mattsmom I have sent my sailor quite a few boxes and have always just had the zip code 96601 going to the FPO-AP. He has gotten all of the within 2 weeks of my sending them out. He is also with the HSC-12 and he did say I could mail pkgs and they would get them on the ship.. secretly I think he just wants me to send him some Starbursts and warhead candy. so I will pass unless I feel too guilty Rla1164 I live in Minnesota too. In Richfield
all and all still don't know if his call will get through since he hasn't called again to see if what ever block was on removed
You might want to send a email to your son asking him for the +4. I did get confirmation from my sons CMC thru the Ombudsman for his squadron that the military mail people in Chicago are returning packages because their is no +4. The military has consolidated where the packages go out from. Mine that I would send used to go to CA then shipped out to Japan or the ship. Now all packages go out of Chicago. Which makes absolutely no sense to me. But whatever.
Also I found out that if you send packages priority you do not have to repay postage to resend.
My Mom-in -law wanted to send her grandson sailor a pkg for his b-day and nice daughter that I am got a box, made a label, and filled all the custom forms out so all she had to do was put in the contents of what she was sending. I knew that there would be no way that she would be able to go through the 6 page custom form writing hard enough to go on all forms. My son got it and couldnt wait to call Grandma and say Thanks
Story Number: NNS130715-06Release Date: 7/15/2013 12:14:00 PM
By Debbie Dortch, NAVSUP Corporate Communications
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- Effective immediately, family, friends, and businesses sending mail to Navy mobile units must use a nine-digit ZIP code to ensure delivery, according to an ALNAV message released July 12 by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. Mail not addressed correctly, including mail already en route, will be returned to the sender as undeliverable. "Every mobile unit - ships, squadrons, detachments, et cetera - has a unique nine-digit ZIP code," said Naval Supply Systems Command Postal Policy Division Director Thomas Rittle. "Commanding officers will provide the correct ZIP codes to Sailors so they can notify their correspondents about the new address requirement." According to the message, "The United States Postal Service (USPS) is resizing military mail processing operations from two coastal locations to one located in Chicago, Ill. to gain efficiencies in military mail delivery. As part of this effort, new procedures affecting configuration of mobile Fleet Post Office (FPO) addresses have been implemented to completely leverage automated mail sorting equipment and reduce manual sorting workload." USPS automated equipment is set up to read the nine-digit ZIP code separated with a dash between the first five digits and the last four digits. The nine-digit ZIP code is required for all classes of mail. The ALNAV message is available at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/messages/Documents/.... ZIP codes are a system of postal codes used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) since 1963. The term ZIP is an acronym for Zone Improvement Plan. All U.S. addresses have a standard five-digit ZIP code that informs the postal service of the area of the country and the post office where mail is received. In 1983, the USPS added four digits to ZIP codes to help further pinpoint a recipient's location. The NAVSUP and Navy Supply Corps team share one mission-to deliver sustained global logistics and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter. NAVSUP/Navy Supply Corps' diverse team of more than 25,000 civilian and military personnel oversee a diverse portfolio including supply chain management for material support to Navy, Marine Corps, joint and coalition partners, supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, security assistance, and quality of life issues for our naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods. The NAVSUP/Navy Supply Corps team forms a vast network of professionals who deliver unparalleled products and services to customers in the Fleet and across the world. For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsup/.
I have not had to use a 4 digit number after the zip and he has been getting his packages just fine... When I asked bout the number he didn't know what I was talking bout and I track his packages they go to Cali than I get an email saying arrived to FPO AP so now I don't know what to do now bout to send 2 more packages out
I never had to use them before either and my packages have always gone thru. But I got a email from the squadrons Ombudsman saying we needed to start using them. And that came from the CMC. Then the 9-Digit ZIP Codes Mandatory article posted on the GDUB site on Facebook. I know you said your boyfriend is in my sons squadron, so it is probably the same. But we need to confirm you send to the same unit number. PM me the unit number then I can give you what I have.
Sparkyjo, A picnic would be a good idea for a navy mom meet and greet. We had one of our moms get a room at her church and we had food delivered for our November gathering. I am in OK, fyi.
My son finally got the package I sent him. He said "That's A LOT of jerky, Mom! THANKS!!!!"
I miss that kid!
I wanted to share part of his email with you all. It made me feel good to know he missed me and was thinking of his dear ole mom!
