sometime in September. He's hoping to either be picked up for JSI or sent to a Boomer class sub.
Thinking about all of you and your sailors as the journey continues.
It's hard not seeing them as often as we would like. Silly me, I thought when B got out of the Navy he would come home to CA. But love had other plans for him....He hasn't lived "at home" now since 2012 and probably won't ever come back to CA. But that's ok....life moves on and we are just lucky that we can visit and eventually move to MI.
Chipmunk - YES! The grandparent club is the best! And thank goodness for FaceTime! I usually talk to C multiple times a week - and she keeps me on speaker so Oliver hears my voice ALL the time lol! And we FT usually a couple times a week to see him - so he recognizes us completely and loves blowing us kisses on the FT.
The Hammer - so excited for you to join the Grandparents Club. It really is something special!
KayCee - maybe you'll get to visit Guam?!
JNMnavymomOH - you will definitely want to try to visit Japan. And have you joined the Japan group on here? There's a few "old timers" there that can pass on some helpful info.
My2kidsmom9498 - fingers crossed that he gets that leave soon!
PacNWmom - ugh, sorry you missed the call. Fingers crossed for him to get back to San Diego soon too!
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke – good for your son to continue in the Nuke field. And I agree – friends and contacts are important! I’ll bet the 100 year old house is keeping him busy and a kitten – so sweet!
Q’s Momma – wow – that’s fantastic that he’s so close! We’re West Coast and B was always East Coast lol! I hope you get that visit before deployment!
AxolotlMom – Gosh I remember A school – seems sooooo long ago lol! Glad she’s doing well – just remind her that no matter what happens, it isn’t the end of the world!
Hi all! Haven’t commented in quite a while. Son still in Navy with less than a year left. Was promoted to Chief last year just a few months after marrying a former Nuke. They are still on west coast so we don’t see each other much. Whole family got to go on a cruise together recently. Wonderful time together!
Hi All - it’s really been nice, interesting, informative and, for lack of a better word, anxiety provoking, to hear all your updates and to learn what your Nuke sailors have been up to. Congratulations to all of you as your kids have had successful lives - be it promotions, marriages, new babies, or careers outside the Navy. And prayers to those of you whose sailors are struggling.
My son is finishing up as a JSI soon and “plans” to go to Oahu next. I’m glad to know what to expect but my mama heart is hurting at the thought of the “maximum” length deployments on a fast attack sub and/or the thought of a missed phone call! I’ve known this time was coming but it’s starting to get real now! I’ve been very spoiled these last 4 years while he was in South Carolina… more trips to visit him, and trips home, than I can count. I wish he could just stay in South Carolina teaching Nukes!! But fortunately for him, he is excited about this next step. I worry that like B’sNukeMom’s sailor, mine might never come “home” to California…. He really enjoyed South Carolina, and I know he likes Hawaii. He loves the beautiful green scenery. While we have a close family/extended family, he hates California traffic and the politics. He tells me that every trip home!
He has almost completely recovered from his TBI from head on collision in February. Has been on limited duty “non deployable” status and orders were cancelled. Myriad of symptoms (vertigo, headaches, distance and speed perception issues, concentration problems, slow speech, difficulty with finding words) would come and go and get worse when he was fatigued or over did it mentally. Symptoms have all slowly resolved. He had a great physical therapist that helped him train his brain to multitask again without getting over fatigued. I THINK he also had some PTSD with driving but he started driving again last month and recently started instructing and standing watch (he was just doing simple clerical duties). He super positive as getting back into - says it has been easy and he doesn’t not feel rusty at all (Must be nice to be so smart… didn’t get it from me!). Just has to build stamina to do his JSI job for the full shift now without getting headaches, etc. He is hoping to be off limited duty by the end of the month (a month early) and if so, will be back on tract to go to Oahu within a couple months. He’s had a great experience through this journey with Navy medical and his chiefs. Only a few minor issues (mama bear came out once and I called the ombudsman when his senior chief told him to walk to the front gate to get picked up for a ride home - it’s a couple miles and he was early in his recovery with full blown symptoms) but overall everyone has been understanding and supportive though it all.
