Welcome mark's mom! Congratulations to your new Sailor HOORAH!!
My son graduated Sonar Tech Submarine A school May 8th and he traveled home the following day for two weeks leave before he was off for his permanent duty station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. We had 14 glorious days that I continue to treasure :-) .
Nukes have a different schedule for training and leave, one of the mom's will have to jump in an provide info if your son is a nuke.
Going to graduation is going to be a personal choice. Some moms here have been to Groton more than once others like me never made it there. It just didn't fit into our schedule or budget. Fortunately there are plenty who have visited and can answer any questions you might have.
I understand you have lots of questions feel free to ask away! One of us (and sometimes more) are sure to have an answer for you :-)
mark's mom it's wonderful now that you can call him, text, skype, send him goodies and personal items he's been without all this time. I'm sure he's going to feel overwhelmed come Monday but he is going to love it there! I'm excited for you!
Welcome mark's mom - Hooyah - to your new SAILOR....yay, no longer a RECRUIT. Your son will like being at Groton. He will soon be on his way to earning leave time. It will depend as to when he gets to use it. Very soon he will learn all the information that pertains to him. Meanwhile, enjoy texting and speaking to him personally. He will be very busy getting settled in, it is all good...especially chow! Soon he will have watch as a job too. Lots to learn, lots to do. We texted our son and he was good to get back to us when he had the chance. Our son is an ETNAV - his graduation and travel experience is similiar to Kevsmom93 son. Our son was at Groton for one year. A few classes were on temporary hold, it eventually starts up again. Our sons learn to hurry up and wait. Kevsmom93 is right - this site has womderful, loving NAVY MOM'S anytime you need one! We are here for YOU.
Welcome baby dukie's mama - Congratulations! Your Sailor will be busy getting settled, I am sure he can get his address to you very soon. Be careful packing electronic devices. We did not mail any electronic stuff. There may be a NAVY MOM out there who can share the best way.
Hi Everyone, thanks for the warm welcome and all the advice and info. My son called a couple days before his PIR, and asked his dad and I what pics we wanted to order. We gave him our order of pics, and also had him order a DVD of his graduation. He said it's beautiful in Groton, CT. He is going to A School to be a diesel mechanic and work on hydraulics on a nuclear sub. Just waiting to hear from him to get his address to be able to write to him. I'm so glad I joined this group.
Welcome baby dukie's mama and Congratulations to your new Sailor. You're one of the lucky ones who found NFM's honestly I don't know how I would have functioned without it. Very dysfunctionally to be sure!
I'm sure there are many options for mailing but this is how my husband and I did it. First you have to understand that our son is especially attached to all of his electronic devices. (If I had to guess so are your son's) At that time he had a very expensive laptop. It was his H.S. graduation gift but because his taste was a little beyond our budget we offered to pay half and he had to cover the rest which he did. He decided he didn't want us to travel to Illinois and PIR with his laptop so we shipped it Fedex to Groton. It cost a very pretty penny, they have a special packing box made specifically for laptops. If I remember correctly by the time we added in all his accessories and games the grand total to ship was over $100 (@$120?). Now some of you (or all!) might think that's ridiculous but it really was worth it based on the cost of his laptop. It arrived in perfect condition too. Just assume the people handling your package are going to treat it like a football and package accordingly! That's how we look at it. Doesn't matter how far or close your package has to go once it leaves your hands you are trusting it to someone else.
If your son has a smartphone and you still have the original box that would be a good way to start the packaging. But if it's in say an Otter Box then I would keep it in there and then wrap, wrap and wrap some more in bubble wrap and then of course an appropriate box. Our son in Hawaii just sent his Dad his Galaxy S4 like that and it arrived here in Ca. safe and sound.
Glad to have a new group to join that will help me understand the new world of Subs and the Navy. My son graduated the 25th and is now in Groton. He will be a MM and he is looking forward to the next phase in his career in the Navy. He is 22 and unmarried. We live in GA and will be coming to see him as his training permits. We do have a family friend whose husband is stationed there now and she is going to fill in for a mother figure when he needs one close by. Looking forward to meeting all of you. I have been reading your post and look forward to more of them.
