Amphibious (Gator Navy)

A place were we family members with Sailors on amphibious boats can come and talk ask questions and just hang out.. so anyone out there with a loved one on a amphibious jump on in lets share stories..
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  • navynana

    Hello All, you're right. Getting settled in takes some time and adjustment, but it does come. Hang in there Bridgette. That's why they take these short cruises before they deploy. My grandson is currently "cranking" and doing kitchen duty. He's taken it in stride and knows he just has to do it. He worked at Disneyland and said it reminded him of him of his job there. At first they resist all the "new changes", but they learn to resign themselves to it all and work together. There schedules are always changing when their jobs change. They really learn to be flexible.
  • cheffiona

    Well she called again 2 calls today she said that she is cleaning and doing the snack run so she is happy cos although she is skinny she loves to eat and everytime she goes for someone else they tell her to get something for herself! luckily there is a lot of walking involved or she willbe the size of a house after this 10 day trip and she only gets a signal when they come near to the land so if she has a chance she calls I told her again it will get better and that i was told from the nfm site this is always how first timers feel, I am pretty sure she will like it when they do the big trip in feb thanks for all your advice and info.
  • cheffiona

    Good Morning all,  Another call from Bridgette, she is doing much better!  And the rumours are that they may be coming back to port earlier than the 17th as they done what they went to do drop off Marines and their toys and are now just drilling and she is cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning must be the cleanist ship on the ocean! lol  So I told her dont get your hopes up to much incase you have to stay out there to the 17th!

    @ Shirley enjoy your time with your son wow 2 years!! tats a long time!!!

     

     

  • cheffiona

    i hear ya

  • Arwen

    If arrival and departure dates are posted on an official Navy press release or Navy website, you can post a link to the site so that other families can share the information. That way you don't inadvertently violate OPSEC.

  • cheffiona

    Just got another call from her yea!!!! She sounded so upbeat!  Where ever she is she said it was like being in the movie "The Mist"  lol freaked her out abit! Oh well told her call me when you can her friends keep texting her  but she only has a small amount of time when she can get a signal so she calls her hubby first! and then me so  everyone else will have to wait until she gets home when ever that is.  Her ship posted a picture of some one on fb and i asked them wow if your posting pictures of sailors can you post one of her and i she said another sailor came up to her and could not pronounce my name did she know me  he ended up showing her on laptop did she know who i am  she laughed and said "yea thats my mom" shes always on fb lol.  what are the chances of that happening lol.

  • cheffiona

    I have them on facebook and I just spoke to her again its amazing that she can service so much when she  goes on the long deployment she will take her laptop and we can keep in contact even more lol   Its still foggy wherever she is lol and only 2 hours sleep in last 24 but she seems to be likeing it more now.

  • cheffiona

    Oh no she has not taken the laptop this time its only short trip well maybe she will not take it they have computers on the ship and she will be starting classes online in jan so she can do them while on long deploy.  She knows about peope taking stuff she already had her bedding stolen she lives off base with hubby and when she reported to her ship before this tour she had to pick out a bunk and they gave her bedding but she did not have a lock on her and when she in next day it was gone, so believe me she knows about that!!    But its right what somebody else said on here awhile back "You can trust the other sailors with your life but not your possessions" lol

  • polli k

    I would not necessarily discourage her taking her laptop on a longer time out at sea.. My daughter took hers on a long underway and still had it with her when she got back. Put it in the  lounge area where her work area was.. Had no problems.. Just have to know whether or not you can trust your work mates.. She could.. Son-in-law to be is in the Marines and took one with him to Afganistan and still had it when he came back 8 months later.. so yes while there are problems if you know your fellow sailors or Marines you can keep your stuff.. My daughter never lost anything while she was on the ship..

  • cheffiona

    Yea I hear you, Bridgette got married in September whilst she was in A school so they are newly weds also she does call him from ship too, I would hope that she will take time when in port to go ashore! and visit all the wonderfull places she will be going, Im starting on  my shopping list for her now!

