Bahrain Moms

If you have a son or daughter in Bahrain or going to Bahrain heres the group for you!!!!!!
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  • Rebecca

    I am so happy to hear that you are able to Skype, we were wondering if that would really be a possibility. Yes, when he said he wanted to see the world, he and I were thinking on two very different levels...I was thinking, oh, the west coast of the States, not off the coast of Saudi Arabia! :) 

    He is very excited, and I would never want to take the opportunity away from him, just one more "new" adventure for all of us, I suppose. One breath, one day at a time is great advice...and lot's of prayers!

    He graduated last September from Boot camp and has been to three separate training commands since then. I know he's really looking forward to being part of the fleet...I'm am so grateful for this site! Thank you for responding!

  • Navymom

    Rebecca - my son graduated boot camp last September also. Sept. 1 to be exact. Was that the date of your son's graduation? His division was 281.

  • Rebecca

    @Navymom-His graduation was September 9th. He was in Div. 298. I though that him going through Boot Camp was tough, but having him go that far away is a whole new level of stress. 

    I assume your son in in Bahrain, if so, how long?

    Mine leaves tonight, just before midnight. 

  • Navymom

    Rebecca - Yes, my son is in Bahrain. He left on June 26 so has been there almost 2 months. The trip was about 23 hours in order to get there. He stopped in several other countries along the way and called to let us know where he was. My son keeps in touch quite a bit, so that helps. I know it is difficult but once he gets there and settles in, you will probably feel better.

  • Rebecca

    Wow! 23 hours! Oh my, I hope that they are given some tim e to regroup and catch up on rest when they get there! I suspect that once he is safely on the ground there I will start to relax, as I type this he is in the air. Keeping busy is key right now. 

    @KathyB-NavyforMoms makes the world a smaller place...it sounds like chances are very good that hey might run into each other. I am not sure what he will be doing at the start, but I do know that he is attached to the clinic there. They Navy "stuff" is all still so new to me! :)

  • Navymom

    Rebecca - Yes, if I remember correctly, he had the first several days off. The other issue is to adjust to the time change. We live on the east coast so Bahrain is 7 hours ahead of us. It was a little bit of a struggle for Adam to get his days and nights straightened out. He would call us in the middle of the night(his night) because he couldn't sleep. In a few days, he straightened out. Let us know when your son gets there. Keeping busy is a good idea! :-)

  • Rebecca

    I can remember when we moved to England, years ago, and the time change was quite an adjustment. Right now he is on a layover in Naples, the next stop is Crete, then Bahrain.

    He has been calling at each stop, the first one came at 4:10 AM :) our time.(we live in Colorado) He said he has slept almost the whole time...wonder how that will affect his adjusting to the time there.

  • Navymom

    Nice that he is calling. My son did the same and it was good to know where he was at each stage of the journey. We just got home from Colorado Springs last Tuesday. We were there visiting our niece who just had a new baby. It is beautiful there. I loved the dry weather. We live in New England and it get quite muggy here in August.

  • paces

    Hello, Ladies... Sorry I have been gone for a while. I have been keeping up on the conversations though. My computer has been acting up and we started back to school last week, so I have been swamped also.

    Rebecca... I agree with NavyMom. You will feel much better once he gets there. I was in meetings while he was in the air and it was torture. I kept him on my mind the whole time. Will keep you in our prayers. Ours has been there nearly 3 weeks. He left on July 17. He has adjusted pretty well, I think. Mine and NavyMom's sons are roommates. I think that is just awesome. 

    NavyMom...We are in Georgia.  I can totally sympathize with you about the hot muggy days. We have had rain for nearly a week now and it has been such a relief. We have been in a severe drought for nearly a year. Heard from JP today. He needs his college transcripts. Not sure for what, but I am sending them as soon as we get them. I hope he doesn't need official ones.

    LadyHamilton... Welcome.

    Have a good evening. Hugs and prayers everyone. Susan

  • Rebecca

    Hi again! As of just a few minutes ago, he is safe on the ground in Bahrain...while it is close to 10 PM in CO, it is 6:30 AM there and according to him, about 100 degrees. I think I might actually sleep tonight, knowing he has boots safe on the ground. How awesome that your kids are roomies!

