Did your sailors get to choose which A school in the nuke program? Or were they assigned to MMN, EMN, or ETN without any choice? Do you do that first, then power school, then prototype? I am trying to figure out how it all splits up.
Val - one never knows how long the hold will be between power school and prototype. Back when B finished power school (12/18/13) he was sent to NY for prototype. He didn't leave for NY until 1/13/14 and then he didn't even start prototype until 4/14/14. I don't believe they are sending anyone to NY at this time but the holds could still be as long, or short or whatever the Navy decides lol!
When my son finished power school in Oct 2023, he was already moved off base. He is kind of a minimalist and didn't have much. I got down there the night before graduation and then we drove down to Universal for 3 days. I believe he had a couple of weeks before Prototype started.
AZ_RACCOON My son did not get to choose which of the nuke rates he got, he was assigned just before BS-21 I think. He really wanted ETN or EMN, but got MMN instead.
My son shipped to RTC in June 2022. He had some difficulty and was there for 4 months. (I don't really want to re-live those days lol) PIR was on a Friday, had to be back on base that night and was supposed to leave the next day, but he ended up getting another day of liberty and left on a Sunday. I know that some things have changed in RTC since my son was there.
I won't say that my son LOVES being in the Navy or living on a carrier, but he does LOVE Japan where he will be for quite a while yet. He rented a house off base and even bought a car.
I don't comment much, but I do read the messages and eventually respond to the private messages. I found this page to be a fountain of information and experience. These moms on this site have helped me out and definitely calmed me down more than once. Welcome to the "family".
AZ_RACCOON - I'm not sure how it works in terms of their rate. My son was assigned ETN at the recruiter's office, so he knew his rate going into BC.
Val - my son had 12 days between Power school and Prototype. He had already moved into his house a month before graduating Power School, so he was able to come home during the break (and we only live 4 hours from Charleston). And yes, Prototype is about 6 months.
AZ_RACOON my son was told to choose which rate he wanted while at bootcamp. Also was told not to count on it, as Needs of the Navy would be the deciding factor. He did get his first choice, EMN. He found out while at bootcamp camp.
Val - my son graduated power school in early December and got three weeks off before prototype so he came home. We went for every graduation (prototype, power school and A school). Stayed a week after A school. Brought his best friend. Rented an airbnb. Had a great time exploring Charleston. After power school we just stayed a couple days then flew home with him for a lovely holiday season. After prototype we had planned an east coast family vacation with him and his auntie, uncle, cousin. He ended up being picked up for JSI (junior staff instructor) at prototype and didn’t get the time off. We had fun without him.
Thank you for the information. I am missing my son so want a chance after PowerSchool graduation to visit. It’s all business and studying for him in PowerSchool. I’m from California so quite a ways I enjoy reading your comments and it is helpful to know what lies ahead. I probably will not to be able to visit during Prototype as they are most likely crazy busy. Not sure what happens after Prototype. Thanks so much for all your helpfulness. Glad to have support.
Val - I’m from California too. Found flights in February to be cheapest. Hopper was a good app for locating cheap flights. Booked with hopper a couple times but also would just search the flights on hopper and then book on the airlines website.
How soon did you all book flights to graduation after your child went to RTC? I still haven't gotten the first postcard with her info., so I haven't booked anything yet.
Be sure to ask your Bootcamp question in the BC mom group, mostly so we don't get confused as to which graduation you are asking about. But, I will answer answer assuming you mean BC PIR. We drove, so we did not book flights. Things were different when my son was @ RTC. But I did not book a motel until we had our letter with his PIR ( Pass In Review) / graduation date and a mailing address for him. At that time they sent out a letter with motel information. I think that is now posted on the BC website. I am replying to this on my phone so I can't easily grab and attach it for you.
From now forward, make all reservations refundable or changeable, whether flight or motel. We just had one mom recently share her SR is in RCU and has been set back in training.
AZ_Raccoon - Many of us are in multiple groups on this site and we will answer wherever the questions are posted. :-) - It just helps other members in the BC Mom group to see posted questions there and for them to be answered there as well.
Val - as you can see from the other posts, time off after each of the classes can vary. As I recall, my son had about 10 days off after Power School. He had to get moved into his apartment. We stayed through the weekend after graduation to help him move and purchase anything he needed for his room. Including a really nice lunch bag he needed for carrying his meals in. He later left it one day by accident and never found it again I don't know if that situation has changed at prototype or not, but they had to bring their own food in when he was there.
He was able to fly home with us and then returned a couple of days before Prototype started. We always returned him at least a day early.
