Can anyone tell me if there is a Verizon outlet - or Target (for mobile) on base in Pensacola? My son will be going there for A School next week. I want to get him an IPhone as a graduation present, but, want him to beable to return/exchange it if need be. He will be able to do that within 14 days - but, won't beable to leave base during that time.
aster alumni PIR7/27/2012 Div817 - So, when you say locally - does that mean that it is on base - or where Sailors can go when they are still in the first phase of A School?
Ajsmom- my husband says "a hell of a lot better then boot camp" they are twin size mattresses ( i believe xl twins) a set if bunk beds and one other bed too a room at the moment but there is talk of taking out the single bed and adding another set if bunk beds due to all the new sailors coming in the fall
Hi MomLovesRyan ~ I had to Google the phrase because my son never really gave me a good answer, so here are two I found that make sense and sound like what my son had tried to explain:
There are three levels of repair for navy electronics (especially aviation). "O" level (or strand) is called organizational. That level involves working on the aircraft itself to include the wiring. "I" level means intermediated and those personnel actually work on the aircraft components I.E. the Autopilot computers of the radios. "D" level stands for Depot level. This means a complete overhaul of the gear or aircraft and usually is done by civilians.
and
"I" stands for intermediate level. "O" organizational level. I believe (it'd been a while) that "O" level work at inspecting or fixing avionic unit at the squadron, if you can't fix it, then the unit gets turnover to the "I" level to actually open up the unit and try to fix it. EX. You (O level) are trying to fix a TV at home by adjusting antenna, turning the volume knob up and down etc... Yet, the TV still doesn't work. So, you take it to a TV repairman (I level).
My son was on grad hold from NACCS. today he was moved to the other side of the base 1 1/2 months earlier than what he was told. Maybe he will start A school earlier too. Does anyone have an airman with a similar situation? Is this a sign he will start A school soon or just be on hold longer on this side of the base?
HI MOMS! My daughter will be headed to Pensacola on 9/14/13, her A-school is for ABH. Just trying to get flights/cars situated, does anyone know the majority of where the new sailors fly out of, Midway or O'hare Airport? Our own flight home is out of Midway but for sure we want to spend time with our sailor at whichever airport she is flying.
I know the sailors won't know til PIR but just trying to see the majority. Thanks.
Hi All! My son will also be flying to Pensacola on 9/14 for AT/AE. So I am also very interested in the answer to previous question by d2b2707. Thanks, in advance, to all for contributing the information!
Unfortunately there really is no rhyme or reason as to which airport they use. It really depends on what flights are available. My son's rating AIRR flew out of Midway(PIR 5/31) but I know that some flew out of O'hare also. I read somewhere that one mom started watching flight availability the week of PIR to get a feel for where it might be but there was no guarantee. I hope those on here that have the same rating as your soon to be sailors can give you a better idea. Sorry I can't give you more info than that.
There's only a few airlines that fly into PNS, you can check flight seat availability. The tickets are issued after BS and orders are assigned to new "sailors"...in our PIR group some flew out Sat from Midway, others flew out of O'Hare on Sunday...depends on flights...:))
Thanks for the responses! When I checked recently, it looked like SW was cheapest out of Midway. Do you know if those who flew out on Sunday were able to spend more time with families on Saturday?
Just wondering if anyone knows, what is on the base as far as food and store?? I would like to send gift cards to my daughter to surprise her, but I have no idea what is there. thank you in advance..
Hi mom3angels ~ There's a small Taco Bell/Pizza Hut combo in the recreation center and there are two Starbucks on base - one in the food court in the NEX (Navy Exchange) and a stand-alone in the southern part of the base. There's also a Subway in the food court. (There's a pizza place too but not a part of a chain).
Anything else they need to buy on base, it's the NEX and only military can shop there. I was frustrated that I couldn't even go to a local NEX to just buy a gift card to send to my son. Strictly military or retired military. But if you know someone who can get into one, they can grab a gift card for you to send.
There's a Wal-Mart and fast-food places close by off base and a big mall a bit further away with everything usual malls have. Lots of great local restaurants that you might be able to buy gift cards for online. (If you want some recommendations of places my son liked, I can send them).
