Norfolk Sailors - Family & Friends

1316 members

For families and friends of Sailors who are stationed at Norfolk; for either Sea Duty or Shore Duty Sailors. Just make sure to keep OPSEC issues in mind and not disclose ship movements in advance.

Weather - Norfolk

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navy25

Welcome Christy you found a Great Group

Nov 1, 2011
Christy

Thanks I look forward to visiting with all. Does anyone have any idea as to where or what all a IT will do at the base? I am so new at this...son's first duty assignment.

Nov 2, 2011
paybacks398

Hello all! My grandson arrived in Norfolk last Saturday 10/29. He says people are friendly and it is not nearly as cold as Great lakes, lol

Nov 2, 2011
Sandy's_sailor son

Well hi paybacks398. I think your son is really going to like living there. He will have a lot more freedom. When is he supposed to start (C)school?

Nov 2, 2011
Sandy's_sailor son

Navy25. There weather started getting really bad last night. I was at a friends house. We were watching out for the snow to arrive. We were supposed to get hit with this storm at 6pm. Nothing happened. Then at 11pm it hit us. Heavy blowing snow. Uggh

Nov 2, 2011
kellydeedee

I noticed while I was in Norfolk that the residents in Norfolk are so nice and happy all the time. It did not matter if we were in a store, restraunt or historical site. The people were wonderful, polite and happy all the time.

Nov 2, 2011
paybacks398

My grandson is supposed to start C-school sometime in January and then return to Norfolk-

Nov 3, 2011
justinmom

Hi everyone! Is this the right group for moms of sons going to C School in Norfolk, VA for Advanced Aviation Electronics? My son is there as of a week ago and starts C school in Jan. He is at the Naval Air Station Norfolk learning how to fix helicopters.

Nov 3, 2011
Nautical Mom

my Sailor's gone fishing - no phone for a month...soon will be a Shellback instead of a polliwog...Fair Winds and Following Seas until the Lord brings you home and safely back to me....i love you son

Nov 3, 2011
Jess_0411

As I understand from what my husband has told me (could be wrong):

Polliwog- Sailor on his first deployment/underway.
Shellback- Any sailor who has been to the equator.
Blue Nose- Any sailor who has been to the artic circle.

Nov 3, 2011
Jess_0411

No. You are only a Shellback if you go to the equator. Unless he goes to the equator or the artic circle while he is in the Navy, he is not a Shellback or a Blue Nose. And even if you go there, you only qualify if you take part in the ceremony.

Nov 3, 2011
Jess_0411

I think you're not a polliwog any more after your first deployment. I don't know what they do for Shellback, but my husband is a blue nose, so I've heard stories about that one, haha. I'm not sure what all goes on, but I've heard it involves running around the ship in your boxers while being sprayed with water. And of course you're in the artic circle, so its just a tad bit cold. I'm amazed my sailor didn't get sick.

Nov 3, 2011
Rod

You left out one. Golden Shellback. Cross the equator and international date line at the same time.

Nov 3, 2011
Rod

They don't shave their heads. At lease not my sons. He crossed twice, I saw the pictures and it wasn't bad at all not like back in the day.

Nov 3, 2011
navy25

Hi Sandy s Sailor how did you make out last night with the Snow Storm I hope all is well can you believe we still have alot of people without power in Jersey some of my NavyNJ Moms are in that mess with trees on their properties and stuff very expensive tree removal over 3,000 what a shame. I hope you and your family are well.

To Our Sailors on Deployment my prayers and blessings for a Safe Return Home God Bless

Nov 4, 2011
Sandy's_sailor son

navy25. It was pretty crazy. The storm moved in very quick. One moment the skies were clear and it was 50. Within an hour the temp dropped 20 degrees. Then we got hit with blowing snow. It was blizzard conditions. We only had 6 inches but it came down all at once. It was very windy and snow was blowing sideways. We live out in the country so there are no buildings to slow down the wind. It was so weird to see the snow blowing sideways and tumble weeds flying through the air.

Nov 4, 2011
Sandy's_sailor son

navy25. I can't believe there are still people in NJ without power. That must have been a terrible storm.