He did not come home for any holidays during Prototype. We are in the Midwest with an easy flight pattern but it still takes most of the day.
AZ_RACOON - Welcome aboard and the new journey! We did not book our flight until we actually were able to talk to him on the phone and he told us when the graduation date was set. My son graduated Bootcamp 6 months ago and is in Nuke A school in GC graduating at the end of the month! He is an EMN. We are all here for you! Thank goodness for this sight!! I know I had so many questions and still do! I always come here for help!!
AZ_RACOON. I appreciate the advice. This is new for me. I think mine is graduating in June. Congratulations on your son’s graduation at the end of the month!
Morning - I'd thought I'd throw my comments in to try and help also. My sailor graduated bootcamp a little better than 3 years ago. I drove to Chicago and got the call as I was picking up the tickets. he signed up to be an ETN and is still one to this day. He is on a Sub and doesn't love it, but doesn't hate it. He had 10 days off after A school, but after Power school he only had about 3 days (needs of the Navy) Prototype he had a month off but he was responsible to get to his next port and get himself ready.
I dont post much but I will help anyway possible. As I stated My sailor is on a Sub and has done a many "underways" and a one very long deployment.
Pizanche - Hello!! It is good to hear from you! I forgot your son was an ETN as well. Thanks for sharing, it is always helpful to have the sub life / sub Navy Mom viewpoint.
MomofJoseph - Yes, going to A School graduation! Thank you so much for everything you continue to help us with! Just waiting for the details about parking and when to arrive. Booked refundable flights and hotel a few months ago. That helped with the price. The earlier the better but always refundable like you all know! Thanks for being there for us all!
Seahawks12 - I started to reply earlier but had to delay. A school graduation is held at NNPTC. Plan to arrive early as there is usually a line out onto Red Bank Rd. NNPTC map
When we went for A school graduation, as I recall they had sent us invitations, but sometimes not everyone receives them. Your sailor had to make sure they had listed everyone that they wanted to attend on the list to be allowed into NNPTC. You will need to show your driver's license or other form of state / ? Fed ID. They have a long list to check everyone off on and they had two lines of cars being checked through the gate, but the ones for graduation were then ushered over to the side, so possibly go in on the right-side lane?
There were signs around and other sailors helping to guide you to where to park and where to go into the Bowman Center, I think is where graduation was held. When my son graduated A -school, he only received a few days of liberty, others had about 2 weeks of leave, so it just depends on the timing of graduation as well. We thought he had to report back to school on Monday, so we had planned to leave early that morning. Since he had some leave time, we ended up going to the bowling alley across the way and played a few games with him and then ate at the bowling alley or one of the food places that used to be right outside of NNPTC.
Your sailor should be able to tell you where you can park outside of NNPTC if you are just coming to pick him up for the evening or to spend the night at the motel. Assuming, they still authorize the sailors leaving that way. (I am purposefully not stating it exactly.)
Chipmunk - Hi my good friend!! Thank you so much for all of this great information! You always make me feel so calm!! You're a very special person as we all know!!
Seahawks12 - You are welcome! The most important thing is for your sailor to know exactly who is coming and get their names on the list for checking in. My son's SLPO gave his phone # to the parents so they could call him if someone had trouble getting in.
We drove our car, so we also made sure we had our car registration (at the time it was not a requirement in our state to carry it), and our car insurance. If you are renting a car, I would recommend having your car insurance as well as your rental papers, just in case. Even if you don't need them at NNPTC, it is good to have them for driving around.
Seahawks12 - I am so happy for you that you get to go to A School graduation. We spent the weekend in Charleston and went to Patriots Pointe to tour the Yorktown. We stopped at the information desk on the Yorktown, and when they noticed our son was a Sailor, they said, "Robert, this is yours," and Robert came over and gave us a private tour! It was so informative and fun!!!
After graduation, they were supposed to get a week off, but they were the first class to graduate after Power School classed up, so they had to stay at GC to stand watch. They were able to get their week off about two months later, just before Power School started for them. (I'm not sure if that makes sense. Sorry if it's unclear.)
MomofJoseph - Sounds like you had a great time! I am looking forward to spending a week in Charleston and going to Patriots Pointe to tour the Yorktown! It should be nice weather. Last time we were in Charleston was in December and it was very cold but still a great time!! Always so nice to hear from you!
I haven’t been on in quite a while, but I do keep up with the posts as there is always valuable information here.
