Spoke to my sailor around midnight last night...couldn't go back to sleep till almost 2 hours later...got up late for work this morning - LIFE IS GOOD!!! :)
He's off the ship and loving it - said it's time to catch up on his movies and game time, he sounded so good and happy...it's the best feeling ever for mom :)
Okay, time for coffee. Hope everyone has a great week!
Saw my sailor for a few minutes last night. Audio was not working on Skype so she wrote me a note saying she was just headed out. She has an apartment and according to the facebook pictures she's having a great time. Hope she gets to call today. Have a great day everyone! Hope your sailors get to call home today.
Or mine! I know my son too well. He is such a saver that he doesn't like to spend his $$ so unless I send him calling cards, I think I may never hear from him. He also said the time difference makes it hard to call because he doesn't want to wake me up. At least I know all is good or he would wake me if he needed me.
Can anybody tell me if they can have a nook....last time he e-mailed me he said he wanted me to send some books....but I thought a nook would take up less room.....didn't know if they could have that on the ship or if it would work on the ship.....thanks!!
Hello! Happy for everyone who got to talk to their sailors! Can't wait for them to get back to Japan and have much lengthier internet connection! Wishing all of you a good day and want you to know that I really appreciate this group :)
Quick question! When you all ship stuff to your sailors do you take the product out of it's original box ie. oatmeal packs or power bars? Thanks for your help!
When I ship my sons a box, I have found it costs just as much to send a medium size brown box that it does to send 2 post office large flat rate box. I send enough that they share with the rest of the guys/gals in their shop or unit. Speaking of which I got a email from one of my sons saying he was out of creamer and almost out of coffee. Oh and Fiber One bars.
I ordered 10 of the flat rate military boxes from the post office. They ship for 12.00. The post office has no understanding of care package however, the big boxes are on the small size. I guess their Mama's didn't care as much!!!! You can fill them up to 70 lbs.
It's getting that time I send our American Legion care packages out to our members that are active duty. If I have extra money in the pot I would love to send a package to the ship. Can I send a general package of good will or does it need to go to someone specific?
Hi Imnadelady - yep, you are correct, just waiting for some communication from my sailor, it's been a while since I heard from him. Been paying attention to the news about the 2 sailors accused of rape of the Okinawan woman - seeing what unfolds with that situation...not a good PR moment for the US. Hope we all hear from our sailors soon. All the best, ladies!!!
JGMOM, unfortunately it is actually a common thing for our sailors (especially those stationed in Okinawa to be accused of crimes. More unfortunate is that they are sometimes convicted. It is very bad PR for the Navy, but it only takes a few bad apples to destroy the credibility of the entire US Military. For many years the Japanese have asked to close the bases at Okinawa as they say it has greatly increased their crime rate. Much of it, I feel is cultural clash.
Many of our young guys hear about the Asian massage houses and prostitute houses etc...figuring to make the best of it while they are stationed there, I think maybe some tend to get a bit overboard with it all and end up being with a girl who is out to have fun, not a girl out to make money. I don't think the guys really mean to harm someone but the Japanese have a very different view about such matters. It's more a shame to the girl and her family, depending on the social status of her familiy. It's very complicated but unfortunately we cannot provide 2 years of cultural studies etc everytime our troops arre restationed to a new area of the world. They just have to learn right from wrong morally and use good judgement and that uncommon, common sense.
Just talked with my son. As a result of the rape charges in Okinawa, I understand that all Navy personnel in Japan are now under curfew from 11pm to 5am. They have to be on base or in their homes off base. My son lives off base and is not a huge partier but he does go out now and then. He was not a happy camper.
His holiday leave was approved and the tickets have been purchased. Lots of family coming for the holidays this year!
It's a shame when our folks get back from deployment, they will have to wrap up fun with their friends and families early because of 2 other sailors but it is for the better of everyone. I know my son and his wife will not be happy to be back in so early but I know they will adjust. (Maybe they will even save some money :-D )
My prayers go out to the girl who was victimized by these two. While I don't feel everyone should be punished for their mistake, the Japanese people deserve to know that we Americans take these charges seriously.
