My son called me at 4:00 am and he was at Ohare and sounded frustrated....but said he wanted to talk to me for just a minute before he got on the plane. I am praying for safe travels for our Sailors today. :) I will feel much better when I know he is there on base. I am a worry wart....
Hey Moms, it's good to see some other newbie's on here. My son arrived in Meridian,MS last Thursday, he is a LS. Since it's a self-paced school, he will only be there for a short while.Then he will get to come home for 2wks, unless, he gets his choice of stations, which is overseas, then he will come home for 21 days. He did tell us, in his time in Meridian, 7 people have been separated already!!!! I hear there's not much to do there in Meridian. May GOD Bless them all and keep them all safe.
Hi AngieBShip11, my son is a LS too and at Meridian, hear they start classes on thursday. I would of thought they would keep them together but they have their own way of doing things. Best wishes to your sailor, & God Bless!
HEY popeyesmom!! I sent u a little note earlier about meeting your son at the movies and how much I liked him...we were wishing they could have roomed together, but, I think getting flights cancelled and getting separated at the airport may have hurt that??I don't know how they do things? Our son did say, they would probably have classes together..Best wishes also, I understand it's a self-paced school so, don't know how long they will be there..MAY GOD BLESS THEM AND KEEP THEM ALL SAFE...
My son made it there (He loves it compared to Boot Camp) and will start classes on Wednesday. His rank is SH. His school is only 4-6 weeks and is also self paced. Is there anyone else out here who has a SH or Ship Servicemen?
It's good to know that there are others that are SH's too... SR Mom@ how long has yours been at BC? Have you gotten your first call yet? Boot Camp was extremely hard for me. Let me know if you have any questions and I will do my best to get an answer for you :) No news is always good news...and I got tired of hearing that...but it is really true!
Hi, this is yeomom, aka Sue. I just joined navy4moms. I have a sailor that graduated from GL on 2/11/11. He is now in Meridian for yeoman school. Does anyone else have a future yeoman there? I look forward to tallking to you.
Thanks battlebuddy for responding. My SR has been in GL since Feb 8. I got his box and form letter. Kind of wondering how I will get his laptop and cell phone to him since I know he is not a grad n go.
SR Mom I would suggest US Postal Service Priority Mail flat rate boxes. We sen ours FEDEX and it was VERY expensive. The priority mail takes a little longer to get there but it is much less expensive. Good luck to you with your SR. Our Sailor was PIR 2/11/11. Most of the moms here know what you are going through. Your SR is going to like A school much better and you will too because you can talk to them much more frequently and the base at Meridian will feel Club Med compared to the Goulag that is Boot Camp!
Yeomom, from what I understand the YN and PS rate are similar except YN deals more with Officers and PS deals with enlisted. My son told me that he had heard there was some talk of combining YN and PS into one rate. Of course they hear all kinds of things that never pan out but it does make sense especially if they do alot of the same things.
I'm planning on driving down from Chicago to Meridian for my son's graduation. I tried mapquesting the address he gave me, but it didn't give me the road I needed. Is it classified info? Is anyone able to give me driving directions to the base, or do I have to get that from my sailor?
This website is great! Thank you for the info, SubWife. The 1155 Rosenbaum address was successful for me. The other one put me in Sweden! The mapquest directions seem pretty clear--as long as I don't miss the roads called Beaver Pond, Campground and Rabblt! Am I correct in assuming that the main gate is on Rosenbaum? I'll be sure to find out more details from my son. Thanks again!