Once they can have their electronics, gift cards for iTunes, GameStop, Steam, Spottify, etc are always welcome.
I think that about covers it. Hope your daughter has a great time there (SO different from boot camp!) and hope you can go visit. It's a great base to visit (I went twice while my son was there and I loved it. Who woulda thunk a Navy base would be a vaycay destination??)
Thank you nancynature and beachbunny!
Mom3angels, did it take long for your sailor to class up and finish a school, is that why you visited twice?
Are sailors allowed visitors while they are still in phases?
d2b2707 - Yes! I think it is best to wait until they are in Phase 2 that way they have more freedom to come and go and they can wear civies! Also by the time they get to phase 2 they should know their 'work' schedules so you can plan a visit when they don't have to work on the weekend.
Leaving for Pensacola in the morning. Although dad and I attended PIR, his brother (14) and sister (16) have not seen their brother since April. They miss their big brother so much. WooHoo!
Yes, the storm is heading that way or one could say it's there because it's pouring ..my sailor said they are watching the storm, last year the base was excavated twice due to hurricanes. The base is right on the beach on the gulf...couple weeks ago they were on lockdown due to the winds and rain...I was there last month during a major storm, never seen so much rain at one time over 3 inches in a couple of hours. We only get about 12 here at home each year so that to me was a lot of rain..:)
Hi Ilvmysailor - The rate is currently $78/night for a two-queen-bed room with kitchenette. All rooms are immaculate, have balconies with great views and have a mid-sized refrigerator and microwave. Some also have a 2-buner cooktop (home-cooked meals for your sailor!! Specifically ask for that room when you book). BTW, in the off-season, the room was $58 (!!). Here's a link to the Navy Lodge website:
Fill out the "Make Reservation" area on the left and that'll get you to the rates page. A word of caution though - do NOT book online. Call them directly. Booking online enters the reservation at a "change of duty station" rate, which is strictly for military members and they won't honor the reservation when you, as a civilian, show up. Call and get the guest designation on the reservation.
Your sailor will have to "sponsor" you and you will need to know your sailor's pay grade when you make the reservation. Then, your sailor needs to go to the Lodge and show their ID to confirm the reservation. They can do that either before you arrive or be there with you when you check in.
I can't rave enough about the staying at the Lodge. I've stayed twice and it was fabulous each time.
If you're interested, there are also one and two bedroom cottages for rent, also at extremely reasonable rates. They are pretty much next door to the lodge, right on the beach, called Oak Grove Park. Here's that link:
My son is in BC and will go onto A at Pensacola. I have a question where did you stay for the graduation at BC in IL. Any suggestions would be most helpful. Thanks
Hi NausetMom ~ I stayed at this Residence Inn and it was perfect - easy drive to the base. I believe they offered a special room rate for PIR attendees and they had a really good PIR info packet (PIR info and directions, restaurants, shopping, things to do, etc.).
Residence Inn Chicago - Waukegan/Gurnee
1440 South White Oak Drive
Waukegan, Illinois 60085 USA
(847) 689-9240
You might also want to see about staying at The Navy Lodge on base. It was booked by the time I learned about it, but they are always impeccable accommodations and a really reduced rate. Call to make reservations rather than make them online. Here's the link:
Hello everyone! I am new to this site and to the Navy life that my son is now living. He just finished boot camp and arrived in Pensacola last week and I have only talked to him one time since then. Not sure what he is doing or what will be next for him!
Pcola has some great places.....I've been to NAS a couple of times..spent two weeks at a condo near by..sailor spent one weekend with us for father's day...it was fun! Really pretty white sand beaches there... Navy Lodge is right on NAS base and has a beach right there...Navy Gateway is in the middle of the base.....NAS has lots of things to do...Navy Aviation Museum(pilots walk around and chat with visitors), lighthouse only 177 steps to the top for a great view of beaches, runways and blue angels flying above you, Fort Barrancas, cemetery, NEX, movie theater, cabins, Marina, campground...like I said, base is really big...plenty to do and see in the local area.....takes new sailors a couple of weeks to figure out where everything is because it's so big .....if you have a chance you should go there....:))
Thank you all for the information. My son doesn't seem to tell me much about what is going on and I feel lost at times. Not even sure at this point how long he will be in Florida and what happens next. Really don't know much about his job either!