My sailor is an ET, and if I remember correctly, it wasn’t the one he chose, but needs of the Navy placed him there. He never regretted it, and it was a great rank for him. We did attend his boot camp graduation, great experience for the sailors and the families. As far as liberty, we spent the remainder of Friday with him(8 pm curfew) and then we met him at the airport early Saturday morning to bring him his phone and computer. I also remember he wanted his own underwear. The navy issue were not very comfortable. We went to Goose Creek over Thanksgiving to bring him his car and also to spend a few days with him. It was so great to see him.
i was able to attend A School graduation, but Power School Graduation was cancelled due to a hurricane. He left for Prototype in New York before the hurricane hit and started school shortly after. We did visit him during Prototype, so we did get to see that area of New York, but they did not have a graduation ceremony as the sailors completed their training at different times. As soon as they got their orders, they left. He was stationed on a sub in San Diego. He had many underways and one deployment during his time on the sub. And yes, he did miss some holidays due to unforeseen circumstances, but the security of our country comes first. He has spent the past 4 years in New York, working at the Ballston Spa Nuclear Command. It is still up in the air as to when this command will once again be opened as a training command. Best wishes for all the new moms and their Nukes. I think it’s more difficult for us moms than it is for our sailors
momc - thanks for updating. That's interesting that your son didn't have a prototype graduation. B was also in Ballston Spa for proto and we did get to go to his graduation. We were able to make 2 trips to NY while he was there. Enjoyed them both!
Seahawks12 - nice that you get to spend some time in Charleston. We only made it there one time but really enjoyed it. Be sure to look at the discussion up above - Sightseeing in Charleston.
AZ_RACCOON - yes, there are 3 graduations and they are very different! The A school graduation is small and intimate. The Power School graduation is HUGE and amazing. The Prototype graduation is mid-size and is held on the Yorktown. All three are excellent!!!
Hello All -- We all have similar, but not exactly the same experiences through the Nuke Pipeline. As Chipmunk said "timing is everything".
My son finished BC on Friday (late June) and was on a plane to GC early the next morning. We had him all day Friday until 8 pm then went, very early a.m., to the airport to deliver the things he could not have on base...computer, cell phone, a few civilian clothes, etc. A few weeks later I sent another box but he preferred to get what he needed himself.
He classed up (ETN) about three weeks later. He signed up for ETN when he enlisted, final assignments are made during BC...based on the "needs of the Navy".
My husband & I drove his car from California to GC, timing our arrival for the day before Thanksgiving. So, he had a long liberty with us at the hotel. By Sunday noon, he was ready to get back to studying. Then, he flew home for the holidays for about a week); in late January, we flew A-school graduation. He was glad to see us but also wanted to spend time chillaxing with his buddies. He did not get leave at this time, being so close after the holidays. We saw him 3 times in 6 weeks but wouldn't see him again for over 13 months.
T-track, between A-school & Power School varies from 1-7 weeks or longer. PS starts about every 8 weeks; limited by available classrooms. Because there was a PS grad the same day he had to wait 7 weeks; with a car, he enjoyed exploring on & off-base. Those behind him weren't as lucky because the base soon locked down for COVID. PS graduation was held without guests; we did see a video & photos.
Prototype started about a week later, again, no leave due to COVID. Prototype is more or less a self-paced series of check-offs, depending on motivation & staff availability. The target completion is 6 months (graduation date). Again, no holiday leave due to the lockdown. Also, COVID was going around the students & staff so most of the class did not finish by the target date. There was no graduation ceremony anyway. At this point, nukes are getting their final assignments and leaving at staggered times, as needed by the Navy.
He had about a week for paperwork before detaching for a slow, solo cross-country drive. He added on some of the banked leave so ended up with over six weeks before reporting to his ship (exactly 2 years after leaving for BC).
He has spent the last 4 years being homeported in his home town so, except for 3 deployments, lived with us. This gave me a big insight into what happens when ships are not sailing. It is much like a regular week-day job with periodic duty days (24 hours onboard).
He is now detaching from the Navy and has moved into his own place. As someone else said, he didn't hate it but didn't enjoy it either. He was older when he enlisted so he is ready to get on with life. (Enlisted nukes are pretty much stuck in the fleet-shore duty is primarily as an instructor or recruiter). He also wasn't fond of the chain of command structure--he, like me, prefers to be the worker bee rather than supervisor.
Regarding re-enlistment: there will be tremendous pressure. For my son, this started about the 2 year mark however, I believe it starts even earlier now. In GC, he was advised to wait until he was in the fleet to decide, he was glad that he waited.
