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..
lucky you to only take 9 to 14 days. My son's ship...must really not care about the morale of it's sailors. I don't think he's ever gotten anything that fast even if the ship is at home port. :(
Thanks hmdvbridgewate and Elane. I know the recording for the Mesa Verde says about one week. I know that's probably a little on the positive side of things. Oh well, thanks for helping. By the way, which ship are your sailors on?
Has anyone heard from anyone on the Mesa Verde in the last week? Just wondering. My son's birthday was yesterday; really missed not getting to talk with him.
@ cocojazz mine is on the USS Comstock, home ported in San Diego. Recently returned from 7 month "cruise". hopefully it's not going anywhere lengthy anytime soon. Hopefully you had an email address for you son, so you could wish him H bday that way. Mine's bday have been out at sea for the last 4 years, so I understand the frustration of not being able to "celebrate" with him.
2 1/2 weeks is good for a ship on a cruise.. good for him, guess the mail department on my son's ship doesn't care whether anyone gets mail or not, even in port they have a slow time getting stuff. I think the longest one took when they were out was 8-10 weeks... lost track of time... just know they dropped mail off by the pallet one time. ...guess it was like Christmas for them that day.
@navyblumom ship07div106 I'm under the impression that most ships have ombudsman they are often the spouse of a sailor on the ship and have gone thru training to be the "go-between" between the family on shore and the ship. sometimes the N4M group is hard to find for the ship or it's a smaller ship and no-one started it yet. What ship is your's on?
My sailor has an email address that I can communicate with him when ever the ship has "comms" up AND he decides to answer me, some actually have access to Skipe and use it.. Mine won't use it. Please keep in mind that some of these "amphib" ships are smaller ones and are not the floating cities that the bigger carriers are and they may not have as much access to stuff that the bigger ones do. Happy to help with any more questions that I can.
ccNavyMom...I love that you shared that bible passage. I so want to stay connected to the real meaning of Christmas. Its so nice when you see others thinking that way too. Merry Christmas to all of you, and Happy New Year! Prayers for God's protection over all our Sailors.
Howdy, Ladies My son has been assigned to the USS Ashland. Before going to Norfolk he will take his C school in San Diego in January. He will be an ET. Right now he is on leave and is here with me in Oakland, CA His graduation from boot camp was 1/21/11. Looking forward to meeting you all. I'm off to work now. I am an RN X 37 years. Hoping to retire January 2013 :)
Welcome to all the new proud loved ones of the smaller group of sailors known as the "Gator Navy", all those serving with or near an Amphibious ship. They are different from those floating cities aka Carriers. BUT no less in part of the great Navy.
@proud Navy Mom of Two Sailors... what ship is your "gator" going to be joining?
My son flew to Norfolk 2/13/2012 (yesterday) to join USS Ashland. It was a little over a year since his PIR. I am so proud of all of our young men and women gators as well as all in our wonderful Navy. Have a Valentines Day to remember today.
My son just returned from deployment, and is home on leave right now. It has been a long deployment and glad to have him home. He will be heading back to Norfolk on Sunday, so I'm already not looking forward to that day, but at least he will be in the States. My son is on the USS Bataan.
ck mom and mikes mom - Mine was on the Mesa Verde in the Bataan group also. It surely was a long deployment. Did you get to go on the Tiger Cruise? We did, and it was a lot of fun. It also made us appreciate even more what they go through and how hard they work.
No I didn't get a chance to go on the T.C I hope next time.
My son also wanted to leave ASAP from the ship, I really think we were the first to leave the parking lot. LOL We had a wonderful trip home with him 15 hrs. :-))
My son (and we) had to stay on the ship four hours after most people left to get the shore power hooked up. The crane that had come to put the electrical cables up to the flight deck broke and started spewing hydraulic fluid everywhere. They had to bring in another crane. He hasn't had leave yet, either. The Tiger Cruise really made me appreciate how hard they all work, and what hardships they live in while deployed.
Bless you all and I hope you are having a wonderful time with your sailors. My son is at Norfolk now after finishing his C school for ET but his ship is not finished being refurbished (USS Ashland).
