Well it has been awhile since I have been on here. I look and read the posts but since my boyfriend passed away almost 2 months ago it has been so hard to even post anything. I think I need to get back into the "loop". My sailor started A school about a month ago and will be coming home for Christmas so I am counting the days to see him. It will probably be his last Christmas home as he will graduate A school sometime in April and only the Good Lord knows where his PDA will be. I am sure not as close as he is now which isn't to far but far enough not to visit as often as we all would like. He has come home a few times since he got to Groton in June. Just wanted to make an appearance and well try to get back into the swing of things. This grieving process has gotten the best of me. I need to talk and post and get back involved. I hope all are well and I've missed you all.
Ladyrocker I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your boyfriend. I had no idea. I hope you have family and friends around and close to you to help you through this. So very sorry.
Thanks mrsb! Yes I have family and friends around me. Can't wait to see my Sailor and just hug, kiss and cry on his shoulder. We talk through text at times not as often as we were. I think because he knows what a hard time I am having dealing with all this and doesn't know what to say. But thank you .....I am trying to get back on track here ...gotta be honest it is kinda hard. But I am trying to release the guilt I am feeling and to open my heart up so it can heal.
I do not have the words to take the pain away but know that we are here for you. Navy moms are strong. You have my email. I am always available to listen and you are on my prayers
BNH
Thanks Linda and I know............have to look for your email addy.........I am so out of it lately..........And I am "A Navy Mom..........and I am strong"! thank you .........I will be fine..............Big NMH
just heard a really amazing song....Sometimes you have to encourage yourself, you have to speak victory over yourself, speak the word and you will be healed, speak over yourself, and you will be healed. no matter how you fell speak the word over your life and you will be healed. Encourage yourself in the Lord....
The spirit of the sovereign lord is on me because the lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. he has ent me to bind up the borkenhearted to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners to proclame the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God to comfort all who mourn, and provide for thouse who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.....
Jeremiah 61:1-3
these words got me through the darkest days of supporting my mom as she supported my dad in the last days of his life......
Beauty for Ashes to you Ladyrocker......may God bless you with the spirit of praise and the oil of joy as you heal.
He is home. He is home. So happy to have my family together again under one roof. I opened his bedroom door this morning and OMG the laundry bomb went off. Too funny. He will be with us for the holidays before reporting to his new duty station on the 29th. It's a wonderful feeling to hear him say at the airport I love you mom it is so great to be home.
My son's PIR date was 1/9/15 His orders changed last minute and now he is in Groton Sub School and may or may not stay there for A school. Just wanted to say Hi, I am very thankful that I am able to communicate with him now and it is nice to know that there is a group of people out there experiencing the same situations.
Welcome to Groton AWats!!! I haven't been here much lately but am always checking in. It is so much nicer when you can communicate more with your brand new Sailor!
Hello A Wats and congratulations to you and your new Sailor! I hope everything gets settled for your son soon. Our forum seems to be on the quiet side lately but don't let that stop you from asking questions.
Hi, all - My son went to A school at Groton on 1/10/15, and he originally said it would be for 2 months. last night he said more like 6 months. Is this normal? He is MMs.
My son is a MM. He first had to do BESS which is the sub school for 6 week. Now he is in MM basic tool training for about a month. Next he will have auxillary training where he will do simulations and hands on training to learn how to do his Job. He has been there since 11/17/14. He will be stationed to a sub base around March is what he is telling me. Tell him to look up Chris Benson. He can give him insight on it.
My son is in A school for Machinist Mate, and getting ready to start C school to do Aux pac.....He is still waiting on orders to find out his final destination for where he will be stationed. Is anyone else in the same group with him currently? I a wondering if anyone else is getting orders yet. His PIR date was 11/17/14, and he finished with BESS in Dec.
I could be wrong - but if he goes to C school next - he will get his orders then. So many things can change between A & C school, I believe only those going to their boat from A school get their orders. Maybe someone else can verify this.
My son graduated A school this past weekend. He will start C school in 10 days. He has known for a couple of months where he will be going. He is a Machinist Mate on Torpedoes, or as he says MMTM. He will leave for VA mid Feb. Everyone in his class knew where they were going a couple of months ago. Not sure about the other ratings.
Hi ladies, my son just informed me that he will be graduating on 3/5 and then going to Guam. Can anyone tell me what the graduation will be like? I would like to attend but would like to know about how long it will last. Is it anything like the graduation from basic?
