could be, my son is with a squadron at Atsugi and his is 6425
Welcome to the new ones here and I would so like to visit my son in Atsugi and see the ship. He will be moving on in March as his time there will be up and at last update, he was not going to recommit to Japan. Time will tell.
Crystals31 glad your package got there so quickly. As others here will tell you, we don't talk dates or movement of the GW.. Loose lips sink ship, as they told me when I came on board. You might want to read the Community Guidelines above. Welcome to our N4M family.
VW -- I haven't mailed baked goods yet but my friend has and says she uses the food saver to keep their freshness. Another says she just uses Ziploc bags.
Is there any other way to get my sons address besides waiting on him to give it to me? I know he was moved from the barge to the ship recently. I feel foolish fir adking, I just want to mail him a card or a care package. Thanks for any help.
I have sent monthly care packages to my daughter for the past 1 1/2 years even though she is a CS! She still loves baked goodies and snacks from home. I bake the goodies, cut them up and then freeze them. Cookies are then placed back-to-back with parchment paper between them (or they become one cookie!). Quick breads also get parchment paper between the slices. Brownies are just seperated a bit. I only package a few slices, cookies, brownies together so she can open only what she wants. I then vacuum seal them using my food saver.
She tells me that they always arrive fresh and tasty. She loves the small packages because they stay fresher longer and she doesn't have to eat them all at once. I sometimes bake Reeses cups into the brownies so she can get a chocolate fix and it won't melt. Hope this helps. Good luck!
Cheryl - Thanks for the tips on sending homemade goodies. I haven't sent any yet out of fear they would be stale by the time they arrived. So far I've just sent my son his favorite store bought goodies but that's about to change!
1ProudKYMom - If it helps any at all my son did not give me his address until after he got onto the ship, so fingers crossed you hear from him real soon.
Good Morning all.... Long time lurker here, and since my Son is now leaving for Japan (USS GW) I thought it would be a great place to start! Hope all in this arena and look very forward to getting to know Y'all. I was in the PIR 4/19 group and loved it !
Welcome to new Family and Friends of the USS GW! My son in finishing his second year in Japan. This group is a great source of info and support, especially when the ship is out on patrol. We know to expect long silences from our sailors. Look for pictures from the GW and 1-2 day old news on the GW Facebook page. Very proud of all our young men and women.
Greetings all! Cheryl thanks for your tips on sending baked goods. We will once again gather here for each other, it is a great place . My son too is finishing up his 2 years in Japan. Where to from here, time will tell, always something new.
bsb - I'm right there with ya! This is also my first time and I cried too!!! Some were happy tears cuz my son is very anxious for his first cruise but many of the tears are for anxiety. It's that fear of the unknown. Not knowing how much contact I'll have with my son and not knowing where he is or how he's doing. I'm sure this is going to be quite an experience and I'm really thankful to be part of this group and for all the support both from the moms who have "been there" and all of us first timers!
Louisville Mom - heehee you're son sounds like mine! My son has been in over 1 1/2 years (arrived on the GW in December) and is just now getting to try out his sea legs! He's been so anxious to start this new adventure and I pray everyone on the GW has a wonderful & trouble free experience. God bless them all!
I'm with you Sam, my son has been in Japan since November of last year and this is his first cruise. How do we get updated ? Just wait for an email from them?? Ugh, this is going to be so hard :(
Have you guys sent a email to the Ombudsman with your Sailors name and rank and department? If you do that they will get permission from you Sailor to add you to the email updates that we get. Also there is a USS George Washington Facebook page where you can get updates from and they also post pictures there.
Please know that we are here for you and will help you through this. We had help from others and it is our place to pass it on. My son has been in Japan for almost 2 years so I have some idea of what to expect when they go out on patrol soon. Be prepared to be out of touch with your son.Some sailors have regular access to phone and internet and some do not so. don't get upset if some people get messages and you do not. He is not ignoring you.The ship will dock at various ports and perhaps your son will get shore leave and contact you. Google USS George Washington and you will find the Facebook page and other news. You will be fine.
All I can say is we are here for you. Just enjoy the roller coaster ride. There are highs and then there are the lows where you will hear nothing for days. And the only kind of communication is by email if and when they have enough bandwidth on the carrier for everyone.
