That's awesome therevbev! InquiringMind, yes, they took good care of him! I am so devastated about him! I am sure all of the SRs that were there were pretty shaken up. And scary for parents whose children are there or about to go. With my son just finishing 2 weeks prior, it really hit home for me. I feel so terribly for his family & loved ones.
Hi divontesMom. My son gust finished a school in for lee. Graduated on the 9th. We were there. Did you go. I have pics. Who is your sailor. And where is she stationed
Hi Yasminie5. My son who is at Ft Lee graduates soon. He was supposed to graduate a week earlier, but ended up sick in the hospital so got pushed back. They got orders yesterday, but his are just for his next school
Got a call today from my deployed CS daughter. Again she mentioned the negative treatment that the CS crew get from so many of the other crew on the ship. She says a lot of it comes from the fact that they don't stand watch?, but they work long hard hours and as far as I am concerned are VERY under appreciated!! I wish the Navy did more to encourage a better attitude toward the CS's, although my daughter said she HAS heard the chiefs address the situation to the other sailors, but it pretty much falls on deaf ears!
My husband was in the Marines & he told both of my boys - your 2 best friends in the Navy will be the cook & the supply person. Don't piss them off or they'll make your life miserable. I'm sorry your Sailor is experiencing issues & it stinks that the CS's are being treated that way. Without the CS's they can't survive.
That is awesome!! I think every ship should tap their talents like the Carl Vincent did to make these updates! So cool their hard work is being rewarded, that video really gives a clear picture to deployment thanks so much for sharing!
Brandonsmom1 - if they are attending CS school in Fort Lee they stay at GL for at least 2 weeks to Indoc since Fort Lee is an army base. If there is a class starting after indoc they leave right after that if not they wait to class up the program is about 6 weeks long
We lived in Wisconsin while our CS was awaiting his trip to Va. (3 weeks). We traveled down on a Saturday and one overnight weekend. While he couldn't stay overnight with us, we could pick him up on base and sign him out for the day. He still had to be in uniform (hadn't earned enough liberty to wear "civies" on liberty) and return time depended. But, yes, they get the weekends unless called to stand watch.
Brandonsmom1 I think they still don't get a lot of "free time" while they wait to head to Fort Lee, but he could probably put in a chit for Liberty and see if it gets approved
Since we were living in PA at the time, we could drive down to see the "ceremony". They did a very nice graduation (about an hour long), we were greeted personally and had a chance to take pics with the students etc. We went down, since he was getting 10 days leave before heading for a carrier in the Pacific, to pick him up. We then had to drive him back at the end of leave (his flight out was from Richmond). It was nice, but we wouldn't have done it if we had had to fly or drive more than a day.
I can't remember if I introduced myself. My son started BC on Tuesday and after that he plans to go to CS A-school in Fort Lee, VA. I'm glad I found this site.
We went to the ceremony at Fort Lee, it was very nice and they showed a video of some of the activities they participated in. Then we waited a bit while my daughter packed up all her stuff and we drove her to Norfolk, she had to report to the ship, then had a couple hours to spend with us before she had to be back on the ship. It was a long drive from Michigan for a couple hours, but very worth it to us!
Welcome Olga! That stop following is just if you don't want to get notifications when someone comments on this thread. My son just graduated A School in Fort Lee.
No problem with anybody's comments. That is why I'm here. For back and forth comments. Thank you for explaining this piece to me. It's wonderful to know about your son. Is he happy with the training? Is it what he expected? Anything you want to tell me, I'll be happy to hear. I'm going to rest now. I'm in Michigan and it is 10:49 pm. I have a workday ahead, but we'll continue this now that I've joined. I'll keep on tomorrow and the day after and so on... Good night DivontesMom!
My son had taken 2 years of culinary school here in a vocational program thru school & he said the training was NOT what he expected at all! He did seem happy with it & he's off to submarine school now as he chose to be a CSS (2nd s for sub). He still seems happy with his decision.