    I am originally from PA, born an raised there. Married my high school sweetheart, who was in the Air Force and has since retired We decided to make CO our home,,,our kids consider the Rocky Mountain West "home". While I don't miss the humidity of the east coast...some rain out here would be great!

    I am so grateful for this website! Thank you all for your advice an support! 

  • chriscwick

    This was on Facebook today;

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Release #118-12

    Eisenhower, CVW-7 Commence OEF Missions

    By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller, Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

    USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, embarked aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), began flying the first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Aug. 9.

    These missions will provide direct support to coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan. The support includes electronic warfare, close-air support, airborne command and control, and reconnaissance.

    "Air-support missions are intended to degrade terrorist activities, diminish the influence of the Taliban and improve security to encourage economic prosperity in the region," said Capt. Samuel J. Paparo, CVW-7 commander. "We bring a wide range of capabilities to coalition forces in Afghanistan and take pride in the fact that we are working with them to establish security and stability there. Every squadron has trained thoroughly for these missions, and now it is time to execute."

    Since 2009, U.S. Navy aircraft have averaged about 5,000 close-air support missions per year in support of OEF.

    Eisenhower joins the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), which has been operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility since April.

    While air support will be the primary focus in support of OEF, Eisenhower and other CSG surface ships can also achieve a robust set of missions in support of regional maritime security.

    "Our mission is to set the conditions for economic prosperity, which encompasses ensuring maritime security of all commercial sea lanes," said Rear Adm. Michael Manazir, commander, Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. "The versatility of our capabilities and vitality of our Sailors allows us to be flexible and agile at all times."

    Manazir stressed how critical every Sailor of the carrier strike group is to mission success, from flight deck personnel, to the pilots, to the engineers.

    "Everyone has a role and everyone does it exceptionally well," said Manazir. "I am extremely proud of the Sailors that compose this strike group and I am certain that each will perform at the highest caliber possible."

    CVW-7 is composed of the "Bluetails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121, the "Patriots"of Electronic Attach Squadron 140, the "Rampagers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, the "Jolly Rogers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, the "Wildcats" VFA 131, the "Puking Dogs" of VFA 143, and the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 5.

    Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting maritime security operations and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.
  • Rebecca

    I know where Bristol is! Small world! I grew up just outside of State College. Our first assignment with the AF was McGuire AFB in NJ. It was literally surrounded by corn fields. My son has posted son pictures from Bahrain already, it just LOOKS hot there. lol

  • JosephsWifey

    I don't know if I told you guys already or not lol, but my baby and I made it back safely to the states :) Bahrain was an amazing experience and I actually miss it! (Ok, I miss my husband) But I also really appreciate home a lot more now :) Anyone thinking about visiting there, DO IT!!! :-)
  • chriscwick

    So glad everything went well. Welcome home.
  • Rebecca

    @Josephswifey-so glad you enjoyed you time visiting your hubby! Not asking for specific details...the actual price...but was the trip expensive? How did you plan your trip? 

    I would really love to visit my son while he's there, just curious as to where to start the planning, or if it would even be feasible.

  • JosephsWifey

    The trip definitely took a chunk of money from our savings- the plane ticket alone was $2500....they are not always that expensive though! I think if you plan ahead of time they can be as little as 1700. As far as planning- we didn't plan at all! We had about a week from the point we decided we were going and the day we left lol. It worked out that way because we were staying with his friends- and I wanted to make sure we got there and left before Ramadan! So no planning at all lol and it was actually better because I didn't have to wait forever to leave!
  • Rebecca

    Thanks so much for the information. I saw my son's e-ticket, the one issued by the Navy, and the price listed on it was -are you ready....$12,011. When I saw that I figured that we would have to settle for pictures from him. However, your information makes me think differently, now!

  • JosephsWifey

    $12,00?! What! Lol. No I definitely wouldn't have gone then!
  • Rebecca

    I had to keep looking at it to make sure I read it correctly, maybe it was a typo because that price just seemed crazy. 

