My husband and I just returned from a visit to see our sailor. It was wonderful to see him and to get the best hug ever. It was nice to see where he lives and meet his friends. We had a wonderful visit. Looking forward to A school graduation in early December. Wishing everyone a blessed day. Thank you to all of our sailors and the families that support them.
Just spoke to my son and he was writing an essay. He graduated BMS on Friday but his class was kicked back to white card because 6 of the guys in the class did not know how to act. He did not say what they did and I did not ask. I know in boot camp his division had trouble with talking so this maybe part of the problem. He was not in a good mood at all. He does not like to write essays and is angry that he is back to white again for 2 weeks and then maybe blue. He has no patience for someone not following the rules. He did say he graduated 2nd in his class and he did not study very much. I said just imagine you could have been first if you studied, do not think he was impressed with my comment. Of course nothing I could have said would have made a difference in his mood. Hoping we will know soon when he gets to leave for Christmas so we can look at tickets. He found reasonable tickets on Southwest last week but has no idea when he will get to leave so we have to wait. He says he will drive if tickets are too high. That is a 15 hour drive. I think we will use of frequent flyer points if we can not get cheap/reasonable tickets. Delta does limit the number of seats for points during the holidays and it takes more points but I would feel better than him driving to GA. I did get a laugh out of him when I started crying as we said goodbye. I told him I did not know why I was crying and that I had cried today when his dad left for a business trip. He laughed and said that's menopause for you mom. I told him I guess. I try to never let him know when I am sad but he usually can tell. Have a great week Ya'll.
I believe they have stand down over Christmas. My son who was in Groton for 2 weeks came home for almost 2 weeks last Christmas. Be sure that his return trip arrives well before he is due back. Weather can interfere!
Is there anyone here who will be attending the BESS class 14480 graduation? Neither my wife nor I can attend, and we'd LOVE to get a couple of zoomed-in graduation pictures of our sailor (after you take pics of your own, of course!). If you would be willing/able, please message me directly, so I can tell you his name and description.
Madhoby, my son is going to be Machinist Mate. He has been in Groton since end of July. He likes it, classes are not bad and weather has been ok. Welcome.
(madhoby): My son IS a machinist mate on the newly commissioned North Dakota. We got to tour it Saturday after the commissioning ceremony. It is quite impressive what that job entails. They literally keep that boat going-- from the air they all breathe to the water they all drink and use, and of course keeping the engines running, and everything else!.... Our son is originally Colorado and really LOVES the northeast. Winters are a bit rough if they aren't used to the humidity, but he is glad to be in Groton.
Moms, (and dads) you are the bolsters that keep those sailors going. You are the encouraging words that they are in the right place at the right time. You are the smiles that light their faces when they think of home. Be strong. You have raised these men to be the best sailors they can be.
madhoby: I was at the commissioning ceremony too. What an impressive boat!! My son is in the Sonar Division. It was awesome to see everything and get a true picture of what life on a submarine is like.
Hello everyone, I'm planning our travel to Groton this coming month from SoCal. Any suggestion as to the best way possible? What airport should we fly into with shortest travel time and cheapest way as well as available flights from Los Angeles? Thank you in advance:)
Hi K-Love, I would go for cheapest direct route! Hartford (BDL), Providence or Boston (Logan) are all about the same distance 60-90 minutes away. We live in CT and fly in and out of Hartford all the time, we do not go to NYC which is a bit closer for us. Bradley is easy, and I understand Providence is as well.
Good Morning :0) I'm asking too TideFan but about the Sonar graduation on 11/14. Would someone who is attending be willing to take a picture of my son? I can't go.
Ok, prolly a dumb question that I should know the answer to, but: After B.E.S.S., they go right into more schooling. Say that next schooling is 4 months and then they maybe go to GA. Each time they go somewhere new for school, its not really a graduation, right? I know from B.E.S.S. they graduate.
I know my son just finished Basic Machinist School and he said they got a certificate. We will go up for his A school graduation sometime next late spring. I think that is the next big thing. Parents do come and take pictures. With any luck he will have leave before reporting to duty station and will come home for a visit.
FlowerPower - no dumb questions! Each rate follows a different path. Many go on to more schooling between BESS and A School. Some have already done A School before BESS.