Hi - my son is on the Gunston Hall, does anyone have the address. I know his rate and rank and name but it is the APO ect that I am wondering about. He keeps forgetting to send it to me. :) I am sure cause he doesn't know how great it will be to get a box in the mail with stale cookies - hahahah Hope everyone is doing okay. I am glad to finally find all of you - wasn't sure where he was going for a long time. Thanks a bunch and stay safe all you crazy sailors!
Just a reminder that we all need to be observing OPSEC right now - especially on Facebook and other social media. Make no mention of rumors, operations, ship movements, dates. Be sure your sailors secure their pages as well and that everyone understands the potential consequences. From the U.S. Navy: 20 Things You Need to Know for Keeping Safe and Staying Out of Trou....
For those whose Gator Navy sailors are based in the Norfolk, VA / Hampton Roads area, here is a holiday flyer from the Norfolk Navy Lodge's General Manager :) "I have attached an electronic version of a holiday flyer featuring the three Hampton Roads Navy Lodges. The message is Navy Lodges are available to our military members and families as well as associates and families over the upcoming holiday seasons at a savings to them."
Hi everyone!! My son has just been stationed on the USS Gunston Hall. I don't know what to expect or anything. I'm new at all of this!! Any suggestions?
My son is new to the USS Ashland. That ship has been in Norfolk in restoration. So far I have sent my son his truck by a shipper. I live in Oakland, CA. So I officially know how to do that! :) I just retired after 38 years as a registered nurse so I have time to go to Norfolk to see my son. I would be interested in any news about the Navy Lodges. Thanks for the flyer posted my Marcy Corpsman's mom.
You'll really enjoy visiting him - the base is impressive, and there's so much to do and see in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area, plus the Outer Banks to the south; north to DC; etc.
Hi, I am new to this group. My son was transferred from the Enterprise to the Iwo Jima. Am I in the right place? Not exactly sure what an amphibious ship is all about.
Welcome ShortBecky! This will explain what an Amphibious Ready Group consists of and what they do: ARG (Wikipedia). I've toured the Iwo and it is awesome.
The Iwo group http://www.navyformoms.com/group/ussiwojima has some videos, and there a description of the ship and its capabilities in the Discussion Forum, plus info on joining the FRG and Ombudsman lists.
ShortBecky - yes my son arrived late last night to Norfolk. I drive with him and will work in the area a few days then will fly ack home to Atlanta. He met with his sponsor today and reporting officially to the Iwo Jima in the morning.
hmdbridgewater
Oct 24, 2011
Elane
Oct 25, 2011
cocojazz
Oct 28, 2011
hmdbridgewater
Oct 28, 2011
cocojazz
Has anyone heard from anyone on the Mesa Verde in the last week? Just wondering. My son's birthday was yesterday; really missed not getting to talk with him.
Nov 8, 2011
Elane
@ cocojazz mine is on the USS Comstock, home ported in San Diego. Recently returned from 7 month "cruise". hopefully it's not going anywhere lengthy anytime soon. Hopefully you had an email address for you son, so you could wish him H bday that way. Mine's bday have been out at sea for the last 4 years, so I understand the frustration of not being able to "celebrate" with him.
Nov 14, 2011
cocojazz
He finally got his mail. In transit since beginning of November... About 2 1/2 weeks. Not too bad.
Nov 20, 2011
Elane
2 1/2 weeks is good for a ship on a cruise.. good for him, guess the mail department on my son's ship doesn't care whether anyone gets mail or not, even in port they have a slow time getting stuff. I think the longest one took when they were out was 8-10 weeks... lost track of time... just know they dropped mail off by the pallet one time. ...guess it was like Christmas for them that day.
Nov 22, 2011
cocojazz
I hear the big box of goodies and snacks we sent was a real hit! I also heard that they enjoyed a pretty good Thanksgiving "feast."
I hope everyone of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm thankful for all of you! :)
Nov 26, 2011
Elane
@navyblumom ship07div106 I'm under the impression that most ships have ombudsman they are often the spouse of a sailor on the ship and have gone thru training to be the "go-between" between the family on shore and the ship. sometimes the N4M group is hard to find for the ship or it's a smaller ship and no-one started it yet. What ship is your's on?
