Hi Ladies:
Spent last weekend with Matt in San Diego. It was so good to see him. He hasn't changed one bit! I did not go on base because it is so small, you can see the whole thing just by driving by. Much smaller than an average high school. They have a parking lot across the street from the base with a walk-over bridge and that's where I picked up/dropped off Matt. I did not get to see any other sailors :(
I'm still in California and will return to Tucson next week. More later.
Hi All, My son Tim had his PIR on Friday (9/26) and just arrived in San Diego today. He will be doing Advanced Surface Sonar training. I heard from him while he was in the airport in Chicago, but haven't heard from him since he arrived in San Diego. Can anyone tell me what his frist week will be like?
Hi Denise, I'm sorry your son had a hard time in San Diego. Hopefully my son will see the better side of things! I did hear from him last night and he is so happy being away from Great Lakes. His roommate was from his division at boot camp, so at least he knows him already. Anyone else have info on what school will be like?
081008-N-5549O-022 WASHINGTON (Oct. 8, 2008) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter, right, and Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Gary Roughead depart the United States Supreme Court after listening to oral argument regarding the use of sonar in naval training exercises off the coast of California. The Supreme Court will decide a dispute between the U.S. Navy and conservationists over sonar use during naval training exercises off the coast of Southern California. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien (Released)
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Supreme Court Hears Navy Sonar Case
Story Number: NNS081008-10
Release Date: 10/8/2008 8:34:00 PM
From the Department of the Navy
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Supreme Court heard oral argument Oct. 8 regarding the Navy's use of active sonar during major training exercises in Southern California.
"This case is important to our Navy and our nation's security. I appreciate the Supreme Court's willingness to take the case and afford us the opportunity to be heard this morning," stated the Secretary of the Navy, Donald C. Winter.
The U.S. Solicitor General, Gregory G. Garre, opened his argument before the nine Supreme Court justices, stating that the Navy's training is vitally important to Navy strike groups deployed around the world and to our national security.
On behalf of the Navy and Department of Commerce, the U.S. Solicitor General, in his merits brief, challenged the restrictions imposed by the lower courts. The Navy's position is that the lower court's decision is legally erroneous and conflicts with the judgment of Congress, the President and the nation's top naval officers. The preliminary injunction prevents Navy strike groups from conducting realistic training with mid-frequency active (MFA) sonar off the coast of Southern California.
The U.S. District Court in Los Angeles handed down its original ruling in August 2007 and, in January 2008, imposed burdensome training restrictions that the Navy determined would unacceptably put the Navy's ability to deploy trained strike groups at risk. These included a requirement to shut down sonar altogether when marine mammals are within 2,200 yards of any sonar source and to reduce sonar power by 75 percent when the Navy detects significant surface ducting conditions, whether or not a marine mammal is present. Surface ducting conditions are characterized by a mixed layer of constant water temperature extending at least 100 feet below the surface.
The 2,200-yard shutdown zone is 11 times greater than the existing shutdown distance that the Navy developed in consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service.
The requirement to reduce sonar power by 75 percent during significant surface ducting conditions, whether or not a marine mammal is present, will prevent Navy strike groups from conducting training to detect submarines in the same conditions in which submarines seek to hide.
The district court ruling was affirmed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Feb. 29. The Supreme Court agreed to review the case June 23, which led to the oral argument.
The Navy strives to reduce the environmental impacts of its training and to promote environmental stewardship while effectively conducting operations that are essential to national security. During anti-submarine warfare active sonar training, the Navy implements dozens of different measures to protect marine mammals established by the Navy in cooperation with National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Beyond environmental compliance, the Navy also is a world leader in marine mammal research. The Navy recently invested $25 million toward several research goals. For example, the Navy is researching the distribution and abundance of protected marine species and their habitats and is working to improve the understanding of the effects of sound on marine mammals.
The Navy must conduct realistic anti-submarine warfare training by using active sonar at sea to prepare sonar operators for combat. The acoustic complexity of the ocean environment, particularly in shallow water areas where the Navy hunts for quiet diesel submarines, makes real-world training a necessity. Even the best simulators cannot effectively emulate the underwater environment. When Navy men and women go into harm's way, they need to be trained and ready.
While the case remains in the Supreme Court pending decision, the Navy and the Department of Commerce continue to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) that will analyze training with mid-frequency active sonar as part of a more comprehensive study of training in the Southern California operating area to ensure continued compliance with environmental regulations in that area. The EIS is expected to be completed in December.
Adm. Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations, had this to say in reflection of the day's events, "I appreciate the work the Department of Justice has done in moving this vital issue forward, and I am pleased the Supreme Court heard the case today. A well-trained Navy is key to defending our security and prosperity."
