I hope you all had a restful 4th. Rained most of the day here but stopped long enough for the waterfront concert & fireworks. Everyone have a great weekend!
I have not sent a care package yet, but was putting one together to send soon. How do you find out the +4 if your Sailor didn't send it to you?
I was sent the zip code +4 for Squadron VFA 102. If you need it PM me. If you don't know what yours is, send a email to your Ombudsman. That is how I got my sons. I also told our Ombudsman that the +4 seems to be a issue.
LouisvilleMom - Is your son attached to a squadron? Mine is not and the zip I use is 96650-2801. I always include the box # and the name of the department he works in and I've had no problem with packages. Have you been able to email your son? Let him know if he wants goodies he has to give you an address! LOL.
Hi ladies, hubs is trying to fly in from Japan to Norfolk to meet our baby girl after she's born in a few months ... Do you have any input on best flight sites for cheapest flights?! Thanks!
Here's how my daughter spent her 4th on the GW. I hope all your sailors enjoyed the cake. It took her 19 hours to make because it's so hot the icing kept melting off the cake!
Cheryl - I saw that pic and thought it looked so yummy! (I love frosting.) I keep hoping to see our a pic of our son too. What a great gift :-) Tell her she does good work!
I'm with the rest of you - love the frosting and how great to see your sailor. I think we need more photos of the scullery guys! That's where my son is this trip.
Watch Bill: A watch system,watch schedule, or watch bill is a method of assigning regular periods of work duty aboard ships and some other areas of employment. A watch system allows the ship's crew to effectively operate the ship 24 hours a day for the duration of long voyages or operations.
I know that our emails and calls are few and really far between. But I did get a email from my sons squadron Ombudsman and she said the the GDUB from the 8-14 will be conducting maintenance on the email and phone systems.So I guess it will be awhile before we get a email.
I have been on vacation and haven't had a chance to get on to the site. Wanted to let everyone know I got a call from my sailor Saturday night. I was so excited.....it was good to hear his voice. He is enjoying his deployment so far and loves his job.
We had a Navy Mom luncheon today too...in MN. It was great to meet new moms and a girlfriend too. Nice to be able to talk to other Navy Moms....sometimes others just don't understand what it's like being a military mom. We had a mix from someone just starting boot camp to someone who's been in over 20 years. Great source of support and information :-)
sparkyio - How often do you get together? We try to do it monthly. And, one time a year we celebrate "everyone's birthday." Everyone brings a birthday gift to exchange (whoever wants to). It's fun :-)
You must have read my post before I deleted it, this website and I don't get along well. I noticed that my message was not all there like I had typed it. Apparently while trying to insert the pic, my message got discombobilated. There how is that for making up a word. I was concerned my frozen vacuum sealed baked good would mildew in the package because of the condensation it was putting out as I wrapped it. Long story short, I repacked a frozen package a day or two later, left it on the table then unwrapped it the next day, it was fine, wrapped it up and shipped it out. I couldn't stand the angst for 3 weeks of the sailors opening that photo lined box and finding it all mildew. They will be pleasantly surprised to get a 2nd box very quickly, with the same cake (it was a hit). Now this message looks complete. LOL
Hi ladies, I'm Sue, I recently joined the group and wanted to say "Hi". my son Matt has been in almost 2 years, seems like yesterday he was leaving for boot camp !! He is with Hsc 12 squadron, not the ship itself. He was on the Abe Lincoln last year which ended up being an 8.5 month deployment, so this one should be a breeze :)
Really wish I could find a picture of him this time, but it's like finding Waldo !!! Lol :)
Hello, Mattsmom! We may have chatted last year on the Abe Lincolns page. David is also with HSC-12.
He joined the squadron in May last year, so the cruise wasn't too long for him. This is his first full cruise. He became a "Shell-back" this past week, I can hardly wait to see pictures!
My son left for boot camp on July 13, 2012. I took him to the Navy office and said bye to him. He completed boot camp and A school then moved to Yokosuka in December. I cannot believe that it has been a year. I visited him in April. He did not have much free time, but we had a great time with him. I pray for him and all GW sailors every day. Have a great day!
