Norfolk Sailors - Family & Friends

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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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Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Here's the link with contact info for the Navy Housing Welcome Center for Norfolk, a good resource and they can help with leases. I'm with abuon18 - like Ghent very much too and the commute is easy - no freeway needed, and no tunnels or bridges in between. Old Dominion University is there too. Wherever your sailor looks, be aware that commuter-hour traffic is a real concern, and tunnel and bridge blockages can ruin your day :(

Mar 24, 2015
abuon18

Melinda, I would suggest Chesapeake fornyoue daughter's family. It's a really family friendly area and to be honest the commute is almost always going to be a nightmare if you're not in Norfolk. If they are looking for a house over an apartment I would suggest a Realtor to help them look - they can help your daughter find safe areas & have first hand access to what's available for rent. It would have been a nightmare if I would have had to do it without help, lol!

Mar 24, 2015
Cat123

My sailor's single.

Mar 24, 2015
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Try joining this group - "Navy Home Search" on Facebook. A mix of Navy people posting their needs/ISO's, and Realtors posting listings both for lease and for sale. People share a lot of good information there. https://www.facebook.com/groups/137720826328215/

Mar 24, 2015
Melinda

Thank you so much.

Mar 24, 2015
abuon18

Cat123 - does your son/daughter receive BAH yet? (I believe they have to be an e5 to receive BAH as a single Sailor.) If not I suggest they look for a roommate. It would be very expensive to live on his/her own without BAH or a roommate.

Mar 25, 2015
abuon18

Also, as a follow up to Tonya's response about her daughter's rent in Ghent, my husband and I pay $1,000 a month for a 2/2 in Virginia Beach.

Mar 25, 2015
abuon18

It's just the way the area fluctuates! Ghent is known for being pricier. We live in a safe area, and we have a house with a yard, our own garage, etc. But Ghent is very in demand and as far as living in Norfolk goes, it's really the only place that people think of as "safe"... Ghent & Larchmont. So you definitely pay for that!

Mar 25, 2015
abuon18

Obviously priorities are different for everyone - if she's single and her main concern is being close to work then it's perfect for her. It sounds super safe, and she can walk to restaurants, stores, theaters, bars, coffee shops, gyms, anything and everything! We looked in Ghent too but to find a 2 bedroom with parking (plus we have a dog) was just outrageous. So we ended up in VB, which is much more budget friendly but we would prefer to be in Ghent. When we decided to buy, we looked in Ghent again but ultimately ended up in Chesapeake.

Mar 25, 2015
Cat123

I'm not sure if he receives BAH yet. I appreciate knowing that Larchmont and Ghent are the areas that are considered safe in Norfolk. Are they the only safe areas? I think he'd rather not have a long commute or have to deal with traffic, but would want something safe.

Mar 25, 2015
Melinda

I found out last night my daughter will be stationed in Norfolk and her husband in Oceana. So they want to try to find something in between. I don't even know where Oceana is. Any suggestions?

Mar 25, 2015
abuon18

Melinda, Oceana is in Virginia Beach. They are about 20-30 miles from each other.

Cat123, I would not live anywhere else in Norfolk knowing my husband is going to be gone often and I will be alone a lot.

Mar 25, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

Happy Wednesday!

My son lives in Virginia Beach - has a roommate (they were roomies together in NY too). They rent at Midtown @ Town Center. They've only been there for about a month now, but so far they like it. He's also an E-5 so he gets housing allowance (BAH).

Mar 25, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

BAH=Basic Allowance for Housing

http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay/basic-allowance-for-h...

Mar 25, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

Hi all - Happy Thursday!

Navy Mom Deanna - good luck to your son at his new home port!

