Hi everyone, my daughter Tara went in the Navy as Seamen Apprentice almost 2 years ago. She is stationed at Camp Pendleton with ACU5, working with the LCAC's (landing cushion air craft) She just got back from a 6 and half month deployment with the USS Boxer. Teketa, I know about the Bainbridge, Captain Phillips was taken to the Boxer when he was rescued along with all the pirates dead or alive. It was quite an exciting time out there.
Anyway, Tara left a undesignated sailor and came back as a BM. So here I am. She is very excited to be rated BM she worked very hard for it. While we were there for her homecoming she took us on a tour of the Boxer, I was very impressed at what she knows about the ship and all the different jobs she has done. For her I think this is a great rate, she likes to do hands on and likes to try different things, she would get board doing the same thing.
I don't know who said it, but I agree that it is the attitude and the person that makes this job great.
I'm glad there is a group for BM, and I'm glad I found it.
Hello
My son has 2 weeks left of A school, he has not received his orders yet but his friends who finished before him are going to Iraq. I am real nervous if he gets sent there too. They just seem too green, would'nt a ship be better until they gain more experience? My son does not tell me alot about his training but do they get enough time learning to shoot before they stand gaurd in another country? I am so scared he will be sent too. He says they are trained well and he will be fine. Heck he may not even be sent there .....
Good luck to your son Brent! Before you know it he will be getting his orders. My son finished BM A school 2 weeks ago and is heading to Norfolk Va. He is so excited to get started.
Take care,
Hi all. Sunday we received a phone call from Brent. He just got his orders and he will be stationed at Mayport Naval Station, Jacksonville, FL. He also stated that he will be a "Grad-n-Go," seems kind of odd to me - I always thought that they got to come home before their first base.
Don't listen to every thing people who don't know BM's. I had people tell me hr was a ganitor or an order taker but it is and can be so much more. Tell he to always get to class early study stud study best grade usually gets first choice of destination for when he is done.
My son has done so many things so far he love it. He is stationed in Norfolk Va but is in Main helping with getting his ship sto is a new shcked and ready to go (it is a new ship) to Va where it will be stationed. If you ever need to talk just PM me and we can chat. Take care
My son Brent kept hearing negative information about BM's. Let me tell you - he absolutely loves being a BM. He graduated in June and is now station at Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, FL. He is not assigned to any ship but the harbor itself.
Hello! I am new here. My husband and I are deaf but our son is not deaf. My son will go to boot camp in June 26, 2012. He was supposed to take Electronic Tech to work subs but came home from meps to tell me that he can't do sub because he have bad depth perception. I made an eye doctor apt on Nov 2nd to make sure if it is true. If it is true then we will get eye specialist to fix his eyes before he will go to boot camp. He told me that he will work as boatswains mate. I was upset becuase I am worrying about how officers treats saildors bad on the ship like abuse power. I need your help to give me feedback and make me feel better I am glad I found this website! Kathy from CT
Please do not worry! I think no matter what position our kids take we all worry about how they will be treated it is a scary unknown for most of us.
My son is on the USS Jason Dunham and he has gone through good and bad but it is getting used to the work schedule and following the rules that the Officers are there to uphold. My sons ship could be different but I have never heard him say he felt mistreated in any way. He did tell me the key is open communication with all supervisors. At first he was shy and I think some took it as an attitude but as he became more relaxed things got better.
My son has been a BM for 2 yrs and he is very happy. He did take every class offered on the base regarding his job but he had time as his ship was being built. The classes pay off dearly the more you learn the faster you move up.
It is not a cush job but it is a job to be proud of. He has a large group of friends from all from different positions on the ship. He tells me when on the ship they may yell or get yelled at but as soon as they are off the ship it is like a family and that makes me feel good.
No matter what your rank is or position you never know what will happen until you are there. I have heard good and bad about other ships and bases but really, most of it has been a good experience. I miss my son every day but it feels good to know he is doing some thing he likes and he is a Boatswains Mate and proud of it!
Please write me with any questions I can help you with.
Hello all! Well we went to MEPS today and he signed his DEP contract and was sworn in as a BM. (He doesn't graduate high school till June and his ship date is in August.) At first we were very excited. Because he had a high ASVAB score, they were pushing him to IT or CTR fields but he didn't like the idea of sitting in front of a computer all the time, wanted to be more hands on and wanted to spend most of his time on ships, so he picked BM. Now he's been online and is worried it's nothing more than chipping paint and sanding hulls (or whatever) and he wants to change his rate. One of the selling points of his recruiter and classifier today was that because he was so smart, he would advance pretty rapidly and not be stuck painting forever as long as he studied hard and paid attention. Anyone have any advice, experience, about this? Thanks for reading this far LOL.
