OCS Graduate Moms

PaulaH - I would encourage making hotel reservations since they can be changed or cancelled.  Newport, RI is a big summer tourist destination and hotels are likely to fill up.  The Navy Lodge on base, on the other hand, sometimes frees up rooms 30 days out for personal travel.  So, they may be full now and have availability later.  If you want to stay there, it pays to keep calling.

I would hesitate to make air travel until later unless you find something you can change without too big of penalty (Southwest I hear is not bad for changes if you are military).

For those looking at upcoming graduation dates, especially Class 11-16...the only info I ever got about the Hi-Moms and graduation schedule came from my LO, and shared information on the Friends and Family facebook page for the class.  Lean on your LO to find out from the OCS staff; they should have email/phone access by now.  This was especially important because the graduation schedule for the class was changed (and always fluid) due to the Thanksgiving holiday.  Our ceremony was moved up to Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving, which made travel an issue both ways.  Fortunately we were driving, but many had flights to schedule. 

I would just caution those wanting to make purchase airline tickets too early, unless you can find some that can be changed if needed, without large penalties.  Until your loved one passes the big room, locker, personal inspection, they do stand a chance of being rolled back into another class.  

Graduation for class 10-16 .. is May 6 and we have our airline tickets bought.  There is some reference to buying tickets too early.  I hope having already bought tickets now is not too early.  This is my first experience in Newport, RI and will there be time to take our graduate out after graduation?  I would also like to learn about first salute, "Hi Mom's"; dress attire for both and I heard rumbles of graduation gifts.  Thank you in advance for your advice.

I think once your LO is through the first 6-7 weeks, you are safe to get airline tickets.  There are not many rollable events after that.  Just my opinion.

Hi Moms is different for each class.  Mine was at the officers club and was dressy.  Most men wore ties.  I wore a dress but, I would not have felt out of place in dress slacks.

We were able to take our LO out after Hi Moms for dinner at a restaurant and to stay with us at our hotel (until 5am).  They are free to leave after graduation once they have paperwork done, etc.

First salute is no longer done as far as I know...our class did not do this.

Many people did give gifts, I did not.  Spending the money to bring everyone to Newport was our gift.

PaulaH and Patty Sue: You will find the best information about graduation activities from the Friends and Family Facebook group for your LO's class.  While the Hi Moms reception varies from class, it seems that many are a late afternoon reception. People wore a wide range of attire at my son's event.  Everything from cocktail dresses/suits to nice jeans. The attire is much less important than just being there for your LO.  We were able to take my son out for dinner after the event. That may change depending on your LO’s Class Officers orders.

Gifts –

If you decide to give a gift and bring it to Graduation. I would suggest luggage or something small. They get so more uniform items than fit in the navy duffle. My son bought a garment bag at the NEX. He did ask us to bring a couple of large duffle bags in our carry-on out to Newport. And he used them both when packing up to leave OCS! So any large gift may add to packing issues if your LO will not be driving home to to their next duty station.

I gave my son two “challenge” coins after the ceremony as a gift. One which I had made through Things Remembered: http://www.thingsremembered.com/product/Military-Coins/168289.uts that I had OCS and his graduation date engraved on.  I also found a challenge coin (on EBay) for the first ship he was assigned to. While he may have received one when he later arrived at the ship that will mean more to him, he seemed to appreciate receiving a small gift in person after the ceremony.

I want to thank all of you so much for taking time out of your busy day to write! It has filled my heart with such joy reading your responses, suggestions & words of advice! I've been reading and trying to learn as much as I can about being a Navy Mom, this site has taught me the most! May you & your LO be blessed with peace, health & happiness!

CL and Bkell32, thank you so much for your information in regards to my questions.  I will be able to ask our LO what he needs us to bring and make plans for dinner.  Any suggestions for a nice place for dinner?   I also wondered if it is normal to have the erratic deposits during the OCS time. My LO is not sure what is being taken out and its' purpose.  Thank you again  

Patty Sue: Until they can log on and see the LES statements, the amounts seem very random.  If there are any Navy spouses on here they can likely provide a better answer but I will give you my understanding from what I heard on the F&F Facebook group and my son.  There is one monthly LES that details the month's pay and deductions. They are paid on the 1st and the 15th of each month, other than maybe that first month.  The first month or two may be strange and appear erratic due to when they started in the month and when their uniform allowance shows up. When my son was in in 2015, the uniform allowance was about $1800.  That showed up in his first paycheck because he started at the beginning of a month.  That might not always be the case.  Also they get a food allowance which is then pretty much deducted to cover food at OCS.  Hope that helps.  Sorry I don't have more details.