Navy-mom, welcome to the Clueless Club, lol! My son was pretty skimpy on details while he was at PCola and when he DID share, it was in Navy-speak, so I was still in the dark and needed him to translate.
In their defense though, it's overwhelming when they first get there, getting to know their way around, where to report, learning new routines. They really don't get much info on what the immediate future holds until it's time for them to know. When they actually start A-School depends on their rate (job), how many sailors are backed up waiting for classes, the alignment of the planets . . .
Here's a link to a page that explains different Navy rates. Should give you an idea:
So I have a question for you Veteran SR grads and PCola A school attendees.
How soon after PIR did they fly out to PCola? My daughter is Aviation Tech and will be PIR 10/4 so trying to book flights and hotels in sinc with the timeframe she may have in Boot Camp
Hi Nancy ~ There's no real answer to that. They won't get their orders till right before PIR. They could fly out immediately after (Grad n Go) or any time over the weekend. My son ended up having the entire weekend free, leaving the base Sunday midnight for a Monday noon flight ( !! ).
The two big upsides to that were a) that I met him at the airport Monday morning and had a few more hours to hang with him and b) got to hand him all his much-missed electronics to take to PCola with him. BTW, you CANNOT hand those to your sailor as long as they still have boots on the ground in Great Lakes, PIR grad or not.
So to be safe, maybe book a late Sunday/early Monday flight home? Or, book with insurance that you can change flights for any reason at the last minute (like I did. That's how I managed to get the last few airport hours to spend with him)
As for the hotel, ask if you book the extra nights and don't use them, can you cancel the day or two before and not be charged. I ended up being lucky the hotel had my room available for the extra night. They're all very accommodating to PIR attendees, so I'm sure they'll work with you.
As for which airport they fly out of, again, depends on those last-minute orders. Could be O'Hare or Midway. Of course, we each flew out of different airports that day, but they're a pretty short distance apart along main highways, so running from one to the other was relatively easy.
Sorry it's not a more definite answer, but that's the Navy for ya. Good luck with the planning and have a great time at PIR! Once those huge doors open and the Sailors start marching in, it's SO emotional. (I'm having a Mommy-Moment right now, tearing up at the memory of it, lol).
I do believe that is correct. That is how my son told me to send his also. I just went today and mailed him a great big package of his personal belongings so I am keeping my fingers crossed that is the right way!
That's right...sailors have to walk over to the mailroom..it closes most days at 2pm...always use a tracking number and have tracking information sent to them...go online at usps.com...enter tracking number and have uldates sent to your sailor...
Hello All! My son will PIR on 9/13, so he will be in PCola next weekend. I've been reading all the great information in this group for a few weeks now. I've included a few tidbits in my son's letters. In his last letter, he actually listed some things he wanted me to find out! I already know some of the answers, but have another question.
Are the Sailors allowed to have OTC meds (Advil, Sudafed, allergy meds, vitamins, etc...) in their dorm rooms at A school? If so, is it from phase 1 or later? Are there any restrictions? (He said he's had a runny nose and cough the entire time at BC. Thinking allergies.)
Also, his rate is AT I and would love to connect with Moms who have sailors with same. I am aware of the 2 to 3 month hold for this job.
Oh...that's great that your sailor knows about the holds in Pcola, some are caught off guard about that...he'll have processing and INDOC class were he'll learned the rules and policies of Pcola...they can have OTC meds but each job has a list of what they can and can't take...he can buy them at the NEX when he gets there or let you know so you can send him a package of goodies with approved OTC meds...each package is opened in front of a PO in the mailroom..they will throw away anything not approved....
