Ditto to what Katlanta posted about needing a sponsor to ride the bus.I took the trains by myself and always felt very safe. People are extremely polite. People line up for the train in single file and there is no pushing, very orderly indeed. The maze of train lines, stations and routes can be overwhelming unless you just focus on your route and take your time. There are people in the Information Offices in the stations who speak English and will help you. I would plan to get to Yokosuka during day and travel light. If you pack smart, a carry-on can do it and you won't be lugging heavy suitcases up and down stairs. Very excited for you!
Hi ladies, I've been getting daily emails from my son, short and sweet but he never answers all my questions !!! Better than nothing I guess, so I'll quit whining :) I found out he became a 'Shell back' last year while on the Abe form almost 9 months.
I'm still looking for a picture of him, but it's not easy when they all look alike, lol. He did say he had one taken by himself wearing a Cranial? Anyone know what that is?
I feel your pain, Mattsmom. I rarely get answers, but at least I know he's still alive. My son has never been big on details. I believe a cranial is that helmet they wear on the flight deck, with the goggles.
Thanks Kimberly, I figured it was some kind of helmet, what confused me was he said he was also wearing a white t shirt and shorts? Really, quite an outfit for the flight line !!
He received the box yesterday, which I mailed 6 days ago, wish they all arrived that quick !!!
Love my boy, but really wish he'd share more info (without breaking OPSEC)
Is your son with the ship, or a squadron, mines with HSC 12.
My son is assigned to the ship. He's been there a year now. He's just never liked to write so this whole long distance thing sucks for me. He's also very tight with his money so I don't get many calls. But I also know that with him....no news really is good news, so I come here and go to my Navy mom lunches to get my support.
katlanta - I hope you're right! We've gotten e-mails but no phone calls. My son is like what Kimberly P said about being tight with money. If he has to buy something to be able to call, I don't know that he will.
Saw a Twitter post with a picture of the GDub in port from the 7 News . Nothing yet on Facebook or navy sites. Once they are cleared, it will take some time for the lucky ones to leave the ship and get on skype. It is almost 11am on July 29 their time. Remember that some will not get liberty and be able to make their calls.
Yeah it sounds like he got some tips, which is great! I understand the bittersweet. Our son had been in San Diego and was excited to go on a ship. I must say having him on land is less stressful, but when I think about the places he will go and see, it's an opportunity of a lifetime! Just keep praying for safety...
Wishing all the families of the GW crew updates from their Sailors by way of phone,e-mail,Skype, Facebook or what ever floats your boat! Glad they are safely in port.
Just got off the phone with my Sailor! It was so great to hear his voice and he's doing well. What an awesome way to start my day! Fingers crossed you all hear from your Sailors real soon.
We got a call a few hours ago! It was a bad connection, but so good to hear his voice :-) Hoping everyone hears from their Sailor. Thanks for sharing the links, good to see!!!
Can some of you Mom's that are experienced with liberty help me get an idea of what happens and what they are allowed to do. This is my sons first deployment. Does that mean he might not be allowed to get off the ship? Is being off the ship the only way to call if he does not have a ship to shore card? We did get to message back and forth a bit on Facebook but he doesn't answer all my questions! It would be so nice to hear his voice
This is also my son's first experience on the carrier. I got a call early this morning (late evening for them). With this being his 1st time on ship, he had to be back at a certain time. He has watch duty tonight but then the next few days he is able to stay off the ship. Due to OPSEC, I do not want to say how long they will be there. Your sailor should be able to provide that information to you.
Proud AO mom, Some of it depends on their rank, how long on the ship and their job as to what they get to do. But generally they get off in waves so they are not all off at once. Some sailors get off for the day and then have to be back on the ship at a certain time, others get off for a few days and they can rent a room and go sightseeing but that is a privilege they earn. They rotate when they get off and when they have to work (so dont get discouraged if you have not heard much yet). When off the ship they can use international calling cards instead of ship to shore cards or go to an internet cafe. Hope that helps.
My son had duty the first day in Austrailia, but he finally skyped us last night! He looked great and was very excited to be off the ship and be able to enjoy a few days in Australia and sleep in a full size bed. LOL! So glad they made it safe and he is enjoying his time.
No call yet....one day I'm going to fly to Japan and kick his butt!!!! I don't care what his excuse is, it won't hold water here. I told him to join the Air Force/
Sherry you can send him some of his favorite snacks like popcorn,chips,candy,breakfast bars. Things you think he would like or normally eat at home. I'm not sending any chocolate cause I'm afraid it will melt.
Thanks...that's what I've sent in his packages...My sons so awesome..he said mom it's not about what's in the box it's about receiving a package from home...
