Naval Aviation

For Moms with Aviators or anyone interested
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  • Barb

    AH, Thank you for the details, that's what I was looking for.  Your experience sounds absolutely amazing, I had no idea that you could do that!  Best to all.

  • JudyM

    flyboymom, I am with you as my son is still in Intermediate. I look at you more experienced parents for courage and a glimpse into my future. I appreciate your candor and wisdom.

  • Paymaster

    Just waiting for my gf's to all check in.  Its just one of those things that you can't call and say "Was it your child?".  Just hanging in there waiting. 

  • JudyM

    I agree with you all. I can't imagine the pain of these families.
  • Paymaster

    Sheila....Good to hear from you.  Happy to know your sone is starting primary!  How is your daughter doing?

  • AH

    Today is the 4 year anniversary of my DS's winging.  Or it could be the 1 year as it was Feb 29 and that only comes around every 4 years.  I got an email from him today from the boat and unfortunately, he is grounded because he has a "sinus pinch".  He says that it is a huge bruise in the sinuses above his right eye.  I looked it up on the internet and it sounds like it starts with a sinus infection or allergy and with the pressure changes with flying causes real problems.   He is grounded until it goes away and  since he is so close to coming home, he won't be flying anymore until after he comes home.  He was 5 night traps from a "Nocturion" meaning 100 night traps on the Lincoln.  He also won't get his last flight, the celebration where everyone is there to greet you when you land, usually with water buckets.  He ow says that he'll probably get a "have a safe flight home" as he jumps onto the COD.  Needless to say, he's a little bummed.   Also, the the guy who is supposed to handle his travel back to the States is not doing anything so he has no idea what he needs to do and DS is giving this guy step-by-step directions on his job. 

     

    DS is also in charge of all the planning for their next port calls.  He is doing all the hotel reservations and such.  He figures that he'll do all the work and the day before they pull into port, he's have to get on the COD to Bahrain to come home and won't get to enjoy anyo fthe port call that he is planning.

     

    In any event, I'm looking forward to him being home for awhile or at least in the States, and can't believe how far he's come in the last almost 7 years.  Very proud of him to say the least.

     

  • JudyM

    I can't imagine his disappointment. Life takes us to places we did not anticipate. Please keep us posted.
  • AH

    DS told me a little about it and he wasn't sick when it happened.  He said that the membrane in the skull detached from the wall and blood fills in behind it.  He said he was feeling fine, then felt a bunch of pressure in his forehead "followed by the ice-pick through the eye".   I cringed when I read that.  He says that it just feels like a dull headache above his right eye now.  I guess this was while he was descending for a trap.  Thank God for all of their training.  I'm not sure I could have concentrated enough with that type of pain to be able to control a jet onto the deck.  LOL - like I could do it without the pain.

     

    My prayers go out to the CG families also and Jami, to your son. 

  • Helomom

    Jami-Which Hamilton model did you purchase?

  • AH

    I haven't heard from DS since yesterday, but I think he's doing ok.  However..... I am not sure if it was a joke as he hates being photographed, but his cruise photo came in the mail today and he has on some horrible black framed glasses on.  I would swear that he told us before he left on cruise that his eyesight had gone down from 20/10 to 20/20.  I guess we'll see.

  • Helomom

    Crash kills pilot who blogged as Neptunus Lex
    Retired naval aviator Carroll LeFon, perhaps better known by the nom de plume Neptunus Lex, was killed in a plane crash Tuesday morning when his F-21 Kfir crashed at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev., his blog confirmed. -NavyTimes.com

  • Paymaster

    Welcome NavypilotmominMN!

  • Helomom

    Aviation Command Screening Board results were released today. Our DS has screened for Operation Command! Whoooo HOOOO! All his work, all of his family's sacrfice living this vagabond Navy life has finally paid off. He will graduate from the USN War College Senior Officer class next March with his Masters and most likely start his workup to his XO/CO tour at a squadron. Amazing! It's a dream come true.
  • Paymaster

    Helomom, if your son is like mind he will love War College.  They just love going home every night!  Isn't it wonderful when all their hard work pays off.  Mine gradutes from War College in June.  Still haven't heard were he goes next.

  • Paymaster

    Kathy B....Hope you get some down time and rest soon. Take care of yourself.

