USS George Washington Sailors

Imnadelady, I have hardly heard from my son at all.  Today I finally did get a call that lasted about 20 seconds, then it dropped.  It was really disappointing.  I remember thinking that basic training was the worst.  Looking back, I think deployment is.  I'd love to have the luxury of knowing what date I could see him again, and have that to look forward to.  I'm trying, but just don't think I'm going to adjust to this.  Have you been able to go see your son?  I don't know how I could ever come up with it, but something has to give   

Thanks katlanta, for your words of wisdom.  As you can tell, my sailor is the first kid to leave home.  I've been fortunate to have a close-knit family.  All of us have been in walking distance until one of my sisters moved 20 minutes away last year. My mom and other sister still live within a mile!  If I could call my sailor, things would be much easier.  Can't believe his 1st job took him so far away.  If you don't mind messaging me, I'd like to know about how much I'd have to save to see him.  I know ticket prices vary, just want to know the minimum I would need to take to get through a couple of weeks (food, lodging, etc).  I have no idea what the cost would be there.  Also, are they good about letting your sailor have some time off if you're able to come?  I'd hate to finally make it there and find that my son is still working 12 hours a day.  Was your son working? what did you do with your time if he wasn't able to come see you?

Katlanta and Kimberly214 wish we could pull up chairs and chat.  My son Gerad is 30, he enlisted the day before his 28th birthday.  I so enjoyed his company, I do miss him, but so glad he found his place.  He really likes what he is doing.  I plan to visit so Katlanta you could copy me in with that info for expenses while there.  I don't like to fly, but no way I can not go!  So I will tough it out.  Kimberly my mom and sister live within 1/2 mile. :)  Katlanta, Gerad also left a niece home, she was only 4 months old when he left.  They skyped once while he was in Japan and played peek aboo!   It will be like meeting Big Bird or Elmo when she meets her Uncle face to face.  I love shipping packages, but how long it takes is always a guess.  I sent his first one for Christmas in Seattle and it took 5 weeks.  Never know 2 weeks for his birthday, so that was early.  Go figure!  

I'm hoping he emails soon, I love to hear what he is doing.  Kat

So we have enjoyed our 30 day leave with our daughter.  But, Monday it all ends and she makes her way to the USS Washington from Minnesota.  She has never heard from her sponsor, so she is not really sure what to expect as she travels there.  Also, I can see by reading the posts that email and skype seem to be popular ways to communicate.  Is there a phone card we should be sending, is there any type of cell service there she can get.  We will definately plan to visit so any advice there would be welcome too.  She is 19, and was never away from home until now.  I hope she finds great friends there like she has in bootcamp and in A school. 

My church did a mail out of care packages to the different military men and women from our church. They sent about 23 boxes to my son. We packaged them up on July 7th and he has been getting several boxes a day for the last few days. He said everyone is loving it! They got there so fast, that is less than 2 wks! It is always great to hear that they are feeling appreciated.

Also found out that he played in the rugby game in Hong Kong. It was his first time to play and he loved it.

This was our first time to totally miss his birthday, he came home a couple weeks b4 his bday last year so we were able to celebrate.This was his 20th:)

While you guys are talking about your Sailors. Please I am asking that you moms please remember the people killed in the shootings in Aurora, CO. One of the 12 killed was a Sailor stationed at the Air Force base. And we know his mom is hurting really bad. I saw a interview with his girlfriend on the news. And she was telling how he shielded her by laying his body over hers. A true hero in my book.

I would get renters insurance. There is a lot of theft that goes on. Also I would suggest if he does not own a car but has car insurance now get the 5.00 a year Non-ownership policy thru USAA. You can even get renters insurance thru them also.

Thanks so much katlanta.  I'm actually keeping a little distance today.  I can't hide my mood right now and it seems to bother the sailor.  He's a little... un testy himself, LOL.  So before we say things it's best to hang back and wait for him.  Oh I don't look forward to the quiet house AT ALL!  I'm sure hubby doesn't look forward to the long face wife either, LOL.

Sailor has been keeping track of bc and a school friends pretty well so far so he has been hearing some funny stories.  I'm sure not what these kids are telling their folks though.  We have always shared TMI together and I've told him it ends now.  I don't want to hear ALL his sailor stories and I won't tell him about my days in the Navy... you should have seen the look on his face... too funny.  I could have drawn a big question mark on his face, LOL.  OH I'm going to miss having his sense of humor around the house.  My hubby doesn't share that humor.