Peetreesmama...you're funny but I can tell you my son loves the phone and he's only called twice but still have not facetimed so I can see his handsome face!! I was telling my friends I don't think I would have survived years ago before today's technology when we had to wait for letters and might get a phone call once a month!!! My husband who is a 24 yr veteran likes to remind me of that...lol
My daughter tells me to send chocolate even if it melts. She's a woman - she will take her chocolate any way she can get it. She also requested dried fruit, Mexican candy (her favorite), banana bread, anything baked. She say's my cookies were voted the best and most favorite among her friends. I've also sent her oatmeal, the drink mix things you add to a bottle of water etc. Over the past two years I've sent her so many different things I can't remember them all. She too has said it does her a world of good to get something - anything from home. I miss my girl. . .sigh!
my sailor likes microwave meals, he says it is not always convenient to get to the galley with the hours he works. I've even sent him the bottled instant breakfast (he loves that).
He finally called! It was great to hear his voice. He was so excited to tell me he made "sailor of the day" while they were out. I hope that they enjoy every opportunity to discover the real Australia. I asked if he could sneak me home a baby koala....we'll see! Thanks for the support friends!!!!!
Oh my sailor's bro is so happy he is in Brisbane. Bro spent 5 months living in Brisbane as an college exchange. Can they travel about by themselves or is it all pretty much planned tours? Bro had so many things to tell him to see.
Congrats to all who are getting calls and Skype. As expected I have not, but I did get a video postcard from the Australian Zoo. So I got to see and hear him and yes I cried happy tears. He made my day!
Hi guys...its been awhile since I have been on.....since my sailor has been on the ship he became a Shellback (passing the equator) - which he said was great......he got OC sprayed - which he said was awful.....got the facebook message saying he was in Australia.....hopefully get a skype soon....happy days for all the skyping and calls.....
my sailor has so few words, I miss him! But I know he is enjoying his time ashore.
Navyma, ahh I too sent cake frozen, vacuum sealed and frozen to ship. I was so concerned it would mold. But all was good and he said the cake was delicious. My sailor too is coming back to the west coast after only 2 years, but it will sure be nice the short time zone change and a mere 6-7 hr flight away. Yahoo!
I am so thankful someone told me about this sight...because when I read the post it really helps!!! My son must be loving Australia...for him not to call me for a day and a half is very unusual since he is able to call...when their in Japan he calls 2-3 times a day... I'm so happy he is so young and seeing the world!!! However, I hope after his 3 years in Japan he gets stationed in the states so I can fly and visit him more often!!! Miss him like crazy and some days are tougher than others especially if I think about how long before he comes home on leave!!!
Came home from two weeks of vacation without internet and got a facebook message the next day. It was the first time I had heard from my son since they set sail. Even better, he called later in the day. What a thrill! He is loving it, even though he's been on trash duty!
My son is on his way back to the ship. He has duty the last day in port and isn't excited about going back. He also had duty the first day in port. However, he enjoyed his time in Brisban and took lots of pictures which I enjoyed very much. Wishing the sailors safe travels as they leave port.
My son and his friends always make their own adventures...hiking, snorkeling etc. in the different ports. Have some great pics of the places they've been! God bless them on this next leg!
Just wanted to say farewell to you all. My son's 2 year tour with the GDub ended in Brisbane and he is on his way back to the US for his next assignment. Thanks for all the support over the past 2 years, especially during silent times. Wishing you all the best!
Navy Mom - how nice to have your son back in the states. Best of luck to him on his next assignment and please pop back in here from time to time to let us know how you and your Sailor are doing.
Dang ! missed the call from my son. I don't know why work got in the way of a phone call. But at least he had a nice hour long chat with his dad and brothers. Oh well maybe next time I will be home. At least I did get filled in on the call from everyone that was home. For them it was probably good since I would have hogged the call.
MidwestNavyMom - Say we might have something in common besides our sailors. My son said your son and him attended Mt. Olivet church. Probably a couple years apart though. But chances are one of my 4 kids and yours were in confirmation at some point together . Or if they were ever in the nurseryon sunday I have worked there for 19 years. small world
Navy Mom
Ditto to what Katlanta posted about needing a sponsor to ride the bus.I took the trains by myself and always felt very safe. People are extremely polite. People line up for the train in single file and there is no pushing, very orderly indeed. The maze of train lines, stations and routes can be overwhelming unless you just focus on your route and take your time. There are people in the Information Offices in the stations who speak English and will help you. I would plan to get to Yokosuka during day and travel light. If you pack smart, a carry-on can do it and you won't be lugging heavy suitcases up and down stairs. Very excited for you!
