Tatia, be SURE that your daughter inscribes ANYTHING of value with her name. Believe it or not, a TON of things get stolen, especially on the "Barge" where they live when they first get there. Your daughter can get a phone plan over there from SoftBank. I think my daughter pays about 70.00 a month and has unlimited calling to the U.S. They can't use their cell phones while "under way", but they can use them in port stops.
sue! how is your trip? you haven't heard from katlanta? same here, was wondering what happened to you two. i hope you're enjoying yourself!!! and yes, it is hot! but this is nothing compared to the other days!
Just heard from my son. He is back in Japan. Was able to have a nice long talk with him. He has pink eye poor thing. Got it while he was on board ship. He says he's had it for 12 days and it was only supposed to last 5 days. Said it was viral so didn't get antibiotics. Sounds like he needs them anyway. All he got was Ibuprofen and artificial tears. Wish I could be there to help him. He has never gotten anything like this before and the fact that it is going on so long has me worried.
Millye thank you for the info. on the phone plan I will pass this on to her. I will also tell her to make sure everything has her name inscribed on it!
Thanks Cladia and BADma Spoke with my sailor Sunday morning.His sickness has passed and he is doing good now. He also sounded good. We think it was food poisoning. He became ill after eating lunch at a Subway.
My son just went to the top of Fuji over the weekend. His first weekend back in Japan. He posted his pics on FB. The climb was one thing he wanted to do before leaving Japan. Which should be sometime at the end of next year.
Anchorsmom, I flew last November from San Francisco to Narita for $900.00 roundtrip. If you are checking on travel sites, look at the cheaper flights VERY carefully, as I noticed that several of them had you wasting a day or two in Korea. I didn't have that kind of time to spare.
welcome back, sue & katlanta! although we didn't get the chance to connect, i hope you got the most out of your trip and enjoyed your time! as for flights, it's so hit or miss...the only real suggestion i have is to keep checking prices ALL the time! :) my friend visited me earlier this year late jan-early feb from chicago and her flight was just under $900!
and i second what mollie said. be VERY careful when looking at the flight duration. i remember almost getting sucked into that myself.
Does anyone know when the next family and friends curise day is set for 2012? Has that been announced yet? When they do announce the date does this leave you plenty of time to schedule reservations for flight and room?
This is an online Party with a Purpose.... Please help support The Reynolds Family. Sean Reynolds is a shipmate of my daughter. He has lost His family that was in a head on collision in TX on their way to meet him for his homecoming from serving our country on the US Ronald Reagan. He has lost his brother and parents and needs help with all of the expenses. Please help me to raise money for this young man who is serving our country.
To help, you can shop online at www.partylite.biz/jenifercanada click shop, and click look up host Reynolds (first) Family (last) 50% of all online order will benefit the Reynolds Family! There is a guest clearance starting at only $5, Plus Spend $50 and get any 1 item 1/2 off!
Thank you in advance for all your help, Linda from a mom on the USS RONALD REAGAN:
Can someone clarify the term 'night check'. As in......my son said he and his 'night check' were eating someplace. It is a superior, or someone with whom they are dually responsible for one another when off base. thanks
Well ladies, the GW pulled out without my daughter aboard :( She is officially checked out of the "command" and will be leaving Japan in just a few days. While its going to be wonderful having her back on U.S. soil again, I can never thank all of you ladies for the wonderful support you have been while she was with the GW. I will definitely be checking in from time to time to see how everybody is doing. To any new moms......this group will offer you endless support and information. They are truly a wonderful group. Best of luck to ALL.
mollie, so exciting!!! :) it'll be another 9-ish months before we're outta here for good! after going back and forth on the decision to re-enlist, hubby most likely will NOT. i should be back in the states in about 8 months since he's pretty sure he'll have to go back out to sea for a little bit. kelcie and i are going to try and meet up one last time before she leaves...i can't imagine the emotions running through her right now as she is getting ready to leave. i wouldn't be able to sleep from all the excitement!
Mollie....I don't know WHY reading your post just hit me so hard !! I am happy that you will have your daughter back on U.S soil. Regular communication will be so nice. I guess I got spoiled 'seeing' my sailor on facebook daily for the past few weeks and now realizing that he's underway....hurts.I don't know how else to put it )):
I think since my son left for boot camp on Nov1,2010 there hasn't been a day that I haven't cried at LEAST once. The hubmeister thinks I am ready fot the ha ha house. MEN....they just don't understand ): I just try to stay occupied.Sooo...I guess I'd better get to my volunteer stuff!!