  • navynana

    Fiona...see I told you girls were different. You hear from Bridgette all the time and my grandson is on the same ship and we only heard from him once! With regard to laptops...it would surprise me if he did not take it. It's like part of him. Games, music, movies. We'll be lucky if he uses the Military email to write us. It would be grat to have Skype and be able to see him while he is away.He is looking forward to visiting all the ports. He has certainly enjoyed San Diego and we'd hate for him to miss an adventure. It really is sweet to hear about all the Newlyweds.

  • Arwen

    I have heard from my son precisely twice since he reported to his ship in September. He called from Singapore two nights in a row in early November. Then tried (not sure from where) a couple of weeks ago, but the connection was terrible and we couldn't hear each other, so the call only lasted about 10 seconds. It was worse than the "I'm here" boot camp call.

     

    I'm really hoping that the lack of communication means he's having way too much fun to remember to call. He tends to call home when he's lonely or bored, so apparently he is neither.

  • cheffiona

    Well I know she tries to call if she can get a signal and even though she is married She still misses home!  But thats ok!  I am sure she will adjust eventually!  But I am glad that she calls so often because if she should feel down then I can give some positive words of encouragement and it seems to help!  I think so anyway!

    @navynana What department is your grandson in ? Bridgette is EN Fireman and I guess is doing a lot of cleaning and messaging maybe I can get Bridgette to remind him to call home more often as you said boys dont always feel the need to do that.

  • cheffiona

    Well I hope im not boreing e1 with all my postings Bridgette found the computers on board this am lol  She still gets lost lol but never gets lost when on her way to the galley!!!  Anyway so she was fb this morning i was on fb too but in the kitchen working on my fudge and truffles for christmas gifts for family, friends and some sailors still at a school and another one also in san diego now on her ship I have to get them out tomorrow.

     

    So she is doing fine still but she is happy to find the computers!  So when no phone signal there she can get on puter and I usually   have mine on most of the time! 

  • navynana

    That's great to hear Fiona.

  • cheffiona

    Good morning, Did nothear from Bridgette yesterday, because they were out of phone service and then they cut the internet for some reason!  But able to call me this am just before breakfast which she says is the best food on board and you can pretty much see what it is lol  she said quite often with the dinner she has ask what it is cos its unrecognisable lol and I guess I have spoiled her because my trade is a chef/caterer so they have always been spoilt with good food! lol  Im sure she wont starve lol and when she gets back its shopping for christmas tree and decorations with her hubby!  Still not sure if we will be able to go visit for christmas, its a money thing!  Gonna try!

  • cheffiona

    Oh yes when she goes on big tour I will be sending her packages of goodies, treats etc!!!

  • polli k

    When my daughter was on the Kearsarge, she never complained about the food, until they were headed home and were getting ready for the families on the Tiger Cruise.. They were rationing  some of the "prime" food so there would be enough to feed everyone.. Then there were extremely high seas and the Tiger Cruise was  a no go.. but as my daughter pointed out, when she joined the Navy, she didn't expect the ship to be a crise ship or her time in the Navy to be like a Club Med. vacation.  I think it probably varies from ship to ship.. You try cooking for 3 to 6 thousand people 3 meals a day for weeks or months at a time.. glad it's not my job.. and I love to cook.

  • navynana

    From what I understand from other family members in the Military (Army, Air Force etc.) they think the Navy has the best food??? All I know is that my grandson eats at the fast food places every chance he gets when in port. (San Diego) and doesn't have much choice about the food on board. He really eats well when he is home believe me. He has been fed well his entire life an appreciates the pleasure. We did get a 5 second call from the ship yesterday only to say his schedule had been changed and he will not be home this weekend. We're hoping he may get off for Christmas. He sounded like he's doing fine. That's the main thing.

  • cheffiona

    thats what Bridgette ate for dinner today PB&J she could not tell what the food was lol so she would not eat it lol

  • Arwen

    I always liked the Navy food, but then I'm not known for my gourmet taste buds.

