Norfolk Sailors - Family & Friends

Trisha A1Son, here is a link to the USS Harry Truman 

http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/cvn75/Pages/HOME.aspx 

When my son arrived in Norfolk he was able to live on the ship so he would not need to get a place to live.  He is currently assigned to the USS Enterprise.  In a way it was a good choice, he was able to get use to living in a small place before they deployed. I know for some of the other newbee sailors even though they went out for trials before they deployed for 8 months they found it hard to adjust at first.  This way too he got sea pay and was able to bank his money.  I do not know if that is an option for your son or not. 

Again, the link above will get you to the right people should you have other questions. 

One thing I found out was when Scott got his assignment after BC he was given contact information etc. but we never say any of it so I just started to hunt on the Internet and came across this site.

Good luck and stay in touch.

Here is the link to the USS Truman group on N4M

http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/cvn75/Pages/HOME.aspx 

Lori, here is a link to the Readiness Group.

http://www.cnic.navy.mil/norfolk/index.htm It has a lot of information. There should be a group for the USS Truman but can not find the link right now. Your sailor will be getting a package with his orders which should also have contact information for those re-locating. He can also go online and request a sponsor which is a good idea. Hope this is some help. Have a great day! 

Happy Veterans Day to all near and far....God Bless You for all that you do and are willing to give up.

Lori my son is on the Truman

Hi all, just got off work so I'm catching up on the messages.  I probably need to clarify I said my son is on the USS TR some sight think Truman but I meant Theodore Roosevelt and actually it not in Norfolk its in Newport News.  He just got there a couple of weeks ago and is trying to adjust.  He's a Florida boy so the weather has been a big factor.

Duhhuh58- My son was asking about getting a vehicle, would that be wise this early and he would love to live off the ship.  Not sure about any of this.  This is all new to me and him so I'm trying to educate myself on these things but I do need advice.  He also stated he would not get deployed until 2015, don't know how true that is.

*might

Joyce-Scott'sProudMom, awesome link, thank you for sharing!

Duhhuh58- I don't know if that last sentence was TMI but remove if need be.

lori,

you're fine.  if he's going to be there for the next few years then a car would be a good idea.  as for living off base it depends on his circumstances.  if he's married it isn't a problem but if he's below a certain rank (i think it's E-4) they kinda frown on it and everything would be out of his pocket as he wouldn't get any BAH.  he can see about single sailor housing, it's kinda like the barracks, 2 bedrooms, shared kitchen and living room with another sailor.  tell him to talk to his chief.

Ms Wanda-- my son has been in Virginia for a little over a year now.  He loved A school and hated his ship.  He got very depressed and didn't communicate much.  When he did call, I was very concerned.  I told him to speak with the chaplain.  That's one of the things they are there for.  It has really helped my son deal with some things and he's much better now.  He still lives on the ship.  His first year on the ship was like Hell Week but for a year.  They hadn't been deployed in a long time and most of the crew hasn't been on a deployment.  INSURV was crazy.  He said things have calmed down now and he's in a much better place sanitywise.  Prayers for you and your son.  When you do speak with him, encourage him to talk to the chaplain.  He will find friends to hang with.  Being the new kid on the block isn't always easy. 

A note from the Navy Lodge General Manager :)  "I have attached an electronic version of a holiday flyer featuring the three Hampton Roads Navy Lodges. The message is Navy Lodges are available to our military members and families as well as associates and families over the upcoming holiday seasons at a savings to them."

Thanks Marcy!  We just had our son look into booking for us the week prior to Christmas.  He has only been in 8 mos and didn't have enough leave left to get much of a trip home this year.  He got us 3 nights with two queen beds for $225 he said.  Not sure which location, but I am hoping the one closest to him!  sounds like a great deal!

Hi ladies, any ideas regarding cheap airline tickets for the holidays?

Thanks Jackarita, I'll check it out.

Lori,

My son reports to the Roosevelt first week in December.  It will be his first ship and we are so excited for him.  I read online that the ship will be finished with refurbishment summer 2013; I assumed it would be going out on deployment then.

Hi, everyone! I just wanted to let everyone know that if your son/daughter isnt able to make it home for Thanksgiving dinner that my husband and I are making a big dinner and would love to have a few of our fellow sailors with us for the Holiday. We cant go home and I just want to make sure everyone gets to celebrate and have a full belly. We live in Norfolk, very close to the base. Just message me if you have any questions or know of anyone that cant go home for Thanksgiving. Happy Holidays, Ladies!

Emmie, that is such a wonderful offer that you are making to the sailors in Norfolk. Thank you for doing this. My son fortunately is home for Thanksgiving but I love your spirit of kindness.

Thank you oregonmom! I'm so happy that your son gets to come home! You must be so excited! 

Emmie,  I'll check with my son.  He won't be able to come back to Texas.  I know he misses home cooking.  I'll let you know.  This is such a wonderful gesture from the heart.  Bless you and your husband!

Emmie that is very kind of you to offer to the men and women who will not be able to make it home.. I'm blessed my son will be able to be at home this thanksgiving  I will be praying for you and your family

Helen, just let me know if he can make it, he can also bring a friend if he knows anyone else that may enjoy coming. Thank you ladies for all the kind words, and warm hearts. :)

Emmie thank you for the generous offer.  I mentioned it to my son this morning and he said he would let me know.  He is in Newport News.  He is very much into his family and family time so this is going to be hard for all of us.  He will make it home after Christmas so we are all looking forward to that.

Hi Nursebubbles, not sure about deployment, I've heard something different.  Its good to connect with other moms that have a kid on the same ship. 

hi i just got the sailor call, and after a school my son will be here as undesignated seaman!