Hello! My daughter is currently in BC and when done will remain at GL for A School. She is going to be a BM and at this point, I'm not all that thrilled based on the horror stories I have heard. I see there hasn't been any activity since January. Just wanted to stop by and see if there is anyone with someone going through or having finished A School and how they are coming along as a BM.
My son's journey was a bit different as he was in sub school following BC. He became quite ill, and his career path changed. He was undesignated on his ship for a while and tested to rate as a BM3. He loves the activity, he is always busy,especially on deployment. He has definitely had some fantastic life experiences!
My son has been a BM for almost 3 yrs and he has worked really hard but has ventured out into so many other things too.
The one thing I have heard not from my son but from his girlfriend who is also a BM on another ship. There are so many things a female BM can not do then the male BM's that can do every thing get pissed. Females can not life heavy things and being a BM is 75% if not more of heavy lifting. Seeing how the job is over the past 3 years I don't think it is for a females I would tell her to try and get a different rate.
My son started taking every class available when he got to base and he has learned so much, got certified faster and I think passed his promotional tests faster than those who did not take so many classes.
Being a BM is better than people think. It is a hard working job but as for my son he loves it and is happy he got this rate. He is now on the VBSS team as well which is the Visit, board, search and seizure team so in training it gives him variety.
So I guess I am saying it is what you put into it and you can do allot of things if you try hard.
My son will graduate from PIR on Aug 24, 2012. I do not know where the ship he will go to yet but is wondering if there are Boatswain moms from facebook to support each other. I tried to find it but can not find it.
After A school they get their orders as to what base and ship and normaly they get to come home for 10 days then report to their ship. If their ship is on deployment I am not for sure but I assume it is the same.
Now they all don't always go straight to A school from PIR. When my son was done with boot camp it were so many Boatswains that Half went to school while the other half had to wait until they were done with A school then they went. So they kept them busy with classes on how to handle finances which they had already filled out forms for savings and retirment in BC but this taught this a bit more. The painted around base and just most days they tried to keep them busy some days they were just doing PE then had the day off. It was quit frustrating for my son because he was hipped and ready to go to A school. One good thing was he made good friends in BC that went to Norfolk after A school so when he was done with A school and went to Norfolk he ran into so many friends the second day he had people show sow him around and get him settled. It is a huge base I am sure like many and I was worrried how he would know where to go and all because his ship was not built yet. Some moms had posted that their kids were not eating because they could not find the mess hall and were getting lost....... He had a dozen buddies from boot camp by day 2 and really got a good feel where to go. If your sons ship is on deployment he is flown out to the ship and dives right into his job.
There doesn't seem to be any current activity on here. My son just arrived today at Little Creek VA... he had been at Pensacola since Sept 1, 2012. He had to re-class and is now a Boatswain Mate. So now I have a whole lot more learning to do! lol... what a change from hele's to ships... but he's happy and momma's happy. He is joining shipmates on the Ashland! Anyone here have a son or hubby there?
Hi All! My Sailor just reclassed to Boatswain's Mate from CTI... DLI was very stressful. He is waiting on his orders so I have no idea yet which ship he will be assigned to. This is a HUGE change for him in his career path for the Navy. But he is happy with the change. He said he is going to be a Real Sailor now. :)
Hi My name is Kris. My son, Blake ,left for bootcamp on 4/11. Can you give me an idea of what I have to look forward to? Im a nervous wreck these days and miss my boy!! But...staying positive!!
Hi Kris! welcome to Navy Mom's Lets see you are into it for 11 days.... I am trying to remember the time frames... :) my son went in July 1st... so seems like an eternity ago!! I will say that what you are feeling is normal and if it is any consolation it does get better!! :) I still have my days when I miss my boy so much it pains me... What you have to look forward to is midway you will get a real phone call (short but better than the robotic.. Hi, I am here where they sound so unemotional you just want to reach through the phone and touch them. You will get your boy in the box minus the boy when they send home the only things they had with them when they left. Once the letters come it makes you feel like you will survive and so will they. Mine was my only son and the youngest of 3 (2 older sisters) and on top of it I had only been divorced for 2 years.. and became an empty nest when his sister left for school that Sept. again. Start making your PIR grad plans.... and I guess just let yourself feel.. I think that its okay and makes the relationship grow too! We are all here for each other at any stage!