"I love you, Mom. I miss you very much. There are so many problems I have to deal with nowadays. Its weird not having you here to help me. We can't send or receive pictures,I'm sorry. I'm taking pictures though, some gorgeous sunsets, and on clear nights you can see every star in the sky. Its crazy, Mom."
It made me cry to know that he is looking at such beauty and is growing up! I am so proud of that young man! He is becoming the man that I dreamed he would be!
Depending on where in Texas I just might come, sparkyjo.
Yeah Jess' s proud mom on the email. Thanks for sharing. My son is the one liner email writer, so I don't get many details. That is why I love this site.
PuertoRicoNFV-USSGHWB, For one...you are at the wrong page. Your sailor is one the BUSH, right? You have commented on the Geo. WASHINGTON page! lol. Did you go to the Navy Mom get together last week? I was out of state and couldn't be there. Oh well, I got a chuckle when I saw one of my NC Moms posting here. :-)
PuertoRicoNFV-USSGHWB, For one...you are at the wrong page. Your sailor is one the BUSH, right? You have commented on the Geo. WASHINGTON page! lol. Did you go to the Navy Mom get together last week? I was out of state and couldn't be there. Oh well, I got a chuckle when I saw one of my NC Moms posting here. :-)
Hi Ladies, the ships Facebook page has posted all the addresses we need, with the 9 digit zip codes....hooray !!! I just mailed a box to my son today, but his unit has one number different, everything else was correct, so I'm hoping it'll still make it :)
Is there any way to purchase a phone card on the ship or should it have been purchased at the NEX on base? He had a lost debit card issue (now resolved) so was unable to buy one prior to leaving. My son already received 2 packages I sent. He was supposed to wait until his birthday to open them, but got so excited he couldn't wait. Didn't surprise me at all! Birthday has come and gone now, but GW did put up one of the nice posts on FB for him. I get regular e-mails, but a phone call would be nice too, therefore the phone card question.
Hello Ladies! Hope all your sailors are getting their packages and YEAH to anyone getting emails and phone calls. I sure could use one about now. I was so happy for my son when the ship left out because he was very anxious for the new experience but now it's starting to suck! He spoiled me when in Japan by calling every week and messaging me but now I have no idea when I'll hear from him again. I keep reminding myself that they're all working very hard and he hasn't had a chance yet. I'll stay strong...think I'm just having one of those "missing my sailor" moments! Glad you are all here to turn to!!!! Fingers crossed for phone calls & emails for all of us!
I hope the calls and emails come pouring out very soon. My son has more access because of his job. Most of our correspondence is "Yep I'm still out there". Going on 2 years deployed in Japan and it still gets very uncomfortable for me every time he's out to sea for a while. I keep thinking about him coming back to the US and having a family life again.
Anyone can buy the phone cards/ ship to shore, here is the link to buy online... https://shop.aafes.com/scs/
I bought a few last deployment and sent to my son in a care package. Now the ship phones don't always work so great but the sailors figure that out pretty quickly.
Got a phone call from my daughter at 4:00 this morning. She just got a phone card. It was so good to hear from her. We talked about 20 minutes before the card ran out. Then she sent me a email because we didn't get to say "bye"!
Just shipped a package off to my son. Everything was the same just had to add the extra 4 digit zip code. Besides his candy that he wanted I threw in a couple new t-shirts for him. He didnt say he needed any but I am sure he will use them
I was wondering how the best way to communicate with your sailor while they are on the ship is email or Facebook do they have wifi options while at sea? Thanks for any info my daughter will be going to the GW soon not sure how all of this works:)
My son has been on the Gdub for 2 years. The only way I am able to contact him when the ship is out to sea is by email or snail mail. He can send and receive emails using his navy email address but access is not reliable and he is limited on file size.Messages usually go through but attachments often do not. He is able to call me sporadically. The caller id says "UNKNOWN".My son does not have access to Facebook when the ship is out to see. There are random black out periods when there is no email or phone contact, sometimes for 2-3 weeks at a time. They are very busy on the ship and working all sorts of shifts so don't be surprised if you don't hear from your sailor for a while. When the ship docks at various port a few times a month, many of the sailors get shore leave and go and stay at a hotel where they have all the freedoms that go with a sailor on vacation. My son sometimes has "duty" during the port calls which cuts into party time but I always hope for a skype call to get a look at him.