  • cheffiona

    Oh Yes!!  Bridgette is back the ship is in but poor thing now she has to stand watch Im sure her hubby will be waiting right there!!  "Young Love"   I know she has some tests to do tomorrow and she is worried about that "the tests are top secret" lol One of those things she is not allowed to speak about!  Thats ok I understand and I dont wanna know!!  and I will not ask!! and She "will not tell"  Good Girl!!! 

  • navynana

    Oh, good to know Fiona. Glad they are back. When he was texting last night with his mom he only said he had to work this weekend. He's pulled some pretty tough watches back to back. I think that the watches are scheduled in rotation. Friday one week, and Thursday the next etc. Sounds fair. I bet Bridgette has missed her hubby, but look how much she's learned in this short time. Nothing like Young Love! Hope you'll get to San Diego for the Holidays or before she deploys.

  • cheffiona

    Well she is at home well gonna get ready to go xmas shopping and does not have to go back until sunday.  Oh the places that they are going on next deploy have changed  but she will get to hang out with her aunt who lives in ! dont think I should say.  But they were told ( and its not top secret or anything) that  this thing with Korea if anything happens they will deploy first and would be immediate so am watching news and hoping that nothing will happen!!  I think she is freaking out about it a little!  Oh and some of the girls on board are being real nasty to her because she still has not officially started her job yet ! why i dont know but her friends on board (and her  sponsor) said dont worry about it they gotta pick on someone cos they are bored!  She is not too worried!

  • navynana

    Same here.  He's glad to be back but so tired and working this weekend. We're hoping he'll be coming home for Christmas. It's so rainy and stormy here in California. I'm happy your sailors are well. There's peace in your heart when they are ok.

  • cheffiona

    Yes I have told her that!  She will do fine!  She had the same problem when in high school because she has always got on better the males and not the females and she has a lot of friends and she dealt with it but after joining the Navy all those same girls wanted to be her friend lol

     

    MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL! 

     

     I HOPE YOU ALL GET TO SEE YOUR SAILORS OVER THE HOLIDAYS!

    AND IF YOU DONT THEN KNOW THAT THAY ARE SAFE WHEREVER THEY

    ARE AND THINKING OF YOU!

  • navynana

    Thinking of all of you and your families during this Holiday time.

  • polli k

    Merry Christmas to all of you

  • polli k

    This is so cool. It is great to see that the Postal Service recognizes that packages are important to our overseas military!
  • navynana

    ccNavyMom:  Has your son given you the mailing address of the USS Comstock? My grandson seems to be anoyed when I quiz him for things. Guess we'll have to get it before they deploy if he wants to get packages. I did order the boxes when he was in A school. Delivered right to your door. How did your son manage over the Christmas Holiday? We had him here for Chirstmas but he had to work the New Years weekend. Hope all is well.

  • navynana

    Thank you. We'll see him this weekend so I have to press that issue. We did get the power of attorney notorized on Monday, so that's done. I understand they can purchase phone cards on the ship since their cells won't work. Have you been in touch with the Ombudsman on the Comstock?

  • navynana

    You're great. I will keep you posted as well. February is getting close and we're starting to have those sad feelings. I thnk he is too. He now has a Navy girlfriend who is going to Japan. Wonder how that will go. Anyway, I'll post tomorrow.  thanks again. Cathy

  • navynana

    Thank you Jen. @ccNavyMom...I sent an email to the ombudsman requesting authorization at the email address you noted below. Have you had a response yet? I have a question about filing year end tax forms. do they send the W2 to the home address?
  • cheffiona

    Navynana my daughter knows your grandson they are cranking together!  And have talked!  Oh and i emailed the ombudsman for something and got a reply within 1 hour.  And its gives the mailing address on the ships website!

  • navynana

    Cheffiona, glad they had the opportunity to meet. I still have not heard back from the ombudsman. Did you send it to the address below? Is Bridgette doing any better? I guess the cranking is not too much fun. Has she mentioned her taxes? I think they can get their W2 online. As you know I don't get alot of clear information.
  • cheffiona

    I got the address from the comstock web site i cannot get to email to get the address at the moment!  Oh ok scrolled down yes the one at the bottom lsd45ombudsman @yahoo.com.

