My daughter is in "holding", I believe she called it, until they set her up to go. She said shell be able to come home for 2-3 weeks before she heads out. Anyone else have a sailor waiting to head out?
My son just graduated from A school in San Antonio this past Friday (the 8th). He was supposed to leave with us on the 9th to come for 2 weeks, but that didn't happen. He is still at Lackland waiting for his ticket. Fingers crossed that will happen this week.
What we've learned up until this point from his orders is he is looking at a 2 year tour in Bahrain.
I've heard alot of good reviews on the application Viper that they can us to text internationally for free.
These past few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster to say the least. Long story short, my sons leaving for Bahrain very soon and is not able to come home before going overseas. We were under the impression up until recently that he would be able to come home for two weeks. His plans/arrangements have been changed about 4-5 times over that last few weeks. Is this common? Also, does anyone know once he arrives in Bahrain when will he be able to come home to visit?
My daughter has report to Norfolk for training in July before her decamber 22 ship date for bahrain. We just found out she too will not get to come home before leaving. Not happy. Cried all night the night I found out. Also not sure how long she will be there. She could possibly be there until October 2019
After being home for a couple of months, our Son left for Bahrain last week, flew to Norfolk but orders were incorrect stayed at Navy Lodge for a week (who pays for this). He flew out earlier this week, some L O N G layovers. Waiting to hear that he is on base, safe & sound for the next 1-2 yrs.
I contacted our bank to let them know that our daughter is in the military and will be stationed in Bahrain for next 2 years. They told me that they flag the account as military - over seas and should work just fine. Also as of February Sprint now has a tower in Bahrain. Strongly advise anyone with Sprint have their phone set up for international before they leave the states.
My son is still in A school in GL. He called yesterday saying he received his orders and is going to Bahrain after he graduates. I am a total mess! Are there things I need to do for him besides setting up his cell phone to receive international calls? This is my first encounter with the military, so everything is new to me. Thank you in advance for any and all advice!
Hi All-It's been a long time since I posted on this page but I feel compelled to share some info! We did not use international phone service. Our son used Skype with his computer to our phone when he called. This worked pretty well with some delays in the conversation depending on the call. Honestly they work a lot of hours there and with the big time change phone calls aren't all that easy. Just remember that if you use Skype to your phone the call will come through somewhere in the US. Our first call came through Palm City in California and due to the delay I thought it was a robo call and hung up on our son on his first call! We laugh about that now! We also used Facebook messenger a lot! That works really well. Our son put a hold on his cell phone (IPhone) and was able to use it through WiFi in his apartment. Calls get really expensive and connections can be clear as day or really bad. We also briefly used WhatsApp for texting but FB worked just as well. We were able to send packages through the FPO address and usually they got to him within a week. Don't send things to their apartment or they may never get them. It is a long trip over and there are frequently travel delays on either end. Our son had a couple of days delay on both ends of his travel. We did not hear from him until he had been there for about 24 hours. It takes a while to get adjusted to that big a time difference. He made good friends in Bahrain, learned a lot about the culture and put in a lot of hours. Best wishes to all... hope this is helpful!
My son is an MA and has been in Bahrain since November 2015. Prior to him leaving to Bahrain we contacted our cell provider ATT to let them know he will be out of the country for 2 years and suspended his service the day he left. ATT will put a hold on his phone for 3 years and he can still have his same cell # when he returns home. International calling plans can be expensive so we tried Skype and Viber. Both work over the Internet Wifi and are FREE!!!! I prefer Viber myself... you can have group chats, calls, send pictures and video. FYI... be sure your Sailor turns his phone off while traveling to Bahrain... roaming fees are crazy high! Luckily ATT reversed all charges.
I hope this has been helpful. :)
Dear FLmom - Our son left for Bahrain 1.5 weeks ago, spent a week in Norfolk & then found out he needed his civi passport which were able to overnight to him. His orders were correct but not flight info so he flew out 2 days late. Four flights to destination. Good luck & prayers to all the families & moms out there.
