Has anyone heard how long the GW should be in port? Does anyone know where the ports of call have been in previous years when they went back out to sea?
Have I said thank you, it's 3:30am and I just couldn't sleep. I wish I would have come here earlier and I would be sleeping like a baby now. Katlanta and imnadelady I soooooo appreciate you and your support. I have worked my way into a good pitty party here, streamers and all! I will be happy with his email and not push or pout.
My boy is 28 and SH(ship handler). He will be doing your sailors laundry (LOL) and manning the stores along with what ever else the Navy tells him to do. I'm sure he's stressed out right now cause he's a perfectionist and likes to think about everything first. The Navy doesnt allow thought, just wants action. OH the mom guilt is setting in. He's fine, he's fine, he's fine.
I'm listening to my dog snoring and I think I'll go cuddle her for a while. Be back tomorrow to fill my cuppa.
Don't know how old your son is. I hope he calls or emails you soon. If he is upset about you asking someone to check in on him, he will eventually get over it. My 2 cents: Parents cannot help but be concerned about their children no matter how old they are. My 2 sons have been trying to show their independence from me since shortly after they were born. Each time I sent them off, it was more of a leap.When my son left for OCS, I cried for days and was sick with worry not hearing from him, imagining the worst. When he left for Japan, I had to believe that he was ready for whatever was to come his way. It is important to him that I have confidence in him. I would write your son a letter and tell him how you feel, ask him to please stay in contact, tell him how much it would ease your mind and fill your heart. And you will have to wait until he is ready to respond. I would consider contacting the Ombudsman but only in a serious family emergency. All the Best.
The GDUB is also getting ready for a really big inspection due real soon. So everyone is working alot. And then again some Sailors like to prove to their mom that they can handle things on their own until they need us. Trust me I know. My oldest one is like that. Care packages don't take as long to get to them when they are at home base. The quickest I have gotten packages to my sons was in 6 days. The longest 6 weeks cause a cap on a bottle of shampoo cracked open and they quarantine the box. But we are all here for you. Be careful about contacting the Ombudsman to check on him, he might really get mad at you and not contact you at all.
Losing a daughter and being out of touch with your son can't be easy. And 19 is young. My son is 24 so the silences are easier to take. One of my sons is a communicator and one son is not. The quiet one does drive me a bit crazy when he doesn't call or email often. It hurts me but in reality, he doesn't feel the need to stay in touch as much. Please know that the navy men and women help each other through thick and thin so if there is an issue, your son has support. Hang in there. On the mother scale, you have a full plate.
Momma Z - Hang in there! I am so sorry about your daughter. Listen to all these wise NavyMoms...I am fairly new to this as well, but I know how it is to be constantly thinking about your sailor. Just repeat 'No news is good news'!!
MommaZ- some really GREAT advice here, love the mantras and remember them well. Especially the "hurry up and wait" OMG, a lot of that in the military.
It's hard life for us Moms. This is the way I see it... we did a great job raising these fine young people. They have made a wise and wonderful decision joining the military. Because of that decision we have all united as a big family, supportive and informative. Some of us don't have blood family to depend on so it makes this family all the better. We won't stop worrying of course, but we need to let them go now. I got an email this morning from my sailor (finally) that just had me laughing and tears. I miss him, but remember this is his time now. I'm also an emptynester now and need to find my new purpose. Today is the first day I'm ok with it, not perfectly yet... just ok. Like all the other wise Mom's here... let's hang in there together.
I just joined this group today i have been on N4M's for awhile and my Sailor"s PIR was march and he has another few weeks of A school before he will be home until his deployment to Japan. Maybe it's me but i feel like i will be losing him all over again like BC. Can anyone give me any advice as what to do about his cell phone he's on my plan but i don't want to rack up international charges on it who can afford that. Also do you have any idea how long they are stationed there? He is single so he won't be taking any family with him.
