peetreesmama.....  My son has been on 6 different bases since he left home just over a year ago.(which means i've been on 6 different groups on here) He got to Japan back in Nov. I have found that every place he has been, the women on here have been able to steer me in the right direction with any questions i've had, so ask away. Most anything you can ask, someone else is also wanting to ask the same thing. This is my son's first time to be underway so this part is new and the lack of communication kinda resembles bootcamp! When they are in port, they can call, text, email, facebook, skype, everything... so I heard from my son weekly.  But it seems that underway they will only have limited email access and due to very long work hours we won't hear from them often. They can receive mail though so I've already sent a package.

I find it does help to follow the GW facebook page as they post pictures a lot so u feel u know what they are up to anyway.Hang in there!

We are all here to help! We have all been where you are now and some of us are STILL learning...

Another idea is to try and connect with other Navy4moms in your area. Many areas have established groups already, but depending on where you live, you might be lucky enough to start one in your area (it's not difficult at all - if you start one, people will come). Another great organization is Blue Star Moms - this is a national organization, and there tends to be local chapters. Even though BSMs covers all military branches, as moms we go thru the same thing. They have alot of activities and ways to help our service men and women - they will keep you busy. There are other groups as well - Operation Gratitude, Wounded Warriors, etc. I knit and crochet for these groups - again, another way to keep busy. Hope this helps, and as others have said, we are here for you. If you need to talk more thanon the board here, send me a friend request and I'll be happy to exchange email and phone numbers with you. This is my sailor's second official deployment (I'm not counting the departure following the earthquake). As a mom, you never get used to having them so far away, but you do learn to cope...most days at least :)