USS George Washington Sailors

For family members of sailors who are on the USS GW on their way to be stationed in Japan
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  • CArol

    navymomfromCT - our packages average about 2 weeks to get there. Sometimes faster, sometimes longer. There is a group on N4Ms for Care Package ideas that has great ideas on what to send. My son always lets us know, but I throw in silly/fun stuff as well.

  • Lisa FLNavyMom

    My son put in for leave that hasn't been approved yet and also heard that "rumor" so he is worried that is why his leave hasn't been approved yet. Here's hoping that leave will be approved and son will be home for Christmas!
  • Navy Mom

    My son's leave has not been approved yet either but we are thinking positive and bought his ticket home for Christmas. There are 2 holiday leave periods at Atsugi and he sent me the announced dates so I could book the ticket. One leave period includes Christmas and the other includes New Years. Delta will allow him to change the ticket without a fee because he has a special military ticket (no discount but the change fees are waived). Last year he did not get leave so there is a pretty good chance for this year. We will have Christmas whenever he gets home!

  • Navy Mom

    My son did not mention any "rumor" but we all know that unforeseen events can happen and leaves can be cancelled at the last minute. They are in the military. That being said, I agree with Katlanta that everything is going to be fine. Positive thoughts, all the way around.......

  • navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)

    what is the ombudsman e-mail list?

  • Kimberly214

    Hi Katlanta - if you do have any idea where they're going, please send me a message - thanks

  • Kimberly214

    My son FINALLY got his email set up and working!  He's been there since January, and he's now able to send us messages.  I'd really like to thank the IT guy that made this possible!  He's having a lot of trouble getting any kind of a leave approved.  Having issues with mail also.  I mailed 3 boxes on the same day in August.  The other two got there 2-3 weeks ago.  The box that says "Happy Birthday" is no where to be found, even though I have a delivery confirmation.  That is very aggravating.  Hoping to hear good news soon!

  • Navy Mom

    Sorry to say this but delivery confirmation is only to the US mail place where they collect military mail and send overseas. There is no guarantee to the overseas base or to the ship. Don't send anything you don't want dropped in the sea because that could happen. Having said that, my son has received every box I sent him, eventually. Please do not get frustrated. Just imagine having that mail job and how you would do it.

  • Kimberly214

    I don't think any of the packages have been dropped in the sea yet.  All I can say is that the kindle better not end up there!

  • JerrysMom

    Katlanta- So jealous! and happy for you too! :-)

  • Kimberly P

    Katlanta, jealous here too. But also happy for you. I have resigned myself to not hearing from my son very often. He said the phone lines are so long and he hates to write. I live for you all to keep me informed. I am so thankful for this site!
  • lmnadelady

    My son has never been a great talker. But a most thoughtful and one to share spending time with you watching a movie, playing a game, going out somewhere, but always the more quiet.  On self reflection that is me too.  He throws back a response when he gets an email, but that is him.  And 'I love him to pieces.  So I too enjoy this site.  

  • JDMK-NavyMom

    Katlanta…I’m happy for you too and I am grateful for all the wonderful info and advice you so graciously share with us here.

    Navy Ma…{{{HUGS}}} we all understand those withdrawals.

    I’m not one who does a lot of posting, but I visit here and the Japan Moms page daily. I normally don’t hear from my son when the ship is underway.  But, I did get an unexpected email from him Friday, September 28. It was good news…but lacking in details. He told me that he was Sailor of the Day…that day Friday, September 28. I don’t know why or what he did to earn the honor. He listed all the things the he received because of this honor; one of which was receiving a challenge coin for the captain. He said to look for pictures on the GW website soon. Now my question…does anyone have any idea how I can get a copy of these pictures? I have not seen them anywhere…not on the GW website or fb page. I am trying to put together a scrapbook for my son and would love to include a picture of this special day.

  • JDMK-NavyMom

    katlanta..again, thank you for great info! ;-)

  • lmnadelady

    Hi ladies,  FYI the pics on the USS George Washington FB have option under it and there you can download.  Gerad got Sailor of the Quarter before leaving Whidbey and he was able to email that pic so I was able to print it.  Isn't this technology wonderful.  My son is a real computer guy as much of his generation.  Never cared much about getting his pic taken , as I may or may not have referenced here before...we call him Waldo.  Well before he left for the Navy, he gave me for  Christmas a antique looking world map, we have posted on the wall and mark with his stops.  Also, he has been downloading his photos of which he takes many to us.  But thoughtful that he is he has one taken at each place with him in it, he says I did that for you Mom.  I'm making prints of each of those and he will find his old bedroom hosting them when he evenutally returns for a visit.  Should the wonderful computer storage every fail..:)  there will be a history.

    Katlanta the FB interaction sounded like a great time.  FB and Skype sure make this much easier.  We put a quilt over the computer and lil m the other day and she and her Uncle were able to play in her tent.

    Have a great Sunday ladies!  

  • Kimberly P

    What a great idea Imnadelady and a great gift for your son.