You can put his phone on 'military hold' with your phone company, then it can be activated when he comes home. They seem to figure out what to do about phone stuff once they get there - either buying a local phone and/or using the internet to call via Skype or MagicJack or some other app. He WILL figure it out!! I think they just do whatever their new teammates have done...but it seems to work. I had my sailor's cell phone 'unlocked' before he left so he could use a sim card he bought over there if he could. He finally did when they were in Hong Kong.
There's a little more contact than in BC....but sometimes not too much! Hang in there and enjoy his visit home before he leaves!!
He still hasn't received his offical orders yet they were just able to tell him where he will be stationed when he finishes A school. It's bittersweet because this was were he wanted to go and i know from experience my brother was in the Airforce and was there for 4 years so i no it's not just a few months deployment. And thanks i definately plan on respoiling him while i have a chance so looking forward to seeing my Sailor. I'm a very Proud Navy Mom.
Carol, interesting you had his phone unlocked. Hmm, my sailor had an iphone and got there and could not buy service unless he bought a new iphone. He said he wasn't spending on another so is only using a prepaid phone. Wow this is big for my gadget man. But am curious if he could get it unlocked, I did read up about that dilema of not being able to service it. He does have it on military hold.
My son has been in Japan for a year. He had a Blackberry when he left with Verizon service which is on military hold, it can be reactivated when he returns to the states on a moments' notice .He is not being billed while he is in Japan. He bought an I-phone when he got to Japan which can be used there, but when is out to see he is off grid so we mostly use skype when he lands somewhere. He pays for his i-phone so I'm not sure what it costs. They are extemely busy on the ship, working 12 hour shifts, working out and going to sleep, repeat every day.
I don't know Imnadelady. He has an iphone and I did it before he left...he didn't find a sim card to use in Japan, but like I said he got one in Hong Kong - $8 for 200 minutes to the US! (Only in Hong Kong, though)
Happy to hear calls and emails are trickling in. I've been very busy today cleaning out my kitchen and making dog food. They are very spoiled. Now I'm heading to bed and watching some netflix for a while. I'll be doing a honor guard funeral tomorrow and then my little pup starts school, so check in later. Enjoy hearing from the sailors!
My navy son has company from the US. He's working during the day but at least they have the evenings and weekends. There is a lot to see in and around Tokyo, Yokohama and Yokosuka. They are near the train so they can get around very easily.
Keep looking for better fares to Japan. I flew over in April from the east coast and paid $1100.00 on Delta booking 1 week ahead. I just paid $1500 for the same flight for my son. Are you booking for the holidays? Maybe that's why it's high.My navy son traveled back to the states last year on orders and his flight was on United. He had to change the flight the navy travel agency booked and pay the difference. The navy booked round trip flight gave a credit of $975.00 and we paid the difference so he could come home from his temporary duty station in the US for leave.
Katlanta, that is one nice boss. :) I'm going to be looking into traveling to Japan too. Thought I would look into a travel agent, but maybe I don't need too. This may be a stupid question, but is there any guest lodging on base or real near.
My son is at Atsugi and they have a Navy Lodge there. It is like a Marriott, very nice, I've been there, it feels like you are in Virginia. On the base it feels like you are in the USA. There is a Navy Lodge at Yokosuka too. That's the way to go unless you have someone who lives off base. My son lives off base so his brother is staying with him for 2 weeks.
Hi, lots of great info as usual. We went to Japan a couple years back and stayed with friends I met in a Japanese cultural class. We met through being email pals. Anyway, we saw a lot of beautiful country. Now I'm looking forward to going back and seeing the other half.Here I am in my Honor Guard uniform. I don't like the hat, AT ALL, but it's part of the uniform. Sure looks better on the guys. We actually have nice jackets, but with the heat lately we aren't wearing them.
Anyway I'm off to bed. I'll be back at the Legion tomorrow to turn in the financial report for our bingo and set up our electronic sign and, and, and... LOL. I love these guys and they sure keep my busy. We are a very large, active post and I am one of two women that participate.