I’m not very good of keeping track and commenting on everyone’s posts, but I read them all and rejoice or pray as needed, and am so appreciative for the information and just that this group exists!
Chipmunk - We are very lucky to be in Central North Texas and far away from the storm hitting Houston. In fact, since it has been a dry summer so far, we really hoped for a few rain bands from the storm to reach us. I think only one did. Prayers to all in Houston and surrounding areas. Thanks for asking!
Tulip - BZ to your son on his Chief promotion and congratulations on his marriage ;-D
D'sMom2020 - So glad to hear the good news on your son. What a worrisome time this has been for you all but so thankful that the worst of his accident seems to be behind him and he can move on now. TBI is scary and yes, it takes time to fully heal. I'm glad you have been able to advocate for him. Excited for his next adventure for sure!
My son is currently back serving in Washington after doing shore duty in Groton. He and his wife recently welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby boy. It is the first grandbaby for me :) I glad they are on the west coast for a bit. He has been in 9 years now and is currently the dept head of nav. I am thankful he will be able to be home a lot as he is on off crew. ( he is on a GN sub)
My son began his Navy career after a skewed-priorities freshman outing at Texas Tech. After becoming a Nuke, he served as an ELT on the USS Tennessee out of Kings Bay, and then on to Guam doing something related to radiological controls (not sure how to word that). During that time, he married his high school girlfriend and now has three sons! He also completed his college education through Excelsior with a degree in Nuclear Engineering. He was credited 70+ hours through the Navy's nuclear training. Last year, he was selected for the Enlisted to Medical Degree Prep Program (EMDP2), which is an amazing commissioning program that provides a free 2-year pre-med program through George Mason University. He is now in the process of applying to medical schools (which will all be paid by the US Military + salary & housing allowance). He told me that for anyone interested in becoming a doctor, the little-known EMDP2 program is perfect, especially for Nukes. He has been in the Navy for just about 10 years (time flies!).
I haven't commented in a while, but definitely enjoy reading all the posts.
jurisprude - wow! What a fantastic program/opportunity for him. I have not heard of this before! Keep us posted on how things go for him. He's done a lot in 10 years!
Good morning, everyone! It has been so encouraging to hear everyone's updates! (But like DsMom2020, it is a bit anxiety-promoting!) My son has been in almost 3 years. He is in Groton now and he's assigned to a PCU. Sea trials will be forthcoming and then commissioning of the sub and then deployment. I was super-spoiled when he was in Charleston because it was only 4 hours away. We were able to visit often, and a few times, he'd text and ask if I'd come have dinner with him, and I'd hop in my car for a day trip. Sadly, those days are over because Groton is not a daytrip!!!
My Sailor is doing well, and is super-communicative (calls 3-4 times per week). I LOVE that, but it makes me dread deployment all the more. But in the meantime, I'm treasuring all the times I do get to talk to him, and trying not to think about the silence that is coming whenever deployment happens.
Crazy couple of days! Jurisprudence- That is an interesting and I have never heard of the medical path. I know a couple of docs who were trained by the military but both started in ROTC. I know a "kid" in the army who just finished law school. She was tapped by her command after about 8 years of service and a very non related area. Off to be a JAG now and all paid for in the same way. My sailor is starting 4th year in sea duty out of KB. Sadly on his last deployment he started getting sea sick so is not planning on reenlisting. He has been told for Nukes is it sea, training command, or recruiting only. He enjoys teaching and did a lot of tutoring but now realizes training command is more instruction then teaching if that makes sense. His path was different before joining. College, a little grad school and then Navy as enlisted. They offered officer given the degree but in other areas. He wanted to be a nuke- period. So far he is happy with the choice, except the sea sick thing. He did a special soldering school recently and found it interesting. Hope every one is well!
Hi all - Happy Monday! B&C took Oliver to his first major league baseball game - Dodgers in Detroit. They had a great time and Oli loved it. Their Dodgers lost but oh well, lol!