Hoping to hear from my son at the next port stop with his leave approval, ugh the waiting is driving me crazy! The emails are so few and far between it drives me nuts when I want answers NOW. LOL, practicing patience... in the meantime I am having a fun time gathering items to stuff in the stockings that I am sending for the Navy For Moms Christmas Project. Asking for donations or price breaks is fun! The more friends, co-workers and people I tell the more ideas and help I get :)
Oh, it's a great project that is one this site... Navy For Moms Holiday Project! This year they have picked the USS Eisenhower that will be deployed during the holidays and we put together stockings or bags of goodies for the sailors! Here is the link if anyone is interested...
If I wanted to visit his base in Japan in Feb or March, when should he start his request for leave? And what is the process like to do so? Thanks ladies
When I visited my son last April, he did not take leave. He lives off base so he is not on the ship when they are in Japan. I arrived in the early morning and slept a good part of the first day. We had dinner out after work. The second day I went to work with him and explored the base. We met for lunch. We had all weekend together together and by then I had the confidence to ride the train by myself. I had 2 days traveling by myself, coming back home for dinner and 2 days shopping, cleaning, reading, pining to come home. It was a great visit!
USS George Washington Arrives in Manila for a Goodwill Visit
Updated 2 hours ago
The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrived in Manila on Wednesday, October 24, for a goodwill visit that will further enhance the strong historic ties between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines through community relations projects and professional exchanges between U.S. and Philippine Navy counterparts.
Shephsmom...I just Skyped with my Sailor, he said its been raining there since the arrived. But, nothing about leaving early. He has his hotel room for another few days.
I got to Facebook messenger with my sailor. Not the same as a call, but that's all I get with him. He's very "thrifty" so he doesn't call often. He said they were confined to the hotel/bar area but he did make it to a mall. I kid him about having to go all that way just for a mall and he's not a shopper either. But he sounded good and at least I heard from him. He didn't even get on Facebook at the previous port. He was too busy having fun.
Hi everyone, haven't been posting much but i do read all your posts. Yesterday, October 24, 2012 was just soooo memorable to me, to my sailor and most specially to my parents(sailor's grandparents) who live in the Philippines. My sailor gave his grandparents a very big surprise of their lives. My parents never expected their 1st grandchild on a stormy weather at their doorstep. I'm so proud of my sailor for going out of his way so he can celebrate in advance his & my dad's birthday together.
Cheryl
The GDub is in Malaysia according to my daughter's Facebook post. Hope they have a good time! Anyone know which city they are in?
Oct 6, 2012
Navy Mom
Facebook says they pulled into Port Klang, Malaysia.
Oct 7, 2012
dawny64
Just spoke to my Sailor I a m 1 happy Mom.
Oct 7, 2012
Navy Mom
Arrival info was in photo section.
Oct 7, 2012
JGMOM
Spoke to my sailor around midnight last night...couldn't go back to sleep till almost 2 hours later...got up late for work this morning - LIFE IS GOOD!!! :)
He's off the ship and loving it - said it's time to catch up on his movies and game time, he sounded so good and happy...it's the best feeling ever for mom :)
Okay, time for coffee. Hope everyone has a great week!
Oct 8, 2012
Cheryl
Saw my sailor for a few minutes last night. Audio was not working on Skype so she wrote me a note saying she was just headed out. She has an apartment and according to the facebook pictures she's having a great time. Hope she gets to call today. Have a great day everyone! Hope your sailors get to call home today.
Oct 8, 2012
CArol
I also got to 'see' mine in the middle of the night last night ;) Tried to keep the iphone focused on the pets, not me in my pj's. lol
Oct 8, 2012
Luke'sMom
Oct 8, 2012
Lisa FLNavyMom
Oct 8, 2012
Kimberly P
Or mine! I know my son too well. He is such a saver that he doesn't like to spend his $$ so unless I send him calling cards, I think I may never hear from him. He also said the time difference makes it hard to call because he doesn't want to wake me up. At least I know all is good or he would wake me if he needed me.
