joanne ko Welcome I'm from Mo. also and my son is on this ship. What part of Mo. are you from. We are driving to Norfolk no Tiger Cruise for us. I hope later he will be able to give us a tour.
Just reminder NO DATES keep OPSEC in mind for our loved ones!
Is it gone? I'm not sure how to "paste" and "copy" so I will delete. I am so sorry to everyone. I'm new with computers and forget how easy it is for people to find things, I WILL be careful.
Got an email from my girl today and she said she passed her oral boards for ESWS pin. Last month, she also got the highest score on the written exam. I googled this so I could be up to date and it says " This designation is earned by sailors that serve on surface ships. It involves completing qualifications, passing written tests, and passing an oral board of 1st class petty officers and chiefs. In order to earn this pin, a sailor pretty much has to learn a lot of information about the capabilities of the ship they are on and has to learn about each division's job and purpose on the ship. It can take months to earn this pin. It is not easy and can take multiple attempts to pass the oral boards."
Considering that she has only been on the ship since March and she did this on her first attempt, I told her she should be very very proud. I know I am.
I also have another question - not sure if anyone can answer this or perhaps send me a private message. I notice that some Moms are saying they are booking hotels already for the Bataan's return. I would like to as well, but how will I know what dates to book for??? Any advice is welcome.
My sailor is being hit with personal property tax on his car? Has anyone had this issuse because I thought if they are active and on deployment they get exempted. Also that is the issuse for him to register his car for new tags in the state of Va. I already lived here but I don't know what to do also he needs to reinstate his base tags. Ugh right before he comes home we have to get this done so he can drive his car.
I didn't know if your active duty and deployed you didn't have to pay personal property tax. I just paid Curtis before Dec. 31. Or is this only for Vi. state?
Do I need to have a pass or something to get on base and what do I need to do to be on the pier when he arrives. I'm hoping to be at the homecoming party the night before but I don't have any details and have no idea what's needed to be on the pier.
Will the email say how we access the base ect. Also how r they texting I thought they they could not use cells. I shut my sons off when he joined the ship wonder if I should turn it back on
As soon as the command gives the ombudsman the information they will be sending out the information via emails, groups and things of that nature. I would for those that can attend the FRG meeting on the 17th to go. There will be alot of emails going out over the next few weeks. Right now there are alot of speculations of when (time wise) and pier they will be pulling into. As soon as the command release that information to the ombudsman they will get that out.
The first of the month paycheck was not affected because we were still in the tax free. Next paycheck will (not sure ) but the tax free will be gone. I believe everything else stays. I know the FSA (family separation allowance ) command has not said about the other pays yet....
Ok, not going to argue (worked mil pay for 3 years). Like I said I do not know what we lose and when I know the FSA will stay till they pull in port. Call the banks for a projected amount of money for the 15th and that will tell you if it left or not.
How can I make sure that I will get all of the upcoming information that the ombudsman is going to be emailing. I can not make it to the 17th meeting, because I am stationed at Camp Lejeune. I will be able to attend the night before meeting though.
I have a few concerns about getting information too. We're out of state. I'm not sure I'll be able to attend the meeting the night before and I won't have internet access to check emails that night before either. Can I just show up and be directed as to where to go?
I think most of us are out of state. I figure I'll find out what I need to know, when I need to know it (through my husband) and unfortunately from my experience ombud is unhelpful and unsympathetic. I hope never need to communicate with her again.
As far as getting info they keep saying just contact people. I know alot of times they cant say anything over the phone till right before, so I am sure there will be lots of phone calls happening those last few nights for everyone
well said, Nancy. My husband was just recently assigned to the Bataan. Before that he was on the Roosevelt. I've come to learn to just roll with the punches... and learn to deal with not knowing anything. I haven't done a pier-side homecoming in over 5 years, so I don't remember exactly how I got all of the details that I did. I get emails from the FRG so hopefully I get most of the information I need after their meeting on the 17th... if not, then I'll just wing it.
Thanks, Nancy that was very nice of you, I'm out of state also and not going on Tiger Cruise so getting details is even harder. We are going to the homecoming, but not the party before it either. So again details wont be there, I'm just counting on that I meet someone from the Hotel to fill us in on what to do and where to go.
Ok I do get emails from the yahoo FRG about upcoming events already, and I am set up on the family web site. Ill just keep checking and asking my fiance what he is able to tell me. Thx for everyone's response.
party details email the bataanfrg@yahoo.com. As things get closer maybe someone would be willing to meet those who arent going to get to the party and give them the details face to face. As things get closer and info will be able to get out more then trust me it does get easier... PROMISE (just my experience with ship deployments) There is that light!!!!!