Please be sure to read the ***NEW MEMBERS*** info at the top of the page. Lots of good info there. Also take a look at the Pages (21) to the right under the member profiles - be sure to hit "view all". And the discussion forum above has some good info too - be sure to read Chipmunks "Nuke A School Daily Schedule". And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Hi All! Thanks for the welcome. My son is just finishing up at RTC, PIR is 8/15. He'll be headed to GC from there for nuke training. This is all somewhat new for me, we do have military in family but this is my first go with a child. I'm slightly nervous about his choice to go nuke, I kept telling him not to get googly eyes for the $$ and fancy words thrown around by recruiter. None the less, here we are. I'm hopeful he'll show me wrong. He says mom, anyone can do anything for 18mos if they want to...
Thanks again for the add! Happy to be here. Anyone from KC area?
Hi Lognavymom, welcome to the group! My son's PIR is August 29 and headed to GC Nuke Training too. This is all new for us with our son. Glad you joined the group!
Hi, Seahawks12 and lognavymom! I love that your Sailors will graduate around the same time and be at GC around the same time. My son went to GC in Nov 2021, and another mom in this group had a son who went to GC in Jan 2022. Because of the Christmas holidays and then my son getting Covid, our sons ended up in the same class! It was WAY cool having that shared experience with a mom here! (I do hope that no one gets rolled back, but it is cool that they should be on similar schedules! :-)
Welp, my nuke has made it from Norfolk to San Diego and has been sleeping on his ship for the last couple of days. Said he was still in indoc and quals will start this coming week. And the spotty or lack of communication has begun. Having them in GC really can spoil you :) Hope everyone is having a good day.
JNMnavymomOH - so happy to hear your Nuke is safely in San Diego! And yes, being at GC "really can spoil you." Hoping you will get to hear from him more often than you expect!
I am on grandma duty, so I haven't been able to log in much.
JNMnavymomOH - Thank you for the update on your son. I was wondering how things were going with him. I am glad to hear that he made it to his ship!!
lognavymom - the Nuke Pipeline is nothing to laugh at or take lightly. But my son also told me that attitude was a key factor in doing well. It sounds like your son has a good attitude, but remind him, the schooling is about 18 months, but the contract is for 6 years!!. I know the bonus money for Nukes was greatly increased a couple of years after my son joined (which did not make him very happy), but there are contingencies to that bonus money. So, I suggest that you encourage your son to look into all of the savings/ investment options available to him and not just spend it, in the event that he is not able to complete the Nuke program and would have to repay the bonus. (Sorry - I am just trying to point out the practical aspects of what our sailors have to plan for.)
Be sure to encourage you son to look into all savings options that are open to him through Navy Federal Credit Union as well.
I just need to vent for a moment. My son just called and he is aboard his ship, but not yet checked in. The day after he arrived on board, someone stole his shower shoes (brand new crocs) and tried to take his tennis shoes. He has them locked up now, but he said that everyone else in his berthing has their shoes out so he thought they were safe. Like really, shower shoes?? I made him aware about theft being an issue with his electronics, so he has them locked up already. UGH! Can nobody have anything? Like is he going to have to lock up the food or supplies I send every time? Does everyone have access to the berthing? Sorry, but this makes me very sad about the state of the ship. On a positive note, he was on his way to the lounge to hang with "friends". That makes me feel a bit better. Thanks for my moment.
My little sailor girl is currently in the pipeline. She’s doing well and doesn’t stress (I ask her how she’s handling things pretty frequently and she’s open with me). She said someone in a different barracks than her passed away by their own doing :( this saddens me so much. I’m glad my kid is doing well; but dammit I feel on those who aren’t. I talk with my girl about three times a week, sometimes more. I asked how she felt and she doesn’t feel one way or another. I have heard that this particular career path is very difficult mentally. I’m just so sad for this unknown person and their family.
Axolotl - that is so sad and scary too… I think we’ve all heard the stories of suicide but this must be so hard for you to have it happen while your daughter is there! When my son went through the Nuke Pipeline, I had many conversations with him where I told him how proud I was that he’d been selected for the program but that there was nothing more important than his life. That I was proud of him EITHER way, whether he completed the pipeline or not. I just needed him to know it was okay if he didn’t pass. Luckily my son did well too but this is so sad. I can’t imagine there pain.