  • JudyM

    Kathy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You have a lot going on.
    Helomom, what great news - the War College!
  • Paymaster

    "DS" can mean dear son or dear sailor.

  • Kathy

    I've been away for a while - take a couple weeks off and it's hard to catch up!

    Kathy B. - I hope things are turning a corner toward better days!

    JAMI - Congrats on the engagement! My DS met his wife while in Pensacola and it became long distance once he left there for Corpus, then Meridian (at least they could drive to see each other when he was there). My daughter also got engaged to a great guy who is in the Army for 4 1/2 more years, so that has also been long-distance. Good thing for Skype and phones!

    I am excited about going to Lemoore for my Spring Break to finally see my son and that base. Hoping he gets back from his CQ on the east coast, though! He leaves tomorrow and will finish at the same time I am heading west. My new DIL and I might enjoy some girl bonding time!  :-)

    Congrats to all our young aviators who continue to excel at what they do!! And to the proud parents as well....

    Have a great week everyone!

  • Helomom

    Hi all! We are still in shock that DS screened for Command especially on his first "look". Thanks for all your congratulations. @Suzie-The Navy's War College is in Newport, RI. http://www.usnwc.edu. We thought it was the best news ever when he received his appointment there. He had just come off his Department Head tour. We live in a large Navy area and a few friends said it meant the Navy had plans for him. After moving his family 10 times in 15 years, coast to coast 3 times...I couldn't see the plan. But now knowing that he will command his own squadron, we are blown away. The next part of this triple play will be the Commander promotions. Those should make it through Congress and the President by June, I think. The board convened Feb 7. Waiting...
  • AH

    I got an email overnight that DS will be flying through Denver on his way to CA coming from Dubai, this Friday.  He has a 3 hour layover so he asked if we wanted to meet him out there for lunch. Duh...... no brainer.  I'm excited to see him again and also to have him stateside again.

     

  • JudyM

    I agree with you, AH, that is a no brained. Have a great visit.
  • Kathy

    So glad to read that these posts are all exciting and happy news! I was a little confused about the helo posts, but now I get it!! CONGRATS!! And how great that you can see your DS, AH. 

    Keeping all our kids in my prayers....

  • Paymaster

    Leslie....Don't you just love that they call you even when its to tell you they had an emergency landing:)

     

    Mine always would call me first when he had a emergency landing so he could get all the emotion out of his voice before he went home, that way he would be calm when he told his wife:)

  • Barb

    I'm at the front end of all this...my DS (I'm learning the lingo!) is in IFS, finished all his classroom tests with flying colors and took to the air for the first time today--we are so excited for him!!

  • NFAO

    Barb - mine is just a few weeks ahead, just started API last week... it is so great to see them so happy.  In fact, we're leaving tomorrow for FL to see our daughter play college softball and then a weekend stop in Pensacola - can't wait!

    It's great to hear about all of your loved ones as well - make us very proud to be part of this wonderful community!

  • JudyM

    Leslie, good news that Rory did well on his first flight. Mine should do his first jet flight next week. It is great to have them so excited about the training and what they will be doing.

  • AH

    We were able to see DS for about 2 hours yesterday out at the airport.  He got in a few minutes early so about 25 minutes more time.  He looked really tired.  He is like me. He doesn't sleep well in a car or plane. 

     

    He did get his last flight with the squardron.  His sinus pinch cleared up enough to have 2 flights before leaving.  The last flight was the day of the shootings in Afghanistan.  He stated that it was pretty intense.  They were asked to change frequency and they were told by a base that although they didn't know what had happened, they were reporting that the the base was surrounded and that the people were all yelling "jihad".  His mission was air support in case things got out of hand.

     

    I'm glad he's back.  His is still not sure about beign an instructor.  He was report when he got back.  I don't know if he meant last night or today. He was telling us that apparently pilots train the NFO's and NFO's train the pilots.  Since he has been in a single seat for the last 3 years, he isn't really sure what he is supposed to be training them.  He's used to doing it all.  I guess that he will learn.

     

    Well, you all have a good weekend.

     

     

  • Barb

    AH, so glad that your son was able to make his last flights and I hope there was much celebration!  Thank you all for the positive thoughts...our guy is on Day Two in the air and was so excited that he got to land the plane yesterday with just instruction....so far so good!  I found a model airplane of the Cessna 172 that he's on and sent it to him to commemorate this beginning.  I hope to find a model of each aircraft he flies as his career moves forward.  Can't wait to go see him in P'cola for Easter.  Happy St. Pat's to everyone. 