I would like to THANK YOU for all of your kind words and support during this deployment!!!!! Like one of the members said below...dealing with the FRO's were extremely difficult during this deployment.. I actually left the bataan's fb page because of it...Even when not requesting information I found it difficult..Getting in touch with my husband was a hassle when my daughter was admitted in the hospital with pneumonia.....It was easier for me to just call red cross and send a message..During those times I would log on and read so many pleasant, comforting messages that you put out....Because of you...I was able to get through this long deployment...We need more people like you supporting us as FRO's...I think that most of them feel powerful over us because, they have information that we don't have and want.....It's sad...very sad..BUT LIKE I SAID THANK YOU for making this a stress free forum and not talking to or at us like we were beneath you.....I told all of my fellow bataan moms that felt the same as I to visit your page.......Even though I don't know you personally..I will always be thankful <3
Thank you so much for the video I loved it. Could someone tell me about what is going on on the 17th and the night before party? I do not have any information on anything. Thank you.
I am so in the dark about this and just hope I booked my hotel for the right timeframe. I am on the email list for the ombudsman and hoping that when we finally hear something concrete it is in sync with the information I think I have. LOL.
Thanks - good to know I am not the only one in the dark about some of this. It is my girl's first deployment so I am kind of feeling my way through this. Have a gret day everyone and hope to meet some of you when the ship returns.
Just booked our room at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Chesapeake...it's about 15 miles west of Norfolk, but convenient to where our son lives. They gave us a $54.00 rate that includes breakfast! All we had to do was request the rate for the BATAAN ARG Homecoming...757-465-2222. Can't wait to get there and see him!
There is no longer a Holiday Inn Greenbrier in Chesapeake. We found out it is now a Marriott and their rates are much higher (and service not any better!) We realize where we are planning to stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Chesapeake (those that want to check a map: it is just off of the Portsmouth Blvd. exit from I-664) entail having to go through the Downtown Tunnel, but on all of our visits there it is only bad at morning and evening rush hour. We have selected this place because it is near where my son lives in the Western Branch area of Chesapeake; once his ship arrives, we want to be close to his place and not the naval station.
Got it! And thanks for the alternate route suggestions. Our last visit on a previous deployment we also stayed there, and the staff was very accommodating. We found the delay getting on to the base was longer than the tunnel traffic on the way there! Ya nver know!
I don't know if you've all seen this yet or not, but the information for the night before party has just been posted to the Bataan Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/USSBataan
Hi Ladies - the following was in the Norfolk papers this morning. I have relatives that live in that area and they sent me this -
The ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group left Hampton Roads in March 2011, and its sailors are finally – finally -- headed home.
The Navy recently announced that the group, along with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Group, have been relieved of their duties in the 5th Fleet. Taking over are the Malkin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th MEU.
The Bataan's arrival date back in Hampton Roads has not yet been announced, but the deployment will end up being around 10 months. A leader of the group acknowledged that the mission has been a marathon.
"This has been an epic deployment," said Marine Col. Eric Steidl, commander of the 22nd MEU. "Not just in terms of duration, but for flexibility and adaptability the amphibious forces provide the combatant commander."
Capt. Erik M. Ross, the Bataan commander, called it "a long and challenging at-sea period," and said he was pleased that the ships of the Malkin group and the 11th MEU were taking over.
The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is headed by the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, based in Norfolk. It includes the Norfolk-based amphibious dock ship USS Mesa Verde and the dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island, homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.
chandlersmom
Jan 2, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 2, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 2, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 2, 2012
ckmom
joanne ko Welcome I'm from Mo. also and my son is on this ship. What part of Mo. are you from. We are driving to Norfolk no Tiger Cruise for us. I hope later he will be able to give us a tour.
Just reminder NO DATES keep OPSEC in mind for our loved ones!
Jan 3, 2012
joanne ko
Is it gone? I'm not sure how to "paste" and "copy" so I will delete. I am so sorry to everyone. I'm new with computers and forget how easy it is for people to find things, I WILL be careful.
Jan 3, 2012
Kathy Dee
Got an email from my girl today and she said she passed her oral boards for ESWS pin. Last month, she also got the highest score on the written exam. I googled this so I could be up to date and it says " This designation is earned by sailors that serve on surface ships. It involves completing qualifications, passing written tests, and passing an oral board of 1st class petty officers and chiefs. In order to earn this pin, a sailor pretty much has to learn a lot of information about the capabilities of the ship they are on and has to learn about each division's job and purpose on the ship. It can take months to earn this pin. It is not easy and can take multiple attempts to pass the oral boards."
Considering that she has only been on the ship since March and she did this on her first attempt, I told her she should be very very proud. I know I am.
