My son is in boot camp now and will be leaving to go to culinary school in Virginia after. I'm writing to find out if he will be leaving the very next morning after PIR. Will I be able to see him at all before he gets on the plane. I'm trying to plan my trip and buy plane tickets from FL.
Anthonysmama2015 - When your son finishes boot, he will immediately have to move over to Great Lakes Naval Base following PIR. You will have to wait several hours (At least 2 or 3 o'clock) until they have "moved in" to the new base. Once he's free, they will have restricted liberty for the remainder of the weekend (Fri evening, Sat and Sun) - he will know the restrictions and when each day he is free and when to return. The CS all stay at GL for at least 2 and sometimes 4 weeks until the class is ready in VA. The first week is indoc classes (a Navy necessity) followed by a lot of cleaning and standing watch. That's just the way of it. As to PIR weekend, you can plan as it fits your schedule since he'll be in Great Lakes, IL for several more weeks.
Hi Brandon's Mom - It is very confusing when you are trying to plan! I don't think any of the recruits really know how long they will stay in Great Lakes - especially if he hasn't graduated yet. They may have gotten better with communicating with them early (doubtful lol) however the "usual" routine is in the comment I re-posted below.
Anthonysmama2015 - When your son finishes boot, he will immediately have to move over to Great Lakes Naval Base following PIR. You will have to wait several hours (At least 2 or 3 o'clock) until they have "moved in" to the new base. Once he's free, they will have restricted liberty for the remainder of the weekend (Fri evening, Sat and Sun) - he will know the restrictions and when each day he is free and when to return. The CS all stay at GL for at least 2 and sometimes 4 weeks until the class is ready in VA. The first week is indoc classes (a Navy necessity) followed by a lot of cleaning and standing watch. That's just the way of it. As to PIR weekend, you can plan as it fits your schedule since he'll be in Great Lakes, IL for several more weeks.
My son stayed at GL for about 3 weeks before going to Ft Lee. He wasn't told this, however, until he had been there a week after boot graduation. His A school will be completed June 5th so he will have been at Ft Lee about a month. Since he a CSS, he most likely will not get leave until after sub school.
So far, all communication about future plans has come "as needed" so it is always last minute!
Wow, been a while since I have been on here and I just got caught up on all the posts!! I am i love you and i am so proud if you to be a part of the CS' Moms group, our sailors handle a very important job that is tough. My daughter has been on deployment since a week before Thanksgiving, and in this time, rarely has seen land. Takes a very long time to get care packages to them, and time available to use a phone or access email is very limited, so contact is rare and immensely enjoyed! She is NOT a letter writer, but also talks about the lack of time for such a menial task as letter writing. Cleaning and inspection readiness are at the top of the list, I get occasional ship pics from the FB page of their ship, and I scour every one to catch a glimpse of her. I miss her a lot, but I am very proud of the work she does, as well as have a much clearer understanding of the role in the Navy she fills, and think often of how many CS personnel there are out there taking on this task as a big part of the 'behind the scenes' support for the greatest Navy in the world.
Yes, I can confirm that! My son first said 6 days, then he graduated boot camp 05/08/15 and is still at Great Lakes, with other Sailors also in that field. All that therevbev said is/was true. He flies out June 6th (4 wks after PIR). He then will go to Ft Lee. And he said that school was a month. Not sure if he will have leave after school or not before he gets his duty station. He had a week more of Naval class, now he has random duties, cleaning, guard duty, etc. But the great thing is I have been able to talk on the phone with him often! He is allowed to have his cell phone only in his room or on liberty. When he isn't either, his phone must be locked away in his drawer. Hope this helps! It's an adventure for all of us :)
Son is finally back in the states after a 9 month deployment. Finished his first year in the Navy cooking on the carrier Carl Vinson. NOW he still lives on the ship in San Diego harbor, has been assigned watch duty for the next 2 months (glad for the break from the galleys) and is adjusting to life "on land".
