My daughter flew out this morning after 2 weeks leave. She will be stationed at the Naval base as a MAA for 2 years. It is her first station and it is hard to let her go. I know we will be able to text and talk, but not as much as we have and that will be an adjustment. I am proud of her and her choice to join the Navy! I know she will rock it!! Navy Moms Forever!!
Dear Melahead- My son was stationed in Bahrain for a year & enjoyed it. Apparently it's a pretty relaxed atmosphere at that base. Good luck to your daughter!
Melahead, It is hard to let them go and to think we may not see them for 2 years. My son just got there in April. They will acrue leave and I guess can take it after 1 year.
A day at a time and cherish short texts and talks via wi-fi. They are very busy and tired and with the 9 hour difference it makes it hard but you are grateful for every word you here. I even get excited when I see him "like" something on facebook lol.
I saw a tshirt that says it best, "Navy Mom, it doesn't get any easier, we just get tougher"
One day at a time and our Faith gets us through.
Good luck to your daughter and welcome to the best family there is, Navy!
Hi everyone. I just joined this group as my son is being stationed in Bahrain and will leave fairly soon. He has been in Italy and I was ok with that, but Bahrain I'm not so comfortable with all these new tensions in the region. Does anyone have any feedback or insight? Thank you!
Hi Everyone! It's been a while since I been on here but always glad to get back to hear how all are doing. My son is on his 2nd tour in Bahrain and I would agree with everything Tyler's Mom mentioned in her commend right down to the t-shirt she mentioNed - Navy Mom, it doesn't get any easier, we just get tougher" - so true. My son seems to like it there. They all work very hard, most all areas work 12 hour shifts. But it seems like the soldiers stationed on that base enjoys each other's company. I think most groups were able to enjoy a fourth of July celebration. Communication is a bit tough because of the time difference and yes, Facebook has been the best for us to communicate with my son. He has been there this second round since May and I got my first Facebook phone call 2 days ago, but always
Hi mattsmom. My sailor has been there a year. I feel very safe with him there. Some sailors have a more relaxed time, some are very, very busy. My sailor gets very little down time. I don't pressure him to communicate, and I just really appreciate it when he does. Since they can buy so much there, I didn't think my care packages were very needed so I stopped. I found out through my daughter that he missed that "box of love from Mom" very much. Of all the places to be stationed in the middle east, this is one of the best and safest. Hope that eases your mind a bit. There is a facebook page Navy Moms and family members in Bahrain, that is very active and has lots of great advice too.
Hi West Pacific. I wanted to thank you for your care package comment. I have been thinking the same thing about him not needing anything from home. But it's just the getting something familiar that means something and that we have not forgotten them. My MA is also very busy, he says he works, sleeps, eats and works out. He has gone to a few base activities so there is some social. He has also gotten to know some of the other MA's that he works with.
I like to hear he is busy, as always too much down time isn't good.
There are much worse places to be then Bahrain for sure, I think it's just hard to know they are so far away and in such a different culture. There is a navy video out that I saw on Facebook about the base and how they are encouraging the MA's to bring their families. How bad could it be if they want families there?
Our MA'S are tough but we are tougher, we raised them, right?
Hello! My son has been there for two years and believe it or not my husband, myself and my 11 year old daughter visited this past December. I was scared at first but, he really wanted us to come and it turned out great. We use an app called Viber to text and call and that works best for us. He has purchased a wifi egg for over there so he can get better connections in places. The base is really nice and we toured the country and I always felt safe. In the city they have some beautiful hotels (ie Ritz Carlton) it is actually a big vacation spot for people from London. The distance is the hardest and not knowing when you will hear from them. Hang in there.
Thanks for your post! I would love to hear more about your trip to Bahrain. My MA said he wouldn't want us to come out just because of the travel climate, my husband is also hesitant but I would go in a second.
I would love to hear details about the planning and the execution of your trip.
Please email me or message me on face book if you are not comfortable here.
My son is an MA and arrived 26Jun he left Norfolk on 24th ... he's been settling in and is doing well. Fortunately, I feel, he was sent there w 6 of his A school mates so it was nice for the guys to go there together ...
Yes it is good for them to go together with their A school brothers. I think the trip over can be a little overwhelming for them. Nerves and exhaustion not a good combination.
