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..
Joe&NatesMom - I haven't heard anything about deployment. They will need to go on a bunch of underways to make sure they didn't connect the elbow bone to the jaw bone or fill the bilge with rocket fuel or something. Then again, my kid has a girlfriend now and is not entirely at my disposal like he used to be!
Haha...know the feeling! My son got married and bought a house! Grow up fast in the Navy! I thought maybe you'd heard something that I hadn't. ..have a wonderful evening!
Does anyone still comment on this page? I am a new Navy Mom with a son on the USS Wasp. I have several questions and fears. I hope someone can help alleviate some of them.
I went to the USS Wasp sight but it doesn't look like anyone's been on there in quite a while. He just graduated BC in January. All this is so new. I want to send him an Easter Care pkg, I'm not sure how far in advance I need to mail it so he gets it in time. Anyone know the Navy Mail Time Frame?
1ProudMomofNavySon welcome to the Navy. My son has been in going on 8 years. If he is stationed on the West Coast and not deployed and you go to the post office and those priority boxes he should get it in about 3 to 4 days. Best wishes to you and your family and to your son.
Cheryl, Thank you for the information. I want to say Thank you to you, your son, and family for his sacrifice defending our great country. As a new Navy Mom, I'm learning how to be Navy Patience and Navy Flexible, both of which I am not good at.
Hi all! Just a note - if your ship doesn't have a very active page right now (things tend to be more quiet when ships aren't deployed), check out the page for its homeport instead. The Norfolk group, for example, is always active. Here's the link: http://navyformoms.com/group/norfolksailorsfamilyfriends
Also, I just watched this again and it's so cool. It's a three-minute, time lapse video of a day in the life onboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Enjoy! :)
USS Wasp (LHD-1) gets underway on its first major deployment in over a decade. "The 27-year old gator, which last deployed in 2004, got underway Saturday morning as part of a 4,000-strong Amphibious Ready Group that includes dock landing ship Whidbey Island and amphibious transport dock San Antonio. The trio will carry the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on a planned six-month pump to 5th Fleet, where ARG commanders fully expect to tangle with ISIS." Marine Corps Times: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2016/06/25/wasp-depl...
Got anything on the USS Somerset? Sailor to be going out there mid-September. LONG way from Alabama. Being undesignated, not sure what he will be doing, He & Mama are a little anxious about that.
Welcome hope4answers! USS Somerset is pretty new, so a group may not have formed for it yet. (You could do that!) In the meantime, be sure that you are on the Ombudsman Team's list, and also the Family Readiness Group (FRG). Here is info for what they are, and how to get in touch: How to locate your sailor's Ombudsman and FRG. I know it's all pretty overwhelming right now but don't be anxious, he'll be looked after and do fine. It looks like an awesome ship and a very cool opportunity for your son!
Dear Gator Navy moms - Navyformoms.com is being updated and upgraded by the agency that oversees it, and part of this effort is making room for new members. To do so, members who have not been active since 12/1/15 will be removed but will be able to re-join. If you haven't posted since that date, please do so right away. This is all part of an effort to make Navyformoms.com the best it can be for everyone, seasoned moms and new members alike. Thanks and watch for good things to happen!
Our sailors' triumphs are every Navy mamas' - Congrats and Bravo Zulu, hope4answers!
Welcome to the group, MamaB! Is this his first ship?
Cheryl, Kimberly, Joe&NatesMom and everyone - every post is a good thing, whether to celebrate or to question something, or whatever, so let's keep in touch here! I was in San Diego today at the Navy base - first time there. Different from Norfolk but very cool nevertheless to be on a pier and see our awesome Sailors!
My sailor is in Beach Command so it is different for him when on a ship. He is a passenger, just like the Marines. I just heard from him for the first time in 17 days!Whohoo!
Hello! Our second son just graduated boot camp and will be headed for the LPD Anchorage . He is S-PACT and currently trying to decide which rate to strike towards. I have another son that is on a sub. I know I have lots to learn if I am going to have a surface sailor and a deep sailor. Lucky me! Looking forward to meeting others with loved ones that are "amphibious".