AxolotlMom - I'm so sorry for the sailor that felt this was their only way out and I'm sorry for your daughter and everyone around that sailor who is experiencing this tragedy. I too had many conversations with B when he was in the pipeline and continuously would remind him that no matter what happened in his schooling it wasn't the end of the day. There is always another option and we would get through it together. So much pressure is put on them in the pipeline....
AxolotlMom - I am saddened to hear this news which your daughter shared. My son would call me at times, because he would hear sirens when in his BEQ. He didn't always know the outcome, but we would always pray. Whether at GC, in the fleet, or on shore duty, it is likely your sailor will be expected to stand a suicide watch at some point in time. Or may end up rescuing someone who has tried to end their life. It is a burden that I wish my son and DIL or anyone else's sailor did not have to bear. But as a parent, it has been helpful to be aware of it, and the affects that it has had on my sailor kids.
PacNWmom
My sailor has been deployed since January, and I rarely hear from him. A few weeks ago I missed an opportunity to talk to him on the phone :'( Occasionally I get a 1 or 2 line text. I hope he's doing OK. As a mom I can't help but worry about him, and can't wait until he's back in San Diego.
Jul 10, 2024
My2kidsmom9498
My sailor sent a message to us that he may get leave soon. We haven’t seen him in 18 months! Yeah!
Jul 10, 2024
Chipmunk
Seahawks12 - Welcome Aboard!! Is your loved one in the Nuke Pipeline, at Boot Camp, or waiting to leave?
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke - How did you all weather through the storm? Were you close by or farther away? I am so glad that your son has found a job that he is enjoying.
Q's Momma - I do hope you get to see your son before he is deployed. Especially now that he is back so close to home!!
B'sNukeMom - Being grandparents is the best!! But it is no fun when you are far away! I am thankful that the technology is more advanced than when I lived a distance from my parents. I realize now how much my mom missed not being able to see my children growing up.
PacNWmom - Oh I am sorry that you missed your phone call opportunity!
Jul 10, 2024
Chipmunk
So, my son is enjoying being out of Nuke life, although he recently joined the reserves. His wife is still enlisted, normally he is the stay-at-home dad and cook. He has been polishing up on his Gordon Ramsey skills with their meal prep food delivery boxes. Both of my sailors are also getting further education with some form of military assistance and our preemie baby is continuing to gain weight and has reached the 10-month-old mark!!
AxolotlMom - I am glad to hear that your daughter is still pushing through and glad for her decision. Yes, SC is a lot different than rural OK. I believe it tends to also be a lot more humid.
Jul 10, 2024
Chipmunk
My2kidsmom9498 - That is such wonderful news!!
Jul 10, 2024
JNMnavymomOH
Welcome new moms!!!
My son is in TPU at Norfolk waiting to be sent to SD for the GW. He said he would be there for a bit longer, but I think since its in port, he will be sent sooner than the dates he gave me. He did not keep the car, I brought it back with me. I am hoping to see him before he leaves for Japan. I was going to bring him the things he can have but was afraid to pack. He wasn't sure how many bags he would be able to have. Otherwise he is fine, a bit nervous for this next step. He just passed his 2 years in. The "see ya later" have been hard, but I think that one was harder. The others (besides BC) I knew I would see him again at specific times. We have now hit the "I'll see ya when I see ya" stage. I hit that stage called "We find that we need our children more than they need us" and I'm not liking it at all. Even though he didn't want to spend time with me, I loved having him home. He played his video games and watched YT and anime. We are still working on figuring out the phone/data thing. Otherwise he is good and I'm hanging in there.
Glad to see everyone is doing well :)
Jul 10, 2024
Chipmunk
JNMnavymomOH - I was thinking about you earlier and wondered how things had all worked out. I am glad your son is at least settled somewhat in Norfolk for the time being. Yes, those "I'll see you when I see you are hard."
KayCee and MoMom - Just sending a shout out and hello to you both!!
