Back home after BESS graduation yesterday. So happy to have my son home for a couple of weeks on leave. Then will take him back to Groton with his car and belongings. And then on to the USS San Juan for him. Did get to see a sub coming up the Thames to the sub base. Was an AWESOME sight yesterday morning. They sure do run silent!
Awesome news hoosiermamma congratulations to your Sailor! Enjoy your son while he's home they're such happy times, soak it up and relish every single second with him! Double the excitement seeing a sub arrive, you're a lucky lady :-D
It's hard to believe my son's PIR was a week ago. Time does go by fast. He's now in Groton. It's wonderful to now be able to keep in touch with him. So far I've been searching the internet to learn all I can about submarines and submarine life...very interesting.
Congratulations to my son and the other 49 sailors graduating from BESS today. I will try to get pictures posted this weekend or Monday. Loved the ceromony. Congratulations to all the moms also. Just think we graduated to the next phase of our sons career.
Congratulations scubagirl's son! My son graduated from BESS today too. My husband and I were not able to be there. I can't wait to see the pics you post.
Hi all! My Sailor will be attending sub school very soon! He graduates from Fort Lee tomorrow :) So looks like this will be my next group to talk with :)
I do have a question. When will my sailor know his first duty station? and What is the likelihood that it will be his pick that he gets? He also was nominated for AAP but we will not know of anything until tomorrow but I am keeping fingers crossed.
Hello Hannah, my son will graduate A school in two weeks and he found out early Sept. where he will be stationed. He did get his first pick but I am not sure how likely they are to get it. May just be where they are needed most.
Welcome Hannah, your sailor should enjoy his time in Groton. Sounds like he is doing A school first? Most, not all, do BESS first, then their other schools. Sailors seem to know about 4-6 weeks before the end of schooling where their assignment will be.
Corfeank- my son also graduates in 2 weeks. Is yours the 23rd or 24th?
Hello, my son recently transferred to Groton from bootcamp on 10/4. As everyone else has mentioned, he is thrilled to be out of bootcamp and somewhere where he has a little more freedom. I have some questions I am hoping someone can answer. I apologize in advance if I'm asking something that someone else recently asked.
- I thought I read somewhere that there is a business in the area that delivers cookies, cakes etc. to the sub base. Does that sound familiar to anyone? My sons birthday is coming up and I would love to send him something he can receive the day of his birthday.
- does anyone have a specific list of items we are allowed to send to them? I asked my son and he said "just can't be flammable or hazardous" I wonder if there is more to it?
- is there somewhere I can find a liberty schedule by rank, including holidays?
Welcome Charity!!! Your son will really enjoy Groton, much more freedom when he phases up. And Kristen does an awesome job with her goodies. He will love that!!
The only thing about sending your son his personal items is that every time they move buildings or when they get their Permanent Duty Station they will have to move all the stuff. I have been told by the veteran moms the less you the better. After BESS last week my son had to move from one building to another building. He was glad he only had clothes and few personal items. Coffee pot, laptop, small things. He was up several flights of stairs in first building and it would have been a pain to move down steps. Some sailors have TV's and such. Lots of walking with heavy items. Their rooms are like a dorm room with not much space for anything.
@ baby dukies mama- Well he is gonna be a Culinary Specialist on the subs so going to Fort Lee was his first place to go and learn the cooking skills. Lol. So far he likes it in Groton... says the food is 100% better than at Fort Lee.
Welcome ladies and congratulations to your Sailors! My son graduated A School back in May and is stationed in Hawaii.
Hannah your son is going to make all of our boys very happy with his cooking I'm sure! My son also enjoyed the food in Groton. He said you could tell the soups were homemade when they offered them in the winter. Also he was there for Thanksgiving and Christmas and said both meals were quite yummy. Homemade mashed potatoes, none of that instant stuff.
In regard to sending personal items I am in agreement that the less the better. Our son shipped home 4 or 5 medium size boxes of winter clothes that he obviously wouldn't be using in Hawaii. He did buy a TV and car while in Groton and sold both before leaving for Hawaii. It's really up to your son how much stuff he wants to acquire. Also if you live nearby which of course we don't in California, there's always the option of driving up and picking up items for them. I've read on here about parents doing that for their sons.
