USS Bataan LHD-5

Barbara, I'm with you, your not alone I've been crying also.  This is my son first ever he just got to his ship was notified they were leaving for 9 months.  But he's excited so I need to be strong for him.  But we are all very proud of our sailors and what they are doing for us.  God bless them!!

Barbara, ckmom and Morean5:  I am right there with you!  I have had a horrible day today!  Tears just come out of no where.  Tried to keep my mind on my work, but no such luck!  Glad that we can all support each other though. We are all going to need it!  I will be there for anyone who just needs to talk.  Even though I consider myself a seasoned pro at deployments, it is and never will be easy to say goodbye to our guys.  I will be saying a prayer for all of us tomorrow!

If someone is seeing them off tomorrow, please add an extra wave for  my husband and I... We cannot be there to see our son off, as we live in the middle of the US... Any photos that you can post would be appreciated, but I do not know all the Naval rules and regs. on here, even though I have been with 3 other Navy for Moms Groups... I am not a happy camper tonight, as all of the rest of you are probably are ... I have to keep reminding  myself, it is his decision and he is excited... I have never posted on here, but read all of your posts everyday.... Take care and hang in there...  I was an Air Force brat all of my life, but it never gets easier, but eventually the tears do not flow as often or as quickly... Stay safe!

welcome Sailoo r's Mom we are in this journey together.  And if someone is there to see the ship off can you throw another wave in their for me.  Thanks!!

Yes if anyone gets pictures please share. Me and my 2 yr old dropped hubby off this morning for duty and are on our way to Oklahoma to stay with family for the deployment so we won't get to see the ship off this time.. We are hoping this deployment will fly by so he can come home and see us and our new son due in May.

Oh Miranda     Keep us posted on your new little one.  Sure being with family members will help.  Prayers are with you!!!

Just talked to my son a couple of hours ago, This is so hard!! This is my sons first deployment. I am just glad that all of you are here and you know how i feel.I feel so bad not being able to be there, but i told him just picture me waving to him. We'll get through this.

 

yes please   still have my tissues with me  i even wore my navy shirt to work today.

prayers are with the families and sailors.

Does anyone know exactly what time they left out? my last text from my son was at 10:51, saying they were leaving soon.

Please if anyone got pics , post them, i would love to see them.

Go to Wavy.com click on video on top, there is two news videos of the Bataan this morning

That is strange the same exact time. I told my husband they were picking up marines, hopefully they will get to call while they still have signal.

I feel so lost right now, don't really know what to think. Keep busy busy busy!!!!

Hi all.  Got a phone call from my son as they were pulling out of port telling he loved me and for us to be safe!  Of course, instant tears.  The link I have posted below is a very special one for me.  My son is a also a musician, so before he left for boot camp, he wrote this song for me!  Every time he deploys I have to listen to it.  I hope you enjoy it.  The name of the song is The Countdown.  I hope the link works.  If it doesn't, go to Youtube.com and search "Romes The Countdown"  God bless all here and our sailors.  God speed, calm winds and fair seas.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJY70HH2Ix8&feature=player_detai...

 

 

Hi Juan'sPrincess, I got my email literally minutes ago.  Hopefully you will get yours soon if you haven't already.  :)

I was lucky!  My son cc'd me on his email to the Ombudsman so I knew he did it.  Maybe something you can ask your bf to do next time.

To whom ever posted the pictures, a big THANK-YOU...I could not turn on my computer until now because I was so down.... Even as tears are flowing I know some of the faces that my son will be with and they ALL look wonderful and VERY DEPENDABLE!  This is so hard for me as my son is our only child, really a man at 27, but I have to keep reminding my self that it is his decision.... He is not allowed to talk about his deployment as he is an IS, so we do not know anything. That is why I have only been reading your posts, as I don't have anything to add.... A big hug to all that write on here, God bless you!!! You all take care and stay safe!!   Sailor's Mom

Sailor's Mom, I know exactly what you mean.  My son is our "baby" and the first and only to join the Navy.  Both my husband and I are Navy vets, my husband retired after 20 years.  It is never easy!  I have been through dozens of deployments with him and now 2 with my son, 3 if you count their 3 months in Haiti.  My son is a CTT2 so there are many things he can't discuss with us as well.  Very frustrating, but I know there are VERY good reasons.  Of course you can add to the discussions!  We are all here to support each other, so if there is something you want to ask, don't be shy.  We are all here to help.  We are all in this together!  Big hugs to you too!  God bless

Songbird800.... Thank you so very much!!  God Bless you again!!!

Thankyou for the pictures and the entertainment that made my day!

Thanks ckmom if you are referring to the music video I posted.  It has become somewhat of a tradition when he deploys.  It makes me cry but at the same time, it reminds me of how much he loves us and wants this way of life.

You're very welcome Sailor's Mom.  Bless you too!

I knew I shouldn't have watched the deployment video on Wavy.com!  Fresh tears again!

Thanks for posting the pictures

Carlotta  I know what you mean, I still have all my sons messages from when he left for Boot Camp.  I still go back and read them. .

Thats so funny ckmom, i have like 200 text on my phone from my son i have saved. Hope everyone has a better day!

You wouldn't believe i already received an e-mail from my son!!!!! Thank you Lord, it sure made me feel better!!!! He said he was extremely tired, had about 3 or 4 hours of sleep, but is doing good.

