I am in a similar situation to others here...my son is waiting to hear about shore duty in Bahrain. While I share the concerns of others, what a wonderful opportunity to explore, work and live in another culture. My son has a friend there and she had really enjoyed her duty there! While there are problems in the papers we only need to look at our newspapers and realize how the world may see us. I recently got a book out of our library "Bahrain Cultures of the World" and it is very interesting. It reads much like a middle school social studies book but it is relatively current 2009 and worth the read. Also The Lonely Planet has a current guide on line. So....while I share and understand how so many feel, I am trying to learn about the culture and hopefully have the opportunity to visit! This site really helps! Any and all information is helpful!
My son has only been there a few months so is still living on base. He also asked for that posting and likes his job. For some odd reason I am not afraid any more than when he was in the US. I miss him but am able to connect via facebook and his sister has skyped with him
Good evening, Moms. It has been several days since I have been here. Our son has been there since July and is still on base as well. He says there is quite a waiting list to move off base. He has put in for leave this Fall. Praying it all goes through.
Command has told our Handler son he cannot re-up in the sand. He will come back to the States. No idea where. He has a girlfriend who will be coming into VA, also don't know when. A lot od "don't knows" right now. "Gary Cooper" hasn't said anything. I got this from the GF!
It is definitely difficult. How old is your "secret squirrel"? Our boys are 25 and 23. Our 23 year old was just accepted to med school in KY. It is going to be very difficult not seeing him every day. He has been home from college for a year waiting on a spot for med school. Although he has been working and doing his own thing, he has been an arm's length away. He leaves in July.
I don't think I will ever get used to not hearing from them regularly and neither of mine is very communicative either.
The "squirrel" turned 23 late last year. Congrats to your future MD, how exciting. A close friend says this age is part of the independent stage & that they do come back. Trouble is I hate waiting! lol I know how you feel. The "Squirrel" & I were very close when he was younger. Our move from FL to NC changed the relationship.
There is a mess hall on base and a food court (like the mall). Also, a couple of blocks from the base there is a street Nicknamed American Alley with all the familiar restaurants. The Souk is the market place about a 10-15 min taxi ride away.
Hello Ladies!! Yes is good to know that they have a mess hall. My son told me that there wasn't any...I really hope so.. because the little money they make it will go towards food !!:(( Food can be expensive over there!! My son told me that he likes the local food a lot!! Well, hahaha I teach him to eat everything!!!!!
Hi, My son is a MAA at the Bahrain base. Any moms in this group have a son that is also a MAA. Just curious on comments that your son has made about the MAA on this base. My sons has been here since mid January.
hi everyone, I am new to the group. son got orders on monday. He still has to finish school and then come home before he goes, He is going to be a PS. I hope to get to know all of you better.
Hi JustCathy. My son is also a MAA. He arrived there in the beginning of January. I'd love to tell you all sorts of things about the base but getting any information out of my son is like pulling teeth!! lol. All I get is fine...."how are you?" "fine". "How's things on base?" "fine". Love him more than life but wish he was a little more communicative!
Mine is MA MWD Handler, known here abouts as "secret squirrel". He's finishing his 3rd year in the sand this summer. This was his first post. Supposedly, back to the States somewhere next.
Mine is MA MWD Handler, known here abouts as "secret squirrel". He's finishing his 3rd year in the sand this summer. This was his first post. Supposedly, back to the States somewhere next.
Mine is MA MWD Handler, known here abouts as "secret squirrel". He's finishing his 3rd year in the sand this summer. This was his first post. Supposedly, back to the States somewhere next. Most of the kids are OPSEC conscientious or like mine, a Sphinx when it comes to sharing.
Hi All. I am new to this group. My son is still in A school but is scheduled to deploy to Bahrain at the end of this month after graduation. I am nervous because we thought he was going to Oceana, in Virginia Beach, VA. Well, he wanted to see the world, but I was hoping it would begin a little closer to home. He is very excited about going, meanwhile, I am a wreck, but I don't let him see that. What is the general atmosphere like, there? Do they get to communicate as often as they do now if they are land based? My sailor doesn't seem to know, so I figured I would ask someone in this group with more experience. Thanks!