Hi! I need some info on the hotel that's right on the base. I heard it was called the CBQ. Is anyone able to tell me how far in advance I would need to book a room there? I'm thinking that my son will graduate anywhere between the end of March and 1 or 2 weeks into April. I'm about due for a phone call from him, but I'm not sure he'll know about this right now. How much time is there on average between the time our sailors know their graduation date and the actual ceremony? If he tried to book a room as soon as he found out his graduation date, would getting a room be a problem? Do you think that with the Blue Angels there it will make things harder? If there's a phone number for the hotel, that would definitely be helpful. Thanks for any help or advice. Sorry about all the questions. I have a 12 1/2 hour drive ahead of me, not counting the stops. I'm the type that needs every detail planned out way ahead of time. I really don't want to miss any part of this. Even though it's not going to be the same as Great Lakes, it's important to me. I don't know when I'll see him again after he ships out, especially if he ends up going halfway around the world.
on base in MS is the navy Gateway Your son will need to make arrangements as far as I know. He will have no problem doing that there is plenty of time to get this done. But he had to make a Chit out and get signed off on. then make the room arrangements. For us I just went to the hotel and there were always rooms available even when major things were going on. HE will be able to find out more info when he gets there. the normal time it takes them to get done with class is 7-10 weeks since it is self paced could be more or less. My hub only took 7 weeks but since it was over a holiday(thanksgiving) and gradutaions are normally wed and friday I believe he had to wait a week to graduate. he was there Oct 15-Dec 3. Some of my info might be a little off I am trying to remember.
Thank you SubWife. You've been so helpful. I think I'm good to go. I've got my directions to the base, and I have lodging information. I'm not as frantic as I was earlier. Now all I need to know is when my son's graduation date will be!
My husband's PIR is March 18, and he is a Saturday departure to Meridian for PS A-school. Will I have any trouble getting on base to give him his phone and computer? I only live 2 hours away, and I have my car decals. Also since his a-school is self paced 3-5 weeks does anybody know how is liberty will work? I keep hearing people talking about phases, but is the school even long enough for phases?
Thanks !!
What about on base liberty ? All I am worried about is bringing his phone and computer! I am so nervous ! And does anybody recommend any hotels close to base but off base?
We overnighted his cell phone and laptop to him. That was expensive. Looking back I would have used priorty mail. Takes longer to get there but a lot less expensive. He can't leave base until he has Green Dot (Phase 3) Liberty. Not sure if you could take his phone to him and have him meet you at the gate to pick it up. The base is about 10 miles out of town, smack dab in the middle of nowhere. A good hotel will be in the town of Meridian. We stayed at the Country Inn and Suites. Very nice place with free breakfast and located right across the street from the mall.
another thought --Are you going to PIR? If he is a Saturday departure you can go to the airport and take him his laptop and cell phone. Most of the time the Saturday departures leave very early for the airport but they have to wait several hours for the flight.
Hi :)! My bf graduates the 25th of this month and I'm really excited! He's going to meridian for Aschool as a yeoman and I'm just wondering what I should expect. When will he find out where he is assigned? What do u think I should send to him in Aschool as far as personal items? Also how often or when can his family drive up tomississippi to visit him? They live in south florida so they want to just drive there
The base is pretty relaxed (especially compared to GL). As soon as they finish endoc, pass a PFA; PI, Room Inspection and learn how to stand the different watches then he should get green dot liberty. Probably don't want to visit until then because he cannot go off base until then. As far as personal items--He will want his cell phone, computer, ipod and civilian clothing. My son also wanted me to bring him his fishing gear because they can fish on base. They can also bowl and play golf! It is oh so much better than boot camp.
Got the I'm a sailor call today! My bf will be on his way to meridian, mississippi next Saturday! I'm so proud of him and look forward to anoher great experience!
Congrats debotur. My son is still in Meridian for who knows how long. He will finish A school on Friday but his orders to Japan (along with everyone elses) are on hold until further notice from SecNav.
Oh wow that's something I didn't expect :/. do they still get paid while their travel orders are put on hold? I'm sure they do since they have things to pay there
Yeah its way to long :( im hoping he gets stationed somewhere in california preferable san diego but with californias crappy economy I wonder if his chances at being stationed there are slim:(
Well in my son's case the hold is not due to a funding problem but due to the fact that they are not sending any Sailors to Japan because of the disaster. On a positive note my son finished A School. He is an honor grad so he will get a pay bump. At least he will be earning more while he is waiting. He also has a recommendation to advance to E4 as soon as he can get to his command and serve 4 to 10 months there.
When I go to my sailor's graduation from A school, will I be able to drive into the base without any problems? I'm remembering Great Lakes and the gate pass we had to download.
