Good morning, so I have a question when they say they may have an extended stay in the middle east does that mean they’ll be deployed longer or that they won’t go to a different location and stay there instead but still come home same time as planned?
The person I spoke with when I called the 800 number said these could be used for ship to shore calls. I'm going to send my son only one at this time to make sure they work. I hope this helps!
Ali - I'm so glad to hear that the info I posted for the calling cards was good info! And at a much better price too - that's always nice! Keep us updated once your son gets it so we know that it does indeed work ;-) (I went ahead and posted it in a discussion up above so it's easy for everyone to find.)
Kristy - info on an extension could mean anything but that is not something we can openly discuss - OPSEC.
I don’t know if this was asked already but I just got my sailors box number today and I’m excited to send him some snacks. Do we need to fill out a customs form to send packages to them on the ship?
@Kristy: Yes, I had to fill out a customs form for the FPO AE emailing addresses. Even when my sailor isn't traveling and is in a the home port. It's the address.
Kristy - here's the link to the USPS customs form: You can do it online or go to your local post office and they can help you (sometimes that's the best way for the first time you do it!):
I went ahead and changed my discussion on calling cards to *TRUMAN DEPLOYMENT* APRIL 2018. It will be easier to keep everything together in one place and thus easier to find!
Creativekat - never too soon to start sending packages. If you look at the discussion above "Truman Deployment April 2018" you'll find a list of some more goodies to send in care packages. Feel free to add your ideas!
For all the people who have been through this what would you say would be the best things to ship to our sailors that they won’t have access too and would need? I know there’s a list of items on what’s good to send in just wondering if from experience there were some you can single out as definite items they won’t be able to get and will need. Thanks :-)
Here's some ideas: Hot sauces & spices - put each hot sauce bottle in a baggie & wrap bubble wrap around it, then make sure to pack them where they'll get the most cushioning when shipping & getting dropped (literally) on the ship. You might also put a piece of bubble wrap(small bubbles) on the bottom & top of the box & stuff it full so the contents aren't shifting around. Cookies wrapped & in a plastic container...again, well cushioned - that is the key! Flip flops for the shower (don't want athlete's foot!). MIO's drink enhancers to flavor the water. Protein bars, jerky, gum, snack crackers, hard candy, sunflower seeds. Armour makes vienna sausage in many flavors - my son liked the spicy ones the best! Coffee (my son drank it black).
You should make sure that you put a trash bag inside the box before you pack it. Then put everything in the trash bag, seal it up and then tape the box up good - really good! Boxes can sit out & get wet, boxes around them can have liquids in them that break open and get everything else wet - you want everything to get there in as close to one piece and dry as possible!
Oh, I also sent flushable wipes but I know that sometimes they don't allow them - there's been issues where they have had the toilets backing up because of all the wipes and they literally have someone stand watch outside the head and you have to show that you ARE NOT taking them in lol! Oh and my son liked Burt's Bees lip balm and definitely some sunscreen for when they do get topside!
Good morning, I know I ask a lot of questions that have been answered I just can’t help it. When mailing packages do you need to fill out two or more custom forms if you have more then four items in a box since that’s all that’s on the paper for slots? I got my sailor peanuts, rasins, deodorant, bars of soap, pretzels , socks and some other stuff. Also how do you put the weight for each item on it? Bathroom scale? I feel lost with this :-/
Kristy - if I remember when I did the customs form I didn't list each item separately. I would list "snacks" and "personal hygiene" which would cover multiple items. Hopefully someone who is doing it now will chime in for you with updated info. If nothing else for the first time take the box to the post office (maybe even leave it open) and have them help you fill out the forms - then you'll know how they want it! I've heard different post offices even give out different info on how to complete the forms. Hang in there - you'll get it ;-D
Redsmom - I do remember on the USPS boxes that weight is not an issue but I don't remember what you do for the weight on the customs forms.......do you have to list it? I think that's one of the issues that Kristy is having.
I sent a box today. Tracking only stateside then it goes into the magic zone! Ha! I asked him to let me know how long things take to reach them so I will update when I can! Last time it seemed to take up to a couple of weeks.
I put a package in the mail on the 16th. According to my sailor he hasn’t received it as of early this morning. He was hoping the mail would catch them soon.
I also made a page to the right (under the member profiles) for the Emergency Messages via the Red Cross. Hopefully you won't ever need it, but if you do it's there.
I LOVE the tshirts!! If my sailor son was still in I think I'd request to buy one from you. I made tshirts for our family to wear to PIR.