Hi, My son has been there since last January 7th, 2011. He was home for Leave almost a year to the day. He is able to call anytime. He purchased his phone there. He has a International Phone Package and an IPhone. We are able to text him and he can call when he is available. He is a M.A. he really loves it there. The Sailiors all are very nice. It is safer now then most Gulf area Bases. It is his first deployment as well. I feel they have been highly trained there and that this will serve them well for the rest of their careers in and outnof the Navy. Mail gets there in about 2 weeks, from California. I think your Sailor will enjoy his deployment. Do not worry. This is a great group online. They know anything you may need to know. I thank you and your son for his service to this Nation. You have raised a wonderful patriot.
Nancy can you give info on the international plans my daughter has been there a few months and has iPhone that she's using like an iPod. I'm in California was wondering about mail too thank you
My son is leaving today for Bahrain. He has a cell phone from here. Should I get them to stop it while he is there? How much will it cost to get a phone there? And do they have to sign a contract to get the phone? He leaves in 2 hours.... help...
AngelW, sorry that I can't give you answers on the phone. My thoughts are with you as I am dreading the day,(which is soon approaching) when my sailor heads over there. Hang in there!
Check out NSA Bahrain on Facebook. They have a lot of info and alerts that go out. It has been esp. unrestful today in Bahrain and you can get info from that page also. My sailor said today alot of "stuff" was going down. NSA Bahrain posted a phone muster for the whole base.
AngelW, I am sorry I was not able to get back to you. I for some reason can not respond to this site on my IPhone. Do not fear the Cell phone plan. Yes- he can put it on a Military "Freeze" or service suspension while deployed. When he gets there - his sponsor can help him decide what his best course of action is for his phone. My son suspense his State Side phone and has the iPhone with the International phone plan he bought there. Before he came home on leave he notified the state side plan that he was feud ing for leave and needed the phone available from 1-7-13 to 2-1-13. And sure enough when the plane landed he called from the U.S. Phone. It saves a lot of money. The sponsors assigned to your son for his Culture emersion training are so helpful and very nice. You will hear from your Sailor very soon. Hope you are well.
AngelW, Our son has a stateside TMobile Blackberry and it is actually on our family plan. So, when he was over there, I suspended it here but not until I knew he arrived in Bahrain. I found out he arrived in Bahrain by receiving a phone call from our son which he made with his sponsor's phone. In terms of the phone he bought over there, it sounds as though he purchases a phone that is loaded with some amount of minutes, Then, he has his iPad with him which we use for Skype, however not that frequently due to heavy work load and spotty internet connection. When we do Skype it is not perfectly synched up where his face/mouth are moving at a different speed than the sound of his voice. I really don't mind this because I am so elated just to see him, hear his voice, and actually see him laugh/smile at our conversations. When they are underway (in case yours is on a ship), I have had no communication which is frustrating. Before he left, he gave me access to his bank accout online. It sounds silly, but if I haven't spoken to him for a long interval, I am just happy to see that he's spending money...which means that he's okay! LOL Pls keep posting your feelings and questions...we've all been in your shoes and it's very hard, but it does get easier over time. Give me your son's first name, and I will keep him in my prayers for a safe and positive transition to military life in Bahrain.
Hi- I again just spent over an hour trying to upload a picture. Even a profile picture. Again nothing! How did you guys load all of yours? I have tried 3 different computers.
HoustonTXMom - his name is Devin. Thank you so much for the information. I am looking at this as an adventure in seeing the world, and trying not to panic. Thank you for the support!
mother always
Wow!! she's been there a while!!
Thanks to God for the new orders!!
My son asked to go there... can you imagine that??!!....
Can you tell me about her experience there?....
Feb 28, 2013
mother always
AMEN,AMEN!!!!!
Feb 28, 2013
Newsubmom
Feb 28, 2013
mother always
From my part I can say thank you for the "brain opening" and the enhancing of ideas....