24-48 hours after the GW leaves port, we will see some incredible pictures of the ship leaving Yokosuka posted on Facebook. The Stars and Stripes publication also has news about the ship - news that is a few days old. On previous tours, they stopped in major ports about every 3-4 weeks and returned to Yokosuka mid summer for a few weeks before they went back out till early December. While out on patrol, my son works very long hours, works out daily, reads and counts the days to the next port call.
The only way they can SKYPE is if they are in Port and find a internet cafe. And I have never heard of a live feed of the ship leaving port. Especially since we don't learn that they have even left till they actually have already pulled out. And they post pictures of the carrier leaving. Your best bet is to send a email to the Ombudsman and ask to be put on the email list so that you can get updates. And watch the USS George Washington FB page. In the email it must have you Sailors name, rank and department he works in. They will send a email to your sailor and ask if it is OK.
Your welcome. It may take a few days for it to happen. But if you are on facebook go and join the USS George Washington Facebook page and you will see pictures. Also the ships Captain does a Q&A sessions. Also the Ombudsman has a FB page.
I have another question....do families still tie yellow ribbons around their trees when a family member is deployed or do they light the blue candle now?
You can light a candle or a single light, if you want. But I know when we were in VA BCH, VA they did a news story about not doing the candle or light because people were breaking into those houses. And yes people still do the yellow ribbon also. It is all up to what you prefer.
My son that is in Japan is in a Squadron also. And every box that is sent is shared with his squadron. One of his younger brothers picked out a Easter Basket that had a stuffed rabbit to send to him as a joke for Easter. But turns out the joke was on his younger brother. Because one of the guys in his squadron grabbed the rabbit and nicknamed him SHOOTER because that is their shops name. This will be shooters first deployment and I told my son don't forget to post pictures of Shooter having fun. LOLOLOLOL
I saw them too!!!! I put up my yellow ribbon yesterday and will continue to pray for a safe journey until they are back in port! So proud of these sailors!
Thank you ladies for all the helpful info - much appreciated! I'll admit I've shed a few tears these past few days....ok maybe more than a few....but it's due to knowing I'm not going to hear from my Sailor for awhile and that gave me the "missing my Sailor blues" but after seeing those pics on FB my tears have turned to excitement. This is what my son has been so anxious to do and the reason he joined the Navy and I'm so proud of him. Now I can look forward to his first phone call and hopefully hearing excitement in his voice! I'm so thankful for you moms that have been through this and are here to guide us newcomers along. God bless all our Sailors and may He keep them safe.
{{{{{HUGS}}}}} to everyone as we start this journey!
Joshmom.....I'm right there with you. I've shed a many tears the past few days as well. I know its just because we want hear from them as much and just worried about the unknown. We will be fine, just keep our heads high and pray for safe travels and return.
willsmom
My son tells me he will be on the USS GW after A School, which is supposed to be short.
Jun 8, 2013
MaggieMay
Hello everyone and Welcome to willsmom and Chris Catlin!
Chris Catlin - how cool you got to go to Japan...sounds like an awesome trip!
Jun 10, 2013
lmnadelady
could be, my son is with a squadron at Atsugi and his is 6425
Welcome to the new ones here and I would so like to visit my son in Atsugi and see the ship. He will be moving on in March as his time there will be up and at last update, he was not going to recommit to Japan. Time will tell.
Jun 10, 2013
momof2sailors
My son never gave me the 4 digits for his zip code. But he and his squadron have gotten every box I have sent.
Does anyone know if our carrier has left?
Jun 10, 2013
Crystals31
Jun 10, 2013
lmnadelady
Crystals31 glad your package got there so quickly. As others here will tell you, we don't talk dates or movement of the GW.. Loose lips sink ship, as they told me when I came on board. You might want to read the Community Guidelines above. Welcome to our N4M family.
Jun 10, 2013
cbc mom
VW -- I haven't mailed baked goods yet but my friend has and says she uses the food saver to keep their freshness. Another says she just uses Ziploc bags.
Jun 11, 2013
1ProudKYMoM
Jun 11, 2013
Cheryl
I have sent monthly care packages to my daughter for the past 1 1/2 years even though she is a CS! She still loves baked goodies and snacks from home. I bake the goodies, cut them up and then freeze them. Cookies are then placed back-to-back with parchment paper between them (or they become one cookie!). Quick breads also get parchment paper between the slices. Brownies are just seperated a bit. I only package a few slices, cookies, brownies together so she can open only what she wants. I then vacuum seal them using my food saver.