Hi christopher's mom!! I know right! Let's see if we can get this chat board moving! My sailor just re-rated as a BM so I'm just trying to find out more about it. He is still at his previous A school. He received orders yesterday and is joining the Emory Land.
Your name is PamperedMom{how funny}...I don't know what the Emory land is?....My son has been a BM for{almost}4yrs.read down ,your see,he's Rank and is reinlisting{another 4yrs.}May 17,2013...he is Deployed{now}for the 3rd time....On 1 of the Top{aircraft carriers}in Norfolk...Once your assigned to a Ship,your there for 4yrs....He's my only boy!!!....I have a girl too{she's older}....Mom~have faith,in your son's decesions,incourage and support{with All your might}....
My son is BM on the USS Ashland in Little Creek, but left a week and a half to go to SAR RSS school in Jacksonville, Fl ... he rejoins his ship after he grads from the school at Jacksonville the end of May sometime.. then gets to come home the first week of June, before they deploy... anyone else have kids at either of those places?
So let me clarify... My sailor is going to Diego Garcia (DG) and is assigned to the USS Emory Land. This assignment is for 1 year. I don't know much yet about the BM job and neither does he. He is not going to A school for it. He is leaving his CTI school and going to DG to meet his ship.
I don't know what all the letters mean after the BM rating, but I know I will learn!! Looking forward to chatting with you all.
Ry'smom - I love Jacksonville Fl. It's a great town. I went to school in Gainesville, not too far from there (a long time ago).
Hello ladies...good to see some activity. My son is a BM3 on the USS Philippine Sea, based in Jacksonville (Mayport). He's been on the ship almost 3 years and loves it. The family is headed from CA to FL for vacation and a visit in June, and we'll be there for his reenlistment. He likes the rate and is eager for their next deployment. I'm not familiar with SAR RSS and am curious to learn more.
Welcome to the Navy, Kris! Good luck making it through bootcamp -- I hope you'll be able to get to his PIR, what an AMAZING experience!
Kris, I agree with Cindy about PIR. It was amazing so start planning your trip to Great Lakes. You will be so excited to get that first hug from your new sailor!
Hi, My son is a BM on USS Somerset stationed in San Diego as of March 1, 2013. He is coming back from Alaska as we speak on USS Anchorage. I should say that his ship is still being built in Louisiana. USS Anchorage had a commission ceremony on May 4th....Anyone on any of those ships? Would love to hear from you..
My son Brent is station on the USS George Washington in Japan (this is is second assignment). He just found out today that my made E-5 / BM2. I am so proud of him. Right after basic and A-School (2010) he was stationed at Mayport Naval Station - Harbor Ops where he learned a lot of things. Now he is learning more by being stationed on the USS George Washington.
Visit board search secure...
They apparently are a line of defense for their ship
He's excited about it but was told its more intense than boot camp. He his no fear and is ready to do it
Hi all, Congrats to Brent on BM2!!!!! I know that seems to be the time when our sons and daughter take a deep breath and say wow I can do this at least for mine. BM3 was like oh yeah I made BM3 a couple months back....... I was like a mom likes to know these things. Now I know to go online and look...lol well this past time when he got BM2 he was on deployment I posted congrats to HIM.
He has bed the boat captain for VBSS for the past say maybe 2 years and will be in the full VBSS training starting Aug 10th. He does not seem worried about it so I wasn't either but now you ladies have me worried. My son has been on so many missions with VBSS and Seals and has been through the basic to advanced combat training already I think the more training he gets the more he loves the Navy!!! He is set to re up for 6 more years in a few months and I am happy for him. Heck we are expecting our first grandchild too!!!! His wife Rose was a Military Brat with her dad just retiring last year from the Marines so I hope she can handle deployments.
Anyone else have a son going to VBSS this Aug 10th?
Take care, Paula
I'd love to help you out ladies, but I don't know the answer to that! My son didn't go to A school for BM- he became a BM after being undesignated for a bit first. I know many times holds can be from a week to several weeks (4-6), but that was for other stuff. Not sure the BM backlog is quite so big, so I would guess hold would be shorter. Hope that helps some! Welcome to Navy life!