Sorry it has taken me a few days to reply. Yes, that is my son, throwing candy to the littles, He enjoyed himself I think. The submarine float had holes on the side through which they squirted water at people!
For all you new Moms, welcome! Enjoy the renewed contact with your sailors! Also, check out K's Homemade Sweets N Treats on facebook. She lives about 5 minutes from base, with base access. She makes beautiful and delicious treats (ask any of the Moms who have used her, the sailors love her baked goodies!). She will make a favorite family recipe, whatever you want, for any reason or no reason, to deliver to your sailor. She is not a professional, does this in her own kitchen, but if you look at her fb page, you would never know. She loves to do it, and she loves the military (her hubby is USMC reservist). Check out those peanut butter bomb cupcakes, or oreo cheesecake!
scubagirl - welcome! Your son will truly like being at Groton. I hope you get to visit your Sailor soon. My husband and I drove out from California to take him his truck - it was wonderful to have our son stay with us off base, we enjoyed a tour of the base, the USS California and even ate chow with him and his friends. Wow, I hugged so many Sailors that weekend - all in the name of NAVY MOM!
baby dukies's mama - too funny, our son was often amazed at how much i DID know or become aware of. Hey, there will be plenty our Sailors will keep under their hats...trust me! This site with it's wonderful, loving, funny NAVY MOM'S has truly helped me remain calm, and adjust to this part of our sons NAVY journey. We are not alone. And the unconditional support and understanding is a blessing! AND a huge YES to K's Homemade Sweets N Treats!! Our son and his friends loved the huge chocolate chip cookie we sent for his birthday. Go ahead and send something just cuz!
baby dukie's mama, great story about the ketchup & your BIL! I would have panicked!! hahaha but laugh about it later!
Welcome to all the new moms and please thank your Sailors for their Service! How proud you all must be.
My Son graduated A school in Groton on July 24 and is home before going to his first assignment in Hawaii! I am so proud of him and all our boys! mrsb's, Kevsmom93 and my son graduated from BC together. Their assignments are all in Hawaii as well, kevsmom's son is already there, he graduated a month or so earlier :)
God bless our Sailors and all you moms with new Sailor Apprentices. Funny how it goes in waves.... HAHAHA Our group graduates, new group of SA's come in from Boot camp!
There are many helpful moms here that can help you as we journey with our boys in this new Navy experience. Share all your happy and sad moments with us. It helped me a lot to come here and be with other moms who understood what I was going through. I will check in as much as possible as I have also moved to the Hawaii Group on here to learn even more about what my Son is doing as he journeys through his Navy Career. Big NMH to all!!! God bless
baby dukie's mama loved the ketchup story Annette thank you for the suggestion of K's Homemade Sweets N Treats to send homemade treats to our Sailors. I will like her Facebook page and check out her homemade goodies to surprise my son with. My son called us yesterday evening and gave us his address so we can start writing him again. He also bought a laptop Macbook so he can Facetime with us. Congratulations to all the moms who's Sailors have graduated form PIR or A or C School. FATHOMOM I'm also from California (Northern California). Hope all you moms have a great day.
Me either! I'd love to drive up there in the next couple of weeks...only about 3 1/2 hours...but I don't know if he's allowed to have visitors? Or if he can leave the base on weekends?
Welcome to all the new Moms! The boys definitely have more freedom at Groton than bootcamp. If you plan a trip around BESS graduation, you should be able to spend a little time with your sailor. Right now their liberty is in 3 stages -
Phase one liberty (WHITE)- return to barracks by 2200 (10pm), wear uniform off base, no alcohol, 25 mile radius
Phase two liberty(YELLOW)- return to barracks by 2200 on weekdays and 2400/000 (midnight) on the weekends... Civilian clothes may be worn, and alcohol is allowed (21 years and older)
Phase three liberty (BLUE)- return to base by 0700, civilian clothes allowed, alcohol is allowed.... Can go 250 miles off base during the weekend and doesn't have to return to base on the weekends if it is not their duty weekend.