My Sailor is preparing to deploy with his sub for the third time. He has taken on so many collateral duties both in the galley and out, that it makes my head spin listening to him talk about them. But they make his time under the sea go quickly.
My son has been in Norfolk since last August I believe. He graduated from boot camp in June 2014 and went to GL for several weeks. His ship, USS Gonzalez, has been in dry dock since he got there, but they are been underway several 3-4 times. The longest they were underway was 4 weeks. Right now, they are "scheduled" to deploy in October. It keeps changing. I'm not sure why. He does not like going underway because there is little solitude on the ship. The galley crew he works with keeps him going. He says they're a great group. He texted last night and said the AC is not working in the bunk area of the ship and won't be fixed until next week. A week? Really? I find that crazy! Overall, his attitude is positive despite the scorching heat.
My son has been in Oceana for the last 2 1/2 years. He is usually on base with the Naval Air Crew he is a cook for. When the Air Crew goes to sea he does. He's has been out on ship about four times. They just came in from being out about 18 weeks. He would like to spend more time out at sea.
My daughter's ship finally came back (after an extension) about 2 weeks ago, and sadly I lost my my son with his passing last week. My daughter is still on the ship, but due home next week, it's been a roller coaster of highs and lows. Not sure about how most ships handle a death of a family member, or someone close to you, but I guess I am lucky that my daughter had a degree in social work because she is taking it in stride, apparently she has nerves of steel, or is waiting to come home to really let it hit her. But at least it did not happen when they were deployed, and the wait to have her back home, even for a little bit, is nearly over
Oh Michigan Belle I'm so very sorry to hear about your son. I know your daughters homecoming will not be what you had looked forward to, it will be bittersweet. Big NMH to you and your daughter!
My daughter is going to CS school after boot camp, her recruiter tells her they have a 5/2 schedule that makes the job tolerable...she wanted HM but was pressured into CS when the other one wasn't available. I'm worried she won't like it
VirgoMom904. If your daughter is assigned shore duty she will 5/2. Once deployed her hours will be long as they are for all sailors on the ship. My son didn't want to be CS either but he is just over 2 years in now and is making the best of it. He wanted to serve his country and that is what he is doing. His heart desire is to be a fire fighter but it won't be in the Navy. He is color blind and this disqualified him. After several months in she can either retest of look at other openings based on her text scores.
My son is graduating boot camp 10/30. He is going to Fort Lee for A school but says he will remain at GL for 6 days. Will he have to report to GL immediately after graduation? How much time will I get to spend with him on Friday?
Jrod (reposted from July)- When your son finishes boot, he will immediately have to move over to Great Lakes Naval Base following PIR. You will have to wait several hours (At least 2 or 3 o'clock) until they have "moved in" to the new base. Once he's free, they will have restricted liberty for the remainder of the weekend (Fri evening, Sat and Sun) - he will know the restrictions and when each day he is free and when to return. The CS all stay at GL for at least 2 and sometimes 4 weeks until the class is ready in VA. The first week is indoc classes (a Navy necessity) followed by a lot of cleaning and standing watch. That's just the way of it. As to PIR weekend, you can plan as it fits your schedule since he'll be in Great Lakes, IL for several more weeks.
Hello everyone, my daughter is at RTC till the end of November, then she will go to VA for CS A school. I was just wondering how much liberty they get while in A school?
Anyone out there that has a son or daughter in school already in Ft/ Lee Va? My son said he will be graduating around November 13 and should be getting his orders soon. Does anyone know about the graduation and do parents usually go to this graduation? Also after CS school will they have time off before being deployed? Sorry for all the questions! Thank you.
Pat, about 1/3 of the graduates had a family member or so there for graduation. My son was given his orders about a week before then, but due to OPSEC couldn't tell us until we arrived. Actually, each student announces his duty station upon receiving his "diploma". Since my son was headed directly to an already deployed ship (and it had 9 months+ still on the deployment) we had 10 days between CS school and his flight to Guam. We had to return him to Richmond to get his flight, but that just gave us an extra day with him. If he is staying stateside, he may have to wait until he is AT his duty station to request leave (or save it for Christmas if there is any left).
