Nuke School Charleston

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My husband is in Nuke school at the NWS in Charleston, SC. We are enjoying it here! This group's for anyone who wants to talk.

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Sharon ~ K's Mom

We have the "Sprint" card for our home as we don't have other internet access being in a rural area. It has a phone number for the account, it is about $70.00 a month just to have it. Then you have a cap on your downloading and you can sign up to get alerts and we have to because of how much we are on-line. We have gone over and it adds up quickly! We don't have a choice at the moment, so we have to really watch what we download. We are hoping to change it when we can change phones, we will look into the data plans for the four of us as Diego can start his own account with him and Kelsey.

Jan 27, 2011
NF Mom

Any one with Nukes graduating from Boot Camp 02/11/2011 ???

My understanding is divisions 64 through 74 and 804 & 912 graduate

on February 11th, 2011.

My son, div 65, is heading to ET school at Goose Creek on Saturday Morning

or so he is informed.

Anyone else have a son/daughter heading to ET after 2/11/2011 graduation.

Jan 31, 2011
Michimom (MM Nuke Mom)

TC, I heard that there won't be any days off for Easter liberty. Just like a regular weekend. Maybe it will be different for some??

Jan 31, 2011
Kelli_wife of JP

Annette, My husband is graduating on Feb 25th. It's so exciting.

Feb 1, 2011
MJ214 (Ship 11 Div 200)

Hey girls, haven't been on here in a while because my boyfriend is STILL waiting to go to BC. He is confused about when he will start power school once he finally finishes BC and I thought someone could help. Anyone know when power school sessions start/how often? He is worried that after BC he might have to wait a while before he starts. Any info is much appreciated!!

Feb 1, 2011
amanda

Mj- it really all depends. After BC there's about a 2 week wait of classing up, getting briefs, etc. A-school can be 3 or 6 months depending on if he's an EM, ET (both 6 mo) or an MM (3mo). He'll find out what he is towards the later half of BC. Then after A-school he could start Power anywhere between 2 weeks to 2 months. I think even MMs right now are waiting longer between a-school and power. I know the wait time for them is extremely long compared to everyone else going from power to prototype. My fiancee is an EM so I'm not sure what current wait times are. Maybe someone here with a loved one MM can answer that. Hope this helps!

Feb 1, 2011
Dana (David's Mom)

MJ214,

When your boyfriend graduates Boot Camp he will go straight to Goose Creek, SC and start with Indoctrination (briefs and rules and cleaning about 1 or 2 weeks) then class up for A School which usually has a new class begin every week.

Feb 1, 2011
MJ214 (Ship 11 Div 200)

Thanks for the help! He's hoping to be an EM. Definitely cleared some things up though. Thanks girls!

Feb 1, 2011
3boysSheryl

My son graduates from BC on 2/11 and then heads out for Nuke school the next day. Any suggestions of things we should bring to his graduation that he can then take with him to South Carolina? We will bring his cell phone, laptop, and ipod. Anything else he might want or need? Thanks for the help.

Feb 2, 2011
Dodie

Sheryl, It sounds like your son is grad & go...You can meet him at the airport & give him any of his electronics that he would like to take with him. My son definitely wanted his cell phone. He graduated 12/3/10 so he was only at Goose Creek for about 10 days before he came home during the holiday stand down. He took his ipod, laptop, & xbox back w/him to Charleston.

Feb 2, 2011
Dodie

Sheryl, He will not be allowed to bring anything back to Great Lakes after liberty following graduation. However, you can meet him at the airport & give him his toys there...wasn't sure if my earlier post was clear enough:)

Feb 2, 2011
3boysSheryl

Dodie - I can give him all of his "electronics" at the airport, correct? Can I put them in a backpack and then give him the backpack at the airport?

Feb 2, 2011
Dodie

Sheryl, I'm not sure what bags they can carry while in uniform...My son bought a black computer laptop bag & stowed all of his electronics in that.

Feb 2, 2011
amanda

sheryl- yes on the backpack but there are strict rules on backpacks and uniforms. it must be COMPLETELY all black, no brand labels, etc. All black. just keep that in mind.

Feb 2, 2011
3boysSheryl

Thanks Amanda and Dodie!

Feb 2, 2011
ilovemysailor247 (Ship02 DIV915)

Did anyone get base housing after BC? we will be moving there in the middle of March and I called housing they told me theres no waiting list he just has to fill out the application.