Nov 4, 2011
mso ship11 Division 366

Hello my son is attending A school for the next three weeks in Great Lakes however he will be stationed in Norfolk Va. I am so excited because I live in Virginia.

Nov 5, 2011
navy25

Hi Sandys Sailor thats similar to how it hit here in Jersey and even today there are people without power living with relatives or in hotels.Glad you are ok

Nov 6, 2011
DebbieinCA

kk-That's really nice! I know it's comforting to you to know he'll get to have a home cooked meal in a nice, warm home full of nice people.

Nov 6, 2011
DebbieinCA

Even the weather in sunny Southern California is pretty bad right now. It's been raining and cloudy for days, but tonight torrential rains came down accompanied by thunder and lightning. The thunder was so close it was shaking my roof. Around here, it's usually only earthquakes that shake our houses. :)

Nov 6, 2011
bluebear

My son just arrived last night 730 pm and got to the bunk at 930...reports to duty tomorrow morning. Will not be coming home for holidays and we hope to go that way. Otherwise do not know when we will see him again:+(

Nov 6, 2011
John and Yvonne

Just in case there are any new sailors in this area that won't be going home for Thanksgiving, Yvonne and I have room at our table for about eight to ten. Most of you know that we open our home to servicemen and women on a regular basis. Most of those who fellowship with us regularly are going home. So I just thought we would let you all know that there isn't any reason for your sons or daughters to be alone during the holidays. But do let us know to help us plan.

Nov 7, 2011
bluebear

Hello Wagners

My son just arrived Sat night in Norfolk and will not be coming home for any holidays. we are planning on going his way for Christmas but Thanksgiving would be his first holiday away from home. Maybe I can have him connect with you.

bluebear

Nov 8, 2011
paybacks398

My grandson got to Norfolk Saturday before last and he will be there for Thanksgiving also. I will see what he has planned

Nov 8, 2011
bluebear

paybacks398 and Wagners

That would be great if he could get together with a group for Thanksgiving!

Nov 8, 2011
John and Yvonne

To bluebear and paybacks; That's great! We hope your son and grandson will join us! We look forward to meeting them. Let us know what they say. :)

Nov 8, 2011
Jess_0411

My husband said that back when he was a single sailor, the command would serve a special Thanksgiving meal and you had the option to go to MWR Single Sailor hangout to have Thanksgiving dinner and they also showed football games and the guys could socialize and what not. Or they would just go out to dinner with friends. There are plenty of options for anyone who can't make it home for Thanksgiving. The Navy is very good about taking care of the sailors with no place to go (:

Nov 8, 2011
paybacks398

My grandson is supposed to be joining his ship at the next port-but you know the Navy that could change many times between now and Thanksgiving

Nov 8, 2011
John and Yvonne

Dear Lynne M,

Thank you! If by chance his plans don't work out, perhaps you could let him know that he has another option. :) We would love to include him with the others on Thanksgiving in our home. Yvonne

Nov 8, 2011
paybacks398

Thank you so much for inviting my grandson also, I never know what that boy will be doing. He makes friends very easliy. I told him about your offer, will try to let you know

Nov 8, 2011
diannep

Does anyone know if one local cab service is cheaper than another as far as transporation from NewportNews Huntington Hall (shipyard) to Norfolk airport? Just got a quote of $66. Seems a bit high. If anyone knows of a better cheaper service, please let me know. My son will be leaving very early on a weekday morning in December. Any chance sailors get a break on the cab fare? :-) That would be nice!

Nov 9, 2011
diannep

Dec 20th, but has a 7 a.m. flight

Nov 9, 2011
diannep

Thanks anyway, Barbara!

Nov 9, 2011
Sandy's_sailor son

diannep, my son asked one of his class mates who is not going home for Christmas to drive him to the airport. His classmate is going to be the taxi for many other students, LoL

Nov 9, 2011
diannep

Yes, Sandy, my son did that too with his former roommate...paid him with a dinner, I think! But that roommate has moved out of barracks...and before, it was a closer airport (Newport News).

I googled mapped the distance and the shortest route is 22 miles.