  • JudyM

    My DS made his first jet flight today in Kingsville. He was so stoked. Guess Dad and I need to get used to it. 

  • JudyM

    Susie, you are so right, we are a group of proud moms.
  • JudyM

    So sorry to hear what is going on with your daughter and her husband. That is a tough way to start marriage. I am also with you on the defense spending and we do need a leader who realizes how important our military is.

    Where is Japan will your son-in-law be stationed? Some of us may not speak often, but sure do listen and learn.

  • Barb

    Chris, I'm so sorry to hear about all of that.  They must be heartsick about all the time they will spend apart...as well as the concerns over careers.  It's all hard on the moms too. 

    Suzie, thank you for asking...my DS is loving it and very excited to get more flight time in.  Apparently the site he and his counterpart are assigned to is down a plane so that is backing up the schedule a bit.   It will probably be slow going, but that's okay.  Thanks for the tip on the YouTube videos...you're right, they all love this stuff!  How exciting that your son is at Primary already...I hope all goes well for him at Vance!  Have a good day...

  • Helomom

    One word... Congress. Budget... Congress. Entitlements... Congress. Power to declare war... Congress. Power to create laws... Congress.
  • Barb

    So did anyone hear about the IFS Cessna that had a forced water landing with no engine on Friday in Gulf Breeze and had to make a swim for shore?  I guess a boater saw the incident and picked them up.  I think it was an engine thing, not the Navy student's fault at all.  So the worrying really does start on Day One!  Thankfully no one was hurt.

  • JudyM

    Leslie, my son was in OCS 09-11 and it was the last class with two companies. They have slowed things down, with only one company of OCS for each class.

  • Kathy

    What a lot of things I miss if I don't keep up with this every day! And then I lose track and have to go back to previous pages to catch up! I cannot respond to everything, but I am feeling some relief in reading that we all seem to agree that politicians are all about getting elected, and staying true to a party is more important than just making decisions based on the good of our country and, what is near and dear to us, the good of our military. And Nancy - sometimes we just cannot even talk about such things with my son when we are together. It gets intense!  :o)  So I agree... the best thing I can do is pray. Today is election day here in Illinois....

    My news for the day/week is that my DS just completed his carrier qualifications last night, and will be on his way back to Lemoore on Thursday! I am so relieved since I am heading there on Saturday, and wasn't quite sure he would be there! I will enjoy some time with my DIL, too, but I was counting on spending some relaxing time with him for the first time in over a year. Our last few visits were his winging, and then wedding - not very calm, but thrilling. Now we wait to see which squadron he will be assigned, and if he stays in Lemoore or moves again (please, not Japan!).

    I probably will be off for at least the week, and will have trouble catching up again. I hope all are well, and that spring is bringing sunshine to all - here in Chicagoland, it is way warmer than all the southern and western vacation spots!

    @James - maybe I will meet your son! I won't know who he is, but Lemoore is not very big, I hear.  :-)

  • Kathy

    Chris - My DS is just completing his hornet carrier quals, so he is nearing the end of this last part of training. He does not have a squadron yet... hoping to hear in the next few months. That, and where he will be stationed. Earlier, we thought he would just stay in Lemoore, but now we are not so sure. I feel so badly for your daughter and her fiance! Looking ahead, that seems like a lifetime. I suppose once it is over, they might think it went fast. But this is not an easy life style for anyone. It's really tough... I can check with my DS and his wife to see if they know your DD. Hopefully, her friends there are offering comfort and support. Hang in there - they hurt, so we hurt!!

  • AH

    I'm bummed.  DS is taking a couple of weeks off before starting as an instructor at VFA 122 but won't be coming home to CO.  He's working on his house.  Finally painting his living room that has had blue painters tape on it since Fall of 2009.  I understand but disappointed all the same.  It's hard him being an only child.  He gets the brunt of the affection.  It probably is best, as I don't believe that I could take any time off of my job right now.  While I could take it, I don't feel like I can as it is so hectic and has been for almost a year now.  I was just thinking how a year ago, I was up in Lemoore visiting DS and just coming off of Tiger Cruise on the Lincoln.  What a difference a year makes. 

