Hi all, My son is headed there in a couple of weeks. He's home for a visit now, YEAH!!
cokevmom, Looks like we are neighbors here in Texas so my son isn't used to the cold either. Although he was in BC last winter and got really tired of the snow up there!
I have a couple of questions - should they bring long johns and warm clothes to layer under their uniforms or are they issued stuff like that? Not really sure what the Navy provides and what they have to buy for themselves.
My son said he was given the name of a guy on the ship who is his sponsor but hasn't gotten ahold of him yet. What are the sponsors for?
WELCOME!! If he has long johns already...pack them.Just like boot camp and A School...their space is limited. On the flight to Japan they can have 3 bags..Mine had his seabag, garment bag? and a backkpack(his carry on).
The sponsor,if i rememeber,meets them at the airport and helps them with settling in.Hopefully he gets hold of sponsor. I know my son had a lot of help.
OMG, no rack pack. I have already sent one to him...can't believe they won't let the kids have them...He has duty during the night, surely they will let them have the rack pack to get some sleep!! Oh, well, this is what it is like to have no control over your kids life!!
Have any of your sailors mentioned the end of cruise talent show? My sailor mentioned it in an email.I told hiim they oughta post it on youtube,,tee hee.
Thank for the welcome Kathy, Eric arrived in Japan March 5th just a few days before earthquake and tsunami. I got one phone call from him on my birthday in May but havent herd from him since. I fill like he fell of the ship and nobody has noticed him missing
Pam, I am so sorry you have not heard from your sailor in mts. I can just imagine how you must be feeling. Our sons just do not realize how we feel when we do not hear from them.It's just a natural thing for moms to worry about their children ! Have you tried calling his cell ? I had a drop call yesterday and knew it was my sailor so I immediately called him back on his cell and it went thru !! We talked for a very long time. Hope you hear soon.
Kathy and Pam: I did contact the ombudsman when my son didn't call or write. Within a few hours, I got an email from his supervisor. Within 24 hours I received a call from my errant son. My son had not gotten his military email account and his supervisor stayed on his rear-end until he got it. I now email him and he doesn't email me back!!!
My point is that the Navy takes care of their own!!! Contact the ombudsman and I'm sure that you will hear from your son within hours!!
Hi Navy Moms, Has anyone ever used Planetfone from AAA while visiting Japan, and if so, how did you like it? Is it better or less expensive to rent a phone over there? Would anyone recommend international phone cards?
Just back from the Post Office where I mailed my Sailor's Christmas box full of small presents. I hope it arrives in time for the holiday's. Anyone else mail one yet to their loved Sailor? I feel so good getting it off, yet bittersweet, I cried while I wrapped, however, I am so proud of him!
My son just left for Japan yesterday morning. Got a call tonight and we were able to text on his new phone he got there today. So glad to hear from him since his buddies that were supposed to meet him in Houston to fly out together were delayed in Pensacola so he had to go alone. Here we go on a new adventure!
I am new to the group, my son arrived in Japan Oct. 11th he talked to his officer and has been very excited to be there. He is to be on board for 2yrs but everyone tells him it can be longer. We are from the Dayton, Ohio area.
My daughter is supposed to be signing on this week. She's been in Japan for about a month so far and is ready to get to work! She's a great cook so all your sailors are going to be well fed once she gets onboard. I'm looking forward to meeting all the GW moms!
grandmac... your grandson will receive his email and mailing address after he arrivres on base and goes through indoctrination. The GW is 'home' now . I snooped on your page and saw Tucson.There is an Arizona Mom's page here,too. I am in Pinal County but have inlaws in Tucson.
Hi grandmac, glad to see another familiar name on here! My son arrived 2 weeks ago but says he still doesn't know his address. We communicate frequently by texting on the cell phone he got when he arrived. It has an app with a US area code so he can text for free. If anyone has an address so I can get things in the mail for Christmas I would really appreciate it! Thanks!
