I know exactly how you feel. Hang in there. I have to keep reminding myself that he's doing exactly what he wants to do. He's going to know, see and experience so much more about the world than I ever have or will. They all watch out for each other, there's a brotherhood there. Just know that you did a great job raising such a fine young man. He'll reach out to you just as soon as he gets a chance. Your voice is just as important for him to hear as his is for you. I miss my boy every minute of every day too!
Haven't heard from my sailor in a few weeks. I sure do miss him. My son has been there since January, and they have yet to post a picture of him. Hopefully they will get one of him soon. Not sure how they manage to miss a 6'4" sailor on the ship! Just want all of you to know that all of the posts mean a great deal to me. Guess it helps knowing that others are out there going through the same thing. I also appreciate all of the care package ideas! Actually, I could use a couple more good ones! I heard from his gf that he sounded down. I want sto badly to cheer him up and bring a smile to his face. Can't wait til he can come home again!
Morning Moms- We finally get a quiet night... no storms... and I couldn't sleep for some reason. I've been up and in the garden since 5AM! At least it's all weeded now and I have the rest of the day to fill with something, LOL.
Question: How do I find GDUB Ombudsman email to be added?
My sailor graduated from A school yesterday. He had someone take a pic with his phone and text me. I was browsing some clothes racks and just broke into tears. Poor lady next to me couldn't get away fast enough. Wonder what she was thinking. LOL. He says he's working on coming home for some leave, then off to the GW. He's getting nervous and wish I had comforting words for him.
OK, better go find something to do before the day gets away from me. Have a great day Moms.
I finally heard from my sailor!!! It has been weeks. It was so good to hear his voice! Of course, he needs more calling cards so I have to take care of that right away. I think he 's happy to be seeing land soon!
CreativeVi - If your son does get the chance to take some leave before his ships out to Japan, it's the best thing for him. My boy was able to spend 3 weeks at home reconnecting with his other military buddies who were home at the same time. I think he ate dinner at home only once! One thing that reinforced his committment to the Navy was to spend time with his recruiter. This could ease your son nervous and anxious feeling. The day he left was the hardest for everyone, but all of us knew he was going off to do what he wanted to do. New experiences alway generate that anxious feeling. He will be fine. He will make lasting friendships and knowing he has such support on the home front is all the more comforting. They very much appreciate the flow of mail from home, even the silly stuff! I've sent my boy a glow in the dark football and a whoopsie cushion for fun with the buddies! Enjoy his time home when he gets there and take lots of pics! Here's the obudsmans email for the ship CVN73OMBUDSMAN@YAHOO.COM - posted on GW website, no OPSEC here.
Good luck and have a great day :)
Kimberly214 - when you get the new cards, make a copy of the back of the card showing the card number and the contact phone number for support. Most of these cards can be reloaded by you from home just with that information. You can also check the minutes with that contact phone number. Then you don't have to keep ordering new ones and go through the trouble of waiting for him to receive them. :)
Luke's Mom - thanks for the tip! I just ordered the cards for the first time. Hopefully it wont take long to get them. I wonder if he could have given me the number off his last card and I could have just called in that one. We're new at this and have a lot to learn. I really appreciate this site and how supportive everyone is. Have a good day :)
Thanks everyone, my sailor is actually on his way home right now! He called yesterday afternoon and asked if I would pick him up from the air port... should have told him I was busy, LOL. Not sure he is totally understanding everything right now. I'm sure they said he was going home before yesterday. OH WELL, he's arriving tonight and I'm so happy. Still not sure how long he's staying or anything else. I've said it before, but will say it again. I love being here and feeling the love and support, not only for our sailors, but each other too. We need to meet someday.
Off to clean some more of the house. I need to keep busy. Hope to have a hugging photo for you girls.
I believe Orders are for 4 years. But they do have the option to extend and I believe there are extra perks if they extend. I would suggest if he does not own a car but has car insurance to get a Non-Ownership International policy thru USAA. It only costs 5.00 a year and when he comes stateside for a visit he can rent a car and he has full coverage. And a rental insurance policy. There is quite a bit of stealing that goes on. Stuff gets stolen even if it is locked up.