    He's only there for a year, so I would love to take advantage of him being there to visit, otherwise, I really don't have any reason to go there.

  • chriscwick

    Wifey - did you get some Bahraini
    Pearls? They are supposed to be very lovely because of the fresh & salt water they grow in.
    Course, if the ticket costs $12,000 guess pearls are out of the question!? lol
  • Rebecca

    I love pearls, maybe I need to have my son investigate this for me! Or he could surprise his momma for Christmas. 

  • JosephsWifey

    No pearls for me ;-( my husband is kind of a cheap skate hahaha. Actually I didnt even see any pearls while we were there.... weird huh?!
  • Rebecca

    On Travelocity I saw tickets from Denver to Bahrain for around $1250 to $1400. The cost varied with the length of time to get there...the cheapest took 41+hours with several stops along the way. Relatively speaking, these prices aren't that bad...

  • chriscwick

    Chris got Al & I pendants with ours three names in Arabic with little pearl dangles.
  • CathieRenee

    Kathy... My son went pearl diving with some of his friends and they spent 3 hrs shucking oysters. I think he said they found 1 or 2 small pearls. Pearls are expensive there and the price is fixed, so no haggling on prices. He did send me a very nice gold rope necklace with a gold horse head pendant. The pendant has a sapphire and the horse's eyes are little diamonds. He bought it at Ramzana Jewellers. He also sent me a hard carved wooden jewelry box, inset with what appears to be gold.
  • chriscwick

    The pearl hunting sounds fun, if not daunting. Wonder if Chris has tried it.

    CathieRenee - your son sounds very thoughtful & has nice taste!

    Chris's Dad has trained him in the haggle. They had a ball during marching band trips. The mentor & his student. He had a bit of success his senior year in New York City. Bet he'd be disappointed not to be able to try out his skills! lol
  • Amanduh

    Hi Ladies! My name is Amanda, my husband is an MAA and arrived in Bahrain about 2 weeks ago. He'll be spending a year there : / We have two kids, a son who is 14 months old, and a daughter who is 3 weeks old (thankfully my husband didn't miss the birth!) Needless to say, I have my hands full and really wish I had my husband around to help!

  • chriscwick

    It is tough being the one "on duty" at home. It's nice that the media is acknowledging what military families do & give up for those who have stepped up to serve. This site is a great place to vent, celebrate, ask questions & help out someone else when you can. Hang tight, stay tuned & welcome aboard!

    I'm a MA3 MWD(K9) Handler Mom. My son's name is Chris. He's into his third year in the NAVY & being a sand sailor". He went from "A" school into the "sandbox".
  • Amanduh

    I decided to move back in with my parents while my husband is gone. I was reluctant at first, but I am sooooo happy to have the help! Especially on days like today when both kids are driving me nuts : ) Got to skype with my husband this morning. Anyone else find that the internet connection out there sucks? He said Bahrain isn't as bad as everyone told him it would be. He is having a hard time finding friends he can relate to (married with kids) He said most of the people he's come across are into the partying lifestyle.

     

    trloguem- I wonder if we've ever crossed paths! My dad is a retired Navy Master Chief. Even though I grew up as a Navy brat, I had quite a different experience. We were stationed in San Diego for 12 years. We didn't move around a bunch, change schools, etc. And I certainly don't remember my dad ever being gone for a year! Were you guys ever stationed in SD?

  • Rebecca

    HI Amanduh! My son is also fairly new in Bahrain, he arrived on the 8th of the this month. He likes it so far, but like your hubby, finding people that share his interests isn't easy. He isn't married and doesn't have kids,but partying isn't his thing.( I guess to years of college took care of that.) 

    I don't know if any one has mentioned this to your husband, or if it's something he'd be interested in, but my son said that they highly encourage them to volunteer all over the place. One of the places they wanted volunteers was the child care center...people to come in a read,etc.. So far, my son hasn't mentioned if he has done anything, but it seems like the opportunities are there. Might help the time pass faster for you husband. 

    Glad to "meet" you here!

  • Concernedad

    Not sure where my son is right now. Although the plans are, he will be on an MCM in Bahrain. Currently he's either in San Diego awaiting instructions, or already shipped out. Any info on Bahrain would be great.