My son was also undes. PIR 10/12 and has been on deck crew on an LSD in Virginia since November. He was able to strike the rate and work on job training.
Plan and wait. The Navy way,
MPL I am so happy for you!!!!! My son enjoyed A school he was at Great Lakes is that where your son is?
My son told me that the one things instructors HATED was when people came in late. You would be surprised I was shocked!!! He said the same group of guys were out side smoking and always came in late. It was getting to where the entire class was getting punished because of them. He got the other BM students together and they cornered the guys before class and told them if they were ever late again it would be because they were in the hospital...lol They never did it again...
So being punctual is important!
My son has been a BM for going on 4 years in Dec. He is re-enlisting for another 6 in October. It will be hard very hard tedious work but if you study hard when you get to your ship and sign up for any class related to being a BM when he gets to his base. My sons ship was not ready it was still being built but instead of watching TV he took all the classes they offered and has moved up in rank fast and got onto a VBSS team in 2 1/2 years as a boat captain yes he went to school and got his RHIB boat licence then became a captain.
There is endless possabilities but seriously my son did not watch TV for a year. He studied every minute he had because he wanted to move up from painting and mopping. There is a lot of that when you first start but as you learn things it starts to get more interesting working on navigation, steering the ship and more.
Tell him I said good luck!!! Contact me any time I am happy to answer any questions. My son is in Norfolk so let me know if he goes there because the base is so big it has 2 zip codes. My son was lucky to have someone that showed him around. I am sure he could get one of his BM's if not himself to help him get used to things. He is usually so busy plus has a baby on the way their first (I am so excited!!!) that is why I said he may have one of his BM's or friends meet him. Oh and since he was on hold like my son he will most likley have friends from Boot Camp there before him. Take care
Missmy sailor Hello yes my son is in great loakes he graduates sept 6 BM he has to be in Mississippi for a month training and he will be station in San Diego and will do 6 months or so of schooling out there .. I don't know how to friend you on this site are you on face book if so friend me my name marlene linnon
CrackerjackMom
Anyway, Tara left a undesignated sailor and came back as a BM. So here I am. She is very excited to be rated BM she worked very hard for it. While we were there for her homecoming she took us on a tour of the Boxer, I was very impressed at what she knows about the ship and all the different jobs she has done. For her I think this is a great rate, she likes to do hands on and likes to try different things, she would get board doing the same thing.
I don't know who said it, but I agree that it is the attitude and the person that makes this job great.
I'm glad there is a group for BM, and I'm glad I found it.
Aug 3, 2009
CrackerjackMom
Sep 8, 2009
matthews_mommy
Mar 10, 2010
MissMySailor
My son has 2 weeks left of A school, he has not received his orders yet but his friends who finished before him are going to Iraq. I am real nervous if he gets sent there too. They just seem too green, would'nt a ship be better until they gain more experience? My son does not tell me alot about his training but do they get enough time learning to shoot before they stand gaurd in another country? I am so scared he will be sent too. He says they are trained well and he will be fine. Heck he may not even be sent there .....
Mar 28, 2010
MissMySailor
Take care, Paula
Apr 9, 2010
Brent's_Mom
Apr 20, 2010
MissMySailor
Take care,
Apr 20, 2010
Brent's_Mom
Apr 21, 2010
Brent's_Mom
May 25, 2010
MissMySailor
My son has done so many things so far he love it. He is stationed in Norfolk Va but is in Main helping with getting his ship sto is a new shcked and ready to go (it is a new ship) to Va where it will be stationed. If you ever need to talk just PM me and we can chat. Take care
Jul 28, 2010
Brent's_Mom
Aug 10, 2010
deaf65 (Ship 11 Div 262)
Oct 22, 2011
MissMySailor
Hi Deaf65,
Please do not worry! I think no matter what position our kids take we all worry about how they will be treated it is a scary unknown for most of us.
My son is on the USS Jason Dunham and he has gone through good and bad but it is getting used to the work schedule and following the rules that the Officers are there to uphold. My sons ship could be different but I have never heard him say he felt mistreated in any way. He did tell me the key is open communication with all supervisors. At first he was shy and I think some took it as an attitude but as he became more relaxed things got better.
My son has been a BM for 2 yrs and he is very happy. He did take every class offered on the base regarding his job but he had time as his ship was being built. The classes pay off dearly the more you learn the faster you move up.