Oct 8, 2012
Luke'sMom
Oct 9, 2012
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
I'm still waiting for my sailor to call.....
Can anybody tell me if they can have a nook....last time he e-mailed me he said he wanted me to send some books....but I thought a nook would take up less room.....didn't know if they could have that on the ship or if it would work on the ship.....thanks!!
Oct 9, 2012
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Thanks....I got a call at 3:00 a.m. this morning.....Working hard..sounds tired....
Oct 10, 2012
Kimberly214
Hello! Happy for everyone who got to talk to their sailors! Can't wait for them to get back to Japan and have much lengthier internet connection! Wishing all of you a good day and want you to know that I really appreciate this group :)
Oct 10, 2012
Kimberly214
My son loves the kindle too. Actually all of us have them now, it's the best purchase we've made!
Oct 10, 2012
Navy Mom
Heard from my son and they are back out for a while.
Oct 11, 2012
JerrysMom
I got a long distance cyber hug from my sailor this morning. Aah Happy Friday everyone! All smiles today!
Oct 12, 2012
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Have a great weekend......
Oct 12, 2012
CoCoBeansMom
Quick question! When you all ship stuff to your sailors do you take the product out of it's original box ie. oatmeal packs or power bars? Thanks for your help!
Oct 12, 2012
CoCoBeansMom
@katlanta Thanks! That's kind of what I thought to do. I'm trying to maximize the amount I'm shipping. Have a blessed weekend all!
Oct 12, 2012
momof2sailors
Oct 12, 2012
Kimberly P
I got a call from my sailor today. He sounded good and relaxed. One happy mom here!
Oct 13, 2012
peetreesmama(USS Harry S Truman)
Oct 15, 2012
CreativeVi
It's getting that time I send our American Legion care packages out to our members that are active duty. If I have extra money in the pot I would love to send a package to the ship. Can I send a general package of good will or does it need to go to someone specific?
Oct 15, 2012
CArol
You can also request your mail carrier to pick up the package from your doorstep ;) (You do that online too.)
Oct 16, 2012
JDMK-NavyMom
Vi, I believe all mail must have someones name on it.
Oct 18, 2012
lmnadelady
Sure is quiet here! Feel like we are just sailing the blue with our sailors. No news is always good news. LOL
Oct 18, 2012
JGMOM
Hi Imnadelady - yep, you are correct, just waiting for some communication from my sailor, it's been a while since I heard from him. Been paying attention to the news about the 2 sailors accused of rape of the Okinawan woman - seeing what unfolds with that situation...not a good PR moment for the US. Hope we all hear from our sailors soon. All the best, ladies!!!
Oct 18, 2012
Mary (Chris' mom)
JGMOM, unfortunately it is actually a common thing for our sailors (especially those stationed in Okinawa to be accused of crimes. More unfortunate is that they are sometimes convicted. It is very bad PR for the Navy, but it only takes a few bad apples to destroy the credibility of the entire US Military. For many years the Japanese have asked to close the bases at Okinawa as they say it has greatly increased their crime rate. Much of it, I feel is cultural clash.
Many of our young guys hear about the Asian massage houses and prostitute houses etc...figuring to make the best of it while they are stationed there, I think maybe some tend to get a bit overboard with it all and end up being with a girl who is out to have fun, not a girl out to make money. I don't think the guys really mean to harm someone but the Japanese have a very different view about such matters. It's more a shame to the girl and her family, depending on the social status of her familiy. It's very complicated but unfortunately we cannot provide 2 years of cultural studies etc everytime our troops arre restationed to a new area of the world. They just have to learn right from wrong morally and use good judgement and that uncommon, common sense.
I hope everyone else is having a good day.