Lastly: Alcohol: As I said, my son was mid-twenties when he enlisted so the newness/mystery of drinking was long past. He would have a beer occasionally. At GC, the nuke schools are dry but there are clubs on the base where those 21+ can imbibe. However, the rules are very strict...if alcohol is found where an under 21 is present, everyone gets in trouble. His first roommate was under 21 (assigned alphabetically) so when they went out together, my son could not have a drink on the table. He made sure that all his prototype roommates were over 21.
Hi Canuka - Thanks for the update!! Congratulations to your son.
And you brought up a good point about the alcohol!!
My son was under 21 when he got to NUKE school and did not celebrate his 21st b'day until after he was sent to the fleet. I used to be concerned about him not going out with more of his "friends", but later when I had a chance to speak to him, I found out that he did not want to have to be put into any sort of "mandatory" reporting of anyone w/ regards to alcohol, or for there to be anything misconstrued. So, he usually stuck to NNPTC, he would call home, Skype with is brother and ride his bicycle by himself or help his classmates who had difficulties with keeping up their run time, practice on the weekends, besides studying.
And yes, they still do a lot more PT at Nuke School!!
COVID - That was difficult all around for everyone, no graduations, no trips home and not family traveling to our sailors!!
Power School graduation is held outside - UNLESS, it is raining as in my son's case. So, it was held inside and we were split between two graduations that morning, all with last minute instructions, that my son wasn't even sure of and people standing outside the building selling goodies but in uniforms that look like they might know what was going on, but didn't - so remember to talk to your sailor and get information from them as best as possible, but if they don't know - BE PATIENT - Semper Gumby never ends - you still stretch after BC!!
Canuka - thank you for the update! I didn't know any of that about the craziness of covid (since my son went to BC fall 2021). I love that your son got to live with you - that is AMAZING!!!
B'sNukeMoM - yes, I meant that he was told he would be the "first to graduate" once it reopened. But he did tell me that they tell every class that, so he wasn't surprised when he did prototype at GC. (And we were thrilled because GC is closer to us than NY!) :-)
Chipmunk-yes it rains on graduations in GC. Our A-school grad was the same day as a big PS grad, just a bit earlier (7:30 vs. 9 am). We met our son really early at the mini-Nex so he could help get us through the gate (with the same pre-submitted info). We got a close in parking spot but it soon filled up. Our ceremony was inside but the corridors were packed with early PS attendees trying to get out of the rain. As soon as he changed, we got out of there. We flew out on Monday, seeing him off & on over the weekend. We did have a nice day trip to Savannah, without him, should have done an overnight. Since he was relaxing for the first time in weeks, he wanted spend time with his friends too.
A School and Power School are both at Goose Creek in SC. Prototype is also currently at GC. But it's rumored that eventually Prototype will be in NY (and I don't know if they'll keep some Prototype students at GC). But when my son started A School (Jan 2021), they told his class that they would be the first class to graduate after Ballston, NY reopens, but obviously that didn't happen. :-) I have no idea what the timeline is for the move to NY. (Maybe some of the other moms might know.)
Here's some info on the MARF Defueling in Ballston Spa. It's been shut down as a training facility for quite some time but it looks like it's getting closer to re-opening. My son graduated prototype from there back in January 2015.
val - good to hear that it's going to be active again soon! B really liked it there in NY. He requested prototype there and was happy he got it! I believe he said at the time (2014) they were sending more single sailors there because it was cheaper than relocating a whole family...either way it worked out for him!
AZ_RACCOON
Did your sailors get to choose which A school in the nuke program? Or were they assigned to MMN, EMN, or ETN without any choice? Do you do that first, then power school, then prototype? I am trying to figure out how it all splits up.
Mar 12
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Val - one never knows how long the hold will be between power school and prototype. Back when B finished power school (12/18/13) he was sent to NY for prototype. He didn't leave for NY until 1/13/14 and then he didn't even start prototype until 4/14/14. I don't believe they are sending anyone to NY at this time but the holds could still be as long, or short or whatever the Navy decides lol!
It's the old "hurry up and wait"!
Mar 12
JNMnavymomOH
When my son finished power school in Oct 2023, he was already moved off base. He is kind of a minimalist and didn't have much. I got down there the night before graduation and then we drove down to Universal for 3 days. I believe he had a couple of weeks before Prototype started.
AZ_RACCOON My son did not get to choose which of the nuke rates he got, he was assigned just before BS-21 I think. He really wanted ETN or EMN, but got MMN instead.