Mar 26, 2015
scubagirl

I am new to this group. My son arrived in Norfolk the first week of March and is a MM on a fast attack sub. We live in GA and have 3 children. Youngest one (23) is our sailor. His PIR was 7/25/14. He was in Groton until mid Feb and now in Norfolk for 3 years. He just left on his first underway this morning. He was being flown out to his boat, the USS Newport News. I have not been able to find anyone on any of the sites I belong to with a sailor on this sub, I guess my son is doing it all. LOL. Hoping to connect with other moms or wives with fellow sailors on this boat. Have a great day.

Mar 26, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

Hey scubagirl - nice to see you over here! I can't help you with being on the sub - mine's on the USS Truman (carrier), but hopefully someone here can. Mine just got there the end of February....

Mar 26, 2015
scubagirl

Thanks B'sNukeMom. I just find this site today. I have someone helping to find out more info regarding my son's sub as alot of the groups are secret. He called and we spoke so quickly that I did not ask all the questions I should have. Thank goodness this is a short underway and I know I will ask tons of questions before they deploy at the end of the year. My had to report the first of March so our sailors got to Norfolk about the same time. My is living on base and has a roommate but has never met him as he is out to sea at this time. Just hoping my son remembered to lock everything up before he left today since he does not know when roommate will return and has not met him. I read about too much theft.

Mar 26, 2015
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Nayv Mom Deanna, wishing you and your sailor all the best as he heads overseas! I'm sure many care packages are in your future, and hopefully travel too :)

Mar 26, 2015
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Welcome Scubagirl!

I just posted the OPSEC guidelines above, and this Navy article has good tips - Keep Your Family Safe: Practice Operational Security on Social Media.

"It is not unprecedented for spouses and family members of U.S. military personnel to be targeted for intelligence collection. This is true in the United States and especially true overseas.

Navy family members all know some bits of critical information. It may not be classified, and it may even seem insignificant. But, to the potential adversary, it is a piece of the puzzle. The power of emerging media tools is a two-edged sword: It makes information exceptionally accessible when posted - for anyone who is interested, including potential adversaries."

Mar 26, 2015
scubagirl

Reading over my last post I can see so many typos. We are having so much trouble with our internet connection on my desk top and when I use my I phone to post I miss so many of my typos or auto corrects. We will be upgrading the router and with any luck all will be better. My husband has a home office and we have to have DSL. My sailor has my laptop as his desk top is too big to have at this time. Hope all have a great weekend. Going back to the 30's here with highs in the 50's. Past ready for summer. Give me 80 or 90 any day of the week.

Mar 27, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

Hi all - Happy Friday! Got my RED on today!

scubagirl - head to SoCal - we are supposed to be 90+ today. Breaking records!

I know what you mean about posting from your phone - it's hard! I'm lucky that I can do most of my posts from work when I'm on my desktop...

Mar 27, 2015
scubagirl

I spoke to my son's gf a few minutes ago and she had the ombudsman info for me. My son has put gf, his dad and me on the list for emails, etc. Also have her phone number so I am feeling better. I knew he had planned on doing that but was not sure he had done it yet. Yeah.

Mar 27, 2015
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Something to start your Monday :) And of course, our WOMEN sailors are perfect too!

Mar 30, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

Hi all - Happy Monday!

Marcy - Love that!

I went to the Truman website and found the email address for the ombudsman, but when I emailed them they bounced back....tried 3 different email addresses & none of them worked. Anyone have a good email for the Truman ombuds?

Mar 30, 2015
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Hi - here's a link for anyone searching for their Ombudsman and Family Readiness Group (FRG) and the contact information - http://navyformoms.com/group/whatsanombudsmanandhowtocontactthem/fo...

Mar 30, 2015
abuon18

Hi creolemommy - basically they either receive BAH to live on their own in town OR they receive living quarters from the Navy - one or the other. If he is receiving BAH then he is not permitted to live on the ship or in the barracks. If he is not receiving BAH he can request permission to live in town but as singing mom said even if he chooses to do that he won't just get BAH - he has to be married (any rank married receives BAH) or an E-5 and above to receive BAH. So if he is, say an E-2 and wants to live in town he will not receive additional housing allowance because he wants to live in town, he will have to pay his rent and bills out of his salary. As singingmom said, his command will answer all of his questions and tell him everything he needs to know when he checks in.