I went to BESS and A school graduation. Both ceremonies were very relaxed. Small classes. My son had 50 in BESS and 12 in A school. We had to get at base about 7:45am and our sailor came to parking lot next to gate to escort us in. Graduation for BESS was at 9 and A school was at 9:30. They lasted around 1hr at max. Cell phone not allowed so take a camera. Sailor free rest of weekend if no watch. Mine had watch on Saturday after BESS so we did not see him that day but did on Sunday. Couple of sailors were flying out for leave and new duty station after A school but rest were free for weekend. Very cold there last weekend. Go if you can.
I received a proof of his BESS pictures in the mail and a list of the prices. I then ordered what I wanted. I think my son ordered his class picture at a different time so I only ordered what I wanted. Hope this helps.
Hi Ladies. My daughter is thinking about crossing rates and going sub. I'm unsure of this but I'm being very supportive on her decision. Anyone out there with a daughter in sub school?
No daughter, but a son who is very curious how the navy is going to make this work as on some subs there is a hallway through the shower area and no real privacy on the subs. He says he wouldn't want his sister on a sub due to the lack of privacy for dressing and undressing.
I agree. And trying to find someone with dolphins is hard. So she has no real input from someone who really knows and can tell her what to expect. Me and my husband were both surface.
They are opening it up. One of my main concerns is how are the going to address the privacy issue. I've never told my kids what they should do. I've been a sounding board, fact finder and have ask them Why? a lot. Sometimes they say I'm getting even from when they were little lol.
My son tells me he graduates from subschool on the 20th of March and I was wondering if there is someplace on this site or any other one that would have more information for me to help me plan a trip to Groton for the ceremony? We had plenty of help with his boot camp graduation planning, but I'm not finding anything about subschool.
hi My2, usually the sub school graduations are pretty small, nothing like PIR. We didn't go because our son came home that night; we're in CA so no sense for us to fly to CT then turn around and come back. Of course if you're close to the area you should go. :)
Hi. My son is at BC and his PIR is on 4/10. Afterwords, he is headed to Sub School. I'm looking for some type of a sub school schedule, if there is such a thing, Thanks.
Hi Nina! The first class they have is called BESS-Basic Enlisted Submarine School. Can't really remember how long it was but I know my son had to wait for a bit to start. That was called ACU-Awaiting Class Up, but they call it Always Cleaning Up! They do a lot of cleaning in between classes. After that is TECHNO, then ATT. I think there's one more class but can't remember that either, sorry! I hope I helped just a little!
McLove - I do not know what bms school is. I'm guessing it and ATT will be in Groton. They are not the same thing as C School. Has he done A school yet?
After BESS, TECHNO, and ATT is A school........that is how my Sailor did/doing.............graduates A school on 4/10/15..............soo far first in his class but it's close........Still very very proud Mom! :)
Here is a document that I took off of Facebook It has a list of things to do & area lodging. If your stay is short I recommend the Nautilus, Mystic Seaport & Aquarium. If it's longer then you may want to venture to Boston, NYC or Newport RI.
Regarding restaurants - there is also the Crystal Mall nearby and there is a Longhorns steakhouse and Olive Garden.
Hope this helps. If you are on Facebook there is a Loved ones of Groton and a BESS & A School page. There are many documents posted there.
Regarding BESS graduation- I just went last month and stayed at the Navy Lodge the first night (clean, large rooms). But, we stayed at the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa the other nights. Great hotel- Starbucks, restaurant and bar in the hotel, about 5-10 minutes from the base. It is about $200/night but I bid on Priceline and got it for $110/night (pick 4-star hotel when you bid and that's the one you will get). For a nice meal, I cannot say enough good things about our meal in Mystic at the Captain Daniel Packer Inne http://danielpacker.com/wp/, such a quaint old building (built in the 1700s), beautiful food and extraordinary service. For a low-key meal and good burger we went to Mos Burgers and Brew. Enjoy your trip!
Ladyrocker
Well it has been awhile since I have been on here. I look and read the posts but since my boyfriend passed away almost 2 months ago it has been so hard to even post anything. I think I need to get back into the "loop". My sailor started A school about a month ago and will be coming home for Christmas so I am counting the days to see him. It will probably be his last Christmas home as he will graduate A school sometime in April and only the Good Lord knows where his PDA will be. I am sure not as close as he is now which isn't to far but far enough not to visit as often as we all would like. He has come home a few times since he got to Groton in June. Just wanted to make an appearance and well try to get back into the swing of things. This grieving process has gotten the best of me. I need to talk and post and get back involved. I hope all are well and I've missed you all.
Big NMH's to all..........
Dec 10, 2014
mrsb
Ladyrocker I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your boyfriend. I had no idea. I hope you have family and friends around and close to you to help you through this. So very sorry.