Once he earns his liberty he can enjoy the surrounding areas, Boston, New York. My son really enjoyed taking advantage of the East coast and absolutely loved it there.
Good morning ladies! It's been wonderful reading all the posts this morning. I learned a lot :)
Would someone be able to give me more information about K's Sweets and Treats? I tried to do a search on Facebook but I'm not sure I found the right one. Where is she located and what key words should I enter to search for her?
I'd really appreciate the help. My son graduates next month and I won't be able to go so I'd really like to send him something special.
Thank you for the link to k's!! I know I will be using her service..I sent my SN some brownies a while ago, it took him over a week to get them from the Post Office ..because of schedule and PO closer for holiday
Feeling happy. On our way to Groton to visit our son. Going to take him to Boston for the weekend to see the city. Any suggestions what to do in Groton. Really looking forward to a big hug it has been way to long for this mom.
Welcome Redeaglespirit! Your son will not be "sitting" around! The best thing he can do is to stay focused- start working on quals - and not to get sucked into doing something he shouldn't!
A significant number of younger sailors get into trouble with underage drinking or drugs. The Navy will boot them out.
There will always be some non-class time in between various schooling. Quals right now are a big thing that he can get started on. Some guys wait too long to start, then get stressed.
Regarding the cold - it's tough on the days they wear their peanutbutters! They are not allowed to wear the earmuffs and scarf that he might have had in BC.
My son arrived in December and Groton is less harsh than Great Lakes is! He also has grown up in CT. If you don't like the weather, wait a few hours it will change! We were in the 70's this past week and tomorrow there might be frost!
My son also just arrived at Groton. He is very excited to get started on his next phase. Talked to him this morning he was going to check out the base today. My son is also a rule follower so I have faith he will stay on course.
Redeaglespirit, one thing I suggested to my sailor (even while he was in DEP) was to check out the site http://navybess.com/, which has official non-classified instructional materials (powerpoints and quizzes) from BESS. My sailor said that it helped reading through that material, just to be prepared for what he was learning in BESS. It helped to have "seen it before" when he was in the classroom, and gave him a bit of a leg up.
Welcome to all the new ladies!!! Your sons will love Groton! My son was there and left at the end of July and is now stationed in Hawaii. He really enjoyed his time in Groton. :)
tide, I think it's still SECF-Submarine Electronics Computer Field. You're in the right place! When I hear from my son I'll try to remember to ask him. :)
If you all need info on subs, rates etc, go to the Sub Moms group. There is as lot of info...,helps you understand your sailors(and your) new life! It is to the right of the comment wall.
Hi All! Can't recall if I posted on here yet or not. But my Sailor went to Groton, October 4 this year. He is doing great. Been a slooow start as they had to wait for more sailors in order to completely start school. He is loving the freedom. He's making friends. He didn't really make friends to much in BC cuz it seemed like people were getting moved around all the time. He's very eager to get moving down his new path.
Just want to see if anyone else is anxiously waiting for sonar graduation in the middle of Nov... I'm praying my son will be able to come home for Christmas - I won't be able to go to his graduation :0(. I feel REALLY bad about that ... it's been a very long year for both of us.
FlowerPowerNavyMom
Sep 18, 2014
FATHOMOM
Tidefan - wonderful news! On with the NAVY journey!
Sep 18, 2014
hoosiermamma
Back home after BESS graduation yesterday. So happy to have my son home for a couple of weeks on leave. Then will take him back to Groton with his car and belongings. And then on to the USS San Juan for him. Did get to see a sub coming up the Thames to the sub base. Was an AWESOME sight yesterday morning. They sure do run silent!
Sep 20, 2014
Kevsmom93
Awesome news hoosiermamma congratulations to your Sailor! Enjoy your son while he's home they're such happy times, soak it up and relish every single second with him! Double the excitement seeing a sub arrive, you're a lucky lady :-D
Sep 21, 2014
DragonMom
It's hard to believe my son's PIR was a week ago. Time does go by fast. He's now in Groton. It's wonderful to now be able to keep in touch with him. So far I've been searching the internet to learn all I can about submarines and submarine life...very interesting.