VirgoMom904 - sorry I didn't get back to you quickly. If you live close enough, AND your daughter has "earned" enough liberty, my son had his weekends free. The first weekend he says he had to stay on base (hadn't earned enough yet). After that, he says a few guys left base on the weekend, but no one really had transport. Your daughter will be given all that info once she arrives at Ft. Lee.
I have a questionand hope their is a mom that can help me my son is suppose to graduate 12/11 and he is going to go sub school when will he get his leave will he be home for Christmas or before please help
Neveremptynest - welcome to Navy life! Hold on tight, the ride gets bumpy! Feel free to join us over on Facebook if you are able, there is A LOT more activity over there. Also, you can look for Moms in your state or area, etc. My son's been in about a year and a half and has already finished a 9 month deployment to the middle east on a carrier. Life moves fast in this lane. Again, Welcome.
Navymon2015 - sorry I didn't get back to you, but I has hoping that a CSS (sub) mom would be able to help specifically. My thoughts are that he will either be at Great Lakes still, waiting for a class in VA to open, or will be in VA by Christmas. I don't think the A schools actually "break" for the holidays, but I am not sure. If he's still at Great Lakes, I suspect he'll only get the day (possibly the weekend) of liberty and won't be allowed further than 50 miles from base.
Hope that helps some, or you have reached a sub mom. Have a good Thanksgiving.
Hello to you all. I am new to this site. My sister is retired Navy and told me about it. I'm trying to find out some information on my sons sub, if he's on it or another sub TAD. I have no idea. He was home on leave in Sept then he went back to Washington. I heard from him for about a week and then nothing since. He is stationed on the USS Conneticut.
Hello Moms, my son can't wait to get on aweigh. He is on base now but upset he stuck cooking one thing for hours at time. Today it was omelets. It's time like this is thinking is this what wants to do his entire stint in the Navy. He so accustomed to doing different task. Times like this I pray a little extra. CS work hard and long hours. I can image the monotonous can wreck his patience.
MAMA_C - Now that my CS has been in for nearly 2 years and finished a 9 month deployment I can tell you that EVERY navy job is monotonous most of the time. He says that everyone tends to find the job you're good at and KEEP YOU there. He does enjoy the changes and looks forward to the special meals, deployments bring incredible international ports between the boredom. Tell your son to use this to prepare for the possible in the future. Become the BEST omelet maker the chiefs have EVER seen!
therevbev-Thanks for the encouragement I'll pass it on!. It seems he trying to fill his off days with interesting things, like exploring Japan and teaching himself Japanese then there is his photography until he goes aweigh.
Wow. Japan. Both of my sons (the eldest is a US Marine vet) would love to explore that country! The Marine even tried learning the language ... but both of mine were and are based in San Diego. (Now the Marine is in cold, frigid Wisconsin) The CS is on a carrier doing retrofit, so he's not cooking at all - just cleaning, painting, scraping, scrubbing.... I think he wishes he were cooking some days.
Ok, I'm new. My son just took his test and is going to be a CSS. I'm scared for him choosing this "career" he has no prior experience in this. I don't know what to expect. He will be leaving the end of April. Anyone have any words of encouragement for me?
Elizabeth Armstrong - Hi, and welcome to the rollercoaster ride of military parenting! While it is kind of scary at first, you WILL soon become an expert at letter writing, box packing and counting down deployment days! Wow - while my son loves CS on an aircraft carrier (1 10 month deployment down already), I know that CS for subs is a whole other type of duty. I'm sure someone here is experienced with that. Don't hesitate to ask questions! A lot of us have our settings so that anything posted here arrives as an email so we don't miss much. I should let you know that there are 3-4000 members to the Navy for Mom Facebook page. Since it is closed you have to ask to join and they check that you do indeed have a Navy member in the family.. Like here, because it is closed it can only be seen by other members.