Dec 10, 2014
Ladyrocker
Thanks mrsb! Yes I have family and friends around me. Can't wait to see my Sailor and just hug, kiss and cry on his shoulder. We talk through text at times not as often as we were. I think because he knows what a hard time I am having dealing with all this and doesn't know what to say. But thank you .....I am trying to get back on track here ...gotta be honest it is kinda hard. But I am trying to release the guilt I am feeling and to open my heart up so it can heal.
Dec 11, 2014
Linda
BNH
Dec 11, 2014
Ladyrocker
Thanks Linda and I know............have to look for your email addy.........I am so out of it lately..........And I am "A Navy Mom..........and I am strong"! thank you .........I will be fine..............Big NMH
Dec 11, 2014
madhoby
The spirit of the sovereign lord is on me because the lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. he has ent me to bind up the borkenhearted to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners to proclame the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God to comfort all who mourn, and provide for thouse who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.....
Jeremiah 61:1-3
these words got me through the darkest days of supporting my mom as she supported my dad in the last days of his life......
Beauty for Ashes to you Ladyrocker......may God bless you with the spirit of praise and the oil of joy as you heal.
Dec 11, 2014
Ladyrocker
Thanks madhoby and baby duke.......
Dec 12, 2014
Linda
Dec 13, 2014
tysmom
Where is he stationed?
Dec 14, 2014
Linda
Dec 14, 2014
AWats
Hello Everyone,
My son's PIR date was 1/9/15 His orders changed last minute and now he is in Groton Sub School and may or may not stay there for A school. Just wanted to say Hi, I am very thankful that I am able to communicate with him now and it is nice to know that there is a group of people out there experiencing the same situations.
Jan 13, 2015
mrsb
Welcome to Groton AWats!!! I haven't been here much lately but am always checking in. It is so much nicer when you can communicate more with your brand new Sailor!
Jan 13, 2015
Kevsmom93
Hello A Wats and congratulations to you and your new Sailor! I hope everything gets settled for your son soon. Our forum seems to be on the quiet side lately but don't let that stop you from asking questions.
Jan 14, 2015
ELO.Navy.Mom
Hi, all - My son went to A school at Groton on 1/10/15, and he originally said it would be for 2 months. last night he said more like 6 months. Is this normal? He is MMs.
Jan 14, 2015
MommyL
Jan 14, 2015
ELO.Navy.Mom
MommyL, MMs is Mechanic's Mate, submarine. That is how he is signing stuff now.
Jan 14, 2015
tysmom
go to the Sub Moms page. There is a LOTS of info, almost everything you ever wanted to know about subs and sub life!!!!
Welcome to our world!!!!
Jan 14, 2015
MommyL
Jan 14, 2015
MommyL
Jan 14, 2015
madhoby
My son is a MM. He first had to do BESS which is the sub school for 6 week. Now he is in MM basic tool training for about a month. Next he will have auxillary training where he will do simulations and hands on training to learn how to do his Job. He has been there since 11/17/14. He will be stationed to a sub base around March is what he is telling me. Tell him to look up Chris Benson. He can give him insight on it.
Jan 14, 2015
k-love
hello ladies-do anyone know a food delivery authorized inside school ground beside Kristen's cake? LMK please.
Jan 14, 2015
A navy mom
Jan 14, 2015
MommyL
Jan 14, 2015
MommyL
Jan 14, 2015
madhoby
My son is in A school for Machinist Mate, and getting ready to start C school to do Aux pac.....He is still waiting on orders to find out his final destination for where he will be stationed. Is anyone else in the same group with him currently? I a wondering if anyone else is getting orders yet. His PIR date was 11/17/14, and he finished with BESS in Dec.
Jan 18, 2015
Cath Bubblehead mom
I could be wrong - but if he goes to C school next - he will get his orders then. So many things can change between A & C school, I believe only those going to their boat from A school get their orders. Maybe someone else can verify this.
Jan 18, 2015
scubagirl
My son graduated A school this past weekend. He will start C school in 10 days. He has known for a couple of months where he will be going. He is a Machinist Mate on Torpedoes, or as he says MMTM. He will leave for VA mid Feb. Everyone in his class knew where they were going a couple of months ago. Not sure about the other ratings.
Jan 20, 2015
napernavalmom
Hi ladies, my son just informed me that he will be graduating on 3/5 and then going to Guam. Can anyone tell me what the graduation will be like? I would like to attend but would like to know about how long it will last. Is it anything like the graduation from basic?