OK, guess I'll go play with my dogs now.  Thanks again.

CArol- Yes, i saw the pics. My son was in the group picture and then he sent us one of he and a couple other guys from after the game.This is the first time I've seen him in a FB pic so that was GREAT!

Wish we had a "like" button to click : ) cool pic!

CreativeVi- when they arrive at the airport in Japan they report to the Department of Defense service counter and they will take care of them from there. : ) nerve racking but it does work out well. my son was able to get his new phone and called us the first day so we knew he was safe.

awesome pic... we DO need a like button, LOL

Thanks TexasSailorMom, I'll pass on the info.

LIKE all the pics!! Still waiting for one of mine....he's 'cranking' nights in the galley right now, so I'm not holding my breath! lol

Carol & TSM  - I saw the rugby pics too on FB - my son was in the group pic as well. I stalk that GW FB page just on in case my son should show up there. A mom can only hope! :)

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.

The kids also like water guns to play with. Gives them something to do with all that water they are sailing on. LOLOL. 

One of my Sailors asked for the new energy drink drops called MIO. They also like the Velveeta and Kraft Mac & Cheese individual bowls. Also one of my boys has asked for Starbucks and Dunkin Donut coffee. I send it in the whole bean. I sent a coffee grinder a few shipments back. The whole bean seems to stay fresher longer. But from what I understand the coffee doesn't last long. Oh and don't forget the flavored coffee creamer. French Vanilla to be exact.  I do send enough for them to share with their shipmates. Because some guys don't get anything. I do only send care packages when they are deployed. Because it does get kinda expensive.

I am afraid what we send doesn't last long. Hence only sending care packages when they are deployed. I end up sending 2 medium brown boxes or the boxes that the paper reams come in for copiers. It is cheaper to send in those boxes verses using the post office large flat rate boxes. And you can get more in them.

Well that was fast.  Wasn't my sailorman just born yesterday?  Today I left him at the airport and he's on his way to the GW.  I couldn't take it, hugged him and walked away.  It was like ripping the band aid off. No words of wisdom, no sweet things to say... just hugged him and walked away.

Then I met my girlfriend at the mall and we had ice cream for dinner.  I feel grouchy.

@CreativeVi - The partings are always the hardest.I try not to show my son my tears but he knows they are there and the "Gee, Mom" warms my heart. Each time I see him again, he is more of a man that I am very proud of, one that can take care of himself and his family, including me. Eat all the ice cream you want and look to the day he will be back home again. In the meantime, share the adventure!

I don't understand the sling box. How does it work with our kids being in Japan?

katlanta, you are so funny and Navy Mom, thanks girls.  I did receive a text from him when he landed in Seattle.  He says there is 250 reporting to Japan.  Knowing he's NOT alone makes me feel better.  My text won't go through to him though.  So I'll wait to get an email now to explain myself, LOL.

Heading out to get some groceries, over to archivers to get some much needed paper... yeah, right, LOL and taking my girls to the dog park to run free.  My commander (American Legion) has already called me this morning with a list of things to do this week.  Then he quietly asked about the sailor.  I know this is his way of watching my back, making sure I'm ok and I love him for it.  Now to just stay busy in moderation... right?

will this sling box work on a Direct TV or only cable access ones?  Bear with me I'm not the techie person.  LOL  He is afloat!  When he came home from A school, he was so delighted, "do you still have wireless?"  I told him yes, without him we are helpless, whatever he set us up with there we are.  He does a very good job at it, but will miss his keeping us up to speed.  I love computers and use them all the time.  But will be the first to tell you, I run programs, how they are set up and what is going on inside I don't know and  don't care to.  Hmmm may have to rethink that last statement.  :)

It's not a holiday, or birthday or anything like that. Yet today my heart aches for my son. I haven't heard from him in almost a month. Last time he called he said that he works 18 hours a day. When he is done he eats showers and goes to bed. He said he doesn't want to wait on line to use a computer. He has his own laptop, do they not have internet service? He said he really enjoys what he is doing. He loves seeing the world. The excitement in his voice has been missing for so long and it's great to hear again. I just wish I could hear it more often. Does this life ever get easier on a Mothers heart?

