Amphibious (Gator Navy)

I was an ET, did 10 years but got out when Clinton was in office.  I was a Beachmaster in San Diego for 4 years... the BEST time of my life (while in the Navy).  I was also on a Cruiser (CG-21 USS Gridley and that was the worst) Finishing my naval career at NAVAL HOSPITAL SAN DIEGO as an EMT and security for a branch medical clinic. Also a Reserve Officer for the San Diego PD. 

I joined this group to answer questions and give support to mothers who don't know what to expect in the Amphib life... I've been out for almost 20 years but I know what it was like when I was in and it hasn't changed much.  Except all my experience was on the West Coast.

I hope you all feel secure that your children are safe and getting a great education and learning experience while in the Navy weither they become a "LIFER" or just do their obligated 4 years...

Thanks for supporting them!

Duane

Hello

My daughter is to be assigned to the USS Oak Hill upon C-school graduation. Look forward to chatting with other amphibious moms!

Welcome to the group, LarLar!

Hello! My son just got his orders (he graduates Corry Station 1-16-14) for the USS Mt Whitney in Gaeta, Italy. He says it is an amphibious ship. Am I in the right place?

Welcome ljsevie!  

While USS Mt Whitney is technically an amphibious ship, in practice it isn't really :)  Your son's ship is an amphibious command ship and the flagship for the Naples, Italy-based Sixth Fleet - very cool assignment, by the way.   USS Mt Whitney serves as an Afloat Command Platform for Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO.

The amphibious "Gator Navy" comprises ships whose purpose is to carry Marines and equipment, and deliver them to retrieve from land, hence the nickname.  Those ships make up an Amphibious Ready Group, such as the Iwo Jima ARG - the USS Iwo Jima, USS New York and USS Gunston Hall.

I took a look and there doesn't seem to be a NavyforMoms group for USS Mt Whitney, but you can certainly start one.   There is this group for USS Blue Ridge: http://navyformoms.com/group/ussblueridge which is the same class ship and the flagship for the Seventh Fleet, and they could serve as your model.  There is also this group to join:  http://navyformoms.com/group/sailorsinnaplesitaly   :)

ljsevie, there are also these pages on Facebook:  

https://www.facebook.com/Gaetaareafrg and 

https://www.facebook.com/USNavalForcesEuropeAfrica

not sure if I am in the right group, my son is being sent to Coronodo, he said acb 1 in a couple of weeks, he is a CM

Welcome Dale-Ann!  Here is the NavyforMoms group for Seabees - http://navyformoms.com/group/seabeemoms - and I there is also this group on Facebook for ACB-1:  https://www.facebook.com/PHIBCBONE.

Today in Navy History!  On March 3, 1776, the first American amphibious landing operation was made by the Continental Navy when American sailors and Marines from Esek Hopkin’s fleet landed at New Providence, Bahamas, and captured the forts for much-needed ordnance and gunpowder. The Marines were commanded by Captain Samuel Nicholas. Of note, the Americans held the city for two weeks while loading military stores. The Americans returned to the United States on 17 March.  Naval History and Heritage Command

Hi.  My son is on the Gunston Hall as well!

My sailor is on the USS Bataan.   Hello to all!

Any one have a sailor on IWO JIMA? Trying to get some info .

My son is on the  USS Bataan also

ChambosMom   what does your son do on the ship?

AIMD

Hi Everyone.  My son is also on the Gunston Hall.

http://www.fleetweeknewyork.com/fleetweeknewyork/

Anyone ever attend Fleet Week?  Know of nice place to stay near Pier 92 in Manhattan?