Again, welcome to the ride. It actually can be fun to track all the places they travel to etc.
Hi EA and welcome. My son is a CSS and I felt the same way. He is going on his third year and first deployment now and doing well. Has ups and downs like any other job I'm sure. Hope it goes well for your sailor.
Hi & welcome Elizabeth Armstrong - one of my Sailors is also a CSS. He has yet to go underway, just has guard duty while his boat has been overhauled.
Welcome Vikki & Kim - yes, he will stay at Great Lakes for indoc for a week or 2, then head to Fort Lee for Culinary. He will have Liberty for the weekend!
Kim - as soon as you know your PIR date, make hotel reservations!
Vikki - (reposted from July)- When your son finishes boot, he will immediately have to move over to Great Lakes Naval Base following PIR. You will have to wait several hours (At least 2 or 3 o'clock) until they have "moved in" to the new base. Once he's free, they will have restricted liberty for the remainder of the weekend (Fri evening, Sat and Sun) - he will know the restrictions and when each day he is free and when to return. The CS all stay at GL for at least 2 and sometimes 4 weeks until the class is ready in VA. The first week is indoc classes (a Navy necessity) followed by a lot of cleaning and standing watch. That's just the way of it. As to PIR weekend, you can plan as it fits your schedule since he'll be in Great Lakes, IL for several more weeks.
Welcome to all the new Navy moms! Hoping the short weeks of boot pass easily for you (they won't, but we can always hope!). Feel free to read back 2 or 3 pages - I think we've hit almost all the questions in the last few pages somewhere. We've all been THERE and know how you are feeling. Hang on, the ride gets bumpy at times, but it is always thrilling.
Husky Mom~ thank you so much for making me feel welcome and for giving me some idea of what is ahead. My son won't even be leaving for boot camp until the end of May but still you all know how it is...thanks so much!! I am very sure I will be speaking with all of you daily!!
Welcome to All the new members...my sailor is a CSS and although he doesnt enjoy what he is doing, it is because he is color deficient and wanted another rate. The guys he works with mostly like what they are doing and have goals to "move up". The White House chef is Navy, could be the reason the training they get for a CS is better than other branches. Not bad on the resume!!!
On another note...Husky Mom---I smiled when i saw your name, 2 siberian huskies have kept us calm during the days of missing our sailor!
Hi CS moms! It is nice to hear about other people who have sailors in this position. My son doesn't love his job but getting through. He is on the USS Harry S Truman right now. He is in his third year in the Navy!
Hi, Donna (Eric's Mom) - Is your son changing rates or is he still Dep? Just wondering since you said he's getting a ship assignment. Those are not assigned til the end of schooling as far as I know. Anyway - welcome to the Chef's moms place to chat. I just wish when mine came home he'd cook at least 1 meal! :p
Thanks for the welcome therevbev, my son is getting re-rated. He was in the Nuke program. I just guessed that he would be assigned a ship by what he says. I asked him about schooling, but he said he didn't think that would happen. I hope he does, so he knows what to expect when he does get on a ship.
My Mom-in-Law works as a head cook at a local nursing home and never cooks outside of work, so I can understand where you're coming from (oranges and apples). Whenever we get together I always do all the cooking.
I'm looking forward to learning this part of the Navy, so any and all information will be welcomed.
Okay, had this not been a move, my terminology isn't probably right on the re-rating, what would the schooling have been??
My son was originally in the Nuke program, but because of a technicality was removed from the program and offered the CS job. He took it, signed the commitment papers (I think that's what they were), and is waiting he says for orders. I just thought that meant a ship. Again, I'm not really good with all this stuff and my son isn't chatty at all, so most of this I wing (if you know what I mean).
anthonysmama2015
My son is in boot camp now and will be leaving to go to culinary school in Virginia after. I'm writing to find out if he will be leaving the very next morning after PIR. Will I be able to see him at all before he gets on the plane. I'm trying to plan my trip and buy plane tickets from FL.