That reminds me... Last time the Truman came home we (navy for mom's truman members) made ID tags with our navy for mom's names. It really worked to identify eachother in person! It was so neat to put a face to the names. Met some wonderful navy moms.
Thanks! And no I had it made for me By this girl Max, this is one of her pages if anyone wants a custom shirt made. It was $20. https://www.facebook.com/MaxInationcrafts/
Jbird and redsmom - I still have my ribbon and the photos we took together. Homecoming is so much more fun then going away!
Greta shirt Kristy! I ordered the Truman support crew shirt from the FRG. I had it on Friday.
I got a call and even FaceTimed my sailor yesterday. It was great and he was so excited to be able to call and text. Which was good. He still seems to be enjoying things. Last time he had a hard time.
Finally getting some nice weather here! Heading out to enjoy some sunshine.
HI ladies, it's been awhile since I've posted. My daughter is out of the Navy (after the last deployment), but secured a government job at the shipyard & working on an aircraft carrier that is being overhauled. When she first went on the ship she said if felt so weird boarding as a civilian.
Ladies you will get through this deployment. This forum will help you keep your sanity, you will watch the world news more than ever, & check your email multiple times per day
RedsMom - I don't know where you can buy the pendent :( It's just something cute I saw when I googled "One Day Closer" during the last deployment and I had saved the picture. I might suggest looking on Etsy or Ebay though.
too tall Joan - glad to hear your daughter is doing well! I'm sure that was a weird feeling boarding as a civilian! Mine is finishing up his associates degree in Mechanical Engineering Tech (next week!) and then is moving to MI where his GF (who was also a Navy Nuke) lives. He's still back and forth on whether or not he's going to continue college or start working....depends on what he can find.
Yay for facetime! I hope everyone is starting to get a little more communication now and everyone is settling in. Hang in there......one day closer.
Hey guys! I’m gotten a couple of emails from my sailor. Love getting them. No phone call yet but taking what I get. Have sent first care package- learning how to fill out international shipping forms. Got my red T-shirt ready for Friday. Has anyone used Amazon to send things to their sailor? Thanks for all the great info shared. Jo4Bama
im Happy to say that I have received a few emails from m y sailor. I was able to mail him to packages today hopefully he gets them soon since his birthday coming up.
I have a question for members who have gone through this already.. what was your experience like when your sailors “came home”. We’re you able to stay a few hours with them once they came off the ship? We’re you able to take them back home for a week or two ? Etc.
Great to see there's communication! Like you said Jo 4 Bama - you take what you can get ;-D
Kristy - the leave is called POM leave and it's a month but they split it up into two leave sessions of 2 weeks each. Some will get the first leave and some the 2nd as they have to keep the ship manned 24/7.
So the sailors who have the first session can leave that day back home? And the second group that stay so they have some time with family for a few hours before they have to be back ? I’m just trying to get an idea, I wonder how far in advance sailors find out especially if they get to come home after they need to make flight arrangements and such. Also for the homecoming are kids allowed to be there? I know I have a lot of questions lol
Kids are allowed to be at homecoming. Did your brother put you on the FRG mailing list? That's where you'll get a lot of good info - including a monthly newsletter from the ship. And as it gets closer to homecoming you'll get updates.
He said he did but I haven’t received any letter from them stating it. I read they send a welcome letter or something. I have my shirt all ready for tomorrow and my patriotic leggings!
Kristy
Apr 22, 2018
Ali
Jo 4 Bama- www.shopmyexchange.com/scs/calling-card
The person I spoke with when I called the 800 number said these could be used for ship to shore calls. I'm going to send my son only one at this time to make sure they work. I hope this helps!
Apr 22, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Monday!
Ali - I'm so glad to hear that the info I posted for the calling cards was good info! And at a much better price too - that's always nice! Keep us updated once your son gets it so we know that it does indeed work ;-) (I went ahead and posted it in a discussion up above so it's easy for everyone to find.)
Kristy - info on an extension could mean anything but that is not something we can openly discuss - OPSEC.
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.
One day closer......
Apr 23, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ Creativekat! Is your sailor on the Truman our attached to part of the strike group supporting them?
Apr 23, 2018
Kristy
I don’t know if this was asked already but I just got my sailors box number today and I’m excited to send him some snacks. Do we need to fill out a customs form to send packages to them on the ship?