Feb 4, 2011
GrandmaB

Can anybody fill me in on information for attending Power School graduation on Febrauary 25th. We have military ID's and are booked into a family unit for that weekend. Can we get on and off base with our rental car and our ID? Is there any info that we should know about getting to the graduation early, number who can attend etc. Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Feb 4, 2011
SumiK0125 (wife of a Nuke MM)

@ilovemysailor- you will for sure get base housing if you apply for it here in goose creek. once he gets here or after you get married (whichever the case may be) he just goes in and signs a lease and they will assign you a house.

Congrats on moving here soon. love to meet with you someday =]

feel free to ADD me on FB if you have any other questions. my name is Alysa Schnepf <3

Feb 4, 2011
Christina

@GrandmaB- you will have access to the base to come on and off even with a rental car because the base is open. The only 2 access points you'd have to worry with is the gates to get into the school areas. And they will have you covered due to graduation. The number on who can attend is how many members he signed up for, getting there an hour or two early is what they recommend and your sailor should be able to fill you in on all that. Good luck and congrats.

Feb 4, 2011
GrandmaB

Nicksmom and Christina, Thank you for your input. The information is very helpful. There will be six of us flying in on the 24th and staying until the 26th. Plan to stay in the Foster Creek Villas. Anyone know how many bathrooms they have in a four bedroom villa? Also can anyone tell me if there is a chapel with Catholic Mass near the Foster Creek Villas and when the Masses are for the weekend of February 26/27? Places to go and things to do when we are there ???Any informtion or insight will be very much appreciated

Feb 4, 2011
Dana (David's Mom)

GrandmaB,

Not sure about the 4 bedroom Villa but the three bedrooms have one full bath and two half baths but then it is a two-story unit so has a half bath downstairs and up stairs has a full bath and master bedroom has a half bath. The All Saints Chapel is close (right behind the Mac Donalds) you will most likely turn there to get to the Villas. The phone number is 843-764-7222 and the last info I have is Sunday Mass is 8:30 am and 11:30am but might call when you get there to verify. The Villas have phones in them. I hope this helps.

Feb 4, 2011
ilovemysailor247 (Ship02 DIV915)

@sumiko...Thanks we are already married he is just in boot camp right now I'm just waiting for this part to end lol. I would love to meet you when we get there :)

Feb 4, 2011
GrandmaB

Dana (David's Mom) I sincerely appreciate all that information. It will be of great help when we are trying to work out the logistics of who, when, and how. Thank you so very much.

Feb 4, 2011
Dana (David's Mom)

GrandmaB,

You're very welcome, I hope you enjoy your time at the Villa's and Power School graduation as much as my family did. I've stayed there twice and loved it, so much better for us than a hotel.

Feb 4, 2011
Christina

you are welcome Grandma B I am glad so many people could help with a bunch of info for you. The base seems a little overwhelming at first when you'll come on but you'll realize it is not as big as it seems and you will love the Villa's, they are really nice and near our house! Congrats to your grandson and son Dana!

Feb 5, 2011
Dayami

Hello! I am going to spend a few days in Charleston with a friend, and really wanted to use the opportunity to visit my Sailor. The only problem is, his phone hasn't been working and there's a good chance it still won't be the weekend I get there. I was wondering if there was any other way to get in contact with him? He's currently on T-Track, and I know the schedules are hectic. I haven't had much chance to speak to him cause of his watch shifts and cell not working, but I would hate to go up there and not be able to see him even if it is just for an hour or even less. Am I allowed to request him somehow? (during his free time of course, I'm not trying to do anything while he's working, and I'm almost certain the weekend I'm going he has off.) Or do you guys have any other suggestions? Thanks in advance!

x-posted

Feb 6, 2011
skimbel

my son is at goosecreek he will be graduating from A school on March 4th do they typically get a leave after they graduate or do they have to start immeadiatly back to school?

Feb 8, 2011
elizabeth77(USS SAN FRANCISCO)

No, they don't go right on to power school. They get a ten day leave and then they are usually on t-track for awhile waiting for the next school to begin. Ttrack is just work shifts.