My son is S-PACT on the LPD Somerset. He certainly knows how to scrape & paint now. He's been able to do a lot of SAR swimming lately, free diving. Is there a rate for that?
hope4answers-- thanks for the info. Our son did mention that he will probably become quite proficient at scraping and painting. Our next door neighbor was a diver in the Navy. Is that something your son would like to do?
In one of his last emails a couple of weeks ago, he did say he was thinking about being an SAR swimmer. At this point it's an add on activity to his other duties. In one he mentioned swimming with dolphins, sharks & saw a whale. In another, he mentioned doing a free dive. He got down to 75 feet. He couldn't believe how cold & dark it got after 30 feet. Scary, but he got thru it. He was a track star in High School so has been a caged bird. He was a lifeguard for the Boy Scout camp summer before last. While I think he loves swimming & diving, think being at sea not being able to run has gotten to him.
Hubby wants to send me to San Diego to meet Sailor when ship comes in. What's the easiest & most economical way to do this flying in from Alabama? I'm not great at driving in traffic. Have not mentioned the possibility to my sailor. When will we find out when they come back to home port? Son has mentioned one date, but of course, that is subject to change.
We used Uber from the airport to our hotel. It was our first time and very easy to do. We receive updates from the Comstock Ombudsman and the latest information regarding a return date was we will hear about a date a few weeks prior. Are you in touch with the Somerset's Ombudsman? They are there for you during deployments.
Just got some texts from Sailor! Finally hit a sand box - at least it's dry for a few days :P Breaks my heart that he's says he is just numb to it all. How can I encourage him?
Hope4Answers - that's great that you get to go! Southwest is great - good prices, no charge for two bags, and best of all, if there's a change or delay, you don't get penalized for changing your ticket; plus if you have to cancel entirely, your money is "banked" with them for your next trip.
San Diego is easy to get around, just be sure you're used to using navigation on your phone. If it's a weekend, Enterprise has a weekend rate of $9.99 per day. Or just use Uber or Lyft. But driving's easy, and the airport is close.
If you choose to stay on base at the Navy Lodge (I would, especially if travelling by myself), tell them that you're going to homecoming; your Sailor will have to check you in when he arrives. Reserve as soon as you get a date, because it will fill up.
Be sure you have a homecoming sign! Make a fun one (a ton of people do, just use poster board, markers and glitter etc) or order one from buildasign.com. If you order one, do it way in advance, or else the shipping cost really goes up.
Here's some tax-time info to be sure your Sailor knows about: Militaryonesource provides free tax filing software. All active duty, reserve, and retired service members, as well as their spouses and dependents, are eligible for free tax filing services at www.militaryonesource.mil.
A note to new moms! Ship communications occasionally enter a condition called "River City," a euphemism for Restricted Communications (RC). This condition may happen for mundane reasons, i.e. OPSEC (Operations Security)during ship movement, as well as for more serious reasons, like notifying next of kin in the event of a death. So if you hear "River City," there is not necessarily need for concern. Just think OPSEC, and wait to hear (don't post about it). Today's Sailors and their families are used to being a click away, so it's something for everyone to become adjusted to and accept. Limited online access at sea (Navy Times)
Hi everyone, I have a slight problem and I need your help. I mailed out 2 care packages for me son within a month and he never received them.. I just realized that I have the wrong box number on the boxes.. everything else is correct.. Is this a major error on my part or will they still get to him.. he is a little down and out due to a slight injury and I know my gifts of love will pick him up.. what can I do ??
Please keep the crew of USS Bonhomme Richard in your thoughts and prayers - three Marines are missing after an MV-22 Osprey crashed after launching from the ship off the coast of Australia. Serious injuries are reported among the 23 rescued. https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/3-us-marines-missing-after-air...
Sometimes it takes months for stuff to make it to a ship. It seems it arrives faster on deployment than not. Getting the PO box is the way to go. I learned the hard way.
When I send him something I always tell him to look for it otherwise he doesn't make a regular trip off base to the post office.
I found a company that can send a care package for free to your sailor if you are short on money or you don't have time to shop and send something to your sailor.
I am out of job and I ask for a care package for my son and I got a package sent to him and I also got an email saying that they will be glad to send packages to the other sailors in the unit.
This is what I received from them (short version of the emial) and I want to share with all of you.
Hello N.....
Thank you for requesting a care package from Operation Gratitude!