I like that pic therevbev! My son had post it on his fb wall. Now he is complaining he hasn't sunlight in 2 days. He got inspections coming and will be aweigh next month. The real work is coming!!
Mama_Cevans , Since my son joined the aircraft carrier in Sept., he's only been topside 2 or 3 times other than liberty ports. I guess that is common for the CS. The deployment is only 1/2 over.... we are getting tired of this!
I was surprised when my daughter told me how little time the CS's have in fresh air and sun! I would have thought a ship as big as an aircraft carrier would have enough CS's to afford a little top side per day! Can't BEGIN to imagine what a CS on a sub gets to look forward to. My daughter is on a destroyer, has approximately 400 sailors, and about 10 are CS's. Busy busy busy!!
Depends on the sub. My son was told the tridents only surface 7x a year. He's requesting to be on a fast attack as they are smaller, so have to surface more frequently. Not sure how often they surface. But I've seen pictures on FB with them all crowding around to get some fresh air and sunshine. it can't be easy for any of them, but I think they adapt after a while.
Very interesting!! I have been on a tour of a sub in San Fransisco and can't imagine being that cooped up for any lengthy period. Definately thankful for the sailors that take on these tasks
I went on a tour of a sub in Buffalo. Our younger Sailor was supposed to go with us, but then he got shipped off to BC early. I'm glad he didn't go! The sub was TINY! Granted, we only got to see the 1st level so it's probably smaller than the others. That sub was retired in the 50's & I was told that all modern subs are larger than that one. I hope so. I don't know how they do it. But they do go to Sub school to learn how to cope on a sub. I just hope my son loves it.
Congrats jessies'mom! My son graduated a few weeks ago & is on hold for sub school. :-) He was excited to have several people from BC with him. I'm sure your daughter will be several in BC who will also be going to Fort Lee.
Congrats to the new Navy Moms!! BC and A school seems like such a long time ago. What an exciting time it was. It seems as if they bond with so many new people that will always be a part of their lives. In my 'next life', I am joining the navy! :-)
Can anyone tell me how long, approximately, ASchool takes for Culinary? Just trying to figure out how long my son will be there after he finishes basic.
6 weeks. He'll stay in Great Lakes until the Friday before his classes start & he'll fly out to his next duty station or school right after graduation.
Mine was only at Fort Lee for 5 weeks, but had to wait at Great Lakes for 4 weeks. 1 week of Navy indoc classes, and 3 weeks of cleaning around the base and standing watch in the barracks. It was a total of 9 weeks from PIR to first duty station assignment.
Hello everyone, my daughter is in the DEP as a CS and is very worried that she will not like the job, she wanted HM and the recruiter assured her that her asvab score qualified her for that rate. Well at MEPS when it was time to chose her job she was told that she actually didn't qualify for HM and was 2 points off. She got offered a few jobs she was not familiar with and settled for CS and now regrets her choice. I'm worried that if she can't change her job before she ships out that she will not want to go. Is CS really a bad job to go with? All she keeps hearing is get out of that job if you can..
The 2nd group has former & current Culinary & Mess Management Specialists. She can ask them questions. My son just finished CS A School & is waiting for Sub school to start, so he has no experience yet. I've seen some future CS's ask questions & they do get a variety of answers. But basically, they can go really far in this field, all the way to the Chef for the President of the US. It's all in what they make it. They have competitions they can enter & can take additional courses to learn more & take their career further. The 1st link I believe shows some of these competitions & things they have made for holidays.
I agree with Brandon's mom. My son graduated from boot camp in June and has been in Norfolk since August. He is doing great, and his CO and XO are extremely supportive. He was working on a shift with guys who did not get along--constantly at each other. My son expressed his unhappiness and they immediately changed his shift. He feels very supported. He has also heard just the opposite from VirgoMoms sailor. He has been told by retired sailors that CS is a good job. You're not in harm's way as much, and the motto is "don't p--- off the cook--everyone loves the cook. They can go far if they choose to. Did you know that the White House cooks are strictly Navy? Attitude is so important in the military.