There's a few ATI mommas on here...one of the longer training programs at NAS....Mine was told 4 month wait for ATO but it turned to be 2 month wait, he'll just have to be ready, I hear it's going faster now.....:))
MomLovesRyan Ship 09 Div 266
Can anyone tell me if there is a Verizon outlet - or Target (for mobile) on base in Pensacola? My son will be going there for A School next week. I want to get him an IPhone as a graduation present, but, want him to beable to return/exchange it if need be. He will be able to do that within 14 days - but, won't beable to leave base during that time.
Jul 14, 2013
aster
MomLovesRyan ~ I don't know if there is a Verizon store, however, there is a Best Buy locally which carries most cell phone carriers.
Jul 14, 2013
MomLovesRyan Ship 09 Div 266
aster alumni PIR7/27/2012 Div817 - So, when you say locally - does that mean that it is on base - or where Sailors can go when they are still in the first phase of A School?
Jul 14, 2013
nancynature
MomLovesRyan ~ No Target on base that I know of but there is one about 10 minutes north from the far western entrance of the base.
Jul 14, 2013
aster
MomLovesRyan ~ off the base, my son had to replace his phone when he "lost it" St. Patrick's Day weekend... :)
Jul 14, 2013
Wayne'smom 09/245
Thank you nancynature for the information. I am checking out all the different sites.
Jul 18, 2013
nancynature
Wayne'smom ~ You are welcome. How is your son holding up? Has he phased up to phase 2 yet?
Jul 18, 2013
martiheg
MomLovesRyan ~ there is also a small Verizon kiosk in the NEX on base, next to the Starbucks and food court. But it's small.
Jul 19, 2013
Ajsmom (ship 13 div 269)
Does anyone know what the beds are like in Pensacola? My son is curious
Jul 19, 2013
Tisha
Jul 19, 2013
Ajsmom (ship 13 div 269)
Jul 20, 2013
MomLovesRyan Ship 09 Div 266
Thank you Everyone for all the cell phone information. I'm glad there is a Verizon in the NEX on base. That is his carrier.
Jul 23, 2013
MomLovesRyan Ship 09 Div 266
What is strand?
Jul 28, 2013
martiheg
Hi MomLovesRyan ~ I had to Google the phrase because my son never really gave me a good answer, so here are two I found that make sense and sound like what my son had tried to explain:
There are three levels of repair for navy electronics (especially aviation). "O" level (or strand) is called organizational. That level involves working on the aircraft itself to include the wiring. "I" level means intermediated and those personnel actually work on the aircraft components I.E. the Autopilot computers of the radios. "D" level stands for Depot level. This means a complete overhaul of the gear or aircraft and usually is done by civilians.
and
"I" stands for intermediate level. "O" organizational level. I believe (it'd been a while) that "O" level work at inspecting or fixing avionic unit at the squadron, if you can't fix it, then the unit gets turnover to the "I" level to actually open up the unit and try to fix it. EX. You (O level) are trying to fix a TV at home by adjusting antenna, turning the volume knob up and down etc... Yet, the TV still doesn't work. So, you take it to a TV repairman (I level).
Jul 29, 2013
mindshaper87
My son was on grad hold from NACCS. today he was moved to the other side of the base 1 1/2 months earlier than what he was told. Maybe he will start A school earlier too. Does anyone have an airman with a similar situation? Is this a sign he will start A school soon or just be on hold longer on this side of the base?
Aug 6, 2013
d2b2707
HI MOMS! My daughter will be headed to Pensacola on 9/14/13, her A-school is for ABH. Just trying to get flights/cars situated, does anyone know the majority of where the new sailors fly out of, Midway or O'hare Airport? Our own flight home is out of Midway but for sure we want to spend time with our sailor at whichever airport she is flying.
I know the sailors won't know til PIR but just trying to see the majority. Thanks.
Aug 7, 2013
Andrewsmom
Hi All! My son will also be flying to Pensacola on 9/14 for AT/AE. So I am also very interested in the answer to previous question by d2b2707. Thanks, in advance, to all for contributing the information!
Aug 7, 2013
nancynature
Hi Andrewsmom and d2b2707! Welcome!!!