We would like to send a care package to every member of their unit as well! If you can provide us with a roster of those they serve with, we will gladly fill a box for each of them.
Please submit a Request Package form for each one on the Operation Gratitude website or if it is a large unit send the attached Roster Request form with the new names only and email the form directly to me.
We understand that deployments may get cut short and/or that units may get moved to a different base. Please notify us immediately if there is a change of address, location or return date.
Thank you for the opportunity to express our appreciation.
We hope that you can let other units know about our program so that we can support them as well.
Respectfully,
Kelly South
Senior Manager Military and First Responder Engagement
Phone 424-488-6079Monday - Friday9 am - 4 pm PST(West Coast)
I called Kelly and she said that I only need to get the First Initial of the sailor and the last name in order for them to receive a package, with the understanding that they are in the same unit because all will be in the same address, she said also that she does not need the rank (for privacy factor).
Feel free to reach out to them if you want your sailor and his unit receive something unexpected :)
Ask your sailor for their shipmates info and this organization will do the rest.
LarLar
Any Oak Hill, Arlington or Kearsarge mom's? Hope it's a quick 7 months.
Oct 6, 2015
Forever proud
Oct 6, 2015
Joe&NatesMom
Forever Proud: Have you heard any rumbling from your son about future deployments?
Oct 12, 2015
Forever proud
Oct 12, 2015
Joe&NatesMom
Oct 12, 2015
1ProudMomofNavySon
Does anyone still comment on this page? I am a new Navy Mom with a son on the USS Wasp. I have several questions and fears. I hope someone can help alleviate some of them.
Mar 8, 2016
1ProudMomofNavySon
He's on the USS Wasp, on the East Coast. He just left P'cola on Thurs. arrived in Norfolk then went out to sea Sat. morning.
Mar 8, 2016
1ProudMomofNavySon
I went to the USS Wasp sight but it doesn't look like anyone's been on there in quite a while. He just graduated BC in January. All this is so new. I want to send him an Easter Care pkg, I'm not sure how far in advance I need to mail it so he gets it in time. Anyone know the Navy Mail Time Frame?
Mar 8, 2016
Cheryl
1ProudMomofNavySon welcome to the Navy. My son has been in going on 8 years. If he is stationed on the West Coast and not deployed and you go to the post office and those priority boxes he should get it in about 3 to 4 days. Best wishes to you and your family and to your son.
Mar 9, 2016
1ProudMomofNavySon
Cheryl, Thank you for the information. I want to say Thank you to you, your son, and family for his sacrifice defending our great country. As a new Navy Mom, I'm learning how to be Navy Patience and Navy Flexible, both of which I am not good at.
Mar 10, 2016
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Hi all! Just a note - if your ship doesn't have a very active page right now (things tend to be more quiet when ships aren't deployed), check out the page for its homeport instead. The Norfolk group, for example, is always active. Here's the link: http://navyformoms.com/group/norfolksailorsfamilyfriends
Also, I just watched this again and it's so cool. It's a three-minute, time lapse video of a day in the life onboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Enjoy! :)
Jun 13, 2016
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
USS Wasp (LHD-1) gets underway on its first major deployment in over a decade. "The 27-year old gator, which last deployed in 2004, got underway Saturday morning as part of a 4,000-strong Amphibious Ready Group that includes dock landing ship Whidbey Island and amphibious transport dock San Antonio. The trio will carry the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on a planned six-month pump to 5th Fleet, where ARG commanders fully expect to tangle with ISIS." Marine Corps Times: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2016/06/25/wasp-depl...
Jun 26, 2016
hope4answers
Got anything on the USS Somerset? Sailor to be going out there mid-September. LONG way from Alabama. Being undesignated, not sure what he will be doing, He & Mama are a little anxious about that.
Aug 31, 2016
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Welcome hope4answers! USS Somerset is pretty new, so a group may not have formed for it yet. (You could do that!) In the meantime, be sure that you are on the Ombudsman Team's list, and also the Family Readiness Group (FRG). Here is info for what they are, and how to get in touch: How to locate your sailor's Ombudsman and FRG. I know it's all pretty overwhelming right now but don't be anxious, he'll be looked after and do fine. It looks like an awesome ship and a very cool opportunity for your son!