It is not a cush job but it is a job to be proud of. He has a large group of friends from all from different positions on the ship. He tells me when on the ship they may yell or get yelled at but as soon as they are off the ship it is like a family and that makes me feel good.
No matter what your rank is or position you never know what will happen until you are there. I have heard good and bad about other ships and bases but really, most of it has been a good experience. I miss my son every day but it feels good to know he is doing some thing he likes and he is a Boatswains Mate and proud of it!
Please write me with any questions I can help you with.
Paula
Oct 22, 2011
deaf65 (Ship 11 Div 262)
Oct 24, 2011
deaf65 (Ship 11 Div 262)
Oct 24, 2011
Hannah88
Hello all! Well we went to MEPS today and he signed his DEP contract and was sworn in as a BM. (He doesn't graduate high school till June and his ship date is in August.) At first we were very excited. Because he had a high ASVAB score, they were pushing him to IT or CTR fields but he didn't like the idea of sitting in front of a computer all the time, wanted to be more hands on and wanted to spend most of his time on ships, so he picked BM. Now he's been online and is worried it's nothing more than chipping paint and sanding hulls (or whatever) and he wants to change his rate. One of the selling points of his recruiter and classifier today was that because he was so smart, he would advance pretty rapidly and not be stuck painting forever as long as he studied hard and paid attention. Anyone have any advice, experience, about this? Thanks for reading this far LOL.
Jan 11, 2012
mynavybaby - SHIP03, DIV277
Hello! My daughter is currently in BC and when done will remain at GL for A School. She is going to be a BM and at this point, I'm not all that thrilled based on the horror stories I have heard. I see there hasn't been any activity since January. Just wanted to stop by and see if there is anyone with someone going through or having finished A School and how they are coming along as a BM.
Jul 17, 2012
Cindy
Jul 17, 2012
MissMySailor
Hi mynavybaby
My son has been a BM for almost 3 yrs and he has worked really hard but has ventured out into so many other things too.
The one thing I have heard not from my son but from his girlfriend who is also a BM on another ship. There are so many things a female BM can not do then the male BM's that can do every thing get pissed. Females can not life heavy things and being a BM is 75% if not more of heavy lifting. Seeing how the job is over the past 3 years I don't think it is for a females I would tell her to try and get a different rate.
My son started taking every class available when he got to base and he has learned so much, got certified faster and I think passed his promotional tests faster than those who did not take so many classes.
Being a BM is better than people think. It is a hard working job but as for my son he loves it and is happy he got this rate. He is now on the VBSS team as well which is the Visit, board, search and seizure team so in training it gives him variety.
So I guess I am saying it is what you put into it and you can do allot of things if you try hard.
Take care
Aug 7, 2012
deaf65 (Ship 11 Div 262)
Hey Everybody,
My son will graduate from PIR on Aug 24, 2012. I do not know where the ship he will go to yet but is wondering if there are Boatswain moms from facebook to support each other. I tried to find it but can not find it.
Aug 8, 2012
GodFavorMe(TreMom)NORFOLK
Can anyone tell me after A school do they get a chance to come home for ten days or what
Aug 11, 2012
MissMySailor
After A school they get their orders as to what base and ship and normaly they get to come home for 10 days then report to their ship. If their ship is on deployment I am not for sure but I assume it is the same.
Now they all don't always go straight to A school from PIR. When my son was done with boot camp it were so many Boatswains that Half went to school while the other half had to wait until they were done with A school then they went. So they kept them busy with classes on how to handle finances which they had already filled out forms for savings and retirment in BC but this taught this a bit more. The painted around base and just most days they tried to keep them busy some days they were just doing PE then had the day off. It was quit frustrating for my son because he was hipped and ready to go to A school. One good thing was he made good friends in BC that went to Norfolk after A school so when he was done with A school and went to Norfolk he ran into so many friends the second day he had people show sow him around and get him settled. It is a huge base I am sure like many and I was worrried how he would know where to go and all because his ship was not built yet. Some moms had posted that their kids were not eating because they could not find the mess hall and were getting lost....... He had a dozen buddies from boot camp by day 2 and really got a good feel where to go. If your sons ship is on deployment he is flown out to the ship and dives right into his job.
Aug 11, 2012
Ry'smom Ship04Div818
There doesn't seem to be any current activity on here. My son just arrived today at Little Creek VA... he had been at Pensacola since Sept 1, 2012. He had to re-class and is now a Boatswain Mate. So now I have a whole lot more learning to do! lol... what a change from hele's to ships... but he's happy and momma's happy. He is joining shipmates on the Ashland! Anyone here have a son or hubby there?