Navy25 Parktowne apts in Norfolk about 20 min drive to the base. My son wife and baby live there. It is across from the Little Creek base. Close to stores and not far from hotels for when we go there. Area seems nice to me

hi Joyce Ill let my son know to check it out im just trying to see if I could get any info here since a few Navy wives and Mom seem to ive in the area this way it can give my son an idea since I have heard some pretty bad areas are close by. Thank you very much... how long has your son been in Norfolk

Hi Sandra AM Mom was wondering how are the apts by gate 4 Merrimack was there any flooding by your sons place and is that a safe area and is it military housing trying to check for my son any input much appreciated it and do they have parking available... I hope all was well with your son... Thank you Maria Navy25

Navy25: Chris has been in Norfolk since May 2011. His wife is also Navy 

after school in gl, my son will be in norfolk va. i forgot the name of the ship he mentioned as it did not sound familiar, how many ships are there in that base? i guess i will know more after i talk to him after PIR on wednesday. am just on here trying to know a little about what his life will be like when he gets here.

I haven't posted on here yet...I've only been eavesdropping :)  My daughter left Norfolk about a month ago and is now in Pascagoula, MS.  Her ship is the USS Arlington (LPD 24) which will be homeported in Norfolk.  The crew is in MS preparing the ship (it gets handed over to the Navy around December 7.  Christening will be in Norfolk around April).

It's been wonderful seeing all your Thanksgiving plans and I'm loving that some of you are able to open up your homes for other Sailors.  You guys rule!  Here's another idea.....keep a turkey on hand in your freezers.  When your kid gets some leave to come home, have Thanksgiving no matter what time of year it is.  We had Thanksgiving in August this year.

Enjoy ladies :)

Hello all!

I am looking forward to getting to know the folks in this group and to gain some much needed knowledge!  My son went to A&C school in Dam Neck.  The USS Enterprise was already under way so he flew out to meet the ship a few weeks into its journey.  The "Big E" is back home in Norfolk and my son is still living on the ship.

He was told that there isn't enough housing available so when the ship is decommissioned on Dec. 1 he may have to move to a barge for housing.  Yikes!

We spend a few days with my son after the homecoming but I don't know diddly about the area, the housng situation etc.  I was hoping he would have a nice, warm, dry place to live after the long deployment but so far no such luck. 

Advice / guidance is welcome.  So are "He's a big boy now mom, let it go", comments.  I just feel bad for him.  He hasn't taken any leave since the ship's return but at least he will be home for Christmas.  Have a great day all!

Good morning Laura, here is a link as to where you and your son can find information and support for those assigned to the Big E.

http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/enterprise/Documents/Enterprise/w... 

Our son is assigned to the Enterprise and is in the same situation.  He a few friends are looking to share a short term lease somewhere since he understands that he will most likely get his new orders sometime around March or so.  This link will take you to the offical Big E. site.  I hope this is some help.  And yes, it is hard to let go but there is support there if he pursue it.  The thing I found with our son is he needs to learn to stay on top of it and to not expect people are going to get back even they say they will and to be aware if you do not follow up you may lose out.  Mom is not there to keep reminding them anymore. 

Have a great day!  Joyce

Emmie, my son is leaving the area with some of his buddies.  They get a long weekend.  Thanks so much for offering your home and hospitality to our sons and daughters.  It is much appreciated.  I do hope someone takes up your offer.  Nothing like a home cooked meal when your far from home.  Thanks again!

Chris and Hannah and baby chloe made it up to NY last night. The usual trip of 7 hours took 12. Thank goodness the baby was good for them. Well got to babysit last night and boy did I love it. It will be a wonderful Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I am missing my sailor son today but we will talk on the phone.  Enjoy your day all! 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.  My sailor son has duty and watch today so I'll be watching football at the Navy Lodge.   So glad to be close by, had great fun yesterday and have fun plans for the weeken.     karting.jpg

My son asked my MIL to come to Norfolk for Thanksgiving (she is staying with her other son/grandchildren in Virginia Beach) so he would have a home cooked Thanksgiving meal.  So she is there all week and he has been over spending time around work schedule.  Yesterday, he finds out/realizes he has watch tonight when they have dinner planned that she is cooking.  So there she is and rest of family there enjoying the feast while he is not able to come.  He says "part of my job, mom....I don't mind.  though Gram better have some leftovers!"  Can't wait to see him in 3.5 weeks when we go there to celebrate Christmas with him.  He already has me lined up to cook for him and the suite-mates one evening.  And most exciting thing is he made E-4 this week after 2 months on the job and 7 mos in the Navy!  I know for sure God found the right place when he directed this young man to serve in the World's Greatest Navy!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and I pray for all of our sailors and you their families every day. 

my seaman will be here soon and was looking up the base tonight online and mentioned that there was no sporting arenas in driving distance as he is a sports fanatic and wants to arrange to see games in his free time. football, basketball, wrestling! so we are wondering what do the sailors here during liberty

 If he likes hockey, there are the Norfolk Admirals.  For baseball, the Norfolk Tides are the Triple-A farm team for the Baltimore Orioles and they have a cool stadium right on the Elizabeth River - from Portsmouth you can take the ferry to the game!  

thanks marcy, i will tell him that, but i know he is really into football, basketball and wrestling.

My son just arrived Tues at the Norfolk base.  He will be living on his ship and is under the impression that there is no cell phone or internet on the ship unless you go out on deck.  He is still learning but is this true or is there a place on the ships that they can go besides out on the deck for connection? Thanks for any information?

Kev's mom, This is the case for my son who is also in Norfolk.