My son shipped to RTC in June 2022. He had some difficulty and was there for 4 months. (I don't really want to re-live those days lol) PIR was on a Friday, had to be back on base that night and was supposed to leave the next day, but he ended up getting another day of liberty and left on a Sunday. I know that some things have changed in RTC since my son was there.
I won't say that my son LOVES being in the Navy or living on a carrier, but he does LOVE Japan where he will be for quite a while yet. He rented a house off base and even bought a car.
I don't comment much, but I do read the messages and eventually respond to the private messages. I found this page to be a fountain of information and experience. These moms on this site have helped me out and definitely calmed me down more than once. Welcome to the "family".
~~~~BNMHs ~~~~
Mar 12
MomofJoseph
AZ_RACCOON - I'm not sure how it works in terms of their rate. My son was assigned ETN at the recruiter's office, so he knew his rate going into BC.
Val - my son had 12 days between Power school and Prototype. He had already moved into his house a month before graduating Power School, so he was able to come home during the break (and we only live 4 hours from Charleston). And yes, Prototype is about 6 months.
Mar 12
DsMom2020
AZ_RACOON my son was told to choose which rate he wanted while at bootcamp. Also was told not to count on it, as Needs of the Navy would be the deciding factor. He did get his first choice, EMN. He found out while at bootcamp camp.
Val - my son graduated power school in early December and got three weeks off before prototype so he came home. We went for every graduation (prototype, power school and A school). Stayed a week after A school. Brought his best friend. Rented an airbnb. Had a great time exploring Charleston. After power school we just stayed a couple days then flew home with him for a lovely holiday season. After prototype we had planned an east coast family vacation with him and his auntie, uncle, cousin. He ended up being picked up for JSI (junior staff instructor) at prototype and didn’t get the time off. We had fun without him.
Mar 13
val
Mar 13
DsMom2020
Val - I’m from California too. Found flights in February to be cheapest. Hopper was a good app for locating cheap flights. Booked with hopper a couple times but also would just search the flights on hopper and then book on the airlines website.
Mar 13
AZ_RACCOON
Thanks for all of the information! This is all very helpful!
Mar 13
AZ_RACCOON
How soon did you all book flights to graduation after your child went to RTC? I still haven't gotten the first postcard with her info., so I haven't booked anything yet.
Mar 13
Chipmunk
Az-racoon - 1st of all welcome aboard!
Be sure to ask your Bootcamp question in the BC mom group, mostly so we don't get confused as to which graduation you are asking about. But, I will answer answer assuming you mean BC PIR. We drove, so we did not book flights. Things were different when my son was @ RTC. But I did not book a motel until we had our letter with his PIR ( Pass In Review) / graduation date and a mailing address for him. At that time they sent out a letter with motel information. I think that is now posted on the BC website. I am replying to this on my phone so I can't easily grab and attach it for you.
From now forward, make all reservations refundable or changeable, whether flight or motel. We just had one mom recently share her SR is in RCU and has been set back in training.
Mar 13
AZ_RACCOON
Okay, I'll make sure to keep my graduation questions to another group. You guys have just been awesome about answering questions here!
Mar 13
Chipmunk
AZ_Raccoon - Many of us are in multiple groups on this site and we will answer wherever the questions are posted. :-) - It just helps other members in the BC Mom group to see posted questions there and for them to be answered there as well.
Mar 13
Chipmunk
Val - as you can see from the other posts, time off after each of the classes can vary. As I recall, my son had about 10 days off after Power School. He had to get moved into his apartment. We stayed through the weekend after graduation to help him move and purchase anything he needed for his room. Including a really nice lunch bag he needed for carrying his meals in. He later left it one day by accident and never found it again I don't know if that situation has changed at prototype or not, but they had to bring their own food in when he was there.
He was able to fly home with us and then returned a couple of days before Prototype started. We always returned him at least a day early.
He did not come home for any holidays during Prototype. We are in the Midwest with an easy flight pattern but it still takes most of the day.
Mar 13
val
Mar 13
Seahawks12
AZ_RACOON - Welcome aboard and the new journey! We did not book our flight until we actually were able to talk to him on the phone and he told us when the graduation date was set. My son graduated Bootcamp 6 months ago and is in Nuke A school in GC graduating at the end of the month! He is an EMN. We are all here for you! Thank goodness for this sight!! I know I had so many questions and still do! I always come here for help!!
Mar 13
val
Mar 13
Seahawks12
AZ_RACOON - Still new for me and I hope I can help you in any way!
