Norfolk Sailors - Family & Friends

seasport--my son just arrived in Norfolk the beginning of May and he ended up buying a car after being there a week.  He is in the barracks and also an E-3, but his chief told him he would be able to move off base so that is what he is planning on doing I believe.  He also had some excitement the other day--got stuck in an elevator for 45 minutes.  You should have seen the pics and videos he uploaded to facebook about that...lol

Oh my!  That's funny now, but probably not at the time he was stuck!  Well, actually, my son is an E-2, not yet an E-3.  My mistake.  This whole Navy thing changes all of the time doesn't it?  It sure keeps me on my toes!

Jana, does your son like Norfolk?  I hear many sailors don't like it.  They just have to make the best of it for sure.

It is really hard to get anything out of him.  When I have asked all he will say is it's allright.  He was stationed in Italy at a hospital before this and they were a pretty close group.  They were always traveling and he got to travel to so many places in Europe when he was there that he wouldn't have gotten to visit if he wasn't in the Navy.   I think he kind of misses that close group and the traveling, but he does know some people stationed there, but I think like you said he is just making the best of it.  He really wanted a duty station on the West Coast but the only available ones were on the East Coast--the needs of the Navy you know.    His 5 year active duty contract will be up when his time is up in Norfolk and he plans on not reenlisting.   

It may take a little effort to find what's available but there's tons to do - 10Ks, the beach, Busch Gardens, summer concerts and festivals, and the area has tons of colleges and events too.  To see what's available, "Like" the FB page for Naval Station Norfolk https://www.facebook.com/NavalStationNorfolk, read through this FFR page http://www.discovermwr.com/navalstationnorfolk/index.html, and watch this one too HamptonRoads.com for events. 

Here are upcoming Liberty Trips for single sailors, one to Washington DC, one an "adventure weekend" in West Virginia, could be a good way to meet people, too!  :) 

Here's a pdf of the 2014 Run schedule:  2014%20Run%20schedule.pdf (Little Creek has a Run For Glory 5k with Obstacles on June 19)

And the Norfolk Tides are the triple-A team for the Baltimore Orioles and the ballpark is right on the river in Norfolk, pretty cool.  Schedule http://www.milb.com/schedule/index.jsp?sid=t568

I figured when my son said his ship was in a shipyard, that he would be able to get a shuttle to the base or the NEX.  I myself was surprised that wasn't an option.  My son has spend ALOT of money on taxi cabs since he has arrived the middle of January.  He is so over doing that. 

I know he is frustrated, but what can he do if he doesn't have transportation yet.  He couldn't wait to get to Norfork from the Great Lakes, but now he says he would like to be stationed in San Diego. He hasn't said he doesn't like Norfolk, just that he would like to experience both coasts. 

Thanks for all of the information ladies.  Marcy that's a big help!  My son also wanted the West Coast too, who doesn't?  Do the sailors have to walk everywhere on base at Norfolk, and/or rely on friends?  Really, there's no bus/shuttle system on base at all?  Currently, in GL,my son & friends will buddy up which makes the cab fares more reasonable. They'll do that some weekends for a hotel room too, just to get away.  Most of my son's class got the same orders, so at least he'll know someone; just not sure they'll be living close together. (probably not) We live in Texas & my parents are 6 hours from Norfolk. Hopefully, we can make plans to take a trip to Norfolk, since it won't take forever to get there, unlike Texas.  Sometimes it's just best to fly. It's nice to know other sailors don't have cars either.  My son will probably be frustrated too.  We all just want our sailors to be happy!  Happy sailors=happy moms.

I believe there is some type of shuttle on the base.  I could be wrong though.  My son is living far away on the base from the main gate, so it is a long walk to anything.  He walked to and from school every day his senior year.  He would walk in all elements just because he wanted the exercise.  But when I say something to him about walking on the base, he says everything is far away. ha

  His situation is when he is staying on the barge in the shipyard away from the base.  He has to take a cab back to the base and anywhere else he goes.  He does have some friends he does stuff with, but he is patiently waiting for us to get his motorcycle to him.  This trying to figure out what shipping company to use is making me a nervous wreck!  Plus I have to mail a huge box to him first with his jacket, helmet, etc.  That won't be cheap. ha I just don't know what company to trust and also, they just don't seem to be able to get it out there as quick as he would like. :)

Marcy - you need to round up all our kids who are being shy about discovering things, and get them going! ha :) When my son says he is bored which normally is only on the holiday weekend if he doesn't have duty, we always give him grief about all the things there is to do.  But he fusses about spending money on that cab.  He says as soon as his transportation gets delivered to him, he is going to go all over and do things. We will see..

The base is huge, plus there's life beyond the base!  :)  which is why a car is necessary. Also, as far as weekends go, my son doesn't drink, so I'm also glad that he's the DD, and that he need not rely on others.  For those without cars, I will just toss this thought out, don't want to start a battle but I've said this here before.  The sailor who scrimps to buy the car, pays registration, insurance, gas, oil changes, tires, brakes, repairs from Virginia's sink-hole-size potholes, parking, even car washes, on the SAME pay as everyone else (maybe less than some) has my respect for stepping up as an adult out in the world.  Someone kicking in $5 here and there doesn't really make it.  (Says the mom of a sailor with the car.) 

