Hi Suzie, still keeping my phone about two inches from my hand...they were held up in port for some mechanical issues, so now it's hard to gauge what the timeline will be. DS face-timed as they headed out to sea, it was really cool and I only let a few tears squirt out while talking to him! We're hanging in and just counting on all that training to see him through. Thanks for checking in...it's good to hear that there's a vacation in sight. Like you said, they haven't had a vacation besides coming home for the holidays in years. We had a great but really short time in Boston. It was nice to get away.
Helomom, such great news all the way around. Congratulations to you and for your whole family...these "kids" sure make us proud! Take care everyone.
James - Congratulations! My DS got back from 3 years in Japan in December & started as an instructor at Top Gun in late January. It's an extremely challenging job!
He's estimating being on the road about 200 days per year. Yes, 200. This is only the 3rd week he's been at home in Fallon since June 1st. I hope your DS doesn't have that type of schedule.
Anyway, it's a great honor (and career step if he stays in.)
Just joined this group today and would like to introduce myself. I am AJ's Mom and he is about to finish his 1st year of flight training in Pensacola. Praying he does his 2nd year in Corpus...only 3 and half hours from Austin! I work part time. I also have a grown daughter. I live in Austin, TX and would like to meet other Navy Moms in Austin; I'm not sure how to find them. Looking forward to meeting some other Moms!
Welcome proudmom, I am not in Austin, I'm in St. Louis, but my DS is also finishing Primary flight training soon in Milton and hopes to go to Corpus next. I wonder if it's possible they know one another. What squadron is he in?
proudmom, I sent you a friend request. Yes, names and identifying information about our kids is not used on the public forum, so DS, DD, etc. is used when referring to them.
Welcome proudmom. My DS is in Lemoore, CA. I just moved to Atlanta from Dallas, TX. There is a Texas Moms page that has several subgroups and I know that there is a group that has met in the Austin area for lunch. You can find that page and post there. I don't know how often they meet. This page will give you lots of information about the flight training process...read back through the discussions and also post any questions you have. These ladies (and one dad) are very helpful and supportive!
proudmom...I'm in Sandy Springs. Just starting to explore the area. If your DS gets to Corpus, make sure you make it down for the Blue Angels show in March. Each year it is in either Corpus or Kingsville. Our DS was in Kingsville for Advanced and it was wonderful to see his world with so much going on.
Congrats jamiess, on your son's completion of SERE, I told my DS please don't tell me when you go through SERE!! I think he still has a while before doing that!!
SERE typically happens after they finish advance and receive their wings. It's actually beneficial training so you would rather they be prepared then not prepared for potential situations.
I need a little help...my DS is in the last block of primary which is instruments. He is his worse critic. He is on monitoring status but he has passed all his sims to date and doing well...he gets so nervous I worry about him. I keep talking to him and supporting him...I know he is scared too...he doesnt want to fail...(in his eyes) I keep telling him keep your eye on the prize and he does know his stuff...I just feel so helpless at times, but I would never let him know that...guess I just need some encouragement...LOL
Hi Gina, I remember those days. Instruments is hard because there are so many details and so many ways to mess up. One of DS's instructors told him that while you have to know all this stuff, you actually don't use it that much once you are in the squadron. So, you just have to get through it.
Keep encouraging, remind him he is there for a reason, and that they thought he would be good enough to make it thru the training or they would not have put him there.
I know it's really hard on you to listen to him. So you hang in there too! Our DS lost a bunch of weight cuz he got so nervous that he couldn't eat. But he made it thru!
Just let us know how you and he are doing...
Gina, our DS was an aviation major in college so in some ways, I feel like I've already been through the nervousness and anguish prior to the Navy. It's rough, I understand completely. My suggestion to our son who was a bundle of nerves was to go for a run or workout. Try to get rid of the useless nervous energy and use the rest of your time to focus. He did it a lot and would think through problems on his runs or workouts. Needless to say, he was in great shape in college! LOL Throw in a few prayers (him and you) and you'll both feel better. Hope it helps.
My DS just finished instruments. It was tough. When he went through a tough time earlier in Primary, one of the moms told me to remind him that this is not a wee out process. The Navy wants them to succeed, and they were chosen because they are capable. My DS realized he needed a way to process the stress and got himself a bicycle. So now he rides to de-stress.
Encourage him to go do practice sims, it's not the real thing but it can be helpful. Also an instructor once told my DH to go home and drink a beer after a stressful flight. Sometimes taking a break from it and doing a non stressful activity will help clear the mind and start fresh.
Hi Gina, I feel your pain, we probably all do. Just continue to be there for him. Sometimes I think I worried more than my DS did :). He passed all his sims, that's awesome. It's such a stressful journey for all of them. Hang in there.
All of the Moms have had good advice. There are many stress points along the way for both you and your DS. Encourage him to find his way to destress. The Navy does want him to succeed. He might even find someone ahead of him in the pipeline to talk with. They are always ready to help one another.
On our way to Tailhook this afternoon to help our friend serve wine (tough job but someone has to do it.) DS and DIL will be there -YEAH! Last year he was deployed. I cherish each moment we are together.