Thank you for the comments and suggestions. I feel a little overwhelmed at this point. I never dreamt my son would be sent so far away right after A school!
I will be leaving this group now. My daughters orders changed after a few weeks. At this time she wont be going there. Good luck to all of you & your sailors
Guinness, Here are the basics. The Navy pays for the flight from A School to their duty station, and makes the travel arrangements. The Sailors then needs to let the person handling their arrangements that they need to fly from A School home, and from home to their duty station. What the Sailor is charged for is the difference in ticket price.
Example: From A School to duty station the cost is $850 (just a number). To fly from A School home costs $450, and from home to duty station $500. Sailor would pay the difference of $100.
In some cases (such as an overseas duty), the Sailor may have to make a flight from home to a flight already arranged to their duty station. Same thing applies the Sailor pays the difference in cost.
There are restrictions on how soon arrangements can be made to change flights, and your Sailor will know. Sometimes it can be a little harried trying to change flights etc, and it might change the days at home (because of flights), but there is someone to help get it accomplished.
Good morning..My son just found out a couple of days ago he will be going to Bahrain after his A school in San Antonio. To say the least, I am very upset, concerned and afraid for his safety. To be honest, I was hoping he was going to get stationed somewhere closer to home :( I am a member of navy moms and never realized this group existed, I am thankful it does.
My son said that they didn't tell him how long he will be there or what his job will be. If anyone knows how long they are usually there and how often they will get leave to come home can you please update me. Any info or details will be helpful, I am a little overwhelmed with all this. Thank you
I am guessing your son is MA. Our daughter has been there since February and she likes it. Her tour is 2 years, which I believe that is how it is for most of them. She will get to come home next spring hopefully. Sprint now has a tower there so that helps for quick phone calls I know I Phones work as well. We use Skype a lot and until I got her phone set up for international we used What's App for texting (both free). Once he gets into section their work days are quite long. Hope his helps
Diane I too was sick to my stomach hearing my son would be going to Bahrain. You take one day at a time. There are families there so it is fairly safe. My son is doing well. Making friends .
We just sent our first care package to son in Bahrain. He asked for his leg roller, Yeti cups, & civi clothes. Anyone know how long they stay on base? He's in IT & already talking about an apartment. He mentioned there is a Dairy Queen & Starbucks on every corner.
If you are mailing to an APO or FPO is same as the States, military mail takes over after that. For care pkgs call or go online to the USPS for a "Military Care Kit". Various If It Fits, It Ships boxes, mailing labels that are military oriented, customs forms also. My MAMWDH was there three years (2010-2013).
A side note; he turned 21 & I managed an "ice cream cake in the desert" from the Baskin Robbins! His pkg arrived on his birthday containing; plates, spoons, napkins, balloons, airplane size liquors! His text to his Dad read, "Hiw the h--- did Mom pull this off!" I just may have surprised the digitals off his NWUs!
I just learned yesterday that my son will be sent to Bahrain after A-school. Needless to say we are in shock right now. This news also comes a few days after my older son just shipped out on his first deployment on the USS Eisenhower. So I'm on information overload and trying to find out as much as I can. How are your Sailors adjusting to life in Bahrain? Is there only one base there or more than one? I saw a couple posts that made it sound like there is another base to the south that isn't as nice as the main base in the north. Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Hi BethD, Wow - two kids in the Navy! God bless you! :) My daughter is in Bahrain and has been since 9/15. Yes, there are two bases there. She is stationed at the really big one in the north. That has everything - a food court with American food, a movie theater, grocery shopping, post office - you name it. Plus she can order anything she needs from Amazon and they will ship it to her. We find it takes about 2 weeks for mail to get through and that is also how long it takes for a priority mail package to arrive. So they have everything they need. However, I will say that she has had a difficult time adjusting. She has to live off base in a 95% non-American occupied apt. bldg. They want the Americans to spread out so that certain bldgs. will not become targets. For a woman living alone in a predominantly Muslim culture, it has been difficult. She has had to learn not to look at anyone or even answer hello to anyone. But, the men seem to adapt much better and enjoy the time there. The city is pretty modern and the men can go where they want to and see the sights, so she said they enjoy the experience much more. I don't know much about the other base except that it is smaller and does not have many amenities. I think it depends on what their job is where they get sent. She is an office person in Intelligence. I know I have seen that other moms in this group have sons at the other base - perhaps one of them can give us more info?