BESS has a graduation, A School has a graduation. My son received certificates for Techno & ATT Schools, but there were no graduations.
When they are assigned, there are more quals, they need to earn their fish, and still more quals - it never ends!
Thank ladies. BESS graduation is 12/12 for my sailor. He is due home like a week later so we are not going for graduation. I am having a hard time knowing I wont be there but he says it's ok
FlowerPower, there will be moms there and will gladly take pictures. Post on the FB page for Groton that you want pictures. Most moms take all the sailors pics.
Depending on where you are staying drive time will been determined. Your sailor will have to get you on base. There is a small parking lot next to
main gate. Psrk there it is in s curve of road just before Natulius museum. I spoke with
My son the night before and he told me to be in parking lot before 8am. He walked out and then we drove through gate. No lines to get in lot. It is a very small lot. I got there about 7:45. He has to come to you. Can not use cell for pictures so have a camera. Wear warm clothes snd comfortable shoes. You may have to walk a little wsys.
Good Morning Groton family. Does anyone know where I can get Groton sonar coins? My sailor just graduated and is now in VA. However I don't want to leave this group..... It makes me a little sad. Lol
Hi KKristen check out this link they have tons of coins for every occasion. Our son is also STS and has acquired a very nice collection of challenge coins. He's kindly left them all with us and even when he's given a new one or buys one himself he sends them home. We have them proudly displayed in a shadowbox, along side other mementos :-)
Son will be graduating A school early December. Flying to his PDS that same day. Can we reroute his flights to come home at our expense. Airline does have flights to our local airport? We will drive him to his PDS to report after the holidays. Excited we will have him home for Christmas. Feeling very blessed
Does anyone know if there is "one" airport they fly out of after PIR Boot Camp? Trying to plan our post PIR day. Or do they fly out of multiple (Midway, Ohare, Milk)?
Thank you BD Mama.. I made reservations several weeks ago at the Residence Inn in Waukeegan. It has two rooms/bath and a living area Suite. Granny can have her own room!!. Was cheaper than getting two sepaate rooms at most hotels.. I figured O'Hare, but saw there are several options flying into the Groton area, I know Southwest flies out of Midway. Thanks!!!
Does anyone have experience with the SubVets Thanksgiving meal? My sailor and a few of his friends are planning on going. I told him about some of you wonderful people who would welcome him in their homes, but I couldn't talk him in to it.
Our son went to the SubVets dinner last year and had a great time. There were alot of guys from the Submarines in port and retired guys to visit with. He heard some good sea stories from the old guys. They have a shuttle to and from base also.
My son has a flight out of Hartford on Dec. 26 at 5 am. Does anyone know of a cab company/person who wants to earn money that can help get him from Base to the Airport? He is prepared to pay the going rate for the transport. His leave starts at 12:00 am on the 26th
Well we survived PIR. Our son arrived in Groton yesterday safely for BESS. Looking forward to this phase of his training. Hoping for some leave over the holidays but he said not to hold my breath.
Congrats to the newest arrivals at Groton, (my son being one of them). Thanks to those who have set up this group, I'm sure it will be as helpful as the one for Great Lakes Basic training.
By searching the web to find out what BESS was, I found the Navy website for BESS which would be interesting for other parents. If is is ok, I will post it. (In teaching, we go ahead and do it and beg forgiveness later, here, I've learned to ask first) Enjoy the day.
Our sailor will be heading home on friday after A school graduation. Looking forward to having him home for a few weeks before he joins his new command in Kings bay. Merry Christmas and happy new year to everyone God bless
Linda
Oct 25, 2014
scubagirl
Just spoke to my son and he was writing an essay. He graduated BMS on Friday but his class was kicked back to white card because 6 of the guys in the class did not know how to act. He did not say what they did and I did not ask. I know in boot camp his division had trouble with talking so this maybe part of the problem. He was not in a good mood at all. He does not like to write essays and is angry that he is back to white again for 2 weeks and then maybe blue. He has no patience for someone not following the rules. He did say he graduated 2nd in his class and he did not study very much. I said just imagine you could have been first if you studied, do not think he was impressed with my comment. Of course nothing I could have said would have made a difference in his mood. Hoping we will know soon when he gets to leave for Christmas so we can look at tickets. He found reasonable tickets on Southwest last week but has no idea when he will get to leave so we have to wait. He says he will drive if tickets are too high. That is a 15 hour drive. I think we will use of frequent flyer points if we can not get cheap/reasonable tickets. Delta does limit the number of seats for points during the holidays and it takes more points but I would feel better than him driving to GA. I did get a laugh out of him when I started crying as we said goodbye. I told him I did not know why I was crying and that I had cried today when his dad left for a business trip. He laughed and said that's menopause for you mom. I told him I guess. I try to never let him know when I am sad but he usually can tell. Have a great week Ya'll.