JudyM - My husband and I watched the Smithsonian episode! Really neat. In the late 60's my husband was an aviation fire control technician for the A6 Intruder.
Helomom, thanks for letting me know you saw it. We have not as we do not have access to the Smithsonian channel. Sounds like you are several generations Navy. Awesome!
Kama, you'll get used to it! We also use terms like DIL for daughter-in-law, etc. This is due to OPSEC (operational security) because it is potentially dangerous to give out names, etc. on a public forum.
If your aviator is confusing you, too, check out the list of Navy acronyms on Wikipedia. They use the terms so much that I used to feel like I was getting hieroglyphics from my DS.
JudyM - DH and I are on Coronado visiting DS and family. I heard tonight that they (DS and DIL) tracked you down at Tailhook and spoke to you and your husband. :-)
Helomom, I did get visit from DS and DIL. They are terrific! It was so wonderful to meet them. Please say hello to them for me and that I so enjoyed meeting them.
JudyM - They say hello back! We love it here on Coronado. This tour has been the longest time they have been here so we have been able to visit more often. I think we will get a couple more trips in before Change of Command. Then they will be off again.
We have been visiting our DS and family for the last week on Coronado and are flying home today. Yesterday he took us over to the hangar to see his office, the ready room, conference room and the helos. DH and I got to sit in one of the helos while he explained all the controls to us. I must say it's a little amazing to see his command mission statement on the wall and realize that he is in command of 250 people and a quarter billion dollars worth of aircraft. His command tour is winding down, less than a year left so now the conversation is about what's next. DS says he won't really know much until next Spring, impossible to predict at this point. As we live in the moment, this visit was great fun. We went to the Fall Festival at school, caught a couple of our grandson's soccer games and watched our grand daughter cheerleading at a Pop Warner football game. Great fun!
Hi all! My DS just got the word, he will be moving to Corpus Christi soon. He's been in Pensacola for about 10 weeks, but the apartment/housing hunt begins again. Any suggestions on housing in Corpus Christi would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Barb
Hi Suzie, still keeping my phone about two inches from my hand...they were held up in port for some mechanical issues, so now it's hard to gauge what the timeline will be. DS face-timed as they headed out to sea, it was really cool and I only let a few tears squirt out while talking to him! We're hanging in and just counting on all that training to see him through. Thanks for checking in...it's good to hear that there's a vacation in sight. Like you said, they haven't had a vacation besides coming home for the holidays in years. We had a great but really short time in Boston. It was nice to get away.
Helomom, such great news all the way around. Congratulations to you and for your whole family...these "kids" sure make us proud! Take care everyone.
Aug 10, 2015
Helomom
Aug 23, 2015
J/J Mom
James -- that sounds great! Congrats to him!!
Aug 24, 2015
Marianne
James - Congratulations! My DS got back from 3 years in Japan in December & started as an instructor at Top Gun in late January. It's an extremely challenging job!
He's estimating being on the road about 200 days per year. Yes, 200. This is only the 3rd week he's been at home in Fallon since June 1st. I hope your DS doesn't have that type of schedule.
Anyway, it's a great honor (and career step if he stays in.)
Aug 25, 2015
proudmom
Just joined this group today and would like to introduce myself. I am AJ's Mom and he is about to finish his 1st year of flight training in Pensacola. Praying he does his 2nd year in Corpus...only 3 and half hours from Austin! I work part time. I also have a grown daughter. I live in Austin, TX and would like to meet other Navy Moms in Austin; I'm not sure how to find them. Looking forward to meeting some other Moms!
Aug 29, 2015
helenp
Welcome proudmom, I am not in Austin, I'm in St. Louis, but my DS is also finishing Primary flight training soon in Milton and hopes to go to Corpus next. I wonder if it's possible they know one another. What squadron is he in?
Aug 29, 2015
proudmom
Just spoke with my son; he's in squadron six. Also, what does DS stand for?
Aug 29, 2015
Dawn
Aug 29, 2015
helenp
Mine is in Training Squadron 6. proudmom, I'll invite you to a private message so we can exchange info
Aug 29, 2015
proudmom
I'd like that helenp.
Aug 29, 2015
proudmom
i'd like that helenp.
Aug 29, 2015
helenp
proudmom, I sent you a friend request. Yes, names and identifying information about our kids is not used on the public forum, so DS, DD, etc. is used when referring to them.
Aug 29, 2015
J/J Mom
Welcome to the group proudmom. DS is stationed in Corpus now for flight school. He LOVED Austin when he visited!!
Aug 29, 2015
CheriH
Welcome proudmom. My DS is in Lemoore, CA. I just moved to Atlanta from Dallas, TX. There is a Texas Moms page that has several subgroups and I know that there is a group that has met in the Austin area for lunch. You can find that page and post there. I don't know how often they meet. This page will give you lots of information about the flight training process...read back through the discussions and also post any questions you have. These ladies (and one dad) are very helpful and supportive!