One fun thing we did recently is look up our daughter's address in Bahrain on Google earth. It was fun to see her building and what the neighborhood looked like - in general, that is. The pictures there are not as extensive as the ones of U.S. addresses. But we got a kick out of seeing Starbucks logos with Arabic writing, and other American fast food places there!
BethD: my son deploys to the ugly crappy one south of the nice one! Haha. They aren't stationed there, they "deploy" there for several months at a time. No more than 6 months. While there, his accommodations are a storage pod ( he gets it all to himself ) and it comes with a door, a cot & AC. No bathroom. They share a common bathhouse. It has a mess hall & room with ping pong & wifi. It's actually a Bahraini Air Force base that they stay on. He's been 4 times. When they leave the base they have to travel in groups & avoid main roads. There is a bus they can take up to the nice navy base. It's about 1.5hr away. Hope that helps.
Irene: I did the same thing with google maps looking at the area where my son's base is. Unlike when we look at a place in the US..... It was ALL BROWN SAND!! No grass. No green. Literally brown everywhere. I asked my son if that was for real & he said YES! Haha. No green. He said something about the nicer navy base up north having planted some plants?? to make it look nice but not at his base.
Lots of green, both on base and the surrounding residential neighborhood.
Color guard preparing to raise my dad's memorial flag in front of NAVCENT HQ.(His flag has flown over all of CryptoGirl's duty stations.) Plenty of green in the background.
Wow, yes lots of green! My daughter says it is rare there and takes lots of watering. She has been there since last Sept. and only seen it drizzle once. Thanks for the info, Beth, regarding the other base. I had heard it was pretty primitive. The other base sounds really nice, and I am grateful that my daughter gets to be near it. It is hard enough adjusting to life there. One nice thing she has told me - that locals come to sell crafts and hand made items on the base. She has gotten some beautiful tapestries and wooden carved items.
One big tourist attraction there is the "Tree of Life" - one lone tree on the island that is estimated to be over 400 yrs. old. With a chuckle my daughter told us that there is a museum and gift shop next to the lone tree!
One of my worst nitrates is coming true, having my sailor son deployed to middle east, Behrain. I am so worried. One hears so many stories of bombings ECT to our military bases and personnel. How has it been for your sailors? Do they feel safe? Any suggestions to send with him. Thank you all for your support!
My son has been in Bahrain now for 3 months and he is having a great time. I know that might be maddening to read, and to my surprise he is taking advantage of everything the base has to offer, making new friends and trying to enjoy being a sailor.
I too felt like you did when we found out where he was being shipped off to. On a lighter note, my son text me weekly, Facetime's with me when he can and keeps the lines of communication open. Its so much more than I had before he joined the Navy.
I'll keep you and your sailor in my prayers for a steady transition.
Be strong mom and it will all work out for your sailor :)
Hi all, my daughter who is currently stationed in Bahrain wants to bring her sister over for a week's visit. Her sister is 22 so no problem with her being a minor, but I am wondering if others who have been there recently to visit their family member stationed there could share their experiences. Is it easy to enter the country? Online it seems to be saying that you "buy" a visa at the airport - basically sounds like a $25 fee to enter the country - and you're done. Is that for real? Thanks for any help you all can offer.