Regarding restaurants in Newport....there are MANY to choose from for any style, taste, or budget.  I know some families went to The Mooring, which is quite nice and on the water.  We went to Brick Alley Pub which is more casual and there were several OCS families there. 

Here are a few restaurant suggestions I collected ahead of our trip out for graduation:

Brick Alley pub on Thames street: “Awesome place and they do take reservations. We made ours for 14 folks 2 weeks early.” “ We went to Brick Alley last night for dinner. It was good!”

Red Parrot: Wonderful lobster

Flo's Clam Shack “It is a shack but the freshest seafood. Nine of us were saying our meal was the best. We all ate different things. Flo's does have 2 different menus, one upstairs at the bar and the other one on the first floor.”

Corner Cafe on Broadway in Newport, “delicious food and so adorable.” (Breakfast/Lunch)

22 Bowens: Their website is 22bowens.com Also you can make reservations online thru opentable.

Providence Suggestions for things to do:

Providence (Renaissance city) is a small city so easily walk-able. Top 3 'day things' are as follows:

1. Definitely lunch on Federal Hill - Providence's Italian spot - outstanding (real) italian restaurants. No kidding - you will see mafia folks there!

2. Providence River Boat tour - great way to see Providence from the river (Address: The Hot Club Docks, 575 South Water Street, Providence, RI 02903 ‪Phone Number: +1 401-580-2628).

3. If you are an intellectual; Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum is awesome - Best school of design in the world.

4. Finally, if you have just one thing to do - Sailboat cruise in Newport. Very cool sailing in a bark and seeing the Newport mansions from the ocean. You will be in the same sailing track as the old American Cup races. Address: Bannister's Wharf, Newport, RI 02840 ‪Phone Number: 401 847-0298. Hope this helps. 

Agree.  Thanks so much for taking the time to post.  I've saved every comment!  The feedback is comforting.  I did apply for the group Friends and Family of 11-16 but haven't been approved yet.  I hoping soon!  Have a great weekend!

Thanks!  I'm in!  :)

When we were in Newport for our son's OCS graduation, he took us to the Red Parrot downtown.  It was excellent.  We also ate at the Brick Alley Pub, which was also good. 

If you have any free time in Newport, I would suggest taking tours of some of the "summer cottages" of the early 1900's old rich, such as the Vanderbilts' "The Breakers."  To me, these are mansions, but to them, they were mere cottages to relax in the summer!!!   You can get a map of the houses open for tours and buy tix at the Visitors' Center. Very interesting if you're into history. 

Tip for hotels:  Newport is crawling with tourists in the summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so if going to a summer OCS graduation, make hotel reservations EARLY. (You can always cancel or change if necessary.)   When searching for hotels, be advised that the Navy base is actually closer to the town of Middletown, than Newport.  The two towns merge together somewhat.  Most of the hotels in Newport are resorts and therefore pricey.  Search for hotels in "Middletown, RI" and you will find several reasonably-priced chain hotels that are away from the tourist areas, but actually closer to the Navy base.  There is a Best Western hotel right outside of one of the gates.  We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Middletown, which was very reasonable and less than a mile from the base.   Depends on your preference.  If you want the resort experience with views of the Bay, stay in Newport.  If you would prefer cheaper hotels away from the tourist areas, look in Middletown.

I shouldn't post when I'm really tired!!!  I mentioned in my earlier post about not buying plane tickets too early.  I was thinking about the big RLP inspection that seemed to send several candidates back 3 weeks.  And even after that there were a few big tests and the OUT PFA.  My daughter was worried about that one because by that time she had such a bad case of shin splints and was having to ice her legs nightly.  But that was several years back so I can't say for sure they still do that!!!  Sorry if I came off a little critical, I really didn't mean to!!!  I wish all of your LOs going through OCS great success!!!  And I hope all of you Moms enjoy every minute of commissioning!!!  It is awesome!!!! 