Unfortunately there really is no rhyme or reason as to which airport they use. It really depends on what flights are available. My son's rating AIRR flew out of Midway(PIR 5/31) but I know that some flew out of O'hare also. I read somewhere that one mom started watching flight availability the week of PIR to get a feel for where it might be but there was no guarantee. I hope those on here that have the same rating as your soon to be sailors can give you a better idea. Sorry I can't give you more info than that.
Aug 8, 2013
BeachBunny
There's only a few airlines that fly into PNS, you can check flight seat availability. The tickets are issued after BS and orders are assigned to new "sailors"...in our PIR group some flew out Sat from Midway, others flew out of O'Hare on Sunday...depends on flights...:))
Aug 8, 2013
Andrewsmom
Thanks for the responses! When I checked recently, it looked like SW was cheapest out of Midway. Do you know if those who flew out on Sunday were able to spend more time with families on Saturday?
Aug 8, 2013
mom3angels
Just wondering if anyone knows, what is on the base as far as food and store?? I would like to send gift cards to my daughter to surprise her, but I have no idea what is there. thank you in advance..
Aug 8, 2013
martiheg
Hi mom3angels ~ There's a small Taco Bell/Pizza Hut combo in the recreation center and there are two Starbucks on base - one in the food court in the NEX (Navy Exchange) and a stand-alone in the southern part of the base. There's also a Subway in the food court. (There's a pizza place too but not a part of a chain).
Anything else they need to buy on base, it's the NEX and only military can shop there. I was frustrated that I couldn't even go to a local NEX to just buy a gift card to send to my son. Strictly military or retired military. But if you know someone who can get into one, they can grab a gift card for you to send.
There's a Wal-Mart and fast-food places close by off base and a big mall a bit further away with everything usual malls have. Lots of great local restaurants that you might be able to buy gift cards for online. (If you want some recommendations of places my son liked, I can send them).
Once they can have their electronics, gift cards for iTunes, GameStop, Steam, Spottify, etc are always welcome.
I think that about covers it. Hope your daughter has a great time there (SO different from boot camp!) and hope you can go visit. It's a great base to visit (I went twice while my son was there and I loved it. Who woulda thunk a Navy base would be a vaycay destination??)
Aug 9, 2013
d2b2707
Mom3angels, did it take long for your sailor to class up and finish a school, is that why you visited twice?
Are sailors allowed visitors while they are still in phases?
Aug 9, 2013
nancynature
d2b2707 - Yes! I think it is best to wait until they are in Phase 2 that way they have more freedom to come and go and they can wear civies! Also by the time they get to phase 2 they should know their 'work' schedules so you can plan a visit when they don't have to work on the weekend.
Aug 9, 2013
jgmars6 (Jeannie)
Leaving for Pensacola in the morning. Although dad and I attended PIR, his brother (14) and sister (16) have not seen their brother since April. They miss their big brother so much. WooHoo!
Aug 9, 2013
nancynature
Safe travels jgmars6! Enjoy your time with your sailor! It sure will be a special reunion. :)
Aug 9, 2013
MomLovesRyan Ship 09 Div 266
How's the weather down there? Is a big storm headed that way?
Aug 17, 2013
BeachBunny
Yes, the storm is heading that way or one could say it's there because it's pouring ..my sailor said they are watching the storm, last year the base was excavated twice due to hurricanes. The base is right on the beach on the gulf...couple weeks ago they were on lockdown due to the winds and rain...I was there last month during a major storm, never seen so much rain at one time over 3 inches in a couple of hours. We only get about 12 here at home each year so that to me was a lot of rain..:)
Aug 17, 2013
Ilvmysailor
Does any body knows how much are the rates at the Navy Lodge?
Aug 20, 2013
martiheg
Hi Ilvmysailor - The rate is currently $78/night for a two-queen-bed room with kitchenette. All rooms are immaculate, have balconies with great views and have a mid-sized refrigerator and microwave. Some also have a 2-buner cooktop (home-cooked meals for your sailor!! Specifically ask for that room when you book). BTW, in the off-season, the room was $58 (!!). Here's a link to the Navy Lodge website:
https://www.navy-lodge.com/lodge_page.html?p_lodge_number=17
Fill out the "Make Reservation" area on the left and that'll get you to the rates page. A word of caution though - do NOT book online. Call them directly. Booking online enters the reservation at a "change of duty station" rate, which is strictly for military members and they won't honor the reservation when you, as a civilian, show up. Call and get the guest designation on the reservation.
