CreativeVi- Thanks for you kind thoughts. She is doing pretty good. You son can expect to spend several weeks doing InDoc before going onto the ship. He will probably live on the barge, a decomissioned ship tied up in the bay. My daughter got there in November and the ship came in about 3 weeks after she got there, but she didn't get on until several weeks after that. The GW may be headed back in August if they follow what they have done the past few years. Then it would be headed back out again until November. No conformation on that, just a guess. Once he has been there long enough and kept his nose clean he will get his blue card that allows him overnight leave from the ship/base. I think its 6 weeks, but I could be wrong on that one.
My daughter loves Japan and is very happy there. Hope your son likes it as much as she does. Good luck, hang in there and check in here often. It really helps!
Work gloves are such a great idea! My son lives off base when they are back on land in Japan. When I was there in May, I wanted to plant flowers outside his place. First I had to pull all the weeds. I must admit that I love to garden and would love to have a beautiful garden if ...... fill in my excuse. There are so many wierd bugs there in Japan - I would appreciate gloves next time. I hope the flowers I planted are still there when he gets back.Red impatients.
Hello NavyMom, My son lives off-base also. Do you happen to know anything about the rules for recycling in the area? I don't think my son has mastered what needs to be separated and what is trash. Great idea to plant flowers. I think they will make him feel welcome when he returns.
Cheryl, thanks for all the info. I know my son will need some time to get used to everything... me too. Now I know what I put my mother through when I took off for the Navy. She has NO sympathy for me either, LOL. So I told her about you girls and now she jealous cause she would have LOVED to talk to other moms for support.
Gloves are a great idea. Did you EVER think a couple years back that gloves would have been a great b-day gift? And appreciated too??? LOL. I love the way my son is growing up and he's 28! He was one of the "older" ones in his boot camp. I was 19 when I joined.
Anyway, always nice to read everyones updates. I think a chin will be awesome to see, LOL. :)
Don't know the rules but I know my son recycles everything possible. Paper, cans, bottles, cardboard - he was washing out yogurt containers and such. He mostly shops at the base - hopefully the food is safer there and it is definitely less expensive. They are about 200 miles from Fukushima and I wonder about the produce in the grocery stores.
Thanks Navy Mom, I think my son shops mostly on base also. He has to take a bus to get to his house, and then walk up a hill with all of his gear in tow. He's lost a little weight since he's been there, but seems to like it all right.
To Yamamom- My son bought a car from the guy he replaced. 200+ miles on the car and he will pass it on when he leaves Japan. He had to take a class for driving - they drive on the left in Japan like Britain.My son drives back and forth from home to the base, otherwise taking the train because the roads are not like here. We are so lucky to live in the USA and our kids who see the world through the service know that. Kids going abroad, not in the service also see that. Still can't wait for my son to come back to the USA, maybe for Christmas!
Our friends arrived tonight and have the pop up camper in our driveway. We had a nice dinner and my son regaled them with more stories. Funny how I learn something new every time, LOL. My girlfriend and I met through our sons when they were in the 7th grade. She smiled at him and then me and said "I just love the men our boys have become. You are doing something so awesome". It feels good to have such supportive, life friends around.
Tomorrow and through the weekend more girl friends that have been around long time, helping each other raise our boys... all single moms for a long time and all with boys... will be dropping in to see and celebrate my boy. I feel love.
Can someone tell me the email format for a sailor on the ship? My boyfriend gave me his email, but apparently it's invalid. I don't know if it's a typo or he just doesn't know his email, which is highly possible. Please help!
CPsquared+exponentialLove If you tried to send any attachment it will be rejected. Just another thought.
CreativeVi my son joined at 28. He is so happy with his decision. That's all I want for him is to be happy. :) But Japan is a long way and I do miss him. This will stretch the traveler in me.
CPsquared - when my sailor first told me his email it didn't work but then he sent me one and no problems since then. I think they have to use the account to activate it first.
Thanks Kathy, I'm sure having a great time this weekend. Spent yesterday at our American Legions first pig roast with my family gang, watching the parade and then got our bonfire rained out so we played farkel and I won for the first time. Today we have more arriving and now I'm off to get a breakfast feast going.
Imnadelady, I'm looking for a traveling partner later next year maybe if you are interested?
Here is our Honor Guard leading the parade. I served on the Honor Guard for 8 years and have just recently retired do to back problems. I miss it and will admit I was sure jealous as I saluted our flag go by cause that was my job :( Getting old is... well I'll leave my sailor language for your imagination.