Any word from our lo's on their white inspection and physical test for 10-16D?  If someone is rolled do they still get their candi-o box?

Patty Sue:  I don't know the answer to that!  I suppose it is not unheard of for one of them to be rolled that late in the game, but I don't know what they would do with their Candio box in such a case!  (Keep it for three weeks?)   I have heard of candidates who got rolled back THE WEEK BEFORE GRADUATION, because they really screwed up and got caught drinking alcohol or some other prohibited activity.  Imagine those candidates having to call home, "Don't fly out here for my graduation on Friday because, ummm...." 

By the way, "Patty Sue" was my Mom's name, so I like you already!!!     :-)

Good question Patty Sue, I guess it could happen, and I believe they will hold on to the Candio Box until your LO has completed the Candio Phase. That maybe the reasoning that they ask to not send anything perishable in the boxes. I will have to research that one!!

On another note everyone, my husband and I are headed South in the new RV to visit our LO!!! He's been flying a lot  lately and  he is studying a great deal, but he will try and make time to visit with us for a few days!  Studying first however!!  I told our LO, even if your in the next room studying, your dad and I are close enough we can touch you so study away!! LOL LOL

Quilter,

Have fun with your RV trip and especially with seeing that sweet sailor son of yours!!!!  Hope you have wonderful weather and safe travels!!!!

Quilter:  I will ditto Anna's words. Have a safe trip!  Hope your flying sailor gets to take a study break, and at least eat meals with you.  Glad to hear he is doing well. 

It will probably be summer of 2017 before we can go to Japan to see dear son and D-I-L.  Until then we can just see them on Skype--not as satisfying as hugs!!!!  We have to really plan those Skype sessions with the 13-hour time difference,---late night for us, early morning for them and vice versa!

T's Momma - Just saw your post and was curious where your  son is graduating from. We are from SC and my son graduated from USC last December.  He is 6 weeks into OCS. We are counting the days down until graduation.  I know it is hard not to worry,but all us Mom's need to be reminded that are "kids" are elite young adults, that is why they are at OCS.  It is a challenge, but they have what it takes.   

My son drove himself from St. Louis to OCS in the fall a couple of years ago.  But then we epic road warriors - it isn't a vacation if it doesn't involve driving a distance.  The nice thing was having that car after graduation - such a push to get out of the housing and he had the flexibility to store his stuff in his car.  We flew in and out.  He ended up coming for a bit but that wasn't decided until graduation - he was prepared to go where he needed to go.

T's momma,

I understand - us moms always worry.  My daughter drove by herself from Ohio to RI.  And just to keep this is the back of your mind, she was originally supposed to report to OCS at a later date but suddenly got a call and said - get ready you are reporting to the next class that starts 8 July.  She was basically ready but was still caught off guard a little.  Hope that doesn't happen to your boy and you guys all get to attend the family vacation but just know that it can happen.

T's momma,

I am praying that your son's report date does not get changed.  I understand about the pets too.  My daughter left her precious cat with us when she left for OCS.  I think her cat was depressed and confused for awhile but I just gave her extra attention and she did fine.  She was used to living with all of us before daughter went off to college so she accepted being with hubby and I but didn't know where "her girl" was.  She would go around mewing so I'd pick her up and hold her in my lap.  Pets have adjustments to get through.

One other thing I wanted to tell you - with your son driving his own car to RI.  My daughter was advised to take masking tape to put over her car door locks to prevent the salt from the air to mess them up.  She took a small roll and just left it in her car after taping her locks!!!

Can anyone give me insight on the correct date to mail CANDIO boxes and also does OCS still do the tradition of a silver dollar at first salute?  Trying to make sure I have all my bases covered as my son is in his seventh week.  Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom and experience.

NuclearOPSMom:  I think they become Candios at the beginning of the tenth week, so you can mail the box sometime during the ninth week.  Make sure you mark it CANDIO on the outside of the box, so the mail room knows what it's for.