My son has arrived safe and sound to Bahrain. First Thank you Jesus. I'm trying to figure out what to send him for Christmas. Any ideas was be great. I am so glad to be a member of this group. I know all other groups so far are what keeps me halfway sane. We ae from S.C.
my daughter flies out December 20th to begin her adventure in Bahrain. I am really having a very hard time dealing with it. she has said that it would be better to say my "see you later's" when she comes home earlier on December instead of coming to the airport on the day she ships out. since she is flying from base it would be difficult for me to get through security unless her boyfriend can escorts me. Does the navy not make special arrangements to see your loved ones off like they do after boot camp?
Hello! My son flew out a year and a half ago to Bahrain from base. You daughter should be able to bring you on the base and you can go to the airport there with her and wait until she boards or takes off. Then you just have to get yourself off the base. It is hard as it is a military flights there are a lot of military waiting for flight. She will be ok hang in there.
My Son will be heading off to Bahrain for the second time :( it never gets easier but we all learn to deal with it but worry everyday he will be gone this time for 7 long months :( I think what I hate the most is that he is away from his wife and daughter but I wish all of loved ones a safe deployment and a SAFE return home
Hi, I'm new to this page, and have been reading the many comments to help me understand the "Bahrainian Experience" as I call it. My daughter leaves in Feb for Bahrain. She is a PS. Just wondering how it will be for a daughter on the base. I see a lot if posts for sons, not as many for daughters...also, should she just buy a cell phone there, or add international services on her cell here - we has Verizon. Also, she'll be living on base (from what I am reading) wondering how good the internet is in Bahrain. She is busy finishing school, so am trying not to ask a lot of questions of her, especially since she doesn't know. Gonna miss my baby, BUT so very excited for her as we traveled Europe a lot when we were lived over there. Also, I was thinking of visiting next Dec - during the cooler months but am not sure if I should ...sorry for all the questions...just wanting to alleviate my questions and worry.
Hi NavyGal - Happy New Year. We have a son on the Base in Bahrain. What has worked best for contact is texting and WiFi calls are besty, no extra charges when he calls home. I know they have to do A LOT of walking on and off base. Funny, he mentioned 2 weeks ago was the first time they had rain since he's been there about 10 months.
Dolo
My daughter is in "holding", I believe she called it, until they set her up to go. She said shell be able to come home for 2-3 weeks before she heads out. Anyone else have a sailor waiting to head out?
Apr 10, 2016
A's Mom
My son leaves for Bahrain in a couple of weeks.
Apr 10, 2016
ValK
Son is leaving tomorrow afternoon for Bahrain. Year long tour.
Apr 11, 2016
Roni13
Hi parents of sailors off to Bahrain :)
My son just graduated from A school in San Antonio this past Friday (the 8th). He was supposed to leave with us on the 9th to come for 2 weeks, but that didn't happen. He is still at Lackland waiting for his ticket. Fingers crossed that will happen this week.
What we've learned up until this point from his orders is he is looking at a 2 year tour in Bahrain.
I've heard alot of good reviews on the application Viper that they can us to text internationally for free.
Good Luck to your son ValK.
Apr 11, 2016
Nic
Apr 21, 2016
proud mom of Kayla
Apr 21, 2016
ValK
After being home for a couple of months, our Son left for Bahrain last week, flew to Norfolk but orders were incorrect stayed at Navy Lodge for a week (who pays for this). He flew out earlier this week, some L O N G layovers. Waiting to hear that he is on base, safe & sound for the next 1-2 yrs.
Apr 23, 2016
Nic
Apr 23, 2016
Sassysis
I contacted our bank to let them know that our daughter is in the military and will be stationed in Bahrain for next 2 years. They told me that they flag the account as military - over seas and should work just fine. Also as of February Sprint now has a tower in Bahrain. Strongly advise anyone with Sprint have their phone set up for international before they leave the states.