Apr 1, 2015
Forever proud

all looking for housing: there is another option called PPV. This is like a HUGE apartment complex right outside the base gates that single sailors E4 or below can live. There is a complex for males and a separate one for females and each apartment has a common kitchen/living/dining area (furnished) and 2 bedrooms/2 baths (each locks to prevent entry from the common area). This is what my son opted for as he didn't want to live on the barge/ship and barracks kind of suck. You have to ask to get this housing and it takes awhile on a wait list, but it's there for those that want it.

Apr 2, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

Apr 2, 2015
Forever proud

Kimberly68 there isn't rent. It works like barracks but it is privatized. The one my son lives at is called Iowa Estates. That one is just outside the Norfolk base. I know there are others, but not sure where they are located. Iowa Estates is very modern. It has a huge six story central building with alot of units and is surrounded by alot of two story 4-unit buildings. There is a multi-story parking garage plus outdoor parking just like you would have at any apartment complex. Tell your son to ask his command about it - they would be able to tell him more. My son loves it, but he had to be a pest to get in. once he got on the waiting list he went into the housing office every couple of days to check and i think they just got sick of seeing him!

Apr 2, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

Hi all - Happy Friday!

Hoping we get to hear from sailor son this weekend. Fingers crossed (but not holding my breath!).

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend & Happy Easter!

Apr 3, 2015
Forever proud

My kid has been there almost 6 months now and STILL hasn't set up his PO box! I almost had him when I said "how is anyone going to send you money and presents?", but alas, he still didn't get it done. SIGH....

Apr 8, 2015
TwoForTheNavy

Thank you John and Yvonne for opening up your home to our sailors. My daughter was so blessed by her weekend with you:)

Apr 9, 2015
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

For a lot of them, getting mail can be a pain. Keep in mind gift cards that are purchased online and delivered via email - Chili's (it's next to the NEX), Starbucks (in the NEX); Visa gift cards for anything they want/need.

Apr 9, 2015
Forever proud

I think my son hasn't gotten a PO box yet because he knows the kind of things he will get. Like I went to my fav mystic shop and bought him some citrine, amythyst and black tourmaline stones to lay by his bed to help cleanse negative energy and help him sleep. He's just going to LOVE getting that package.

Apr 9, 2015
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Forever proud, sounds like a nice gift! But I have to admit that given everything, this image jumped to mind LOL

Apr 9, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

Hi all - Happy Monday! Marcy - love the picture of the boy skipping stones ;-) I think that's what my sailor would do too if I sent him stones. On the other hand Forever proud - I do like the idea of the stones for cleansing and helping with sleep!

I'm going to add one more idea for a gift card - I just went to Massage Envy and got my son a gift card for a massage. There's 2 locations not far from his apartment so I hope he will use it!

Can anyone tell me if they have purchased a mattress topper for their sailors berthing area? I'd like to get one for sailor for when he's on the ship but would like some feedback....any suggestions?

Apr 13, 2015
Forever proud

Hey errybody! I love the massage idea B'sNuke! My aunt and I "made" him go get one while he was home last, but my Aunt completely psyched him out by talking about it too much. saying things like "if it makes you uncomfortable being naked you can totally request to keep your underwear on. You know, if you are concerned about displaying your pleasure or letting her massage your gluteals. I carry alot of stress in my butt...". He was ready to cancel the appointment altogether at that point.
I got a really nice mattress topper to take with me on the Tiger Cruise with the intention of leaving it for him. The mattresses are Awful. The one I got was a memory foam and even a twin is too big for the berth. He had to cut it down to size, but he LOVES it. Says it almost makes it tolerable.
Another thing I got for him is a black-out curtain. With the odd shifts they work, often times they are trying to sleep during the day, but they only turn the lights out at night. the curtains supplied by the Navy are very thin and offer almost no privacy.
Can you tell I'm all about the nest?