My sailor has an email address that I can communicate with him when ever the ship has "comms" up AND he decides to answer me, some actually have access to Skipe and use it.. Mine won't use it. Please keep in mind that some of these "amphib" ships are smaller ones and are not the floating cities that the bigger carriers are and they may not have as much access to stuff that the bigger ones do. Happy to help with any more questions that I can.
Dec 17, 2011
cocojazz
ccNavyMom...I love that you shared that bible passage. I so want to stay connected to the real meaning of Christmas. Its so nice when you see others thinking that way too. Merry Christmas to all of you, and Happy New Year! Prayers for God's protection over all our Sailors.
Dec 19, 2011
chew92
Howdy, Ladies My son has been assigned to the USS Ashland. Before going to Norfolk he will take his C school in San Diego in January. He will be an ET. Right now he is on leave and is here with me in Oakland, CA His graduation from boot camp was 1/21/11. Looking forward to meeting you all. I'm off to work now. I am an RN X 37 years. Hoping to retire January 2013 :)
Dec 30, 2011
Proud Navy Mom of Two Sailors
My son is joining the Gator Navy in 2 weeks. Glad I found this group!
Jan 3, 2012
Elane
Welcome to all the new proud loved ones of the smaller group of sailors known as the "Gator Navy", all those serving with or near an Amphibious ship. They are different from those floating cities aka Carriers. BUT no less in part of the great Navy.
@proud Navy Mom of Two Sailors... what ship is your "gator" going to be joining?
Jan 6, 2012
Proud Navy Mom of Two Sailors
Elane, Thanks for the welcome. The Big K is his ship.
Jan 10, 2012
chew92
My son flew to Norfolk 2/13/2012 (yesterday) to join USS Ashland. It was a little over a year since his PIR. I am so proud of all of our young men and women gators as well as all in our wonderful Navy. Have a Valentines Day to remember today.
Feb 14, 2012
ckmom
Hi! Didn't know this group was here.
My son just returned from deployment, and is home on leave right now. It has been a long deployment and glad to have him home. He will be heading back to Norfolk on Sunday, so I'm already not looking forward to that day, but at least he will be in the States. My son is on the USS Bataan.
Feb 15, 2012
mikes mom
My son did too : ) He was on the USS Mesa Verde
Feb 15, 2012
ckmom
Hi mikes mom, Wish I would have found this group 11 months ago. lol
SOOOO Glad everyone is back home and safe!!
Feb 15, 2012
mikes mom
This was a very long deployment, but a lot safer then his first : )
Feb 15, 2012
ckmom
What was his first?
Feb 15, 2012
chew92
I saw the film about the deployment of the USS Bataan. Wow!!!! Very impressive. Thank your son for his service for me :)
Feb 15, 2012
mikes mom
He was in Afghanistan so this was a really great depoloyment for he and his Marines... My son is A Navy Corpsman
Feb 15, 2012
LindaB
ck mom and mikes mom - Mine was on the Mesa Verde in the Bataan group also. It surely was a long deployment. Did you get to go on the Tiger Cruise? We did, and it was a lot of fun. It also made us appreciate even more what they go through and how hard they work.
Feb 16, 2012
mikes mom
No Linda I met my son at CL on Sunday : ) He just wanted to get Blank of that ship... LOL How exciting for you though..
Feb 16, 2012
ckmom
No I didn't get a chance to go on the T.C I hope next time.
My son also wanted to leave ASAP from the ship, I really think we were the first to leave the parking lot. LOL We had a wonderful trip home with him 15 hrs. :-))
Feb 16, 2012
LindaB
My son (and we) had to stay on the ship four hours after most people left to get the shore power hooked up. The crane that had come to put the electrical cables up to the flight deck broke and started spewing hydraulic fluid everywhere. They had to bring in another crane. He hasn't had leave yet, either. The Tiger Cruise really made me appreciate how hard they all work, and what hardships they live in while deployed.
Feb 17, 2012
chew92
Bless you all and I hope you are having a wonderful time with your sailors. My son is at Norfolk now after finishing his C school for ET but his ship is not finished being refurbished (USS Ashland).