They should be at blue by BESS graduation. However, if someone screws up in their division, they can be "whitewashed" (sent back to White phase). The guys tend to do stupid things at times!
Thanks for the info Cath Bubblehead mom. My husband and I have thought about going to see our son sometime around the holidays if he doesn't get leave before then. bp574, and baby dukie's mama, my son PIR'd July 25th also. He was in division 229.
They have time on many weekends, but some times they have watch duty. We are fortunate, living only 90 minutes away. He has come by, or we have gone down. He does seem to know his schedule in advance.
Cath Bubblehead mom you are lucky to live so close to the base, and be able to see your son more often. My husband and I live on the West Coast (Northern California). It's so much easier communicating with our son now that he has his cell phone. He will be able to let us know in advance when he has some time off.
My son was on 230. He said they are waiting to fill a class before they start their training. Hurry up and wait again. I guess once they have a full class we will know when BESS graduation will be. My son seems to like Groton and the fact it is my laid back. I have read about BESS training and it is tough.
BESS wasn't too bad - although they have simulators that help them to train for submarine emergencies. My son really liked BESS. The other classes were more book learning. He is in A school now and because of security notes and anything class related has to stay in the building.
Wow Annette! Saw your post and read about the weather for Guam. Batten down the hatches and get ready for some crazy weather. I'm sure you will be closely watching every detail I know I would be. Hope he's able to stay in touch and let you know that all is well.
I read the posting for the different levels for Liberty while in Groton. My question is this: Are the new arrivals in Phase one now or does that start once BESS starts? My husband travels the east coast with his job and he can arrange trips in the area once we know our new sailor can get visitors or leave base. Our son is very independent and at 22 we expect him to be but we do like to see him every so often and we love to travel so we could visit him and tour at the same time once we know he would have a few hours to visit or if my husband was in the area he could have dinner with his dad. Our son does not like a lot of questions and hovering and if I can get answers here then I do not have to ask him and we are all happy. Thanks for any information you all can give me. I love Navy for Moms and my older children think I have become addicted to this site. Not addicted just appreciative of the moms who take the time to help us newbies.
LaxDogsMom - I cannot see the album. My son has not graduated yet, but wanted to see the sailors :-) Not sure if there are settings to make it viewable.
Around Groton - Mystic Seaport, Aquarium and Nautilus museum. In RI - Newport Mansions. Further north - Boston - so much to see and do there! Or take the train into NYC catch a show or the 9/11 memorial.
Hi ladies, feeing happy just made plane and navy Lodge reservations to come see our son in Oct. Something to look forward to. We are from florida so we will enjoy the cool weather and hope to see some of the beautiful change in the leaves. Any suggestions of what is a must see while we are there.
Cath Bubblehead. We live about an hour from Orlando toward the beach. The weather here has been really hot with high humidity and afternoon showers almost every day. Bring your sunscreen, shorts, sunglasses and hat for sure. Hope you have a great visit. We love it here.
Linda, we have ruled out the villages - too much like stepford wives! We are looking at Solivita, Heritage Hills and Arlington Ridge - all in the General Orlando area. Got to make sure hubby can take the heat!