Does anyone How is the on Base housing for the USS George Washington?? Can an E4 take his wife?? Is there a wait for on base housing?? an How long is the wait?? Thanks in Advance!!!!
E4 can take his/her spouse but there is a lot of paperwork to it and wait...much depends on how the orders were written, and where the sailor is transferring from. I do not know all the ins and outs of it but my daughter-in-law got her orders to move there last week. She has been working from this end and my son has been working from Washington and Japan to get her there since they married in Feb. She does have a sponsor there which is especially important since he is at sea right now. Other factors I have heard about are how long the sailor is scheduled to be stationed there, which base he/she is living/working at when in port, and I believe the sailors conduct and record are also looked at although I don't believe that is a major factor and of course there is also the financial aspect...can they afford it? It is all part of the paperwork and process. Sorry there are not etched in stone helps from me but I can only say what I have heard from my sailor, his wife, and friends of their who have done it.
My unmarried son is aboard the USS George Washington, stationed at Atsugi When he arrived in Japan last Fall, he lived in the bachelor quarters at the base. He said it was a small furnished studio with cooking facilities. Very convenient to work and felt like living in the US. He wanted to get an apartment to understand the Japanese experience so he moved close by the base. It was a frustrating experience to find a place and get the cash for first month rent, last month rent and security, there were city permits too. The navy shipped his furniture from his last apartment which came from our basement - he appreciated the hand me downs because everything is so expensive in Japan. He also bought things from other navy people who were leaving Japan including a car. Since he has an apartment, the family has been able to visit him more. We schedule our flights so we can take the train to and from the airport in case his schedule changes at the last minute.
My son has just arrived in Atsugi about a week ago and will be sent to the USS George Washington this Thursday. He just gave me his address where I can send mail to him on the ship. Can anyone tell me about how long it takes mail/packages to get to the ship from the states? I will be sending it from Alabama.
susan...I am in AZ but the packages that I've sent take from 7-15 days. One time I kept emailing my sailor to ask if he'd received them and he replied "no". Well,it tiurns out his packages were sitting in his division office for a week and NO ONE bothered to let him know!
From California packages seem to get to my sailor in about 10 days. It's been the same since he's been on the GW as it was when he was on base (Atsugi). So far I guess we've had good luck :)
Hi Ladies :) Is this the correct address for the USS George Washington?
USS George Washington (CVN 73) Box 10
FPO AP 96650-2801
I'm assuming the "Box" number might be different for each sailor - thanks :) My daughter too is based in Atsugi and will be abord the USS George Washington. It's soo great to be able to speak with someone who's in the same boat as I am (ha ha no pun intended)
...Let me introduce myself, I'm punkinsmom, and my sailor is on the uss George Washington. This has been an interesting experience. I've been I'm this site and decided to say hi to everyone.
Here is some good news, anti m, help me if I'm saying too much. But we should be expecting communication via Skype or calls today. Yay which is the sailors tomorrow. I'm excited! I hope when this is read that all the moms are in good spirits and smiles for everyone. YAYYY!
Hi... OH it's so nice to have my son home for a while. I had to laugh, seabag explosion was right. He wasn't in the door... seriously, for 10 minutes and the bags came open all over my living room. He spent the next day doing laundry and the next setting up his space. Since I've taken his room for my art studio, he's sleeping on a mattress downstairs. He says he's fine with it. He bought his first laptop yesterday and that's been keeping him busy today finding all his bootcamp/A school buddies. Talked late into the night with "some girl" through skype. He's trying to get a hold of his sponsor and get a passport this week. Otherwise, it's been one story after another. Boy is this house going to get quiet when he leaves. I'm not going to like that AT ALL! I really need to find something to do now. Maybe I'll take a week and feel sorry for myself first. I'll be back here with the group soon.
Enjoyed a brief skype conversation this morning with my son. He got off the ship at his noon today and was just getting to sleep in his hotel room when I messaged him. Tonight, his tomorrow, we'll talk again. He looked great but I could tell he was exhausted. So happy he has a short break!
I was out of town this weekend, so I didn't check email. How happy I was to discover my son sent one! Hard at work learning and living. to think my son is seeing the world from an aircraft carrier! Brings tears to my eyes...