Your sailor will have to "sponsor" you and you will need to know your sailor's pay grade when you make the reservation. Then, your sailor needs to go to the Lodge and show their ID to confirm the reservation. They can do that either before you arrive or be there with you when you check in.
I can't rave enough about the staying at the Lodge. I've stayed twice and it was fabulous each time.
If you're interested, there are also one and two bedroom cottages for rent, also at extremely reasonable rates. They are pretty much next door to the lodge, right on the beach, called Oak Grove Park. Here's that link:
http://naspensacola-mwr.com/leisure/oakgrove.htm
Have stayed there also and they're great.
Have a fabulous trip and enjoy the visit with your sailor!
Aug 21, 2013
Ilvmysailor
Thank you very much martiheg for your information, I will do that !!I am dying to see my son it's being so hard but finally I will see him. :)
Aug 21, 2013
Bob'sMom
Aug 26, 2013
NausetMom
My son is in BC and will go onto A at Pensacola. I have a question where did you stay for the graduation at BC in IL. Any suggestions would be most helpful. Thanks
Aug 27, 2013
martiheg
Hi NausetMom ~ I stayed at this Residence Inn and it was perfect - easy drive to the base. I believe they offered a special room rate for PIR attendees and they had a really good PIR info packet (PIR info and directions, restaurants, shopping, things to do, etc.).
Residence Inn Chicago - Waukegan/Gurnee
1440 South White Oak Drive
Waukegan, Illinois 60085 USA
(847) 689-9240
You might also want to see about staying at The Navy Lodge on base. It was booked by the time I learned about it, but they are always impeccable accommodations and a really reduced rate. Call to make reservations rather than make them online. Here's the link:
https://www.navy-lodge.com/lodge_page.html?p_lodge_number=5
Good luck to your Sailor with the rest of BC and with Battlestations. Once they finish, that'll be the best phone call ever!
Aug 27, 2013
Navy-mom
Hello everyone! I am new to this site and to the Navy life that my son is now living. He just finished boot camp and arrived in Pensacola last week and I have only talked to him one time since then. Not sure what he is doing or what will be next for him!
Aug 29, 2013
Navy-mom
Hey! Thank you! I'm really not sure which base, just know he is in Pensacola. He is going to be going to school for ABF.
Aug 30, 2013
BeachBunny
Welcome to Pcola Navy-Mom----with ABF training he should be at NAS---there's a big aviation training area close to the barracks there for ABF.....:))
Aug 31, 2013
kanuckone
My son's Grad is at GL's on Oct 18, then his A-school in Pensacola for Air-Crewman.
Aug 31, 2013
Jessica_MF514
Kanuckone my boyfriend is 14 / 390 and will be an AV sailor, heading to A school after he graduates 10/18!
Sep 1, 2013
BeachBunny
Pcola has some great places.....I've been to NAS a couple of times..spent two weeks at a condo near by..sailor spent one weekend with us for father's day...it was fun! Really pretty white sand beaches there... Navy Lodge is right on NAS base and has a beach right there...Navy Gateway is in the middle of the base.....NAS has lots of things to do...Navy Aviation Museum(pilots walk around and chat with visitors), lighthouse only 177 steps to the top for a great view of beaches, runways and blue angels flying above you, Fort Barrancas, cemetery, NEX, movie theater, cabins, Marina, campground...like I said, base is really big...plenty to do and see in the local area.....takes new sailors a couple of weeks to figure out where everything is because it's so big .....if you have a chance you should go there....:))
Sep 1, 2013
Navy-mom
Thank you all for the information. My son doesn't seem to tell me much about what is going on and I feel lost at times. Not even sure at this point how long he will be in Florida and what happens next. Really don't know much about his job either!