When the ship is back in Japan, there are some sailors who live on the ship and some who do not. My son had his own apartment with internet service he could use any way he wanted.
While you are out getting goodies for your sons care packages, you might want to pick up a few extras and save them for the Navy For Moms Holiday Project! Every year they pick a deployed ship that is out during the Holidays and send them stockings or gift bags full of goodies. It's a great way to share the love and Christmas/Holiday spirit. They have a page on N4M and a fb page. It's great fun!
Got an email this weekend...happy happy momma here!!!! He's only got two weeks left of cranking and is looking forward to going back to his shop. Everything in his email was positive so that sure puts me at ease. Glad to hear others are getting emails too and phone calls. I loved the pics on the GW facebook page.
How amazing would that be!! Is the cruise the same time every year? Maybe could start a savings acct for two years from now. Or three......Thanks My son is not aboard yet but come August he will be.
Hi Moms, This is my first time with the group. This is my sailors first cruise. Are there any other Moms with a sailor in the Royal Maces squadron? I'm on the FB page but they haven't posted anything since 4th of July and I couldn't find a N4M group for them. So far the only thing that has gone right is I got the Zip+4 from the Ombudsman so none of my packages have been returned.
What facebook page are you looking at? Because the USS George Washington Facebook page posts pictures just about everyday. And if not they catch up when they have internet access.
I visited my son in April. We stayed in Mercure Yokosuka. It was a nice hotel and close to the NAVY base. I really liked the hotel. The price was not too expensive. It was about $160/per night for 2 people.
You will want to like the USS George Washington Facebook page. Thats where all pictures are posted. They do from ships company to the squadrons there. And like I said there are pictures posted almost everyday. And if a day is skipped they make up for it as soon as they can. And I think you will be quite happy with all the pics.
Katlanta - Many of the places I went in Japan had those same Toto self cleaning toilets, the malls and hotels in Tokyo, even the McDonald's on the Atsugi Base. It took a little experimentation to figure out all the settings - well worth the time! I'd love to have one here at home. I also saw toilets that had sinks on the top so you could wash your hands and then the water was used to fill the tank.
Anyone have a ballpark figure they would be willing to suggest for those of us thinking about starting that savings for a trip to Yokosuka in a few years. I figure it will take me about that long to stash back enough to go. Also, what time of year would you suggest for the trip?
I visited in late April and the weather was great, right before they went out on patrol. Tickets vary depending on when you go. I paid about $1300 round trip on Delta, last minute. Another family member visited and he paid about $1600 round trip. We stayed at my son's apartment most of the time and only paid for hotels on our weekend in Tokyo where I used points. Food is very expensive. You can walk or take the train almost everywhere. You need to bring cash with you, credit cards are not widely accepted. You will need at least $2500 for airfare, hotel and food.. Try to get into Navy Lodge and the other navy hotel in downtown Tokyo. It was a trip of a lifetime, glad I went.
Just in case you guys have not been oh the GDUB Facebook page in the last hour or 2. They have posted pictures from the Crossing the Line Ceremony of going from a pollywog to a Shellback.
Yokosuka is a 2 hour bus ride from Narita. There is a bus that goes directly from the airport to the base and back in the late afternoon but you will have to be escorted by your sailor both ways. Ask your sailor to confirm the schedule and time when he/she could escort you as it would take most of the day for him/her. There is also the train from the Narita and Haneda airports to Yokosuka if you are somewhat adventurous and have very little luggage. The toughest part of taking the train is making sure you are going in the right direction and are on the express or local for the line. A taxi would be very expensive - probably several hundred dollars.
J Peder
mattsmom
I have sent my sailor quite a few boxes and have always just had the zip code 96601 going to the FPO-AP. He has gotten all of the within 2 weeks of my sending them out. He is also with the HSC-12 and he did say I could mail pkgs and they would get them on the ship.. secretly I think he just wants me to send him some Starbursts and warhead candy. so I will pass unless I feel too guilty
Rla1164
I live in Minnesota too. In Richfield
all and all still don't know if his call will get through since he hasn't called again to see if what ever block was on removed
Jul 15, 2013
momof2sailors
mattsmom,
You might want to send a email to your son asking him for the +4. I did get confirmation from my sons CMC thru the Ombudsman for his squadron that the military mail people in Chicago are returning packages because their is no +4. The military has consolidated where the packages go out from. Mine that I would send used to go to CA then shipped out to Japan or the ship. Now all packages go out of Chicago. Which makes absolutely no sense to me. But whatever.