It's been so hot here, unbelievably hot! Especially for this time of year. My garden has been in full bloom now and I'm wondering what it's going to look like next month?
Anyway, it's been nice having my sailor home. I think he's getting board though, LOL. He has my car to run around in and I already forgot how expensive it is to have a young man around... my grocery budget... not happening. Things are settling down now.
His sponsor hasn't gotten back to him after two emails. Any suggestions or just let it go? How important are these sponsors supposed to be?
CreativeVi- my son was given a name to contact but also did not hear from him until he got there. After he was there he talked about his sponser so I'm guessing it was the same one he had been told about before, but anyway, he had one that helped once he got there. My son traveled alone, which wasn't the plan, but the other guys' flights were delayed and so my son had to go on by himself, and he did fine. He was really nervous when he got on the plane...he had no idea when he left here of what to do or where to go when he got there, but it worked out, he was fine. I found the page with the welcome package info after my son left, it would have been helpful b4 so here is the link if you haven't seen it yet, but they give them a lot of direction from the moment they get there. http://www.gw.navy.mil/core/welcome/welcome.html
Finally heard from my son this afternoon! I had missed TWO phone calls over the past week and a half - ready to break down in tears if it happened again. Left my husband alone in home depot cause there was no service on my cell - wasn't going to take the chance that he'd try to call during the shopping trip!
CreativeVi - my son had the same trouble getting in touch with his sponsor before he left as well. It takes them more that a day or two to respond. Just keep trying. We don't always know what's happening on their end so it's tough to make judgment calls. Email has been ify coming from there, might not be his fault. Katlanta's right, your son will figure things out, he'll ask questions and get the answers he needs when he gets there. Just do the passport thing before he goes.
My son's first deploy. Has anyone every met a ship returning? I would love to meet the first return, but I've never traveled overseas. Had figured when I did go, we would arrange for him to meet me. But oh if I could manage the logistics, it would be a wonderful thing to see. Originally he was going to be linked to a ship that was in Norfolk, that would have worked much better for this upstate NY mom. LOL!
thanks katlanta, texassailormom and luke'smom. I'm sure he'll be fine, but sure helps to have you lady's here. I'll let him know what was said and hopefully it will calm him down. I didn't realize they would get so much training before. Nice to know they are being taken care of. I loved the USO in Chicago too. I want to go see what our USO is like here in the twin cities... maybe get my American Legion to donate some stuff or do some volunteering there. We'll see. I need something to do beside sit and wait for emails from the sailor.
katlanta - is your son stationed on the ship? My son is stationed at Atsugi and he traveled to the ship, getting to the base from the airport would be a concern for me, but where there is will there is a way. I know it would be so exciting after I've done it. :)
There is the JR Yokosuka train that goes all the way from Narita airport to Yokosuka, but it's a 3-hour ride and you'd have your luggage to haul along with you on the train. You can take the "green" car on the train which requires a reservation and is a little more comfortable, but also more expensive. Best to let your son or daughter sponsor you and meet you at the airport. If they are not available, the airport personnel are extremely helpful, most speak English and the train stations are announced in Japanese and English. It can be done if you are up for a challenging trip!
Katlanta - you're so knowledgeable about all of this - its great! Do you know how often the ombudsman sends out email updates to those that are on the email list? Do they only send updates/newsletters when the ship is back in Yokosuka?
I just got validated and signed up with ombudsman, haven't received anything in the way of newsletters yet. Just wondering what to expect.
Imnadelady - My son is also stationed at Atsugi. There are 2 international airports around Tokyo, Narita which is northeast of Tokyo and Haneda which is southeast of Tokyo. Haneda is much closer to Atsugi and there is a train stop right at the airport. You can get anywhere by train but you will need cash to buy a train card and get a train map in advance.When we visit, we arrive on an early morning flight to Haneda so we can take the train and depart on a night flight so we can take the train back to the airport. That way, my son doesn't have to use a whole day to take the bus to the airport to pick us up. I want him to save all his leave for a trip home for Christmas this year! It would be great to meet the ship when it docks but we decided to meet up near Atsugi instead since my son is not sure when he can depart the ship. Some of them from Atsugi have their cars at Yokosuka and some will return to Atsugi by other transport. With a mother's determination, you can make this trip to see your son!