Feb 8, 2011
skimbel

thank you Elizabeth I was wondering because my son don't like to be honest so I was curious if he was just making it up so he didn't have to keep his promise to come home for a leave. Thanks for your help

Feb 9, 2011
SumiK0125 (wife of a Nuke MM)

@ Skimbel- if they are graduating in the month of january it was my understanding that the Christmas stand down (Dec 17th to Jan 3rd) was considered their "leave". so they will have to go directly on T-track untill Power school starts back. it's shift work either on a cleaning crew or a watch team. NORMALLY they can take up to 10 days leave after A-school (or not)

Feb 10, 2011
SumiK0125 (wife of a Nuke MM)

oops pressed enter early..lol

since he's graduating in march i would think he gets his 10 days leave if he asked for it.

Feb 10, 2011
GrandmaB

We are planning to go the the graduation on the 25th. and surprising our grandson. We are retired military so can get on and off the base using our ID's but do we need anything special to get into graduation? Is there a packet that is sent out like the one they sent for the graduation after basic training? Do we have to be on a list to get into the graduation? Any and all information will be appreciated. Thank you.

Feb 10, 2011
Dana (David's Mom)

GrandmaB,

The base is open except the area where the school classrooms are located and even with a military ID you wouldn't be allowed there except on Graduation Day. Your DL will get you through the gate then. If it's A school graduation you will have to be on a list and go through a security check as it's inside the secure building but Power School is outside and you just tell them at the gate, show your ID and they direct you to parking. Since there is a Power School graduation on the 25th I am assuming that's what you are attending (there is also an A school graduation same day so maybe shouldn't assume).

Feb 10, 2011
GrandmaB

Dana, Thank you for all of that good information. Yes, it is Power School graduation. It has been a long journey and we are so very proud of him. We are getting very excited about attending the graduation. Is Power School graduation as impressive as the Basic Training graduation?

Feb 11, 2011
Dana (David's Mom)

When you arrive all the sailors are lined up by class section around the circle area where the graduation is held. You can go up and talk to them, take pictures etc. They will all sit on one side with all the visitors in the middle area and will be called up by section then cross the stage area, shake a bunch of hands, get a certificate then down the other side and back to their seat. You can go right up to the stage area for pictures (unlike at PIR). After you can get pictures of your family with the higher ups at the stage area (your camera and next in line taking the photo) and there are some areas open for tours/visits. They will sell a few things but take cash. After you can leave with your sailor or whatever plans you make. It's more personal and close but none of the pomp of PIR (the marching, music, flags etc.) I loved them both (also A School grad). Does your granson expect anyone to attend and you are extra as a surprise? I would hate for you to go and he has made other plans afterwards. Plus they do send out a Graduation Invitation as for PIR.

Feb 11, 2011
GrandmaB

Dana,

He knows that his parents are coming and he was hoping we could come as well. In fact he told his parent that he had to put down two people who would attend if they had to hold in in doors. The two people he put down were his Dad and His Grandad, as that would be three generations of Military. He said he will be on hold waiting to get into Proto but he isn't certain for just how long and he would be staying at Goose Creek for Proto. We were not able to attend A School graduation and are sooo looking forward to this one. His parents may already have received the invitation so I will check with them. Should they have it by now? My main concern was if the numbers were limited and we would not be allowed to attend, but I think he may have told them that he was expecting his parents and both sets of grandparents. Again, I truly appreciate all of this information. It will make everything go so much smoother knowing in advance what to do. Thank you! Thank you!

Feb 11, 2011
Dana (David's Mom)

GrandmaB,

If graduation is outdoors and it usually is (even if rain is threating but not comimg down) there is almost unlimited space for guests. Have a great time.

Feb 11, 2011
Penny_Nuke_MM2_NimitzNuke

So is A school a really big thing like PIR was or is Power School the big one. Are both a "do not miss" or is it mainly power school?

Feb 16, 2011
SumiK0125 (wife of a Nuke MM)

A school graduation is very quick, short and sweet they walk across the stage, one speech from their SLPO, and they shake a hand and get a certificate and done (usually like 45mins to an hour.
i haven't been to the power school one yet (My husband is still in power school)
i do hear that it is the important one to go to though, it's much longer and thre are more recognitions. and i have heard that if you are traveling very far, then power school is the one to go to

Navymom2009- how aweful for your son to have to be going through that. was he discharged from the Navy, or Re-classed? I have heard this story a few times and there seems to b nothing anyone can do to overturn a "counselors" decision. which is why MOST of the guys who need counseling for even their marriage won't go because they are scared to get disqualified from the program.

Feb 16, 2011
Penny_Nuke_MM2_NimitzNuke

Hi Sumi, thanks for your comment. My son just started A-school this past Monday. Amazing how fast they throw the 18 hour days at the Nukes. How is your husband doing so far? Bearable, unbearable at times? Would love to hear. You can also message me if you like. Thanks!