I also have another question - not sure if anyone can answer this or perhaps send me a private message. I notice that some Moms are saying they are booking hotels already for the Bataan's return. I would like to as well, but how will I know what dates to book for??? Any advice is welcome.
Thanks.
Kathy Dee
Jan 3, 2012
milwife2
@Kathy Dee, ask your daughter, she knows when the return date is. Or, you could get in touch with the ombudsmen at bataanombudsman2003@yahoo.com
Jan 3, 2012
jakesmom USS Bataan
I got an email from Jake today!! It was short but he sounded up beat. I read every word 3 times!
Jan 3, 2012
VCabana523
Jan 4, 2012
ckmom
I didn't know if your active duty and deployed you didn't have to pay personal property tax. I just paid Curtis before Dec. 31. Or is this only for Vi. state?
Jan 4, 2012
Robyn
Jan 5, 2012
Kathy Dee
my girl said she has first leave. Does anyone know long that is...days, week, etc. Any information would be great.
Kathy Dee
Jan 5, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 5, 2012
ckmom
I know Curtis used his because he droped and it broke so I had to send him a new I phone. But I think he only use it for music and games.
Jan 6, 2012
sportsmom
As soon as the command gives the ombudsman the information they will be sending out the information via emails, groups and things of that nature. I would for those that can attend the FRG meeting on the 17th to go. There will be alot of emails going out over the next few weeks. Right now there are alot of speculations of when (time wise) and pier they will be pulling into. As soon as the command release that information to the ombudsman they will get that out.
Jan 7, 2012
sportsmom
@Joro
The first of the month paycheck was not affected because we were still in the tax free. Next paycheck will (not sure ) but the tax free will be gone. I believe everything else stays. I know the FSA (family separation allowance ) command has not said about the other pays yet....
Jan 7, 2012
sportsmom
Ok, not going to argue (worked mil pay for 3 years). Like I said I do not know what we lose and when I know the FSA will stay till they pull in port. Call the banks for a projected amount of money for the 15th and that will tell you if it left or not.
Jan 7, 2012
Angiehm811
How can I make sure that I will get all of the upcoming information that the ombudsman is going to be emailing. I can not make it to the 17th meeting, because I am stationed at Camp Lejeune. I will be able to attend the night before meeting though.
Jan 7, 2012
lalagoe
I have a few concerns about getting information too. We're out of state. I'm not sure I'll be able to attend the meeting the night before and I won't have internet access to check emails that night before either. Can I just show up and be directed as to where to go?
Jan 7, 2012
Stephanie
I think most of us are out of state. I figure I'll find out what I need to know, when I need to know it (through my husband) and unfortunately from my experience ombud is unhelpful and unsympathetic. I hope never need to communicate with her again.
Jan 7, 2012
sportsmom
As far as getting info they keep saying just contact people. I know alot of times they cant say anything over the phone till right before, so I am sure there will be lots of phone calls happening those last few nights for everyone
Jan 7, 2012
lalagoe
well said, Nancy. My husband was just recently assigned to the Bataan. Before that he was on the Roosevelt. I've come to learn to just roll with the punches... and learn to deal with not knowing anything. I haven't done a pier-side homecoming in over 5 years, so I don't remember exactly how I got all of the details that I did. I get emails from the FRG so hopefully I get most of the information I need after their meeting on the 17th... if not, then I'll just wing it.
Jan 7, 2012
ckmom
Thanks, Nancy that was very nice of you, I'm out of state also and not going on Tiger Cruise so getting details is even harder. We are going to the homecoming, but not the party before it either. So again details wont be there, I'm just counting on that I meet someone from the Hotel to fill us in on what to do and where to go.
Jan 7, 2012
Angiehm811
Ok I do get emails from the yahoo FRG about upcoming events already, and I am set up on the family web site. Ill just keep checking and asking my fiance what he is able to tell me. Thx for everyone's response.
Jan 7, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 7, 2012
sportsmom
party details email the bataanfrg@yahoo.com. As things get closer maybe someone would be willing to meet those who arent going to get to the party and give them the details face to face. As things get closer and info will be able to get out more then trust me it does get easier... PROMISE (just my experience with ship deployments) There is that light!!!!!
Jan 7, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 7, 2012
lxjohnson
NO Nancy,
I would like to THANK YOU for all of your kind words and support during this deployment!!!!! Like one of the members said below...dealing with the FRO's were extremely difficult during this deployment.. I actually left the bataan's fb page because of it...Even when not requesting information I found it difficult..Getting in touch with my husband was a hassle when my daughter was admitted in the hospital with pneumonia.....It was easier for me to just call red cross and send a message..During those times I would log on and read so many pleasant, comforting messages that you put out....Because of you...I was able to get through this long deployment...We need more people like you supporting us as FRO's...I think that most of them feel powerful over us because, they have information that we don't have and want.....It's sad...very sad..BUT LIKE I SAID THANK YOU for making this a stress free forum and not talking to or at us like we were beneath you.....I told all of my fellow bataan moms that felt the same as I to visit your page.......Even though I don't know you personally..I will always be thankful <3
Jan 7, 2012
ckmom
Very well said, THANKS!!