Hello to all! Got a question, my son ran out of a med. He would like me to send it to him. Does anyone know how long it usually takes for the mail to get to our sailors? Or should I just hope that the doctors on deck would be able to fulfill this need?
Anyone heading to Japan when the ship returns? My daughter is on the GW and her fiance just broke off their engagement. She's hanging in there, but I would love to go see her when they get back in port. Not sure when they will be back. Any ideas? Thanks!
So sorry to hear your daughter is hurting. The distance is so hard to deal with. I was teary all day July 4, just missing my son.
My husband and younger son are headed over to Japan soon. I went last time. There are lots of flights from the US into Haneda and Narita airports. It is a long trip. I paid $1100 round trip booking one week ahead. So glad I had the chance to spend some time together. Husband and son are paying about $1500 round trip.Where would you fly out of?
Will there be a friends & family cruise when they are back? How do we find out when that is? I would love to be there to see the ship come back to port!!
The ship is in Hong Kong! I got a skype call from my daughter this morning. She's doing as well as can be expected. Happy to be off the ship with some buddies going out on the town. We are going to skype later. They will be there for a few days at least. She couldn't tell me how long exactly. So good to see her again. She looks great and happy. Keep those phones and computers handy everyone!
Some got off the ship and went out last night, our morning/afternoon. I caught up with my son this afternoon as he was going to sleep. They were happy to get back on dry land and the lucky ones into a hotel.
Luke'sMom
Jun 19, 2012
Kimberly214
Haven't heard from my sailor in a few weeks. I sure do miss him. My son has been there since January, and they have yet to post a picture of him. Hopefully they will get one of him soon. Not sure how they manage to miss a 6'4" sailor on the ship! Just want all of you to know that all of the posts mean a great deal to me. Guess it helps knowing that others are out there going through the same thing. I also appreciate all of the care package ideas! Actually, I could use a couple more good ones! I heard from his gf that he sounded down. I want sto badly to cheer him up and bring a smile to his face. Can't wait til he can come home again!
Jun 19, 2012
BADma
jedds...welcome!!
Jun 20, 2012
CreativeVi
Morning Moms- We finally get a quiet night... no storms... and I couldn't sleep for some reason. I've been up and in the garden since 5AM! At least it's all weeded now and I have the rest of the day to fill with something, LOL.
Question: How do I find GDUB Ombudsman email to be added?
My sailor graduated from A school yesterday. He had someone take a pic with his phone and text me. I was browsing some clothes racks and just broke into tears. Poor lady next to me couldn't get away fast enough. Wonder what she was thinking. LOL. He says he's working on coming home for some leave, then off to the GW. He's getting nervous and wish I had comforting words for him.
OK, better go find something to do before the day gets away from me. Have a great day Moms.
Jun 21, 2012
Kimberly214
I finally heard from my sailor!!! It has been weeks. It was so good to hear his voice! Of course, he needs more calling cards so I have to take care of that right away. I think he 's happy to be seeing land soon!
Jun 21, 2012
Luke'sMom
Good luck and have a great day :)
Jun 21, 2012
Luke'sMom
Jun 21, 2012
Kimberly214
Luke's Mom - thanks for the tip! I just ordered the cards for the first time. Hopefully it wont take long to get them. I wonder if he could have given me the number off his last card and I could have just called in that one. We're new at this and have a lot to learn. I really appreciate this site and how supportive everyone is. Have a good day :)
Jun 21, 2012
Kimberly214
Ok, I'm still smiling! I'll say it again: "MY SON CALLED TODAY!" :)
(yes, I've looked like a crazy lady, pretty much dancing through the house all morning!)
Jun 21, 2012
CreativeVi
Thanks everyone, my sailor is actually on his way home right now! He called yesterday afternoon and asked if I would pick him up from the air port... should have told him I was busy, LOL. Not sure he is totally understanding everything right now. I'm sure they said he was going home before yesterday. OH WELL, he's arriving tonight and I'm so happy. Still not sure how long he's staying or anything else. I've said it before, but will say it again. I love being here and feeling the love and support, not only for our sailors, but each other too. We need to meet someday.