Saw a pic of my sailor swabbing the deck, posted on fb by one of his friends, still no word from him. This vehicle is a bit larger than he cars he polished til you could see your reflection in them LOL Once this inspection starts hoping to get a skype visit. His only neice was 4 months old when he went to BC. She is growing so fast 2 in a couple weeks. Have great day ladies!
I'm actually more confident about this solo trip. It is actually beginning to sound exciting. I'm not a lover of flying, had a dream the other night that I got to the airport and was ready to board and I had no meds for anxiety. Luckily I just woke up. A 2 hr flight works fine for me. I stick my nose in a book, the flight attendant comes around with a coke and 2 pretzels, then they come around and clean up and it is time to land. LOL
Imnadelady, it might help if you have some crocheting or knitting along with 2 good books and a few magazines! It's a l-o-o-o-n-g flight! (Actually - not sure if knitting needles would be permitted on the plane, but i was allowed on with a crochet hook.) If you're able to sleep, that's even better. Some folks take Nyquil (sp?) or another sleep aid to help them sleep through it. Please be sure to get up and move around every hour or so to avoid getting DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Good luck to you! You will enjoy it!!
When I flew to Japan, I took a sleeping pill and woke up when we got there. My hubby told me about all the "fun" stuff I missed, LOL. I figure we were both happy.
Got an email from my sailor today. He sure is blossoming and try things I would have never bet on for him. Navy life is good... ah, it's great!
Good morning everyone.....My sailor will be leaving for the George Washington on August 29...he is in Jacksonville at C school right now....his rate is AS.....He just called me and sounds really really nervous about going.....wished he had picked shore duty....after being so excited about being on sea duty......He is hearing all these bad stories from other sailors.....he hasn't heard from his mentor......and just sounds very depressed.....he is not sure how to get a phone once he is over there.....he just heard that they will be flying him right to the ship instead of shore.....any help would be great....is there anything else that he will need before he leaves....He just asked for a CAD reader and not sure where to get that......I'm just so worried for him now.....everything was good...I guess as it gets closer to leaving he will be more nervous......normal.....but it is driving me crazy! Thanks for your help!
NavyMomfromCT - There are a lot of details to work out for sure but it will all come together, worry will not help this situation. When my son left for Japan with a sea bag and a suitcase, we were both a bit shaky at the airport checking in. Yes, I parked the car and went in instead of dropping him at the curb like I normally do. There was someone waiting for him at Narita Airport in Tokyo who rode the bus back to the base and helped him check in. Orientation, sleep, tour of the area, culture and driving classes, getting a phone - he was on the ship in about 10 days. Many of the them fly on and off the ship, depends on their positions. Your son will be taken care of and he will pass it on.
navymomfromCT - my sailor arrived two weeks ago now and he felt the same way. Every time I've heard from him he's been having a great time. All that worrying for nothing. They REALLY take good care of each other over there. When he arrived in Seattle the USO had 250 other sailors going to Japan. Again, they are very taken care of.
The weather here in WI has been nice for two days now... cool breeze and actually can breath. Hope everyone is doing well.
The experience on the GDUB will be different for every Sailor. Yes the Sailors usually do get a cell phone from Softbank. He can also go to the USO on base and make a free call home. In regards to his mentor, tell him to just be patient and keep trying to get ahold of him/her. And yes they are really busy with a huge inspection going on. Also, if he does not own a car but has car insurance he might want to think about getting a International Non-Ownership policy with USAA. It only costs 5.00 a year. But it will give him full coverage when he comes home and wants to drive a vehicle. But also it keeps him from having a break in coverage. And we all know insurance for young people is expensive. So well worth the 5.00. Also he might want to think about getting renters insurance thru them. The GDUB does have a lot of theft that happens. Even when stuff is locked up it seems to disappear. Another thing to think about getting is called a SLING BOX. I heard about this his on the N4M's site. It is a box that you hook into your cable box and they can sign onto a account on their computer and watch what ever you get on your cable system. I am in the process of getting one for my son. I wish I had heard about it 3 years ago when my first son went to Japan.