Apr 3, 2015
therevbev
Anthonysmama2015 - When your son finishes boot, he will immediately have to move over to Great Lakes Naval Base following PIR. You will have to wait several hours (At least 2 or 3 o'clock) until they have "moved in" to the new base. Once he's free, they will have restricted liberty for the remainder of the weekend (Fri evening, Sat and Sun) - he will know the restrictions and when each day he is free and when to return. The CS all stay at GL for at least 2 and sometimes 4 weeks until the class is ready in VA. The first week is indoc classes (a Navy necessity) followed by a lot of cleaning and standing watch. That's just the way of it. As to PIR weekend, you can plan as it fits your schedule since he'll be in Great Lakes, IL for several more weeks.
Apr 3, 2015
anthonysmama2015
Thank you therevbev for your info!
Apr 10, 2015
Michelle
Hi Brandon's Mom - It is very confusing when you are trying to plan! I don't think any of the recruits really know how long they will stay in Great Lakes - especially if he hasn't graduated yet. They may have gotten better with communicating with them early (doubtful lol) however the "usual" routine is in the comment I re-posted below.
Comment by therevbev on April 3, 2015 at 1:46pm
Anthonysmama2015 - When your son finishes boot, he will immediately have to move over to Great Lakes Naval Base following PIR. You will have to wait several hours (At least 2 or 3 o'clock) until they have "moved in" to the new base. Once he's free, they will have restricted liberty for the remainder of the weekend (Fri evening, Sat and Sun) - he will know the restrictions and when each day he is free and when to return. The CS all stay at GL for at least 2 and sometimes 4 weeks until the class is ready in VA. The first week is indoc classes (a Navy necessity) followed by a lot of cleaning and standing watch. That's just the way of it. As to PIR weekend, you can plan as it fits your schedule since he'll be in Great Lakes, IL for several more weeks.
May 18, 2015
Sassy4jake
My son stayed at GL for about 3 weeks before going to Ft Lee. He wasn't told this, however, until he had been there a week after boot graduation. His A school will be completed June 5th so he will have been at Ft Lee about a month. Since he a CSS, he most likely will not get leave until after sub school.
So far, all communication about future plans has come "as needed" so it is always last minute!
May 18, 2015
Michiganbelle
May 19, 2015
anthonysmama2015
Yes, I can confirm that! My son first said 6 days, then he graduated boot camp 05/08/15 and is still at Great Lakes, with other Sailors also in that field. All that therevbev said is/was true. He flies out June 6th (4 wks after PIR). He then will go to Ft Lee. And he said that school was a month. Not sure if he will have leave after school or not before he gets his duty station. He had a week more of Naval class, now he has random duties, cleaning, guard duty, etc. But the great thing is I have been able to talk on the phone with him often! He is allowed to have his cell phone only in his room or on liberty. When he isn't either, his phone must be locked away in his drawer. Hope this helps! It's an adventure for all of us :)
May 20, 2015
Labornurse
Jul 21, 2015
HuskyMom
Good and quiet on this end! My son's boat is in dry dock, so no telling when he'll actually get to do his job.
Jul 21, 2015
therevbev
Son is finally back in the states after a 9 month deployment. Finished his first year in the Navy cooking on the carrier Carl Vinson. NOW he still lives on the ship in San Diego harbor, has been assigned watch duty for the next 2 months (glad for the break from the galleys) and is adjusting to life "on land".
Jul 21, 2015
SunflowerMom
My Sailor is preparing to deploy with his sub for the third time. He has taken on so many collateral duties both in the galley and out, that it makes my head spin listening to him talk about them. But they make his time under the sea go quickly.