Sorry to say that I saw this in the Stars and Stripes today. Heartbroken.
GW sailor dies after falling from deck onto barge during Hong Kong port visit
Stars and Stripes
Published: July 15, 2012
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — A sailor died after plunging from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington onto another ship in Hong Kong Harbor, Navy officials said Sunday.
The sailor, who has not been identified pending notification of next-of-kin, fell off a deck and hit a service barge at 6:43 p.m. Saturday, according to a statement.
An emergency medical team arrived immediately and administered first aid but received no response from the sailor, who was declared dead soon afterward.
The incident is under investigation, the statement said.
The George Washington, based at Yokosuka, Japan, was making a five-day port visit in Hong Kong and is currently at sea, according to the ship’s official Facebook page.
I just sent a email to the Ombudsman to see if there is a address of where cards could be sent. Please also keep the Squadron in your prayers they are having a really tough time with this loss.
At approximately 1840 Saturday evening, Airman Apprentice .....fell from the flight deck of USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, landing on a Chinese vessel that was moored alongside. Medical personnel responded to the scene and found him unresponsive to life saving measures.
This has been a tough loss for the DIAMONDBACKS, but we are coping well at the moment. It will still take a good deal of time to get through the grieving process and finally come to terms with this tragedy. He is sorely missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with this sailors mom, his squadron, ship mates, and family and friends. May he rest in peace and may his mom find the strength and the courage to get through this difficult time.
I just talked with my son tonight, apparently the internet was shut down last night on the GW until the mother could be notified. Did not have more details about the accident. Sadness all the way around. Just great to hear my son's voice.
My heart was in my throat when I read the first post, and my heart is sick for the Mother of the sailor that has been lost. God less her with the strength to deal with her loss. I too have not heard from my sailor since S Korea. I have a small request from anyone here, can someone give me the mailing address for the ship? I have a box to send to my son. Thank you all for the updates about all of our sailors.
My son got a new military address when he first left OSC in the states and his mail reaches him wherever he is. The mail gets routed to a military collection point in the US and then gets sent to their duty station wherever they are serving. That's why postage seems so reasonable for a package to Japan.
Oh, I did not know that. I asked him when I spoke to him last for the address and he told me I could find it on the Navy.com website but had no luck. He is now in IO I believe, would that help any?
My heart just sank when I read the post about the accident.I will have the mom and family in my prayers as well. My heart absolutely aches for the mom. I also have not heard from my son since before they stopped in Korea.
Hi all - my son is "going to work" today. He's been waiting a month to join the ship. I am pleased to meet you all. Looking for support, once again, as communication stops. He was unsure of what he could do on the ship...e-mail, call, text. Any info is greatly appreciated!
HONG KONG (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, embarked aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73), died July 14 while the ship was in port Hong Kong.
Airman Rafael Martinez, 20, of Parkton, N.C., died after falling overboard onto an adjacent services barge at 6:43 p.m., July 14, while the ship was at anchor in Hong Kong Harbor.
The ship's emergency medical response team immediately arrived at the scene and administered first-aid with no response.
The Sailor was taken to the ship's Medical department and was declared dead.
A memorial service will be held George Washington at sea July 17. The U.S. Navy has initiated an investigation into the incident.
George Washington arrived in Hong Kong July 10 for a regularly scheduled port visit. The ship is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.
I think my heart stopped too when I heard this tragic news. My prayers are with his mom and anyone whose life he touched, I'm sure there were plenty. I can't understand how such an accident could happen. Glad it's being investigated. God bless all of our kids out there and keep them safe. . .
Welcome to Dustin's Mom. The sailors do get assigned an email, so watch for a note in the upcoming weeks. Their time is limited due to ongoing training and work. Long days, but it's what they signed up for. As my Sailor explained to me, each carrier is like a small city. Once he gets acclimated, I'm sure you'll hear from him soon!
Here is a link to a site that will send goodies straight to our sailors. i sent my son a birthday cake and cookies and it took just under two weeks to get to them at sea. He said they were great! http://www.cheryls.com/
OH, my sailornan is doing his laundry and getting ready to pack up that sea bag. My stomach is sick and my heart is getting so sad. I'm so proud of him and have SO enjoyed having him home. This house is going to be so quiet soon. I DON'T LIKE IT!