Sep 26, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
Sep 26, 2014
DragonMom
Thank you Cath Bubblehead mom :) I'm excited for my son in this next stage of his Navy adventure.
Sep 26, 2014
mark's mom
Congratulations to all the sailors who graduated from BESS today including my son Mark!
Oct 3, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
Congratulations to Mark! BTW, I was there yesterday for A school graduation - anyone here have a sailor graduate yesterday?
Oct 3, 2014
mark's mom
Thank you Cath Bubblehead mom. :)
Oct 3, 2014
scubagirl
Oct 3, 2014
mark's mom
Congratulations scubagirl's son! My son graduated from BESS today too. My husband and I were not able to be there. I can't wait to see the pics you post.
Oct 3, 2014
lovingmom
Hi Sub Moms, My son arrived in Groton on October 3, 2014, Hope to chat with some of you
Oct 5, 2014
DragonMom
Hello lovingmom! My son has been in Groton since September 20th. Nice to meet you :)
Oct 6, 2014
Hannah
Oct 8, 2014
Hannah
Oct 8, 2014
Navymom1991
Welcome Hannah! My son has be in Groton since Aug 19th..seems to really enjoy it..I'm soooo proud of all of them!
Oct 9, 2014
Corfrank
Hello Hannah, my son will graduate A school in two weeks and he found out early Sept. where he will be stationed. He did get his first pick but I am not sure how likely they are to get it. May just be where they are needed most.
Oct 10, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
Corfeank- my son also graduates in 2 weeks. Is yours the 23rd or 24th?
Oct 10, 2014
Charity
- I thought I read somewhere that there is a business in the area that delivers cookies, cakes etc. to the sub base. Does that sound familiar to anyone? My sons birthday is coming up and I would love to send him something he can receive the day of his birthday.
- does anyone have a specific list of items we are allowed to send to them? I asked my son and he said "just can't be flammable or hazardous" I wonder if there is more to it?
- is there somewhere I can find a liberty schedule by rank, including holidays?
Thanks in advance for the help!
Oct 10, 2014
SpunkyNavyMom2014 (PIR 4/25/14)
Hello Charity!
Special deliveries --- K's Sweets and Treats! She delivers Yummys and text you a picture to boot! (find her on facebook)
Your Sailor can have all his/her things. I shipped everything from home to mine when he arrived. No paintball guns or airsoft though!
No real schedule that I know of --- Its the Navy! :-)
Oct 10, 2014
Charity
Oct 10, 2014
mrsb
Welcome Charity!!! Your son will really enjoy Groton, much more freedom when he phases up. And Kristen does an awesome job with her goodies. He will love that!!
Hey Spunky, nice to see you here!!!
Oct 10, 2014
scubagirl
The only thing about sending your son his personal items is that every time they move buildings or when they get their Permanent Duty Station they will have to move all the stuff. I have been told by the veteran moms the less you the better. After BESS last week my son had to move from one building to another building. He was glad he only had clothes and few personal items. Coffee pot, laptop, small things. He was up several flights of stairs in first building and it would have been a pain to move down steps. Some sailors have TV's and such. Lots of walking with heavy items. Their rooms are like a dorm room with not much space for anything.
Oct 10, 2014
Corfrank
Cath Bubblehead mom - my son graduates the 23rd. Yours?
Oct 10, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
23rd also! I guess we will see each other there!
Oct 10, 2014
Hannah
Oct 11, 2014
Kevsmom93
Welcome ladies and congratulations to your Sailors! My son graduated A School back in May and is stationed in Hawaii.
Hannah your son is going to make all of our boys very happy with his cooking I'm sure! My son also enjoyed the food in Groton. He said you could tell the soups were homemade when they offered them in the winter. Also he was there for Thanksgiving and Christmas and said both meals were quite yummy. Homemade mashed potatoes, none of that instant stuff.
In regard to sending personal items I am in agreement that the less the better. Our son shipped home 4 or 5 medium size boxes of winter clothes that he obviously wouldn't be using in Hawaii. He did buy a TV and car while in Groton and sold both before leaving for Hawaii. It's really up to your son how much stuff he wants to acquire. Also if you live nearby which of course we don't in California, there's always the option of driving up and picking up items for them. I've read on here about parents doing that for their sons.