Hi David's mom, I remember talking to you last year, and thought we were friends on here, I was actually looking last night. I found a lot of pictures of David on the HSC 12 Facebook page when I was looking for Matt. They were from April when Matt turned 20. I find myself going crazy trying to find a picture, they all look the same, lol. Congratulations to David on becoming a "Shell-back", hopefully they'll have pictures soon.
We have another family member in boot camp now, he's my husband's cousin's grandson, if that makes sense. I told the family about this group, it was a great help and comfort for me when Matt . Have a great day ladies!
MidwestNavyMom, Yes they do have a ceremony. Complete with King Neptune. They may or may not post pictures. But if you page back a little you will see the certificate they get. We had my sons professionally framed at Michaels.
My son is on the GW and is with the Golden Falcons (HSC-12) . He tried to call and got a phone restriction block so he had to email us to tell us he tried to call. Mananged to get what ever was blocking his call off so hopefully he will call again. He loves the ship and the rocking to sleep as he puts it. He also became a 'Shellback' and proud of it. The emails just dont carry his sense of humor thats usually in his voice so hopefully his call will go through next time.
I agree with the phone calls. Email one liners just does not do it for me. Even tho in his own way he puts some humor in them. I miss getting the SKYPE Drunk calls in the middle of the night. Or as I am about to go thru the gate at base and can't answer the phone.
MidwsetNavyMom, we just started last October. Saturday was our fifth time. We've kind of settled into every two months. We are thinking of having a picnic at the city park in late September or a covered dish at one of the mom's church. It's so hard to talk to that many in a restaurant.
I got an email and then a phone call from my son telling us about his experience of graduating from a polliwog to shellback. My husband was thrilled (since he was in the Navy as well) to see how things had changed. He sounded great and is enjoying the ship life thus far and is excited about their next port.
How is everyone getting calls, my son said that it would be expensive to call and he has no Navy email, nobody has told him about getting an email. This is his first time on the ship in the sea.
Morning ladies, I'm getting ready to send a box to our son, he has given me the address, but I was wondering if any of you are using 5702 as the last 4 on the zip. He's with HSC 12 squadron, not the ship. Thanks Sue :-)
Celebrating our daughter's 22 birthday today. Last year they were in Hong Kong this year? Anyway, I'm glad to see so many of you diligently sending packages and trying to communicate with your sailor. I too rec'd a brief response to an earlier email and was excited to read of my daughters' transition from pollywog to shellback. I too hope for more communication but know they are so busy right now. Praying for safety and so thankful for all who serve! Blessings to all!
I just sent another box to my son and VFA 102. And since there has been some confusion regarding the +4 after the zip code. And by the CMC letting the Squadron Ombudsman know that a couple packages got returned. I asked them at the post office today if they could tell me if the box I sent back on July 2nd was one that got returned. Luckily I had the custom form and receipt from it being sent. She said NO that it was waiting for pick up. She couldn't tell me if that was in Chicago or in Japan or on the ship. So I sent a email to my son.
Kimberly P
Jul 4, 2013
Louisville Mom
Hello Ladies, Just checking in.
I hope you all had a restful 4th. Rained most of the day here but stopped long enough for the waterfront concert & fireworks. Everyone have a great weekend!
I have not sent a care package yet, but was putting one together to send soon. How do you find out the +4 if your Sailor didn't send it to you?
Jul 5, 2013
Louisville Mom
Happy 21st Birthday USS George Washington, CVN 73!
Jul 5, 2013
momof2sailors
I was sent the zip code +4 for Squadron VFA 102. If you need it PM me. If you don't know what yours is, send a email to your Ombudsman. That is how I got my sons. I also told our Ombudsman that the +4 seems to be a issue.
Jul 5, 2013
Crystals31
Jul 5, 2013
MaggieMay
Hope everyone has a great day!
Jul 5, 2013
Crystals31
Jul 5, 2013
momof2sailors
Pictures are posted now.
Jul 5, 2013
Crystals31
Jul 5, 2013
ChristineRenee5
Jul 6, 2013
Cheryl
Here's how my daughter spent her 4th on the GW. I hope all your sailors enjoyed the cake. It took her 19 hours to make because it's so hot the icing kept melting off the cake!
Jul 7, 2013
Mrs. David's mom
Cheryl, that cake looks wonderful! David has also grumbled about the heat, he sweats when he works, sweats when he sleeps...