Kate: Just to let you know it is really cold in Japan. My sweet angel is freezing!!! He says he wants a warm work coat (Carhart) and a windbreaker. I am getting him some of the silk-like winter underwear (Nike), some heavy socks and flannel sleeping pants. Just a few of the things I think they need!
TexasSailorMom: Are you anywhere near Houston?? It's funny, my son was able to get the same app on his phone! I thought is was illegal or something! Thanks for letting us know. As far as his address...I think they are all different. Of course,it is USS George Washington-CVN 73 but that's only the beginning. I'm sure he has a box, etc. The bottom line is: FPO, AP 96650-2801. Good luck!!!
Grandmac.... I live in the town of maricopa.Its 90 miles from Tucson. My husband did a lot of construction (dirtwork) in Saddlebrooke in the late 80's till 91.
I meant that there is an "Arizona Mom's" group on here.
Julie F: We should get together. My son is an Airman, cranking for now!! (That means he's doing KP duty) (or washing dishes!). I don't know how to do friends but if you do...friend me and then we can maybe do something???
My daughter just signed onto the GDub yesterday! Can't wait to hear how it's going so far. She's been in Japan since early November and was so ready to join her ship. I'm so happy to join the GDub family.
hey everyone! remember me? it has been SO long, i'm trying to catch up. after having the baby, i've been stuck in my own bubble! i hope everyone is doing well! we are about to head back to the states for our leave in a week. we cannot WAIT to see everyone and introduce them to the baby. my husband has decided not to re-enlist, so we are done in about 5 months! happy holidays everyone!
Hey Cheryl- I got a call from my sailor that he was signing on yesterday too! (he arrived mid Nov.) He is looking forward to finding out what he will be doing. He has sent some sight seeing pics so he seems to be enjoying Japan so far.
i see there some new members here who's sons are nukes. my husband is also and i am living here in japan with him. i wonder if i know them! i've already met a few moms' sons who know my husband. :)
and the best of luck to your son, claudia! it's a scary, yet exciting time for him!
cokevmom
Kathy: Didn't even think about them not being able to have my warm electric blanket!!! When I can, I will e-mail the ombudsman and ask!!
cfsnowmom: The idea about wrapping the gifts was not even thought of. Thank ya'll so much for the idea. How I do miss my boy!!!
Nov 4, 2011
TexasSailorMom
Hi all, My son is headed there in a couple of weeks. He's home for a visit now, YEAH!!
cokevmom, Looks like we are neighbors here in Texas so my son isn't used to the cold either. Although he was in BC last winter and got really tired of the snow up there!
I have a couple of questions - should they bring long johns and warm clothes to layer under their uniforms or are they issued stuff like that? Not really sure what the Navy provides and what they have to buy for themselves.
My son said he was given the name of a guy on the ship who is his sponsor but hasn't gotten ahold of him yet. What are the sponsors for?
Nov 4, 2011
BADma
TexasSailorMom....
WELCOME!! If he has long johns already...pack them.Just like boot camp and A School...their space is limited. On the flight to Japan they can have 3 bags..Mine had his seabag, garment bag? and a backkpack(his carry on).
The sponsor,if i rememeber,meets them at the airport and helps them with settling in.Hopefully he gets hold of sponsor. I know my son had a lot of help.
Nov 4, 2011
Sam'sMom
Nov 5, 2011
cokevmom
Nov 5, 2011
BADma
Nov 5, 2011
Lisa FLNavyMom
The is an AWESOME picture!
OK I'll ask... what is a rack pack? :)
Nov 6, 2011
Lisa FLNavyMom
Nov 6, 2011
BADma
Nov 10, 2011
pam(GW nuke mom)
Thank for the welcome Kathy, Eric arrived in Japan March 5th just a few days before earthquake and tsunami. I got one phone call from him on my birthday in May but havent herd from him since. I fill like he fell of the ship and nobody has noticed him missing
Nov 10, 2011
BADma
Pam.... Welcome! This is a great site. Japan Moms are great too!!
Hopefully your sailor will be in touch during the holidays. I am grateful that my son is pretty good about emailing.