Still waiting to hear from my sailor, I got an email right after Hong Kong. He's the son that always shared, I miss that. Just hoping I hear from him before he returns to sea. :(
Hello all! I haven't posted much since I"ve joined the group, but my brother has been here in the states. He flew out of Pensacola yesterday. I JUST heard from him via FB and he made it safely!!! He will be flying out to the ship in a few days!
I got an email this morning and it's taken 2 weeks for the homesickness to set in. He met a buddy to go to the gym with so hopefully that helps. I think when he gets into a routine on the ship, he'll feel better. I wish he would invite me to skype so I could see his eyes... oh well, maybe in another week, LOL.
Keeping myself busy helps. We had our first dog training class and I'm looking forward to it. It's something new to do, learn and I get to play with my girls. I also have some more home destruction, I mean decoration plans. I think I'm going after my sewing area and closet. I've been wanting to clean my closet out and organize my clothes. What are your plans to keep busy?
Creative Vi....I teach, so I have been working in my new classroom. I transferred from middle to high school. So preparing my room and inservice is helping keep my mind occupied.
Creative Vi, my son has only been in Japan a month but I have been staying busy working on my craft/computer room and training for my first 5k which is in 10 more days. I hate to run, but I needed a distraction.
Momma Z - good luck tomorrow. I too am planning a trip to Japan next year.
Creativ Vi I too have been renovating. my sailor says it will all be changed when he comes home. I made my older sons room into a sewing room, imagine his surprise when he saw his room pink. LOL Now my sailor sons room, maybe I will put some exercise equip in it, it will have to double as a guest room. He would like that, but I'm still trying to clear out his stuff, he enlisted the day before his 28th birthday, so you can imagine the collections. He has shelves of cars etc. that he still wants, so I have to store them. Doubt he will really care 2 years from now, but that will be for him to decide. He is my collector!!!!
I quilt to keep busy. It is easier now, it took him a complete year between basic and reporting to Whidbey Island, then he was there only 3 months.
Imnadelady-My son is a collector also...swords, that is. I had to store his prize possessions while he was in Korea. Now he and his wife have an apt on his base so he is storing most of his own. Everything else is at their house here in the states. Gotta love 'em!
Imnadelady he told me before he left for bootcamp that Japan was were he wanted to be stationed so it's bittersweet for me have to get use to the little or no contact again.
dawny64 yes I miss the contact. my son had a iphone in the states and he couldn't get service on it in Japan, opted out of buying a second one. so he only has a prepay and he wasn't willing to get more time on it for this short return to Japan. He will when they get back from their deploy. Bittersweet, but $ wise decision him, makes me proud. He is very happy though. What job does your sailor do?
Dawny64, do you know when he's going? Thought my son was going next month but he has C school (Sea school?) In San Diego until December then will go to japan for 3 years.
Hi,
Can anyone direct me to a good set of instructions on skype? My son wants to skype and I don't know how to add him, video him... blah, blah. I'm only used it twice and someone else set it up for me. HELP!
yamamom
here is resource that might be helpful...
http://billmoyers.com/content/resources-for-military-service-members/
Jul 29, 2012
Kimberly214
Has anyone heard how long the GW should be in port? Does anyone know where the ports of call have been in previous years when they went back out to sea?
Jul 29, 2012
momof2sailors
Those are questions that can't and should not be discussed here.
Jul 29, 2012
CreativeVi
My boy is 28 and SH(ship handler). He will be doing your sailors laundry (LOL) and manning the stores along with what ever else the Navy tells him to do. I'm sure he's stressed out right now cause he's a perfectionist and likes to think about everything first. The Navy doesnt allow thought, just wants action. OH the mom guilt is setting in. He's fine, he's fine, he's fine.
I'm listening to my dog snoring and I think I'll go cuddle her for a while. Be back tomorrow to fill my cuppa.