Off to clean some more of the house. I need to keep busy. Hope to have a hugging photo for you girls.
Jun 22, 2012
Kimberly214
CreativeVi - Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!
Jun 22, 2012
Navy Mom
I really hope we get some skype invitations soon!
Jun 24, 2012
jmbird
Our Son is now in A school Orders for Japan!!! Does anyone know how long he will be at first Duty Station???
Jun 25, 2012
momof2sailors
provjones,
Your son is a Soldier??
jpdavis,
I believe Orders are for 4 years. But they do have the option to extend and I believe there are extra perks if they extend. I would suggest if he does not own a car but has car insurance to get a Non-Ownership International policy thru USAA. It only costs 5.00 a year and when he comes stateside for a visit he can rent a car and he has full coverage. And a rental insurance policy. There is quite a bit of stealing that goes on. Stuff gets stolen even if it is locked up.
Jun 25, 2012
Cheryl
Here's a link to the latest news story about the GW.
http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68016
Jun 25, 2012
jmbird
Thank You all who answered How Long Duty Station Japan
Jun 25, 2012
jmbird
Does anyone How is the on Base housing for the USS George Washington?? Can an E4 take his wife?? Is there a wait for on base housing?? an How long is the wait?? Thanks in Advance!!!!
Jun 25, 2012
Mary (Chris' mom)
E4 can take his/her spouse but there is a lot of paperwork to it and wait...much depends on how the orders were written, and where the sailor is transferring from. I do not know all the ins and outs of it but my daughter-in-law got her orders to move there last week. She has been working from this end and my son has been working from Washington and Japan to get her there since they married in Feb. She does have a sponsor there which is especially important since he is at sea right now. Other factors I have heard about are how long the sailor is scheduled to be stationed there, which base he/she is living/working at when in port, and I believe the sailors conduct and record are also looked at although I don't believe that is a major factor and of course there is also the financial aspect...can they afford it? It is all part of the paperwork and process. Sorry there are not etched in stone helps from me but I can only say what I have heard from my sailor, his wife, and friends of their who have done it.
Jun 25, 2012
Navy Mom
My unmarried son is aboard the USS George Washington, stationed at Atsugi When he arrived in Japan last Fall, he lived in the bachelor quarters at the base. He said it was a small furnished studio with cooking facilities. Very convenient to work and felt like living in the US. He wanted to get an apartment to understand the Japanese experience so he moved close by the base. It was a frustrating experience to find a place and get the cash for first month rent, last month rent and security, there were city permits too. The navy shipped his furniture from his last apartment which came from our basement - he appreciated the hand me downs because everything is so expensive in Japan. He also bought things from other navy people who were leaving Japan including a car. Since he has an apartment, the family has been able to visit him more. We schedule our flights so we can take the train to and from the airport in case his schedule changes at the last minute.
Jun 25, 2012
scsBamaNavyMom
My son has just arrived in Atsugi about a week ago and will be sent to the USS George Washington this Thursday. He just gave me his address where I can send mail to him on the ship. Can anyone tell me about how long it takes mail/packages to get to the ship from the states? I will be sending it from Alabama.
Jun 26, 2012
BADma
susan...I am in AZ but the packages that I've sent take from 7-15 days. One time I kept emailing my sailor to ask if he'd received them and he replied "no". Well,it tiurns out his packages were sitting in his division office for a week and NO ONE bothered to let him know!
Jun 26, 2012
CArol
From California packages seem to get to my sailor in about 10 days. It's been the same since he's been on the GW as it was when he was on base (Atsugi). So far I guess we've had good luck :)
Jun 26, 2012
Miriam43 (Japan/USS George Wash)
Hi Ladies :) Is this the correct address for the USS George Washington?
USS George Washington (CVN 73)
Box 10
FPO AP 96650-2801
I'm assuming the "Box" number might be different for each sailor - thanks :) My daughter too is based in Atsugi and will be abord the USS George Washington. It's soo great to be able to speak with someone who's in the same boat as I am (ha ha no pun intended)
God bless :)
- miriam
Jun 26, 2012
randy'smom
I am in New York. My son gets his packages in about 1 week, which I think is pretty awesome! Looking forward to the day he comes home for leave!