Oct 19, 2012
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Its posted on line when and where......
Oct 19, 2012
Navy Mom
Just talked with my son. As a result of the rape charges in Okinawa, I understand that all Navy personnel in Japan are now under curfew from 11pm to 5am. They have to be on base or in their homes off base. My son lives off base and is not a huge partier but he does go out now and then. He was not a happy camper.
His holiday leave was approved and the tickets have been purchased. Lots of family coming for the holidays this year!
Also, looking to skype soon.......
Oct 21, 2012
Mary (Chris' mom)
It's a shame when our folks get back from deployment, they will have to wrap up fun with their friends and families early because of 2 other sailors but it is for the better of everyone. I know my son and his wife will not be happy to be back in so early but I know they will adjust. (Maybe they will even save some money :-D )
Oct 21, 2012
peetreesmama(USS Harry S Truman)
Oct 23, 2012
Lisa FLNavyMom
Hoping to hear from my son at the next port stop with his leave approval, ugh the waiting is driving me crazy! The emails are so few and far between it drives me nuts when I want answers NOW. LOL, practicing patience... in the meantime I am having a fun time gathering items to stuff in the stockings that I am sending for the Navy For Moms Christmas Project. Asking for donations or price breaks is fun! The more friends, co-workers and people I tell the more ideas and help I get :)
Oct 23, 2012
Lisa FLNavyMom
Oct 23, 2012
Lisa FLNavyMom
http://www.navyformoms.com/group/helpbringholidaycheertotheussnimit...
Oct 23, 2012
kwassaimee
If I wanted to visit his base in Japan in Feb or March, when should he start his request for leave? And what is the process like to do so? Thanks ladies
Oct 23, 2012
Navy Mom
When I visited my son last April, he did not take leave. He lives off base so he is not on the ship when they are in Japan. I arrived in the early morning and slept a good part of the first day. We had dinner out after work. The second day I went to work with him and explored the base. We met for lunch. We had all weekend together together and by then I had the confidence to ride the train by myself. I had 2 days traveling by myself, coming back home for dinner and 2 days shopping, cleaning, reading, pining to come home. It was a great visit!
Oct 24, 2012
Navy Mom
From Facebook
USS George Washington Arrives in Manila for a Goodwill Visit
Oct 24, 2012
JDMK-NavyMom
Stay close to the phones and computers Ladies. Just Skyped with my Sailor, one happy Momma!
Oct 24, 2012
CArol
Yay!! Facetime from a bar in Manila :)
Oct 24, 2012
Lisa FLNavyMom
Thanks for the update! :)
Oct 24, 2012
Navy Mom
Missed my skype today at lunch time. Wake up, wake up!
Oct 24, 2012
dawny64
Just spoke to my Sailor is loving the Navy life. Who knew 15 minutes could mean so much Proud Navy Mom!
Oct 24, 2012
CreativeVi
Carol, now that's funny. Did you have a drink with him?
Oct 24, 2012
CArol
Yes, Vi...but I was drinking my coffee!!
Then - big bonus he is in a GW facebook photo today!! Made my day twice!
Oct 24, 2012
JDMK-NavyMom
Shephsmom...I just Skyped with my Sailor, he said its been raining there since the arrived. But, nothing about leaving early. He has his hotel room for another few days.
Oct 25, 2012
yamamom
Recent article - maybe you've seen this...
http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/world/20121019_ap_usairc...
Oct 25, 2012
Kimberly P
Oct 25, 2012
ABF mom
Hi everyone, haven't been posting much but i do read all your posts. Yesterday, October 24, 2012 was just soooo memorable to me, to my sailor and most specially to my parents(sailor's grandparents) who live in the Philippines. My sailor gave his grandparents a very big surprise of their lives. My parents never expected their 1st grandchild on a stormy weather at their doorstep. I'm so proud of my sailor for going out of his way so he can celebrate in advance his & my dad's birthday together.
Oct 25, 2012