You are absolutely correct Donna. Tim's roommate is 23 and Tim turns 19 on Oct. 29th. It's scary to think that when they go off base together his friend can drink, but Tim cant. His roommate is also supposed to be getting a tattoo today, I didn't think they were allowed to get tattoo's. Tim asked me about getting one. Well, I have 3 myself, but I didn't get them until I was 44 LOL I tried to tell him he had to wait until he was 44, but that didn't go over...but I did convince him to let me take him to the lady who did mine!! So that will be a while before we are in California again, hopefully he will forget by then. Anyway, I hope that we have taught Tim well enough to realize no matter what others are doing around him, he needs to stay out of trouble.
Thanks Donna and Denise, So I guess it's just while in DEP they can't get a tattoo, that's good to know. Last night Tim was talking about getting 3. We will see after he finds out how much it hurts! As for the drinking, we will just have to wait and see, I don't believe Tim is a big fan of it, he gets mad at his Dad when he has a beer. All we can do it pray. I'm glad your's has gotten past that phase already Donna! And Denise, I'm sure he will stay true to who he is.
Hi Mom of Many, my son just completed week 2 of his training, he PIR'd on 9/26. He is loving San Diego, they went to Sea World today. My son is only 18, will be 19 on Oct 29th, his roommate is 23 and I just have to hope and pray that he keeps out of trouble. Hi roommate is still awaiting his security clearance and has more time on his hands than Tim does. Tim preferes to stay on base and hang out in his room so far...hope it stays that way. Welcome to the group Mom of Many, there are ladies in here who's son's have graduated and are in the fleet and others who are still waiting to class up. Congrats on your new sailor! I'm sure he will love San Diego!
Welcome Pat!! Sounds like your son is doing awesome!!! As Melissa said, let us know how he does on the chief test!
I spoke with my son Tim twice yesterday. We've been working on his flights home for Chirstmas. He is worried about getting the paperwork done for his leave. He said, it seems the times that he can get all his signatures is the time while he is in class. When he called back the second time he was very home sick and worried about coming home. I just keep telling him to ask questions and find the right people who can help, but like a man, he doesn't want to ask for help. Good news is, he has passed all the tests he has taken, this coming week they have two tests. So I hope he does well with both!
GOOD NEWS Tim got all his paperwork signed and turned in!!! I hope they approve it, because we went ahead and bought the tickets so they wouldn't go up in price any more!!
Dianne:
Thanks for sharing your heart-warming story. Your nephew went way of his way to find Tim, as I've been toTim's base and it's NOT close to the "main" base in SD! What a morale booster for Tim.
I wanted to post a picture of the Quarterdeck but I can't cuz I'm on the laptopll...anyway it's just an office building about 4 stories, first floor is administrative and the other floors are all the sonar classrooms.
Tim is really doing good on his tests! His is enjoying SD yet? Has he settled in and calmed down? Matt grew to love SD and hated leaving.....
I think the younger boys contact home more often than the older boys. My oldest calls more because he knows I am missing his brother. My Tim calls home every night. But I'm sure that will change the older he gets. So I'm enjoying it for now. Its awesome that your younger son contacts you all the time from the aircraft carrier. Your Tim may still be waiting for the approval for his leave for Christmas. I know mine is still waiting for his. I'm sure you will hear from him soon.
My son was really mad that his job got changed by the classifors at Boot camp. He really want to be a CT. I've been told after 3 years he can put in for it and if they have a shortage in the CT field and he's got a good record he can change. But maybe after he gets a chance to actually do his job, he may change his mind. Only time will tell!
Sandy I think all of our Sailors could benefit from your advice. I can't wait to hear what my Sailor son has to say after he finishes this first deployment! Hopefully he'll be happy where he's at. He has made a lot of wonderful friends and is grateful for that...
Melissa (Tucson)
Spent last weekend with Matt in San Diego. It was so good to see him. He hasn't changed one bit! I did not go on base because it is so small, you can see the whole thing just by driving by. Much smaller than an average high school. They have a parking lot across the street from the base with a walk-over bridge and that's where I picked up/dropped off Matt. I did not get to see any other sailors :(
I'm still in California and will return to Tucson next week. More later.
Jun 28, 2008
Melissa (Tucson)
Jul 17, 2008
Melissa (Tucson)
I think you may be the first sonar mom with a son going to Groton. He must be getting ready for submarines??
I haven't heard of Sonar/FIR control but that doesn't mean anything. Maybe on a sub they have to multitask?? Any suggestions, all you sonar moms?
Aug 22, 2008
Dianne
Oct 1, 2008
Dianne
Oct 2, 2008
Melissa (Tucson)
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Supreme Court Hears Navy Sonar Case
Story Number: NNS081008-10
Release Date: 10/8/2008 8:34:00 PM
From the Department of the Navy
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Supreme Court heard oral argument Oct. 8 regarding the Navy's use of active sonar during major training exercises in Southern California.