     

    Yes she is much happier now she is out of the below deck stuff and enjoying the cranking she is a social person so this gives her that!  But she will be deploying!  Her hubby is doing taxes so im sure that he has all that under control and i have not mentioned it to her and she has said nothing to me about the taxes!  If I think ill ask her!  She took part in the retirement of a senior officer on board last week, passing the flag etc and had to buy white gloves especially for that!

     

    Im not sure if they are busy or not again not heard anything to that effect!   She got the day off today so im texting her to ask if she knows anything about the taxes.  She said they get them the end of the month and my cell is having a melt down and wont let me send messages ill have to find out later and ill comeback and let you know!

  • cheffiona

    OK she said she can get iton the 23rd and is going to print it off so hubby can do taxes
  • cheffiona

    Family day is coming up yeah for Comstock!!

  • navynana

    We have not received any information about Family day from our sailor. Fiona said it was the 28th of January which is this next Friday. 9 to 5. ccNancyMom...are you able to come out for that? I have lots of questions ...where do we go/park? how do we get on base? what's the plan for the day? As soon as I have a confirmation with some details I'll let you know.
  • cheffiona

    All I know is its Friday 28th 9am to 5pm Your sailor will have to be with you to get you on base and as far as parking not sure!  Im sure Bridgette can find out more info when she goes back to work on monday and ill let you know!
  • cheffiona

    I emailed the ombudsman with a bunch of questions so when I hear I will let you know!  and if Bridgette finds out anything on monday ill let you know aswell!
  • cheffiona

    OK I got a reply already!  That was quick lol

     

    Anyway she was not sure exactly how many of your family can attend, but felt sure that numbers were not a problem!  If you get your sailor to GET A TEMP PASS FOR YOUR VEHICLE then your sailor can drive you on base!  So that will solve that problem!  She also said there will be speakers and flyers handed out to help you with any questions you may have about upcoming deployment!

    And she would get back with more info later but thats a start ladies hopes this helps.  email me at fbjclark@hotmail.com as i usually check that more that this website if you have anymore questions  Fiona

  • cheffiona

    you will need car registration and proof of insurance  to get the temp pass!
  • navynana

    yes, that was quick. I got a pass before at the decal office near the front gate, He couldn't get it in advance because he wouldn't have it with him. Guess we have to coordinate all this and his time to meet us to get in. Not even sure if  we'll be able to go but will try for sure.
  • polli k

    My daughter was on the Kearsarge from 2007-2009
  • kab

    to navynana and cheffiona -- enjoy the family day at the USS Comstock. My LO has duty that day and none of us are able to attend. It would be great to see him before deployment and see the ship but we all live in the MidWest and further east. With work schedules etc we just can't make the activities. Have a great visit 
  • navynana

    Hi Keb, sorry you won't be able to attend, but that's understandable. I sent an email to the ombudsman and got a response.  He'll check and send me the details. (I hope). My grandson is working that day so not sure how that will work, if at all. Not sure why the communication is not forthcoming so people could plan. We're 2 hrs away and hope to be there if possible. I'll keep you updated. Wish I could meet the moms.
  • cheffiona

    Hi yep dont think I will be going! after all I will be going to san diego to take bridgette back  so she will be on board the day before they leave so will get to spend a couple of days there and i can visit friends and family whilst there I just cant go 2 times!
  • navynana

    makes perfect sense Fiona. Who knows if we'll be going. Still no definite instructions as yet. Seems to me this is so simple. We are so close I'd hate to miss it because we don't know what to do. At least at PIR they sent home instructions. But who knows what is going on on their end???
  • navynana

    OK...we are going to Family Day tomorrow in San Diego. It finally all came together. Not sure what to expect but I'll let you know how it goes. Wish I knew your sailors to say hello.