HuffyMom, I can imagine your mixed feelings about the motorcycle.  Hopefully the first snowstorm, or hurricane that blows by, will help him take up Grandpa's offer to go in in a truck!  :)

@HuffyMom, yep some need a bigger nudge than others LOL But just trying one trip is a great start.  On the base, they have sailing lessons available for sailors at the marina this summer.  It's a nice marina too, some great boats there.  I would love to have that opportunity right where I live!

Yeah, I remember, in January when my son graduated from boot camp, I thought it was horrindous for him to have to walk all the way from his ship to the visitor's center to meet us in that freezing cold, snow!!  He is a Texas boy for heaven's sake!  I just knew he was going to get hypothermia!  lol  He has faired that weather better than I could. I offered to mail him an umbrella, he said he didn't need one. I guess he didn't want to been caught dead using one, or maybe they weren't allowed.  I have no doubt he will take advantage of his liberty with trips to various places.  That is...if he has any money left from cab fares etc...He is currently paying on a student loan also. 

HuffyMom, I have a friend at work that shipped his sailor's car to her in Washington State at one time.  Would you like me to ask what shipping company he used?  It may take a couple of days for me to get back with you. I don't blame you, that would make me very nervous too!!

Have him take a cab to the Navy Lodge on Hampton Blvd, I just called and the smallest room they have is one with two queen beds, rate $76, available for tonight only, phone # is 757-489-2656.  He'll be right by the base and can get in touch with his command.

Address is 7811 Hampton Blvd, all cab drivers will know it.

Only Navy enlisted and veterans and their families can stay there, he'll be safe there too.  I took a sailor there last fall when his sponsor failed to show.  Wish I or my sailor was there to help!

Sent you a PM too :)

OH GOOD!!  Looks like he lived up to the Marine Corps mantra "improvise, adapt and overcome"!

Don't blame you for worrying though, as it's all a new experience.  We're all here for you! 

Co-Twin Sailors Mom: My son has many of the same interests as you son. In fact, he also went camping memorial weekend and likes to fish, hunt too. My son does have his truck there. Right now my son is still living on his ship (Truman) but would like to get a place if he could find good roommates. What ship is your son on?

Leach 73 - My son is on the Truman and looking for a roommate or roommates to get a place off base. He has a couple friends who just rented a place. He has one female friend (just friends) he has thought about asking. If your daughter would be interested, maybe the two girls could share a room. He is a good kid - never gave me any trouble and grew up in the church. He has been in Norfolk for about a month and hasn't attended church yet but I think he is willing/interested. He does have his truck there. I sent you a friend request. Let me know if interested in discussing. 

My son will be on the USS Iwo Jima starting this Friday, 6/6.  He's a Christian, single and a CSSR.

Hi, Is there a mom on here that's Sailor just reported to the USS Gonzalez in Norfolk?  Thanks, Patty 

DARmpm - thanks!! I accepted our friend request. I will reply to you later. For some reason when I try to send a message from my work computer, it doesn't work :( I have to do it from home but sometimes i don't get to the computer every night. and Yes, I too hope my daughter plugs in to a good church.  CO-Twin mentioned Hampton Church and I meant to tell my Sailor about it. I forgot!

Does anyone know how to reach B-Ready whose son Steven had the skin problem. They were from Texas. She left the group and I would like to speak with her. 

<tford517@gmail.com>Here Is her email. I asked her first and she is OK with whoever would like to keep in touch.

C)-TwinSailors Mom THANK YOU!

Forgot to mention my son also likes the line dancing. We will have to see if we can get them together to go to the Wagners.

thanks CO-TwinSalorsMom for letting DARmom know how to get in touch with B-Ready. :)

And we would love it if both of your sons came over on the weekends.

Yvonne

To Fritz,

You've probably seen my husband and I mentioned...we open our home to the sailors stationed here on the weekends to have a place to hang out. We feed them and play board games or go to special events in the area on Saturday evening from 5 to 9, and on Sundays we go to Azalea Garden Church of God (he is welcome to come) and after church we gather at our house for a home cooked dinner(including homemade bread and dessert) :) from 1 to 5. If he needs a ride we can provide that too. 

Yvonne and John Wagner

I am so excited!  My Sailor graduates from HT A school Thursday & should be coming home Friday on leave, before heading to Norfolk!  Wahoo!!

Congratulations!!  Have a wonderful visit!  :)

Thank you Marcy!  Haven't seen him since January.

Hello ....just wanted to say goodbye to the Norfolk group...our sailor has new orders so it is time to move on.  It has been  great being part of this group  you have all been very helpful at times when I need it.  Take care all...maybe I will see some of you on chat.

Thank you, so much, Yvonne and John!  What is the best way for you and my son to contact each other?

No I have tried calling and texting my son.

What happened??

What news feed?

Got it on local Norfolk channel. Apparently "incidents" are so common place these days the major news networks are not even covering. I think it's about time families start demanding better mental health screening of those coming into the military and better education, treatment for those serving - including how to handle stress, anxiety, frustration and when to seek help. 

Pray for peace for our Naval bases and all military bases.

just went on to CNN.com and read about the lockdown at the base in Portsmouth.

God help us.