Thank you for your replys, the Facebook links are awesome and she is now excited about being a CS. I'm so glad she is starting to look at the good side of the job, it didn't help that her recruiter was a CS and had only bad things to say about the job and encouraged her to change it first chance she gets. I hope she continues to feel good about it, btw I love this site. I don't feel alone in this since she is the first in our entire family to join the military so we are basically at the recruiters mercy.
You are welcome! I know how you feel. My son did not join the Navy until he was 27. He went to college, but could never find his calling. I was so nervous about him going, but it has been a good decision for him. He too didn't want CS at first because he thought "that was all he was qualified to do." It wasn't true, but his confidence was low. The Navy is helping him gain confidence. Recruiters can be good and bad at the same time. He has been very lucky to have great CO's and XO's. i hope your daughter has the same experience. As a parent, it does get easier. Your daughter will be amazed at the freedom she will have. My son calls or texts everyday now that he is stationed. Having that contact is what keeps me going. I know he is in a safe place.
My CS came home for 10 days after his time at Ft Lee then we put him on a flight to the Pacific ocean to an aircraft carrier! Not a lot of contact since (a phone call about every 2 weeks) but he is "part of the mission" and proud of his service!
mimiburl@yahoo.com. The only thing my son is the oldest at 25yrs. CS on his ship also has college cred. However he reflects on his own previous behavior at 18-20 yrs. He takes his job in strive and enjoys all the opportunities that present to him. He recently volunteer to be in an retirement ceremony. He working on ranking up. During his days off he trekking and shooting with is his camera. Be excited for him and listen. It be the best time in his career life.
HOOYAH! BRAVO ZULU! The Carl Vinson culunary specialists in the Food Service Division has won the 2015 Captain Edward F. Ney Award for food service excellence! Yeah, Richard. Hard work pays off!!
HuskyMom
That's awesome therevbev! InquiringMind, yes, they took good care of him! I am so devastated about him! I am sure all of the SRs that were there were pretty shaken up. And scary for parents whose children are there or about to go. With my son just finishing 2 weeks prior, it really hit home for me. I feel so terribly for his family & loved ones.
Dec 9, 2014
Labornurse
http://teespring.com/ddg59
Dec 21, 2014
Yasminie5
Jan 10, 2015
HuskyMom
Hi Yasminie5. My son who is at Ft Lee graduates soon. He was supposed to graduate a week earlier, but ended up sick in the hospital so got pushed back. They got orders yesterday, but his are just for his next school
Jan 10, 2015
HuskyMom
BTW Yasminie5 - My older Sailor is stationed in Norfolk.
Jan 10, 2015
Yasminie5
Jan 11, 2015
Yasminie5
Jan 11, 2015
Yasminie5
Jan 11, 2015
HuskyMom
Thank you, he was sick & ended up dehydrated. He went to the hospital, was put on an IV and now feels much better & is doing really well in A School.
Jan 11, 2015
Michiganbelle
Jan 12, 2015
HuskyMom
My husband was in the Marines & he told both of my boys - your 2 best friends in the Navy will be the cook & the supply person. Don't piss them off or they'll make your life miserable. I'm sorry your Sailor is experiencing issues & it stinks that the CS's are being treated that way. Without the CS's they can't survive.
Jan 12, 2015
Michiganbelle
Jan 13, 2015
therevbev
Just got a chance to see 10 seconds of my son serving in the galley of the Carl Vinson during the inspection for the Ney award. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIu46NWRcHk
Here's hoping the Vinson wins!
Jan 20, 2015
HuskyMom
That's awesome! I love their news updates!
Jan 20, 2015
Michiganbelle
Jan 20, 2015
MAMA_C
I hope they win!
Jan 22, 2015
Jappj
Brandonsmom1 - if they are attending CS school in Fort Lee they stay at GL for at least 2 weeks to Indoc since Fort Lee is an army base. If there is a class starting after indoc they leave right after that if not they wait to class up the program is about 6 weeks long
Jan 23, 2015
therevbev
We lived in Wisconsin while our CS was awaiting his trip to Va. (3 weeks). We traveled down on a Saturday and one overnight weekend. While he couldn't stay overnight with us, we could pick him up on base and sign him out for the day. He still had to be in uniform (hadn't earned enough liberty to wear "civies" on liberty) and return time depended. But, yes, they get the weekends unless called to stand watch.