Sep 1, 2016
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
It sounds strange right now, I know, but it's amazing how fast a deployment goes! Another thing to do is join this group and start getting ready for care packages :) Care Package Ideas. Also see this for info about ordering free flat-rate boxes for the discounted mailing rate: http://navyformoms.com/group/carepackageideas/forum/topics/usps-lar...
Sep 1, 2016
Kelleypen
My son is part of the relief effort in Haiti right now. Has anyone had any news?
Oct 18, 2016
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Dear Gator Navy moms - Navyformoms.com is being updated and upgraded by the agency that oversees it, and part of this effort is making room for new members. To do so, members who have not been active since 12/1/15 will be removed but will be able to re-join. If you haven't posted since that date, please do so right away. This is all part of an effort to make Navyformoms.com the best it can be for everyone, seasoned moms and new members alike. Thanks and watch for good things to happen!
Dec 2, 2016
Joe&NatesMom
Dec 2, 2016
Cheryl
Would like to remain a member. I don't get on as often as I did. My son is doing shore duty now.
Dec 11, 2016
hope4answers
Greatest Christmas present ever this morning - a call from my son coz he made Sailor of the Week! He's LPD25
Dec 20, 2016
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Our sailors' triumphs are every Navy mamas' - Congrats and Bravo Zulu, hope4answers!
Welcome to the group, MamaB! Is this his first ship?
Cheryl, Kimberly, Joe&NatesMom and everyone - every post is a good thing, whether to celebrate or to question something, or whatever, so let's keep in touch here! I was in San Diego today at the Navy base - first time there. Different from Norfolk but very cool nevertheless to be on a pier and see our awesome Sailors!
Dec 20, 2016
U2navymom
Dec 22, 2016
U2navymom
Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
Dec 22, 2016
fayegirrl4*
Hello! Our second son just graduated boot camp and will be headed for the LPD Anchorage . He is S-PACT and currently trying to decide which rate to strike towards. I have another son that is on a sub. I know I have lots to learn if I am going to have a surface sailor and a deep sailor. Lucky me! Looking forward to meeting others with loved ones that are "amphibious".
Jan 30, 2017
hope4answers
My son is S-PACT on the LPD Somerset. He certainly knows how to scrape & paint now. He's been able to do a lot of SAR swimming lately, free diving. Is there a rate for that?
Jan 31, 2017
fayegirrl4*
hope4answers-- thanks for the info. Our son did mention that he will probably become quite proficient at scraping and painting. Our next door neighbor was a diver in the Navy. Is that something your son would like to do?
Jan 31, 2017
hope4answers
In one of his last emails a couple of weeks ago, he did say he was thinking about being an SAR swimmer. At this point it's an add on activity to his other duties. In one he mentioned swimming with dolphins, sharks & saw a whale. In another, he mentioned doing a free dive. He got down to 75 feet. He couldn't believe how cold & dark it got after 30 feet. Scary, but he got thru it. He was a track star in High School so has been a caged bird. He was a lifeguard for the Boy Scout camp summer before last. While I think he loves swimming & diving, think being at sea not being able to run has gotten to him.
Jan 31, 2017
U2navymom
Jan 31, 2017
hope4answers
Hubby wants to send me to San Diego to meet Sailor when ship comes in. What's the easiest & most economical way to do this flying in from Alabama? I'm not great at driving in traffic. Have not mentioned the possibility to my sailor. When will we find out when they come back to home port? Son has mentioned one date, but of course, that is subject to change.
Feb 1, 2017
U2navymom
Feb 1, 2017
hope4answers
Briefly. Will try to reach her again as it gets closer to time. Thanks!
Feb 1, 2017
hope4answers
Just got some texts from Sailor! Finally hit a sand box - at least it's dry for a few days :P Breaks my heart that he's says he is just numb to it all. How can I encourage him?
Feb 2, 2017
U2navymom
Feb 2, 2017
Cissy
Feb 2, 2017
U2navymom
Feb 2, 2017
Cissy
Feb 3, 2017
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Hope4Answers - that's great that you get to go! Southwest is great - good prices, no charge for two bags, and best of all, if there's a change or delay, you don't get penalized for changing your ticket; plus if you have to cancel entirely, your money is "banked" with them for your next trip.
