Norfolk Sailors - Family & Friends

You can show up or call them...:) They may have  a room...:)

Cindysch319 - just saw this so I'm not sure why you're looking for lodging near Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth. My son had surgery there a couple of weeks ago. I stayed at the Navy Lodge on Hampton Blvd. in Norfolk.

FWIW, it's at least a 20 minute ride with no traffic and could easily double that at times. Norfolk traffic is crazy! That being said, I absolutely loved the Navy Lodge. Staff was friendly, room was immaculate, breakfast was decent and FREE . . . I would definitely stay there again! It was just a few minutes away from my son's apartment and he had one-day surgery so it worked out fine. You do need to be military (or be sponsored by someone military) to register. I was driving in the morning of his surgery and planned on checking in later that afternoon . . . my son went there the week before and was told that he had to be present for me to sign in. That just wouldn't work because we weren't positive that he was going home and I didn't want to burden him post-surgery. After re-explaining the situation they supposedly made "special accommodations" where he held the room under his credit card. When I got there, they first told me that he had to be present . . . once I again explained the situation, I got the "OK, we worked that out before" and I was able to switch the payment to my credit card. A little frustrating but again, well worth it!!

Again, not knowing why you need to be near Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth . . . let me say this, I was very impressed with the care and treatment my son received there. It's an amazing place with very nice people. We were there at the beginning of the government shut down and the non-military staff weren't even sure if they would get paid BUT they were there and treating patients without a grumble at all. The only negative I need to mention is that parking SUCKS big time! When we pulled into the garage around 5 am on the morning of surgery we were able to park in the first row, first floor of the garage . . . 5 days later when we went back for his initial check-up in the mid-morning we circled level after level of the parking garage and I eventually let him out near the elevator so he wouldn't miss his appointment. I worked my way back down to the ground level and basically stalked people walking back to their cars until I got a space.

Good luck on your trip there!

Cindy, I too recommend Navy Lodge (was there last week in fact, and went back and forth to Portsmouth several times).  The nicest hotel in Portsmouth also happens to be within walking distance of NMCP - The Renaissance Hotel and Waterfront Conference Center, and rates right now are good.  http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/orfpt-renaissance-portsmouth-...

PS - re Navy Lodge reservations - you don't technically need a reservation to stay at the Navy Lodge, but you DO need your sailor (or retired military with ID) to check you in and they are strict about that - glad it worked out for Ken but I wouldn't count on it.  It fills up on the weekends and when events like homecomings are going on, so reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to stay Fri - Mon.

The only hotel near the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth is the Comfort Inn right outside the gate it is only average, the rates are about 89.00 per night. There is a Renaissance Hotel on Water Streeet that would have a nice view not much further away I think the rates are a little higher. The Navy Lodge is in Norfolk, not too far away. The Comfort Inn is the most convenient.

You need a ID card to stay at the Navy Lodge. If you're there to see your Sailor return you're not going to have an ID to check in. Your Sailor may be able to handle the reservation over the phone or mail ahead of time but it's going to take some planning.

CO-TwinSalorsMom, here is all the information about Navy Lodge Norfolk:  http://navyformoms.com/group/norfolksailorsfamilyfriends/forum/topi....  You can make the reservation yourself, just need to provide the name, rate and rating of the sailor (called your "sponsor") who will check you in.    

When making your reservation, tell them you're coming for a homecoming.  Your sponsor will need to show his military ID within 24 hours of your check-in.  Reserve as far ahead as possible, as it fills up (and it is usually full on weekends).  I was there two weeks ago, and just updated some of the photos on my Discussion :)  It's a great place to stay for a homecoming or just a visit to Norfolk!

Marcy  what happens if you want to check in before the ship arrives?  He can't check us in of he is on a ship.  We I hope will have his twin with us who is at GC at nuke school. can he check us in with his ID?

Sure, anyone with a qualifying ID can check you in. Just make him the "sponsor".

Great info Marcy.

Not to be Debbie Downer, but it's always best to err on the side of OPSEC until dates are publicly announced, and at this point, that's information being shared with families only via their ship Ombudsman and Family Readiness Group.

OPSEC GUIDELINES

✓ Donʼt discuss future destinations or ports of call.

✓ Donʼt discuss future operations, exercises or missions.

✓ Donʼt discuss dates and times of when we will be in port or conducting exercises.

✓ Donʼt discuss security procedures, movements, or arms.

✓ Donʼt discuss readiness issues and numbers.

✓ Donʼt discuss specific training equipment.

✓ Donʼt speculate about future operations.

✓ Donʼt spread rumors about past, current or future operations or movements.

✓ Donʼt discuss deployment or homecoming dates (including Tiger or Family Day Cruises)

✓ DO assume the enemy is always trying to collect information.

✓ Keep in mind there is no guarantee of security for information transmittal, or that a chat room or forum described as “military” has its membership restricted to militarypersonnel and their families.

✓ Be smart, use your head, and always think OPSEC when using email, phone, message boards and chatrooms, including Navyformoms.com.