ZacksMom & Tyler'sMom - my daughter flew out of Norfolk on June 20th after her two weeks leave after A school. There were 8 of them from my daughters class at least that went to Bahrain, not all on the same flight. I was able to go to A school graduation on May 19th. It was so awesome!! I am such a proud Navy Mom!! She has started indoc and moves on to Academy next week. She still struggles with the time difference, but we text or FaceTime every day. Probably will change once she starts working though. She's enjoying the city and base life. She went to a concert last weekend, has discovered the rock-climbing wall and is making plans to visit Dubai soon also. She's making friends and signing up for online college classes. *bursting with pride and joy* She's my hero!!
Melahead, So glad that she is adjusting. The time difference was tough my MA also. Contact with them does get a little harder after they start work. 3 days on 2 days off then switch. My MA says all he does is work, sleep, work out and eat. He has had time to go off base also, concerts and a little R and R at a local Resort. They are busy and that is what is important. It does make you so proud to see them figuring things out in such a different world. They are heroes!
I requested you as a friend so we can figure out when to talk. My son lives off base and we stayed with him but, we did a lot on base so I can fill you in on that. Talk soon.
Hi! I requested you as a friend as well so we can figure out when to talk. My son lives off base and we stayed with him but, we did a lot on base so I can fill you in on that. Talk soon
Hello again everyone. WestPacific - thank you for your reply to my questions... Everyone is so helpful and I do feel a bit better about my son being there. I found out today he will be on a base (Bahrain base) 2 hours away - working in the tower; he is an AC. Does anyone know what base this is called so I can perhaps find it on Facebook or some other group? Thanks in advance!!
Hi everyone. I'm new to this group. My sailor got orders for Bahrain but hasn't left yet. He doesn't know how long he'll be there. I've heard 6 months and then I heard 2 years. Big difference! If it is the 2 years, how often can he come home? I'm feeling really anxious and overwhelmed.
Boisemom my son has been there since September so far he is talking about coming home next xmas your son will have to build up his time. It’s a lot of adjusting my son kept his spring USA number so I speak to him for nothing or you can get the whatsup app to Speak and FaceTime by internet is not great there I usually tell my son good morning before I go to bed. I hope this was you a little I wish I had a bit of info going in I’m learning on the go!
Thank you Tiesha. We have Verizon. If he has access to the internet, he can text me right? That's for the idea about Whatsup. I will sign up for that and have him do that too. I really thought he'd only be gone for six months. He told me tonight that it will probably be two years and now I'm an emotional wreck. Is your son adjusting there? Is he happy?
Yes he is happy I hear that is the best place to go In the Middle East. His body has to get adjusted to extreme heat and going back and forth from AC to heat my son got sick his first couple of weeks I speak to my son at least 5 out of 7 days and he tell me if he is going out and I won’t be able to reach him. My son is there for 2 years I was thinking of going to Dubai or abu Dubai for spring break next year but he is telling me it may not be worth it. We both are adjusting it feels good that I can speak to him often it makes the distance feel less. My next adventure is trying to mail stuff over there I will keep you posted! I would but the Bahrain time on your phone to get a feel of when he may be up and when he is sleep.
Yes they do have access to internet and he will be able to text it my son is asking me to buy him the EGG the internet booster tying to figure all that out now if he hasn’t left yet I would suggest he buy one and take it
Boisemom, my son has been there since April and will be there for 2 years. If your son is an MA he will be there 2 also. They automatically get 30 days leave but can't use that until after 1 year. They will accrue leave while they are there along the way. My son just told me he requested leave for January so we are waiting to hear if that is approved. Christmas is hard for them to get.
We do us whatsapp and so we text and talk often, so grateful for that. I send packages every couple of weeks. Takes about 1 1/2 weeks. I have to tell him I sent it so he can watch for it. He has adjusted well but he has told me that some have not. Some of the younger ones struggle. You can fly into Bahrain, flights aren't terribly expensive. My son has said he doesn't want us to come there. Manama is very dirty and poor. There are some very nice and expensive resorts on the island. Hope this helps. There are worse places for them to be.