Jul 10, 2024
KayCee
Hi Chipmunk and hello to Everyone! This month will be 7 years since my son left for boot camp. After graduation from Nuke school, he was assigned to a fast attack sub that was underway - preparing for deployment. He was able to meet up with the boat when they arrived at a port. He never was good at communication, but all of a sudden I had none at all. With this command, he had three deployments that lasted the maximum amount of days allowed, but that doesn't even count the time out during under ways. My idea of him being home based in Bremerton, close to where I am, didn't even matter. I think I spent more time with him during my three visits to SC.
In January, he started his shore duty and moved to Guam. I thought I would have contact from here on, but I was mistaken. He told me he was leaving again. He has been in and out of ports now since May. I still don't understand, but he said it's because this is a sea command, even though he is supposed to be on shore duty... The life of a Navy Mom....
Welcome Seahawks12! Maybe I will see you at a game this year?
Jul 11, 2024
The Hammer
Hello everyone! It’s been six and a half years since boot camp for my sailor - can’t believe it. He graduated in 2019 and left for his duty station in Bangor, WA (Kitsap) on a Seawolf class sub in early 2020. He was extended for six months on his sea duty and is now a First Class LPO… but will transition in August to shore duty at the same base. He got married to his sister’s best friend last December and they are expecting our first grandchild in February! It’s been quite a ride!
Jul 11, 2024
Pizanche
Morning - My son has been in 3 years now (2 at SC and the last in HI) He is currently on deployment. (since Dec). Nice hearing from you all!
Jul 11, 2024
joe-mom
Great to hear from you all. Hoping for visits, phone calls/texts and all the things!
My son starts ELT school in Goose Creek next week. He should get his orders sometime in September. He's hoping to either be picked up for JSI or sent to a Boomer class sub.
Thinking about all of you and your sailors as the journey continues.
Jul 11, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Nice to see the updates! Keep them coming...
It's hard not seeing them as often as we would like. Silly me, I thought when B got out of the Navy he would come home to CA. But love had other plans for him....He hasn't lived "at home" now since 2012 and probably won't ever come back to CA. But that's ok....life moves on and we are just lucky that we can visit and eventually move to MI.
Chipmunk - YES! The grandparent club is the best! And thank goodness for FaceTime! I usually talk to C multiple times a week - and she keeps me on speaker so Oliver hears my voice ALL the time lol! And we FT usually a couple times a week to see him - so he recognizes us completely and loves blowing us kisses on the FT.
The Hammer - so excited for you to join the Grandparents Club. It really is something special!
KayCee - maybe you'll get to visit Guam?!
JNMnavymomOH - you will definitely want to try to visit Japan. And have you joined the Japan group on here? There's a few "old timers" there that can pass on some helpful info.
My2kidsmom9498 - fingers crossed that he gets that leave soon!
PacNWmom - ugh, sorry you missed the call. Fingers crossed for him to get back to San Diego soon too!
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke – good for your son to continue in the Nuke field. And I agree – friends and contacts are important! I’ll bet the 100 year old house is keeping him busy and a kitten – so sweet!
Q’s Momma – wow – that’s fantastic that he’s so close! We’re West Coast and B was always East Coast lol! I hope you get that visit before deployment!
AxolotlMom – Gosh I remember A school – seems sooooo long ago lol! Glad she’s doing well – just remind her that no matter what happens, it isn’t the end of the world!
Jul 11, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
joe-mom - my DIL was an ELT too!
Pizanche - hello! Thanks for checking in ;-D Hopefully you're getting some communication from him while on deployment.
Jul 11, 2024
Tulip
Jul 11, 2024
DsMom2020
Hi All - it’s really been nice, interesting, informative and, for lack of a better word, anxiety provoking, to hear all your updates and to learn what your Nuke sailors have been up to. Congratulations to all of you as your kids have had successful lives - be it promotions, marriages, new babies, or careers outside the Navy. And prayers to those of you whose sailors are struggling.