Oct 26, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
Oct 27, 2014
Bainite
Is there anyone here who will be attending the BESS class 14480 graduation? Neither my wife nor I can attend, and we'd LOVE to get a couple of zoomed-in graduation pictures of our sailor (after you take pics of your own, of course!). If you would be willing/able, please message me directly, so I can tell you his name and description.
Thank you all :)
Oct 27, 2014
Bainite
elilam46, I believe it is this Friday, the 31st.
Oct 27, 2014
madhoby
Anyone have a sailor at Groton who is going to be a machinist mate?
Oct 27, 2014
scubagirl
Oct 27, 2014
mrsb
Welcome madhoby!!!
Oct 28, 2014
BJA57
(madhoby): My son IS a machinist mate on the newly commissioned North Dakota. We got to tour it Saturday after the commissioning ceremony. It is quite impressive what that job entails. They literally keep that boat going-- from the air they all breathe to the water they all drink and use, and of course keeping the engines running, and everything else!.... Our son is originally Colorado and really LOVES the northeast. Winters are a bit rough if they aren't used to the humidity, but he is glad to be in Groton.
Moms, (and dads) you are the bolsters that keep those sailors going. You are the encouraging words that they are in the right place at the right time. You are the smiles that light their faces when they think of home. Be strong. You have raised these men to be the best sailors they can be.
Hope you all have a great Tuesday.
Oct 28, 2014
mrsb
Thanks for the words of encouragement BJA57!! We can always use a boost now and then!! :)
Oct 28, 2014
Sharon
madhoby: I was at the commissioning ceremony too. What an impressive boat!! My son is in the Sonar Division. It was awesome to see everything and get a true picture of what life on a submarine is like.
Oct 29, 2014
k-love
Hello everyone, I'm planning our travel to Groton this coming month from SoCal. Any suggestion as to the best way possible? What airport should we fly into with shortest travel time and cheapest way as well as available flights from Los Angeles? Thank you in advance:)
Oct 30, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
Hi K-Love, I would go for cheapest direct route! Hartford (BDL), Providence or Boston (Logan) are all about the same distance 60-90 minutes away. We live in CT and fly in and out of Hartford all the time, we do not go to NYC which is a bit closer for us. Bradley is easy, and I understand Providence is as well.
Hope you have a good time!
Oct 30, 2014
k-love
Great! I will start searching...Thanks Cath once again.
Oct 30, 2014
tidefan
if anyone is going to BESS graduation on 11/14/14 please take a pic of my son. contact me and I will give you his name
Oct 30, 2014
KKristen
Oct 31, 2014
Neko
Hello everyone! My fiance just got to Groton,CT yesterday for his A-school! It is nice to meet you all <3
Nov 2, 2014
mrsb
Hi Neko and welcome to Groton!!! I imagine PIR was as awesome as usual!!!
Nov 2, 2014
Kevsmom93
Welcome to our group Neko and Congratulations to your Sailor!
mrsb.....PIR such wonderful memories :-D
Nov 2, 2014
mrsb
Kevsmom, you are so right!!! I try and watch them on friday mornings, I still cry!!! And I can remember every emotion I felt that day, mostly pride!!!
Nov 2, 2014
FlowerPowerNavyMom
Ok, prolly a dumb question that I should know the answer to, but: After B.E.S.S., they go right into more schooling. Say that next schooling is 4 months and then they maybe go to GA. Each time they go somewhere new for school, its not really a graduation, right? I know from B.E.S.S. they graduate.
Thank you!
Nov 5, 2014
scubagirl
Nov 5, 2014
scubagirl
Nov 5, 2014
Cath Bubblehead mom
FlowerPower - no dumb questions! Each rate follows a different path. Many go on to more schooling between BESS and A School. Some have already done A School before BESS.