Linda, for your trip to Groton, I would strongly suggest you visit Mistic Pizza in Mystic, CT, the pizza is delicious and also the background for an old classic movie. Close to the Navy Lodge is the Groton Townhome, which serves Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Family style! I recommend it. :) There is also a dunkin donuts everywhere! Breakfast would be about the same price as if you ate in the dinner. The weather is beautiful and in the Fall, I've heard the leaves turn beautiful colors. I went in April, just because I missed my sailor. Beautiful weather!!! Leave Colors were clanging and they were so beautiful!!!!! There is a Sushi restaurant down under the freeway and it was good! A bit expensive but really good. Don't be afraid when they call the gas stations the Liquor store! HAHAHA It took me by surprise! All I wanted was gum! hahaha
OHHH How can I forget!!! Make sure you go see the Nautilus, the first nuclear powered submarine!!!!! It is awesome!!!! And of course, don't forget to buy a little shot glass or something like that to take back for you and t-shirts for the kids! :)
Also, in October, and specially as you are coming from Florida, don't forget the COAT!!! We freeze up there!!!! I'm from Houston :) April was quite cool. The kids/boys/men wore hoodies all the time so I wore mine too! ha! Those were some sweet memories..... I'm so glad I was able to go
You will enjoy your trip. Just make sure you rent a car with unlimited mileage and hopefully get a company discount through your employer. You will be surprised how much lower the rental prices will be.
I wish you and yours a blessed trip there and back!!! Big NMH!!!!!
AHHHHHHH Laxdogsmom!!! I see my Son!!!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!! Oh, I so much needed this today!!!!!! God bless you!!!!! I see two of my "adopted boys" on there too!!!!!! :) Thank you thank you thank you!!!!! BIG NMH!!!!!!!!
Proud navy Mom#1 - Thankyou so much for all of your suggestions. I printed your post so that I can have it with us when we get to Conn. Very cool you got to see a picture of your son.
We booked a room at the navy Lodge on base. I have a concern if we arrive on Wednesday afternoon. Will we be able to come and go off the base or will we need to be escorted? Our son will be in school on Thursday and Friday. We plan on doing some sight seeing during the day when he is at school. My thoughts are we would not be allowed back to the lodge during the day if we needed to becuase he will be class and would not be available to escort us. The weekend would not be a problem because he will be us 24/7. Thinking we may want to book a hotel off base. Any suggestions?
Linda, looking at the map, the Navy Lodge does not appear to be " on base". Base is off of crystal lake rd. My son has "on base" housing, but it is not on base.
So, the answer is yes you can come and go as needed!
Cath Bubblehead . Thankyou I was going on what the reservation desk told me. I should of thought to look at a map. Maybe I misunderstood her and she was refering to getting on the base I would need a escort. That does make more sense. Thank you for your help You ladies are the best!!! NMH
Good morning ladies! My son informed me last evening he has turned in his 3 station requests - San Diego, Hawaii and King's Bay. He also told me not to get too excited about these because he might not get any of the three and I should not get my hopes up about a trip to Hawaii. I had to chuckle at my 19 year old talking to me like I was the child. LOL Boy they do grow up quick in the Navy :)
ProudNavyMom#1,,,I'm so glad you saw your son. I was told that a few of the pics were not OPSEC compliant and I haven't had a chance to blur out the names in the photos. Maybe those were pulled out of what you were able to view. I hope some other families get to see their sailors in the pics. My husband tried to get at least one of everyone there.
Laxdogsmom your husband did great!! Got so many of my boys ;)
I didn't see many of mrsb's son so maybe that's some of the ones that were tagged :/
God bless all our boys! :)
Kevsmom93
Welcome mark's mom! Congratulations to your new Sailor HOORAH!!
My son graduated Sonar Tech Submarine A school May 8th and he traveled home the following day for two weeks leave before he was off for his permanent duty station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. We had 14 glorious days that I continue to treasure :-) .
Nukes have a different schedule for training and leave, one of the mom's will have to jump in an provide info if your son is a nuke.
Going to graduation is going to be a personal choice. Some moms here have been to Groton more than once others like me never made it there. It just didn't fit into our schedule or budget. Fortunately there are plenty who have visited and can answer any questions you might have.
I understand you have lots of questions feel free to ask away! One of us (and sometimes more) are sure to have an answer for you :-)
Jul 27, 2014
Kevsmom93
mark's mom- Sorry you didn't get to PIR were you able to order the DVD for his graduation?
Jul 27, 2014
Kevsmom93
mark's mom it's wonderful now that you can call him, text, skype, send him goodies and personal items he's been without all this time. I'm sure he's going to feel overwhelmed come Monday but he is going to love it there! I'm excited for you!