Apr 23, 2016
Nic
Apr 25, 2016
FLmom5
My son is still in A school in GL. He called yesterday saying he received his orders and is going to Bahrain after he graduates. I am a total mess! Are there things I need to do for him besides setting up his cell phone to receive international calls? This is my first encounter with the military, so everything is new to me. Thank you in advance for any and all advice!
Apr 26, 2016
Newsubmom
Hi All-It's been a long time since I posted on this page but I feel compelled to share some info! We did not use international phone service. Our son used Skype with his computer to our phone when he called. This worked pretty well with some delays in the conversation depending on the call. Honestly they work a lot of hours there and with the big time change phone calls aren't all that easy. Just remember that if you use Skype to your phone the call will come through somewhere in the US. Our first call came through Palm City in California and due to the delay I thought it was a robo call and hung up on our son on his first call! We laugh about that now! We also used Facebook messenger a lot! That works really well. Our son put a hold on his cell phone (IPhone) and was able to use it through WiFi in his apartment. Calls get really expensive and connections can be clear as day or really bad. We also briefly used WhatsApp for texting but FB worked just as well. We were able to send packages through the FPO address and usually they got to him within a week. Don't send things to their apartment or they may never get them. It is a long trip over and there are frequently travel delays on either end. Our son had a couple of days delay on both ends of his travel. We did not hear from him until he had been there for about 24 hours. It takes a while to get adjusted to that big a time difference. He made good friends in Bahrain, learned a lot about the culture and put in a lot of hours. Best wishes to all... hope this is helpful!
Apr 26, 2016
dori
I hope this has been helpful. :)
Apr 26, 2016
ValK
Dear FLmom - Our son left for Bahrain 1.5 weeks ago, spent a week in Norfolk & then found out he needed his civi passport which were able to overnight to him. His orders were correct but not flight info so he flew out 2 days late. Four flights to destination. Good luck & prayers to all the families & moms out there.
Apr 27, 2016
FLmom5
Thank you for the comments and suggestions. I feel a little overwhelmed at this point. I never dreamt my son would be sent so far away right after A school!
Apr 27, 2016
Dolo
I will be leaving this group now. My daughters orders changed after a few weeks. At this time she wont be going there. Good luck to all of you & your sailors
Apr 30, 2016
A's Mom
May 8, 2016
Guinness77
May 11, 2016
ellen0502
Guinness, Here are the basics. The Navy pays for the flight from A School to their duty station, and makes the travel arrangements. The Sailors then needs to let the person handling their arrangements that they need to fly from A School home, and from home to their duty station. What the Sailor is charged for is the difference in ticket price.
Example: From A School to duty station the cost is $850 (just a number). To fly from A School home costs $450, and from home to duty station $500. Sailor would pay the difference of $100.
In some cases (such as an overseas duty), the Sailor may have to make a flight from home to a flight already arranged to their duty station. Same thing applies the Sailor pays the difference in cost.
There are restrictions on how soon arrangements can be made to change flights, and your Sailor will know. Sometimes it can be a little harried trying to change flights etc, and it might change the days at home (because of flights), but there is someone to help get it accomplished.
May 12, 2016
Diane
Good morning..My son just found out a couple of days ago he will be going to Bahrain after his A school in San Antonio. To say the least, I am very upset, concerned and afraid for his safety. To be honest, I was hoping he was going to get stationed somewhere closer to home :( I am a member of navy moms and never realized this group existed, I am thankful it does.
My son said that they didn't tell him how long he will be there or what his job will be. If anyone knows how long they are usually there and how often they will get leave to come home can you please update me. Any info or details will be helpful, I am a little overwhelmed with all this. Thank you
May 14, 2016
Sassysis
I am guessing your son is MA. Our daughter has been there since February and she likes it. Her tour is 2 years, which I believe that is how it is for most of them. She will get to come home next spring hopefully. Sprint now has a tower there so that helps for quick phone calls I know I Phones work as well. We use Skype a lot and until I got her phone set up for international we used What's App for texting (both free). Once he gets into section their work days are quite long. Hope his helps
May 14, 2016
guysmom
Diane I too was sick to my stomach hearing my son would be going to Bahrain. You take one day at a time. There are families there so it is fairly safe. My son is doing well. Making friends .