Sep 4, 2013
martiheg
Navy-mom, welcome to the Clueless Club, lol! My son was pretty skimpy on details while he was at PCola and when he DID share, it was in Navy-speak, so I was still in the dark and needed him to translate.
In their defense though, it's overwhelming when they first get there, getting to know their way around, where to report, learning new routines. They really don't get much info on what the immediate future holds until it's time for them to know. When they actually start A-School depends on their rate (job), how many sailors are backed up waiting for classes, the alignment of the planets . . .
Here's a link to a page that explains different Navy rates. Should give you an idea:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Navy_ratings
Sep 4, 2013
Nancy
So I have a question for you Veteran SR grads and PCola A school attendees.
How soon after PIR did they fly out to PCola? My daughter is Aviation Tech and will be PIR 10/4 so trying to book flights and hotels in sinc with the timeframe she may have in Boot Camp
Sep 4, 2013
martiheg
Hi Nancy ~ There's no real answer to that. They won't get their orders till right before PIR. They could fly out immediately after (Grad n Go) or any time over the weekend. My son ended up having the entire weekend free, leaving the base Sunday midnight for a Monday noon flight ( !! ).
The two big upsides to that were a) that I met him at the airport Monday morning and had a few more hours to hang with him and b) got to hand him all his much-missed electronics to take to PCola with him. BTW, you CANNOT hand those to your sailor as long as they still have boots on the ground in Great Lakes, PIR grad or not.
So to be safe, maybe book a late Sunday/early Monday flight home? Or, book with insurance that you can change flights for any reason at the last minute (like I did. That's how I managed to get the last few airport hours to spend with him)
As for the hotel, ask if you book the extra nights and don't use them, can you cancel the day or two before and not be charged. I ended up being lucky the hotel had my room available for the extra night. They're all very accommodating to PIR attendees, so I'm sure they'll work with you.
As for which airport they fly out of, again, depends on those last-minute orders. Could be O'Hare or Midway. Of course, we each flew out of different airports that day, but they're a pretty short distance apart along main highways, so running from one to the other was relatively easy.
Sorry it's not a more definite answer, but that's the Navy for ya. Good luck with the planning and have a great time at PIR! Once those huge doors open and the Sailors start marching in, it's SO emotional. (I'm having a Mommy-Moment right now, tearing up at the memory of it, lol).
Sep 4, 2013
Navy-mom
Thanks for that link! I did go check it out and it seemed to clear up a little more for me.
Sep 5, 2013
Navy-mom
I do believe that is correct. That is how my son told me to send his also. I just went today and mailed him a great big package of his personal belongings so I am keeping my fingers crossed that is the right way!
Sep 6, 2013
BeachBunny
Sep 6, 2013
Andrewsmom
Hello All! My son will PIR on 9/13, so he will be in PCola next weekend. I've been reading all the great information in this group for a few weeks now. I've included a few tidbits in my son's letters. In his last letter, he actually listed some things he wanted me to find out! I already know some of the answers, but have another question.
Are the Sailors allowed to have OTC meds (Advil, Sudafed, allergy meds, vitamins, etc...) in their dorm rooms at A school? If so, is it from phase 1 or later? Are there any restrictions? (He said he's had a runny nose and cough the entire time at BC. Thinking allergies.)
Also, his rate is AT I and would love to connect with Moms who have sailors with same. I am aware of the 2 to 3 month hold for this job.
Sep 7, 2013
BeachBunny
Welcome....Andrewsmom..
Oh...that's great that your sailor knows about the holds in Pcola, some are caught off guard about that...he'll have processing and INDOC class were he'll learned the rules and policies of Pcola...they can have OTC meds but each job has a list of what they can and can't take...he can buy them at the NEX when he gets there or let you know so you can send him a package of goodies with approved OTC meds...each package is opened in front of a PO in the mailroom..they will throw away anything not approved....
There's a few ATI mommas on here...one of the longer training programs at NAS....Mine was told 4 month wait for ATO but it turned to be 2 month wait, he'll just have to be ready, I hear it's going faster now.....:))
Sep 7, 2013
Knicksmom(ship12 div 360)
Sep 7, 2013