Feb 16, 2011
crmom

Hi Penny! My son just started his A school last week and it sounds intense and overwhelming! How is your son handling the long hours and pressure? Mine was not used to actually having to use study skills. He's not a genius but he's always gotten by without having to put forth too much effort in his classes and he would still pass. This sounds like a whole new ballgame for him now. I think the intense pace of learning can be frustrating for mine at times, but he seems to be adjusting to it day by day. I hope your son is doing well and managing the stress of it all.

Feb 16, 2011
mochi1

Navymom2009- my husband (Navy 25 years) said he needs to get an attorney. He can also request mast so he can talk to the commander and plead his case. He needs to demand a second opinion. It sounds like this counselor has already made up his mind, so its time to move beyond him. I hope this all gets straightened out for your son.

Feb 16, 2011
SumiK0125 (wife of a Nuke MM)

Hello Penny and Crmom =]

My husband is an MM so fortunately his A school was only 3 months long (unlike the wire rates EM & ET who have 6 months) A-school is THE EASY ONE. yous guys just have to take a deep breath and really learn the study skills they teach them in A school. As they do well in school they get lowr study hours. My husband is in power school now and some days he will be gone from 6am till 1pm be home for 30-45mins and then not come home until 10pm. during the weeks he's home just long enough to make a mess. Thankfully he does get Saturday and most of Sunday Off. A school was about the same except he'd be home around 8pm.
One other pressure my husband had to handle is that we have a three year old son as well, so he always has to make time to see him on the weekends or even just sit and play blocks with him on his lunch.
I hope both of your sons are doing well and have made a few good friends. a support system in Vital to these guys. our home was literally a weekend getaway for a few of our single sailor friends, i'd make dinner for them and we'd all go to the park and hang out, or just hang out and watch T.V. and play Video games. (somedays i swear i am like a team mom for the Nukes at age 21 LOL)

if you ladies have any other questions feel free to private message me or add me on facebook My name is Alysa Schnepf =]

Feb 17, 2011
NS

Hey ladies! For any of you who are living Navy Wives (or fiances) living in South Carolina there is a facebook group that can also help you with any questions. It's also great to use for meeting other ladies in the area before you move or when you get down here. I joined before I moved and it helped soo much with all the questions I have and it's great to meet some of the girls before you actually move down!

Here is the link =]

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1566930017829&...

Feb 17, 2011
smithersk

Hello everyone. I am brand new to this site. My son is currently in power school and is due to graduate in April. He says that the ceremony is a pretty bid deal. We live in Michigan so it is a long drive for us. So, does anyone know about the ceremony and how important it is?

Feb 20, 2011
Dana (David's Mom)

Power School Graduation is about 300 to 350 enlisted and officer nuke sailors all dressed in their uniforms. They each go across a stage, shake several hands and get a certificate. There is a speaker of some major rank a lot like a high school or possibly a small college graduation. It's a major step that I couldn't miss (and didn't) it was so important to my son that he paid for his brothers to fly out as I could only afford my husband and myself. Just my opinion of course and depends on your son. Some guys have told their parents to not come as they usually get 10 days leave and go home. My son had to leave for Prototype and set up his apartment and wasn't coming home. I would have gone either way.

Feb 20, 2011
smithersk

Thank you Dana. My son would like us to come out and then he can ride back with us for his leave. It's a two day drive but we would be able to spend quality time with him before he gets home and hangs out with his friends. We are very proud of him as you are of your son too.

Feb 20, 2011
Dana (David's Mom)

I drove from California lastt Feb. to see his A school graduation and give him his car. He stayed at the Villas with us and the again for Power School graduation. I got more one on one time with him and met his friends and heard more stories than when he came home for Christmas for two weeks in 2009. It was wonderful and yes very good quality time. Enjoy!!!

Feb 20, 2011
HonorHim

Que Pasa? My SR will be heading to SC soon after his PIR on the 11th!! He has known this is what he has wanted to do and We are extremely happy for this excellent opportunity. we are in NC so that is what I'm happy about. :) Thanks for this link. All prayers and comments welcome.

Feb 23, 2011
andrewsmom/sue

Can anyone recommend a good hotel to stay at near Goose Creek? Our son is graduating from A school in April and we are looking for a place to stay while visiting with him. Thanks.

Feb 25, 2011