She tells me that they always arrive fresh and tasty. She loves the small packages because they stay fresher longer and she doesn't have to eat them all at once. I sometimes bake Reeses cups into the brownies so she can get a chocolate fix and it won't melt. Hope this helps. Good luck!
Jun 12, 2013
MaggieMay
Cheryl - Thanks for the tips on sending homemade goodies. I haven't sent any yet out of fear they would be stale by the time they arrived. So far I've just sent my son his favorite store bought goodies but that's about to change!
1ProudKYMom - If it helps any at all my son did not give me his address until after he got onto the ship, so fingers crossed you hear from him real soon.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day!
Jun 12, 2013
kymberlin
Good Morning all.... Long time lurker here, and since my Son is now leaving for Japan (USS GW) I thought it would be a great place to start! Hope all in this arena and look very forward to getting to know Y'all. I was in the PIR 4/19 group and loved it !
Happy Hump Day !
Jun 12, 2013
Navy Mom
Welcome to new Family and Friends of the USS GW! My son in finishing his second year in Japan. This group is a great source of info and support, especially when the ship is out on patrol. We know to expect long silences from our sailors. Look for pictures from the GW and 1-2 day old news on the GW Facebook page. Very proud of all our young men and women.
Jun 13, 2013
kymberlin
Thank you NavyMom! I look forward to this journey!
Have a wonderful day :0
Jun 13, 2013
lmnadelady
Greetings all! Cheryl thanks for your tips on sending baked goods. We will once again gather here for each other, it is a great place . My son too is finishing up his 2 years in Japan. Where to from here, time will tell, always something new.
Jun 13, 2013
Navy Mom
All hands on deck call from the USS George Washington. Wishing all fair winds and following seas.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/USS-George-Washington-CVN-73/1777328...
Jun 14, 2013
bsb
Seeing the "all hands" post on facebook...brought instant tears! First time mom here.
Jun 15, 2013
lmnadelady
bsb...ahh but there will be places to see, it is good what they do. Hang in there for the ride. My sailor liked being at sea.
Jun 15, 2013
MaggieMay
Jun 15, 2013
Navy Mom
Apparently their departure was delayed. The right time will come soon enough.
Jun 17, 2013
Smith
Jun 18, 2013
Louisville Mom
My son is so silly "
Jun 21, 2013
MaggieMay
Louisville Mom - heehee you're son sounds like mine! My son has been in over 1 1/2 years (arrived on the GW in December) and is just now getting to try out his sea legs! He's been so anxious to start this new adventure and I pray everyone on the GW has a wonderful & trouble free experience. God bless them all!
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Jun 21, 2013
Kimberly P
Happy for you katlanta to have him closer!
Jun 21, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
katlanta, do you have lots of laundry soap and cookie dough ready? teehee
Congrats on getting your sailor back. It's been a long time waiting!
Jun 22, 2013
sam
Jun 24, 2013
Teresa(Ryan's mom)
I'm with you Sam, my son has been in Japan since November of last year and this is his first cruise. How do we get updated ? Just wait for an email from them?? Ugh, this is going to be so hard :(
Jun 24, 2013
momof2sailors
Have you guys sent a email to the Ombudsman with your Sailors name and rank and department? If you do that they will get permission from you Sailor to add you to the email updates that we get. Also there is a USS George Washington Facebook page where you can get updates from and they also post pictures there.
Jun 24, 2013
Navy Mom
Hello Sam,
Please know that we are here for you and will help you through this. We had help from others and it is our place to pass it on. My son has been in Japan for almost 2 years so I have some idea of what to expect when they go out on patrol soon. Be prepared to be out of touch with your son.Some sailors have regular access to phone and internet and some do not so. don't get upset if some people get messages and you do not. He is not ignoring you.The ship will dock at various ports and perhaps your son will get shore leave and contact you. Google USS George Washington and you will find the Facebook page and other news. You will be fine.
Jun 24, 2013
momof2sailors
sam,
All I can say is we are here for you. Just enjoy the roller coaster ride. There are highs and then there are the lows where you will hear nothing for days. And the only kind of communication is by email if and when they have enough bandwidth on the carrier for everyone.