     

    Sorry to dump, just feeling sorry for myself. 

     

    Chris, I'm so sorry that your daughter's first couple of years of marriage are going to be messed with.  Hopefully something can be worked out.  I know that it puts a damper on the wedding plans, but hopefully the separation will make the following years even more special.  We can all pray that it happens and things work out so they can spend more time together. 

     

    I love this site and the opportunity it give us to vent, whine and sing our praises at how proud that we are of our kids.  They may not like it, but you know what.......?  Tough...... I love it!

     

    Have a great evening ladies and James.  Love you all.

  • JudyM

    AH, it is difficult sometimes. We mss them so.
  • Kathy

    Spring break has officially started, so Lemoore NAS - here I come! 

    All these Japan assignments are starting to "scare" me.... My DS will finish up soon, has to still do SERE, and then we will know. It's in God's hands, I guess. 

    For now, I will just enjoy the week we have together. Thinking of all the Moms and Dads as we make this journey "together" online.  :o)

  • Paymaster

    If your officer plans to make the Navy a career, they must do at least one overseas assignment.

  • Paymaster

    Judy.....When I got home on Friday I realized I had drip part of my lunch down the front of my shirt.  Sure hope I didn't get any on you when we said good bye.  Its always fun to get together with you and share info on our pilots.

     

    Just going to stay in the house this Sunday since its to wet to go out and work in the yard.  Maybe I will get the baby quilt done that I am working on for a gift. 

  • Paymaster

    Leslie....Love it!

  • Paymaster

    Welcome gonavymom!

     

    Congratulations Michelle!

  • JudyM

    Both are winging together. What great news and support for each other. I m looking forward to hearing more. My DS is a couple of months into jets.
  • Paymaster

    Sheila....Been thinking of you all week.  Sorry your wildcats lost this week.  My girlfriend sent me this joke and of course it made me think of you:

    PHONES IN
    CHURCH?????

    A man in Topeka , Kansas ,
    decided to write a book about churches around the
    country. He started by flying to San Francisco and
    working east from there.

    Going to a very
    large church, he began taking photographs and making
    notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the
    vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which
    read, "Calls: $10,000 a minute." Seeking out the
    pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The
    pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact,
    a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he
    can talk directly to GOD. The man thanked the pastor
    and continued on his way. As he continued to visit
    churches in Seattle , Dallas , St Louis , Chicago ,
    Milwaukee , and many cities and towns all around the
    United States , he found more phones, with the same
    sign, and the same answer from each
    pastor.

    Finally, he arrived in Kentucky .
    Upon entering a church in the beautiful Bluegrass
    region of Kentucky , behold, he saw the usual golden
    telephone. But THIS time, the sign read, "Calls: 35
    cents." Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor.
    "Reverend, I have been in cities all across the
    country and in each church I have found this golden
    telephone and have been told it is a direct line to
    Heaven and that I could talk to GOD, but in the
    other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your
    sign reads only 35 cents a call. Why?"

    I love
    this part ...

    The pastor, smiling broadly,
    replied, "Son, you're in Kentucky now. You're in
    God's Country. It's a local call."

    American
    by Birth - Kentuckian by the Grace of
    God.

    And why Kentuckians do go barefoot? When
    you're in Kentucky you're on Holy
    ground!

     

  • Paymaster

    Sheila....Always good to hear from you.  Sorry about the confusion, thought you were a a support of the other Ky team:)

  • Sweet*Southern*Lady

    Hey Ladies. We've gotta move coming up next year to PCola for API school. I guess we may have a chance that we stay in that area by going to NAS Whiting Field. Did your children get a place close to NAS Pensacola and see what came of it (see where they ended up getting sent for Primary). If they ended up at Whiting did they do the long drive every day, Did they find a place in the middle to start with and only have a 30 min drive each way, or did they pay out of pocket to move from Pensacola to Milton?

    Thanks for the advice. I just want to do neighborhood research we currently live in a crappy neighborhood and I want to live some where safer when we move (I now know what to look for).

  • Paymaster

    Sheila....Must be off celebrating, her Wildcats won yesterday!

  • NFAO

    Congrats to all those close to winging... and enjoy your visits!  We spent a few days in Pensacola last week and had a great time - I don't think I've ever seen my DS study so much!