Jul 27, 2014
FATHOMOM
Welcome mark's mom - Hooyah - to your new SAILOR....yay, no longer a RECRUIT. Your son will like being at Groton. He will soon be on his way to earning leave time. It will depend as to when he gets to use it. Very soon he will learn all the information that pertains to him. Meanwhile, enjoy texting and speaking to him personally. He will be very busy getting settled in, it is all good...especially chow! Soon he will have watch as a job too. Lots to learn, lots to do. We texted our son and he was good to get back to us when he had the chance. Our son is an ETNAV - his graduation and travel experience is similiar to Kevsmom93 son. Our son was at Groton for one year. A few classes were on temporary hold, it eventually starts up again. Our sons learn to hurry up and wait. Kevsmom93 is right - this site has womderful, loving NAVY MOM'S anytime you need one! We are here for YOU.
Jul 27, 2014
FATHOMOM
Welcome baby dukie's mama - Congratulations! Your Sailor will be busy getting settled, I am sure he can get his address to you very soon. Be careful packing electronic devices. We did not mail any electronic stuff. There may be a NAVY MOM out there who can share the best way.
Jul 27, 2014
William in Nashua
Nukes do not attend BESS. The nuclear training pipeline covered everything they needed to learn until the time they report to their submarine.
Jul 27, 2014
mark's mom
Hi Everyone, thanks for the warm welcome and all the advice and info. My son called a couple days before his PIR, and asked his dad and I what pics we wanted to order. We gave him our order of pics, and also had him order a DVD of his graduation. He said it's beautiful in Groton, CT. He is going to A School to be a diesel mechanic and work on hydraulics on a nuclear sub. Just waiting to hear from him to get his address to be able to write to him. I'm so glad I joined this group.
Jul 27, 2014
mrsb
mark's mom, we're so glad you joined this group too! Welcome!
Jul 27, 2014
Kevsmom93
Welcome baby dukie's mama and Congratulations to your new Sailor. You're one of the lucky ones who found NFM's honestly I don't know how I would have functioned without it. Very dysfunctionally to be sure!
I'm sure there are many options for mailing but this is how my husband and I did it. First you have to understand that our son is especially attached to all of his electronic devices. (If I had to guess so are your son's) At that time he had a very expensive laptop. It was his H.S. graduation gift but because his taste was a little beyond our budget we offered to pay half and he had to cover the rest which he did. He decided he didn't want us to travel to Illinois and PIR with his laptop so we shipped it Fedex to Groton. It cost a very pretty penny, they have a special packing box made specifically for laptops. If I remember correctly by the time we added in all his accessories and games the grand total to ship was over $100 (@$120?). Now some of you (or all!) might think that's ridiculous but it really was worth it based on the cost of his laptop. It arrived in perfect condition too. Just assume the people handling your package are going to treat it like a football and package accordingly! That's how we look at it. Doesn't matter how far or close your package has to go once it leaves your hands you are trusting it to someone else.
If your son has a smartphone and you still have the original box that would be a good way to start the packaging. But if it's in say an Otter Box then I would keep it in there and then wrap, wrap and wrap some more in bubble wrap and then of course an appropriate box. Our son in Hawaii just sent his Dad his Galaxy S4 like that and it arrived here in Ca. safe and sound.
Jul 28, 2014
scubagirl
Glad to have a new group to join that will help me understand the new world of Subs and the Navy. My son graduated the 25th and is now in Groton. He will be a MM and he is looking forward to the next phase in his career in the Navy. He is 22 and unmarried. We live in GA and will be coming to see him as his training permits. We do have a family friend whose husband is stationed there now and she is going to fill in for a mother figure when he needs one close by. Looking forward to meeting all of you. I have been reading your post and look forward to more of them.
Jul 28, 2014
ProudNavyMom#1
MOM C very nice family picture!!! God bless you and your family!!! Big NMH!!!!