Apr 23, 2018
KiddGreen1978
Apr 23, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Kristy - here's the link to the USPS customs form: You can do it online or go to your local post office and they can help you (sometimes that's the best way for the first time you do it!):
https://www.usps.com/international/customs-forms.htm
Apr 23, 2018
Kristy
Thank you ladies ... I can’t wait to go shopping tomorrow to get all his favorite snacks :-)
Apr 23, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
I went ahead and changed my discussion on calling cards to *TRUMAN DEPLOYMENT* APRIL 2018. It will be easier to keep everything together in one place and thus easier to find!
Apr 23, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Tuesday!
Creativekat - never too soon to start sending packages. If you look at the discussion above "Truman Deployment April 2018" you'll find a list of some more goodies to send in care packages. Feel free to add your ideas!
Apr 24, 2018
Kristy
Apr 24, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Here's some ideas: Hot sauces & spices - put each hot sauce bottle in a baggie & wrap bubble wrap around it, then make sure to pack them where they'll get the most cushioning when shipping & getting dropped (literally) on the ship. You might also put a piece of bubble wrap(small bubbles) on the bottom & top of the box & stuff it full so the contents aren't shifting around. Cookies wrapped & in a plastic container...again, well cushioned - that is the key! Flip flops for the shower (don't want athlete's foot!). MIO's drink enhancers to flavor the water. Protein bars, jerky, gum, snack crackers, hard candy, sunflower seeds. Armour makes vienna sausage in many flavors - my son liked the spicy ones the best! Coffee (my son drank it black).
You should make sure that you put a trash bag inside the box before you pack it. Then put everything in the trash bag, seal it up and then tape the box up good - really good! Boxes can sit out & get wet, boxes around them can have liquids in them that break open and get everything else wet - you want everything to get there in as close to one piece and dry as possible!
Apr 24, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Oh, I also sent flushable wipes but I know that sometimes they don't allow them - there's been issues where they have had the toilets backing up because of all the wipes and they literally have someone stand watch outside the head and you have to show that you ARE NOT taking them in lol! Oh and my son liked Burt's Bees lip balm and definitely some sunscreen for when they do get topside!
Apr 24, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Kristy - there's also a group on here - Care Package Ideas:
http://navyformoms.ning.com/group/carepackageideas
Check them out - they even list "themed" care package ideas ;-D
Apr 24, 2018
willsmom93
Be careful about that flushable wipe thing. When the head backs up, it is my Sailor’s job to unstuff it! He spent his last birthday knee deep!
Apr 24, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Oh willsmom93 - I'll bet that is a birthday he will NEVER forget!
Apr 24, 2018
Kristy
Apr 24, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Another day down.....one day closer!
Apr 24, 2018
Kristy
Apr 25, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Good morning all - Happy Wednesday!
Kristy - if I remember when I did the customs form I didn't list each item separately. I would list "snacks" and "personal hygiene" which would cover multiple items. Hopefully someone who is doing it now will chime in for you with updated info. If nothing else for the first time take the box to the post office (maybe even leave it open) and have them help you fill out the forms - then you'll know how they want it! I've heard different post offices even give out different info on how to complete the forms. Hang in there - you'll get it ;-D
Apr 25, 2018
Redsmom
If you are using the USPS boxes that are "if it fits, it ships" then weight is not an issue! Pack it up nice and full then just send it!
Apr 25, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Redsmom - I do remember on the USPS boxes that weight is not an issue but I don't remember what you do for the weight on the customs forms.......do you have to list it? I think that's one of the issues that Kristy is having.
Apr 25, 2018
kdshow
Has anyone gotten confirmation that your Sailor has received mail and/or packages. Just curious for an ETA for packages to arrive.
Apr 26, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Thursday!
kdshow - I don't have an answer for you - hopefully someone will chime in. I even checked the FB group but couldn't find an answer......
Apr 26, 2018
Redsmom
I sent a box today. Tracking only stateside then it goes into the magic zone! Ha! I asked him to let me know how long things take to reach them so I will update when I can! Last time it seemed to take up to a couple of weeks.
Apr 26, 2018
mattsmom
I put a package in the mail on the 16th. According to my sailor he hasn’t received it as of early this morning. He was hoping the mail would catch them soon.
Apr 26, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
I'm guessing it's probably a minimum of 2 weeks and maybe even 3. It will be interesting to see...
Don't forget to wear your RED tomorrow!
one day closer.......
Apr 26, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
I posted the Ombudsman contact info in the April Deployment discussion above. This was public information posted on the Truman FRG FB page.
Apr 26, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
I also made a page to the right (under the member profiles) for the Emergency Messages via the Red Cross. Hopefully you won't ever need it, but if you do it's there.
