Norfolk Sailors - Family & Friends

Go to google.com, click on "Images" and enter "norfolk va images" in the search box.  You'll see lots of great photos there to browse through.  Here's that link:

Norfolk VA images

cshore-There is a great Navy Lodge in Norfolk.  Have stayed there numerous times and it's great.  I don't know why your daughter's sponsor said you can't have cars or visitors on base.  Your daughter is allowed a car if that is what you are referring to.  My son has had his car there since he arrived.  I have also gone on base numerous times with my son.  You can't go on base without a sponsor such as your daughter to visit but your daughter can get you on base.  Hope this info helps.

cshore...The one in Norfolk even has Family Suites you can request.  That's what we had for Thanksgiving.  It had a bedroom and a seperate living/kitchen area.  It was only $95 a night for that.  It worked out great because my Mom was with us and she could go to bed and close the bedroom room door while we stayed up in the living area and watched t.v.

cshore - Great, keep in mind you will need your daughter there when you check in or she can go earlier in the day and register for you if she's going to be at work and tell them to have a key ready for you.  That's what my son had to do.  They will work with you at that Navy Lodge, they are great folks!!  The Lodge was just recently remodeled so it's really nice.

Vincent's mom,

I am so sorry for your loss.  I read about the accident, I live on the Outer Banks about 1 1/2 hours south, and I know the road where the accident took place.  Also my daughter knew who he was, she was stationed on the IKE at one time.  My brother retired from the Navy and lived in the trailer park back there.  I cannot imagine the pain you, his wife and child are experiencing.  According to the newspaper article she is also pregnant.  I hope she is going well with the pregancy.  My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

Carol

Sharon & Cindy, the members of this group  http://www.navyformoms.com/group/carepackageideas will happily share what they know. Here are some tips about shipping:  care package tips

Winavymom$ & Martha are right on.  Others thoughts: DVDs, beef jerky, powdered flavoring for drinking water, Purex 3 in 1 laundry sheets, "550 cord" (available via Amazon, used in many ways i.e. hanging things up, tying things down); and also 'thank you' cards from friends, school & church groups etc.

cecelia,

how do you get them vacuum packed without breaking?

Someday I'll treat myself to one of those, always seems like a good thing to have :) I sent cookies packed in a plastic Tupperware-type box from the dollar store (fits in a USPS large priority box) and they always made it fine...layered with wax paper. This recipe doesn't use eggs, which seems safer - ?. I add a handful of chocolate chips, craisins, whatever's on hand. 

How spread out is Norfolk Naval base.  My daughter just arrived and not to happy.

Her ship was not ready for her.  Can't seem to find her way.  Is there public transportation. Please any advice.

cshore, they fly the mail out to them (i think depending o where they are is why it takes different lenghts to get there)

dancer, norfolk is pretty spread out.  if she's at norolk naval air i know there is a "tour" shack that has maps.  there are city buses, should be able to get a schedule on base.  there is a bus system of some kind on the base but not sure what.  tell your sailor to see if they can find the MWR office or even the nex  should have some kind of pamphlets. 

shat ship is she on?

carol

karen, that's where my daughter is

carol

the really great part is i only live 1 1/2 hours away and get to keep my 2 1/2 year old grandson when she's out!

love my sugar butt!

carol

A car seems to be a must-have.  Sailors have to beware of unscrupulous local dealers when buying near the base.  Here's a good program to know about:  http://www.mappva.com mentioned in this related article in the March 23rd Flagship newspaper 

http://www.norfolknavyflagship.com/news/top_stories/article_6347c96...

Decals for your vehicle:

To obtain a DOD vehicle decal, you must present proof of ownership (i.e. title, registration or a notarized statement giving you permission to drive the vehicle). In addition, you will need a current insurance policy (valid card, policy, or binder), driver's license and an ID. If your vehicle is registered in Virginia, you will also need a current Virginia State Inspection (the pink receipt issued by the inspection station).

Or see page 6 of this publication (includes insurance info):  http://issuu.com/militarynews/docs/welcome-aboard_spring2011

Last thought - my son has very reasonable insurance through USAA, you might be surprised at the rates.  

Hi Marcy,Thank you so much for that info. I will tell my son to call USAA. Thanks again. Hes coming home for a week after USS Nassau decom.3/31 and wants to drive the car back with him before he starts C-school in April.