Norfolk Sailors - Family & Friends

robin, i sent you a friend request. pm as to when he comes in. i live in NC (on the outer banks) and my daughter is stationed in norfolk, it's only about 1 1/2 hours away and i'm up there all the time. i have no problem in meeting him when his ship comes in and giving him a BIG hug (i don't think i'll ever see a homecoming with my sailor). i'll even cook him a home cooked meal.

carol

Robin;
Contact the Blue Moms MOms Group in Virgina, they should be more than willing to have someone there too!
Gen

Robin et al, you might also post in Molly's Adopt a Sailor group, they LOVE homecomings!! http://www.navyformoms.com/group/mollysadoptasailorproject

I like those! I don't see the top one on their website though - ?

Ah ha, and it's so cool! Maybe you have a new career

oh i'll be available robin.

Robin, IA Sailors don't normally return in groups. They are temporarily assigned to another command, so it is just them going and returning. Many commands try to make their coming home more than just a couple people there to give them a ride home from the airport though. Places like the USO, MWR, and Fleet and Family Service Center will let them borrow things like banners, and give them things like little flags and noise makers to help them make a big deal out of the Sailor returning.

I don't know much about PRT. Actually, until someone on here said something about it, I thought it still stood for Physical Readiness Test, the twice yearly assessment where they have to do so many sit-ups and push-ups, and run the mile and a half within a certain time. If they go to the PRT as a group, they may have a Family Readiness Group or something like it for them that will set up homecoming activities. If they go and return alone, they may do it like the IA Sailors.

Hi there! My son is stationed in Norfolk as a submariner assigned to the sub USS Newport News. Its been a while since I've been on this site, but wanted to get back in touch with other Navy Moms. Have a great night!

TM, Tuckey's birthday surprise sounds delicious!
Re events, I just saw this on FB -

Good evening everyone. My son is finishing up at A school in Pensacola and should be heading to Norfolk in November after a few weeks home. He will be assigned to the USS Truman.

hi everyone, I have been to this page a few times and posted a little bit but I need your help. My sailor (daughter) is in Oceana now for c-school. She arrived on Tuesday. Her first duty station is there as well. Since her squadron is gone with the ship there is not much for her to do. No classes etc. She doesn't know anyone and she is very board, She seems lonely to me and I was hoping that someone on this page might know someone, preferably a female sailor or maybe a girlfriend or wife of a sailor who might want to show her around and maybe get lunch or dinner or just hang out. If you can help send me a friend request. Thanks, so much!!!!

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Individual Augmentee. Here's the Navy site - http://www.ia.navy.mil

"Individual Augmentee. In contrast to a Sailor that deploys with a ship, squadron or unit, a Sailor who leaves their assigned unit or command to deploy individually or with a small group is known as an Individual augmentee (IA). Half of the deployed IAs are active duty and half are reservists. Most IAs are concentrated in the 26-nation Central Command region, which includes Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the Horn of Africa. The rest are serving elsewhere in the world."

You're welcome!
Time to start thinking about the holidays! The Naval Supply Systems Command's (NAVSUP) Postal Policy Division mail-by dates for pre-Dec. 25 delivery of holiday cards, letters and packages are here ~NAVSUP pre-12:25:10 delivery mail-by dates.pdf

Hello All! My LO is finishing up in OCS and will be stationed there very soon. We will be residing there also when he get his orders. Can anyone give me suggestions on good schools, neghborhoods, churches, and etc. for us to be near.

I appreciate any information anyone of you can give me!
THANKS:)

ForHimIWill: Did you check the discussion forums above? There are many topics there that have info posted by the different women on this site. Good luck!