Thank you Tiesha and Tyler'sMom. Your experience is helping me envision what's in store for us. It sounds like talking to your sons is not a problem. Verizon told me that international plans are very expensive. Are you using Skype or something else, or did you sign up for the international plan? Another question I have is, how do you get around? Do they use cabs? My son heard that the Navy will pay for his car to be shipped there. I'm not sure that's accurate and I talked to my insurance and they won't cover him there, so he'd have to buy his own. Not sure I want him driving there anyway, but I would like him to be able to travel. Do groups of them take trips, like to Dubai and other places? I'm sorry I'm asking so many questions, but I sure do appreciate any info you can give me.
My son was there for two years. It was an adjustment but he had a great experience.
He lived off base so he needed a car to get to work. He bought a car there. He sold it back to the dealer when he left. The extreme sandy conditions apparently is very hard on cars. Cars have to pass inspection in Bahrain and I have heard of some people whose American cars did not pass inspection so the cars are returned to the import location. If your son has a really nice car he may be better served to just leave it in the States anyway. The sandy conditions may cause some engine damage and also the drivers there are crazy. Apparently all the vehicles there have dents or damage of some sort because people don't drive decent there. Driving conditions are crazy. No one abides by any of the traffic rules. If your son lives on base he really shouldn't need a car. If there are times when he needs/wants a car renting a car should be an option.
They are always SO busy there. My son worked a ton of hours and didn't have much free time anyway.
They have all of the American fast-food places and shopping there. My son loved the local food there too.
My son was able to port at the major cool cities around the Gulf. I wanted to visit him there but he discouraged me from going there and told me to save my money/trips for when he goes to Japan or Italy.
There are different communication options so contact is usually no issue. (Skype, FB Messenger, Project Fi, and the ones already mentioned.)
USPS Priority Mail to the FPO/APO box works great and is quite speedy. When documenting the contents on the customs label make sure you are very generic when listing the item. Don't be specific. For example if you mail a PS4 game don't put PS4 game just put game.
My son just returned from a year in Bahrain. We used FB messenger to make calls, it is free, and worked great. He enjoyed his time there, but was happy to leave the heat and humidity.
He had to live off base, but he never needed a car. He only lived about a mile from base and he did walk to work in the morning if he could,. too hot in the afternoon to walk home. He used taxis off and on, but most of the time he used Uber when he needed a ride (yes they have Uber). He never had a problem getting where he needed to go.
Driving there for him was not an option, too many issues with other drivers, and no real rules to driving. He figured the money he would spend on a car, insurance and upkeep would probably cost more than the taxis, and uber he used to get around.
The MWR in Bahrain does have tours once a week, so there are things to do. Like jlrb said, they are kept pretty busy there.
We also found the mail service very fast. It would only take one week, in some rare cases two weeks for packages to get to him. Ditto on the "generic" labeling on the customs form. The mail does go through military mail, but the mail must go through local customs.
Cooling towels and cooling t-shirts were what he wore when not in uniform (uniforms can only be worn on base). He said they became his favorite clothing. LOL You can find both on Amazon, and they are not too expensive.
Oh my gosh, you guys are wonderful! Thank you so much for taking the time to fill me in on these details. I will call my son and read to him what all of you have said. Ellen0502, I'm curious about why your son was there for a year instead of two years. I see below that MAs are there for 2 years. My son is a GM. Might your son be a GM too? Maybe it depends on the group they are with rather than the rating?
No problem on the questions! We help each other through this.
My son bought a new SIM card for his phone in order for it to work there. Verizon service is way to expensive put their Verizon service on military hold.
My son uses uber whenever they go off base, a car is impractical. Some of them buy them there and then just sell it or leave when they leave. It must depend on your job and rank whether you live on or off base.
Thank you Tyler'sMom. I read all of these comments to my son over the phone and he is now understanding that having his car shipped there is not an option.
Out daughter has been deployed to Bahrain. She just enlisted earlier this year. When may we expect to hear from her and be able to send her things for the holidays. If so should we send it to the ship or the base? So many questions....any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
My friend and I are planning on going to Bahrain in April to visit our sons. We we’re planning on staying at a hotel on base. Is that possible? Also so we need a visa for 5 days? We are worried about renting a car but not sure how we would get to base. Any feedback would be great.
