NUKE moms

A place to come for support and guidance for anyone with a loved one in the nuke program ⚓️.

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  • CSW

    Grannyofnine Chipmunk is correct. Go to the RTC website and read the new information. You can even print the program for Friday's graduation now.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Here's the link to the RTC website:

    http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/about.html

  • AngelsBreath

    NancyJo my oldest son is going to be my second son graduating BC. He is the Nuke. My second son Graduated 1st he is ABH.It's confusing because how they signed up. 2 days apart.lol
  • NancyJo (NNPTC)

    AngelsBreath, you aren't the only mom here with multiple military. I think you moms with more than one military kiddo have 1 foot in heaven already. I can't imagine it. Thanks so much for what you contribute to our country. We're proud to have you in our little group.

    Meanwhile, you will have a son topside in the weather and a son in the belly of the ship. Wow. Pretty cool. It's so interesting how our kids set their feet on different paths. 

    It's too soon to talk about but my DIL tells me that my son has orders for next spring and will be leaving his ship for duty in the states. They are so happy. No more of Daddy being gone for weeks and months at a time. For me it's one more step toward having my babies back home. My goodness, how the time has both flown and drug by. 

  • AngelsBreath

    Good Morning Everyone,

    NancyJo- I cried myself to sleep last night missing my boys. I will just be glad when my Nuke calls and says those famous words "I'm a Sailor." This time around I worry about him the most. I am so proud of them it is crazy. My babies are men and leaving home. The first time they have been away from home. As a single parent while raising them we were always together. I never went anywhere with out them and when they were teenagers they would always invite me out when they were going places. So last night I had a little meltdown just thinking of them being away.

  • NancyJo (NNPTC)

    I was at a Nebraska Navy Moms lunch on Saturday and one of them whose son has just gotten orders for Japan was saying that one of her friends doesn't get why she gets so emotional about her son. This friend said it's no different than taking your kiddo to college. That friend has no clue. I sent 3 kids off to college and it is nothing like sending them off to boot camp. That's why this site exists. We get it.

  • CSW

    NancyJo, remind your friend while her son is kneeling at some "fun" protest our sons are risking their lives to make sure their sons can kneel.

  • Chipmunk

     AngelsBreath - not only were your young men your sons in the house, they were also the "man" of the house I am sure in many ways. My Nuke (whose birthday it is today! - 19) was very much stepping up into maturing and being a large part of my help and support system around the house. As much as I love my husband, my son was with me more and figured out how to assist and help me on projects. I miss him! But I also know that he has his own life, but I have raised him well as it sounds like you have - especially if they invite you to go places - so know they are doing all they can to grow and be able to support you as well. Remind them to put you or your younger kids down as beneficiaries on their insurance policies and any investments that they do with the Navy.

    And a big Navy hug to you!!

    NancyJo - such exciting news to have yours closer to home, at least a little, maybe!!

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Hi all - Happy Thursday!

    NancyJo - that's exciting news for your son - can't wait until you can share it!  I know the whole family will be happy with no more deployments :D  Hurray for shore duty!!

    AngelsBreath - hang in there momma and remember we are all here for you.  Give yourself a big pat on the back for raising such fine young men!

    Chipmunk - I get what you mean about having kids help out with projects around the house ~ I miss my son for those things too.  Our youngest has moved back home temporarily and I am really enjoying having him around ~ this time as a young adult!

    Let's make it a great day!

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Happy Birthday to your Sailor Chipmunk!

  • Chipmunk

    B's - thanks for the birthday greeting for my sailor!

  • JayDee659

  • Chipmunk

    JayDee - Thanks!  How did your daughter enjoy her birthday with all the family she had? Thanks for the B'day greeting.

    NancyJo - Missed your NE comment. I must admit, I don't think I had as much of an emotional time with my son leaving for bc as some Moms that I have read about here. But that doesn't mean I wasn't feeling it, although it was easier knowing he was first going for two years to school before out on a ship. I think it will hit me more and more the closer that gets. So, it was like my son just going off to college - except for the not being able to talk to him during bc.  But you are correct, most people just don't get it when they haven't been in our shoes.

    CSW - I like your response!

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    17 Years ago today the USS Cole was attacked.  Take a moment to remember and honor the 17 Fallen Shipmates.

    http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/10/12/uss-coles-determined-warrior...

  • AngelsBreath

    Yes NancyJo I love all the groups I am in. Very supportive people and helpful in many many ways. I could always tell with my older 2 that they would lead very different lives but never in a million years would I ever this path. Then to hear the older one say I am joining because I want to be with me brother all I could do is step and say WOW. He said mom I can't imagine him being alone in there by himself. Then of course I cried, lol. Very proud of them and tell them as often as I can.

  • AngelsBreath

    Chipmunk you are another special special person for me. Thank you so much. My Aunt was telling me the same thing about the insurance stuff. We had a talk about that but in his mind he will be marrying his long time girlfriend soon, hmm idk. I do keep talking to him about waiting on that because you never know but I will make sure that both of them put me down for now. Tell your son Happy Happy Birthday!!

  • Chipmunk

    AngelsBreath- You are very welcome. Thank you, I will pass the birthday greeting on to my sailor.