Nov 10, 2011
Moose
Pam, I am so sorry you have not heard from your sailor in mts. I can just imagine how you must be feeling. Our sons just do not realize how we feel when we do not hear from them.It's just a natural thing for moms to worry about their children ! Have you tried calling his cell ? I had a drop call yesterday and knew it was my sailor so I immediately called him back on his cell and it went thru !! We talked for a very long time. Hope you hear soon.
Nov 11, 2011
Lisa FLNavyMom
Cheers to our wonderful service members and their families! Happy Veteran's Day!
Nov 11, 2011
cokevmom
Kathy and Pam: I did contact the ombudsman when my son didn't call or write. Within a few hours, I got an email from his supervisor. Within 24 hours I received a call from my errant son. My son had not gotten his military email account and his supervisor stayed on his rear-end until he got it. I now email him and he doesn't email me back!!!
My point is that the Navy takes care of their own!!! Contact the ombudsman and I'm sure that you will hear from your son within hours!!
Nov 11, 2011
pam(GW nuke mom)
Cokevmon and Kathy, Thanks so much. I am going to get ahold of the ombudsman asap.
Nov 11, 2011
Sam'sMom
Nov 14, 2011
Sam'sMom
Meanwhile, I stumbled on a great blog site with all kinds of information and photos on Yokosuka for anyone who is interested...
http://yokosukatdy.blogspot.com/2008/12/cell-phones.html
Nov 14, 2011
Moose
Congrats Michele and daughter !!
Nov 18, 2011
Ozzy
Just back from the Post Office where I mailed my Sailor's Christmas box full of small presents. I hope it arrives in time for the holiday's. Anyone else mail one yet to their loved Sailor? I feel so good getting it off, yet bittersweet, I cried while I wrapped, however, I am so proud of him!
Congrat's Michele!
Nov 18, 2011
TexasSailorMom
My son just left for Japan yesterday morning. Got a call tonight and we were able to text on his new phone he got there today. So glad to hear from him since his buddies that were supposed to meet him in Houston to fly out together were delayed in Pensacola so he had to go alone. Here we go on a new adventure!
Nov 19, 2011
Sam'sMom
Nov 19, 2011
Moose
Thanks for posting the site. My sailor was promoted to E5. Saw his name on the list. So exciting !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and proud !!!!!!!!!
Nov 19, 2011
Lisa FLNavyMom
WOW, congrats everyone! TSM glad to hear S made it safely... here's to new adventures!
Nov 20, 2011
Btownmom
OK, I need help with the new promotions list. My son was (is) an E-4 , MM3. Now if he was promoted to E-5 where would I find him on the list?
Nov 21, 2011
Sam'sMom
Nov 22, 2011
Lisa FLNavyMom
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Great pics of the GW on fb...http://http://www.facebook.com/lisa.careywalker?cropsuccess#!/media...
for those that were on duty they still had a great meal!
Nov 24, 2011
Mooselover (GW Mom)
My daughter has just arrived in Japan to be aboard the GW. It's going to be a long 2 years
Nov 30, 2011
TexasSailorMom
I hear ya Mooselover! My son arrived 2 wks ago so we'll be on this journey together : )
Dec 1, 2011
Priscila
I'm so happy my son just arrived in Japan he is going to be aboard the GW for 4 years:)
Dec 1, 2011
sharma.penix
I am new to the group, my son arrived in Japan Oct. 11th he talked to his officer and has been very excited to be there. He is to be on board for 2yrs but everyone tells him it can be longer. We are from the Dayton, Ohio area.
Dec 1, 2011
Cheryl
My daughter is supposed to be signing on this week. She's been in Japan for about a month so far and is ready to get to work! She's a great cook so all your sailors are going to be well fed once she gets onboard. I'm looking forward to meeting all the GW moms!
Dec 2, 2011
grandmac
Hi - I am new here - my Grandson will be flying to Japan on the 7th. Don't know his address and he wasn't sure what it will be - do any of you know?