May 14, 2016
ValK
We just sent our first care package to son in Bahrain. He asked for his leg roller, Yeti cups, & civi clothes. Anyone know how long they stay on base? He's in IT & already talking about an apartment. He mentioned there is a Dairy Queen & Starbucks on every corner.
May 14, 2016
ValK
Does anyone know what postage is for a regular card?
Jun 4, 2016
chriscwick
A side note; he turned 21 & I managed an "ice cream cake in the desert" from the Baskin Robbins! His pkg arrived on his birthday containing; plates, spoons, napkins, balloons, airplane size liquors! His text to his Dad read, "Hiw the h--- did Mom pull this off!" I just may have surprised the digitals off his NWUs!
Jun 4, 2016
chriscwick
Jun 4, 2016
ValK
Thanks for the info chriswick. I put 2 Forever stamps on the card. Our sailor turns 30 next month.
Jun 5, 2016
OKMarti
Does anyone know of a facebook group for moms only? No military spouses....
Jun 6, 2016
BethD
OKMarti I found this group on facebook for Mom's with sailors in Bahrain:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/664105946934160/
Jun 8, 2016
BethD
Hello Everyone!
I just learned yesterday that my son will be sent to Bahrain after A-school. Needless to say we are in shock right now. This news also comes a few days after my older son just shipped out on his first deployment on the USS Eisenhower. So I'm on information overload and trying to find out as much as I can. How are your Sailors adjusting to life in Bahrain? Is there only one base there or more than one? I saw a couple posts that made it sound like there is another base to the south that isn't as nice as the main base in the north. Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Beth
Jun 9, 2016
ValK
Anything I can help with OKMarti? I'm a Mom.
Jun 10, 2016
Irene
Hi BethD, Wow - two kids in the Navy! God bless you! :) My daughter is in Bahrain and has been since 9/15. Yes, there are two bases there. She is stationed at the really big one in the north. That has everything - a food court with American food, a movie theater, grocery shopping, post office - you name it. Plus she can order anything she needs from Amazon and they will ship it to her. We find it takes about 2 weeks for mail to get through and that is also how long it takes for a priority mail package to arrive. So they have everything they need. However, I will say that she has had a difficult time adjusting. She has to live off base in a 95% non-American occupied apt. bldg. They want the Americans to spread out so that certain bldgs. will not become targets. For a woman living alone in a predominantly Muslim culture, it has been difficult. She has had to learn not to look at anyone or even answer hello to anyone. But, the men seem to adapt much better and enjoy the time there. The city is pretty modern and the men can go where they want to and see the sights, so she said they enjoy the experience much more. I don't know much about the other base except that it is smaller and does not have many amenities. I think it depends on what their job is where they get sent. She is an office person in Intelligence. I know I have seen that other moms in this group have sons at the other base - perhaps one of them can give us more info?
Jun 11, 2016
Irene
One fun thing we did recently is look up our daughter's address in Bahrain on Google earth. It was fun to see her building and what the neighborhood looked like - in general, that is. The pictures there are not as extensive as the ones of U.S. addresses. But we got a kick out of seeing Starbucks logos with Arabic writing, and other American fast food places there!
Jun 11, 2016
KC'smom
Jun 14, 2016
KC'smom
Jun 14, 2016
CryptoDad
The "nicer navy base" is easy to find with google maps:
Jun 14, 2016
KC'smom
Jun 14, 2016
CryptoDad
Lots of green, both on base and the surrounding residential neighborhood.
