USS Alexandria

Hello all: I just read all 6 pages of comments and wanted to say a big HELLO. My son is a machinist mate onboard the Alexandria. His girlfriend lives in CT with him and has been attending the monthly meetings and found out about this site. We live in California so won't be coming out in January but Steph will be there waiting for him! I don't receive a newsletter that you spoke about but would like to. This is not my first deployment but it is the longest! My son has been in since 1999. After school he went directly to a boat and then had land duty. He is now back to a boat and finally is getting to visit some ports. Looking forward to hearing more.

Thanks for the greetings. I noticed everyone was only using their first names so I have dropped my last name. Thanks Kathy for checking with the Ombudsman about the newsletter. I don't know if it matters, or helps, that Jimmy has assigned me as his POA or not. Oh how I wish I was closer so I could attend the meet and greet and see the boat come back in! I always day dreamed (for the lack of a better word this early in the morning) about standing on the dock waving at my boy! But I'm sure he would rather have Stephanie, looking good, standing there waiting for his arms! LOL You all have a good day.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Oh...forgot to mention that I SKYPED with Jimmy this morning. It was wonderful to see his smiling face. It is Christmas Eve there and he and a couple other sailors were going to eat in the hotel. He has duty tomorrow so would not be calling. I just love Skype.

HAPPY NEW YEARS to all. Will be looking forward to hearing about the ondock greetings and celebration. Enjoy your sailors!

Sad face here.....wishing I could be there too! Each and everyone of you enjoy your time with your loved one. Still don't know what day they come in but I'll just have to wait for a phone call. Stephanie will be on the dock waiting for Jimmy which is what counts.

Thanks. I just love this site! Have fun.

With tears flowing I report.....they are home!!!! Stephanie called me from the dock to say the boat has arrived. She will have Jimmy call me as soon as she can. I thought it was so sweet of her to call. You all know I did not know the date they were coming home. Had some ideas from reading everything here and there. It was killing me not knowing. She posted "Guess where I am going??!!??" as her status this morning and I knew....then I got the call. Big Smiles Here. I know you mothers there are smiling too!

Thanks Kathy. I definitely will be thinking of your son tomorrow morning. I saw on the news that the east coast is getting hit again. Jimmy did SKYPE me when they got back to the house. We talked a bit and then he said he wanted to go take "that long shower" that he usually does when he gets back from deployments. I'm so glad Stephanie acknowledged you. She is something! Enjoy your time with your son :)

For those who could not make it to pier, here is a link to photos from the newspaper. I hope it works for you.

For now - Here is our newspaper:

http://www.theday.com/re_gal.aspx?re=cbbc40af-379f-43d0-bc86-aa47c4dcd981

Kathy and Janice...nice to hear your sons are enjoying time with their moms and being home :)

Phyllis. Sorry to hear you are home now away from your son...but glad you made it safe and sound with all that snow I am hearing about. Have not seen the ALEX yet but did tour Jimmy's old (and I mean old) boat the Parche. Wow I can see why they would be sick of each other! LOL Jimmy is on 2 weeks leave right now. He and Stephanie are headed to NYC. This is so great being able to talk to other moms. Thanks for the group.

Just stopping in to say a big HI. Looks like it has been pretty quiet here. Talked to Jimmy today and he is still on leave but due back on Sunday for duty. But most importantly...He and Stephanie have set the date for marriage. YAY...I will have a daughter (in-law) now. Just wanted to share my good news. Hope you are all doing well.

Oh...sad face here....it will be hard seeing Mike go but tell him to drive careful and big hug to you. The wedding is not until November. Lots of planning going into this one. Jimmy has been in since 1999 and, I think, has at least 4 more years on this contract but am thinking he will stay in. He is a Machinest Mate, they must know each other. Ship can't be that big for the few guys on duty can it? LOL Stay strong when he leaves!

Hi all. Just stopping by to check in. I see everyone must be pretty busy. Jimmy and Stephanie are officially engaged, ring and all. They are also buying a house in CT. Wedding in November. Busy year for them. My step-son (Navy..aircraft carrier) is coming home tomorrow from Japan for a month. Will be a nice visit. Talk more later.

Janice...not shopping for a dress yet. Dreading it. I'm a t-shirt and jeans sort of girl. Waiting to see what the bride's mom gets and have to check on the colors. Thanks for the congrats!

Hey All. Hope you are all fine. Just saw over on "Sub Moms" site where a mom named Gail had a son that was just assigned to the Alex in May. I left her a note and told her about our small group and how it was nice to be able to communitcate with you all during deployment (even if it was towards the end for me...lol). Hopefully she will come join our group too.