Milmom, please don't worry. Yes, it is the middle east, but it is very safe. Many of the sailors like the assignment so much they sign up for another year there. My sailor said it is more like a Las Vegas for the people there, and the rules are more relaxed. The heat and humidity can be extreme for some of the sailors who have to be in it, but my sailor survived fine. T Mobile is the preferred phone carrier to have over there as they allow international calls texting, wifi etc, but you can also easily buy chips for other carriers over there as well. If your sailor gets the chance to get off base housing (E-4 and above, I believe, take it, as they can be really, really fancy and nice. They have some old barracks and some brand new barracks as well. Be sure to join the Facebook group Navy Moms and Family Members in Bahrain. It is a very active group with lots of tips and support.
My son has been there since September and he has been fine I definitely understand your fears I was in the same place but I speak with my son all the time he has had no problems he got sick when he first arrived the climate change but since that nothing that is about the safest place he can be over there. Hope this eases some of your worries!
Than you WestPacific. He is excited to go there as he hears the same information. I am not sure I will stop worrying until he is home but it helps hearing your story.
Hey guys! Just left the Great Lakes A school discussion group and have joined this Bahrain Moms. So glad to have found you all. Son will be arriving in Bahrain late July. Lots of nerves, lots of questions, lots of worries...but I'm learning to settle down. Look forward to getting educated.
Update! Son not leaving for Bahrain in late July. Now moving to Virginia for a bit more school. Expecting to be in Bahrain in winter. I will keep checking on this group for any new info. Enjoy your summers - be safe.
My son arrived yesterday - longgggg flight from Fort Lauderdale - bless his heart! Trying to educate myself as much as possible so I'm not a nervous wreck. He was living in Japan with occasional deployment on the Reagan for three years. Major culture change! All he's text so far is that it is expensive and dry! lol
My son arrived in Bahrain on Halloween. Really enjoying this new and strange place. So relieved to find all the American restaurants. My packages are getting to him in about 10 days. Wi-fi is a bit shady but getting to talk w/ him quite a bit using Whats App. So far, he's happy and healthy. Hope you all had a blessed Christmas and are looking forward to this new year. Keep me in your prayers, my younger son leaves for Marine boot camp in 16 days. Feeling a bit lost mixed in with the pride!
Hey Moms! Just wondering if anyone has a more recent update on things on base at Bahrain. My son leaves today, and like so many, I have more questions than answers! If anyone can update how things are done, I would certainly appreciate any information. Thanks!!
My son will be leaving for Bahrain in the fall. Should he take his cellphone with an international plan, or is it cheaper to just buy a prepaid phone at the nex?
My son will be leaving for Bahrain in the fall. Should he take his cellphone with an international plan, or is it cheaper to just buy a prepaid phone at the nex?
Hi Patty, my son is on our family AT&T cell plan. We communicate by both talk and text through What's App (no roaming or international charges). Best of luck to your son (and you!) on his new adventure!
Hi KathyA, Thanks for the info. My son is also on our cspire plan. I will sure be downloading that app. I’m a little sad that he won’t get to come home to visit before he leaves for 3 years, but maybe he will get to come home sometime while he is on the ship from there, but we are excited for this opportunity for him to experience the world.
Melahead
Jun 20, 2017
Sugar02
Jun 20, 2017
Tyler'sMom
Melahead, It is hard to let them go and to think we may not see them for 2 years. My son just got there in April. They will acrue leave and I guess can take it after 1 year.
A day at a time and cherish short texts and talks via wi-fi. They are very busy and tired and with the 9 hour difference it makes it hard but you are grateful for every word you here. I even get excited when I see him "like" something on facebook lol.
I saw a tshirt that says it best, "Navy Mom, it doesn't get any easier, we just get tougher"
One day at a time and our Faith gets us through.
Good luck to your daughter and welcome to the best family there is, Navy!
Jun 20, 2017
MattsMom
Hi everyone. I just joined this group as my son is being stationed in Bahrain and will leave fairly soon. He has been in Italy and I was ok with that, but Bahrain I'm not so comfortable with all these new tensions in the region. Does anyone have any feedback or insight? Thank you!