My son is finishing up as a JSI soon and “plans” to go to Oahu next. I’m glad to know what to expect but my mama heart is hurting at the thought of the “maximum” length deployments on a fast attack sub and/or the thought of a missed phone call! I’ve known this time was coming but it’s starting to get real now! I’ve been very spoiled these last 4 years while he was in South Carolina… more trips to visit him, and trips home, than I can count. I wish he could just stay in South Carolina teaching Nukes!! But fortunately for him, he is excited about this next step. I worry that like B’sNukeMom’s sailor, mine might never come “home” to California…. He really enjoyed South Carolina, and I know he likes Hawaii. He loves the beautiful green scenery. While we have a close family/extended family, he hates California traffic and the politics. He tells me that every trip home!
He has almost completely recovered from his TBI from head on collision in February. Has been on limited duty “non deployable” status and orders were cancelled. Myriad of symptoms (vertigo, headaches, distance and speed perception issues, concentration problems, slow speech, difficulty with finding words) would come and go and get worse when he was fatigued or over did it mentally. Symptoms have all slowly resolved. He had a great physical therapist that helped him train his brain to multitask again without getting over fatigued. I THINK he also had some PTSD with driving but he started driving again last month and recently started instructing and standing watch (he was just doing simple clerical duties). He super positive as getting back into - says it has been easy and he doesn’t not feel rusty at all (Must be nice to be so smart… didn’t get it from me!). Just has to build stamina to do his JSI job for the full shift now without getting headaches, etc. He is hoping to be off limited duty by the end of the month (a month early) and if so, will be back on tract to go to Oahu within a couple months. He’s had a great experience through this journey with Navy medical and his chiefs. Only a few minor issues (mama bear came out once and I called the ombudsman when his senior chief told him to walk to the front gate to get picked up for a ride home - it’s a couple miles and he was early in his recovery with full blown symptoms) but overall everyone has been understanding and supportive though it all.
I’m not very good of keeping track and commenting on everyone’s posts, but I read them all and rejoice or pray as needed, and am so appreciative for the information and just that this group exists!
Jul 12, 2024
Chipmunk
Thanks everyone for the updates!! I will try to reply soon. I am looking forward to hearing from more of you.
Jul 12, 2024
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke
Chipmunk - We are very lucky to be in Central North Texas and far away from the storm hitting Houston. In fact, since it has been a dry summer so far, we really hoped for a few rain bands from the storm to reach us. I think only one did. Prayers to all in Houston and surrounding areas. Thanks for asking!
Jul 12, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jul 12, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Tulip - BZ to your son on his Chief promotion and congratulations on his marriage ;-D
D'sMom2020 - So glad to hear the good news on your son. What a worrisome time this has been for you all but so thankful that the worst of his accident seems to be behind him and he can move on now. TBI is scary and yes, it takes time to fully heal. I'm glad you have been able to advocate for him. Excited for his next adventure for sure!
Jul 12, 2024
topdog1p
My son is currently back serving in Washington after doing shore duty in Groton. He and his wife recently welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby boy. It is the first grandbaby for me :) I glad they are on the west coast for a bit. He has been in 9 years now and is currently the dept head of nav. I am thankful he will be able to be home a lot as he is on off crew. ( he is on a GN sub)
Jul 12, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
topdog1p - Welcome to the grandparents club!
Jul 12, 2024
jurisprude
My son began his Navy career after a skewed-priorities freshman outing at Texas Tech. After becoming a Nuke, he served as an ELT on the USS Tennessee out of Kings Bay, and then on to Guam doing something related to radiological controls (not sure how to word that). During that time, he married his high school girlfriend and now has three sons! He also completed his college education through Excelsior with a degree in Nuclear Engineering. He was credited 70+ hours through the Navy's nuclear training. Last year, he was selected for the Enlisted to Medical Degree Prep Program (EMDP2), which is an amazing commissioning program that provides a free 2-year pre-med program through George Mason University. He is now in the process of applying to medical schools (which will all be paid by the US Military + salary & housing allowance). He told me that for anyone interested in becoming a doctor, the little-known EMDP2 program is perfect, especially for Nukes. He has been in the Navy for just about 10 years (time flies!).
I haven't commented in a while, but definitely enjoy reading all the posts.
Jul 12, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
jurisprude - wow! What a fantastic program/opportunity for him. I have not heard of this before! Keep us posted on how things go for him. He's done a lot in 10 years!