My daughter is on her first deployment and due in sometime by the end of the year. What do we have to do to be able to go on base and see the fleet come in? (I am trying to plan and prepare early). Thanks for any help/advice.

colleen,
are you a member of the frg with her ship? if not i suggest joining, they will give you all the information you need. as far as i know you won't need anything to get on base other than to tell them you are there for a homecoming. but, i really suggest joining the frg.

carol

Colleen, your sailor has to sign you up to get on, and will need your license plate number. Your sailor can also (and IS recommended) add your name for the ship's ombudsman...they get in touch with you as to dates (tho not too far ahead of schedule...OPSEC reasons) they have a gathering the evening prior, but the day of homecoming- as long as your sailor has your name on the list, and you have plenty of ID verifying you are indeed who you say you are (Photo ID)...then they help direct you to where you need to go...

Nancy, I would suggest that he go to the housing office. They should be able to print out a list of places available to him based on his BAH. Their phone number is 757-445-2832.

GO APPLEBEE'S!!!!!

All U.S. veterans and active duty personnel with proof of current or former military service will eat free at all Applebee's in their respective neighborhoods on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, 2010.

. Proof of service includes the following: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, photograph in uniform or wearing uniform, DD214, Citation or Commendation.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We will send a follow-up reminder with a press announcement and link to summary video closer to the date.

Please feel free to pass and post the attached flyer around at your discretion.

Again, thank you!

Derek Farley
for Applebee's
derek@dfpr.com
704-926-6580 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 704-926-6580 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Hi Kim ann, thanks for the info. I will let my daughter know to put our names on the list and send her our license plate #. My son is also a sailor so he'll be able to get us on base. He will be starting Nuke Power School soon and will come home on leave over Christmas. We are hoping to be together as I don't know when it will happen again with both my kids active duty now.

I am trying to find a group for sailors stationed in Newport News Virginia. Is this group connected to that area?

Yes, Mn Navy Mom: This is the group that includes Newport News. That is where my son is also.

If your sailor is connected to a ship, MnNavyMom, there should be a ship site too. Mine is with the dry docked USS Theordore Roosevelt. Not much activity on that site right now though.

ok ladies. i'm sure you've all heard of molly's adopt a sailor. i have made a special request of molly and it was suggested i post that request here.

i live on the outer banks of nc, about 1 1/2 hours south of norfolk. my request is to adopt a sailor that is stationed in norfolk, doesn't matter if it's shore duty or on a ship. that way i can not only send care packages but they are close enough that if they want they have someplace to go for the holidays, etc. i know that's always the worst time when you are away from family and friends.

i grew up an air force brat and this is something my family always did, we would adopt people that were far from home. they were usually someone that worked with my dad because they didn't have groups like molly's back then.

so, if there are any mom's out there that have a sailor stationed in the norfolk area and they would like to be adopted let me know!

carol

Welcome, Kimberly! Is he adjusting ok to everything?

Colleen, congrats...2 sailors, I understand about trying to get together whenever its possible, my twin boys are both active and it gets tough! But you are going to love Homecoming, it is one of the best feelings in the world! Glad you have one other sailor there, does help tremendously getting on base. Good Luck in everything, hang in there, two deployments at once is tough...do-able, but tough.

Kimberly, see the discussions above (there's one "Places we have stayed" among others). The Navy Lodge has gotten good mentions here and the rates are good too; your sailor will have to check you in. Navy Lodge 800 NAVY INN (800-628-9466) https://www.navy-lodge.com (be sure to read reservation policy and FAQs)

Kimberly: There is a Navy Lodge there...not sure if it is full for Thanksgiving, but would be worth checking. Your sailor is the one who needs to do this, I believe. I know he has to be with you when you check in (or has to verify shortly after you have checked in). You can try calling yourself just to see availability for that weekend.

I'm sure he is a bit overwhelmed right now....but he'll adjust! Mine had a total overwhelming moment when he arrived at his duty station and was left on a Fri night by himself in the shipyard housing (NewportNews) with people out for the weekend...knowing no one. Quite a shock from the friends and activity of A School. But he connected with an A School buddy on a base nearby, got a car the next day, and life changed for the better! Just takes a little while to adjust.