Jan 23, 2015
Michiganbelle
Jan 24, 2015
therevbev
Jan 28, 2015
therevbev
Since we were living in PA at the time, we could drive down to see the "ceremony". They did a very nice graduation (about an hour long), we were greeted personally and had a chance to take pics with the students etc. We went down, since he was getting 10 days leave before heading for a carrier in the Pacific, to pick him up. We then had to drive him back at the end of leave (his flight out was from Richmond). It was nice, but we wouldn't have done it if we had had to fly or drive more than a day.
Jan 28, 2015
Jappj
Brandons Mom, there is a ceremony after CS A school it is usually on a Friday. Depending on their orders they usually get leave after the ceremony
Jan 28, 2015
olga
Hi,
I can't remember if I introduced myself. My son started BC on Tuesday and after that he plans to go to CS A-school in Fort Lee, VA. I'm glad I found this site.
Jan 28, 2015
Michiganbelle
Jan 28, 2015
olga
I'm not sure if my comment has posted.
Jan 28, 2015
olga
OK. I see it worked. What is this stop following thing about? First time I see this in posts... Can anyone explain?
Jan 28, 2015
HuskyMom
Welcome Olga! That stop following is just if you don't want to get notifications when someone comments on this thread. My son just graduated A School in Fort Lee.
Jan 28, 2015
olga
No problem with anybody's comments. That is why I'm here. For back and forth comments. Thank you for explaining this piece to me. It's wonderful to know about your son. Is he happy with the training? Is it what he expected? Anything you want to tell me, I'll be happy to hear. I'm going to rest now. I'm in Michigan and it is 10:49 pm. I have a workday ahead, but we'll continue this now that I've joined. I'll keep on tomorrow and the day after and so on... Good night DivontesMom!
Jan 28, 2015
HuskyMom
Hi Olga,
My son had taken 2 years of culinary school here in a vocational program thru school & he said the training was NOT what he expected at all! He did seem happy with it & he's off to submarine school now as he chose to be a CSS (2nd s for sub). He still seems happy with his decision.
Jan 29, 2015
MAMA_C
I like that pic therevbev! My son had post it on his fb wall. Now he is complaining he hasn't sunlight in 2 days. He got inspections coming and will be aweigh next month. The real work is coming!!
Jan 29, 2015
therevbev
Mama_Cevans , Since my son joined the aircraft carrier in Sept., he's only been topside 2 or 3 times other than liberty ports. I guess that is common for the CS. The deployment is only 1/2 over.... we are getting tired of this!
Jan 29, 2015
Michiganbelle
Jan 30, 2015
HuskyMom
Depends on the sub. My son was told the tridents only surface 7x a year. He's requesting to be on a fast attack as they are smaller, so have to surface more frequently. Not sure how often they surface. But I've seen pictures on FB with them all crowding around to get some fresh air and sunshine. it can't be easy for any of them, but I think they adapt after a while.
Jan 30, 2015
Michiganbelle
Jan 30, 2015
HuskyMom
I went on a tour of a sub in Buffalo. Our younger Sailor was supposed to go with us, but then he got shipped off to BC early. I'm glad he didn't go! The sub was TINY! Granted, we only got to see the 1st level so it's probably smaller than the others. That sub was retired in the 50's & I was told that all modern subs are larger than that one. I hope so. I don't know how they do it. But they do go to Sub school to learn how to cope on a sub. I just hope my son loves it.
Jan 31, 2015
jessies'mom
Hey Everyone,
DivontesMom my daughter just started bootcamp last Thursday and is attending A school in Fort Lee also.
Feb 4, 2015
HuskyMom
Congrats jessies'mom! My son graduated a few weeks ago & is on hold for sub school. :-) He was excited to have several people from BC with him. I'm sure your daughter will be several in BC who will also be going to Fort Lee.