Keep Your Family Safe: Practice Operational Security on Social Media

I didn't mean to sound unsympathetic; it's natural to be curious, and excited for each other!!  Just want to be sure enthusiasm doesn't trump caution.    

COmom, regarding your earlier question - yes, your son at Nuke school can be your sponsor and check you into the Navy Lodge with his military ID.

It's on the bootcamp group page,right the hand side for the new Navy mommas..:)

Freemason Abbey restaurant will be open noon - 4 pm on Thanksgiving Day, but you'd better get a reservation in ASAP, as it will be by reservation only :)  http://www.freemasonabbey.com and restaurant photos.  It's in a former church in a pretty section of Norfolk near MacArthur Center, not far from the base.

Thanks Marcy!

If transportation is not an issue, another great option is the Thanksgiving Brunch at Swan Terrace (Founders Inn). It is about 15 miles from base.

http://www.foundersinn.com/diningvenue-en.html

U.S. Fleet Forces Command said today that the new Flame Resistant Variant (FRV) coveralls will begin being distributed to Sailors in the fleet before the end of the year. 

I read about those on Navy Times a while ago.  

Navy Dad, I have sent you a friend req.  I would like to talk to you privately as soon as possible regarding my son.  Please email me and I will give you my phone number so I talk to you.  Thank You,
Cyndi

CyndiH,

I accepted your friend request, please send me a message of how I can help.

My son didn't put our names in for the tiger cruise, and it's too late now.  

Can anyone who's been on one tell me what it is like, Please and Thank You!!

Hi, I am new to this group, joined just yesterday! We will be going to Norfolk for the SAN homecoming. We are considering Navy Lodge or Hampton Inn, but as we have never been in the area, we are not sure the best place to stay to be closer to the base or the nicest accommodations near base.  Any comments are welcome!

What is a tiger group?My son just came down to Norfolk a few weeks ago..

Share with your Sailor...

WARNING! DON'T download an app called "MyPay DFAS LES." It presents itself as an official DFAS service and as many as 50,000 members are estimated to have installed it. This third-party app is NOT sponsored by the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government, and presents a serious risk of compromising your user name, password, and account information and even theft of funds. Steer clear of this and similar third-party MyPay/DFAS-related apps.

On Saturday, Nov. 9, the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio in Norfolk will offer a FREE Holiday Ornament Glassblowing class for all veterans, active duty military, National Guard, and reservists and their families (children must be 5+). 

Classes will be first come, first serve and will be available for sign up only on Nov. 9. 

Classes will run hourly at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3pm and 4 pm. There will be 12 slots per hour. If those 12 get done early, we will allow others to go as time permits. Each participant can create a colorful blown-glass ball with the help of the Studio Team. 

Ornaments will be available for pickup on Wednesday, Nov. 13, after cooling in the kiln. For more information, call the studio at (757) 333-6299.  

For more info:  http://www.chrysler.org/events-calendar/details/20824

jonsmom,  My daughter bought a car back in July.  She went to Pomoco Dodge and they treated her right.  We didn't even know she was going.  She did everything on her on and told them what she could do and they did it.

She financed it through the Navy Federal Credit union and got Insurance through USAA.  She checked around a few places but it was the cheapest.

We were shocked she had everything done before she even told us.

She was pleased with how she was treated.

Good luck to your Sailor.

I don't think I put that it is in Newport News.

We bought used cars at Charles Barker Toyota in Virginia Beach and Lynnhaven Motor Company. Had good success with both. I recommend you have your sailor arrange financing through NFCU or USAA in advance, then see if he can negotiate a lower interest rate with the dealership at the time of the sale...never hurts to ask! For the most part, we recommend staying away from anything on Little Creek Road (aka Little Crook Road); those places don't have the greatest reputation. Make sure your sailor knows that Virginia has no usury laws, so there is no limit on the interest that can be charged. It is really important that he arrange financing separate from the sale of his car. If you want him to make an educated decision, suggest that he take the Car Buying Workshop at the Fleet and Family Support Center; they will explain how to negotiate financing and sales price. Their number is 757-444-2102. If he can't attend a workshop, have him speak to a financial counselor who can help him make a plan. Good luck!

Actually, the car buying class is a good idea.  My daughter said it helped her.  She also was pre-approved before she went.  Also, she said there is some kind of list of dealers to stay away from. 

Morning Happy Veteran's Day...thank you to all our military for serving our country and those who served and are no longer with us.

Navy lodge in Norfolk is not on base it's down the street not far...We h ave s stayed there twice it's nice and  convenient.  Yes the base is huge...We could not drive on base our sailor drove us on in his car because he has a parking pass so we could walk down and look at the ships...it's quite a site to see.

Here's the history of Veterans Day is an annual holiday celebrated on November 11^th.  This date was chosen because World War I officially ended at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918 when Germany signed the Armistice.  President Wilson first proclaimed November 11^th 1919 Armistice Day.  Over the years Armistice Day became the present day Veterans Day holiday.

Thought this was interesting so I wanted to share it with you.....I forget about the 11 symbolism of this special day..:)

Just got off the phone with my sailors said it was snowing there...he loves the snow by mostly at a ski resort with his snowboard in hand.....:)