There will be a Military Spouse Business Fair/Family Day on Nov. 13th in Virginia Beach! Come visit Cupcakes Ahoy's! booth!! FREE admission!!

Sherry, where and when. Do you have more info you could post?

Hi, Cheryl! Good to see you here! So glad that he is doing well....it is a nice feeling, isn't it?

kymom,
did your sailor have to check you in?

carol

Diannep, Thank you for the reply. I have not had a chance to check in here for awhile. I believe our boys are on the same dry docked ship.

MnNavyMom: I sent you a message last night. Did you get it?

landlockedmom,
that's why i'm trying to adopt someone in the nofolk area. i live 2 hours away and i grew up in the military (air force brat) and my dad was always bringing the folks home that didn't have family around, it's a nice feeling to be able to share more than just a box of stuff with someone that doesn't have family nearby. my daughter is stationed in norfolk also.

My son is stationed in Norfolk on the new USS Jason Dunham which will be in port for the first time just before Thanksgiving. He was invited by one of his shipmates to go to his parents home in SC for Thaksgiving and to spend the night. He is so excited when he called and told me and I can not begin to explain how good it made me feel inside to hear him happy and he said he was excited to take the drive and see the country as well as a nice family party.

His commissioning for the ship is next Saturday and I hope to meet this family so I can give them a big Navy hug and thank them!!!

TM, that's so wonderful!! Good for you, what a great time you must be having! I love visiting Norfolk and the whole Waterside area. Would love to see a ship christening, it must be really something. Enjoy your T'day dinner!

Christening of the California on wavy.com (channel 10) http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/nuclear-sub-christened-in-NN

Johanna, it's not the same. Nauticus (with a C not an L) - from their website... "Nauticus is an exciting interactive science and technology center that explores the naval, economic, and nautical power of the sea. Home of the Battleship Wisconsin, Nauticus features Battleship Wisconsin-related exhibits, hands-on exhibits, national-caliber traveling exhibits, HD films on a giant screen, sharks, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and more"

KYmom, thanks for the info!!!! of course my daughter didn't say a word, said she didn't know about it, but i set my dvr, looked at it and she's right there!!!!

THANKS!!!!

Cupcakes Ahoy! will be at the business fair/family day in Virginia Beach Saturday! Come out and see us!!

Donna, try also posting on the group Sailor Rescue List! A wonderful mom in that group posted an open invitation there, and had my son over for T'day dinner two years ago when he was new there. Post it in the regular Comments box (like this one) and in the Discussion for posting requests. http://www.navyformoms.com/group/sailorrescuelist
Good luck! He'll like the area.

Donna, I just sent you a friend request. My son is in Ft Lauderdale for the commissioning of his ship USS Jason Dunham I will see him today along with another sailor who's family could not make it and we are hitting the town to spoil then. Anyway I know my son and he would be glad to meet your son and show him around along with introducing him to his friends. My son should be back in Norfolk by Thursday at the latest. When Drew got to Norfolk he was lucky and knew many people from bootcamp. Although on different ships they met up showed him the Ins and outs and made his transition to the Norfolk base a good one. If you friend me send me a message and I will send you his phone number. He is also on facebook, is your son? Take care Paula

PS Donna, my son's not available, he's at sea! :)

Hi Peg, I know how it is...I'll give it some thought. Travel from where to where?

Hi Peg!! I can't think of many inexpensive travel ideas right off the top of my head except to watch the fares and see when they are lowest. I know Southwest keeps advertising lately for their website. Also, if your son is living on the ship or not in his own place out in town, you could ask him about checking into the rooms at the "Navy Gateway Inns" (aka, the barracks). I know some bases will let people rent rooms at the barracks if they have them available, and they are fairly inexpensive. The last time we stayed in one of the rooms, it was about $25 or $30 for the night. He will probably have to rent the room for you, but it is less expensive than staying in a hotel.

PS I'm not nuts, just not clear if you'd be going to see him in VA or FL :)