Mar 13
Pizanche
Morning - I'd thought I'd throw my comments in to try and help also. My sailor graduated bootcamp a little better than 3 years ago. I drove to Chicago and got the call as I was picking up the tickets. he signed up to be an ETN and is still one to this day. He is on a Sub and doesn't love it, but doesn't hate it. He had 10 days off after A school, but after Power school he only had about 3 days (needs of the Navy) Prototype he had a month off but he was responsible to get to his next port and get himself ready.
I dont post much but I will help anyway possible. As I stated My sailor is on a Sub and has done a many "underways" and a one very long deployment.
Stay safe, stay sane. And use these ladies!
Mar 14
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 14
Chipmunk
Pizanche - Hello!! It is good to hear from you! I forgot your son was an ETN as well. Thanks for sharing, it is always helpful to have the sub life / sub Navy Mom viewpoint.
Mar 14
MomofJoseph
Seahawks12 - I forgot that your Sailor is soon to be an A School graduate!!! Congrats! Are you planning on attending A School graduation?
Mar 14
Seahawks12
MomofJoseph - Yes, going to A School graduation! Thank you so much for everything you continue to help us with! Just waiting for the details about parking and when to arrive. Booked refundable flights and hotel a few months ago. That helped with the price. The earlier the better but always refundable like you all know! Thanks for being there for us all!
Mar 14
Chipmunk
Seahawks12 - I started to reply earlier but had to delay. A school graduation is held at NNPTC. Plan to arrive early as there is usually a line out onto Red Bank Rd. NNPTC map
When we went for A school graduation, as I recall they had sent us invitations, but sometimes not everyone receives them. Your sailor had to make sure they had listed everyone that they wanted to attend on the list to be allowed into NNPTC. You will need to show your driver's license or other form of state / ? Fed ID. They have a long list to check everyone off on and they had two lines of cars being checked through the gate, but the ones for graduation were then ushered over to the side, so possibly go in on the right-side lane?
There were signs around and other sailors helping to guide you to where to park and where to go into the Bowman Center, I think is where graduation was held. When my son graduated A -school, he only received a few days of liberty, others had about 2 weeks of leave, so it just depends on the timing of graduation as well. We thought he had to report back to school on Monday, so we had planned to leave early that morning. Since he had some leave time, we ended up going to the bowling alley across the way and played a few games with him and then ate at the bowling alley or one of the food places that used to be right outside of NNPTC.
Your sailor should be able to tell you where you can park outside of NNPTC if you are just coming to pick him up for the evening or to spend the night at the motel. Assuming, they still authorize the sailors leaving that way. (I am purposefully not stating it exactly.)
Mar 14
Seahawks12
Chipmunk - Hi my good friend!! Thank you so much for all of this great information! You always make me feel so calm!! You're a very special person as we all know!!
Mar 14
Chipmunk
Seahawks12 - You are welcome! The most important thing is for your sailor to know exactly who is coming and get their names on the list for checking in. My son's SLPO gave his phone # to the parents so they could call him if someone had trouble getting in.
We drove our car, so we also made sure we had our car registration (at the time it was not a requirement in our state to carry it), and our car insurance. If you are renting a car, I would recommend having your car insurance as well as your rental papers, just in case. Even if you don't need them at NNPTC, it is good to have them for driving around.
Enjoy your time!
Mar 15
MomofJoseph
Seahawks12 - I am so happy for you that you get to go to A School graduation. We spent the weekend in Charleston and went to Patriots Pointe to tour the Yorktown. We stopped at the information desk on the Yorktown, and when they noticed our son was a Sailor, they said, "Robert, this is yours," and Robert came over and gave us a private tour! It was so informative and fun!!!
After graduation, they were supposed to get a week off, but they were the first class to graduate after Power School classed up, so they had to stay at GC to stand watch. They were able to get their week off about two months later, just before Power School started for them. (I'm not sure if that makes sense. Sorry if it's unclear.)
Mar 15
Seahawks12
MomofJoseph - Sounds like you had a great time! I am looking forward to spending a week in Charleston and going to Patriots Pointe to tour the Yorktown! It should be nice weather. Last time we were in Charleston was in December and it was very cold but still a great time!! Always so nice to hear from you!
Have a restful Sunday everyone!
Mar 16
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 17
momc
Hello Navy Moms,
I haven’t been on in quite a while, but I do keep up with the posts as there is always valuable information here.