Jul 25, 2013
mattsmom
Hi ladies, I've been getting daily emails from my son, short and sweet but he never answers all my questions !!! Better than nothing I guess, so I'll quit whining :) I found out he became a 'Shell back' last year while on the Abe form almost 9 months.
I'm still looking for a picture of him, but it's not easy when they all look alike, lol. He did say he had one taken by himself wearing a Cranial? Anyone know what that is?
Jul 25, 2013
Kimberly P
Jul 25, 2013
mattsmom
Thanks Kimberly, I figured it was some kind of helmet, what confused me was he said he was also wearing a white t shirt and shorts? Really, quite an outfit for the flight line !!
He received the box yesterday, which I mailed 6 days ago, wish they all arrived that quick !!!
Love my boy, but really wish he'd share more info (without breaking OPSEC)
Is your son with the ship, or a squadron, mines with HSC 12.
Jul 26, 2013
Kimberly P
Jul 27, 2013
MidwestNavyMom
katlanta - I hope you're right! We've gotten e-mails but no phone calls. My son is like what Kimberly P said about being tight with money. If he has to buy something to be able to call, I don't know that he will.
Jul 28, 2013
Navy Mom
Saw a Twitter post with a picture of the GDub in port from the 7 News . Nothing yet on Facebook or navy sites. Once they are cleared, it will take some time for the lucky ones to leave the ship and get on skype. It is almost 11am on July 29 their time. Remember that some will not get liberty and be able to make their calls.
Jul 28, 2013
MidwestNavyMom
Thanks for the info Navy Mom.
Jul 28, 2013
Navy Mom
9 news is covering it too.
https://twitter.com/DarrenCurtis9/status/361635699876835328
Jul 28, 2013
MidwestNavyMom
katlanta - I know he took it to Japan, not sure about on the ship. This is his first cruise. Hoping to hear from him :-)
Jul 28, 2013
MidwestNavyMom
Yeah it sounds like he got some tips, which is great! I understand the bittersweet. Our son had been in San Diego and was excited to go on a ship. I must say having him on land is less stressful, but when I think about the places he will go and see, it's an opportunity of a lifetime! Just keep praying for safety...
Jul 28, 2013
Louisville Mom
Wishing all the families of the GW crew updates from their Sailors by way of phone,e-mail,Skype, Facebook or what ever floats your boat! Glad they are safely in port.
Jul 29, 2013
Navy Mom
Here are more pictures of the ship arriving last night in Brisbane.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shebalso/9389645129/
Jul 29, 2013
MaggieMay
Jul 29, 2013
Navy Mom
http://au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/18205037/us-navy-sailors...
Jul 29, 2013
MidwestNavyMom
We got a call a few hours ago! It was a bad connection, but so good to hear his voice :-) Hoping everyone hears from their Sailor. Thanks for sharing the links, good to see!!!
Jul 29, 2013
Proud AO Mom
Can some of you Mom's that are experienced with liberty help me get an idea of what happens and what they are allowed to do. This is my sons first deployment. Does that mean he might not be allowed to get off the ship? Is being off the ship the only way to call if he does not have a ship to shore card? We did get to message back and forth a bit on Facebook but he doesn't answer all my questions! It would be so nice to hear his voice
Jul 29, 2013
cbc mom
This is also my son's first experience on the carrier. I got a call early this morning (late evening for them). With this being his 1st time on ship, he had to be back at a certain time. He has watch duty tonight but then the next few days he is able to stay off the ship. Due to OPSEC, I do not want to say how long they will be there. Your sailor should be able to provide that information to you.
Jul 29, 2013
Kimberly P
Jul 29, 2013
Crystals31
Jul 30, 2013
MamabearK
My son had duty the first day in Austrailia, but he finally skyped us last night! He looked great and was very excited to be off the ship and be able to enjoy a few days in Australia and sleep in a full size bed. LOL! So glad they made it safe and he is enjoying his time.
Jul 30, 2013
Sherry
Jul 30, 2013
peetreesmama(USS Harry S Truman)
No call yet....one day I'm going to fly to Japan and kick his butt!!!! I don't care what his excuse is, it won't hold water here. I told him to join the Air Force/
Jul 30, 2013
Crystals31
Jul 30, 2013
Sherry
Peetreesmama...you're funny but I can tell you my son loves the phone and he's only called twice but still have not facetimed so I can see his handsome face!! I was telling my friends I don't think I would have survived years ago before today's technology when we had to wait for letters and might get a phone call once a month!!! My husband who is a 24 yr veteran likes to remind me of that...lol
Jul 30, 2013
CoCoBeansMom
My daughter tells me to send chocolate even if it melts. She's a woman - she will take her chocolate any way she can get it. She also requested dried fruit, Mexican candy (her favorite), banana bread, anything baked. She say's my cookies were voted the best and most favorite among her friends. I've also sent her oatmeal, the drink mix things you add to a bottle of water etc. Over the past two years I've sent her so many different things I can't remember them all. She too has said it does her a world of good to get something - anything from home. I miss my girl. . .sigh!