Jul 7, 2013
Kimberly P
Jul 7, 2013
MidwestNavyMom
Cheryl - I saw that pic and thought it looked so yummy! (I love frosting.) I keep hoping to see our a pic of our son too. What a great gift :-) Tell her she does good work!
Jul 7, 2013
lmnadelady
Cheryl, what a gift to get her pic, the cake is a work of art. MidwestNavyMom, I'm with you I love frosting too! LOL
Jul 7, 2013
sam
Jul 7, 2013
lmnadelady
anyone know what a watch bill is?
Jul 7, 2013
Jess' Proud Mom
Cheryl,
That is a wonderful photo!!! Tell her thank you from a sailor's mom! It is a beautiful creation that she made!
I keep searching the pictures to see my son but so far no luck! Maybe the next ones will show him!
Keeping my fingers crossed!!!
Jul 8, 2013
momof2sailors
Watch Bill: A watch system, watch schedule, or watch bill is a method of assigning regular periods of work duty aboard ships and some other areas of employment. A watch system allows the ship's crew to effectively operate the ship 24 hours a day for the duration of long voyages or operations.
Jul 8, 2013
momof2sailors
I know that our emails and calls are few and really far between. But I did get a email from my sons squadron Ombudsman and she said the the GDUB from the 8-14 will be conducting maintenance on the email and phone systems.So I guess it will be awhile before we get a email.
Jul 8, 2013
Crystals31
Jul 8, 2013
sam
And I leave on the 15th for two weeks of vacation! I may never hear from the kid!
Oh well, at least little brother will be here should there be contact after the 14th.
Jul 9, 2013
lmnadelady
Thank momof2sailors. My son had written that he wrote a watch bill. Now understand what he was talking about.,
Jul 9, 2013
MamabearK
I have been on vacation and haven't had a chance to get on to the site. Wanted to let everyone know I got a call from my sailor Saturday night. I was so excited.....it was good to hear his voice. He is enjoying his deployment so far and loves his job.
Jul 11, 2013
momof2sailors
Email is back up and pictures posted on Facebook.
Jul 13, 2013
Kimberly P
What a start to a great day! I woke up to two e-mails, pictures on Facebook and I am having lunch with a bunch of Navy moms from my state.
Jul 13, 2013
MidwestNavyMom
We had a Navy Mom luncheon today too...in MN. It was great to meet new moms and a girlfriend too. Nice to be able to talk to other Navy Moms....sometimes others just don't understand what it's like being a military mom. We had a mix from someone just starting boot camp to someone who's been in over 20 years. Great source of support and information :-)
Jul 13, 2013
Mrs. David's mom
ok Mom's, now that they are back, how many of you will include a box of Twinkies in your Sailor's next care package?
I know I will!
Jul 13, 2013
sparkyjo-PIR 09/21/12 Div 303
Jul 13, 2013
lmnadelady
Ok I'm trying to post a pic and it is not working, any help would be appreciated.
Jul 13, 2013
Crystals31
Jul 13, 2013
MidwestNavyMom
sparkyio - How often do you get together? We try to do it monthly. And, one time a year we celebrate "everyone's birthday." Everyone brings a birthday gift to exchange (whoever wants to). It's fun :-)
Jul 13, 2013
lmnadelady
You must have read my post before I deleted it, this website and I don't get along well. I noticed that my message was not all there like I had typed it. Apparently while trying to insert the pic, my message got discombobilated. There how is that for making up a word. I was concerned my frozen vacuum sealed baked good would mildew in the package because of the condensation it was putting out as I wrapped it. Long story short, I repacked a frozen package a day or two later, left it on the table then unwrapped it the next day, it was fine, wrapped it up and shipped it out. I couldn't stand the angst for 3 weeks of the sailors opening that photo lined box and finding it all mildew. They will be pleasantly surprised to get a 2nd box very quickly, with the same cake (it was a hit). Now this message looks complete. LOL
Jul 13, 2013
mattsmom
Hi ladies, I'm Sue, I recently joined the group and wanted to say "Hi". my son Matt has been in almost 2 years, seems like yesterday he was leaving for boot camp !! He is with Hsc 12 squadron, not the ship itself. He was on the Abe Lincoln last year which ended up being an 8.5 month deployment, so this one should be a breeze :)
Really wish I could find a picture of him this time, but it's like finding Waldo !!! Lol :)
Jul 14, 2013
Mrs. David's mom
Hello, Mattsmom! We may have chatted last year on the Abe Lincolns page. David is also with HSC-12.