BESS has a graduation, A School has a graduation. My son received certificates for Techno & ATT Schools, but there were no graduations.
When they are assigned, there are more quals, they need to earn their fish, and still more quals - it never ends!
Nov 5, 2014
FlowerPowerNavyMom
Thank ladies. BESS graduation is 12/12 for my sailor. He is due home like a week later so we are not going for graduation. I am having a hard time knowing I wont be there but he says it's ok
Nov 5, 2014
scubagirl
Nov 5, 2014
FlowerPowerNavyMom
Absolutely! Thanks scubagirl!
Nov 5, 2014
Manchu
Hi everyone,
I am clueless when it comes to airfare. Is there a department on base that helps sailors with travel arrangements?
Nov 6, 2014
NCMom
Nov 13, 2014
scubagirl
main gate. Psrk there it is in s curve of road just before Natulius museum. I spoke with
My son the night before and he told me to be in parking lot before 8am. He walked out and then we drove through gate. No lines to get in lot. It is a very small lot. I got there about 7:45. He has to come to you. Can not use cell for pictures so have a camera. Wear warm clothes snd comfortable shoes. You may have to walk a little wsys.
Nov 13, 2014
KKristen
Is there a group for Norfolk Sub moms?
Nov 14, 2014
KKristen
Nov 21, 2014
Kevsmom93
Hi KKristen check out this link they have tons of coins for every occasion. Our son is also STS and has acquired a very nice collection of challenge coins. He's kindly left them all with us and even when he's given a new one or buys one himself he sends them home. We have them proudly displayed in a shadowbox, along side other mementos :-)
http://www.navyoutfitters.com/NAVY_CHALLENGE_COINS_s/161.htm
Happy shopping!
Nov 22, 2014
Kevsmom93
KKristen- By the way you don't have to leave! There are many moms like me who continue to follow the comments and check in :-)
Congratulations to your newly graduated Sailor!
Nov 22, 2014
Linda
Nov 22, 2014
Robin
Nov 24, 2014
Robin
Thank you BD Mama.. I made reservations several weeks ago at the Residence Inn in Waukeegan. It has two rooms/bath and a living area Suite. Granny can have her own room!!. Was cheaper than getting two sepaate rooms at most hotels.. I figured O'Hare, but saw there are several options flying into the Groton area, I know Southwest flies out of Midway. Thanks!!!
Nov 24, 2014
Matt's.mom
Does anyone have experience with the SubVets Thanksgiving meal? My sailor and a few of his friends are planning on going. I told him about some of you wonderful people who would welcome him in their homes, but I couldn't talk him in to it.
Nov 26, 2014
stylist613
yes we went last year with our sailor, I would recommend it. the atmosphere with all the vets was just an amazing experience.
Nov 26, 2014
CO_Proud Parent
Our son went to the SubVets dinner last year and had a great time. There were alot of guys from the Submarines in port and retired guys to visit with. He heard some good sea stories from the old guys. They have a shuttle to and from base also.
Nov 26, 2014
madhoby
My son has a flight out of Hartford on Dec. 26 at 5 am. Does anyone know of a cab company/person who wants to earn money that can help get him from Base to the Airport? He is prepared to pay the going rate for the transport. His leave starts at 12:00 am on the 26th
Dec 6, 2014
madhoby
Never mind he found a way to the airport on the 26th....Thank you anyway.
Dec 6, 2014
tysmom
Yes, there is transportation available...glad he found it.
Dec 6, 2014
Robin
Dec 7, 2014
Matilda1954
Congrats to the newest arrivals at Groton, (my son being one of them). Thanks to those who have set up this group, I'm sure it will be as helpful as the one for Great Lakes Basic training.
By searching the web to find out what BESS was, I found the Navy website for BESS which would be interesting for other parents. If is is ok, I will post it. (In teaching, we go ahead and do it and beg forgiveness later, here, I've learned to ask first) Enjoy the day.
Dec 7, 2014
tysmom
Look in the discussion forum and view all and some of your questions may be answered.
Dec 7, 2014
Linda
Dec 8, 2014
stylist613
Dec 8, 2014
madhoby
My son's new roomie is from Choctaw Oklahoma, we are from Tulsa Oklahoma. HI fellow OKIE Sailor MOM.
Dec 9, 2014
Linda
Dec 9, 2014