Feb 4, 2015
Michiganbelle
Congrats to the new Navy Moms!! BC and A school seems like such a long time ago. What an exciting time it was. It seems as if they bond with so many new people that will always be a part of their lives. In my 'next life', I am joining the navy! :-)
Feb 5, 2015
Henry's Mom
Can anyone tell me how long, approximately, ASchool takes for Culinary? Just trying to figure out how long my son will be there after he finishes basic.
thanks!
Henry's mom
Feb 8, 2015
HuskyMom
6 weeks. He'll stay in Great Lakes until the Friday before his classes start & he'll fly out to his next duty station or school right after graduation.
Feb 9, 2015
therevbev
Mine was only at Fort Lee for 5 weeks, but had to wait at Great Lakes for 4 weeks. 1 week of Navy indoc classes, and 3 weeks of cleaning around the base and standing watch in the barracks. It was a total of 9 weeks from PIR to first duty station assignment.
Feb 9, 2015
VirgoMom904
Feb 9, 2015
HuskyMom
Have her check out these FB groups -
https://www.facebook.com/USNavyCS
&.
https://www.facebookcom/groups/258239720954775/
The 2nd group has former & current Culinary & Mess Management Specialists. She can ask them questions. My son just finished CS A School & is waiting for Sub school to start, so he has no experience yet. I've seen some future CS's ask questions & they do get a variety of answers. But basically, they can go really far in this field, all the way to the Chef for the President of the US. It's all in what they make it. They have competitions they can enter & can take additional courses to learn more & take their career further. The 1st link I believe shows some of these competitions & things they have made for holidays.
Feb 10, 2015
mimiburl@yahoo.com
I agree with Brandon's mom. My son graduated from boot camp in June and has been in Norfolk since August. He is doing great, and his CO and XO are extremely supportive. He was working on a shift with guys who did not get along--constantly at each other. My son expressed his unhappiness and they immediately changed his shift. He feels very supported. He has also heard just the opposite from VirgoMoms sailor. He has been told by retired sailors that CS is a good job. You're not in harm's way as much, and the motto is "don't p--- off the cook--everyone loves the cook. They can go far if they choose to. Did you know that the White House cooks are strictly Navy? Attitude is so important in the military.
Feb 10, 2015
VirgoMom904
Feb 10, 2015
mimiburl@yahoo.com
You are welcome! I know how you feel. My son did not join the Navy until he was 27. He went to college, but could never find his calling. I was so nervous about him going, but it has been a good decision for him. He too didn't want CS at first because he thought "that was all he was qualified to do." It wasn't true, but his confidence was low. The Navy is helping him gain confidence. Recruiters can be good and bad at the same time. He has been very lucky to have great CO's and XO's. i hope your daughter has the same experience. As a parent, it does get easier. Your daughter will be amazed at the freedom she will have. My son calls or texts everyday now that he is stationed. Having that contact is what keeps me going. I know he is in a safe place.
Feb 10, 2015
therevbev
My CS came home for 10 days after his time at Ft Lee then we put him on a flight to the Pacific ocean to an aircraft carrier! Not a lot of contact since (a phone call about every 2 weeks) but he is "part of the mission" and proud of his service!
Feb 12, 2015
MAMA_C
mimiburl@yahoo.com. The only thing my son is the oldest at 25yrs. CS on his ship also has college cred. However he reflects on his own previous behavior at 18-20 yrs. He takes his job in strive and enjoys all the opportunities that present to him. He recently volunteer to be in an retirement ceremony. He working on ranking up. During his days off he trekking and shooting with is his camera. Be excited for him and listen. It be the best time in his career life.
Feb 12, 2015
therevbev
HOOYAH! BRAVO ZULU! The Carl Vinson culunary specialists in the Food Service Division has won the 2015 Captain Edward F. Ney Award for food service excellence! Yeah, Richard. Hard work pays off!!
Mar 20, 2015
SunflowerMom
Congratulations, that's awesome.
Mar 21, 2015