Just heard my son is back aboard the GW. We are having a family crisis at home and knowing I could talk to him by phone in Japan helped. I just emailed him with update on problem and he was able to tell me that he has been back aboard for 3 days. Also that he thought the so called solution to our problem sucked. And of course he is worried about everyone here and we are worried about him. He always says don't worry about him, but can't help it.
Got an email from my sailor telling me that my post on the GW's fb page was chosen "post of the day". He stated it is the 5th tiime one of my posts has been chosen. Gee.,does that make me like a GW celeb? Do I win an all expenses paid trip to Japan...ha ha?
Vicky...oh HOW exciting!! Love up that sailor for all of us.
Could anyone please give me the mailing address to the GW. My son is on his first deployment and he let me know he would not be able to use the computers for possibly weeks. I do understand that, but he did say they do receive mail on the ship. He could not find out the address before leaving. Please help if you know the address. So glad to have found this "GROUP"
Today is my birthday. Got a bd email from my sailor today.Also caught him at a computer this week so we emailed back and forth.That was fun ! Hope you hear soon, Sue
My sailor has been great at emails...daily or every other day. I told him that his dep't oughta strikr a pose for fb. He replied that they are having pix on fb in WHITES.I was teasing him previously that I waned a pcture of him in his whites and his response was "photoshhop". Such a smart A$$...THAT'S my kid ((: He is awaiting his PO3 pin.The kid makes me soooo proud.
Hi all-My son just got his orders as an undesig. airman. they told him he'd be in SD or Virginia Beach, but...surprise! orders came in saying Japan for 2 yrs! Well, we are learning to be flexible! He doesn't report for a couple of months so he'll get to come home b4 he leaves.I've been looking around the site and am picking up that getting a passport for him would b a good idea. He has a computer but i gather that he will need to get a new cell phone over there. I believe he's assigned to the GW, so any info would be greatly appreciated! This is definitely new territory for us.
Hi Ronette, Thanks for your previous reply to my post (not sure how to add this beneath the reply). I don't know how many nukes there are on the ship, but maybe our sons know each other. Mine has been there since January 2011 and I have heard from him only a few times. He always says he's fine and not to worry. He said this even after the earthquake. I know he never tells the whole entire story and I do worry a lot most of the time. I thought maybe some other moms had received some news I hadn't heard.
Hello everyone...My son is actually on his very first deployment on USS GW. I have no email address or physical address. I havent heard a word. I keep seeing where everyone is referring to emails. I assume that is how they make contact. I guess not Facebook where I keep checking. He did tell me there was computers on the ship but he also said he heard that they dont get to get on them often. Could anyone please at least inbox the mailing address to the ship to me. I would so appreciate it. Thank You
Hi Sandra D...sorry I KNOW I have the GW Ombufdsmen email address in my contacts but I can't access it )): . My son has been on the GW since June 12.He arrived in Japan in May.
Your son will get an email address and that'll be your lifeline (pun intended). The sailors can't access facebook on ship BUT GW does have a fb page for families ,loved ones to send messages.Apparently the page is emailed to the sailors (at least that's how my son explained it) They are very busy.My son emails from the shop when he can.
I see the ship is docked now. Are yall hearing from your sailors? My sons first deployment. Are they usually allowed to start calling and emailing once they dock or does it take a few days. I am just so stressed. I havent heard a word and I see where other families are in contact.
well THANK YOU both so much for that detailed info. That is what i needed. I knew there was probably more to it. Crap... now I wish he would have picked a job with computers. LOL. He is acutally on the flight deck. I think he will love that job, but sounds like the down side is he wont get on computers much. Well thank you again ladies. I love the website.
To SueS - I've seen the racks on my son's previous ship (they called them coffins) and it was a little disturbing. Your son is suffering at 6'7" - I know because mine is 6'6". They have to fold themselves up in order to sleep. They do deserve to stretch out once in a while!
Rosemary, I know that Navy Federal froze a lot of accounts last year when they docked in Thailand, and like katlanta says, they can usually borrow enough cash from a buddy to see them through till they get their accounts straightened out.