Jul 22, 2015
mimiburl@yahoo.com
My son has been in Norfolk since last August I believe. He graduated from boot camp in June 2014 and went to GL for several weeks. His ship, USS Gonzalez, has been in dry dock since he got there, but they are been underway several 3-4 times. The longest they were underway was 4 weeks. Right now, they are "scheduled" to deploy in October. It keeps changing. I'm not sure why. He does not like going underway because there is little solitude on the ship. The galley crew he works with keeps him going. He says they're a great group. He texted last night and said the AC is not working in the bunk area of the ship and won't be fixed until next week. A week? Really? I find that crazy! Overall, his attitude is positive despite the scorching heat.
Jul 22, 2015
mcmomship13div099
Jul 22, 2015
Michiganbelle
Jul 23, 2015
HuskyMom
Jul 23, 2015
Michiganbelle
Jul 24, 2015
VirgoMom904
Aug 30, 2015
NavyMomDPL
VirgoMom904. If your daughter is assigned shore duty she will 5/2. Once deployed her hours will be long as they are for all sailors on the ship. My son didn't want to be CS either but he is just over 2 years in now and is making the best of it. He wanted to serve his country and that is what he is doing. His heart desire is to be a fire fighter but it won't be in the Navy. He is color blind and this disqualified him. After several months in she can either retest of look at other openings based on her text scores.
Aug 30, 2015
Jrod
My son is graduating boot camp 10/30. He is going to Fort Lee for A school but says he will remain at GL for 6 days. Will he have to report to GL immediately after graduation? How much time will I get to spend with him on Friday?
Oct 8, 2015
therevbev
Jrod (reposted from July)- When your son finishes boot, he will immediately have to move over to Great Lakes Naval Base following PIR. You will have to wait several hours (At least 2 or 3 o'clock) until they have "moved in" to the new base. Once he's free, they will have restricted liberty for the remainder of the weekend (Fri evening, Sat and Sun) - he will know the restrictions and when each day he is free and when to return. The CS all stay at GL for at least 2 and sometimes 4 weeks until the class is ready in VA. The first week is indoc classes (a Navy necessity) followed by a lot of cleaning and standing watch. That's just the way of it. As to PIR weekend, you can plan as it fits your schedule since he'll be in Great Lakes, IL for several more weeks.
Oct 8, 2015
VirgoMom904
Hello everyone, my daughter is at RTC till the end of November, then she will go to VA for CS A school. I was just wondering how much liberty they get while in A school?
Oct 21, 2015
pat
Anyone out there that has a son or daughter in school already in Ft/ Lee Va? My son said he will be graduating around November 13 and should be getting his orders soon. Does anyone know about the graduation and do parents usually go to this graduation? Also after CS school will they have time off before being deployed? Sorry for all the questions! Thank you.
Oct 30, 2015
therevbev
Pat, about 1/3 of the graduates had a family member or so there for graduation. My son was given his orders about a week before then, but due to OPSEC couldn't tell us until we arrived. Actually, each student announces his duty station upon receiving his "diploma". Since my son was headed directly to an already deployed ship (and it had 9 months+ still on the deployment) we had 10 days between CS school and his flight to Guam. We had to return him to Richmond to get his flight, but that just gave us an extra day with him. If he is staying stateside, he may have to wait until he is AT his duty station to request leave (or save it for Christmas if there is any left).
Oct 30, 2015
therevbev
VirgoMom904 - sorry I didn't get back to you quickly. If you live close enough, AND your daughter has "earned" enough liberty, my son had his weekends free. The first weekend he says he had to stay on base (hadn't earned enough yet). After that, he says a few guys left base on the weekend, but no one really had transport. Your daughter will be given all that info once she arrives at Ft. Lee.
Oct 30, 2015
navymom2015
Nov 9, 2015
Neveremptynest
Nov 23, 2015
therevbev
Neveremptynest - welcome to Navy life! Hold on tight, the ride gets bumpy! Feel free to join us over on Facebook if you are able, there is A LOT more activity over there. Also, you can look for Moms in your state or area, etc. My son's been in about a year and a half and has already finished a 9 month deployment to the middle east on a carrier. Life moves fast in this lane. Again, Welcome.
