OCS Graduate Moms

Hello everyone,

I am a retired NavyWife. Our son started OCS class 14-17 on mother's day. Just saw his first pix posted yesterday afternoon on the ocs (fb) website. Was lucky enough to see his face. We are so proud that he decide to follow in his dad's footsteps. We are looking foward to seeing his dad give him the first salute. My husband is trying hard to make sure he fits in his chocker (dress white)uniform. I was wandering if any SNA moms might give me some insight on what are the chances our son will go straight to Pensacola for IFS versus OHARP. you see He was hoping to skip OHARP. It seems NFO go pretty much straight to Pensacola with PCS order but not sure about Pilots except for those that know what they will be flying such as HELOs. We just wanted to know if he will be coming back home for 2-3 months under OHARP or would he be assigned to A-POOL at NAS Pensacola. Which im not sure but is not that great. Thanx everyone.

NavyMomNavyWife:   It all depends on when the next SNA class starts vs. when he graduates from OCS.   Classes graduate from OCS every 3 weeks, and I don't think they start flight school classes that often.   Sometimes, if it will be only a few weeks, his orders may send him to Pensacola right away after OCS, but then he will just be on "stash duty," as my son called it.  My son had to report to his CO upon arrival, then just had to call in every morning for 3 weeks, and  basically had nothing to do until his class started 3 weeks later.  It was good though, because that gave him time to find housing, and settle in.

I think someone recently posted here that the SNA's were currently waiting 3 months or so after OCS.  Maybe some of the moms of recent OCS grads could help here.

There is also a group here on Navy 4 Moms called "Naval Aviation" which you should join.   Those moms can answer your questions about flight school, and may know how long the current wait is.

Congratulations to your son!   That will be quite a photo of he and his dad saluting each other in their choaker whites!!!

Good Morning,

Does anyone have recommendations on hotels in Newport?

Looking for moderated price, need several rooms.

Robertsmom, We were in Newport about 2 months ago for graduation and stayed in the Residence Inn Marriott in Middletown, about 10 minutes from the base. This is NOT the same Marriott that our son's class had their Hi Moms event. That Marriott is in Newport near the waterfront. We really liked the one we were at because of its proximity to the base and it is one of a few hotels offering suites of rooms. We were able to get a 2 bedroom suite with a full kitchen for only $119/night with a military discount. Just tell any hotel you book with that you are there for OCS graduation and you will get the discount. The rates might be higher in the summer; it was still winter when we were there. Don't forget that your son will likely be able to stay with you on Thursday night (as long as he's back by 5:00 am Friday) so make sure you have a place for him to sleep. There were a couple other hotels right around us. The Hampton Inn was next door and very nice. There was also a Howard Johnsons next door, which was cheaper I believe. Many OCS families were in all these hotels in Middletown. Hope this helps a little.

In 2012 we stayed at the Mainstay Hotel and Conference Center in Middletown.  Was very roomy room as we had our son and daughter also with us!!!

Robertsmom:  As the others have posted, search for hotels in Middletown, RI which are actually closer to the base than anything in Newport.  The places in Newport are usually resorts and are very expensive in the summer.  We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Middletown and it was near to the base and there were many other national chain hotels along that road. 

If you have some time before/after graduation go into Newport and take a tour or two of some of those "summer cottages" of the old rich, like The Breakers. (Known as "mansions" to most of us!)   Also drive around the point on Ocean Avenue for picturesque views of the bay.

Wondering how many people will be allowed to attend graduation for OCS?  

thanks for all the great info.  The suites sound great...we have several coming.  How many are invited to the Hi Moms?

For those that have attended OCS and attended the Hi Moms, are the Dad's also invited? After graduation, can our LO's leave? Did you leave the area on graduation day or stay over and leave the next morning? Thank you very much in advance for answering.

Robertsmom, there is no limit but the officer candidates have to pay for each person they invite. SWAF, yes dads and any loved ones are invited. As soon as graduation is over, they can leave as long as they have their orders. We left the next day because we wanted to sightsee a little. We went back to our rooms and our son actually crashed for a 2 hour nap, then we ate dinner and just hung out in the hotel pool/hot tub that night. The next day we toured the Breakers mansion and caught a late flight home. It's really up to you all what to do, but they are free to leave (if they have orders), and most of them want to get the heck out of Newport. We are recent (March 2017) graduates.

Robertsmom:   It depends on what limit for Hi Moms that the candidates themselves decide.  OCS has nothing to do with the Hi Moms reception.  The candidates make all the arrangements and pay for it themselves, so each candidate must pay so much per guest for their family attending.  Sometimes due to the space of the venue, there may be space limitations, say four guests per candidate, etc.   Hi Moms can be anything form dinner at the Officers Club to just a cocktail reception, whatever they decide.  My son's Hi Moms was cocktails at a historic downtown Newport hotel.  They had trays of many appetizers and snacks and provided non-alcoholic beverages, then there was a cash bar.  They showed a funny video of pictures taken during their training that they had compiled.  It lasted a few hours. 