Jun 26, 2012
punkinsmom
Here is some good news, anti m, help me if I'm saying too much. But we should be expecting communication via Skype or calls today. Yay which is the sailors tomorrow. I'm excited! I hope when this is read that all the moms are in good spirits and smiles for everyone. YAYYY!
Jun 26, 2012
momof2sailors
Miriam43,
Address depends on which department you Sailor is in.
Jun 26, 2012
scsBamaNavyMom
Thanks for the info stephsmom, I will check out the site and would love to hear when you have a get together.
Jun 26, 2012
CreativeVi
Hi... OH it's so nice to have my son home for a while. I had to laugh, seabag explosion was right. He wasn't in the door... seriously, for 10 minutes and the bags came open all over my living room. He spent the next day doing laundry and the next setting up his space. Since I've taken his room for my art studio, he's sleeping on a mattress downstairs. He says he's fine with it. He bought his first laptop yesterday and that's been keeping him busy today finding all his bootcamp/A school buddies. Talked late into the night with "some girl" through skype. He's trying to get a hold of his sponsor and get a passport this week. Otherwise, it's been one story after another. Boy is this house going to get quiet when he leaves. I'm not going to like that AT ALL! I really need to find something to do now. Maybe I'll take a week and feel sorry for myself first. I'll be back here with the group soon.
Jun 27, 2012
Navy Mom
Enjoyed a brief skype conversation this morning with my son. He got off the ship at his noon today and was just getting to sleep in his hotel room when I messaged him. Tonight, his tomorrow, we'll talk again. He looked great but I could tell he was exhausted. So happy he has a short break!
Jun 27, 2012
Raberta
I was out of town this weekend, so I didn't check email. How happy I was to discover my son sent one! Hard at work learning and living. to think my son is seeing the world from an aircraft carrier! Brings tears to my eyes...
Jun 28, 2012
CreativeVi
Hi everyone,
It's been so hot here, unbelievably hot! Especially for this time of year. My garden has been in full bloom now and I'm wondering what it's going to look like next month?
Anyway, it's been nice having my sailor home. I think he's getting board though, LOL. He has my car to run around in and I already forgot how expensive it is to have a young man around... my grocery budget... not happening. Things are settling down now.
His sponsor hasn't gotten back to him after two emails. Any suggestions or just let it go? How important are these sponsors supposed to be?
Everyone have a great weekend.
Jul 1, 2012
TexasSailorMom
CreativeVi- my son was given a name to contact but also did not hear from him until he got there. After he was there he talked about his sponser so I'm guessing it was the same one he had been told about before, but anyway, he had one that helped once he got there. My son traveled alone, which wasn't the plan, but the other guys' flights were delayed and so my son had to go on by himself, and he did fine. He was really nervous when he got on the plane...he had no idea when he left here of what to do or where to go when he got there, but it worked out, he was fine. I found the page with the welcome package info after my son left, it would have been helpful b4 so here is the link if you haven't seen it yet, but they give them a lot of direction from the moment they get there. http://www.gw.navy.mil/core/welcome/welcome.html
Jul 1, 2012
Luke'sMom
CreativeVi - my son had the same trouble getting in touch with his sponsor before he left as well. It takes them more that a day or two to respond. Just keep trying. We don't always know what's happening on their end so it's tough to make judgment calls. Email has been ify coming from there, might not be his fault. Katlanta's right, your son will figure things out, he'll ask questions and get the answers he needs when he gets there. Just do the passport thing before he goes.
Jul 1, 2012
Janis
I emailed my daughter, and she said that it is E-5. But she added that an E-4 CAN do it, but needs a special "chit'.
Jul 1, 2012
lmnadelady
My son's first deploy. Has anyone every met a ship returning? I would love to meet the first return, but I've never traveled overseas. Had figured when I did go, we would arrange for him to meet me. But oh if I could manage the logistics, it would be a wonderful thing to see. Originally he was going to be linked to a ship that was in Norfolk, that would have worked much better for this upstate NY mom. LOL!