Also I found out that if you send packages priority you do not have to repay postage to resend.
Jul 15, 2013
J Peder
My Mom-in -law wanted to send her grandson sailor a pkg for his b-day and nice daughter that I am got a box, made a label, and filled all the custom forms out so all she had to do was put in the contents of what she was sending. I knew that there would be no way that she would be able to go through the 6 page custom form writing hard enough to go on all forms. My son got it and couldnt wait to call Grandma and say Thanks
Jul 15, 2013
MidwestNavyMom
Rla1164 - Look for the Minnesota Navy Family group :-) We post meeting info there.
Jul 15, 2013
momof2sailors
9-Digit ZIP Codes Mandatory for FPOs
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- Effective immediately, family, friends, and businesses sending mail to Navy mobile units must use a nine-digit ZIP code to ensure delivery, according to an ALNAV message released July 12 by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.
Mail not addressed correctly, including mail already en route, will be returned to the sender as undeliverable.
"Every mobile unit - ships, squadrons, detachments, et cetera - has a unique nine-digit ZIP code," said Naval Supply Systems Command Postal Policy Division Director Thomas Rittle. "Commanding officers will provide the correct ZIP codes to Sailors so they can notify their correspondents about the new address requirement."
According to the message, "The United States Postal Service (USPS) is resizing military mail processing operations from two coastal locations to one located in Chicago, Ill. to gain efficiencies in military mail delivery. As part of this effort, new procedures affecting configuration of mobile Fleet Post Office (FPO) addresses have been implemented to completely leverage automated mail sorting equipment and reduce manual sorting workload."
USPS automated equipment is set up to read the nine-digit ZIP code separated with a dash between the first five digits and the last four digits.
The nine-digit ZIP code is required for all classes of mail.
The ALNAV message is available at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/messages/Documents/....
ZIP codes are a system of postal codes used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) since 1963. The term ZIP is an acronym for Zone Improvement Plan. All U.S. addresses have a standard five-digit ZIP code that informs the postal service of the area of the country and the post office where mail is received. In 1983, the USPS added four digits to ZIP codes to help further pinpoint a recipient's location.
The NAVSUP and Navy Supply Corps team share one mission-to deliver sustained global logistics and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter. NAVSUP/Navy Supply Corps' diverse team of more than 25,000 civilian and military personnel oversee a diverse portfolio including supply chain management for material support to Navy, Marine Corps, joint and coalition partners, supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, security assistance, and quality of life issues for our naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods. The NAVSUP/Navy Supply Corps team forms a vast network of professionals who deliver unparalleled products and services to customers in the Fleet and across the world.
For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsup/.
Jul 15, 2013
Crystals31
Jul 15, 2013
momof2sailors
Crystal31,
I never had to use them before either and my packages have always gone thru. But I got a email from the squadrons Ombudsman saying we needed to start using them. And that came from the CMC. Then the 9-Digit ZIP Codes Mandatory article posted on the GDUB site on Facebook. I know you said your boyfriend is in my sons squadron, so it is probably the same. But we need to confirm you send to the same unit number. PM me the unit number then I can give you what I have.
Jul 15, 2013
Kimberly P
Jul 15, 2013
sparkyjo-PIR 09/21/12 Div 303
Jul 16, 2013
momof2sailors
I just got a email from my son and the box I sent him on 7/02 he got last night.
Jul 16, 2013
Jess' Proud Mom
My son finally got the package I sent him. He said "That's A LOT of jerky, Mom! THANKS!!!!"
I miss that kid!
I wanted to share part of his email with you all. It made me feel good to know he missed me and was thinking of his dear ole mom!
"I love you, Mom. I miss you very much. There are so many problems I have
to deal with nowadays. Its weird not having you here to help me.
We can't send or receive pictures,I'm sorry.
I'm taking pictures though, some gorgeous sunsets, and on clear nights
you can see every star in the sky. Its crazy, Mom."
It made me cry to know that he is looking at such beauty and is growing up! I am so proud of that young man! He is becoming the man that I dreamed he would be!
Jul 16, 2013
Kimberly P
Yeah Jess' s proud mom on the email. Thanks for sharing. My son is the one liner email writer, so I don't get many details. That is why I love this site.