Dec 3, 2011
beautifulbamagirl
My little brother will also be shipping out to Japan this month! I will miss him very much!
Dec 3, 2011
BADma
Welcome new members!!
grandmac... your grandson will receive his email and mailing address after he arrivres on base and goes through indoctrination. The GW is 'home' now . I snooped on your page and saw Tucson.There is an Arizona Mom's page here,too. I am in Pinal County but have inlaws in Tucson.
Dec 3, 2011
TexasSailorMom
Hi grandmac, glad to see another familiar name on here! My son arrived 2 weeks ago but says he still doesn't know his address. We communicate frequently by texting on the cell phone he got when he arrived. It has an app with a US area code so he can text for free. If anyone has an address so I can get things in the mail for Christmas I would really appreciate it! Thanks!
Dec 4, 2011
grandmac
Hey TexasSailorMom - good to see you on this site also.
Thanks BADma for the information - I do know Arizona Mom - have to look her up.
We actually live in SaddleBrooke - so are also in Pinal County. Where do you live?
Dec 4, 2011
cokevmom
Kate: Just to let you know it is really cold in Japan. My sweet angel is freezing!!! He says he wants a warm work coat (Carhart) and a windbreaker. I am getting him some of the silk-like winter underwear (Nike), some heavy socks and flannel sleeping pants. Just a few of the things I think they need!
Dec 4, 2011
cokevmom
TexasSailorMom: Are you anywhere near Houston?? It's funny, my son was able to get the same app on his phone! I thought is was illegal or something! Thanks for letting us know. As far as his address...I think they are all different. Of course,it is USS George Washington-CVN 73 but that's only the beginning. I'm sure he has a box, etc. The bottom line is: FPO, AP 96650-2801. Good luck!!!
Dec 4, 2011
BADma
Grandmac.... I live in the town of maricopa.Its 90 miles from Tucson. My husband did a lot of construction (dirtwork) in Saddlebrooke in the late 80's till 91.
I meant that there is an "Arizona Mom's" group on here.
Dec 4, 2011
cokevmom
Julie F: We should get together. My son is an Airman, cranking for now!! (That means he's doing KP duty) (or washing dishes!). I don't know how to do friends but if you do...friend me and then we can maybe do something???
Dec 4, 2011
TexasSailorMom
Dec 4, 2011
BADma
Grandmac... go to "Groups" and look for this:
Arizona Moms
Created by Joyce Tucson Mom
Dec 7, 2011
Moose
Best of luck to you and your son. My sailor has one more year on the GW .. What's next for your sailor?
Dec 12, 2011
TexasSailorMom
So for us newbies, what is the frocking ceremony?
Dec 12, 2011
Cheryl
My daughter just signed onto the GDub yesterday! Can't wait to hear how it's going so far. She's been in Japan since early November and was so ready to join her ship. I'm so happy to join the GDub family.
Dec 20, 2011
BADma
Welcome Cheryl!!
My son has been in Japan since May. He LOVES it (:
Dec 20, 2011
Moose
Merry Christmas everyone !
Dec 20, 2011
abc815
hey everyone! remember me? it has been SO long, i'm trying to catch up. after having the baby, i've been stuck in my own bubble! i hope everyone is doing well! we are about to head back to the states for our leave in a week. we cannot WAIT to see everyone and introduce them to the baby. my husband has decided not to re-enlist, so we are done in about 5 months! happy holidays everyone!
Dec 20, 2011
TexasSailorMom
Hey Cheryl- I got a call from my sailor that he was signing on yesterday too! (he arrived mid Nov.) He is looking forward to finding out what he will be doing. He has sent some sight seeing pics so he seems to be enjoying Japan so far.
Dec 20, 2011
abc815
i see there some new members here who's sons are nukes. my husband is also and i am living here in japan with him. i wonder if i know them! i've already met a few moms' sons who know my husband. :)
and the best of luck to your son, claudia! it's a scary, yet exciting time for him!
Dec 21, 2011