My sailor is an ET, and if I remember correctly, it wasn’t the one he chose, but needs of the Navy placed him there. He never regretted it, and it was a great rank for him. We did attend his boot camp graduation, great experience for the sailors and the families. As far as liberty, we spent the remainder of Friday with him(8 pm curfew) and then we met him at the airport early Saturday morning to bring him his phone and computer. I also remember he wanted his own underwear. The navy issue were not very comfortable. We went to Goose Creek over Thanksgiving to bring him his car and also to spend a few days with him. It was so great to see him.
i was able to attend A School graduation, but Power School Graduation was cancelled due to a hurricane. He left for Prototype in New York before the hurricane hit and started school shortly after. We did visit him during Prototype, so we did get to see that area of New York, but they did not have a graduation ceremony as the sailors completed their training at different times. As soon as they got their orders, they left. He was stationed on a sub in San Diego. He had many underways and one deployment during his time on the sub. And yes, he did miss some holidays due to unforeseen circumstances, but the security of our country comes first.
He has spent the past 4 years in New York, working at the Ballston Spa Nuclear Command. It is still up in the air as to when this command will once again be opened as a training command.
Best wishes for all the new moms and their Nukes. I think it’s more difficult for us moms than it is for our sailors
Mar 17
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
momc - thanks for updating. That's interesting that your son didn't have a prototype graduation. B was also in Ballston Spa for proto and we did get to go to his graduation. We were able to make 2 trips to NY while he was there. Enjoyed them both!
Mar 17
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Seahawks12 - nice that you get to spend some time in Charleston. We only made it there one time but really enjoyed it. Be sure to look at the discussion up above - Sightseeing in Charleston.
Mar 17
AZ_RACCOON
Are there 3 separate graduations for A school, power school, and prototype?
Mar 17
MomofJoseph
AZ_RACCOON - yes, there are 3 graduations and they are very different! The A school graduation is small and intimate. The Power School graduation is HUGE and amazing. The Prototype graduation is mid-size and is held on the Yorktown. All three are excellent!!!
Mar 17
MomofJoseph
momc - I loved your update. My son said that his class would be the first to graduate from Ballston, but that obviously didn't happen :-)
Mar 17
val
Mar 17
AZ_RACCOON
MomofJoseph -Thanks for letting me know! I don't know if I'll be able to attend all three since I am in AZ, but that's good to know!
Mar 17
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
MomofJoseph - I'm guessing your son meant the "first to graduate" from Ballston Spa in recent time. B graduated from Ballston back in 2015.
Mar 17
CanukaVet
Hello All -- We all have similar, but not exactly the same experiences through the Nuke Pipeline. As Chipmunk said "timing is everything".
My son finished BC on Friday (late June) and was on a plane to GC early the next morning. We had him all day Friday until 8 pm then went, very early a.m., to the airport to deliver the things he could not have on base...computer, cell phone, a few civilian clothes, etc. A few weeks later I sent another box but he preferred to get what he needed himself.
He classed up (ETN) about three weeks later. He signed up for ETN when he enlisted, final assignments are made during BC...based on the "needs of the Navy".
My husband & I drove his car from California to GC, timing our arrival for the day before Thanksgiving. So, he had a long liberty with us at the hotel. By Sunday noon, he was ready to get back to studying. Then, he flew home for the holidays for about a week); in late January, we flew A-school graduation. He was glad to see us but also wanted to spend time chillaxing with his buddies. He did not get leave at this time, being so close after the holidays. We saw him 3 times in 6 weeks but wouldn't see him again for over 13 months.
T-track, between A-school & Power School varies from 1-7 weeks or longer. PS starts about every 8 weeks; limited by available classrooms. Because there was a PS grad the same day he had to wait 7 weeks; with a car, he enjoyed exploring on & off-base. Those behind him weren't as lucky because the base soon locked down for COVID. PS graduation was held without guests; we did see a video & photos.
Prototype started about a week later, again, no leave due to COVID. Prototype is more or less a self-paced series of check-offs, depending on motivation & staff availability. The target completion is 6 months (graduation date). Again, no holiday leave due to the lockdown. Also, COVID was going around the students & staff so most of the class did not finish by the target date. There was no graduation ceremony anyway. At this point, nukes are getting their final assignments and leaving at staggered times, as needed by the Navy.
He had about a week for paperwork before detaching for a slow, solo cross-country drive. He added on some of the banked leave so ended up with over six weeks before reporting to his ship (exactly 2 years after leaving for BC).
He has spent the last 4 years being homeported in his home town so, except for 3 deployments, lived with us. This gave me a big insight into what happens when ships are not sailing. It is much like a regular week-day job with periodic duty days (24 hours onboard).