Jul 16, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
PuertoRicoNFV-USSGHWB, For one...you are at the wrong page. Your sailor is one the BUSH, right? You have commented on the Geo. WASHINGTON page! lol. Did you go to the Navy Mom get together last week? I was out of state and couldn't be there. Oh well, I got a chuckle when I saw one of my NC Moms posting here. :-)
Jul 16, 2013
Mary (Chris' mom)
PuertoRicoNFV-USSGHWB, For one...you are at the wrong page. Your sailor is one the BUSH, right? You have commented on the Geo. WASHINGTON page! lol. Did you go to the Navy Mom get together last week? I was out of state and couldn't be there. Oh well, I got a chuckle when I saw one of my NC Moms posting here. :-)
Jul 16, 2013
Rla1164
Thanks MidwestNavyMom. I work in Richfield. Live in Mound. I will look up that page
Jul 16, 2013
Navy Mom
Waiting, waiting, waiting. Fortunately, I've received some calls and emails but it's time to see that smiling face!
Jul 17, 2013
mattsmom
Hi Ladies, the ships Facebook page has posted all the addresses we need, with the 9 digit zip codes....hooray !!! I just mailed a box to my son today, but his unit has one number different, everything else was correct, so I'm hoping it'll still make it :)
Jul 17, 2013
Jenny M'smom
Is there any way to purchase a phone card on the ship or should it have been purchased at the NEX on base? He had a lost debit card issue (now resolved) so was unable to buy one prior to leaving. My son already received 2 packages I sent. He was supposed to wait until his birthday to open them, but got so excited he couldn't wait. Didn't surprise me at all! Birthday has come and gone now, but GW did put up one of the nice posts on FB for him. I get regular e-mails, but a phone call would be nice too, therefore the phone card question.
Jul 18, 2013
Kimberly P
Jul 18, 2013
MaggieMay
Hello Ladies! Hope all your sailors are getting their packages and YEAH to anyone getting emails and phone calls. I sure could use one about now. I was so happy for my son when the ship left out because he was very anxious for the new experience but now it's starting to suck! He spoiled me when in Japan by calling every week and messaging me but now I have no idea when I'll hear from him again. I keep reminding myself that they're all working very hard and he hasn't had a chance yet. I'll stay strong...think I'm just having one of those "missing my sailor" moments! Glad you are all here to turn to!!!! Fingers crossed for phone calls & emails for all of us!
Jul 18, 2013
Navy Mom
I hope the calls and emails come pouring out very soon. My son has more access because of his job. Most of our correspondence is "Yep I'm still out there". Going on 2 years deployed in Japan and it still gets very uncomfortable for me every time he's out to sea for a while. I keep thinking about him coming back to the US and having a family life again.
Jul 18, 2013
Lisa FLNavyMom
https://shop.aafes.com/scs/
I bought a few last deployment and sent to my son in a care package. Now the ship phones don't always work so great but the sailors figure that out pretty quickly.
Jul 19, 2013
Crystals31
Jul 19, 2013
Mrs. David's mom
Got an email from David yesterday, he recieved the two packages we mail to him 2 week ago. Time to get another one sent off!
Jul 20, 2013
sparkyjo-PIR 09/21/12 Div 303
Jul 20, 2013
J Peder
Just shipped a package off to my son. Everything was the same just had to add the extra 4 digit zip code. Besides his candy that he wanted I threw in a couple new t-shirts for him. He didnt say he needed any but I am sure he will use them
Jul 20, 2013
Crystals31
Jul 20, 2013
Jenny M'smom
Thanks Lisa CCMom. That is a great care package idea.
Jul 21, 2013
Lisazship2DIV928
Jul 21, 2013
Navy Mom
My son has been on the Gdub for 2 years. The only way I am able to contact him when the ship is out to sea is by email or snail mail. He can send and receive emails using his navy email address but access is not reliable and he is limited on file size.Messages usually go through but attachments often do not. He is able to call me sporadically. The caller id says "UNKNOWN".My son does not have access to Facebook when the ship is out to see. There are random black out periods when there is no email or phone contact, sometimes for 2-3 weeks at a time. They are very busy on the ship and working all sorts of shifts so don't be surprised if you don't hear from your sailor for a while. When the ship docks at various port a few times a month, many of the sailors get shore leave and go and stay at a hotel where they have all the freedoms that go with a sailor on vacation. My son sometimes has "duty" during the port calls which cuts into party time but I always hope for a skype call to get a look at him.