Feb 27, 2013
PamperedMom
Hi All! My Sailor just reclassed to Boatswain's Mate from CTI... DLI was very stressful. He is waiting on his orders so I have no idea yet which ship he will be assigned to. This is a HUGE change for him in his career path for the Navy. But he is happy with the change. He said he is going to be a Real Sailor now. :)
Apr 18, 2013
kris
Hi My name is Kris. My son, Blake ,left for bootcamp on 4/11. Can you give me an idea of what I have to look forward to? Im a nervous wreck these days and miss my boy!! But...staying positive!!
Apr 22, 2013
Ry'smom Ship04Div818
Hi Kris! welcome to Navy Mom's Lets see you are into it for 11 days.... I am trying to remember the time frames... :) my son went in July 1st... so seems like an eternity ago!! I will say that what you are feeling is normal and if it is any consolation it does get better!! :) I still have my days when I miss my boy so much it pains me... What you have to look forward to is midway you will get a real phone call (short but better than the robotic.. Hi, I am here where they sound so unemotional you just want to reach through the phone and touch them. You will get your boy in the box minus the boy when they send home the only things they had with them when they left. Once the letters come it makes you feel like you will survive and so will they. Mine was my only son and the youngest of 3 (2 older sisters) and on top of it I had only been divorced for 2 years.. and became an empty nest when his sister left for school that Sept. again. Start making your PIR grad plans.... and I guess just let yourself feel.. I think that its okay and makes the relationship grow too! We are all here for each other at any stage!
Apr 22, 2013
christopher's mom
My name is Leesia,my son's name is Chris...he is a BM{SW}3 E~4
Apr 30, 2013
christopher's mom
to have 73 members,where is everybody?....
May 1, 2013
PamperedMom
Hi christopher's mom!! I know right! Let's see if we can get this chat board moving! My sailor just re-rated as a BM so I'm just trying to find out more about it. He is still at his previous A school. He received orders yesterday and is joining the Emory Land.
May 2, 2013
christopher's mom
Your name is PamperedMom{how funny}...I don't know what the Emory land is?....My son has been a BM for{almost}4yrs.read down ,your see,he's Rank and is reinlisting{another 4yrs.}May 17,2013...he is Deployed{now}for the 3rd time....On 1 of the Top{aircraft carriers}in Norfolk...Once your assigned to a Ship,your there for 4yrs....He's my only boy!!!....I have a girl too{she's older}....Mom~have faith,in your son's decesions,incourage and support{with All your might}....
May 2, 2013
Ry'smom Ship04Div818
My son is BM on the USS Ashland in Little Creek, but left a week and a half to go to SAR RSS school in Jacksonville, Fl ... he rejoins his ship after he grads from the school at Jacksonville the end of May sometime.. then gets to come home the first week of June, before they deploy... anyone else have kids at either of those places?
May 2, 2013
PamperedMom
So let me clarify... My sailor is going to Diego Garcia (DG) and is assigned to the USS Emory Land. This assignment is for 1 year. I don't know much yet about the BM job and neither does he. He is not going to A school for it. He is leaving his CTI school and going to DG to meet his ship.
I don't know what all the letters mean after the BM rating, but I know I will learn!! Looking forward to chatting with you all.
Ry'smom - I love Jacksonville Fl. It's a great town. I went to school in Gainesville, not too far from there (a long time ago).
May 2, 2013
Cindy
Hello ladies...good to see some activity. My son is a BM3 on the USS Philippine Sea, based in Jacksonville (Mayport). He's been on the ship almost 3 years and loves it. The family is headed from CA to FL for vacation and a visit in June, and we'll be there for his reenlistment. He likes the rate and is eager for their next deployment. I'm not familiar with SAR RSS and am curious to learn more.
Welcome to the Navy, Kris! Good luck making it through bootcamp -- I hope you'll be able to get to his PIR, what an AMAZING experience!
May 3, 2013
PamperedMom
Kris, I agree with Cindy about PIR. It was amazing so start planning your trip to Great Lakes. You will be so excited to get that first hug from your new sailor!
May 4, 2013
bela02
Hi, My son is a BM on USS Somerset stationed in San Diego as of March 1, 2013. He is coming back from Alaska as we speak on USS Anchorage. I should say that his ship is still being built in Louisiana. USS Anchorage had a commission ceremony on May 4th....Anyone on any of those ships? Would love to hear from you..