Jan 21, 2015
scubagirl
I went to BESS and A school graduation. Both ceremonies were very relaxed. Small classes. My son had 50 in BESS and 12 in A school. We had to get at base about 7:45am and our sailor came to parking lot next to gate to escort us in. Graduation for BESS was at 9 and A school was at 9:30. They lasted around 1hr at max. Cell phone not allowed so take a camera. Sailor free rest of weekend if no watch. Mine had watch on Saturday after BESS so we did not see him that day but did on Sunday. Couple of sailors were flying out for leave and new duty station after A school but rest were free for weekend. Very cold there last weekend. Go if you can.
Jan 21, 2015
kmc1026
Jan 22, 2015
scubagirl
As far as I know always on Friday. I guess if a holiday was that Friday it might change.
Jan 22, 2015
Cath Bubblehead mom
Jan 22, 2015
kmc1026
Thanks, ladies!
Jan 23, 2015
scubagirl
I received a proof of his BESS pictures in the mail and a list of the prices. I then ordered what I wanted. I think my son ordered his class picture at a different time so I only ordered what I wanted. Hope this helps.
Jan 23, 2015
MomP(Helen)
Hi Ladies. My daughter is thinking about crossing rates and going sub. I'm unsure of this but I'm being very supportive on her decision. Anyone out there with a daughter in sub school?
Jan 25, 2015
madhoby
No daughter, but a son who is very curious how the navy is going to make this work as on some subs there is a hallway through the shower area and no real privacy on the subs. He says he wouldn't want his sister on a sub due to the lack of privacy for dressing and undressing.
Jan 26, 2015
MomP(Helen)
Jan 26, 2015
MomP(Helen)
They are opening it up. One of my main concerns is how are the going to address the privacy issue. I've never told my kids what they should do. I've been a sounding board, fact finder and have ask them Why? a lot. Sometimes they say I'm getting even from when they were little lol.
Jan 26, 2015
My2BoyzMom
My son tells me he graduates from subschool on the 20th of March and I was wondering if there is someplace on this site or any other one that would have more information for me to help me plan a trip to Groton for the ceremony? We had plenty of help with his boot camp graduation planning, but I'm not finding anything about subschool.
Mar 6, 2015
mrsb
hi My2, usually the sub school graduations are pretty small, nothing like PIR. We didn't go because our son came home that night; we're in CA so no sense for us to fly to CT then turn around and come back. Of course if you're close to the area you should go. :)
Mar 6, 2015
VKat
Mar 6, 2015
Nina K.
Hi. My son is at BC and his PIR is on 4/10. Afterwords, he is headed to Sub School. I'm looking for some type of a sub school schedule, if there is such a thing, Thanks.
Mar 10, 2015
mrsb
Hi Nina! The first class they have is called BESS-Basic Enlisted Submarine School. Can't really remember how long it was but I know my son had to wait for a bit to start. That was called ACU-Awaiting Class Up, but they call it Always Cleaning Up! They do a lot of cleaning in between classes. After that is TECHNO, then ATT. I think there's one more class but can't remember that either, sorry! I hope I helped just a little!
Mar 13, 2015
mrsb
Sorry MCLove, but I don't have an answer to your question. :(
Mar 13, 2015
Cath Bubblehead mom
McLove - I do not know what bms school is. I'm guessing it and ATT will be in Groton. They are not the same thing as C School. Has he done A school yet?
Mar 13, 2015
Ladyrocker
After BESS, TECHNO, and ATT is A school........that is how my Sailor did/doing.............graduates A school on 4/10/15..............soo far first in his class but it's close........Still very very proud Mom! :)
Mar 13, 2015
A navy mom
Mar 14, 2015
A navy mom
Mar 14, 2015
Cath Bubblehead mom
groton lodging.pdf
Groton.pdf - Things to do
Here is a document that I took off of Facebook It has a list of things to do & area lodging. If your stay is short I recommend the Nautilus, Mystic Seaport & Aquarium. If it's longer then you may want to venture to Boston, NYC or Newport RI.
Regarding restaurants - there is also the Crystal Mall nearby and there is a Longhorns steakhouse and Olive Garden.
Hope this helps. If you are on Facebook there is a Loved ones of Groton and a BESS & A School page. There are many documents posted there.
Mar 14, 2015
addgrey
Regarding BESS graduation- I just went last month and stayed at the Navy Lodge the first night (clean, large rooms). But, we stayed at the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa the other nights. Great hotel- Starbucks, restaurant and bar in the hotel, about 5-10 minutes from the base. It is about $200/night but I bid on Priceline and got it for $110/night (pick 4-star hotel when you bid and that's the one you will get). For a nice meal, I cannot say enough good things about our meal in Mystic at the Captain Daniel Packer Inne http://danielpacker.com/wp/, such a quaint old building (built in the 1700s), beautiful food and extraordinary service. For a low-key meal and good burger we went to Mos Burgers and Brew. Enjoy your trip!
Mar 14, 2015