I from my part,too let my mind run wild and don't for the REAL facts!!
Thanks again!!
Feb 28, 2013
Odi_Ship09_Div140
My son has only been there a few months so is still living on base. He also asked for that posting and likes his job. For some odd reason I am not afraid any more than when he was in the US. I miss him but am able to connect via facebook and his sister has skyped with him
Feb 28, 2013
paces
Good evening, Moms. It has been several days since I have been here. Our son has been there since July and is still on base as well. He says there is quite a waiting list to move off base. He has put in for leave this Fall. Praying it all goes through.
Feb 28, 2013
chriscwick
Mar 1, 2013
mother always
I'm happy for you!! But it seems he wanted to saty....
Can you tell me what's GF?...
Mar 1, 2013
chriscwick
Mar 1, 2013
paces
Congratulations. I know you are super excited. Waiting anxiously for our year and a half to be over. Ours wants to go to Italy.
Mar 2, 2013
chriscwick
Mar 2, 2013
paces
It is definitely difficult. How old is your "secret squirrel"? Our boys are 25 and 23. Our 23 year old was just accepted to med school in KY. It is going to be very difficult not seeing him every day. He has been home from college for a year waiting on a spot for med school. Although he has been working and doing his own thing, he has been an arm's length away. He leaves in July.
I don't think I will ever get used to not hearing from them regularly and neither of mine is very communicative either.
Mar 2, 2013
chriscwick
Mar 3, 2013
Ru Ru
Mar 7, 2013
mother always
Good morning
Happy,happy to your daughter!! Blessings!!
I would like to know if there is a mess hall now on base.....
Mar 8, 2013
chriscwick
Mar 9, 2013
mother always
Good morning!
Souk??!!
Mar 9, 2013
erinsmom
There is a mess hall on base and a food court (like the mall). Also, a couple of blocks from the base there is a street Nicknamed American Alley with all the familiar restaurants. The Souk is the market place about a 10-15 min taxi ride away.
Mar 9, 2013
mother always
Thank you for answering!!
I wanted to know because I read that there was no mess hall....
How long has your daughter been there? If you may.....
Mar 9, 2013
Lorna
Hello Ladies!! Yes is good to know that they have a mess hall. My son told me that there wasn't any...I really hope so.. because the little money they make it will go towards food !!:(( Food can be expensive over there!! My son told me that he likes the local food a lot!! Well, hahaha I teach him to eat everything!!!!!
Mar 12, 2013
mother always
Good afternoon!!
My son received his orders today (yesterday) he is deployed...that he will be
going to Baharain by the end of november or 1st days of december, no latter than dec. 9th....
I have been looking for information about this area....
Mar 12, 2013
Mary...Brittsmom
Is he on deployment or is he stationed there?
Mar 12, 2013
Mary...Brittsmom
Lorna; I spoke with my daughter this morning and there is no galley. They do however make BAS which is extra pay for food.
Mar 12, 2013
mother always
Right now he is deployed....
Mar 12, 2013
mother always
Can they buy food on base or they have to go out?
Mar 12, 2013
mother always
What does your daughter tell you about the place?
Does she like it?.......
Mar 12, 2013
Lorna
Thanks!!! Mary, good to know, because my son looooves to eat!!!!
Mar 12, 2013
JustCathy
Hi, My son is a MAA at the Bahrain base. Any moms in this group have a son that is also a MAA. Just curious on comments that your son has made about the MAA on this base. My sons has been here since mid January.
Mar 12, 2013
Mary...Brittsmom
Hi JustCathy; I have a daughter that has been there since January 2012. She in a MAA and in weapons.
Mar 12, 2013
teeny
hi everyone, I am new to the group. son got orders on monday. He still has to finish school and then come home before he goes, He is going to be a PS. I hope to get to know all of you better.
Mar 13, 2013
mother always
Good morning
Lady Hamilton,thank you so much for all the information!!
Welcome teeny!! I'm new too!!
Mar 13, 2013
AngelW (Ship 07 Div 060)
I am new to this group. My son is flying out on Thursday and i am worried. Is it all ok over there?