"This case is important to our Navy and our nation's security. I appreciate the Supreme Court's willingness to take the case and afford us the opportunity to be heard this morning," stated the Secretary of the Navy, Donald C. Winter.
The U.S. Solicitor General, Gregory G. Garre, opened his argument before the nine Supreme Court justices, stating that the Navy's training is vitally important to Navy strike groups deployed around the world and to our national security.
On behalf of the Navy and Department of Commerce, the U.S. Solicitor General, in his merits brief, challenged the restrictions imposed by the lower courts. The Navy's position is that the lower court's decision is legally erroneous and conflicts with the judgment of Congress, the President and the nation's top naval officers. The preliminary injunction prevents Navy strike groups from conducting realistic training with mid-frequency active (MFA) sonar off the coast of Southern California.
The U.S. District Court in Los Angeles handed down its original ruling in August 2007 and, in January 2008, imposed burdensome training restrictions that the Navy determined would unacceptably put the Navy's ability to deploy trained strike groups at risk. These included a requirement to shut down sonar altogether when marine mammals are within 2,200 yards of any sonar source and to reduce sonar power by 75 percent when the Navy detects significant surface ducting conditions, whether or not a marine mammal is present. Surface ducting conditions are characterized by a mixed layer of constant water temperature extending at least 100 feet below the surface.
The 2,200-yard shutdown zone is 11 times greater than the existing shutdown distance that the Navy developed in consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service.
The requirement to reduce sonar power by 75 percent during significant surface ducting conditions, whether or not a marine mammal is present, will prevent Navy strike groups from conducting training to detect submarines in the same conditions in which submarines seek to hide.
The district court ruling was affirmed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Feb. 29. The Supreme Court agreed to review the case June 23, which led to the oral argument.
The Navy strives to reduce the environmental impacts of its training and to promote environmental stewardship while effectively conducting operations that are essential to national security. During anti-submarine warfare active sonar training, the Navy implements dozens of different measures to protect marine mammals established by the Navy in cooperation with National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Beyond environmental compliance, the Navy also is a world leader in marine mammal research. The Navy recently invested $25 million toward several research goals. For example, the Navy is researching the distribution and abundance of protected marine species and their habitats and is working to improve the understanding of the effects of sound on marine mammals.
The Navy must conduct realistic anti-submarine warfare training by using active sonar at sea to prepare sonar operators for combat. The acoustic complexity of the ocean environment, particularly in shallow water areas where the Navy hunts for quiet diesel submarines, makes real-world training a necessity. Even the best simulators cannot effectively emulate the underwater environment. When Navy men and women go into harm's way, they need to be trained and ready.
While the case remains in the Supreme Court pending decision, the Navy and the Department of Commerce continue to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) that will analyze training with mid-frequency active sonar as part of a more comprehensive study of training in the Southern California operating area to ensure continued compliance with environmental regulations in that area. The EIS is expected to be completed in December.
Adm. Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations, had this to say in reflection of the day's events, "I appreciate the work the Department of Justice has done in moving this vital issue forward, and I am pleased the Supreme Court heard the case today. A well-trained Navy is key to defending our security and prosperity."
Oct 9, 2008
Dianne
Oct 15, 2008
Dianne
Oct 16, 2008
Dianne
Oct 17, 2008
Dianne
Oct 18, 2008
Dianne
Oct 22, 2008
Dianne
Oct 23, 2008
Dianne
Oct 23, 2008
Melissa (Tucson)
Accidently found this site. You get to hear what sonar sounds like. We love our Ping Jockeys!!
Oct 26, 2008
Dianne
I spoke with my son Tim twice yesterday. We've been working on his flights home for Chirstmas. He is worried about getting the paperwork done for his leave. He said, it seems the times that he can get all his signatures is the time while he is in class. When he called back the second time he was very home sick and worried about coming home. I just keep telling him to ask questions and find the right people who can help, but like a man, he doesn't want to ask for help. Good news is, he has passed all the tests he has taken, this coming week they have two tests. So I hope he does well with both!
Oct 26, 2008
Dianne
Nov 2, 2008
Dianne
Nov 5, 2008
Melissa (Tucson)
Thanks for sharing your heart-warming story. Your nephew went way of his way to find Tim, as I've been toTim's base and it's NOT close to the "main" base in SD! What a morale booster for Tim.
I wanted to post a picture of the Quarterdeck but I can't cuz I'm on the laptopll...anyway it's just an office building about 4 stories, first floor is administrative and the other floors are all the sonar classrooms.
Tim is really doing good on his tests! His is enjoying SD yet? Has he settled in and calmed down? Matt grew to love SD and hated leaving.....
Nov 9, 2008
Dianne
Nov 10, 2008
Dianne
Nov 10, 2008
Melissa (Tucson)
Nov 14, 2008
Dianne
Nov 14, 2008
Melissa (Tucson)
Nov 14, 2008
Dianne
Nov 14, 2008