He joined the squadron in May last year, so the cruise wasn't too long for him. This is his first full cruise. He became a "Shell-back" this past week, I can hardly wait to see pictures!
Jul 14, 2013
Smith
Jul 14, 2013
mattsmom
Hi David's mom, I remember talking to you last year, and thought we were friends on here, I was actually looking last night. I found a lot of pictures of David on the HSC 12 Facebook page when I was looking for Matt. They were from April when Matt turned 20. I find myself going crazy trying to find a picture, they all look the same, lol. Congratulations to David on becoming a "Shell-back", hopefully they'll have pictures soon.
We have another family member in boot camp now, he's my husband's cousin's grandson, if that makes sense. I told the family about this group, it was a great help and comfort for me when Matt . Have a great day ladies!
Jul 14, 2013
MidwestNavyMom
My son became a Shellback too. I googled what it means. Do they have a "ceremony"?
Jul 14, 2013
momof2sailors
MidwestNavyMom, Yes they do have a ceremony. Complete with King Neptune. They may or may not post pictures. But if you page back a little you will see the certificate they get. We had my sons professionally framed at Michaels.
Jul 14, 2013
J Peder
My son is on the GW and is with the Golden Falcons (HSC-12) . He tried to call and got a phone restriction block so he had to email us to tell us he tried to call. Mananged to get what ever was blocking his call off so hopefully he will call again. He loves the ship and the rocking to sleep as he puts it. He also became a 'Shellback' and proud of it. The emails just dont carry his sense of humor thats usually in his voice so hopefully his call will go through next time.
Jul 14, 2013
momof2sailors
J Peder,
I agree with the phone calls. Email one liners just does not do it for me. Even tho in his own way he puts some humor in them. I miss getting the SKYPE Drunk calls in the middle of the night. Or as I am about to go thru the gate at base and can't answer the phone.
Jul 14, 2013
sparkyjo-PIR 09/21/12 Div 303
Jul 14, 2013
cbc mom
My son too is now a Shellback. He did mention the rocking and rolling of the ship. Must be a typhoon in the area.
Jul 15, 2013
MamabearK
I got an email and then a phone call from my son telling us about his experience of graduating from a polliwog to shellback. My husband was thrilled (since he was in the Navy as well) to see how things had changed. He sounded great and is enjoying the ship life thus far and is excited about their next port.
Jul 15, 2013
puertorico-USSGHWB
How is everyone getting calls, my son said that it would be expensive to call and he has no Navy email, nobody has told him about getting an email. This is his first time on the ship in the sea.
Jul 15, 2013
mattsmom
Morning ladies, I'm getting ready to send a box to our son, he has given me the address, but I was wondering if any of you are using 5702 as the last 4 on the zip. He's with HSC 12 squadron, not the ship. Thanks Sue :-)
Jul 15, 2013
CoCoBeansMom
Celebrating our daughter's 22 birthday today. Last year they were in Hong Kong this year? Anyway, I'm glad to see so many of you diligently sending packages and trying to communicate with your sailor. I too rec'd a brief response to an earlier email and was excited to read of my daughters' transition from pollywog to shellback. I too hope for more communication but know they are so busy right now. Praying for safety and so thankful for all who serve! Blessings to all!
Jul 15, 2013
momof2sailors
mattsmom, That is probably the +4 for his squadron. My sons is different.
Jul 15, 2013
Rla1164
MidwestNavyMom - I am also in MN and would love to join the group next time you get together. I live in the Twin Cities area.
Jul 15, 2013
momof2sailors
I just sent another box to my son and VFA 102. And since there has been some confusion regarding the +4 after the zip code. And by the CMC letting the Squadron Ombudsman know that a couple packages got returned. I asked them at the post office today if they could tell me if the box I sent back on July 2nd was one that got returned. Luckily I had the custom form and receipt from it being sent. She said NO that it was waiting for pick up. She couldn't tell me if that was in Chicago or in Japan or on the ship. So I sent a email to my son.
Jul 15, 2013