Jul 12, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jul 12, 2024
MomofJoseph
Good morning, everyone! It has been so encouraging to hear everyone's updates! (But like DsMom2020, it is a bit anxiety-promoting!) My son has been in almost 3 years. He is in Groton now and he's assigned to a PCU. Sea trials will be forthcoming and then commissioning of the sub and then deployment. I was super-spoiled when he was in Charleston because it was only 4 hours away. We were able to visit often, and a few times, he'd text and ask if I'd come have dinner with him, and I'd hop in my car for a day trip. Sadly, those days are over because Groton is not a daytrip!!!
My Sailor is doing well, and is super-communicative (calls 3-4 times per week). I LOVE that, but it makes me dread deployment all the more. But in the meantime, I'm treasuring all the times I do get to talk to him, and trying not to think about the silence that is coming whenever deployment happens.
Jul 13, 2024
New Adventures
Crazy couple of days! Jurisprudence- That is an interesting and I have never heard of the medical path. I know a couple of docs who were trained by the military but both started in ROTC. I know a "kid" in the army who just finished law school. She was tapped by her command after about 8 years of service and a very non related area. Off to be a JAG now and all paid for in the same way. My sailor is starting 4th year in sea duty out of KB. Sadly on his last deployment he started getting sea sick so is not planning on reenlisting. He has been told for Nukes is it sea, training command, or recruiting only. He enjoys teaching and did a lot of tutoring but now realizes training command is more instruction then teaching if that makes sense. His path was different before joining. College, a little grad school and then Navy as enlisted. They offered officer given the degree but in other areas. He wanted to be a nuke- period. So far he is happy with the choice, except the sea sick thing. He did a special soldering school recently and found it interesting. Hope every one is well!
Jul 14, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jul 15, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Monday! B&C took Oliver to his first major league baseball game - Dodgers in Detroit. They had a great time and Oli loved it. Their Dodgers lost but oh well, lol!
Jul 15, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jul 15, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jul 15, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jul 15, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ lognavymom!
Please be sure to read the ***NEW MEMBERS*** info at the top of the page. Lots of good info there. Also take a look at the Pages (21) to the right under the member profiles - be sure to hit "view all". And the discussion forum above has some good info too - be sure to read Chipmunks "Nuke A School Daily Schedule". And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Jul 15, 2024
MomofJoseph
Hello, lognavymom! Welcome to the group! We hope you'll introduce yourself and let us know a little about you! <3
Jul 16, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jul 16, 2024
lognavymom
Hi All! Thanks for the welcome. My son is just finishing up at RTC, PIR is 8/15. He'll be headed to GC from there for nuke training. This is all somewhat new for me, we do have military in family but this is my first go with a child. I'm slightly nervous about his choice to go nuke, I kept telling him not to get googly eyes for the $$ and fancy words thrown around by recruiter. None the less, here we are. I'm hopeful he'll show me wrong. He says mom, anyone can do anything for 18mos if they want to...
Thanks again for the add! Happy to be here. Anyone from KC area?
Jul 16, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jul 17, 2024
Seahawks12
Hi Lognavymom, welcome to the group! My son's PIR is August 29 and headed to GC Nuke Training too. This is all new for us with our son. Glad you joined the group!
Jul 17, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jul 18, 2024
MomofJoseph
Hi, Seahawks12 and lognavymom! I love that your Sailors will graduate around the same time and be at GC around the same time. My son went to GC in Nov 2021, and another mom in this group had a son who went to GC in Jan 2022. Because of the Christmas holidays and then my son getting Covid, our sons ended up in the same class! It was WAY cool having that shared experience with a mom here! (I do hope that no one gets rolled back, but it is cool that they should be on similar schedules! :-)
Jul 18, 2024
JNMnavymomOH
Welp, my nuke has made it from Norfolk to San Diego and has been sleeping on his ship for the last couple of days. Said he was still in indoc and quals will start this coming week. And the spotty or lack of communication has begun. Having them in GC really can spoil you :) Hope everyone is having a good day.