Apr 26, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Apr 27, 2018
Kristy
It’s Red Friday!! I wanted to share a shirt I had made to support our sailors and my brother :-)
Apr 27, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
That's awesome Kristy - and I'm sure you wear it PROUDLY!
Apr 27, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
I'm heading out for an early weekend - have a good one everyone!
one day closer......
Apr 27, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Apr 27, 2018
Redsmom
B'sNukeMom - I have tried to find that pendant "One day closer" you posted and have had no luck. Do you know who sells it?
Apr 27, 2018
jbird
I LOVE the tshirts!! If my sailor son was still in I think I'd request to buy one from you. I made tshirts for our family to wear to PIR.
That reminds me... Last time the Truman came home we (navy for mom's truman members) made ID tags with our navy for mom's names. It really worked to identify eachother in person! It was so neat to put a face to the names. Met some wonderful navy moms.
Apr 28, 2018
Redsmom
The name tags at homecoming were a great touch to the evening! I felt like I was at more than the ship's homecoming but Mom's homecoming too!
I Love the T-shirt, Kristy! Are you selling them?
Apr 28, 2018
Kristy
Apr 28, 2018
Jacob94mom
Jbird and redsmom - I still have my ribbon and the photos we took together. Homecoming is so much more fun then going away!
Greta shirt Kristy! I ordered the Truman support crew shirt from the FRG. I had it on Friday.
I got a call and even FaceTimed my sailor yesterday. It was great and he was so excited to be able to call and text. Which was good. He still seems to be enjoying things. Last time he had a hard time.
Finally getting some nice weather here! Heading out to enjoy some sunshine.
Apr 28, 2018
Navymom2
Hello Jbird, Redsmon, Jacob94mom. When I look at my ribbon, I feel blessed to have met you. Seems like ages ago now. :)
Apr 28, 2018
too tall Joan
HI ladies, it's been awhile since I've posted. My daughter is out of the Navy (after the last deployment), but secured a government job at the shipyard & working on an aircraft carrier that is being overhauled. When she first went on the ship she said if felt so weird boarding as a civilian.
Ladies you will get through this deployment. This forum will help you keep your sanity, you will watch the world news more than ever, & check your email multiple times per day
Apr 29, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
HI all - Happy Monday!
RedsMom - I don't know where you can buy the pendent :( It's just something cute I saw when I googled "One Day Closer" during the last deployment and I had saved the picture. I might suggest looking on Etsy or Ebay though.
too tall Joan - glad to hear your daughter is doing well! I'm sure that was a weird feeling boarding as a civilian! Mine is finishing up his associates degree in Mechanical Engineering Tech (next week!) and then is moving to MI where his GF (who was also a Navy Nuke) lives. He's still back and forth on whether or not he's going to continue college or start working....depends on what he can find.
Yay for facetime! I hope everyone is starting to get a little more communication now and everyone is settling in. Hang in there......one day closer.
Apr 30, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Happy May!
May 1, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Thursday!
How's everyone doing? Sending & receiving emails? Getting your care packages out? Counting down the days? One day closer......
May 3, 2018
Jo 4 Bama
May 3, 2018
Kristy
im Happy to say that I have received a few emails from m y sailor. I was able to mail him to packages today hopefully he gets them soon since his birthday coming up.
I have a question for members who have gone through this already.. what was your experience like when your sailors “came home”. We’re you able to stay a few hours with them once they came off the ship? We’re you able to take them back home for a week or two ? Etc.
May 3, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Great to see there's communication! Like you said Jo 4 Bama - you take what you can get ;-D
Kristy - the leave is called POM leave and it's a month but they split it up into two leave sessions of 2 weeks each. Some will get the first leave and some the 2nd as they have to keep the ship manned 24/7.
May 3, 2018
Kristy
So the sailors who have the first session can leave that day back home? And the second group that stay so they have some time with family for a few hours before they have to be back ? I’m just trying to get an idea, I wonder how far in advance sailors find out especially if they get to come home after they need to make flight arrangements and such. Also for the homecoming are kids allowed to be there? I know I have a lot of questions lol
May 3, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Kids are allowed to be at homecoming. Did your brother put you on the FRG mailing list? That's where you'll get a lot of good info - including a monthly newsletter from the ship. And as it gets closer to homecoming you'll get updates.
Don't forget to wear your RED tomorrow!
May 3, 2018
Kristy
He said he did but I haven’t received any letter from them stating it. I read they send a welcome letter or something. I have my shirt all ready for tomorrow and my patriotic leggings!
May 3, 2018