Last night when I read the news and saw the pictures of the memorial service on facebook my heart sank. I am sending love and prayers to the Martinez Family. As a mother of an airman aboard the USS George Washington it really hits home the dangers to our sons and daughters everyday. It is a hard reality that life is short. My love and prayers go out to the crew as they grieve the loss of their shipmate.
Thank you TexasSailorMom for sharing the link for Cheryl's! My son has a birthday coming up in September, I will be sure to order from there! Can't believe this will be the 2nd time I didn't get to see him for his birthday. Didn't get to see him last year either. I don't think it's really possible to get used to this. I'm thankful for this group, all of you ladies have been wonderful!
Kimberly, I'm with you. My son has missed 2 birthdays and he always liked to do something really special for his birthday. He also missed the last 2 Christmas, reported to bootcamp Dec 15 and then his first appointment Dec 1. Sure seems strange, miss him. He is a joy! Has anyone heard from their sailors, I'm thinking ship communication maybe down?
CreativeVi
Cheryl, sorry to hear about your daughter. I'm happy to hear she's doing ok now though and someone better is around the corner for her.
My son leaves July 23 to go to Japan. So will he join the ship some where or wait until it comes back from deployment?
I sure hope I get skyp calls. I'm saving my pennies right now to be able to jump at a short notice invite.
Jul 10, 2012
Cheryl
CreativeVi- Thanks for you kind thoughts. She is doing pretty good. You son can expect to spend several weeks doing InDoc before going onto the ship. He will probably live on the barge, a decomissioned ship tied up in the bay. My daughter got there in November and the ship came in about 3 weeks after she got there, but she didn't get on until several weeks after that. The GW may be headed back in August if they follow what they have done the past few years. Then it would be headed back out again until November. No conformation on that, just a guess. Once he has been there long enough and kept his nose clean he will get his blue card that allows him overnight leave from the ship/base. I think its 6 weeks, but I could be wrong on that one.
My daughter loves Japan and is very happy there. Hope your son likes it as much as she does. Good luck, hang in there and check in here often. It really helps!
Jul 11, 2012
Navy Mom
Work gloves are such a great idea! My son lives off base when they are back on land in Japan. When I was there in May, I wanted to plant flowers outside his place. First I had to pull all the weeds. I must admit that I love to garden and would love to have a beautiful garden if ...... fill in my excuse. There are so many wierd bugs there in Japan - I would appreciate gloves next time. I hope the flowers I planted are still there when he gets back.Red impatients.
Jul 11, 2012
yamamom
Hello NavyMom, My son lives off-base also. Do you happen to know anything about the rules for recycling in the area? I don't think my son has mastered what needs to be separated and what is trash. Great idea to plant flowers. I think they will make him feel welcome when he returns.
Jul 11, 2012
CreativeVi
Cheryl, thanks for all the info. I know my son will need some time to get used to everything... me too. Now I know what I put my mother through when I took off for the Navy. She has NO sympathy for me either, LOL. So I told her about you girls and now she jealous cause she would have LOVED to talk to other moms for support.
Gloves are a great idea. Did you EVER think a couple years back that gloves would have been a great b-day gift? And appreciated too??? LOL. I love the way my son is growing up and he's 28! He was one of the "older" ones in his boot camp. I was 19 when I joined.
Anyway, always nice to read everyones updates. I think a chin will be awesome to see, LOL. :)
Jul 12, 2012
Navy Mom
Hello Yamamom,
Don't know the rules but I know my son recycles everything possible. Paper, cans, bottles, cardboard - he was washing out yogurt containers and such. He mostly shops at the base - hopefully the food is safer there and it is definitely less expensive. They are about 200 miles from Fukushima and I wonder about the produce in the grocery stores.
Jul 12, 2012
yamamom
Thanks Navy Mom, I think my son shops mostly on base also. He has to take a bus to get to his house, and then walk up a hill with all of his gear in tow. He's lost a little weight since he's been there, but seems to like it all right.
Jul 12, 2012
Navy Mom
To Yamamom- My son bought a car from the guy he replaced. 200+ miles on the car and he will pass it on when he leaves Japan. He had to take a class for driving - they drive on the left in Japan like Britain.My son drives back and forth from home to the base, otherwise taking the train because the roads are not like here. We are so lucky to live in the USA and our kids who see the world through the service know that. Kids going abroad, not in the service also see that. Still can't wait for my son to come back to the USA, maybe for Christmas!