Jul 7, 2017
A's Mom
Jul 8, 2017
WestPacific
Hi mattsmom. My sailor has been there a year. I feel very safe with him there. Some sailors have a more relaxed time, some are very, very busy. My sailor gets very little down time. I don't pressure him to communicate, and I just really appreciate it when he does. Since they can buy so much there, I didn't think my care packages were very needed so I stopped. I found out through my daughter that he missed that "box of love from Mom" very much. Of all the places to be stationed in the middle east, this is one of the best and safest. Hope that eases your mind a bit. There is a facebook page Navy Moms and family members in Bahrain, that is very active and has lots of great advice too.
Jul 8, 2017
Tyler'sMom
I like to hear he is busy, as always too much down time isn't good.
There are much worse places to be then Bahrain for sure, I think it's just hard to know they are so far away and in such a different culture. There is a navy video out that I saw on Facebook about the base and how they are encouraging the MA's to bring their families. How bad could it be if they want families there?
Our MA'S are tough but we are tougher, we raised them, right?
Jul 8, 2017
JerseyMom
Hello! My son has been there for two years and believe it or not my husband, myself and my 11 year old daughter visited this past December. I was scared at first but, he really wanted us to come and it turned out great. We use an app called Viber to text and call and that works best for us. He has purchased a wifi egg for over there so he can get better connections in places. The base is really nice and we toured the country and I always felt safe. In the city they have some beautiful hotels (ie Ritz Carlton) it is actually a big vacation spot for people from London. The distance is the hardest and not knowing when you will hear from them. Hang in there.
Jul 10, 2017
Tyler'sMom
Diane Makin,
Thanks for your post! I would love to hear more about your trip to Bahrain. My MA said he wouldn't want us to come out just because of the travel climate, my husband is also hesitant but I would go in a second.
I would love to hear details about the planning and the execution of your trip.
Please email me or message me on face book if you are not comfortable here.
Thanks!
Jul 11, 2017
ZacksMom
Jul 11, 2017
Tyler'sMom
Zacks Mom,
Yes it is good for them to go together with their A school brothers. I think the trip over can be a little overwhelming for them. Nerves and exhaustion not a good combination.
Jul 11, 2017
Melahead
Jul 12, 2017
Tyler'sMom
Melahead, So glad that she is adjusting. The time difference was tough my MA also. Contact with them does get a little harder after they start work. 3 days on 2 days off then switch. My MA says all he does is work, sleep, work out and eat. He has had time to go off base also, concerts and a little R and R at a local Resort. They are busy and that is what is important. It does make you so proud to see them figuring things out in such a different world. They are heroes!
Jul 12, 2017
JerseyMom
Tylers Mom,
I requested you as a friend so we can figure out when to talk. My son lives off base and we stayed with him but, we did a lot on base so I can fill you in on that. Talk soon.
Jul 12, 2017
JerseyMom
Zacksmom,
Hi! I requested you as a friend as well so we can figure out when to talk. My son lives off base and we stayed with him but, we did a lot on base so I can fill you in on that. Talk soon
Jul 12, 2017
MattsMom
Hello again everyone. WestPacific - thank you for your reply to my questions... Everyone is so helpful and I do feel a bit better about my son being there. I found out today he will be on a base (Bahrain base) 2 hours away - working in the tower; he is an AC. Does anyone know what base this is called so I can perhaps find it on Facebook or some other group? Thanks in advance!!
Jul 14, 2017
Tiffany22
Jul 20, 2017
Tiesha
Aug 25, 2017
A's Mom
Sep 1, 2017
BoiseMom
Hi everyone. I'm new to this group. My sailor got orders for Bahrain but hasn't left yet. He doesn't know how long he'll be there. I've heard 6 months and then I heard 2 years. Big difference! If it is the 2 years, how often can he come home? I'm feeling really anxious and overwhelmed.
Oct 28, 2017
Tiesha
Oct 28, 2017
BoiseMom
Thank you Tiesha. We have Verizon. If he has access to the internet, he can text me right? That's for the idea about Whatsup. I will sign up for that and have him do that too. I really thought he'd only be gone for six months. He told me tonight that it will probably be two years and now I'm an emotional wreck. Is your son adjusting there? Is he happy?
Oct 29, 2017
BoiseMom
I meant to say "Thanks" for the idea about Whatsup. My typo.