Jul 30, 2012
Navy Mom
Hello Momma Z,
Don't know how old your son is. I hope he calls or emails you soon. If he is upset about you asking someone to check in on him, he will eventually get over it. My 2 cents: Parents cannot help but be concerned about their children no matter how old they are. My 2 sons have been trying to show their independence from me since shortly after they were born. Each time I sent them off, it was more of a leap.When my son left for OCS, I cried for days and was sick with worry not hearing from him, imagining the worst. When he left for Japan, I had to believe that he was ready for whatever was to come his way. It is important to him that I have confidence in him. I would write your son a letter and tell him how you feel, ask him to please stay in contact, tell him how much it would ease your mind and fill your heart. And you will have to wait until he is ready to respond. I would consider contacting the Ombudsman but only in a serious family emergency. All the Best.
Jul 30, 2012
momof2sailors
Momma Z,
The GDUB is also getting ready for a really big inspection due real soon. So everyone is working alot. And then again some Sailors like to prove to their mom that they can handle things on their own until they need us. Trust me I know. My oldest one is like that. Care packages don't take as long to get to them when they are at home base. The quickest I have gotten packages to my sons was in 6 days. The longest 6 weeks cause a cap on a bottle of shampoo cracked open and they quarantine the box. But we are all here for you. Be careful about contacting the Ombudsman to check on him, he might really get mad at you and not contact you at all.
Jul 30, 2012
Navy Mom
Momma Z,
Losing a daughter and being out of touch with your son can't be easy. And 19 is young. My son is 24 so the silences are easier to take. One of my sons is a communicator and one son is not. The quiet one does drive me a bit crazy when he doesn't call or email often. It hurts me but in reality, he doesn't feel the need to stay in touch as much. Please know that the navy men and women help each other through thick and thin so if there is an issue, your son has support. Hang in there. On the mother scale, you have a full plate.
Jul 30, 2012
CArol
Momma Z - Hang in there! I am so sorry about your daughter. Listen to all these wise NavyMoms...I am fairly new to this as well, but I know how it is to be constantly thinking about your sailor. Just repeat 'No news is good news'!!
Jul 30, 2012
CreativeVi
It's hard life for us Moms. This is the way I see it... we did a great job raising these fine young people. They have made a wise and wonderful decision joining the military. Because of that decision we have all united as a big family, supportive and informative. Some of us don't have blood family to depend on so it makes this family all the better. We won't stop worrying of course, but we need to let them go now. I got an email this morning from my sailor (finally) that just had me laughing and tears. I miss him, but remember this is his time now. I'm also an emptynester now and need to find my new purpose. Today is the first day I'm ok with it, not perfectly yet... just ok. Like all the other wise Mom's here... let's hang in there together.
Jul 31, 2012
dawny64
Hi All!
I just joined this group today i have been on N4M's for awhile and my Sailor"s PIR was march and he has another few weeks of A school before he will be home until his deployment to Japan. Maybe it's me but i feel like i will be losing him all over again like BC. Can anyone give me any advice as what to do about his cell phone he's on my plan but i don't want to rack up international charges on it who can afford that. Also do you have any idea how long they are stationed there? He is single so he won't be taking any family with him.
Jul 31, 2012
CArol
Hi dawny :)
You can put his phone on 'military hold' with your phone company, then it can be activated when he comes home. They seem to figure out what to do about phone stuff once they get there - either buying a local phone and/or using the internet to call via Skype or MagicJack or some other app. He WILL figure it out!! I think they just do whatever their new teammates have done...but it seems to work. I had my sailor's cell phone 'unlocked' before he left so he could use a sim card he bought over there if he could. He finally did when they were in Hong Kong.
There's a little more contact than in BC....but sometimes not too much! Hang in there and enjoy his visit home before he leaves!!
Jul 31, 2012
dawny64
Thanks Ladies!
He still hasn't received his offical orders yet they were just able to tell him where he will be stationed when he finishes A school. It's bittersweet because this was were he wanted to go and i know from experience my brother was in the Airforce and was there for 4 years so i no it's not just a few months deployment. And thanks i definately plan on respoiling him while i have a chance so looking forward to seeing my Sailor. I'm a very Proud Navy Mom.