Hey Gail...you made it! Our group is small but have strong shoulders! When Jimmy was on the Parche sub and had no girlfriend ... he would leave his vehicle on base and it was fine. Like Janice said...most important..is making sure financial obligations are met. Navy is really good on stressing this and teaching them the ins and outs. I'm sure we will be discussing things as time goes on...Now have to go make dinner! LOL

Evelyn...want to pass on my YAY for reenlistment too. Jimmy has a few years before he had to talk reenlistment again. It is scary today out in the workforce. I try to talk this up to my stepson (in Japan..Navy) every chance I can. I think Jimmy will stay (has 10 already) but not sure about Michael. So, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you Janice...our boys need "great" cooks!

Gail....CONGRATS on your quilt ribbon. I would be standing tall wearing that ribbon. I too have a tendency to start projects and not finish. Several years ago I was into needle point and have so many projects done but not completed (made into pillows/framed). You should be feeling very accomplished! Can't answer your questions about A school graduates for sure. I am in California and Jimmy's school was in S. Carolina. I did not make it back there for the graduation but don't think it is like Boot Camp graduation from what I remember Jimmy telling me. But feel very proud of him. I remember stories from Jimmy that Nuke A School and Power School were so hard and they would lock him in a classroom for studying. Can't believe they did that but he said so. LOL

I am not positive. My son's deployment was something like 6 months. But they have "underways" which are anywhere from weeks to a couple months if I'm not mistaken. Maybe someone else could clarify with certainty.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Ahhhh Gail...how great was that! Glad he got to be home with you. With Jimmy out to sea he still remembered me and sent flowers for Mother's Day. Gosh he is the greatest! Even my stepson, who's Navy Carrier is out to sea, sent me an email. I had a wonderful day!

Gail...congrats. I live in California so I have no idea where beaches are. I've not made it to Ct yet. Hopefully someone can answer you shortly. Have a good time you lucky person you!

Oh Gail...thanks for posting about your trip. I'm in California and feel so far away from everything. I feel like a dog sometimes...just lap up any information I can. LOL You were so lucky to attend a family support meeting and meet the Captain and Ilene. It will get easier but not right away. Jimmy's first boat was a special ops and had no email capabilities. At least the Alexandria has that and when "they have time" he will shoot me an email. Where do you live?

Gail..glad to hear your son is on his maiden voyage. What memories he will have. Jimmy had to be notified this morning of the passing of his grandmother. Red Cross notified the Captain yesterday. The Captain and COB told Jimmy this morning. He will not be able to come home but did make a telephone call to his Fiancee. She indicated he would try to call when he can. I understand that he is doing his job but just hurts my heart that he had to hear the news while underway.

Thanks for posting the news of your son.

Thanks guys.

Evelyn..Thanks. That is great that you got to see your son. It is hard to organize schedules for visits between deployment and underways and whatever us moms have going. I have not seen Jimmy since March of of 2008. Can't believe how time has flown by. Probably won't get to see him until his wedding in November.

Janice...you brought back memories for me! I remember Jimmy telling me exactly what you are saying. Got a telephone call yesterday from my son. It was nice to hear his voice.

Janice. The wedding plans are coming along fine. I am in Califonrnia and Stephanie is in CT, her mom in NY..they do a very good job of keeping me in the loop.

NYC...Jimmy and I have gone a few times when he was teaching in Balston Spa. We would take the train from Saratoga Springs. From there we walked to the hotel. You have to look this up. (ssmaclub.org) It is a hotel for military. Located walking distance from train station, Madison Square Garden, Grand Central, Times Square (mind you...you have to be a walker LOL). Rates are based on military rank. Now, no elevator, rooms share restrooms down the all. There are a couple rooms I think with restrooms within. These are beds that are like twin beds. They rent beds, not rooms, Does this make any sense? We found we were gone so much of the time, so tired when you get back, you just go to sleep. Nice areas to watch tv or sit and read. Kitchen area where they serve complimentary begals etc. The cost savings is so significant. This might not be your cup of tea and perhaps you can afford NYC hotels...but be sure to pass it on to your son in case he goes to the City with the guys. Jimmy and Stephanie stay there everytime they go to the Ctiy for concerts. I was hesitant the first time but everyone is in the same boat. Early morning run to the restroom in your gown, swets. You get the dirft of what I mean. After that time, I really enjoy the place. Let me know what you think.