  • chriscwick

    Welcome aboard! Ask away! Check the site for info.
  • chriscwick

    Oh! School starts Monday for me. Am subbing In a third grade class till the end of October so won't be posting much during the day. Feeling like a hamster on a wheel. Lots of changes this term.
  • Concernedad

    OK, first question, how secure it the Bahrain base right now?

    secondly, can they roam around the city?

    Question about MCMs', do they go out only on day missions or are they out to sea for long periods of time?

  • paces

    Welcome, Concernedad. I have a question for you. What is MCM? I am new to this as well. Our son left July 17. He is a Master of Arms. He is currently in training. I cannot answer any of your questions except that our son is content to stay on base with all the activities they have there. Also, he says he feels safe.

  • paces

    Welcome, Amanduh. Our son has said the same about partying. He doesn't get into that either. In fact, we just had a conversation earlier this week about how to find guys who are more like him. He is 25 so, many of the sailors there are much younger than he is. He is hoping to find some that are more his age.

    rebecca....Thank you for the information about volunteering. I will share that with him. He did some work tutoring in elementary schools when he was in college. That might be something he would enjoy.

    chriscwick... I completely understand. We started back on July 31. The kids came back on Aug 6. It has truly been a long 3 weeks. What state are you in? I am in Georgia. I teach 5th grade. So, grateful for wonderful souls like you who come in and take over for us when we have to be out. You are truly a special person.

    Have a busy weekend,so I am not sure if I will be able to check back until late Sunday, but I wish for everyone a great weekend. Susan

  • JosephsWifey

    Amanduh- what does your husband do? My husband could use some more mature friends over there lol. He's 26 and not into the partying thing either and we have a son. I went to Bahrain in June and it was great- if you ever get the chance to go visit your husband, do it! :)
  • Concernedad

    I would never want to break protocol, nor ask where ships are located, but I don't see how asking if the ships are out more than a day, makes a difference. If I asked if carriers sailed out to sea, would that be a secret?
  • chriscwick

    I would agree that a carrier is harder to conceal in it's movements. lol
    When my Dad left NYC on the way to Europe in WWII, my mom said she looked out the window & the ships were docked. Next time she looked, they were gone! POOF!
    I think, current &/or fore knowledge of those movements would be key information to our enemies. With the threat of mining the Strait MCM patterns may also be valuable.
  • Concernedad

    Thanks for all the info. I certainly would never want to put anyone at risk.

  • chriscwick

    Just a little bump in the road! My MA isn't a wealth of info either. Hope your sailor can give you a call soon to set your mind at ease,
  • chriscwick

    Great & Welcome!
  • LivNLrn

    Agreed Lady Hamilton.

  • paces

    Welcome, Moose. Our son has been there for about 2 months now. He is a MA currently in training.

  • chriscwick

    Our Chris bikes in & out. Says he gets tired of being "collateral damage" from residual spray.
  • Concernedad

    I think all those podcast links are dead.

  • jennnyj

    So upset. My husband has been in Bahrain since last May and is in Bahrain until May 2013. He applied for orders last month and didn't get picked for anything. We still have 2 months of picking, but it's just such a slap in the face. We just want to start our married lives together. We got married and a week later he left for Bahrain. I hope god is on our side this month with orders, please pray for us.

  • chriscwick

    Awwww baby, hang in there. Thinking positive on your behalf.
  • paces

    jennyj...Thinking of you and praying for you and your husband. I know this must be very difficult for you. Do you have family close by you?You know God works in mysterious ways and I keep telling my son that as well. He has a plan for you and your husband and things will work out the way they are supposed to. We just have to have the trust and faith to be patient and see what he has in store. Keeping you in our prayers.

  • jennnyj

    Thanks ladies. Rita, he actually is stationed in Bahrain for the 2 years so that's what makes it so hard not knowing if we will be able to live together for the next 2 years of his enlistment. I do live with my parents right now so that makes it a little easier. I'm able to take to my husband everyday and text and skype, so that makes things better also. It's just hard not knowing what is next. We're stronger than ever, just ready to live with each other.