Naval Aviation

Leslie, how wonderful to have him home and talkative!  My son was the same way and I loved to hear him talk, talk, talk about what he's up to...had a great phone conversation with him Saturday that just made my day.  It sounds like one way or another things may work out for the best for now and your husband may make it back home before your son has to leave...?  And there may be a better time to visit your other son in Asia.  Hoping all goes well with everyone.

Flyboymom, will keep everyone in our prayers.  There is indeed a war on and it sounds like they are in the thick of it.  Will hope for time to speed by and a safe return for all.

So glad that the medical clearances have come through--we were on pins and needles going into commissioning last winter and know what a relief it is to have that behind you!

It's always wonderful to hear the good news of successes and achievements, but sometimes my heart is warmed more by the challenges and concerns--it lets me know that we're not alone.  Everyone has ups and downs and this is a good place to listen and be listened to....Best to all!

Flyboymom, I am there - prayers for our personnel. Those with communication and good news - awesome!

Navy wife and mom--that is awesome!  Congratulations!  My husband and I just celebrated our 30th, but no cool sword arch.  Will hope that's in my son's future!

Hello all...talked to DS last night; he will fly his solo flight for IFS tomorrow, weather permitting.  I hope he gets it in before Isaac comes ashore.  I'm trying not to think about the fact that he spent more hours driving a car before he solo'd than he will a plane!  He sounded so calm about it all.  I guess it seems tame compared to what else he will be doing.  

I've loved hearing all your news and getting glimpses of what is coming our way...the good and the not-so-good.  It's good preparation.

Hope everybody has a great weekend.

Glad to hear all the good news and prayers for all our men and women.

Nancy W...it is nice to hear the confidence in their voices when the go to CQ's with the Super Hornets.  Now that DS is on the USS Washington, he is doing all carrier landings!  His squandron has been wonderful getting him settled in.  The Facebook ombudsman page even posted pics of him, (with his name) bombing the ship's wake!  What a thrill !

I am in southern Florida visiting our DD that graduated from American University in May, moved here for a BF,she still doesn't have a job.  Watching and preparing for the hurricane. 

Yeah!  DS passed his solo flight.  And DDIL posted pics on FB...so glad she is there to update us.  He looks so happy and confident.  

Thanks to all of you for your words of encouragement!

Neil Armstrong - Naval Aviator, Astronaut, American Hero, the first man to step on the moon... a modest and humble man. May he rest in peace, and may our young naval aviators continue with the same passion and love for our country!

KathyB...that's funny that you mention the tie-cutting.  DS's grandfather-in-law asked him about a shirt-tail cutting; which is what happened to him when he passed his solo.  That would have been many years ago.  I haven't heard anything about it from him yet.  

Hope everyone's LOs are safe from the coming storm.  

Leslie...sounds like a nightmare of a trip.  So glad he got home in time to see Rory tho.

Found out  my son was selected for strike. He is thrilled. 

Judy....Congrats to all.  Was that his first choice?

Strike was his first choice. He was very happy. Nancy, I would like to have a heads up as to what is happening. When does your son wing?

Congrats Judy!  And Rose, we'll be praying.  
I'm off to California to see our daughter and hubby.  Can't wait to hang out on the beach.  

And DS called last night to say they might come home for a long weekend since he's between training.  Yeah!

Enjoying my trip to Enid OK--DS solo'd today!!  I was out at the bird-watching tent off-base and saw his plane go overhead several times (well, I saw ALL the planes during the two hours I spent with my binoculars and camera)---he got off early and we went out to dinner in downtown Enid!  Sooooo glad to get to share in his day just a little bit!!

JAMI, glad to hear that SERE is over. 

Everyone have a great weekend--ours is off to a great start!!!!!

I'm so excited.  My DS called today. He is at an airshow in Davenport IA (Unfortunately a crash occurred today with a older Russian trainer).  He flew the extra jet there for the demo team.  Anyway, after the demo tomorrow, if the weather is ok, he's going to fly here to Colorado and spend Monday with us and fly back on Tuesday am.  He's already got the approval to do this.  It's just a matter of weather on whether he flies in tomorrow or on Monday am. 

The CQs are in episode 7, Chapter 5. You might not want to watch.

Hi, Everyone! Just wondering if anyone has a DS or DD in Lemoore, VFW-137? My DS was just patched last week, and that will be his new squadron for the next 3 years.... I've been reading these SERE posts as he did not go after his Winging, so we have that to "look forward" to now. I'll be curious if anyone else is going at the same time, although I don't know if he has a date for that yet. So now I learn about another phase of this Navy life!  :-)

Thank you, Nancy! I will survive my DS going through SERE - everyone else does it and so can he. He assures me that he will be fine, and he is just looking forward to getting it finished. Me, too. I actually have spoken to some retired Navy guys, and they don't give specifics, but I know they are going to keep him safe while preparing him for his job. And we all survived the first week of OCS, which was no fun!  :-)

My DS just finished his assignment to VFA 137 this past spring and is an instructor now with VFA-122.  I get the idea that the squadron really works their JO's much more than some of the other squadrons, so do be surprised if you don't hear from him.

We are enjoying our time with DS this weekend.  We went up I-70 to Granby and then back over Trail Ridge Road and Estes Park.  It is so fun to see him fly and around here, the crowds show up when they hear military jets go over.  There were probably 30 people who showed up.  He did a couple of touch and goes when he came in so his dad could get some photos.  It was sort of dark as there were storms that came through and the clouds were pretty low.  He is expecting to leave around 4 this afternoon.  The time has been great.  Unfortunately, his allergies have kicked up.  We only have the 1 cat now, but I think that is his worse. 

Nancy, I'll try calling this week and see what your son is going to be doing.

AH - Is your son in Lemoore? I have been spoiled by being able to talk/skype so often. But he did tell me that once they get going, he will be really busy. At least I can find out what he is up to from his wife.  :-)  Thanks for the heads up!

Kathy, yes my DS is still in Leomoore.  She should be home by now from his trip. 

He I mean

Thanks to all for your posts about what is ahead for us.  I'm seeing the growth and confidence developing already.  It is so comforting and encouraging to hear those of you who have walked the path much farther along.

Got a call from DS; he was planning a trip home as he was told he wouldn't class up til mid-Oct.  Went in to ask for leave; and they told him it looked like things were moving along and he would class up very soon.  There's the immediate disappointment of not seeing him, but so thrilled that he will get going sooner.  Dear Hubby was surprised I took it as well as I did!

Just another bit of info . . . my DS is just finishing intermediate in Kingsville. Just before they go to advanced they select again. He is jets and was selected for strike - (F-18s). Could have been selected for E2/C2.  So . . . out of primary it is jets (and a locations) helos or maritime. For jets it is Kingsville or Meridian.  Then as Intermediate comes to a close, the selection is strike or E2/C2. jmwrites probably did a better explanation,

Four years went by fast, mine is having to re-certify in the dunker tank this week, Yuk. 

Navy wife, Beautiful!

Navy Wife--picture perfect!  Glad you're having some time together....his little dog reminds me of my DS's.  I miss her as well as my son!

Suzie--thank you for the tip on the GoPro.  My older son has one, but it never occurred to us that they would let him put one on the plane!  During Aerobatic training that would be pretty sweet!

Our son figures they may be done before Christmas, but they were given mid January as their selection date.  He doesn't think that there will be any special acknowledgement or ceremony in Enid...

He likes to do models so I found one of the T-6 and sent that to celebrate his first solo in that aircraft.  It arrived a day or two ago and he was pretty excited--the decals were even for his actual squadron.  (I planned it that way...wink wink)

Have a great day, everyone!