    Congrats JDMK navy mom.
  • CreativeVi

    Thanks for that info imnadelady. I've been trying to save things all wrong.

  • navymims

    Congratulations JDMK-NavyMom-SC, my son also recently was awarded Sailor of the Day and I have been ANXIOUSLY awaiting any pictures of him posted on the USS GW FB page.

    Thank you also KAtlanta for the info you shared.

  • JDMK-NavyMom

    navymims...Congrats to you and your son too. I hope we get to see those photos soon.

    Imnadelady...thanks for the info, I have emailed my son asking for more details. If he has any photos I hope he will forward them to me.

  • Navy Mom

    Keeping my skype open this week.......

  • kwassaimee

    Does anybody know when they're expected to be back in the Yokosuka port. I have a care package I'm sending out this week and I have my sailor's USS George W. address but will he still get it if they're already back in port when it reaches the ship?

  • Luke'sMom

    His address for the ship is his address no matter where the ship is. Ship it, he'll get it.
  • Miriam43 (Japan/USS George Wash)

    Finally got a chance to hear from my daughhter (why does it always seem like it's been forever since I last hear from her). But God is sooo good ladies, and he NEVER gives you more than you can handle. Last night I was having one of my moments, I felt as if my heart was literally aching and heavy and as much as I wanted to stop I couldn't help the tears coming down and once one tear comes down you might as well say the flood gates opened cause there they go... but anyway, I logged on the computer and there was an small three paragraph email from her. Not much but just enough for me to look up and say "THANK YOU GOD... THANK YOU JESUS!!" 

    Have a wonderful day ladies. May you all hear from your beautiful sailors and may God protect them and keep them safe from harm.

    - miriam

  • Miriam43 (Japan/USS George Wash)

    Oh, she said they were super super busy... they've been working non stop because of engine trouble. FYI not sure how true this is but she said she was told that computers weren't allowed to be shipped overseas. The first package I sent was a computer. She's received all other packages that I sent her (relatively quickly) but that one package that I sent well over a month ago was never received. I haven't received it yet either so...yea, I have a computer in limbo - lol - oh well... not going to worry about that though... I just heard from my sailor - whoo - whoo!! :)

  • Navy Mom

    Keep in mind that they don't have much room to store things when they are living on the ship. I'm waiting to send some flannel sheets to my son when they return to Japan. It gets quite cold there in the winter and his apartment does not have central heat.He is usually wearing a coat inside when we skype during the winter - his first utility bill was a shocker! Somehow they see things in a different light when they are paying their own bills.

  • CreativeVi

    Navy Mom...the sheets are a great idea. My question is...is that something they could use on the ship too? Or do they have to use regulation sheets?

  • Navy Mom

    Vi - On the ship my son shares living/sleeping space with 3 other guys. I assume he uses standard issue everything when he is out to sea but I'll ask. I sent some Halloween decorations last year which he displayed so they probably have some latitude.

  • navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)

    I got a quick e-mail from my son......doing good...working hard......I need details!!!!!!  ugh.........LOL

  • Kimberly P

    I can relate and feel your pain navymomfromCT. All I get is 1 or 2 liners. But I'm going with the no news is good news. I said I'm not asking for every detail just a things are so busy and I have been working like 10 hour days. And his response was 10 hours I wish!
  • navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)

    He said he was working 12 hour shifts......the night shift starting at 7:00......I sent two packages with lots of snacks for all, hopefully he gets them soon.....I get the jist that they work their butts off while they are out to sea and when they come into a port they get to have fun for a few days....

  • Kimberly P

    I did katlanta, and when I was sending the 3rd box I told him I was beginning to wonder if he would ever get them. I got an email response, Oh I got the first one right before they got to port and then the second a couple days ago. I was like what no call, no email, no thanks mom. But I didn't go there, just a glad to know they arrived.
  • lmnadelady

    my sailor has a stash of snacks,  says they all get lots.  He is not the big sweets person.  Thanks Katlanta I will think more in terms of food, always presumed he would have plenty of that from the mess hall.

  • Kimberly P

    I don't want to be all negative, on the good side I am getting the 1 & 2 liners more often. So that's a positive and maybe with time it will be 3 or 4 lines. He is still on his first deployment and still learning a lot.
  • lmnadelady

    Kimberly I know it is hard, my sailor was the one that visited and spent time with me.  But writing is not his strong suit.  I write him a few lines and a couple questions, he usually will answer the questions.   What I wouldn't give to sit down and have dinner with him.  :)  Wonderful we have this comradarie here isn't it?  He reported to Japan a couple months before this deploy (his first), I didn't call much as his time change and work schedule, boy after this ...you can bet I will call more often, next time he settles in Japan.  LOL!!