Your candidate will need to turn in a list of names of everyone attending graduation.  When my son graduated 5 years ago, the gate guards at the base had the list and had to check photo ID's of every adult in our car against the list, so be prepared for that.

As far as the graduation ceremony, I don't think there is a limit, but seating is first come, first served, so get there very early for good seats. It was standing room only at the beginning of my son's graduation.

Robertsmom, if you do end up with people not going to Hi Moms (although we saw families with LOTS of people there back in March) I would send some on ahead to get a table at a restaurant OR make a reservation. All the restaurants are very crowded and had at least an hour wait that Thursday night.

any restaurant recommendations?

If you'd like good New England seafood for reasonable price on WEDNESDAY night, try Anthony's Seafood in Middletown. The Rhode Island chowder was amazing. Casual (pay first, then sit down). It's too casual for Thursday after Hi Moms when everyone is in dress blues or whites. It's a good place to meet up with other OCS families who are getting into town early. I don't have a good recommendation for Thursday night in Newport because I can't remember the place we went, I just remember I didn't like it. 

Robertsmom - Like Nancy I don't remember the place we ate on Thursday night. I think it may have been Sardella's Italian Restaurant in Newport. It was a bit off the beaten path which was appealing to us. But it was unremarkable. Not bad but not exciting either. What was memorable was walking past an older gentleman sitting on a bench. As my son walked past in his whites, the gentleman thanked my son for his service. My son stopped and shook his hand and talked with him for a moment. When you see your LO again, you will notice many changes. That was one of those moments for me. I collected a few restaurant recommendations from the OCS class facebook page. I will see if I still have it.

Newport Restaurant notes I collected 2 years ago:

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.” (Very casual, not really a good spot for dinner after Hi Moms)

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.

Restaurants:  I will also endorse The Red Parrot in downtown Newport.  Our son took us there on Wednesday night before graduation, after we had arrived that day.  On Thursday night, we had filled up on the "appetizers" at the Hi Moms reception  and none of us honestly felt like going out to a restaurant after that for a meal so we just skipped dinner.   Can't remember where we ate Friday night.  There is a diner--can't remember the name but looks like a diner-- on the main road through Middletown that all the hotels are on.  It was great for lunch one day. 

We were fortunate that our son graduated AFTER Labor Day when the tourists had gone.  If you will be going to Newport in the summer, it will be crawling with tourists.  Make hotel reservations ASAP.  You may have to eat at out-of-the-way places to avoid a huge wait at the popular restaurants.

Those are all great suggestions, thanks!  My son's graduation is scheduled for August 4.  I went ahead and booked rooms at the Carriage House.  I could see hotels filling up as I was searching. I figured restaurants would be the same.  The Newport Jazz festival is that weekend too.  Trying to make as many arrangements as possible but still remain flexible. Roberts got RLP today.  Holding my breath.

I know that everything will fill up fast, but I am so afraid to book anything this early.  Our son is also scheduled to graduate on August 4.  RLP is today.  Praying that they all make it through today's event. 

I feel the same way, Matt's mom.  As a consummate planner, I would have purchased tickets and booked hotel the day my LO began, but anything can happen...one of the parents suggested waiting until week 7, so that is what I will do.  August 4 is my LO's grad date (hopefully) and Newport is going to be slammed with summer revellers and Jazz Fest attendees.  When the time comes, will everyone be coming in on the Wednesday before graduation, then?  How many days should we plan on staying?  Thanks :D *praying for RLP to go smoothly <3

NavyDave4--- They can only leave the base if they have their orders.  There are usually a few in each OCS class whose orders don't come in before graduation, and they must stay at the base until they do, which could be days or weeks.

If they have their orders, they are free to leave after they check out of the barracks, and get their medical records, etc.

We had a hotel room with two double beds, so our son stayed with us on Friday night after graduation, and then we all flew home the next day.  His orders gave him ten days' travel time to his next duty, and we were able to get him a plane ticket on the same flight as ours to fly home.

As far as hotel rooms, most hotels will allow you to cancel with no penalty if you cancel by 2-3 days before the stay, so I would advise making hotels reservations NOW for Aug 4, and you can always change if your candidate rolls.    As far as airline tix, not so easy, but we flew into Providence on Southwest Airlines which, at least at that time, did not charge a hefty fee for changing flights like the other airlines do.

When your Loved One passes RLP, that is a big relief.  They can still roll back at any time, but the odds are better after RLP that they will graduate on time, so we made our plans immediately after!!!

We are from CNY, so we will drive to RI.  I agree with M's mom.  Praying to hear that our son has made it through today's RLP, I will call and make hotel reservations.  Does anyone know what happens on Thursday other than Hi Mom's in the afternoon?