Jul 31, 2012
lmnadelady
my sons orders are only 2 years and I still haven't heard from him accept a very brief FB chat. Patiently waiting.
Jul 31, 2012
lmnadelady
Carol, interesting you had his phone unlocked. Hmm, my sailor had an iphone and got there and could not buy service unless he bought a new iphone. He said he wasn't spending on another so is only using a prepaid phone. Wow this is big for my gadget man. But am curious if he could get it unlocked, I did read up about that dilema of not being able to service it. He does have it on military hold.
Jul 31, 2012
Navy Mom
Jul 31, 2012
CArol
I don't know Imnadelady. He has an iphone and I did it before he left...he didn't find a sim card to use in Japan, but like I said he got one in Hong Kong - $8 for 200 minutes to the US! (Only in Hong Kong, though)
Jul 31, 2012
childcare fun for kids!
Does anyone know where the sailors go to get things like bikes, that where shipped from home?
Aug 1, 2012
CreativeVi
Evening everyone,
Happy to hear calls and emails are trickling in. I've been very busy today cleaning out my kitchen and making dog food. They are very spoiled. Now I'm heading to bed and watching some netflix for a while. I'll be doing a honor guard funeral tomorrow and then my little pup starts school, so check in later. Enjoy hearing from the sailors!
Aug 1, 2012
Navy Mom
My navy son has company from the US. He's working during the day but at least they have the evenings and weekends. There is a lot to see in and around Tokyo, Yokohama and Yokosuka. They are near the train so they can get around very easily.
Aug 2, 2012
Navy Mom
Kate,
Keep looking for better fares to Japan. I flew over in April from the east coast and paid $1100.00 on Delta booking 1 week ahead. I just paid $1500 for the same flight for my son. Are you booking for the holidays? Maybe that's why it's high.My navy son traveled back to the states last year on orders and his flight was on United. He had to change the flight the navy travel agency booked and pay the difference. The navy booked round trip flight gave a credit of $975.00 and we paid the difference so he could come home from his temporary duty station in the US for leave.
Aug 2, 2012
lmnadelady
Katlanta, that is one nice boss. :) I'm going to be looking into traveling to Japan too. Thought I would look into a travel agent, but maybe I don't need too. This may be a stupid question, but is there any guest lodging on base or real near.
Aug 2, 2012
Navy Mom
My son is at Atsugi and they have a Navy Lodge there. It is like a Marriott, very nice, I've been there, it feels like you are in Virginia. On the base it feels like you are in the USA. There is a Navy Lodge at Yokosuka too. That's the way to go unless you have someone who lives off base. My son lives off base so his brother is staying with him for 2 weeks.
Aug 2, 2012
CreativeVi
Hi, lots of great info as usual. We went to Japan a couple years back and stayed with friends I met in a Japanese cultural class. We met through being email pals. Anyway, we saw a lot of beautiful country. Now I'm looking forward to going back and seeing the other half.
Here I am in my Honor Guard uniform. I don't like the hat, AT ALL, but it's part of the uniform. Sure looks better on the guys. We actually have nice jackets, but with the heat lately we aren't wearing them.
Anyway I'm off to bed. I'll be back at the Legion tomorrow to turn in the financial report for our bingo and set up our electronic sign and, and, and... LOL. I love these guys and they sure keep my busy. We are a very large, active post and I am one of two women that participate.
Aug 3, 2012
Navy Mom
CreativeVi - You look great in that uniform, hat and all!
Aug 3, 2012
lmnadelady
Katlanta, thanks for the info.
CreativeVi nice pic with our flag background :)
Saw a pic of my sailor swabbing the deck, posted on fb by one of his friends, still no word from him. This vehicle is a bit larger than he cars he polished til you could see your reflection in them LOL Once this inspection starts hoping to get a skype visit. His only neice was 4 months old when he went to BC. She is growing so fast 2 in a couple weeks. Have great day ladies!