I think someone posted here recently that OCS had discontinued the First Salutes ceremony.  What a shame--- such a long tradition in the Navy!   When my son graduated OCS in Sept 2012, after the grad ceremony, everyone went down to the seawall by the bay where the class Drill Instructor and class Petty Officer stood.   The new Ensigns formed a line, and one-by-one, were saluted and saluted back, then gave them each a silver dollar (or other coin.)  

If there is now not a formal ceremony, I suppose the new Ensigns can still do it informally with their DI if they want.   Someone said the DI's were making too much money from it, in the opinion of the OCS command, but I thought that was considered one of the perks! 

NuclearOPSMom: I believe they get their Candio boxes the Wednesday of the 9th week.  When my son was in last summer it was after a security incident at a base somewhere and in a phone call my son said they heard the boxes would take an extra day to be process in the mailroom.  I sent my son's box USPS 2 day. I ended up mailing it on the Friday of week 8 from the midwest.  Tracking said the box made it to the base on the Monday of week 9. Mailing on Saturday would have been fine and Monday may even have worked.  If it gets there a day or two early, they hold it until that Wednesday (or whatever day they give boxes to that class).

My LO is in 11-16, her last email advised that we should mail the end of week 8, as they will open wed/thurs of week 9.  

So, we are mailing 4/28.  She has not mentioned anything about a silver dollar.      I love all of the comments on this site!      Everyone is great, and I learn so much.  Candio box almost finished decorating.     Last thing she wants me to buy is MIO energy for water.  I'm sure walmart has that!   Paula

Shopgirl,

The easiest way to go is to use the USPS large Priority Mail boxes.  They are a flat rate fee no matter how much they weigh.  The expression is "if it fits it ships!!!"  They are free from the post office and take 2 - 3 days to get there depending on where you mail from.  You only decorate the inside of the box and make sure you write CANDIO on the outside so if it gets there early the mailroom holds them until they are allowed to receive them.  That way the box isn't contraband!!!

NuclearOpsMom,

I also heard that OCS stopped the first salute ceremony and the silver dollars.  When my daughter graduated in 2012 her twin sister and older brother, both enlisted, attended her graduation and also stood with her DI and class Petty Officer.  She had special silver dollars for her siblings in a little case with her commissioning date.  It was pretty special and I'm sad to hear they ended that.

Shopgirl, very cool your son in 11-16!  Graduation will be here soon!  Yes, just  like the others, we bought the large flat rate box, and will not decorate outside.  I plan on writing Candi O like the others mentioned.  We are mailing ours 4/28.  I'm waiting till last minute to make homemade cookies!!!   IMG_0082.JPG

First - let me thank all the Mom's that have gone before us for all the helpful input. 

Shopgirl and Paula H - My son too is in 11/16, so we are counting the days down until graduation.  He is in class F, so I hope somehow we can meet up at the events and say hi.

I hope all of you moms attending commissioning for 11/16 have an awesome experience and that you do get to meet each other!!!  

Can't wait to meet all at HiMoms.   Thanks Suzanne and NucelarOPSMOM!  All moms on this page have helped so much!  

A week ago, she asked for MIO energy water enhancer.  So, I purchased in every flavor.  Then, two days ago she advised do not send as considered contraband.   Now, she wants CLIFF bars!   I'm going to donate the MIO energy enhancer to our Tech guys!    

Hi Angelique. My son graduated from OCS in 2012, and there was no event that was "ball-gown dressy," thank goodness.  I would have hated to lug a long gown all the way to Newport!!!!   The Hi Moms reception was dressier than graduation. Most women wore cocktail dresses to Hi Moms, and some men were in sport coats, but there were also women in dressy slacks and some men in khaki slacks and polo shirts.  I'm sure a few guests were there in jeans also.

Graduation ceremony was more casual.  I wore dress slacks/nice blouse to graduation. The new officers will be in their dress blues or whites, depending on the season, for Hi Moms and graduation, so if you will be taking pictures with your new Ensign, you might want to consider what you want to be photographed in, standing next to such a spiffy Naval officer!!!

Congratulations to your daughter!  Don't forget to take tissues to graduation unless you are less emotional than most.  You will be bursting with pride!!!!!  Have a safe trip to Newport.