Oct 29, 2017
Tiesha
Oct 29, 2017
Tiesha
Oct 29, 2017
Tyler'sMom
We do us whatsapp and so we text and talk often, so grateful for that. I send packages every couple of weeks. Takes about 1 1/2 weeks. I have to tell him I sent it so he can watch for it. He has adjusted well but he has told me that some have not. Some of the younger ones struggle. You can fly into Bahrain, flights aren't terribly expensive. My son has said he doesn't want us to come there. Manama is very dirty and poor. There are some very nice and expensive resorts on the island. Hope this helps. There are worse places for them to be.
Oct 29, 2017
BoiseMom
Thank you Tiesha and Tyler'sMom. Your experience is helping me envision what's in store for us. It sounds like talking to your sons is not a problem. Verizon told me that international plans are very expensive. Are you using Skype or something else, or did you sign up for the international plan? Another question I have is, how do you get around? Do they use cabs? My son heard that the Navy will pay for his car to be shipped there. I'm not sure that's accurate and I talked to my insurance and they won't cover him there, so he'd have to buy his own. Not sure I want him driving there anyway, but I would like him to be able to travel. Do groups of them take trips, like to Dubai and other places? I'm sorry I'm asking so many questions, but I sure do appreciate any info you can give me.
Oct 29, 2017
jlrb
My son was there for two years. It was an adjustment but he had a great experience.
He lived off base so he needed a car to get to work. He bought a car there. He sold it back to the dealer when he left. The extreme sandy conditions apparently is very hard on cars. Cars have to pass inspection in Bahrain and I have heard of some people whose American cars did not pass inspection so the cars are returned to the import location. If your son has a really nice car he may be better served to just leave it in the States anyway. The sandy conditions may cause some engine damage and also the drivers there are crazy. Apparently all the vehicles there have dents or damage of some sort because people don't drive decent there. Driving conditions are crazy. No one abides by any of the traffic rules. If your son lives on base he really shouldn't need a car. If there are times when he needs/wants a car renting a car should be an option.
They are always SO busy there. My son worked a ton of hours and didn't have much free time anyway.
They have all of the American fast-food places and shopping there. My son loved the local food there too.
My son was able to port at the major cool cities around the Gulf. I wanted to visit him there but he discouraged me from going there and told me to save my money/trips for when he goes to Japan or Italy.
There are different communication options so contact is usually no issue. (Skype, FB Messenger, Project Fi, and the ones already mentioned.)
USPS Priority Mail to the FPO/APO box works great and is quite speedy. When documenting the contents on the customs label make sure you are very generic when listing the item. Don't be specific. For example if you mail a PS4 game don't put PS4 game just put game.
Oct 29, 2017
ellen0502
My son just returned from a year in Bahrain. We used FB messenger to make calls, it is free, and worked great. He enjoyed his time there, but was happy to leave the heat and humidity.
He had to live off base, but he never needed a car. He only lived about a mile from base and he did walk to work in the morning if he could,. too hot in the afternoon to walk home. He used taxis off and on, but most of the time he used Uber when he needed a ride (yes they have Uber). He never had a problem getting where he needed to go.
Driving there for him was not an option, too many issues with other drivers, and no real rules to driving. He figured the money he would spend on a car, insurance and upkeep would probably cost more than the taxis, and uber he used to get around.
The MWR in Bahrain does have tours once a week, so there are things to do. Like jlrb said, they are kept pretty busy there.
We also found the mail service very fast. It would only take one week, in some rare cases two weeks for packages to get to him. Ditto on the "generic" labeling on the customs form. The mail does go through military mail, but the mail must go through local customs.
Cooling towels and cooling t-shirts were what he wore when not in uniform (uniforms can only be worn on base). He said they became his favorite clothing. LOL You can find both on Amazon, and they are not too expensive.
Oct 29, 2017
BoiseMom
Oh my gosh, you guys are wonderful! Thank you so much for taking the time to fill me in on these details. I will call my son and read to him what all of you have said. Ellen0502, I'm curious about why your son was there for a year instead of two years. I see below that MAs are there for 2 years. My son is a GM. Might your son be a GM too? Maybe it depends on the group they are with rather than the rating?
Oct 29, 2017
Tyler'sMom
My son bought a new SIM card for his phone in order for it to work there. Verizon service is way to expensive put their Verizon service on military hold.