Jun 14, 2016
Irene
Wow, yes lots of green! My daughter says it is rare there and takes lots of watering. She has been there since last Sept. and only seen it drizzle once. Thanks for the info, Beth, regarding the other base. I had heard it was pretty primitive. The other base sounds really nice, and I am grateful that my daughter gets to be near it. It is hard enough adjusting to life there. One nice thing she has told me - that locals come to sell crafts and hand made items on the base. She has gotten some beautiful tapestries and wooden carved items.
Jun 14, 2016
Irene
One big tourist attraction there is the "Tree of Life" - one lone tree on the island that is estimated to be over 400 yrs. old. With a chuckle my daughter told us that there is a museum and gift shop next to the lone tree!
Jun 14, 2016
Ryans mom4 (ship 11 div 057)
Aug 16, 2016
Roni13
Hi Ryan's mom,
My son has been in Bahrain now for 3 months and he is having a great time. I know that might be maddening to read, and to my surprise he is taking advantage of everything the base has to offer, making new friends and trying to enjoy being a sailor.
I too felt like you did when we found out where he was being shipped off to. On a lighter note, my son text me weekly, Facetime's with me when he can and keeps the lines of communication open. Its so much more than I had before he joined the Navy.
I'll keep you and your sailor in my prayers for a steady transition.
Be strong mom and it will all work out for your sailor :)
Aug 16, 2016
Irene
Hi all, my daughter who is currently stationed in Bahrain wants to bring her sister over for a week's visit. Her sister is 22 so no problem with her being a minor, but I am wondering if others who have been there recently to visit their family member stationed there could share their experiences. Is it easy to enter the country? Online it seems to be saying that you "buy" a visa at the airport - basically sounds like a $25 fee to enter the country - and you're done. Is that for real? Thanks for any help you all can offer.
Aug 23, 2016
dixie
Good Morning everyone,
My son has arrived safe and sound to Bahrain. First Thank you Jesus. I'm trying to figure out what to send him for Christmas. Any ideas was be great. I am so glad to be a member of this group. I know all other groups so far are what keeps me halfway sane. We ae from S.C.
Nov 18, 2016
sacsocmom
There is a Bahrain Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/664105946934160/
Nov 18, 2016
proud mom of Kayla
Nov 19, 2016
JerseyMom
Hello! My son flew out a year and a half ago to Bahrain from base. You daughter should be able to bring you on the base and you can go to the airport there with her and wait until she boards or takes off. Then you just have to get yourself off the base. It is hard as it is a military flights there are a lot of military waiting for flight. She will be ok hang in there.
Nov 19, 2016
navymomds
My Son will be heading off to Bahrain for the second time :( it never gets easier but we all learn to deal with it but worry everyday he will be gone this time for 7 long months :( I think what I hate the most is that he is away from his wife and daughter but I wish all of loved ones a safe deployment and a SAFE return home
Dec 16, 2016
Mom of NavyGal
Hi, I'm new to this page, and have been reading the many comments to help me understand the "Bahrainian Experience" as I call it. My daughter leaves in Feb for Bahrain. She is a PS. Just wondering how it will be for a daughter on the base. I see a lot if posts for sons, not as many for daughters...also, should she just buy a cell phone there, or add international services on her cell here - we has Verizon. Also, she'll be living on base (from what I am reading) wondering how good the internet is in Bahrain. She is busy finishing school, so am trying not to ask a lot of questions of her, especially since she doesn't know. Gonna miss my baby, BUT so very excited for her as we traveled Europe a lot when we were lived over there. Also, I was thinking of visiting next Dec - during the cooler months but am not sure if I should ...sorry for all the questions...just wanting to alleviate my questions and worry.
Dec 31, 2016
ValK
Hi NavyGal - Happy New Year. We have a son on the Base in Bahrain. What has worked best for contact is texting and WiFi calls are besty, no extra charges when he calls home. I know they have to do A LOT of walking on and off base. Funny, he mentioned 2 weeks ago was the first time they had rain since he's been there about 10 months.
Jan 1, 2017