May 7, 2013
Brent's_Mom
Hi everyone,
Been away for a long time.
My son Brent is station on the USS George Washington in Japan (this is is second assignment). He just found out today that my made E-5 / BM2. I am so proud of him. Right after basic and A-School (2010) he was stationed at Mayport Naval Station - Harbor Ops where he learned a lot of things. Now he is learning more by being stationed on the USS George Washington.
May 22, 2013
Skippy
He also was selected for VBSS training.
Jun 26, 2013
PamperedMom
Hi Skippy! awsome news on your Sailor! What is VBSS training?
Jul 13, 2013
Skippy
They apparently are a line of defense for their ship
He's excited about it but was told its more intense than boot camp. He his no fear and is ready to do it
Jul 20, 2013
MissMySailor
He has bed the boat captain for VBSS for the past say maybe 2 years and will be in the full VBSS training starting Aug 10th. He does not seem worried about it so I wasn't either but now you ladies have me worried. My son has been on so many missions with VBSS and Seals and has been through the basic to advanced combat training already I think the more training he gets the more he loves the Navy!!! He is set to re up for 6 more years in a few months and I am happy for him. Heck we are expecting our first grandchild too!!!! His wife Rose was a Military Brat with her dad just retiring last year from the Marines so I hope she can handle deployments.
Anyone else have a son going to VBSS this Aug 10th?
Take care, Paula
Jul 27, 2013
mpl
I have a question my son is on hold from beginning of july for bm school they cut right before him how long can they be on hold for
Aug 3, 2013
AnchorsAweigh 09-341
mpl - I have the same question. I am wondering how likely it is for BM's to be put on hold after boot camp and how long could hold be?
Aug 8, 2013
jodybrock
I'd love to help you out ladies, but I don't know the answer to that! My son didn't go to A school for BM- he became a BM after being undesignated for a bit first. I know many times holds can be from a week to several weeks (4-6), but that was for other stuff. Not sure the BM backlog is quite so big, so I would guess hold would be shorter. Hope that helps some! Welcome to Navy life!
Aug 8, 2013
Skippy
Plan and wait. The Navy way,
Aug 8, 2013
mpl
Hello all im so happy my son called Friday and he is starting BM school on Monday so excited for him... he cant wait....
Aug 11, 2013
mpl
cant wait my son graduates BM school sept 6th
Aug 27, 2013
MissMySailor
MPL I am so happy for you!!!!! My son enjoyed A school he was at Great Lakes is that where your son is?
My son told me that the one things instructors HATED was when people came in late. You would be surprised I was shocked!!! He said the same group of guys were out side smoking and always came in late. It was getting to where the entire class was getting punished because of them. He got the other BM students together and they cornered the guys before class and told them if they were ever late again it would be because they were in the hospital...lol They never did it again...
So being punctual is important!
My son has been a BM for going on 4 years in Dec. He is re-enlisting for another 6 in October. It will be hard very hard tedious work but if you study hard when you get to your ship and sign up for any class related to being a BM when he gets to his base. My sons ship was not ready it was still being built but instead of watching TV he took all the classes they offered and has moved up in rank fast and got onto a VBSS team in 2 1/2 years as a boat captain yes he went to school and got his RHIB boat licence then became a captain.
There is endless possabilities but seriously my son did not watch TV for a year. He studied every minute he had because he wanted to move up from painting and mopping. There is a lot of that when you first start but as you learn things it starts to get more interesting working on navigation, steering the ship and more.
Tell him I said good luck!!! Contact me any time I am happy to answer any questions. My son is in Norfolk so let me know if he goes there because the base is so big it has 2 zip codes. My son was lucky to have someone that showed him around. I am sure he could get one of his BM's if not himself to help him get used to things. He is usually so busy plus has a baby on the way their first (I am so excited!!!) that is why I said he may have one of his BM's or friends meet him. Oh and since he was on hold like my son he will most likley have friends from Boot Camp there before him. Take care
Aug 27, 2013
mpl
Missmy sailor Hello yes my son is in great loakes he graduates sept 6 BM he has to be in Mississippi for a month training and he will be station in San Diego and will do 6 months or so of schooling out there .. I don't know how to friend you on this site are you on face book if so friend me my name marlene linnon
Aug 28, 2013