Jul 1, 2012
CreativeVi
thanks katlanta, texassailormom and luke'smom. I'm sure he'll be fine, but sure helps to have you lady's here. I'll let him know what was said and hopefully it will calm him down. I didn't realize they would get so much training before. Nice to know they are being taken care of. I loved the USO in Chicago too. I want to go see what our USO is like here in the twin cities... maybe get my American Legion to donate some stuff or do some volunteering there. We'll see. I need something to do beside sit and wait for emails from the sailor.
Ok, off to get ready for next week. Thanks again.
Jul 1, 2012
lmnadelady
katlanta - is your son stationed on the ship? My son is stationed at Atsugi and he traveled to the ship, getting to the base from the airport would be a concern for me, but where there is will there is a way. I know it would be so exciting after I've done it. :)
Jul 2, 2012
yamamom
There is the JR Yokosuka train that goes all the way from Narita airport to Yokosuka, but it's a 3-hour ride and you'd have your luggage to haul along with you on the train. You can take the "green" car on the train which requires a reservation and is a little more comfortable, but also more expensive. Best to let your son or daughter sponsor you and meet you at the airport. If they are not available, the airport personnel are extremely helpful, most speak English and the train stations are announced in Japanese and English. It can be done if you are up for a challenging trip!
Jul 2, 2012
lmnadelady
yamamom, what does this sponsor term mean exactly? I would like to greet the ship if it were possible.
Jul 2, 2012
Luke'sMom
I just got validated and signed up with ombudsman, haven't received anything in the way of newsletters yet. Just wondering what to expect.
Jul 2, 2012
Navy Mom
Imnadelady - My son is also stationed at Atsugi. There are 2 international airports around Tokyo, Narita which is northeast of Tokyo and Haneda which is southeast of Tokyo. Haneda is much closer to Atsugi and there is a train stop right at the airport. You can get anywhere by train but you will need cash to buy a train card and get a train map in advance.When we visit, we arrive on an early morning flight to Haneda so we can take the train and depart on a night flight so we can take the train back to the airport. That way, my son doesn't have to use a whole day to take the bus to the airport to pick us up. I want him to save all his leave for a trip home for Christmas this year! It would be great to meet the ship when it docks but we decided to meet up near Atsugi instead since my son is not sure when he can depart the ship. Some of them from Atsugi have their cars at Yokosuka and some will return to Atsugi by other transport. With a mother's determination, you can make this trip to see your son!
Jul 3, 2012
lmnadelady
Thanks ladies for you input, you all have a great day.
Jul 3, 2012
Raberta
Hello to all! Got a question, my son ran out of a med. He would like me to send it to him. Does anyone know how long it usually takes for the mail to get to our sailors? Or should I just hope that the doctors on deck would be able to fulfill this need?
Jul 9, 2012
Alicia(12/053 - AO)♥
Jul 9, 2012
Cheryl
Anyone heading to Japan when the ship returns? My daughter is on the GW and her fiance just broke off their engagement. She's hanging in there, but I would love to go see her when they get back in port. Not sure when they will be back. Any ideas? Thanks!
Jul 9, 2012
Navy Mom
So sorry to hear your daughter is hurting. The distance is so hard to deal with. I was teary all day July 4, just missing my son.
My husband and younger son are headed over to Japan soon. I went last time. There are lots of flights from the US into Haneda and Narita airports. It is a long trip. I paid $1100 round trip booking one week ahead. So glad I had the chance to spend some time together. Husband and son are paying about $1500 round trip.Where would you fly out of?
Jul 9, 2012
CArol
Will there be a friends & family cruise when they are back? How do we find out when that is? I would love to be there to see the ship come back to port!!
Jul 9, 2012
Navy Mom
I think the ship landed somewhere. Hope to get a call or skype invite soon.
Jul 10, 2012
Cheryl
The ship is in Hong Kong! I got a skype call from my daughter this morning. She's doing as well as can be expected. Happy to be off the ship with some buddies going out on the town. We are going to skype later. They will be there for a few days at least. She couldn't tell me how long exactly. So good to see her again. She looks great and happy. Keep those phones and computers handy everyone!
Jul 10, 2012
Navy Mom
Some got off the ship and went out last night, our morning/afternoon. I caught up with my son this afternoon as he was going to sleep. They were happy to get back on dry land and the lucky ones into a hotel.
Jul 10, 2012