  • CreativeVi

    Thanks for the ideas, with the holidays coming its nice to have some ideas. i guess I just need him to send me his address now. He has been stubborn with that one for some reason. He is still adjusting and pray he gets with it soon. Sure would make his life easier.
  • Navy Mom

    Hello Vi - At the risk of overstepping: Sometimes kids need space to grow up and develop the confidence they need separate from their mothers and fathers.  We have done our jobs and now it is up to them. Your son will want nothing more than to come back to you as a young man that you respect. There is no race here. Give him reassurance that he can succeed and that you believe in him.

  • navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)

    Has anybody read any articles on the internet about China and Japan and the dispute over the islands....?????  I'm a little worried.....

  • JGMOM

    My husband and I did (he actually forwarded the articles to me)...yes, we are concerned about this and whether the US will have to intervene if this turns into something more - as if I need another thing to worry about with our sailors...I tell ya what, my stress level is always in the red :)

  • Kimberly P

    My husband also brought it to my attention. He told me not to worry, but he didn't want me to be blindsided either. I have put my faith in God, same as I did when I found out my son was serious about joining the Navy. That's the only way I know to keep my stress level down. Some days it works and others not so much.
  • Miriam43 (Japan/USS George Wash)

    Status update: My daughter FINALLY got her computer and it only took almost two months to get there (lol) I don't want to go out on the limb and say "rest assured it's a guarantee sure thing that they'll get everything you send them" but I feel much comfortable now sending stuff and knowing she'll be getting them. I think the computer was more of a "glich" cause she's gotten everything else that I send her in a relatively short amount of time (10-15 days) - I haven't heard anything and I don't know if I want to know... you know that saying "ignorant is bliss" and I am blissfully ignorant ;) I just leave it in God's hands cause regardless not much I can do from here anyway...have a great weekend ladies :)

  • JGMOM

    I hear ya, Kimberly P...God is good!

  • JGMOM

    Miriam43 - Glad to hear your daughter got her computer! Enjoy your weekend :)

  • Navy Mom

    To Miriam43 - Great news that your daughter received her computer. You could do a commercial for the delivery service! My son finally received his package as well.Packing again this weekend.

  • seesmom SHIP11 DIV 177 PIR 6-15

    new to this group, my son has been on the GW since Mid August.  I am wondering if there is a way to send him letters while he is aboard ship?

  • navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)

    I got another one line e-mail...."thanks for the package.....working very hard"......my package took a week and a half to get there.....which is not bad at all......Yay!

     

  • navymims

     I sent 3 packages to my son on Thursday, one of which had a Halloween card and several bags of Halloween candy for my son and to share with his friends. It included some chocolate, so I am hoping it all gets there in tact and not melted! :) I also sent all kind of food, snacks in the other 2 boxes including some Downy dryer sheets so he could put in his pillow or under his sheets or where his clothes are so they smell good and a compact (4x6) photo album with all kinds of random shots of the family, friends, the house, his  bedroom, the animals,  his grandparents, etc to give him pictures and memories from home to look at. I know they don't have much room, so I try to send small things so they are easy to store. I think all the love and caring all of you show your deployed children/loved ones is a testament of our love and support for them. Have a great day everyone.

  • GoNavyMom

    My son signed me up on here and I was wondering what I was to do with this site than I found all of you talking about what you are/were sending your kids and now I am excited.  You all have such great ideas.  Thank you so much for being so open!!

  • lmnadelady

    I;m thinking a good pillow and a Buffalo Sabres pillowcase might be a nice Christmas present...make it homey.  Gerad loves the Buffalo Sabres.  Also he just mentioned that he made an individual brownie, that his LPO's wife sent and powdered milk with powdered Nestle.  Said that milk was better than the ship milk.  There is food for thought.  Anyone have suggestions for real food choices, he says he has enough sweets...oh how I love packing boxes.  He asked for kraft mac n cheese microwave individuals.  Actually he also said he ordered a case from Amazon  LOL!  Katlanta, I never thought they might not go to the galley.   

  • Kimberly P

    I sent some Mac and Cheese, some Nutella (sailors favorite) with some pretzels, and I send lots of Cliff bars.  So far his favorite item was the Bear Naked Granola I sent.  So I am sending some more in the next box. I asked him if he had any ideas for Christmas but he told me he hasn't thought that far ahead yet.  I'm just worried about the space issue. Son is a clothes horse so I don't know if he has a lot of spare room. 

  • Cheryl

    My daughter loves the Brownie Cliff Bars. She actually works in the Chief's Mess and doesn't always have time to eat! She loves anything homemade, but really, really loves it when I send cookies. I usually bake whatever, freeze it then vaccuum seal it in bags. I also send a ziplock bag so she can put the goodies in that after they open them. I always write lots of silly stuff on the bags. She also loves the rice krispy treats that you can write on the wrappers. Put some silly stuff on those as well. I just sent a box with a bag of Halloween Pinata' candy & toys. She can eat what she wants and give the rest away. Sent some Halloween decorations as well. I don't know if she'll be able to use them or not, but she loves Halloween, so there you go. Can't wait until I can go see her in Japan next month! Have a great weekend everyone!