Jul 30, 2013
lmnadelady
my sailor likes microwave meals, he says it is not always convenient to get to the galley with the hours he works. I've even sent him the bottled instant breakfast (he loves that).
Jul 30, 2013
bsb
Jul 30, 2013
bsb
My son's new FB profile picture!
Jul 30, 2013
sparkyjo-PIR 09/21/12 Div 303
Jul 31, 2013
CoCoBeansMom
Could be. My daughter's name is Constance. Ask your daughter. :)
Jul 31, 2013
MaggieMay
bsb - Love the pic! Thanks for sharing. My son said he was planning on going to Steve Irwin's zoo so I'm hoping for pics too.
peetreesmama - I had to chuckle at your post. Hope you get a call real soon!
Jul 31, 2013
peetreesmama(USS Harry S Truman)
He finally called! It was great to hear his voice. He was so excited to tell me he made "sailor of the day" while they were out. I hope that they enjoy every opportunity to discover the real Australia. I asked if he could sneak me home a baby koala....we'll see! Thanks for the support friends!!!!!
Jul 31, 2013
lmnadelady
Oh my sailor's bro is so happy he is in Brisbane. Bro spent 5 months living in Brisbane as an college exchange. Can they travel about by themselves or is it all pretty much planned tours? Bro had so many things to tell him to see.
Jul 31, 2013
MaggieMay
Jul 31, 2013
Kimberly P
Congrats to all who are getting calls and Skype. As expected I have not, but I did get a video postcard from the Australian Zoo. So I got to see and hear him and yes I cried happy tears. He made my day!
Jul 31, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Hi guys...its been awhile since I have been on.....since my sailor has been on the ship he became a Shellback (passing the equator) - which he said was great......he got OC sprayed - which he said was awful.....got the facebook message saying he was in Australia.....hopefully get a skype soon....happy days for all the skyping and calls.....
Jul 31, 2013
sparkyjo-PIR 09/21/12 Div 303
Jul 31, 2013
lmnadelady
my sailor has so few words, I miss him! But I know he is enjoying his time ashore.
Navyma, ahh I too sent cake frozen, vacuum sealed and frozen to ship. I was so concerned it would mold. But all was good and he said the cake was delicious. My sailor too is coming back to the west coast after only 2 years, but it will sure be nice the short time zone change and a mere 6-7 hr flight away. Yahoo!
Jul 31, 2013
Sherry
Jul 31, 2013
sam
Came home from two weeks of vacation without internet and got a facebook message the next day. It was the first time I had heard from my son since they set sail. Even better, he called later in the day. What a thrill! He is loving it, even though he's been on trash duty!
Jul 31, 2013
MamabearK
My son is on his way back to the ship. He has duty the last day in port and isn't excited about going back. He also had duty the first day in port. However, he enjoyed his time in Brisban and took lots of pictures which I enjoyed very much. Wishing the sailors safe travels as they leave port.
Aug 1, 2013
TexasSailorMom
My son and his friends always make their own adventures...hiking, snorkeling etc. in the different ports. Have some great pics of the places they've been! God bless them on this next leg!
Aug 1, 2013
Navy Mom
Just wanted to say farewell to you all. My son's 2 year tour with the GDub ended in Brisbane and he is on his way back to the US for his next assignment. Thanks for all the support over the past 2 years, especially during silent times. Wishing you all the best!
Aug 2, 2013
Sherry
Aug 2, 2013
MaggieMay
Aug 2, 2013
Crystals31
Aug 2, 2013
lmnadelady
So glad for you. And for your son, what a way to leave the GW, right after a Liberty in Brisbane. :)
Aug 2, 2013
J Peder
Dang ! missed the call from my son. I don't know why work got in the way of a phone call. But at least he had a nice hour long chat with his dad and brothers. Oh well maybe next time I will be home. At least I did get filled in on the call from everyone that was home. For them it was probably good since I would have hogged the call.
Aug 2, 2013
J Peder
MidwestNavyMom - Say we might have something in common besides our sailors. My son said your son and him attended Mt. Olivet church. Probably a couple years apart though. But chances are one of my 4 kids and yours were in confirmation at some point together . Or if they were ever in the nurseryon sunday I have worked there for 19 years. small world
Aug 2, 2013