Apr 13, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

Hi all - Happy Tuesday!

You had me laughing about the massage Forever proud! Too funny ;-)

My son doesn't stay on the ship often so he just uses a sleeping bag - I guess I'll order a mattress topper & have it shipped to his apartment. I have seen some of the memory foam ones online and they look pretty nice. I guess the big thing is convincing him to take it to the ship lol! From what he said it's a long walk from the parking lot....of course he'll only have to carry it once!

Where did you order the black-out curtain from? And how do you know the dimensions? Any info is appreciated!

Apr 14, 2015
abuon18

In lieu of a blackout curtain, since their racks are odd sizes, my husband just has an eye mask he wears when he sleeps. Works great for him, plus it's easily portable so he brings it back and forth between the ship and home. He's gotten so used to sleeping with it that last night he left his in the car and tried to steal mine, lol!

Apr 14, 2015
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

The curtains are at NavyRackPacks.com. They have extra storage pockets, hang inside the regular curtains so they're not visible from the passageway, are of Navy-approved flame-retardant material, and she can embroider your sailor's last name. Email or call Pat Neleski the owner to ask about size and requirements for your sailor's ship, and if the ship's current command has approved them. You can't just make your own, btw, because of the flammable issue.

Apr 14, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

Thanks for the info Marcy and abuon!

When he was in nuke school I got him one of the eye masks & he said he never ended up needing it! He said he learned how to sleep anytime/anywhere and the light didn't bother him! Of course that wasn't on a ship. Things might be different now lol! I'll remind him of the mask and I'll contact Navy Rack Packs. Thanks again ladies!

Apr 14, 2015
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Definitely depends on the sailor, their hours, the light and noise. Abuon, I hope your sleep mask isn't the kind with rhinestones and "eyelashes" LOL The massage gift card is a great idea.

Apr 14, 2015
abuon18

BNukesMom, that skill will certainly come in handy on the ship, although he may find he needs that sleep mask after all ;) he'll be trying to sleep in the middle of the day without a doubt!

Lol Marcy, neither of our masks are jeweled or decorated BUT if he keeps trying to steal mine I may just have to get him one that is to teach him a lesson!

Apr 14, 2015
LadyDi

Hi all! I spoke with my Sailor today and he gave me the following link for sheets for his rack.

http://www.fleetsheets.co/store/p8/Superior_Comfort_Care_Package.html

It comes with the sheets, a mattress pad and a curtain caddy. For his rack it was a little over $100 but I'm sure he'll appreciate it! Just wanted to share...

Apr 14, 2015
Forever proud

LadyDi great idea! They really do appreciate a comfortable place to get away from the drudgery of the all metal environment. Marcy that is the website I got the rack curtain. My son said it makes all the difference in shielding the light and he likes that it has those pockets. I didn't get his name embroidered because it takes longer and he was deployed at the time, but he said it would have been a great idea as - unfortunate as it sounds - there is alot of theft on the ships and having their name on everything prevents getting your stuff stolen.

Apr 14, 2015
Forever proud

Whoa run on sentence alert!

Apr 14, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

Hi all - Happy Wednesday!

I agree - thanks for the suggestions for sheets/rackpack/masks, etc. Got lots of ideas to run past my sailor. I emailed NavyRackPacks to find out if they are allowed to have them on the Truman - couldn't find their ship listed on the website :(

Apr 15, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

Welcome momma! I'm pretty new here too - my sailor arrived to the Truman in February so still learning the ropes. Is your sailor on the Truman?

Apr 21, 2015
Forever proud

Hi momma! My son is with the Bataan. he has been in Norfolk roughly a year - subtracting several months os deployment. Where are you from?

Apr 21, 2015