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

Comments Discussions Members

Load Previous Comments

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
John and Yvonne

No, Bataan is a ship. Welcome to navy4moms. :)

Apr 22, 2015
JKMOM

Kimberly68-

My son arrived in November and is a DC as well.

Apr 22, 2015
letyrod24

Hi momma, my son arrive to Norfolk a little over two months ago. He's on the Truman. I'm still in the learning process.

Apr 22, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

letyrod24 - my son is also on the Truman. He's a nuke MM and also just got there a couple of months ago!

Apr 22, 2015
MarianneKT's Mom

momma - a DC is a Damage Controlman - fire, water, chemical, etc. damage

Apr 22, 2015
letyrod24

Hi B'sNukeMoM, my son is an AD he was not to happy staying on ship. He doesn't have a car yet so he couldn't do much. And to make things worse On three different occasions his things were stolen. Thank God he met a very nice guy and he asked him to move in with him and a couple of other people. He is so much happier now. And I don't feel so worry any more.

Apr 22, 2015
MarianneKT's Mom

momma - It is easy to know what a DC does since that is what my daughter is. AVU? Sounds like an aviation rate, but I couldn't find that one.

Aviation Community
Includes ABE, ABF, ABH, AC, AD, AE, AG, AM, AME, AO, AS, AT, AW, AZ, and PR

Apr 22, 2015
Forever proud

Momma you can ask anything here, its pretty new to most of us and we all probably asked the same questions at some point. There are several bases in Norfolk, but as the Eisenhower is an aircraft carrier it will be parked at the main base. Your son being in aviation will have an action packed time when deployed, and alot of down time when in port. Since you live in Maryland you should try to visit him and he can take you around, show you his base and his ship. Once you get a look at things, it is much easier put it all together. It took me almost a year to figure out the difference between "being on duty" and "going to work"!

Apr 22, 2015
Forever proud

Letyrod24 I hate that your sailor had such a bad experience with theft. It doesn't take them long to figure out they need to lock their stuff up tight all the time. My son lost a few items early on until he labelled everything with a big fat Sharpie pen with his name and didn't leave his rack withhout stowing it. Glad he is in offbase housing now!

Apr 22, 2015
MarylandMom

Hi Momma !! I'm also from Maryland !! My son is stationed in Norfolk on the USS WASP. He is an IT. Welcome.

Apr 22, 2015
John and Yvonne

Wow! There are a lot of you moms who's sons have arrived here recently! Just to let you all know, my husband and I open our home on the weekends and invite sailors over to eat, play board games, eat some more and hang out together. So. if any of them would be interested, we would love to invite them over to join us. We have sailors from several different ships who come over and if they need a ride we are always happy to provide them with one. Let us know and we can pm any of you our cell number.

Yvonne and John

Apr 22, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

Hi all - Happy Thursday!

letyrod - glad your son was able to move off base. My son lives in an apt in VA Beach with another nuke that he went through school with. They have become best of friends over the last 2 years and also shared an apt in NY. His roommate is on the Bush. It's unfortunate that people can't respect other's property - I've told my son to make sure he marks all his stuff when he goes on the ship!

Apr 23, 2015
Navymom21

Any moms here have anyone on the Churchill?

Apr 23, 2015
MarylandMom

Hi Tammy !!!

Glad you have made your way to this site !!

Yes, The Maryland Moms are meeting for lunch on Saturday. I have to work and won't be able to attend. I hope we can get to one of those together sometime !!

I can't wait to let Steve know that Cory is there !!

Apr 23, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

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

Wow, that's pretty cool that you two know each other from high school - what a small world!

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Apr 24, 2015
Little lady

Hey Norfolk Va Moms!!!!! My sailor is Stationed in Norfolk!!! Please have a awesome day!!!!! So Proud of My Son!!!

Apr 25, 2015
Forever proud

Momma I just found out that my son's best friend (freshly graduated from A school and headed to Norfolk) will also be on the Eisenhower!

Apr 26, 2015
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

Hi all - Happy Monday!

Welcome Little lady ;-) What ship is your son on? Mine's on the Truman. He's playing the hurry up & wait game!

Apr 27, 2015