Aug 30, 2015
proudmom
CheriH...Thanks for the info. Before Austin, I lived 16 years in Alpharetta. Where are you in Atlanta?
Aug 30, 2015
Chris
VT-6 rules! My son was in VT-6, now in Meridian MS.
http://www.cnatra.navy.mil/tw5/vt6/
Aug 30, 2015
CheriH
proudmom...I'm in Sandy Springs. Just starting to explore the area. If your DS gets to Corpus, make sure you make it down for the Blue Angels show in March. Each year it is in either Corpus or Kingsville. Our DS was in Kingsville for Advanced and it was wonderful to see his world with so much going on.
Aug 30, 2015
jamielss
Aug 30, 2015
jamielss
Aug 30, 2015
proudmom
CherH...Sandy Springs is nice...you're close to everything. I will definitely go to the airshow in March if my DS is in Corpus.
Aug 30, 2015
Quilter
Congrats jamiess, on your son's completion of SERE, I told my DS please don't tell me when you go through SERE!! I think he still has a while before doing that!!
Aug 31, 2015
jamielss
Sep 1, 2015
CheriH
jamiess...glad he made it through! I know they are training them and want to make sure they are alright, but it's still hard to hear about it all!
Sep 1, 2015
Quilter
jamielss, how long after OCS do they have SERE, just so I can prepare. LOL
Sep 1, 2015
Hurricane
Sep 1, 2015
Quilter
Thank you Hurricane, and I agree 100%
Sep 1, 2015
jamielss
Sep 1, 2015
jamielss
Sep 1, 2015
HeloMOM2016
Hi
I need a little help...my DS is in the last block of primary which is instruments. He is his worse critic. He is on monitoring status but he has passed all his sims to date and doing well...he gets so nervous I worry about him. I keep talking to him and supporting him...I know he is scared too...he doesnt want to fail...(in his eyes) I keep telling him keep your eye on the prize and he does know his stuff...I just feel so helpless at times, but I would never let him know that...guess I just need some encouragement...LOL
Thank Gina
Sep 8, 2015
CheriH
Keep encouraging, remind him he is there for a reason, and that they thought he would be good enough to make it thru the training or they would not have put him there.
I know it's really hard on you to listen to him. So you hang in there too! Our DS lost a bunch of weight cuz he got so nervous that he couldn't eat. But he made it thru!
Just let us know how you and he are doing...
Sep 8, 2015
jsefamily
Sep 8, 2015
helenp
My DS just finished instruments. It was tough. When he went through a tough time earlier in Primary, one of the moms told me to remind him that this is not a wee out process. The Navy wants them to succeed, and they were chosen because they are capable. My DS realized he needed a way to process the stress and got himself a bicycle. So now he rides to de-stress.
Sep 8, 2015
Hurricane
Sep 9, 2015
Barb
Hi Gina, everyone has a rough spot at one time or another. Sending you and your son lots of positive thoughts and warm hugs! Hang in there!
Sep 9, 2015
NYNancy
Sep 9, 2015
JudyM
On our way to Tailhook this afternoon to help our friend serve wine (tough job but someone has to do it.) DS and DIL will be there -YEAH! Last year he was deployed. I cherish each moment we are together.
Sep 9, 2015
Helomom
Sep 9, 2015
JudyM
Helomom, tell DS ad DIL to come by the Bella Luna Wine booth and ask for me. Would love to meet them and pour them a glass of wine.
Sep 9, 2015
JudyM
Anyone else know their loved ones will be at Tailhook. Please have them come by and meet me.
Sep 9, 2015
JudyM
For anyone who is interested in the Growlers, the Smithsonian channel is having a program in early October. Here is a link to the trailer.
http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/videos/this-aircraft-is-a-marvel-...
Sep 30, 2015
Helomom
Oct 11, 2015
JudyM
Helomom, thanks for letting me know you saw it. We have not as we do not have access to the Smithsonian channel. Sounds like you are several generations Navy. Awesome!
Oct 12, 2015
Kama
Forgive me, but I don't know all of the acronyms. What is a DS?
Oct 16, 2015
JudyM
Oct 16, 2015
Marianne
Kama, you'll get used to it! We also use terms like DIL for daughter-in-law, etc. This is due to OPSEC (operational security) because it is potentially dangerous to give out names, etc. on a public forum.
If your aviator is confusing you, too, check out the list of Navy acronyms on Wikipedia. They use the terms so much that I used to feel like I was getting hieroglyphics from my DS.
Oct 16, 2015
Helomom
Oct 19, 2015
JudyM
Helomom, I did get visit from DS and DIL. They are terrific! It was so wonderful to meet them. Please say hello to them for me and that I so enjoyed meeting them.
How do you like Coronado?
Oct 19, 2015
Helomom
Oct 19, 2015
Helomom
Oct 19, 2015
Quilter
Hi all! My DS just got the word, he will be moving to Corpus Christi soon. He's been in Pensacola for about 10 weeks, but the apartment/housing hunt begins again. Any suggestions on housing in Corpus Christi would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Oct 30, 2015