I'm so sorry T's mom.  When my LO went through OCS a buddy of his was disqualified a week before graduation due to migraines as a child. That young man passed every test during OCS and was a wonderful strong young man, however when MEPS did the final run through and found out about the migraines, he was let go. I will pray for your LO

So sad to hear of the loss of one of our Blue Angel pilots.  Haven't heard who it was yet, but sending prayers to his family and fellow Angels!!!

So sorry T's mom.  I know that is so disappointing.  My daughter so wanted to be a pilot but the program she went in with only had a space for an NFO.  She was very disappointed but had to accept it was that or nothing aviation, so she took it.  I really hope everything works out for your son and he finds something that he can be happy with!!!  Keep us posted, please.

Anna:  Besides the tragic loss of one of the Blue Angels,  one of the Air Force's Thunderbirds also crashed today in Colorado Springs at the Air Force Academy graduation with President Obama in attendance.  Fortunately, the Air Force pilot was able to eject safely and no one on the ground was hurt.  Not a good day for precision flying teams.  My prayers go out for the Navy pilot's family.

M's mom,

I heard, and the soldiers lost in the flood waters.  Not a good day for our military.  So sad.

Anna: Your post about your daughter reminded me, did she ever get her wings?  You wrote that she had some medical set-backs, so hope all is well now.

How is the vagabond life in the RV going?  I'm jealous, --stuck with working a few more years!

M's mom,

YES!!!!  She got her wings and is currently on her first deployment with her aircraft and crew.  She still has to keep her medication until she finds that sweet happy medium but she is doing well.  Luckily she knows what hyper and hypo feels like so she knows when she has to increase or decrease her meds.  

Life in the RV is still fun.  We left Jacksonville the end of April and spent most of May still in FL going all the way to Key West and up the gulf side to Pensacola.  Now we're making out way up SC, NC and VA visiting family members and making our way eventually to Bar Harbor, Maine.  

Anna:  So glad to hear your daughter got her wings, after so much hard work and set-backs! 

You'll love Bar Harbor, or as the natives pronounce it, "Bah Hahbah."   We found the folks there to be extremely friendly.  Make sure you go to a "lobstah" boil, and spend a few days in beautiful Acadia Nat'l Park.   Safe travels!

T's momma: I am so sorry to hear that! I wish both you and your son the best with what I am sure will be a bright future for him.

T's Momma thank you to your son and your family. His desire to serve his country does not go unnoticed. Good luck to him in whatever he chooses to do.

T's momma:  So sorry to hear about the medical DQ, especially harsh after already being accepted to OCS.  As I've said before, it would be far less cruel if the Navy would get all the medical clearances out of the way first before even considering the applicants to OCS, rather than letting them go and dashing hopes after acceptance!

With your son's degree, I'm sure he will find a good civilian job.  He may still be able to work with the Navy in some civilian capacity.  The Navy does hire civilian consultants for certain jobs who work right alongside the Navy personnel. For instance, aeronautical engineers sometimes instruct in the flight programs, and medical engineers work with the Flight Surgeons and pilots.  

Good luck to your son and I hope he finds a rewarding career.   

Charlene - It has been over a year since my daughter graduated from OCS.  My advice to you is answer the phone from any number from Rhode Island!  When you son arrives at OCS he will be allowed to call to tell you he is safely there...he will not be allowed to say much else.  You will not hear from him for several more weeks which will seem like an eternity for you.  Do send plain white envelope letters often, nothing cute or flashy.

Two more things.... If he should be injured or get held back for any reason, it seems devastating at the time, but is more common than you think.  It is not the end of the world.  Second, try to find the friends and family group for his OCS class on facebook.  I found that to be the source of so much information and support.  Also, Newport OCS does post pictures on facebook of each class every few weeks.  I loved seeing glimpses of my LO (loved one).

Congratulations! I will add to remember your LO is exhausted so when he does get a chance to call be very encouraging. I sent letters (in those white envelopes) and included some photos of past fun events/memories. You will be able to send a box of goodies in a few weeks but just wait until your LO says you can or you see on FB that you can. I found FB page more helpful than my son as people posted info from their LO that my son didn't share. Answer any phone calls you get as my LO used his roommate's phone once. OCS gave me a new level of patience and I prayed continuously. What an exciting time. I know you are so proud.