Well, Kelcie is in Seattle, officially "out processing" from the Navy. I can't believe that 4 1/2 years went by so fast. New moms, take heart :-)
Thank you everybody. She should fly in from Washington tomorrow evening :-) PLUS, the PERFECT job for her was in the help wanted section of the paper this evening. At this point she is looking to follow her boyfriend to Virginia at some point after the 1st of the year and start school out there on her GI bill. Keep your fingers crossed about this job. She has a TON of Navy experience in it, plus the pay is great.....especially in our area.
Can anyone be so kind as to let me know the address the GW. My son is on his first deployment. Stressful for us both. Please reply if you have the address.
I have what may be a silly question, ...So what happens if they are still out when my son and his buddies get there late Nov. Do they fly them to the ship or do they just wait on base til they get back?
Well ladies, Kelcie made it in to Sacramento about 17:00 last Thursday. She was able to get on a flight 5 hrs earlier than she was scheduled for...yippee!! There was an ad in our local paper for a 911 dispatcher, so she went today and got her typing certificate and handed in her resume. She did a ton of dispatching at her first duty station, so I think the odds are in her favor.
Annette...I use Kayak a lot, it lists a bunch of travel sites and compares prices. It's kind of hard for our sailors, as they don't have much flexibility because their leave time is so limited, but just keep a close eye on the sites and hopefully you will find a good price.
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Aug 23, 2011
Tatia
My Daughter will be a sailor on this ship what things should she bring with her?
Should I send a care package with her to start with?
Aug 24, 2011
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
SoftBank. I think my daughter pays about 70.00 a month and has unlimited calling to the U.S. They can't use their cell phones while "under way", but they can use them in port stops.
Aug 25, 2011
abc815
Aug 26, 2011
lwcar
Aug 27, 2011
Tatia
Aug 27, 2011
abc815
Aug 27, 2011
abc815
Aug 27, 2011
Moose
Aug 27, 2011
BADma
Aug 29, 2011
Moose
Aug 29, 2011
BADma
There is an article on navy.mil about the 7th fleet.The GW is staying in port.
Sorry I can't get it to post.
Aug 30, 2011
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Millye,
Kelcie just commented about the incoming typhoon on facebook. It was the first I had heard of it.
Aug 30, 2011
lwcar
Aug 31, 2011
Moose
Sep 6, 2011
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Sep 10, 2011
abc815
welcome back, sue & katlanta! although we didn't get the chance to connect, i hope you got the most out of your trip and enjoyed your time! as for flights, it's so hit or miss...the only real suggestion i have is to keep checking prices ALL the time! :) my friend visited me earlier this year late jan-early feb from chicago and her flight was just under $900!
and i second what mollie said. be VERY careful when looking at the flight duration. i remember almost getting sucked into that myself.
Sep 10, 2011
Btownmom
Does anyone know when the next family and friends curise day is set for 2012? Has that been announced yet? When they do announce the date does this leave you plenty of time to schedule reservations for flight and room?
Sep 12, 2011
momof2sailors
This is an online Party with a Purpose....
Please help support The Reynolds Family. Sean Reynolds is a shipmate of my daughter. He has lost His family that was in a head on collision in TX on their way to meet him for his homecoming from serving our country on the US Ronald Reagan. He has lost his brother and parents and needs help with all of the expenses. Please help me to raise money for this young man who is serving our country.
To help, you can shop online at www.partylite.biz/jenifercanada click shop, and click look up host Reynolds (first) Family (last)
50% of all online order will benefit the Reynolds Family!
There is a guest clearance starting at only $5, Plus Spend $50 and get any 1 item 1/2 off!
Thank you in advance for all your help,
Linda from a mom on the USS RONALD REAGAN:
Sep 14, 2011
bda0802
Sep 18, 2011
bda0802
Sep 18, 2011
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Sep 19, 2011
Moose
Sep 19, 2011
abc815
mollie, so exciting!!! :) it'll be another 9-ish months before we're outta here for good! after going back and forth on the decision to re-enlist, hubby most likely will NOT. i should be back in the states in about 8 months since he's pretty sure he'll have to go back out to sea for a little bit. kelcie and i are going to try and meet up one last time before she leaves...i can't imagine the emotions running through her right now as she is getting ready to leave. i wouldn't be able to sleep from all the excitement!
Sep 19, 2011
BADma
Mollie....I don't know WHY reading your post just hit me so hard !! I am happy that you will have your daughter back on U.S soil. Regular communication will be so nice. I guess I got spoiled 'seeing' my sailor on facebook daily for the past few weeks and now realizing that he's underway....hurts.I don't know how else to put it )):
Again, congrats on your homeward bound sailor (:
Sep 19, 2011
BADma
Navy Ma... I KNOW...YIKES!!