Mar 13, 2013
Niffer
Hi JustCathy. My son is also a MAA. He arrived there in the beginning of January. I'd love to tell you all sorts of things about the base but getting any information out of my son is like pulling teeth!! lol. All I get is fine...."how are you?" "fine". "How's things on base?" "fine". Love him more than life but wish he was a little more communicative!
Mar 13, 2013
AngelW (Ship 07 Div 060)
Thank you for the welcome! He has been in the Navy for 1 1/2 yrs, but this is the first time out of the US. I will try not to dwell.
Mar 13, 2013
chriscwick
Mar 13, 2013
chriscwick
Mar 13, 2013
chriscwick
Mar 13, 2013
Mikesnavymom
Hi All. I am new to this group. My son is still in A school but is scheduled to deploy to Bahrain at the end of this month after graduation. I am nervous because we thought he was going to Oceana, in Virginia Beach, VA. Well, he wanted to see the world, but I was hoping it would begin a little closer to home. He is very excited about going, meanwhile, I am a wreck, but I don't let him see that. What is the general atmosphere like, there? Do they get to communicate as often as they do now if they are land based? My sailor doesn't seem to know, so I figured I would ask someone in this group with more experience. Thanks!
Mar 14, 2013
Nancy Cooper's Mom
Mar 14, 2013
Nancy Cooper's Mom
Mar 14, 2013
Ru Ru
Mar 14, 2013
teeny
thanks for all the great info ladies. Very helpful, I will have to let him know, he always says I know more than he does with the help of this site
Mar 14, 2013
AngelW (Ship 07 Div 060)
My son is leaving today for Bahrain. He has a cell phone from here. Should I get them to stop it while he is there? How much will it cost to get a phone there? And do they have to sign a contract to get the phone? He leaves in 2 hours.... help...
Mar 14, 2013
SSSailor'sMom
AngelW, sorry that I can't give you answers on the phone. My thoughts are with you as I am dreading the day,(which is soon approaching) when my sailor heads over there. Hang in there!
Mar 14, 2013
AngelW (Ship 07 Div 060)
Thank you! We just found out 2 days ago - super short notice. Lots of prayers for all of our guys and gals.
Mar 14, 2013
Mom2aSailor
Check out NSA Bahrain on Facebook. They have a lot of info and alerts that go out. It has been esp. unrestful today in Bahrain and you can get info from that page also. My sailor said today alot of "stuff" was going down. NSA Bahrain posted a phone muster for the whole base.
Mar 14, 2013
Nancy Cooper's Mom
Mar 14, 2013
HoustonTXMom
AngelW, Our son has a stateside TMobile Blackberry and it is actually on our family plan. So, when he was over there, I suspended it here but not until I knew he arrived in Bahrain. I found out he arrived in Bahrain by receiving a phone call from our son which he made with his sponsor's phone. In terms of the phone he bought over there, it sounds as though he purchases a phone that is loaded with some amount of minutes, Then, he has his iPad with him which we use for Skype, however not that frequently due to heavy work load and spotty internet connection. When we do Skype it is not perfectly synched up where his face/mouth are moving at a different speed than the sound of his voice. I really don't mind this because I am so elated just to see him, hear his voice, and actually see him laugh/smile at our conversations. When they are underway (in case yours is on a ship), I have had no communication which is frustrating. Before he left, he gave me access to his bank accout online. It sounds silly, but if I haven't spoken to him for a long interval, I am just happy to see that he's spending money...which means that he's okay! LOL Pls keep posting your feelings and questions...we've all been in your shoes and it's very hard, but it does get easier over time. Give me your son's first name, and I will keep him in my prayers for a safe and positive transition to military life in Bahrain.
Mar 15, 2013
Nancy Cooper's Mom
Mar 15, 2013
AngelW (Ship 07 Div 060)
HoustonTXMom - his name is Devin. Thank you so much for the information. I am looking at this as an adventure in seeing the world, and trying not to panic. Thank you for the support!
Mar 15, 2013