Nov 23, 2015
therevbev
Navymon2015 - sorry I didn't get back to you, but I has hoping that a CSS (sub) mom would be able to help specifically. My thoughts are that he will either be at Great Lakes still, waiting for a class in VA to open, or will be in VA by Christmas. I don't think the A schools actually "break" for the holidays, but I am not sure. If he's still at Great Lakes, I suspect he'll only get the day (possibly the weekend) of liberty and won't be allowed further than 50 miles from base.
Hope that helps some, or you have reached a sub mom. Have a good Thanksgiving.
Nov 23, 2015
Freeasabrd
Jan 3, 2016
HuskyMom
Hi Freaeasabrd!
My son is also stationed on the USS Connecticut!
Jan 3, 2016
MAMA_C
Hello Moms, my son can't wait to get on aweigh. He is on base now but upset he stuck cooking one thing for hours at time. Today it was omelets. It's time like this is thinking is this what wants to do his entire stint in the Navy. He so accustomed to doing different task. Times like this I pray a little extra. CS work hard and long hours. I can image the monotonous can wreck his patience.
Jan 9, 2016
therevbev
MAMA_C - Now that my CS has been in for nearly 2 years and finished a 9 month deployment I can tell you that EVERY navy job is monotonous most of the time. He says that everyone tends to find the job you're good at and KEEP YOU there. He does enjoy the changes and looks forward to the special meals, deployments bring incredible international ports between the boredom. Tell your son to use this to prepare for the possible in the future. Become the BEST omelet maker the chiefs have EVER seen!
Jan 9, 2016
MAMA_C
therevbev-Thanks for the encouragement I'll pass it on!. It seems he trying to fill his off days with interesting things, like exploring Japan and teaching himself Japanese then there is his photography until he goes aweigh.
Jan 12, 2016
therevbev
Wow. Japan. Both of my sons (the eldest is a US Marine vet) would love to explore that country! The Marine even tried learning the language ... but both of mine were and are based in San Diego. (Now the Marine is in cold, frigid Wisconsin) The CS is on a carrier doing retrofit, so he's not cooking at all - just cleaning, painting, scraping, scrubbing.... I think he wishes he were cooking some days.
Jan 13, 2016
Lizzyanne
Ok, I'm new. My son just took his test and is going to be a CSS. I'm scared for him choosing this "career" he has no prior experience in this. I don't know what to expect. He will be leaving the end of April. Anyone have any words of encouragement for me?
Feb 3, 2016
therevbev
Elizabeth Armstrong - Hi, and welcome to the rollercoaster ride of military parenting! While it is kind of scary at first, you WILL soon become an expert at letter writing, box packing and counting down deployment days! Wow - while my son loves CS on an aircraft carrier (1 10 month deployment down already), I know that CS for subs is a whole other type of duty. I'm sure someone here is experienced with that. Don't hesitate to ask questions! A lot of us have our settings so that anything posted here arrives as an email so we don't miss much. I should let you know that there are 3-4000 members to the Navy for Mom Facebook page. Since it is closed you have to ask to join and they check that you do indeed have a Navy member in the family.. Like here, because it is closed it can only be seen by other members.
Again, welcome to the ride. It actually can be fun to track all the places they travel to etc.
Feb 3, 2016
JGMom
Hi EA and welcome. My son is a CSS and I felt the same way. He is going on his third year and first deployment now and doing well. Has ups and downs like any other job I'm sure. Hope it goes well for your sailor.
Feb 3, 2016
Vikki
Feb 5, 2016
Vikki
Feb 5, 2016
Kim
My son is CS, I have not received his firm letter yet
So I do not officially know the PIR date
Thinking it will be 3/25
Feb 5, 2016
HuskyMom
Hi & welcome Elizabeth Armstrong - one of my Sailors is also a CSS. He has yet to go underway, just has guard duty while his boat has been overhauled.