Hello just wanted to let every one know My husband and I made it to WA last week and so far we love it here! We are ready for this adventure:) and Excited about it.
my son doesnt graduated until may6th afterwards he told me he would be going to a school in Miss. does that mean he will be grad and go??trying to figure out how many days to reserve a hotel
We were not sure when my son was leaving for A school to Meridian either so we planned to stay the whole weekend and fly out Monday. I wanted to be with him as much as possible. Figured that if he left during the weekend my hubby and I would have some fun on our own but as it worked out Jonny didn't leave until Tuesday and we got to see him the whole weekend.....YAY!!!
After I graduate RTC (I leave for training in two weeks), I'll be headed to Meridian MS for A-School as a Ship Serviceman. I heard it's very boring. Anyone's son/daughter have a better experience?
No, sorry. You can have your computer and cell phone though. My son had a psp with him...and after inspection you can have leave...although Meridian, the town, is rather small.
I just thought of something that I don't remember reading or hearing about--do our sailors need passports, and does the Navy help with getting them? My son got assigned to the USS Nimitz, which has ports of call on the Asian coast.
Also, does anyone know approximately when the next time we get to see our sailors will be, once they set sail? My son is signed up for 4 years.
I'm going to his graduation at Meridian on the 13th. Can't wait to see him. Is anyone else planning to be there on that date?
I finally found the answer (I hope) to an earlier question of mine. To get into the base, your sailor has to meet you at the front gate and you have to have your drivers license, proof of auto insurance and your car registration.
My son will be heading to Meridian this weekend to learn to be a logistics specialist. I am wondering, when will he get liberty for the weekend? Does Meridian have a facebook page? We live about 8 hours due north of Meridian, would it be feasible to visit him on the weekends. Lastly, can he have his car there? Thank you!
cheryllynn-proud mom of a sailor
Safe travels to your sailors today...
hahahaha....we drove around the mall and thought it was nothing much at all...until we got inside....wow...and it went on forever!!!!!
Yes, Diego Garcia is in the middle of the Indian Ocean....he says it is truely amazing....chatted with him yesterday...doing well.
Feb 15, 2011
cheryllynn-proud mom of a sailor
For those of you who are PS make sure to join the PS group as well. It is a really small group...lol
Feb 15, 2011
battlebuddy
Feb 15, 2011
BigGaMoma(Angie)
Feb 15, 2011
popeyesmom
Feb 15, 2011
BigGaMoma(Angie)
Feb 15, 2011
popeyesmom
Feb 15, 2011
mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)
Feb 15, 2011
cheryllynn-proud mom of a sailor
Feb 16, 2011
battlebuddy
My son made it there (He loves it compared to Boot Camp) and will start classes on Wednesday. His rank is SH. His school is only 4-6 weeks and is also self paced. Is there anyone else out here who has a SH or Ship Servicemen?
Feb 17, 2011
BigGaMoma(Angie)
Feb 18, 2011
SR Mom Ship 11 Div 124
Feb 19, 2011
battlebuddy
It's good to know that there are others that are SH's too... SR Mom@ how long has yours been at BC? Have you gotten your first call yet? Boot Camp was extremely hard for me. Let me know if you have any questions and I will do my best to get an answer for you :) No news is always good news...and I got tired of hearing that...but it is really true!
Feb 21, 2011
yeomom
Hi, this is yeomom, aka Sue. I just joined navy4moms. I have a sailor that graduated from GL on 2/11/11. He is now in Meridian for yeoman school. Does anyone else have a future yeoman there? I look forward to tallking to you.
Feb 21, 2011
SR Mom Ship 11 Div 124
Feb 23, 2011
mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)
SR Mom I would suggest US Postal Service Priority Mail flat rate boxes. We sen ours FEDEX and it was VERY expensive. The priority mail takes a little longer to get there but it is much less expensive. Good luck to you with your SR. Our Sailor was PIR 2/11/11. Most of the moms here know what you are going through. Your SR is going to like A school much better and you will too because you can talk to them much more frequently and the base at Meridian will feel Club Med compared to the Goulag that is Boot Camp!