Jul 28, 2014
Annette
Sorry it has taken me a few days to reply. Yes, that is my son, throwing candy to the littles, He enjoyed himself I think. The submarine float had holes on the side through which they squirted water at people!
Jul 28, 2014
Annette
For all you new Moms, welcome! Enjoy the renewed contact with your sailors! Also, check out K's Homemade Sweets N Treats on facebook. She lives about 5 minutes from base, with base access. She makes beautiful and delicious treats (ask any of the Moms who have used her, the sailors love her baked goodies!). She will make a favorite family recipe, whatever you want, for any reason or no reason, to deliver to your sailor. She is not a professional, does this in her own kitchen, but if you look at her fb page, you would never know. She loves to do it, and she loves the military (her hubby is USMC reservist). Check out those peanut butter bomb cupcakes, or oreo cheesecake!
Jul 28, 2014
FATHOMOM
scubagirl - welcome! Your son will truly like being at Groton. I hope you get to visit your Sailor soon. My husband and I drove out from California to take him his truck - it was wonderful to have our son stay with us off base, we enjoyed a tour of the base, the USS California and even ate chow with him and his friends. Wow, I hugged so many Sailors that weekend - all in the name of NAVY MOM!
baby dukies's mama - too funny, our son was often amazed at how much i DID know or become aware of. Hey, there will be plenty our Sailors will keep under their hats...trust me! This site with it's wonderful, loving, funny NAVY MOM'S has truly helped me remain calm, and adjust to this part of our sons NAVY journey. We are not alone. And the unconditional support and understanding is a blessing! AND a huge YES to K's Homemade Sweets N Treats!! Our son and his friends loved the huge chocolate chip cookie we sent for his birthday. Go ahead and send something just cuz!
Jul 28, 2014
ProudNavyMom#1
baby dukie's mama, great story about the ketchup & your BIL! I would have panicked!! hahaha but laugh about it later!
Welcome to all the new moms and please thank your Sailors for their Service! How proud you all must be.
My Son graduated A school in Groton on July 24 and is home before going to his first assignment in Hawaii! I am so proud of him and all our boys! mrsb's, Kevsmom93 and my son graduated from BC together. Their assignments are all in Hawaii as well, kevsmom's son is already there, he graduated a month or so earlier :)
God bless our Sailors and all you moms with new Sailor Apprentices. Funny how it goes in waves.... HAHAHA Our group graduates, new group of SA's come in from Boot camp!
There are many helpful moms here that can help you as we journey with our boys in this new Navy experience. Share all your happy and sad moments with us. It helped me a lot to come here and be with other moms who understood what I was going through. I will check in as much as possible as I have also moved to the Hawaii Group on here to learn even more about what my Son is doing as he journeys through his Navy Career. Big NMH to all!!! God bless
Jul 29, 2014
mark's mom
baby dukie's mama loved the ketchup story Annette thank you for the suggestion of K's Homemade Sweets N Treats to send homemade treats to our Sailors. I will like her Facebook page and check out her homemade goodies to surprise my son with. My son called us yesterday evening and gave us his address so we can start writing him again. He also bought a laptop Macbook so he can Facetime with us. Congratulations to all the moms who's Sailors have graduated form PIR or A or C School. FATHOMOM I'm also from California (Northern California). Hope all you moms have a great day.
Jul 29, 2014
bp574
Jul 29, 2014
bp574
Jul 29, 2014
bp574
Jul 29, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
Welcome to all the new Moms! The boys definitely have more freedom at Groton than bootcamp. If you plan a trip around BESS graduation, you should be able to spend a little time with your sailor. Right now their liberty is in 3 stages -
Phase one liberty (WHITE)- return to barracks by 2200 (10pm), wear uniform off base, no alcohol, 25 mile radius
Phase two liberty(YELLOW)- return to barracks by 2200 on weekdays and 2400/000 (midnight) on the weekends... Civilian clothes may be worn, and alcohol is allowed (21 years and older)
Phase three liberty (BLUE)- return to base by 0700, civilian clothes allowed, alcohol is allowed.... Can go 250 miles off base during the weekend and doesn't have to return to base on the weekends if it is not their duty weekend.