He is now detaching from the Navy and has moved into his own place. As someone else said, he didn't hate it but didn't enjoy it either. He was older when he enlisted so he is ready to get on with life. (Enlisted nukes are pretty much stuck in the fleet-shore duty is primarily as an instructor or recruiter). He also wasn't fond of the chain of command structure--he, like me, prefers to be the worker bee rather than supervisor.
Regarding re-enlistment: there will be tremendous pressure. For my son, this started about the 2 year mark however, I believe it starts even earlier now. In GC, he was advised to wait until he was in the fleet to decide, he was glad that he waited.
Lastly: Alcohol: As I said, my son was mid-twenties when he enlisted so the newness/mystery of drinking was long past. He would have a beer occasionally. At GC, the nuke schools are dry but there are clubs on the base where those 21+ can imbibe. However, the rules are very strict...if alcohol is found where an under 21 is present, everyone gets in trouble. His first roommate was under 21 (assigned alphabetically) so when they went out together, my son could not have a drink on the table. He made sure that all his prototype roommates were over 21.
BNMH's to everyone.
Mar 17
Chipmunk
Hi Canuka - Thanks for the update!! Congratulations to your son.
And you brought up a good point about the alcohol!!
My son was under 21 when he got to NUKE school and did not celebrate his 21st b'day until after he was sent to the fleet. I used to be concerned about him not going out with more of his "friends", but later when I had a chance to speak to him, I found out that he did not want to have to be put into any sort of "mandatory" reporting of anyone w/ regards to alcohol, or for there to be anything misconstrued. So, he usually stuck to NNPTC, he would call home, Skype with is brother and ride his bicycle by himself or help his classmates who had difficulties with keeping up their run time, practice on the weekends, besides studying.
And yes, they still do a lot more PT at Nuke School!!
COVID - That was difficult all around for everyone, no graduations, no trips home and not family traveling to our sailors!!
Power School graduation is held outside - UNLESS, it is raining as in my son's case. So, it was held inside and we were split between two graduations that morning, all with last minute instructions, that my son wasn't even sure of and people standing outside the building selling goodies but in uniforms that look like they might know what was going on, but didn't - so remember to talk to your sailor and get information from them as best as possible, but if they don't know - BE PATIENT - Semper Gumby never ends - you still stretch after BC!!
Mar 17
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 18
MomofJoseph
Canuka - thank you for the update! I didn't know any of that about the craziness of covid (since my son went to BC fall 2021). I love that your son got to live with you - that is AMAZING!!!
B'sNukeMoM - yes, I meant that he was told he would be the "first to graduate" once it reopened. But he did tell me that they tell every class that, so he wasn't surprised when he did prototype at GC. (And we were thrilled because GC is closer to us than NY!) :-)
Mar 18
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 18
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 18
CanukaVet
Chipmunk-yes it rains on graduations in GC. Our A-school grad was the same day as a big PS grad, just a bit earlier (7:30 vs. 9 am). We met our son really early at the mini-Nex so he could help get us through the gate (with the same pre-submitted info). We got a close in parking spot but it soon filled up. Our ceremony was inside but the corridors were packed with early PS attendees trying to get out of the rain. As soon as he changed, we got out of there. We flew out on Monday, seeing him off & on over the weekend. We did have a nice day trip to Savannah, without him, should have done an overnight. Since he was relaxing for the first time in weeks, he wanted spend time with his friends too.
Mar 18
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 19
AZ_RACCOON
Where are the potential locations for Prototype? And are A School and Power School both in South Carolina?
Mar 19
MomofJoseph
A School and Power School are both at Goose Creek in SC. Prototype is also currently at GC. But it's rumored that eventually Prototype will be in NY (and I don't know if they'll keep some Prototype students at GC). But when my son started A School (Jan 2021), they told his class that they would be the first class to graduate after Ballston, NY reopens, but obviously that didn't happen. :-) I have no idea what the timeline is for the move to NY. (Maybe some of the other moms might know.)
Mar 19
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Here's some info on the MARF Defueling in Ballston Spa. It's been shut down as a training facility for quite some time but it looks like it's getting closer to re-opening. My son graduated prototype from there back in January 2015.
MARF - Defueling
Mar 19
val
Mar 19
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
val - good to hear that it's going to be active again soon! B really liked it there in NY. He requested prototype there and was happy he got it! I believe he said at the time (2014) they were sending more single sailors there because it was cheaper than relocating a whole family...either way it worked out for him!
Mar 19