Feb 19, 2012
Emilie
Hi - my son is on the Gunston Hall, does anyone have the address. I know his rate and rank and name but it is the APO ect that I am wondering about. He keeps forgetting to send it to me. :) I am sure cause he doesn't know how great it will be to get a box in the mail with stale cookies - hahahah Hope everyone is doing okay. I am glad to finally find all of you - wasn't sure where he was going for a long time. Thanks a bunch and stay safe all you crazy sailors!
Mar 31, 2012
Emilie
HI Elane - Thanks so much this helps a ton! I will take your advice on packing ect.
I was excited to get a box out to him. Sounds like everyone is getting into their routines. That always seems to help.
I can't remember his unit but I can use this part to ask him to fill in.
Take care
Emilie
Apr 1, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Anyone here near Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale, FL? The USS Wasp (LHD-1) arrives there for Fleet Week tomorrow morning ~ FB Fleet Week 2012
Apr 24, 2012
battlebuddy
Hi- My son is on the USS Germantown and based in Sasebo Japan. Anyone else have a sailor on that ship?
May 8, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Just a reminder that we all need to be observing OPSEC right now - especially on Facebook and other social media. Make no mention of rumors, operations, ship movements, dates. Be sure your sailors secure their pages as well and that everyone understands the potential consequences. From the U.S. Navy: 20 Things You Need to Know for Keeping Safe and Staying Out of Trou....
Sep 15, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
For those whose Gator Navy sailors are based in the Norfolk, VA / Hampton Roads area, here is a holiday flyer from the Norfolk Navy Lodge's General Manager :) "I have attached an electronic version of a holiday flyer featuring the three Hampton Roads Navy Lodges. The message is Navy Lodges are available to our military members and families as well as associates and families over the upcoming holiday seasons at a savings to them."
Nov 13, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Welcome home, Iwo Jima ARG - USS Iwo Jima, USS New York, USS Gunston Hall!!
Ch 10 WAVY.com Iwo ARG Homecoming 20DEC2012
Dec 22, 2012
MatsMom
Hi everyone!! My son has just been stationed on the USS Gunston Hall. I don't know what to expect or anything. I'm new at all of this!! Any suggestions?
Dec 29, 2012
chew92
My son is new to the USS Ashland. That ship has been in Norfolk in restoration. So far I have sent my son his truck by a shipper. I live in Oakland, CA. So I officially know how to do that! :) I just retired after 38 years as a registered nurse so I have time to go to Norfolk to see my son. I would be interested in any news about the Navy Lodges. Thanks for the flyer posted my Marcy Corpsman's mom.
Dec 29, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Hi Chew! Here's a Discussion about the Navy Lodge in Norfolk I posted in the Norfolk Family and Friends group (and that's a good one for you to join now!). I took photos at the Lodge too :) http://www.navyformoms.com/group/norfolksailorsfamilyfriends/forum/...
You'll really enjoy visiting him - the base is impressive, and there's so much to do and see in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area, plus the Outer Banks to the south; north to DC; etc.
Dec 29, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Welcome April!
Jan 30, 2013
chew92
Hey, KD this is exciting! welcome
Mar 18, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Tragic news from USS Essex today... Navy Times
Union Times San Diego
Prayers for this sailor, and her loved ones.
Mar 22, 2013
chew92
yes, it is very sad but more so it is horrific; what is happening in that ship! I am now full of fear for our sailors in their own ranks!!!
Mar 22, 2013
chew92
It is not clear that it is self inflicted. I read under investigation.
Mar 22, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
From Military Spouse magazine on FB; sweet :)
May 16, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Fortunately, no one seriously hurt - Four sailors assigned to USS Bataan and three civilian instructors ...
Jul 22, 2013
ShortBecky
Aug 25, 2013
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Welcome ShortBecky! This will explain what an Amphibious Ready Group consists of and what they do: ARG (Wikipedia). I've toured the Iwo and it is awesome.
The Iwo group http://www.navyformoms.com/group/ussiwojima has some videos, and there a description of the ship and its capabilities in the Discussion Forum, plus info on joining the FRG and Ombudsman lists.
Aug 25, 2013
ShortBecky
Aug 26, 2013
Josh'smom
Aug 26, 2013
ShortBecky
Aug 28, 2013