They should be at blue by BESS graduation. However, if someone screws up in their division, they can be "whitewashed" (sent back to White phase). The guys tend to do stupid things at times!
Jul 29, 2014
mark's mom
Thanks for the info Cath Bubblehead mom. My husband and I have thought about going to see our son sometime around the holidays if he doesn't get leave before then. bp574, and baby dukie's mama, my son PIR'd July 25th also. He was in division 229.
Jul 29, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
They have time on many weekends, but some times they have watch duty. We are fortunate, living only 90 minutes away. He has come by, or we have gone down. He does seem to know his schedule in advance.
Jul 29, 2014
mark's mom
Cath Bubblehead mom you are lucky to live so close to the base, and be able to see your son more often. My husband and I live on the West Coast (Northern California). It's so much easier communicating with our son now that he has his cell phone. He will be able to let us know in advance when he has some time off.
Jul 29, 2014
scubagirl
Jul 29, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
BESS wasn't too bad - although they have simulators that help them to train for submarine emergencies. My son really liked BESS. The other classes were more book learning. He is in A school now and because of security notes and anything class related has to stay in the building.
There is a lot of hurry up and wait!
Jul 29, 2014
Annette
And now mine is on standby on base awaiting a typhoon! He's come and gone a long way in a year!
Jul 29, 2014
Kevsmom93
Wow Annette! Saw your post and read about the weather for Guam. Batten down the hatches and get ready for some crazy weather. I'm sure you will be closely watching every detail I know I would be. Hope he's able to stay in touch and let you know that all is well.
Jul 29, 2014
scubagirl
I read the posting for the different levels for Liberty while in Groton. My question is this: Are the new arrivals in Phase one now or does that start once BESS starts? My husband travels the east coast with his job and he can arrange trips in the area once we know our new sailor can get visitors or leave base. Our son is very independent and at 22 we expect him to be but we do like to see him every so often and we love to travel so we could visit him and tour at the same time once we know he would have a few hours to visit or if my husband was in the area he could have dinner with his dad. Our son does not like a lot of questions and hovering and if I can get answers here then I do not have to ask him and we are all happy. Thanks for any information you all can give me. I love Navy for Moms and my older children think I have become addicted to this site. Not addicted just appreciative of the moms who take the time to help us newbies.
Jul 30, 2014
LaxDogsMom
I just uploaded photos from the ET Radio Graduation on 7/24/2014. Look for your sailor!
http://navyformoms.com/photo/albums/groton-a-school-et-radio-grad-7...
Jul 31, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
LaxDogsMom - I cannot see the album. My son has not graduated yet, but wanted to see the sailors :-) Not sure if there are settings to make it viewable.
Jul 31, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
Around Groton - Mystic Seaport, Aquarium and Nautilus museum. In RI - Newport Mansions. Further north - Boston - so much to see and do there! Or take the train into NYC catch a show or the 9/11 memorial.
Jul 31, 2014
Linda
Hi ladies, feeing happy just made plane and navy Lodge reservations to come see our son in Oct. Something to look forward to. We are from florida so we will enjoy the cool weather and hope to see some of the beautiful change in the leaves. Any suggestions of what is a must see while we are there.
Jul 31, 2014
Linda
Cath Bubblehead mom: Thank you
Jul 31, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
BTW Linda - we're headed to the Orlando area next week checking out some 55+ communities.
Jul 31, 2014
mrsb
Thank you LaxDogsMom!! I saw my son in one of the pictures and some of his friends too!!! :)
Jul 31, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
Jul 31, 2014
Linda
Cath Bubblehead. We live about an hour from Orlando toward the beach. The weather here has been really hot with high humidity and afternoon showers almost every day. Bring your sunscreen, shorts, sunglasses and hat for sure. Hope you have a great visit. We love it here.