My son uses uber whenever they go off base, a car is impractical. Some of them buy them there and then just sell it or leave when they leave. It must depend on your job and rank whether you live on or off base.
Oct 29, 2017
BoiseMom
Thank you Tyler'sMom. I read all of these comments to my son over the phone and he is now understanding that having his car shipped there is not an option.
Oct 31, 2017
Navy mom and dad 731
Nov 7, 2017
MOMOF467
Mar 4, 2018
milmom
Hello. My son goes there later this year, I am terrified! Is it safe? I would love feed back. Thank you
May 19, 2018
WestPacific
Milmom, please don't worry. Yes, it is the middle east, but it is very safe. Many of the sailors like the assignment so much they sign up for another year there. My sailor said it is more like a Las Vegas for the people there, and the rules are more relaxed. The heat and humidity can be extreme for some of the sailors who have to be in it, but my sailor survived fine. T Mobile is the preferred phone carrier to have over there as they allow international calls texting, wifi etc, but you can also easily buy chips for other carriers over there as well. If your sailor gets the chance to get off base housing (E-4 and above, I believe, take it, as they can be really, really fancy and nice. They have some old barracks and some brand new barracks as well. Be sure to join the Facebook group Navy Moms and Family Members in Bahrain. It is a very active group with lots of tips and support.
May 19, 2018
Tiesha
May 20, 2018
JennyO
May 23, 2018
milmom
Than you WestPacific. He is excited to go there as he hears the same information. I am not sure I will stop worrying until he is home but it helps hearing your story.
May 24, 2018
9699mom
Hey guys! Just left the Great Lakes A school discussion group and have joined this Bahrain Moms. So glad to have found you all. Son will be arriving in Bahrain late July. Lots of nerves, lots of questions, lots of worries...but I'm learning to settle down. Look forward to getting educated.
Jul 3, 2018
Lacey118
Hello everyone. My Son in in Bahrain for a year. Just wanted to keep up on news and information here--thank you!
Jul 11, 2018
9699mom
Update! Son not leaving for Bahrain in late July. Now moving to Virginia for a bit more school. Expecting to be in Bahrain in winter. I will keep checking on this group for any new info. Enjoy your summers - be safe.
Jul 16, 2018
tytulip40
My son arrived yesterday - longgggg flight from Fort Lauderdale - bless his heart! Trying to educate myself as much as possible so I'm not a nervous wreck. He was living in Japan with occasional deployment on the Reagan for three years. Major culture change! All he's text so far is that it is expensive and dry! lol
Oct 8, 2018
9699mom
My son arrived in Bahrain on Halloween. Really enjoying this new and strange place. So relieved to find all the American restaurants. My packages are getting to him in about 10 days. Wi-fi is a bit shady but getting to talk w/ him quite a bit using Whats App. So far, he's happy and healthy. Hope you all had a blessed Christmas and are looking forward to this new year. Keep me in your prayers, my younger son leaves for Marine boot camp in 16 days. Feeling a bit lost mixed in with the pride!
Dec 29, 2018
Krishtie
Hey Moms! Just wondering if anyone has a more recent update on things on base at Bahrain. My son leaves today, and like so many, I have more questions than answers! If anyone can update how things are done, I would certainly appreciate any information. Thanks!!
Feb 4, 2020
Cherrish S.
Apr 4, 2020
Patty
My son will be leaving for Bahrain in the fall. Should he take his cellphone with an international plan, or is it cheaper to just buy a prepaid phone at the nex?
Jun 8, 2020
Patty
My son will be leaving for Bahrain in the fall. Should he take his cellphone with an international plan, or is it cheaper to just buy a prepaid phone at the nex?
Jun 8, 2020
KathyA
Hi Patty, my son is on our family AT&T cell plan. We communicate by both talk and text through What's App (no roaming or international charges). Best of luck to your son (and you!) on his new adventure!
Jun 9, 2020
Patty
Hi KathyA, Thanks for the info. My son is also on our cspire plan. I will sure be downloading that app. I’m a little sad that he won’t get to come home to visit before he leaves for 3 years, but maybe he will get to come home sometime while he is on the ship from there, but we are excited for this opportunity for him to experience the world.
Jun 9, 2020