Navy Dave:  RLP is "Room, Locker, & Personnel" inspection.  It is a big deal at week 3-4 of OCS when the Drill Instructor comes in with their white gloves and inspects every room surface, and the bed, and their uniforms while the candidate is standing at attention and must scream the answers to questions of Navy knowledge posed by the DI.  Everything must be just so.  If they fail too many points, I think they get a re-inspection chance two days later.  If they fail that, they get "rolled" back to Holding Company and must join the next incoming class 3 weeks later and start over.

If any of you get the call that your candidate rolled, just encourage them that it is not the end of the world, and tell them they must not quit, no matter what!  Many of the ones who roll come back and shine as the leaders of their new class, because they have 3 weeks more experience, and they know what is expected this time.

Matt's mom:   My son graduated from OCS 5 years ago, and much has changed since then, so I can't say exactly what they do now, but five years ago on the Thursday morning before graduation, they held Pass in Review, when the candidates marched in formation into the gym wearing their camo uniforms and carrying rifles. They then demonstrated their precision rifle drill where they moved the rifle through various positions in snappy unison.  Don't know if they do that anymore.   If not, you could do some sightseeing in Newport on Thursday, and tour some of those mansions that the old rich called their "summer cottages!"

  They also used to have a Graduation Run at 0600 or so on graduation morning when the families could run along with the candidates or just watch, then we wound up at the chow hall where they demonstrated how they had to eat "Square meals" while sitting at attention.  Then the families could buy breakfast and eat with your candidate.  Don't know if that's done anymore either.

Any recent grads' moms who can tell us what goes on during graduation week now?

M's mom.  Thanks for the info.  I have tried to find new information, but haven't had much luck.  Someone said that graduation is at 9 on Friday.  Not sure how that could be done with the run and then breakfast.  I am hoping that they still have Pass in Review. 

My son graduated in Aug '15. They did have the morning workout but my son heard that they were going to be stopping that event. My son wished they had stopped it before his class.In Aug '15, they didn't have a Pass in Review. I haven't heard if that has come back.

Maybe I am the most recent graduate mom on this site currently, March 2017. Our son's class 08-17 did not have morning run due to weather, but 09-17 did. So that is still a thing. But there is no PIR. Our graduation started at 1000, but have heard that it has been moved up to 0900. Most of LOs stuff was moved out on Thursday. All that was left in his room was what he needed to get ready for graduation Friday morning, since most spend Thursday night with family in hotel.

Noni,   I agree that it is a shame they have done away with many of the OCS traditions, but it just depends on who is the current Commanding Officer and how they want to run things.  The Pass in Review with their rifle drill was very impressive.  I'm also sad that they have done away with the First Salutes ceremony, but I'm glad that my son got to do that.  They all lined up after graduation and the drill instructor and class Petty Officer saluted each one of them and said "Congratulations Sir/Ma'am."  Then the new Ensigns gave them both a silver dollar or other coin, as per tradition.  OCS photographers took pictures of this for each new Ensign and we purchased a copy.   That has been a tradition in the Navy for probably 200 years, so kinda sad to see it's no longer done as a formal ceremony.

Yes, they did the First Salutes in "An Officer and a Gentleman!"   But that movie was quite unrealistic even for the 1980's, because those (fictional) candidates had all that liberty time to leave base and hook up with the local sweeties!  The only time my son was allowed to leave the base was the weekend before graduation and they had to "buddy up" and knew they better not do anything stupid!  Some candidates can and do roll right before graduation for getting caught drinking or breaking some other rule.  I don't imagine that would be a pleasant phone call, to call your family and tell them not to come to Newport in three days because you just got rolled for drinking!!!!   :-O

Noni, 

Just an FYI, you can post pictures on here.  You have to have them saved on your computer and either before or after you are done typing in your comment, click on the 2nd from the left little box in the comment box, next to link.  That will open a photo box which lets you browse for a picture on your computer, align it left, right, or center, and resize.  I suggest you put in either 300 or 350 as the photo size otherwise it makes it too big.  Then click OK.  You will see your picture along with your comment before you click Add Comment!!!

I just read somewhere recently (couldn't say where I have read so much that my brain is mushy) that someone recently got rolled week 11 for "a bad decision" on liberty.  I had that conversation with my son before he left.  To get that far and make such a big mistake has got to be miserable for all.  

I did make my hotel reservations for Aug 2-4.  thought about staying another night but the rates are double and we have a reunion in DC.  I made sure they can be changed up to 72 hours.  

I have finally relaxed a little tiny bit.  I feel like we would have heard by now if he did not pass LRP.  It was yesterday with the opportunity to do over today.  ( I got that info on a 20 second phone call from my son.  They let him call to overnight his birth certificate on Tuesday...almost gave me a heart attack!)

Matt's mom - They "roll back in" just before the event that caused them to "roll out". So their graduation date moves out 3 weeks. They have almost 3 weeks to study up or work on the test that caused them to roll out. They do not have to start completely over.