Once he earns his liberty he can enjoy the surrounding areas, Boston, New York. My son really enjoyed taking advantage of the East coast and absolutely loved it there.
Oct 11, 2014
DragonMom
Good morning ladies! It's been wonderful reading all the posts this morning. I learned a lot :)
Would someone be able to give me more information about K's Sweets and Treats? I tried to do a search on Facebook but I'm not sure I found the right one. Where is she located and what key words should I enter to search for her?
I'd really appreciate the help. My son graduates next month and I won't be able to go so I'd really like to send him something special.
Oct 13, 2014
mark's mom
Good morning everyone! Type in K's Homemade Sweets 'N Treats on Facebook DragonMom. She is awesome!
Oct 13, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
FB link:https://www.facebook.com/KsHomemadeSweetsNTreats
Here's the online order form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qxNA21mtrMdHdWEyeCmfYIu8CstWQ6BsAZ...
Oct 13, 2014
Navymom1991
Thank you for the link to k's!! I know I will be using her service..I sent my SN some brownies a while ago, it took him over a week to get them from the Post Office ..because of schedule and PO closer for holiday
Oct 13, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
Oct 13, 2014
DragonMom
Thank you so much everyone! I found her :)
Oct 13, 2014
Linda
Oct 15, 2014
stylist613
Oct 15, 2014
tysmom
Eating: Groton Townhouse, Pauls Pasta, Flanders Fish Market.
Oct 15, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
Nautilus museum, Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, Essex steamtrain & Riverboat, Gillette Castle. The last 2 are not in Groton, but not far either.
Oct 15, 2014
Corfrank
Newport RI is about 40 min away. Tons of shops and restaurants and very pretty.
Oct 16, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
A significant number of younger sailors get into trouble with underage drinking or drugs. The Navy will boot them out.
There will always be some non-class time in between various schooling. Quals right now are a big thing that he can get started on. Some guys wait too long to start, then get stressed.
Regarding the cold - it's tough on the days they wear their peanutbutters! They are not allowed to wear the earmuffs and scarf that he might have had in BC.
My son arrived in December and Groton is less harsh than Great Lakes is! He also has grown up in CT. If you don't like the weather, wait a few hours it will change! We were in the 70's this past week and tomorrow there might be frost!
Hope that helps.
Oct 18, 2014
Manchu
Good Morning Ladies.
My son also just arrived at Groton. He is very excited to get started on his next phase. Talked to him this morning he was going to check out the base today. My son is also a rule follower so I have faith he will stay on course.
Oct 19, 2014
Bainite
Redeaglespirit, one thing I suggested to my sailor (even while he was in DEP) was to check out the site http://navybess.com/, which has official non-classified instructional materials (powerpoints and quizzes) from BESS. My sailor said that it helped reading through that material, just to be prepared for what he was learning in BESS. It helped to have "seen it before" when he was in the classroom, and gave him a bit of a leg up.
Oct 19, 2014
Roxana1211
Hello everyone!! My son arrived 10/18, glad to join all of you <3
Oct 19, 2014
mrsb
Welcome to all the new ladies!!! Your sons will love Groton! My son was there and left at the end of July and is now stationed in Hawaii. He really enjoyed his time in Groton. :)
Oct 19, 2014
tidefan
post from yesterday disappeared. My son was sonar-has now been told radio-what is the rate for that
Oct 21, 2014
Hannah
Oct 21, 2014
mrsb
tide, I think it's still SECF-Submarine Electronics Computer Field. You're in the right place! When I hear from my son I'll try to remember to ask him. :)
Oct 21, 2014
tysmom
If you all need info on subs, rates etc, go to the Sub Moms group. There is as lot of info...,helps you understand your sailors(and your) new life! It is to the right of the comment wall.
Oct 22, 2014
FlowerPowerNavyMom
Hi All! Can't recall if I posted on here yet or not. But my Sailor went to Groton, October 4 this year. He is doing great. Been a slooow start as they had to wait for more sailors in order to completely start school. He is loving the freedom. He's making friends. He didn't really make friends to much in BC cuz it seemed like people were getting moved around all the time. He's very eager to get moving down his new path.
Have a great day!
Oct 22, 2014
KKristen
Oct 24, 2014