Jul 12, 2012
CreativeVi
Our friends arrived tonight and have the pop up camper in our driveway. We had a nice dinner and my son regaled them with more stories. Funny how I learn something new every time, LOL. My girlfriend and I met through our sons when they were in the 7th grade. She smiled at him and then me and said "I just love the men our boys have become. You are doing something so awesome". It feels good to have such supportive, life friends around.
Tomorrow and through the weekend more girl friends that have been around long time, helping each other raise our boys... all single moms for a long time and all with boys... will be dropping in to see and celebrate my boy. I feel love.
Jul 12, 2012
CPsquared=exponentialLove
Can someone tell me the email format for a sailor on the ship? My boyfriend gave me his email, but apparently it's invalid. I don't know if it's a typo or he just doesn't know his email, which is highly possible. Please help!
Jul 13, 2012
lmnadelady
CPsquared+exponentialLove If you tried to send any attachment it will be rejected. Just another thought.
CreativeVi my son joined at 28. He is so happy with his decision. That's all I want for him is to be happy. :) But Japan is a long way and I do miss him. This will stretch the traveler in me.
Jul 13, 2012
TexasSailorMom
CPsquared - when my sailor first told me his email it didn't work but then he sent me one and no problems since then. I think they have to use the account to activate it first.
Jul 13, 2012
CreativeVi
Thanks Kathy, I'm sure having a great time this weekend. Spent yesterday at our American Legions first pig roast with my family gang, watching the parade and then got our bonfire rained out so we played farkel and I won for the first time. Today we have more arriving and now I'm off to get a breakfast feast going.
Imnadelady, I'm looking for a traveling partner later next year maybe if you are interested?
Jul 14, 2012
CreativeVi
Jul 14, 2012
lmnadelady
CreativeVi I will keep that in mind. When I go is up in the air. Have you ever been there?
Jul 15, 2012
CPsquared=exponentialLove
Thank you everyone for your help! He finally emailed me, but I was right. He did get his email wrong! He was missing a period!!
Jul 15, 2012
Navy Mom
Sorry to say that I saw this in the Stars and Stripes today. Heartbroken.
GW sailor dies after falling from deck onto barge during Hong Kong port visit
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — A sailor died after plunging from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington onto another ship in Hong Kong Harbor, Navy officials said Sunday.
The sailor, who has not been identified pending notification of next-of-kin, fell off a deck and hit a service barge at 6:43 p.m. Saturday, according to a statement.
An emergency medical team arrived immediately and administered first aid but received no response from the sailor, who was declared dead soon afterward.
The incident is under investigation, the statement said.
The George Washington, based at Yokosuka, Japan, was making a five-day port visit in Hong Kong and is currently at sea, according to the ship’s official Facebook page.
Jul 15, 2012
momof2sailors
The Sailor was from my sons squadron. We got a email from the Ombudsman of the squadron this morning. He only had his mom per the Ombudsman.
Jul 15, 2012
Navy Mom
Any way you can, please pass our heartfelt sympathies to that mother. It could have been any of us getting that call. What can we do for her?
Jul 15, 2012
momof2sailors
I just sent a email to the Ombudsman to see if there is a address of where cards could be sent. Please also keep the Squadron in your prayers they are having a really tough time with this loss.
Jul 15, 2012
Navy Mom
Do you know what happened?
Jul 15, 2012
momof2sailors
This is part of the email:
Jul 15, 2012
Alicia(12/053 - AO)♥
Jul 15, 2012
CreativeVi
So sad. Praying for the Mom.
Jul 15, 2012
Navy Mom
I just talked with my son tonight, apparently the internet was shut down last night on the GW until the mother could be notified. Did not have more details about the accident. Sadness all the way around. Just great to hear my son's voice.
Jul 15, 2012
lmnadelady
Prayers for the mom! Heart in stomach here too, haven't heard from my son since S. Korea .
Jul 15, 2012
CindeefromPA
Jul 15, 2012
Navy Mom
My son got a new military address when he first left OSC in the states and his mail reaches him wherever he is. The mail gets routed to a military collection point in the US and then gets sent to their duty station wherever they are serving. That's why postage seems so reasonable for a package to Japan.
Jul 15, 2012
CindeefromPA
Jul 15, 2012
Kimberly214
Prayers with the mom and all the sailors of GW. I wish we could all hug our sailors right now. Pray they are all careful out there.