Jul 31, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
Jul 31, 2014
Linda
Cathbubblehead. Good luck on the sell of your home. Do you have a specific area you are looking. The villages is a nice adult community near Orlando.
Jul 31, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
Jul 31, 2014
ProudNavyMom#1
Linda, for your trip to Groton, I would strongly suggest you visit Mistic Pizza in Mystic, CT, the pizza is delicious and also the background for an old classic movie. Close to the Navy Lodge is the Groton Townhome, which serves Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Family style! I recommend it. :) There is also a dunkin donuts everywhere! Breakfast would be about the same price as if you ate in the dinner. The weather is beautiful and in the Fall, I've heard the leaves turn beautiful colors. I went in April, just because I missed my sailor. Beautiful weather!!! Leave Colors were clanging and they were so beautiful!!!!! There is a Sushi restaurant down under the freeway and it was good! A bit expensive but really good. Don't be afraid when they call the gas stations the Liquor store! HAHAHA It took me by surprise! All I wanted was gum! hahaha
OHHH How can I forget!!! Make sure you go see the Nautilus, the first nuclear powered submarine!!!!! It is awesome!!!! And of course, don't forget to buy a little shot glass or something like that to take back for you and t-shirts for the kids! :)
Also, in October, and specially as you are coming from Florida, don't forget the COAT!!! We freeze up there!!!! I'm from Houston :) April was quite cool. The kids/boys/men wore hoodies all the time so I wore mine too! ha! Those were some sweet memories..... I'm so glad I was able to go
You will enjoy your trip. Just make sure you rent a car with unlimited mileage and hopefully get a company discount through your employer. You will be surprised how much lower the rental prices will be.
I wish you and yours a blessed trip there and back!!! Big NMH!!!!!
Aug 1, 2014
ProudNavyMom#1
AHHHHHHH Laxdogsmom!!! I see my Son!!!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!! Oh, I so much needed this today!!!!!! God bless you!!!!! I see two of my "adopted boys" on there too!!!!!! :) Thank you thank you thank you!!!!! BIG NMH!!!!!!!!
Aug 1, 2014
Linda
Proud navy Mom#1 - Thankyou so much for all of your suggestions. I printed your post so that I can have it with us when we get to Conn. Very cool you got to see a picture of your son.
We booked a room at the navy Lodge on base. I have a concern if we arrive on Wednesday afternoon. Will we be able to come and go off the base or will we need to be escorted? Our son will be in school on Thursday and Friday. We plan on doing some sight seeing during the day when he is at school. My thoughts are we would not be allowed back to the lodge during the day if we needed to becuase he will be class and would not be available to escort us. The weekend would not be a problem because he will be us 24/7. Thinking we may want to book a hotel off base. Any suggestions?
Aug 1, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
So, the answer is yes you can come and go as needed!
Aug 1, 2014
Linda
Cath Bubblehead . Thankyou I was going on what the reservation desk told me. I should of thought to look at a map. Maybe I misunderstood her and she was refering to getting on the base I would need a escort. That does make more sense. Thank you for your help You ladies are the best!!! NMH
Aug 1, 2014
hoosiermamma
Good morning ladies! My son informed me last evening he has turned in his 3 station requests - San Diego, Hawaii and King's Bay. He also told me not to get too excited about these because he might not get any of the three and I should not get my hopes up about a trip to Hawaii. I had to chuckle at my 19 year old talking to me like I was the child. LOL Boy they do grow up quick in the Navy :)
Aug 1, 2014
stylist613
Aug 1, 2014
LaxDogsMom
ProudNavyMom#1,,,I'm so glad you saw your son. I was told that a few of the pics were not OPSEC compliant and I haven't had a chance to blur out the names in the photos. Maybe those were pulled out of what you were able to view. I hope some other families get to see their sailors in the pics. My husband tried to get at least one of everyone there.
Aug 1, 2014
ProudNavyMom#1
I didn't see many of mrsb's son so maybe that's some of the ones that were tagged :/
God bless all our boys! :)
Aug 2, 2014
Nereida
Aug 2, 2014