Congratulations siscarrie!  Still waiting for mine.  I know he is extremely busy though.

 

Thanks for all the pictures ladies. Me and my son finally made it to Oklahoma today to stay with our families until baby Aiden is born in May. Hoping to hear from my hubby soon. :)

I just got an email this am.  He's not real busy yet but will be picking up soon.  He played basketball and a little different on a rocking ship. lol  Likes it so far he said. He turns 19 on Sunday his friends celebrated his birthday when he was home before he left for deployment.  I'm so glad they did that for him.

You all have a good weekend.

So Happy for everyone getting those messages!!!

I received an e-mail.... He is fine.... Yippie!!!

Good pic Sandra!!

 

Sandra, thank you for posting that video!  I didn't get a chance to see my son off and just broke my heart that I couldn't be there.  Hearing those 3 ship's horns blast has just brought a fresh bout of tears again!  This is my son's 3rd deployment aboard the USS Bataan and for me it never gets easier.

 

God bless you all and have a good weekend!

My husband and I just got back to KC after watching our baby (Alex, 19) leave for his first deployment.  He is a Hull Technician.  We were in awe at the love and support of families, and the commitment of the military members.

Yes it was us!  I can't believe this!  This is the first time I had a good laugh since I returned to KC so sad. What are the chances?  I saw your son by the mascot on the ship...also your granddaughter - but you look so young to be a grandma! WOW!  My husband and I slept on the laundry room table until 12:45 am. We also had an "extra" sock, hmmmmm.... didn't know we were in a video. Hope I had uncurled from a fetal position and looked half brave.  You were smart to watch from a distance.  Standing on the dock looked too tempting to jump in and swim after him.  I would not be forgiven. Ha!

That's awesome JLR!  Still waiting on mine to send his first!  I know he is crazy busy at this point in the deployment, but there's nothing like checking your email and seeing even a short note!  Have a blessed day!

JLR I wasn't their either and this was my sons first deployment, he surprised me and came home a week before deployment.  So I'm planning on being there when he returns.

JLR and ckmom....This is my son's 3rd deployment too and we have never been able to make if for any of them!  Unfortunately, we had been out of the country (Philippines).  Now that we are back in the States, we are planning on getting there for the homecoming for sure!  We don't want to miss it!

Still have not heard from our son, but reading that others have makes us feel great.  I know he is the youngest (and newest) member on his ship and the other Hull Techs are probably used to deployments. We will keep our fingers crossed for an email.  Please keep letting others know when any of you get an email.  Thanks!

vpruneda.....hope you get an email soon!  I understand exactly how you feel!  Just know that we are all going to be here for each other to share this experience.  If you need someone to talk to, I'm here.  It's never easy, but I am a seasoned Navy vet, Navy wife and now a Navy Mom!  God Bless!

Just had an email conversation (16 in all) with my son!  He is very tired and extremely busy but wanted to just chat about the everyday things like what did you have for dinner!  LOL!  I told him about our NFM group and he wanted to pass along this message:  "Tell everyone I said thank you for your support from the homefront. It really means a lot!"  

 

I wish my son was like that, he doesn't like that I'm on navy4moms.

That is wonderful that you got to chat with your son, and you tell your son thank you for serving our country and the rest of the sailors.

We got 6" of snow today in just a few hours.  I'm so ready for warm weather. Couple of days ago we had 80 degrees.

Donna,  Sounds like your son knowa what it takes to keep us girls happy.  lol

@ ckmom....He said he's happy that I have a group of ladies that feel the same way I do and the he's glad that I have a support system since he knows how emotional I get.  I will definitely send your message to him.  

 

6 inches of snow!  Oh no!  I can't take the winters anymore.  We moved to Sarasota, Florida last summer after we got back from the Philippines to escape the winter.  It was 86 here and sunny today!  Thank God!

 

For those of you who are getting emails, what type of job does your sailor have?  Apparently, my son hasn't caught on yet.  I'm especially happy for the emails that "Donna" has been getting daily.  And I wonder how long a care package takes to get to them.  Any responses would soothe this frazzled mom in KC.  Thanks!

@ Donna.....I went shopping today for my first care package to send to him!  U sure are lucky to get an email everyday!  Like you said, I hope it keeps up too!  

 

Awwww vpurneda....my son is a CTT (cryptologic technician technical)  I just ordered my USPS flat rate boxes online today.  They are absolutely free!  I think since they may have to clear customs, it may take as long as 2 weeks to get to them.  Keep your chin up!  He will send you an email soon I'm sure of it!

You know it Donna!  I can't imagine now not being able to keep in touch with him!  He told me that if they port somewhere, he will be able to call me.  Can't wait for that!

 

Thanks Songbird800...I will survive.  One more question, does anyone know what the address is for their packages?  I don't know anything, but assure you all that I am competent stateside - this is all so very new!  Please bear with me.

Wow!  4-6 weeks?  My son's Ex-wife sent all the care packages last time so my son didn't need me to send anything.  Thank God she's not in the picture anymore! And while he was in Haiti, I was in the Philippines, so I couldn't send anything.  This is discouraging.

USPS is where I ordered mine and they said it would be 7 - 10 business days to get here.  Maybe I should go to the post office to get a few more since there might be a longer wait than expected!