  • NancyJo (NNPTC)

    B'sNuke, great article. I remember when my sailor told me about fire training and he said the exact same thing the article does. On the ocean there is no place to escape to. You all need to know how to save your ship. Sobering article. Thanks for sharing.

    Chipmunk, happy birthday to your sailor! Hooyah!

    No, I live smack in the middle of the country where no ocean is. My sailor won't be closer but he won't be at sea either, which is the main thing to me!

  • NonnaB

    There is a bridge in my town named for one of the fallen heroes of the Cole; he left behind a wife and little boy. I acknowledge the supreme sacrifice of these sailors every time I drive that way.
    Tomorrow is the 5th anniversary of the collision of the San Jacinto and the Monty; so grateful that no one was hurt.
  • workingatit

    Thanks for the positive comments Chipmunk and Nancy Jo (CVN70) 

    This has been an emotional roller coaster for sure waiting for him to graduate recruit training and leave so soon for a school. A little like sending off to college but nothing at all like it either. This helps to connect with other moms and I found great info on the pages for info on the stages of training for navy nukes.  Mine will be starting machinist mate classes next week so I could follow the general schedule and when he can have more liberty.  The miles restriction is something I did not know about. I am wondering if there is a ceremony for completing the A school? does anyone know? 

    I am looking forward to visiting with my nuke soon this fall. I have been missing a great helper since he left for the navy though as I saw some others comment.  He was such a help with so many things and there is a big empty spot there. But he is looking forward to the future and that is what he needs to do. 

  • ProudOfK

    workingatit - the letting go has been the hardest part - at least for me.  Yes there is an A school graduation - my son graduates ET A school a week from tomorrow - I'm flying down next Wednesday.  So far for me I think the hardest time emotionally was the first few weeks that he was in GC.  I think that's when it really hit home that it was time to let go - I think I just kind of held my breath through boot camp and thought we would just pick up talking to him a lot once he got to A school.  But as you're likely finding out they have a lot of other things they need to be doing when they get there besides talking to mom.

    It really really helped me when we went and visited him at GC late in August (He's been there since the end of April).  Since then I miss him just as much but somehow I feel much more content and know that "He's got this". 

    We can relate - at times it feels unbearable but then we make it through.

  • CSW

    Happy Birthday to the Navy!

     And a Big Bravo Zulu to those sailors graduating today!

  • JayDee659

  • Chipmunk

    Happy PIR ! - bigsky21, Juskyr, and Grannyofnine - plus anyone else that I might not know! Enjoy your day / weekend with your sailors!!

    Happy Birthday Navy!

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Hi all - Happy Friday!

    Lots of you at PIR today - enjoy!

    Workingatit - there is a graduation for each of the 3 nuke schools with Power school being the biggest.  There didn't always used to be a prototype grad and I think sometimes it might still not happen, but it seems to be more the norm now.  

    NonnaB - good to hear from you - how are you doing?

    Everyone have their red on today?

    Yes, Happy Birthday Navy!  My husband and I are going to Fleet Week San Diego on Sunday - can't wait ;D

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

  • Chipmunk

    New discussion post (mostly because I didn't know if it should go in as a blog and where that would show up.)

    Nuke A school daily schedule - sailor's perspective

    This is for all of us newbie moms who need a little understanding of what our sailors are actually up to at "A" school and why we don't hear from them. (Mine actually tries so I can't complain.)  Do we have any moms of females at A school on here? I would love you to post any additions from their perspective that would be useful. I know my sailor's TG had a large group of females most of whom classed up immediately, unlike my son who was almost a month out before classing up. They may all be on FB which I am not. I do know their quarters are closer to the chow hall than my son's!!

    Check it out in the discussion above. Enjoy your Friday! Now for my walk!

  • AngelsBreath

    Ok Ithink I'm lost. What are EM, ET and MM's?

  • Nicksmom

    Good morning ladies! Happy Friday! 1 week to go!
  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    AngelsBreath - MM - Machinist's Mate, EM - Electrician's Mate, ET - Electronics Technician.  Each does a different job.  Also there is a chance for MM's to become ELT after they finish prototype.  I believe that's Electrician (Electronics?) Lab Tech.  If you take a look at the pages posted to the right under the member profiles (10) you'll find more detailed info on them.

    If you look at the page "From Wikipedia - Nuclear Power School" you will also see info on the curriculum they study.  It's a lot of stuff!

  • NancyJo (NNPTC)

    AngelsBreath, there is a document to the right that talks about the fields in the navy but the short answer is Machinist’s Mate (MM), Electrician’s Mate (EM), and Electronics Technician (ET). Your SR can put down where he wants to land after boot camp but in the end it will be "needs of the navy" as in everything else. The document you want to look for is "Navy Nuclear Field (NF) Program Description." MMs can get further qualification as an ELT after Prototype but you have to get invited for that.

    People will talk all day about what the best rate is but the truth is that what is good for one isn't the best fit for another and the navy looks at your attributes when assigning rates. All 3 rates do a good job of preparing sailors for life after the navy, too. IMHO there is no "bad" rate.