Aug 3, 2012
lmnadelady
I'm actually more confident about this solo trip. It is actually beginning to sound exciting. I'm not a lover of flying, had a dream the other night that I got to the airport and was ready to board and I had no meds for anxiety. Luckily I just woke up. A 2 hr flight works fine for me. I stick my nose in a book, the flight attendant comes around with a coke and 2 pretzels, then they come around and clean up and it is time to land. LOL
Aug 3, 2012
yamamom
Imnadelady, it might help if you have some crocheting or knitting along with 2 good books and a few magazines! It's a l-o-o-o-n-g flight! (Actually - not sure if knitting needles would be permitted on the plane, but i was allowed on with a crochet hook.) If you're able to sleep, that's even better. Some folks take Nyquil (sp?) or another sleep aid to help them sleep through it. Please be sure to get up and move around every hour or so to avoid getting DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Good luck to you! You will enjoy it!!
Aug 3, 2012
CreativeVi
When I flew to Japan, I took a sleeping pill and woke up when we got there. My hubby told me about all the "fun" stuff I missed, LOL. I figure we were both happy.
Got an email from my sailor today. He sure is blossoming and try things I would have never bet on for him. Navy life is good... ah, it's great!
Aug 3, 2012
lmnadelady
CreaticeVi, great to see the blossom, it makes it so much easier letting them go.
Aug 3, 2012
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Good morning everyone.....My sailor will be leaving for the George Washington on August 29...he is in Jacksonville at C school right now....his rate is AS.....He just called me and sounds really really nervous about going.....wished he had picked shore duty....after being so excited about being on sea duty......He is hearing all these bad stories from other sailors.....he hasn't heard from his mentor......and just sounds very depressed.....he is not sure how to get a phone once he is over there.....he just heard that they will be flying him right to the ship instead of shore.....any help would be great....is there anything else that he will need before he leaves....He just asked for a CAD reader and not sure where to get that......I'm just so worried for him now.....everything was good...I guess as it gets closer to leaving he will be more nervous......normal.....but it is driving me crazy! Thanks for your help!
Aug 6, 2012
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Katlanta: Thank you for that......I feel better already....
CAD card reader is something they scan into their computer to get navy information????
Aug 6, 2012
Navy Mom
NavyMomfromCT - There are a lot of details to work out for sure but it will all come together, worry will not help this situation. When my son left for Japan with a sea bag and a suitcase, we were both a bit shaky at the airport checking in. Yes, I parked the car and went in instead of dropping him at the curb like I normally do. There was someone waiting for him at Narita Airport in Tokyo who rode the bus back to the base and helped him check in. Orientation, sleep, tour of the area, culture and driving classes, getting a phone - he was on the ship in about 10 days. Many of the them fly on and off the ship, depends on their positions. Your son will be taken care of and he will pass it on.
Aug 6, 2012
CreativeVi
navymomfromCT - my sailor arrived two weeks ago now and he felt the same way. Every time I've heard from him he's been having a great time. All that worrying for nothing. They REALLY take good care of each other over there. When he arrived in Seattle the USO had 250 other sailors going to Japan. Again, they are very taken care of.
The weather here in WI has been nice for two days now... cool breeze and actually can breath. Hope everyone is doing well.
Aug 6, 2012
momof2sailors
navymomfromCT,
The experience on the GDUB will be different for every Sailor. Yes the Sailors usually do get a cell phone from Softbank. He can also go to the USO on base and make a free call home. In regards to his mentor, tell him to just be patient and keep trying to get ahold of him/her. And yes they are really busy with a huge inspection going on. Also, if he does not own a car but has car insurance he might want to think about getting a International Non-Ownership policy with USAA. It only costs 5.00 a year. But it will give him full coverage when he comes home and wants to drive a vehicle. But also it keeps him from having a break in coverage. And we all know insurance for young people is expensive. So well worth the 5.00. Also he might want to think about getting renters insurance thru them. The GDUB does have a lot of theft that happens. Even when stuff is locked up it seems to disappear. Another thing to think about getting is called a SLING BOX. I heard about this his on the N4M's site. It is a box that you hook into your cable box and they can sign onto a account on their computer and watch what ever you get on your cable system. I am in the process of getting one for my son. I wish I had heard about it 3 years ago when my first son went to Japan.