I think since my son left for boot camp on Nov1,2010 there hasn't been a day that I haven't cried at LEAST once. The hubmeister thinks I am ready fot the ha ha house. MEN....they just don't understand ): I just try to stay occupied.Sooo...I guess I'd better get to my volunteer stuff!!
Hope all have an AWESOME Monday <3
Sep 19, 2011
lwcar
Sep 21, 2011
BADma
Hi All,
Got an email from my sailor telling me that my post on the GW's fb page was chosen "post of the day". He stated it is the 5th tiime one of my posts has been chosen. Gee.,does that make me like a GW celeb? Do I win an all expenses paid trip to Japan...ha ha?
Vicky...oh HOW exciting!! Love up that sailor for all of us.
Sep 21, 2011
Sandra D
Sep 22, 2011
Moose
Sep 25, 2011
Moose
Sep 26, 2011
BADma
My sailor has been great at emails...daily or every other day. I told him that his dep't oughta strikr a pose for fb. He replied that they are having pix on fb in WHITES.I was teasing him previously that I waned a pcture of him in his whites and his response was "photoshhop". Such a smart A$$...THAT'S my kid ((: He is awaiting his PO3 pin.The kid makes me soooo proud.
Happy belated birthday Moose!!
Sep 26, 2011
TexasSailorMom
Sep 26, 2011
Moose
Sep 26, 2011
Sam'sMom
Sep 27, 2011
Sandra D
Hello everyone...My son is actually on his very first deployment on USS GW. I have no email address or physical address. I havent heard a word. I keep seeing where everyone is referring to emails. I assume that is how they make contact. I guess not Facebook where I keep checking. He did tell me there was computers on the ship but he also said he heard that they dont get to get on them often. Could anyone please at least inbox the mailing address to the ship to me. I would so appreciate it. Thank You
Sandy
Sep 27, 2011
BADma
Hi Sandra D...sorry I KNOW I have the GW Ombufdsmen email address in my contacts but I can't access it )): . My son has been on the GW since June 12.He arrived in Japan in May.
Your son will get an email address and that'll be your lifeline (pun intended). The sailors can't access facebook on ship BUT GW does have a fb page for families ,loved ones to send messages.Apparently the page is emailed to the sailors (at least that's how my son explained it) They are very busy.My son emails from the shop when he can.
Sep 27, 2011
Sandra D
Sep 30, 2011
Sandra D
Sep 30, 2011
Sam'sMom
Sep 30, 2011
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Rosemary, I know that Navy Federal froze a lot of accounts last year when they docked in Thailand, and like katlanta says, they can usually borrow enough cash from a buddy to see them through till they get their accounts straightened out.
Well, Kelcie is in Seattle, officially "out processing" from the Navy. I can't believe that 4 1/2 years went by so fast. New moms, take heart :-)
Oct 2, 2011
Sam'sMom
Oct 2, 2011
Sam'sMom
Oct 3, 2011
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Oct 5, 2011
momof2sailors
Mollie I told her all the bad side of VA BCH. And nothing I said was good. Trust me. I hated it there.
Oct 5, 2011
Sandra D
Can anyone be so kind as to let me know the address the GW. My son is on his first deployment. Stressful for us both. Please reply if you have the address.
Oct 6, 2011
TexasSailorMom
Oct 8, 2011
Mollie...Kelcies Mom
Well ladies, Kelcie made it in to Sacramento about 17:00 last Thursday. She was able to get on a flight 5 hrs earlier than she was scheduled for...yippee!! There was an ad in our local paper for a 911 dispatcher, so she went today and got her typing certificate and handed in her resume. She did a ton of dispatching at her first duty station, so I think the odds are in her favor.
Annette...I use Kayak a lot, it lists a bunch of travel sites and compares prices. It's kind of hard for our sailors, as they don't have much flexibility because their leave time is so limited, but just keep a close eye on the sites and hopefully you will find a good price.
Katlanta.....I'd vote for you too :-)
Oct 11, 2011
BADma
Mollie...YAY your sailor is HOME!!
Tell Kelcie good luck w/the dispatch job.I hope she gets it.Let us know.
Oct 11, 2011
Moose
Oct 11, 2011