Welcome Vikki & Kim - yes, he will stay at Great Lakes for indoc for a week or 2, then head to Fort Lee for Culinary. He will have Liberty for the weekend!
Kim - as soon as you know your PIR date, make hotel reservations!
Feb 5, 2016
therevbev
Vikki - (reposted from July)- When your son finishes boot, he will immediately have to move over to Great Lakes Naval Base following PIR. You will have to wait several hours (At least 2 or 3 o'clock) until they have "moved in" to the new base. Once he's free, they will have restricted liberty for the remainder of the weekend (Fri evening, Sat and Sun) - he will know the restrictions and when each day he is free and when to return. The CS all stay at GL for at least 2 and sometimes 4 weeks until the class is ready in VA. The first week is indoc classes (a Navy necessity) followed by a lot of cleaning and standing watch. That's just the way of it. As to PIR weekend, you can plan as it fits your schedule since he'll be in Great Lakes, IL for several more weeks.
Feb 5, 2016
therevbev
Welcome to all the new Navy moms! Hoping the short weeks of boot pass easily for you (they won't, but we can always hope!). Feel free to read back 2 or 3 pages - I think we've hit almost all the questions in the last few pages somewhere. We've all been THERE and know how you are feeling. Hang on, the ride gets bumpy at times, but it is always thrilling.
Feb 5, 2016
Lizzyanne
Husky Mom~ thank you so much for making me feel welcome and for giving me some idea of what is ahead. My son won't even be leaving for boot camp until the end of May but still you all know how it is...thanks so much!! I am very sure I will be speaking with all of you daily!!
Feb 8, 2016
SunflowerMom
Welcome to All the new members...my sailor is a CSS and although he doesnt enjoy what he is doing, it is because he is color deficient and wanted another rate. The guys he works with mostly like what they are doing and have goals to "move up". The White House chef is Navy, could be the reason the training they get for a CS is better than other branches. Not bad on the resume!!!
On another note...Husky Mom---I smiled when i saw your name, 2 siberian huskies have kept us calm during the days of missing our sailor!
Feb 8, 2016
JGMom
Hi CS moms! It is nice to hear about other people who have sailors in this position. My son doesn't love his job but getting through. He is on the USS Harry S Truman right now. He is in his third year in the Navy!
Feb 8, 2016
DonnaEricsMom
Hi CS Moms!! My son signed his papers for CS Friday and is waiting for his ship assignment.
Feb 16, 2016
therevbev
Hi, Donna (Eric's Mom) - Is your son changing rates or is he still Dep? Just wondering since you said he's getting a ship assignment. Those are not assigned til the end of schooling as far as I know. Anyway - welcome to the Chef's moms place to chat. I just wish when mine came home he'd cook at least 1 meal! :p
Feb 16, 2016
DonnaEricsMom
Thanks for the welcome therevbev, my son is getting re-rated. He was in the Nuke program. I just guessed that he would be assigned a ship by what he says. I asked him about schooling, but he said he didn't think that would happen. I hope he does, so he knows what to expect when he does get on a ship.
My Mom-in-Law works as a head cook at a local nursing home and never cooks outside of work, so I can understand where you're coming from (oranges and apples). Whenever we get together I always do all the cooking.
I'm looking forward to learning this part of the Navy, so any and all information will be welcomed.
Feb 16, 2016
DonnaEricsMom
Okay, had this not been a move, my terminology isn't probably right on the re-rating, what would the schooling have been??
My son was originally in the Nuke program, but because of a technicality was removed from the program and offered the CS job. He took it, signed the commitment papers (I think that's what they were), and is waiting he says for orders. I just thought that meant a ship. Again, I'm not really good with all this stuff and my son isn't chatty at all, so most of this I wing (if you know what I mean).
Feb 16, 2016