Here are the website and Facebook links; perhaps you could message them?  

https://www.facebook.com/FleetWeekNewYork

http://www.fleetweeknewyork.com/fleetweeknewyork/faqs.html

My N4M corpsman-mom friend Gloria went a few years ago, got a cool hat and shirt from USS Iwo Jima and sent it to me just before my son's team deployed.  What a kind gesture, esp since we've never met in person!  I wore them to homecoming.  She lives on Long Island; perhaps you could ask her if she has any ideas and tips?  Here's the link to her page - http://navyformoms.com/profile/Gloria13  Good luck and have a great time!  And post pics!!  :)

Hello! My bf is on the USS Bonhomme Richard. He's new...just got there not too long ago. I'm sure I will have a lot of questions! Looking forward to connecting. :)

Welcome e_dub!  There's a good explanation of LHDs here; scroll down at bit to "Multiple Purpose Amphibious Assault Ships - LHD" on the right side: http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/Pages/AmphibiousAssualtShip.aspx#...

Welcome Michele!  Be sure to join the group "Norfolk Sailors - Family and Friends" too, it's very active and I would even say essential for someone with a sailor based in Norfolk.  There's a ton of good information there; here's the link:   http://navyformoms.com/group/norfolksailorsfamilyfriends

USS Bataan (LHD 5) transferred 277 persons in distress to the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM). Bataan and USS Elrod Ffg-55 rendered assistance to persons in distress and provided food, water, medical attention, and temporary shelter to 282 persons after receiving a report that an Italian military marine patrol aircraft sighted six small vessels, one of which was sinking.  Awesome U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Chase Hawley. 

Hi moms, my son is out on the gunston hall.  He is a corpsman, so of course I am very stressed about all this stuff going on in the world right now.  Have any of you heard from your sailor?  Communication with him has been slim to nil.  Even his wife has had very little communication from him.  I am sure you all understand the worry we moms share.

anyone out there have a sailor on the uss san diego lpd 22?

Up&Down I have a sailor on the USS San Diego!!

I knew I could count on all you mom's for giving me the lift I needed. I had received some disturbing information from daughter-in-law from an email she had gotten. Sometimes I think the way the military handles it's information can be very confusing as well. I am praying for all of our loved ones.

Tenn Navy Mom, my son is on the USS Bataan also.  I've heard from twice this week via email.   I know his girlfriend got a call yesterday.   He emails and calls her more than me.  I know they have been in and out of River City frequently. 

kdbgtn, it is a vety scary time and all we can do is be positive

TNM - we were correct.  My son is going to be on the same ship as your son.  He just got his travel orders today and will be flying out to meet them this weekend.  Any info and updates will be greatly appreciated.  This is his first deployment (he joined in November '13) and he is scared.

This Iraqi situation scares me for all the men and women in the military.

With that being said.....ladies we need to be cautious of what our sailors are doing, where they are etc.  And, especially dates!

We don't want to jeopardize their mission(s)

Tenn Navy Mom, you are very welcome.   I've seen pics of the training.   They have been very busy.   I hear from him but his girlfriend hears from him more. 

Different ships have different rules.  If I were in your shoes, I'd send a lightweight, washable twin blanket in a neutral color like light blue.  My son was deployed during hot summer months, so his need was a fan, not a blanket!  But he did buy a thin foam topper for his rack mattress.

 Another thing that's very popular with sailors is called a "Navy Rackpack."  These are rack-darkening curtains with storage pockets that hang inside the issued curtain.  Pat, the owner of the company, answers questions personally, and will tell you if your son's command allows them and what size to order if you don't see his ship listed on the website.  Your sailor's last name is embroidered on the curtain for free, too.  Here's the link:  http://www.navyrackpacks.com.  Pat might have some more insight regarding the blanket question, too.  If you talk to her, tell her I said Hi!  She's super nice.

My son used a stick-on light that ran on batteries for his rack. Sailors need to have "a complete sea bag" and that includes the dress uniform - does he have his dress whites too?  There is nothing like seeing them "man the rails" in dress uniform when they depart, or arrive for homecoming! Figure about two weeks or so for mail.  And tell him that that there's nothing to fear; he's going to have a great experience and tons of cool stories to tell! 