Jun 24, 2013
sam
Jun 24, 2013
Navy Mom
24-48 hours after the GW leaves port, we will see some incredible pictures of the ship leaving Yokosuka posted on Facebook. The Stars and Stripes publication also has news about the ship - news that is a few days old. On previous tours, they stopped in major ports about every 3-4 weeks and returned to Yokosuka mid summer for a few weeks before they went back out till early December. While out on patrol, my son works very long hours, works out daily, reads and counts the days to the next port call.
Jun 25, 2013
Crystals31
Jun 25, 2013
MamabearK
Does anyone know if there will be a live feed of the ship leaving port?
Jun 25, 2013
momof2sailors
The only way they can SKYPE is if they are in Port and find a internet cafe. And I have never heard of a live feed of the ship leaving port. Especially since we don't learn that they have even left till they actually have already pulled out. And they post pictures of the carrier leaving. Your best bet is to send a email to the Ombudsman and ask to be put on the email list so that you can get updates. And watch the USS George Washington FB page. In the email it must have you Sailors name, rank and department he works in. They will send a email to your sailor and ask if it is OK.
Jun 25, 2013
MamabearK
How do I find out the email address of the Ombudsman?
Jun 25, 2013
momof2sailors
Jun 25, 2013
MamabearK
Thank you so much. I emailed the Ombusdsman and requested to be put on email list for updates.
Jun 25, 2013
momof2sailors
Your welcome. It may take a few days for it to happen. But if you are on facebook go and join the USS George Washington Facebook page and you will see pictures. Also the ships Captain does a Q&A sessions. Also the Ombudsman has a FB page.
Jun 25, 2013
MamabearK
I have another question....do families still tie yellow ribbons around their trees when a family member is deployed or do they light the blue candle now?
Jun 25, 2013
momof2sailors
You can light a candle or a single light, if you want. But I know when we were in VA BCH, VA they did a news story about not doing the candle or light because people were breaking into those houses. And yes people still do the yellow ribbon also. It is all up to what you prefer.
Jun 25, 2013
MamabearK
Ok, thanks for your help. It's ashame you can't do anything for the all the meanness in the world.
Jun 25, 2013
Jess' Proud Mom
Momoftwosailors - what if I do not have his rank & department to add to anything other than his name?
Jun 25, 2013
MidwestNavyMom
The information on here is helpful, thanks!
Jun 25, 2013
momof2sailors
Jess' Proud Mom,
What did he go into the Navy to be? Did he give you his address so that you can send him letters or care packages?
Jun 26, 2013
momof2sailors
Nancy W,
My son that is in Japan is in a Squadron also. And every box that is sent is shared with his squadron. One of his younger brothers picked out a Easter Basket that had a stuffed rabbit to send to him as a joke for Easter. But turns out the joke was on his younger brother. Because one of the guys in his squadron grabbed the rabbit and nicknamed him SHOOTER because that is their shops name. This will be shooters first deployment and I told my son don't forget to post pictures of Shooter having fun. LOLOLOLOL
Jun 26, 2013
Navy Mom
I saw pictures of "manning the rails" on Facebook this morning. The ship is underway and looks to be leaving the harbor. They are off.
Jun 26, 2013
MamabearK
I saw them too!!!! I put up my yellow ribbon yesterday and will continue to pray for a safe journey until they are back in port! So proud of these sailors!
Jun 26, 2013
MaggieMay
Thank you ladies for all the helpful info - much appreciated! I'll admit I've shed a few tears these past few days....ok maybe more than a few....but it's due to knowing I'm not going to hear from my Sailor for awhile and that gave me the "missing my Sailor blues" but after seeing those pics on FB my tears have turned to excitement. This is what my son has been so anxious to do and the reason he joined the Navy and I'm so proud of him. Now I can look forward to his first phone call and hopefully hearing excitement in his voice! I'm so thankful for you moms that have been through this and are here to guide us newcomers along. God bless all our Sailors and may He keep them safe.
{{{{{HUGS}}}}} to everyone as we start this journey!
Jun 26, 2013
MamabearK
Joshmom.....I'm right there with you. I've shed a many tears the past few days as well. I know its just because we want hear from them as much and just worried about the unknown. We will be fine, just keep our heads high and pray for safe travels and return.
Jun 26, 2013
momof2sailors
They have posted a lot of pictures this morning on FB. They will post all threw out their deployment.
Jun 26, 2013