Feb 25, 2011
mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)
Feb 25, 2011
yeomom
Feb 25, 2011
yeomom
Feb 26, 2011
yeomom
Mar 2, 2011
SubWife2010
Mar 2, 2011
SubWife2010
Mar 2, 2011
yeomom
Mar 3, 2011
SubWife2010
Mar 3, 2011
gabmpk(07/108)
Mar 13, 2011
mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)
They have to finish indoc, PFA, inspection and watch traiing first.
Mar 13, 2011
gabmpk(07/108)
What about on base liberty ? All I am worried about is bringing his phone and computer! I am so nervous ! And does anybody recommend any hotels close to base but off base?
Mar 14, 2011
mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)
We overnighted his cell phone and laptop to him. That was expensive. Looking back I would have used priorty mail. Takes longer to get there but a lot less expensive. He can't leave base until he has Green Dot (Phase 3) Liberty. Not sure if you could take his phone to him and have him meet you at the gate to pick it up. The base is about 10 miles out of town, smack dab in the middle of nowhere. A good hotel will be in the town of Meridian. We stayed at the Country Inn and Suites. Very nice place with free breakfast and located right across the street from the mall.
Mar 16, 2011
mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)
another thought --Are you going to PIR? If he is a Saturday departure you can go to the airport and take him his laptop and cell phone. Most of the time the Saturday departures leave very early for the airport but they have to wait several hours for the flight.
Mar 16, 2011
debotur
Mar 16, 2011
mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)
Mar 16, 2011
debotur
Mar 18, 2011
mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)
Mar 19, 2011
debotur
Mar 19, 2011
debotur
Mar 20, 2011
diannep
Mar 20, 2011
debotur
Mar 20, 2011
mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)
Mar 22, 2011
yeomom
When I go to my sailor's graduation from A school, will I be able to drive into the base without any problems? I'm remembering Great Lakes and the gate pass we had to download.
Mar 25, 2011
SubWife2010
Mar 25, 2011
Soh@ppy&proud!ship 7 DIV 170
Mar 26, 2011
Soh@ppy&proud!ship 7 DIV 170
Mar 27, 2011
cheryllynn-proud mom of a sailor
We were not sure when my son was leaving for A school to Meridian either so we planned to stay the whole weekend and fly out Monday. I wanted to be with him as much as possible. Figured that if he left during the weekend my hubby and I would have some fun on our own but as it worked out Jonny didn't leave until Tuesday and we got to see him the whole weekend.....YAY!!!
Mar 28, 2011
teazure
Apr 3, 2011
cheryllynn-proud mom of a sailor
No, sorry. You can have your computer and cell phone though. My son had a psp with him...and after inspection you can have leave...although Meridian, the town, is rather small.
Apr 5, 2011
maussie64
Apr 5, 2011
mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)
All of those with orders on hold to Japan. Check this out.
http://www.npc.navy.mil/NR/rdonlyres/3AE83C6B-13BA-4A5C-A845-5DA04E...
Looks like our guys are headed to Japan after all.
Apr 8, 2011
yeomom
I just thought of something that I don't remember reading or hearing about--do our sailors need passports, and does the Navy help with getting them? My son got assigned to the USS Nimitz, which has ports of call on the Asian coast.
Also, does anyone know approximately when the next time we get to see our sailors will be, once they set sail? My son is signed up for 4 years.
I'm going to his graduation at Meridian on the 13th. Can't wait to see him. Is anyone else planning to be there on that date?
I finally found the answer (I hope) to an earlier question of mine. To get into the base, your sailor has to meet you at the front gate and you have to have your drivers license, proof of auto insurance and your car registration.
Apr 9, 2011
mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)
Apr 11, 2011
kimcon55
My son will be heading to Meridian this weekend to learn to be a logistics specialist. I am wondering, when will he get liberty for the weekend? Does Meridian have a facebook page? We live about 8 hours due north of Meridian, would it be feasible to visit him on the weekends. Lastly, can he have his car there? Thank you!
Apr 12, 2011