Jan 8, 2012
Terri-Dustin's Proud Mom-IC
Jan 8, 2012
joanne ko
I am going an the cruise and don't have a clue about anything . . .
I love surprises :)
I am getting there 2 days early so I can have a trial run
Jan 8, 2012
joanne ko
I am staying downtown. I went through "Travelosity" for air fare and hotel.
Maybe we can exchange cell phone #s and communicate when we get there.
Someone said something about an email tree but I'm not sure how to become part of that. Any suggestions?
Jan 8, 2012
ckmom
I don't think they can say that yet, I'm still waiting for that info. also.
Jan 8, 2012
jakesmom USS Bataan
Did you guys see this video the bataan posted recently?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtPpJu377OU
Jan 8, 2012
ckmom
Jakesmom, Thanks that was cool!
Jan 8, 2012
maddox1
Thank you so much for the video I loved it. Could someone tell me about what is going on on the 17th and the night before party? I do not have any information on anything. Thank you.
Jan 8, 2012
siscarrie
I really like that video!!! I'm glad they had a great turn out with pkgs. for Christmas.
Jan 9, 2012
Kathy Dee
I am so in the dark about this and just hope I booked my hotel for the right timeframe. I am on the email list for the ombudsman and hoping that when we finally hear something concrete it is in sync with the information I think I have. LOL.
Kathy Dee
Jan 9, 2012
ckmom
Kathy Dee we are all in the same boat, dates can change so I'm in a time frame also.
Jan 9, 2012
Kathy Dee
Thanks - good to know I am not the only one in the dark about some of this. It is my girl's first deployment so I am kind of feeling my way through this. Have a gret day everyone and hope to meet some of you when the ship returns.
Kathy Dee
Jan 9, 2012
achesapeakeguy
Just booked our room at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Chesapeake...it's about 15 miles west of Norfolk, but convenient to where our son lives. They gave us a $54.00 rate that includes breakfast! All we had to do was request the rate for the BATAAN ARG Homecoming...757-465-2222. Can't wait to get there and see him!
Jan 9, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 9, 2012
chandlersmom
Jan 9, 2012
achesapeakeguy
There is no longer a Holiday Inn Greenbrier in Chesapeake. We found out it is now a Marriott and their rates are much higher (and service not any better!) We realize where we are planning to stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Chesapeake (those that want to check a map: it is just off of the Portsmouth Blvd. exit from I-664) entail having to go through the Downtown Tunnel, but on all of our visits there it is only bad at morning and evening rush hour. We have selected this place because it is near where my son lives in the Western Branch area of Chesapeake; once his ship arrives, we want to be close to his place and not the naval station.
Jan 9, 2012
achesapeakeguy
Got it! And thanks for the alternate route suggestions. Our last visit on a previous deployment we also stayed there, and the staff was very accommodating. We found the delay getting on to the base was longer than the tunnel traffic on the way there! Ya nver know!
Jan 9, 2012
sportsmom
JCKV
Dont think the ombudsman meant for that email to be put out to the general public at this point.
Jan 10, 2012
Stephanie
Jan 10, 2012
lalagoe
I don't know if you've all seen this yet or not, but the information for the night before party has just been posted to the Bataan Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/USSBataan
Jan 10, 2012
Kathy Dee
Hi Ladies - the following was in the Norfolk papers this morning. I have relatives that live in that area and they sent me this -
The ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group left Hampton Roads in March 2011, and its sailors are finally – finally -- headed home.
The Navy recently announced that the group, along with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Group, have been relieved of their duties in the 5th Fleet. Taking over are the Malkin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th MEU.
The Bataan's arrival date back in Hampton Roads has not yet been announced, but the deployment will end up being around 10 months. A leader of the group acknowledged that the mission has been a marathon.
"This has been an epic deployment," said Marine Col. Eric Steidl, commander of the 22nd MEU. "Not just in terms of duration, but for flexibility and adaptability the amphibious forces provide the combatant commander."
Capt. Erik M. Ross, the Bataan commander, called it "a long and challenging at-sea period," and said he was pleased that the ships of the Malkin group and the 11th MEU were taking over.
The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is headed by the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, based in Norfolk. It includes the Norfolk-based amphibious dock ship USS Mesa Verde and the dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island, homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.
It won't be long now...
Kathy Dee
Jan 10, 2012