When the ship is back in Japan, there are some sailors who live on the ship and some who do not. My son had his own apartment with internet service he could use any way he wanted.
Jul 21, 2013
Lisazship2DIV928
Jul 21, 2013
Lisa FLNavyMom
Jul 22, 2013
Lisa FLNavyMom
Jul 22, 2013
MaggieMay
Got an email this weekend...happy happy momma here!!!! He's only got two weeks left of cranking and is looking forward to going back to his shop. Everything in his email was positive so that sure puts me at ease. Glad to hear others are getting emails too and phone calls. I loved the pics on the GW facebook page.
Hope you all have a wonderful week.
Jul 22, 2013
Navymommaria
Jul 22, 2013
willsmom
How amazing would that be!! Is the cruise the same time every year? Maybe could start a savings acct for two years from now. Or three......Thanks My son is not aboard yet but come August he will be.
Jul 22, 2013
Proud AO Mom
Hi Moms, This is my first time with the group. This is my sailors first cruise. Are there any other Moms with a sailor in the Royal Maces squadron? I'm on the FB page but they haven't posted anything since 4th of July and I couldn't find a N4M group for them. So far the only thing that has gone right is I got the Zip+4 from the Ombudsman so none of my packages have been returned.
Jul 22, 2013
momof2sailors
Proud AO Mom,
What facebook page are you looking at? Because the USS George Washington Facebook page posts pictures just about everyday. And if not they catch up when they have internet access.
Jul 22, 2013
Smith
Jul 22, 2013
Proud AO Mom
I went to the Royal Maces FB page. The last time they posted was 4th of July. I found a pic that might have been his butt LOL.
Jul 22, 2013
momof2sailors
Proud AO Mom,
You will want to like the USS George Washington Facebook page. Thats where all pictures are posted. They do from ships company to the squadrons there. And like I said there are pictures posted almost everyday. And if a day is skipped they make up for it as soon as they can. And I think you will be quite happy with all the pics.
Jul 22, 2013
Navy Mom
Katlanta - Many of the places I went in Japan had those same Toto self cleaning toilets, the malls and hotels in Tokyo, even the McDonald's on the Atsugi Base. It took a little experimentation to figure out all the settings - well worth the time! I'd love to have one here at home. I also saw toilets that had sinks on the top so you could wash your hands and then the water was used to fill the tank.
Jul 23, 2013
Jenny M'smom
Anyone have a ballpark figure they would be willing to suggest for those of us thinking about starting that savings for a trip to Yokosuka in a few years. I figure it will take me about that long to stash back enough to go. Also, what time of year would you suggest for the trip?
Jul 23, 2013
Navy Mom
I visited in late April and the weather was great, right before they went out on patrol. Tickets vary depending on when you go. I paid about $1300 round trip on Delta, last minute. Another family member visited and he paid about $1600 round trip. We stayed at my son's apartment most of the time and only paid for hotels on our weekend in Tokyo where I used points. Food is very expensive. You can walk or take the train almost everywhere. You need to bring cash with you, credit cards are not widely accepted. You will need at least $2500 for airfare, hotel and food.. Try to get into Navy Lodge and the other navy hotel in downtown Tokyo. It was a trip of a lifetime, glad I went.
Jul 23, 2013
willsmom
Jul 23, 2013
momof2sailors
Just in case you guys have not been oh the GDUB Facebook page in the last hour or 2. They have posted pictures from the Crossing the Line Ceremony of going from a pollywog to a Shellback.
Jul 23, 2013
Navymommaria
Jul 23, 2013
momof2sailors
GDUB is just short for USS George Washington. Leave the periods out of the ships name. That might be the issue.
Jul 23, 2013
cbc mom
I'm headed to Japan as well ....for the family cruise day. Any suggestions on sight seeing?
Jul 24, 2013
Navy Mom
Yokosuka is a 2 hour bus ride from Narita. There is a bus that goes directly from the airport to the base and back in the late afternoon but you will have to be escorted by your sailor both ways. Ask your sailor to confirm the schedule and time when he/she could escort you as it would take most of the day for him/her. There is also the train from the Narita and Haneda airports to Yokosuka if you are somewhat adventurous and have very little luggage. The toughest part of taking the train is making sure you are going in the right direction and are on the express or local for the line. A taxi would be very expensive - probably several hundred dollars.
Jul 24, 2013