Here are some more deployment tips -

Be sure he has a rechargeable AT&T "Ship to Shore" phone card for calling home.  (He just needs the codes to use it, not the physical card.)  You can add time to his by calling the 800 # and recharging.  He can buy one at the NEX and give you the codes, or you can order online and keep it, whatever.  Here's the link, scroll down to see a single card:  https://shop.aafes.com/scs/Product.aspx?deptid=42000

You need to be added to his ship's Family Readiness Group, and the Ombudsman's list.  The FRG plans events and shares news.  The Ombudsman is the command's official liaison with families.  To find yours, go here:  http://navyformoms.com/group/whatsanombudsmanandhowtocontactthem/fo....   

Here's a link to a Single Sailor Deployment Checklist:  http://www.vp4.navy.mil/deployment/Single_Sailor_Deploy_Checklist_F...

Fair winds and following seas to your sailor!  

Care packages are how moms make it through deployment LOL  

You can start gathering stuff for them now:

The USPS will send to you, for free, a pack of 10 or 25 FPO/APO large-size priority boxes; and you can mail up to 70 lbs for the special military rate of $15.85 when you send to an FPO address.  Here's the link:  https://store.usps.com/store/browse/uspsProductDetailMultiSkuDropDo... and go to "Select Format" at right to choose 10 or 25.   (You get the same rate if you use the regular large priority box btw.)  Be sure to use the full nine-digit ZIP code when mailing to his FPO address or it won't get delivered.

This group has a ton of good ideas in the Comments and in the Discussions, it's a fun group and we'll help you with getting familiar with customs forms (easy) - http://navyformoms.com/group/carepackageideas

I'm new to this group, my son (AO) will be reporting to the USS Kearsarge this weekend. Can you give me any advice on what he's allowed to take on board the ship?  He's been told to pack his sea bag. Does he put his dress blue's and white's in the sea bag or can he bring his garment bag too in addition to the sea bag?  We are driving his car to Norfolk this week so that I can spend a couple of days with him before he reports for duty next week.  Can anyone tell me if he is allowed to bring me (mom) on his ship before he reports for duty on Monday. His sponsor said yes, but she is very vague on her answers to my son.  I will be staying in Norfolk for a few days before returning home. So many questions, this is all new, because this is his first duty station.  My son is AO.  Any information is greatly appreciated!

He can take a garment bag along with his seabag.  Yes, you'll be able to go onboard the ship, and it's an amazing experience.  Be sure to have your driver's license or other official ID with a photo, as you need it to pass through the gate to the pier, and when he signs you in as a guest onboard at the ship's quarterdeck.  You'll also be given a visitor's badge to wear and return at sign-out.  Wear your sneakers and appropriate clothes respectful of the ship and uniforms.  The deck surfaces are rough and the ramps are steep to climb, plus there's going up and down the ladders :)  What a great weekend, I love visiting Norfolk.  Enjoy your visit with your son!  

Marcy, one more question (I promise), this weekend, when we go on base, to go on his ship, does my son need to wear his uniform? Or civi's?  I would ask him to ask his sponsor, but like I said, she's not very responsive to these types of questions.  And thank you for the information you provided earlier!

Civies are ok if he's off duty, and I posted more in the Norfolk group :)

Did you mail to an FPO address?  If so, and without the full nine digit ZIP code, it will be returned to sender.  The policy went into effect a year ago this month.  Here's the article from Navy.mil; you can show it to the UPS store - http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=75365

My fingers and toes are crossed that your box goes right to him no matter what!!  Sending you hugs and warm thoughts to your son :)  

For anyone with sailors in the Norfolk area - Fleet Fest is coming up on October 16!  Info:  http://www.discovermwr.com/fleetfest/

Does anyone here have someone on the USS Anchorage? My son will PCS to it in a few months.

Hi Mary (Wade's Mom).  I also have a son on the Gunston Hall.  I haven't heard from him for a few weeks.  Earlier in this deployment, after not hearing from him for several months,I reached out to the ship's ombudsman.  She was very helpful.  I hope you can connect with you son soon.  Sure will be nice when they are back on this side of the world.