  • NancyJo (NNPTC)

    ELT is Engineering Laboratory Techician. My son is one of those.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    NancyJo - ah yes, Engineering Lab Tech (forehead slap!)  I didn't think it sounded right as I typed it lol!  And I should remember that as my son's girlfriend was one too!

  • ProudOfK

    Just one more note - A school for MMs is about 3 months (may be 14 weeks), A school for EMs and ETs is about 6 months.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    It seems like the issues we were having with the website have finally been resolved (for the time being!).  I also see that we no longer have to be on page 1 in order to post ~ looks like you can be on another page and your post won't be lost.  I'd still be careful though!

  • NancyJo (NNPTC)

    Thanks for the update, B'sNuke! You're the best.

  • Chipmunk

    Angelsbreath - my apologies for not defining the three Nuke rates. And yes, the MM's "A" school is only about 3 months versus the six months for ET and EM. Which doesn't make sense how that works for graduation if they all class up at once, but don't graduate at the same time.

    I thought about including that in the discussion but didn't want to make it too long - My husband always tells me I write too much!

    Thanks ladies for setting us all straight, I had to be away from the computer for the afternoon but forgot to sign off.

    And a big shout out for B'sNuke, helping get the site back up and running, I have to catch up on my PM's this weekend.

    Nicksmom, NNLori, Nukole5horses - get plenty of rest this week as you prepare for PIR 10/20. Any one else have PIR next week?

  • Pooh'sMom

    My MM is in ELT school right now.  I frowned when I heard he wouldn't be having a Prototype Graduation.  I would have been nice for him to have that ceremony with all the folks he's been with since day 1.  Guess Navy saw it differently.  But he's in ELT school, and informed me he couldn't even attend the graduation.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Have a good weekend everyone ~ and enjoy a cupcake ;D

  • AngelsBreath

    Just got a letter from my recruit. He said when graduates he has to stay there 2 weeks because his A school will not be ready for him. Is this common
  • AngelsBreath

    Thanks for all the info, lol. I really be glad when boot camp is over and he is on his way.
  • NickSydmom

    I just talked to my guy. He has been in goose creek for a month and finally started school. He said the first week was an adjustment, but he was quite cheerful. I love that he can call me. That was the hardest part of boot camp. I worry about his stress level, until I hear his happy go lucky voice and all my worries are gone
  • Chipmunk

    Pooh'sMom - That is really disappointing that your sailor can't participate in Prototype graduation, I am sorry. (Just noticed you are from OK as well. Don't go north, now that #5 isn't doing swim but #3's boyfriend commutes to OSU.)

     AngelsBreath- I am not sure about how "common" it is for them to hold the sailors, but I know they held them with Irma. The good news for you, is that I believe you should be able to see him over the weekend and have more time with him before he flies out to GC.

    Nicknukemom - Glad you are getting a chance to visit with your son. Mine said they relearned two months of math in a week! Still trying to figure out if our guys classed up together or if they are a week apart.

  • NNLori

    Good morning everyone!!! I HAVE A SAILOR!!!! Oh my gosh! He sounded so exhausted on the phone!! Today is Captains Cup and Wednesday I leave for Great Lakes! I cannot wait to see my boy and meet all the wonderful people I have met who has sustained me during this emotion ride call boot camp!! Thank you Chipmunk for your information and support I will continue to lean on you as we transition to A school. My son was not sure if he will be going to GC or if he will be held in GL.I guess I won't know until Friday which makes it hard to plan. Just part of the "fun" of being part of the Navy I guess. Lots of unknowns!! AHHHH, I think I can breath now. Who else is on their way to graduation on 10/20? 

  • samsmom

    Congrats NNLori!! Hope you can enjoy PIR with your sailor and get ready for the next step in the Navy adventure.
  • Pooh'sMom

    Chipmunk,
    My Sailor was a sport about not being able to attend Prototype Graduation.  He said, "I heard it wasn't very good anyways."  I think he said that to spare MY feelings.

    I'm an OSU girl.  My father was the Head of the Department of Fire Protection while I was young.  It's Homecoming weekend and since I haven't lived there since 1992, I'm enjoying the photos people are posting online.

  • Chipmunk

    Pooh'sMom - your son's comment sounds like something mine would say to me! So, I take it you aren't still in Stillwater? That is too bad, (for me to meet you)  but I am sure you are enjoying pictures of homecoming!

  • Pooh'sMom

    Chipmunk,
    Correct.  My siblings are in Stillwater, but I'm in Florida.  If I head that way for a visit, I'll let you know.  It would be nice to meet you.

  • AngelsBreath

    Chipmunk my recruit called me today. I thought he would not be able to call until next Saturday. I cried because I know its hard for him there. I did wait to cry until I got off the phone with him. My ABH son got his orders and he is graduating on the same day my recruit is. Things are moving so fast I don't know which way to go, lol

  • CountryMomOfASailor#47

    Congrats NNLori! I am so happy for you:) I cant wait til I see my daughter again! 8 weeks seems like forever:( Hope you get to spend some time with your son before he leaves for his "A" school. I was hoping my daughter could come home first but her recruiter said no.