San Diego is easy to get around, just be sure you're used to using navigation on your phone. If it's a weekend, Enterprise has a weekend rate of $9.99 per day. Or just use Uber or Lyft. But driving's easy, and the airport is close.
If you choose to stay on base at the Navy Lodge (I would, especially if travelling by myself), tell them that you're going to homecoming; your Sailor will have to check you in when he arrives. Reserve as soon as you get a date, because it will fill up.
Be sure you have a homecoming sign! Make a fun one (a ton of people do, just use poster board, markers and glitter etc) or order one from buildasign.com. If you order one, do it way in advance, or else the shipping cost really goes up.
And wear comfortable shoes! LOL
Feb 8, 2017
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Here's some tax-time info to be sure your Sailor knows about: Militaryonesource provides free tax filing software. All active duty, reserve, and retired service members, as well as their spouses and dependents, are eligible for free tax filing services at www.militaryonesource.mil.
Mar 7, 2017
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
A note to new moms! Ship communications occasionally enter a condition called "River City," a euphemism for Restricted Communications (RC). This condition may happen for mundane reasons, i.e. OPSEC (Operations Security) during ship movement, as well as for more serious reasons, like notifying next of kin in the event of a death. So if you hear "River City," there is not necessarily need for concern. Just think OPSEC, and wait to hear (don't post about it). Today's Sailors and their families are used to being a click away, so it's something for everyone to become adjusted to and accept. Limited online access at sea (Navy Times)
Mar 22, 2017
ANTHONY'SMOM
Hi everyone, I have a slight problem and I need your help. I mailed out 2 care packages for me son within a month and he never received them.. I just realized that I have the wrong box number on the boxes.. everything else is correct.. Is this a major error on my part or will they still get to him.. he is a little down and out due to a slight injury and I know my gifts of love will pick him up.. what can I do ??
Apr 9, 2017
U2navymom
Apr 9, 2017
ANTHONY'SMOM
Apr 9, 2017
ANTHONY'SMOM
Thanks for the help
Apr 9, 2017
ANTHONY'SMOM
Thanks again
Apr 9, 2017
ANTHONY'SMOM
One for all and all for one..
Thanks again Kimberly
Apr 9, 2017
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Please keep the crew of USS Bonhomme Richard in your thoughts and prayers - three Marines are missing after an MV-22 Osprey crashed after launching from the ship off the coast of Australia. Serious injuries are reported among the 23 rescued. https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/3-us-marines-missing-after-air...
Aug 5, 2017
mikes mom
Aug 5, 2017
NavyMom2013
When I send him something I always tell him to look for it otherwise he doesn't make a regular trip off base to the post office.
Sep 26, 2017
NCali
Hi everyone!
I found a company that can send a care package for free to your sailor if you are short on money or you don't have time to shop and send something to your sailor.
The company is www.operationgratitude.com
I am out of job and I ask for a care package for my son and I got a package sent to him and I also got an email saying that they will be glad to send packages to the other sailors in the unit.
This is what I received from them (short version of the emial) and I want to share with all of you.
Hello N.....
Thank you for requesting a care package from Operation Gratitude!
We would like to send a care package to every member of their unit as well! If you can provide us with a roster of those they serve with, we will gladly fill a box for each of them.
Please submit a Request Package form for each one on the Operation Gratitude website or if it is a large unit send the attached Roster Request form with the new names only and email the form directly to me.
We understand that deployments may get cut short and/or that units may get moved to a different base. Please notify us immediately if there is a change of address, location or return date.
Thank you for the opportunity to express our appreciation.
We hope that you can let other units know about our program so that we can support them as well.
Respectfully,
Kelly South
Senior Manager Military and First Responder Engagement
Phone 424-488-6079 Monday - Friday 9 am - 4 pm PST (West Coast)
www.OperationGratitude.com
I called Kelly and she said that I only need to get the First Initial of the sailor and the last name in order for them to receive a package, with the understanding that they are in the same unit because all will be in the same address, she said also that she does not need the rank (for privacy factor).
Feel free to reach out to them if you want your sailor and his unit receive something unexpected :)
Ask your sailor for their shipmates info and this organization will do the rest.
Hope this info can help!
Mar 23, 2018
Alison❤️⚓️
Hi I’m new to the site my Sailor arrived on 8/25/18.. this is the start of his new journey..
Sep 2, 2018