Aug 6, 2012
lmnadelady
Still waiting to hear from my sailor, I got an email right after Hong Kong. He's the son that always shared, I miss that. Just hoping I hear from him before he returns to sea. :(
Aug 6, 2012
Missy
Hello all! I haven't posted much since I"ve joined the group, but my brother has been here in the states. He flew out of Pensacola yesterday. I JUST heard from him via FB and he made it safely!!! He will be flying out to the ship in a few days!
Aug 7, 2012
JDMK-NavyMom
Welcome Missy, this is a great group full of good info.
GDUB "is" out at sea for INSURV posted on GW fb page.
But, I just got a Skype call from my sailor. The conection was bad and the call didn't last long...less than a minute...it was dropped...uhhh.
Aug 7, 2012
CreativeVi
Keeping myself busy helps. We had our first dog training class and I'm looking forward to it. It's something new to do, learn and I get to play with my girls. I also have some more home destruction, I mean decoration plans. I think I'm going after my sewing area and closet. I've been wanting to clean my closet out and organize my clothes. What are your plans to keep busy?
Aug 7, 2012
Missy
Me too Kathy!
Creative Vi....I teach, so I have been working in my new classroom. I transferred from middle to high school. So preparing my room and inservice is helping keep my mind occupied.
Aug 7, 2012
Kimberly P
Aug 8, 2012
lmnadelady
Kathy this is inspiring.
Momma Z - good luck tomorrow. I too am planning a trip to Japan next year.
Creativ Vi I too have been renovating. my sailor says it will all be changed when he comes home. I made my older sons room into a sewing room, imagine his surprise when he saw his room pink. LOL Now my sailor sons room, maybe I will put some exercise equip in it, it will have to double as a guest room. He would like that, but I'm still trying to clear out his stuff, he enlisted the day before his 28th birthday, so you can imagine the collections. He has shelves of cars etc. that he still wants, so I have to store them. Doubt he will really care 2 years from now, but that will be for him to decide. He is my collector!!!!
I quilt to keep busy. It is easier now, it took him a complete year between basic and reporting to Whidbey Island, then he was there only 3 months.
Aug 8, 2012
dawny64
Just heard from my Sailor that he will be Japan for 3 years.
Aug 8, 2012
lmnadelady
Dawny 64 It is a long way, but I've heard people really like Japan. My sailor reported in March it is his first assignment and he is with the VAQ 141.
Aug 8, 2012
Mary (Chris' mom)
Imnadelady-My son is a collector also...swords, that is. I had to store his prize possessions while he was in Korea. Now he and his wife have an apt on his base so he is storing most of his own. Everything else is at their house here in the states. Gotta love 'em!
Aug 8, 2012
dawny64
Imnadelady he told me before he left for bootcamp that Japan was were he wanted to be stationed so it's bittersweet for me have to get use to the little or no contact again.
Aug 8, 2012
lmnadelady
dawny64 yes I miss the contact. my son had a iphone in the states and he couldn't get service on it in Japan, opted out of buying a second one. so he only has a prepay and he wasn't willing to get more time on it for this short return to Japan. He will when they get back from their deploy. Bittersweet, but $ wise decision him, makes me proud. He is very happy though. What job does your sailor do?
Aug 8, 2012
Alicia(12/053 - AO)♥
Aug 8, 2012
dawny64
@Imnadelady he is interior communications and @ Alicia he will leave the end of next month. He comes home in 2 weeks for about 3 weeks also.
Aug 9, 2012
CreativeVi
Can anyone direct me to a good set of instructions on skype? My son wants to skype and I don't know how to add him, video him... blah, blah. I'm only used it twice and someone else set it up for me. HELP!
Aug 9, 2012
momof2sailors
Just go to SKYPE and pick what kind of computer you have under "GET SKYPE" and it will walk you thru the download and picking a screen name.
Aug 9, 2012