Jul 18, 2024
MomofJoseph
JNMnavymomOH - so happy to hear your Nuke is safely in San Diego! And yes, being at GC "really can spoil you." Hoping you will get to hear from him more often than you expect!
Jul 19, 2024
Chipmunk
Welcome to our new members!!!
I am on grandma duty, so I haven't been able to log in much.
JNMnavymomOH - Thank you for the update on your son. I was wondering how things were going with him. I am glad to hear that he made it to his ship!!
lognavymom - the Nuke Pipeline is nothing to laugh at or take lightly. But my son also told me that attitude was a key factor in doing well. It sounds like your son has a good attitude, but remind him, the schooling is about 18 months, but the contract is for 6 years!!. I know the bonus money for Nukes was greatly increased a couple of years after my son joined (which did not make him very happy), but there are contingencies to that bonus money. So, I suggest that you encourage your son to look into all of the savings/ investment options available to him and not just spend it, in the event that he is not able to complete the Nuke program and would have to repay the bonus. (Sorry - I am just trying to point out the practical aspects of what our sailors have to plan for.)
Be sure to encourage you son to look into all savings options that are open to him through Navy Federal Credit Union as well.
Jul 19, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jul 19, 2024
DsMom2020
Hi All - anyone know the length of shift for EMN on a fast attack sub? 8 hour shits? 12 hour shifts? Extra shifts/duties?
Jul 20, 2024
JNMnavymomOH
I just need to vent for a moment. My son just called and he is aboard his ship, but not yet checked in. The day after he arrived on board, someone stole his shower shoes (brand new crocs) and tried to take his tennis shoes. He has them locked up now, but he said that everyone else in his berthing has their shoes out so he thought they were safe. Like really, shower shoes?? I made him aware about theft being an issue with his electronics, so he has them locked up already. UGH! Can nobody have anything? Like is he going to have to lock up the food or supplies I send every time? Does everyone have access to the berthing? Sorry, but this makes me very sad about the state of the ship. On a positive note, he was on his way to the lounge to hang with "friends". That makes me feel a bit better. Thanks for my moment.
Jul 20, 2024
AxolotlMom
My little sailor girl is currently in the pipeline. She’s doing well and doesn’t stress (I ask her how she’s handling things pretty frequently and she’s open with me). She said someone in a different barracks than her passed away by their own doing :( this saddens me so much. I’m glad my kid is doing well; but dammit I feel on those who aren’t. I talk with my girl about three times a week, sometimes more. I asked how she felt and she doesn’t feel one way or another. I have heard that this particular career path is very difficult mentally. I’m just so sad for this unknown person and their family.
Jul 21, 2024
DsMom2020
Axolotl - that is so sad and scary too… I think we’ve all heard the stories of suicide but this must be so hard for you to have it happen while your daughter is there! When my son went through the Nuke Pipeline, I had many conversations with him where I told him how proud I was that he’d been selected for the program but that there was nothing more important than his life. That I was proud of him EITHER way, whether he completed the pipeline or not. I just needed him to know it was okay if he didn’t pass. Luckily my son did well too but this is so sad. I can’t imagine there pain.
Jul 22, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Monday!
AxolotlMom - I'm so sorry for the sailor that felt this was their only way out and I'm sorry for your daughter and everyone around that sailor who is experiencing this tragedy. I too had many conversations with B when he was in the pipeline and continuously would remind him that no matter what happened in his schooling it wasn't the end of the day. There is always another option and we would get through it together. So much pressure is put on them in the pipeline....
Jul 22, 2024
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jul 22, 2024
Chipmunk
AxolotlMom - I am saddened to hear this news which your daughter shared. My son would call me at times, because he would hear sirens when in his BEQ. He didn't always know the outcome, but we would always pray. Whether at GC, in the fleet, or on shore duty, it is likely your sailor will be expected to stand a suicide watch at some point in time. Or may end up rescuing someone who has tried to end their life. It is a burden that I wish my son and DIL or anyone else's sailor did not have to bear. But as a parent, it has been helpful to be aware of it, and the affects that it has had on my sailor kids.
Jul 22, 2024