Jul 15, 2012
momof2sailors
It all depends on what department your Sailor us in regarding the address. Each department has a different mail box number.
Jul 15, 2012
CindeefromPA
Jul 15, 2012
momof2sailors
I am sorry chaynes7 but he told you wrong. Each department has a separate box number. And I have no cue as to what a IO is.
Jul 15, 2012
CindeefromPA
Jul 15, 2012
momof2sailors
The address is the same whether they are on base or on the ship.
Jul 15, 2012
navymims
My heart just sank when I read the post about the accident.I will have the mom and family in my prayers as well. My heart absolutely aches for the mom. I also have not heard from my son since before they stopped in Korea.
Jul 15, 2012
Dustin's Mom
Hi all - my son is "going to work" today. He's been waiting a month to join the ship. I am pleased to meet you all. Looking for support, once again, as communication stops. He was unsure of what he could do on the ship...e-mail, call, text. Any info is greatly appreciated!
Jul 16, 2012
momof2sailors
Denise,
I will PM you the name. My son is in that Squadron.
Jul 16, 2012
BADma
The info about our departed sailor is on navymil.com. Sorry I am really bad at techie stuff or I would post the link.
Jul 16, 2012
navymims
Here is a link....
http://www.stripes.com/news/navy-identifies-dead-uss-george-washing...
Jul 16, 2012
childcare fun for kids!
VFA-102 Sailor Dies In Hong Kong
HONG KONG (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, embarked aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73), died July 14 while the ship was in port Hong Kong.
Airman Rafael Martinez, 20, of Parkton, N.C., died after falling overboard onto an adjacent services barge at 6:43 p.m., July 14, while the ship was at anchor in Hong Kong Harbor.
The ship's emergency medical response team immediately arrived at the scene and administered first-aid with no response.
The Sailor was taken to the ship's Medical department and was declared dead.
A memorial service will be held George Washington at sea July 17.
The U.S. Navy has initiated an investigation into the incident.
George Washington arrived in Hong Kong July 10 for a regularly scheduled port visit. The ship is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.
For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f
Jul 16, 2012
TexasSailorMom
My heart breaks for the family and the crew. Safe sailing and blessings for them all!
Jul 16, 2012
Luke'sMom
Jul 16, 2012
Raberta
May God cover the family in this difficult time. I pray also for the crew who lost one of their own.
Jul 18, 2012
Raberta
Welcome to Dustin's Mom. The sailors do get assigned an email, so watch for a note in the upcoming weeks. Their time is limited due to ongoing training and work. Long days, but it's what they signed up for. As my Sailor explained to me, each carrier is like a small city. Once he gets acclimated, I'm sure you'll hear from him soon!
Jul 18, 2012
TexasSailorMom
Here is a link to a site that will send goodies straight to our sailors. i sent my son a birthday cake and cookies and it took just under two weeks to get to them at sea. He said they were great! http://www.cheryls.com/
Jul 18, 2012
CreativeVi
OH, my sailornan is doing his laundry and getting ready to pack up that sea bag. My stomach is sick and my heart is getting so sad. I'm so proud of him and have SO enjoyed having him home. This house is going to be so quiet soon. I DON'T LIKE IT!
Jul 18, 2012
purplemama4
Last night when I read the news and saw the pictures of the memorial service on facebook my heart sank. I am sending love and prayers to the Martinez Family. As a mother of an airman aboard the USS George Washington it really hits home the dangers to our sons and daughters everyday. It is a hard reality that life is short. My love and prayers go out to the crew as they grieve the loss of their shipmate.
Jul 18, 2012
Kimberly214
Thank you TexasSailorMom for sharing the link for Cheryl's! My son has a birthday coming up in September, I will be sure to order from there! Can't believe this will be the 2nd time I didn't get to see him for his birthday. Didn't get to see him last year either. I don't think it's really possible to get used to this. I'm thankful for this group, all of you ladies have been wonderful!
Jul 19, 2012
lmnadelady
Kimberly, I'm with you. My son has missed 2 birthdays and he always liked to do something really special for his birthday. He also missed the last 2 Christmas, reported to bootcamp Dec 15 and then his first appointment Dec 1. Sure seems strange, miss him. He is a joy! Has anyone heard from their sailors, I'm thinking ship communication maybe down?
Jul 19, 2012