Thanks for the info Rosemary and Iike the idea of the box in his room.  :)  

Peetreesmama, I've had a couple emails.  But boy am I calling my sailor when he gets back to Japan.  So miss the hearing things as they happen.  All the things to be heard will be history, by the time they return.  But my son is very happy with what he is doing and that does my heart good.  But I miss  him.

I too surf the USS GW facebook page each morning, it is my connection. :)

peetreesmama, sorry you are feeling blue. Hopefully you will hear from him soon. Hugs to you.  Sounds like a great reason to be here, we'll talk to you!

katlant, happy birthday to your sailor.

Hubby is sick so off to take care of him.

My son turned 24 on the 20th of this month on deployment.

 Yesterday I happened upon a fb page "USS George Washington FRG". May settle some of your curiosities about recent sailor posts on fb. Hmmmm...interesting info!  Ya hafta send a friemd request. I am still waiting

http://www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/  the picture tells it all.  They are back!  I can hardly wait to hear my son's voice.

I don't want to bust any bubbles but the F18's and the other planes usually come home before the carrier. They fly off the carrier to return home. And it is usually a day or 2 before hand. 

thanks, I'm all new to this.  My son is with the "Shadowhawks".

It's all good. I have a son that is with the "DIAMONBACKS". But yea the fighter jets fly off the carrier usually a day or 2 out before the carrier gets home. Just like when they leave for deployment the jets don't leave till the carrier has left and has been gone for the same length of time. The support crew is still on the carrier till they port. But I am just as anxious as you. I have 2 boys on the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON. And cannot wait to talk to them. I have some news for them that they only know part of. And I need to finish giving them the rest. All I can say is please keep my 2 sons in your prayers they are going to need it when I let them know more about their grandma.

Thanks to all of you who offered their support yesterday. Today was better than yesterday. Tomorrow...who knows! None of my friends understand the situation. They just say, he's fine...don't worry.....my son doesn't call very often from college.....You ladies know how I feel and offer support, thank you! 

Thanks to all of you who offered their support yesterday. Today was better than yesterday. Tomorrow...who knows! None of my friends understand the situation. They just say, he's fine...don't worry.....my son doesn't call very often from college.....You ladies know how I feel and offer support, thank you! 

They are back to Japan for some much deserved R&R. My son is getting visitors early next week. Almost time to check in with Delta!

hmmm, posted or so I thought a nice message earlier today.  It got lost somewhere.  I'm having computer problems so in the process of upgrading right now.  Praying all goes well so I don't miss anything, LOL.  My son should be in Japan by now and wonder if he's getting a tour of the ship or WHAT?  Wish he would call.  Signing off for now with a big fat sad lip.

Welcome Momma Z

So,sorry you're having it rough. All of us here have been there and we know and understand that feeling. {{NMH}} I'm praying that your phone call comes soon!

We just skyped with one very exhausted son! He could barely keep his eyes open even though it is morning there. He said he left the ship yesterday, went home to his apartment and fell asleep. Now he's going back to bed. He is paying for this own internet connection so he has freer access to skype.

MommaZ, I totally understand.  I haven't heard from my sailor yet and I'm really not coping very well.  Today has been a blue day for sure.

texted a bit on facebook with my sailor.  But oh how I miss the just sitting and chatting with him  We are making a skype date, so his bro, sil and niece can be here.  He loves games and I have one for him 20 questions lol, hope he isn't counting because I have a few more than 20.  It would be like him to count them too. :)  I'm anxious to hear his voice, it is music to a mom's ear.

Here's to every mom getting a call soon! Hang in there, CreativeVi and Momma Z. Most are still working on the ship even though it's in port.

katlanta,  Oh how I miss the open sharing too, but this is his world and is for their safety.  The transition from Mom to Mother is rough.  :)  

CreativeVi  each challenge he tackles makes it easier.  Settling in Japan is a good one.  My son choose to drive cross country when he left for his last schooling in CA, by himself, he wanted to see the country.  He loves to drive, but I would have sure like it if he had company.  NY to CA. 

I understand they are really busy, but I sure would like some Skype time with my son, before they leave again.  Visited a bit with him on FB the other day.

How old and what job do your sons do?  Mine is 30 and is an Aviation Electronics Technician.  He enlisted the day before his 28th birthday.

Enjoy your Sunday ladies!