Thanks, daughtersbf. The problem is...he has to leave the base by 5:30 a.m. at the latest.....zzzzzz! He actually has a car, but figured his car was safer on the base than at the airport for a week (plus don't know how full the garages may be). It may work for someone to pick him up when he returns because he arrives in the afternoon! I will pay for the cab regardless...just was wondering if one service is better than another.

Nov 9, 2011
diannep

I know another time, he had to take a cab to NewportNews airport (again, another early morning) and it was about $30 to that airport. Thanks, everyone!

Nov 9, 2011
bluebear

John and Yvonne

What a wonderful thing you do for our sailors. It will seem so different not to have him with us forT-giving. We are going to try to drive out for Christmas. It will be 10 hrs at least and we have never been to that area of the country. Hope weather is good. Told my son about T-giving with you and he seemed excited and told me to find out how to get in touch with you. If you could provide that info that would be great. Thanks

Bluebear

Nov 9, 2011
bluebear

Hello all

Does anyone have any helpful info at all in regards to going to Norfolk for Christmas? Good places to stay....Navy base? What is in the area. What we might do or where we could hang out as a family. There are 4 of us and 5 if my mother comes along. Any info would be so helpful as we have never been to that part of hte country. Thanks in advance

Bluebear

Nov 9, 2011
diannep

Hmmm.....I don't think he can do that, Barbara. He has FL insurance...very strict. No one under 25 can drive his car...and I don't think he would want them to. Very particular about his car! Plus, he may be coming back when that person is on leave himself. But thanks for the idea!

Nov 9, 2011
diannep

Wow, Becky. How sad...hadn't heard that.

Nov 9, 2011
Connie(Memphis Belle)

diannep-hey honey!!!! haven't been on this group much. i don't know any thing about the area but i was just looking at the map. if your Sailor parked his car at the secured parking area at the back gate @ Norfolk and called a cab from there could that work for him? the guy who runs the lot is an old Navy guy "Bill" and i got his phone number off the internet 757 445-1492 and talked to him before my Sailor was deployed.

Nov 10, 2011
diannep

Hey, Connie! Good to see you on here. Thanks for the info. Is this a lot for cars of those deployed? Hmmm....only thing is the early hour he is leaving...must be on his way by 5:30 at the latest...doubt that man would be there then.

I'm thinking that just getting a cab from Newport News will work out...just was wondering if one cab service was better than another.

Thanks though! Sure do appreciate the info! We need to private message soon! Want to catch up with you!

Nov 10, 2011
Connie(Memphis Belle)

diannep-yes that is the same lot. i "thought" it was manned 24/7 but i am not sure of this. your Sailor coming home for the Holidays...WOO HOO!!

Nov 10, 2011
paybacks398

My grandson called earlier today-he is being deployed Monday so he will not be here for Thanksgiving-his ship will be in just days before Christmas if they are lucky but he wont be coming home

Nov 10, 2011
Jess_0411

Please don't post when ships are expected to return from deployment. You are not only putting your grandson's life in danger, but everyone's loved ones lives in danger. We need to keep OPSEC (Operation Security) in mind when we're posting on here. Read the guidelines above as well. Thanks!

Nov 10, 2011
John and Yvonne

to paybacks398-

sorry your grandson wont' be able to come over to join us for TG. let him know that we also have sailors over for Christmas dinner. :)

Nov 10, 2011
Jess_0411

I've never seen a departure/homecoming date posted anywhere. And just because the news reports it, doesn't make it okay. The basic rule that the command gives everyone to follow is that unless it released by the ship via their website, press release, or facebook, do not repeat it. Knowing the schedule is a privilege, not a right. A privilege they will not hesitate to take away if it is abused. And your sailor can get in a lot of trouble. The rules for posting are listed above and it specifically says to not disclose ship movements in advanced.

I swear I'm not trying to be rude, I'm just trying to keep everyone safe (:

Nov 10, 2011
paybacks398

I didnt realize I did anything wrong- I never mentioned a ship, where he was going or anything else

Nov 10, 2011
paybacks398

I have seen more information posted on here in the past few weeks than anything I just put on here-I would never put our sailor's in harms way-so I guess it would just be best for me not to post anything else on this site. I guess you put me in my place

Nov 10, 2011