Welcome to our newest members ~ Debbie, Mrstkath and NavyNukeWife!
Please be sure to read the pages to the right (12) under the member profiles. Lots of good info there. Also be sure to look through the discussion forum above (hit "view all"). And of course, feel free to jump right in with any questions you may have!
Nuke wife- the first paycheck comes about 3 weeks into basic, it is E3 pay. It is very small. I think my son's was $50. They take uniforms out of the first paycheck. My son did not get leave between BC and A school, so you may need to have others help you move. Not sure about paying for the move, as my son is not married with a family.
My son told us he "classes up" on Wed, so he should start class Mon. Excited and nervous for him at the same time. His only saving grace will be the required study time. He is really smart, just wont ask for help.
Hi all - Happy Tuesday! (some more nuke humor for you all!)
NavyNukeWife - I believe they should give your husband some time to go home and get you and help with the move to GC before he reports. It might not be much time though so you should have everything ready to go. At least I know that when my son had PIR one of his buddies was married and he was given time to help with the move (of course it could have changed by now though). Hopefully he'll get more info in BC and can relay this to you. You should be able to move to GC right away as long as you were on his orders when he went to boot camp. Again, they should be giving him info on housing. And like the others said, he will be getting E3 pay while in BC. Hang in there - you have a lot going on but try to relax for you and that baby!
My youngest just called - he said the interview went very well and they said they were going to recommend him for the program!!!! He said he's not officially in yet, but it's looking good. Let's hope the provost of the college agrees with the recommendation ;-D
kai cat - this is my youngest son - he wasn't in the navy (although I tried to convince him to join lol!). He graduated college in 2016 and is now looking at graduate school. He's one step closer now (to grad school, not the Navy!).
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MM - I have a non sailor son too. JAG keeps sending him mail. He says he is not Navy material. I think the Navy is doing wonders for my other son. But the other is not interested. He went to college and then just finished law school May 2017. He just now got a clerkship with a judge and didn't really have a job up until a couple of weeks ago, but even though he was starving (unless I kept giving him stuff out of my pantry and dropping off food), he still didn't want to consider military. Says he can't take orders unless there is a discussion and he is on board. LOL - like that would go well in the Navy.
So, I guess it's time for me to change the subject and ask if any of you ladies and gentlemen can lend some support and info...our son has just not been able to keep up with the pace of work in A School and is now going to be re-rated. He will be moving to DTP sometime this week and awaiting some information on his rating options. He's disappointed, of course, but I think also relieved as he knew he was in over his head. Any information you all can share about DTP life and advice that might be helpful for him would be greatly appreciated :)
TahoeZephyr, Having been a Nuke mom for 9 years now, every sailor that I have seen be re-rated has been much happier in their new rate. Being a Nuke is simply not for everyone! Please emphasize to your sailor that there is NO shame in not making it through the pipeline! He has to be a pretty smart cookie to make it there in the 1st place.
TahoeZephyr - I am so sorry to hear about your son. I think we had discovered that maybe our sons were in the same BEQ. I wish all the best to him in his new rating.
I don't know anything about DTP, but I think WearsLargeHats, or something like that had a son that re-rated, soon after I joined this group. I think she is still on our group to help others out, she might be on Christian Moms group. Hopefully, someone will be able to share some information with you.
B'NukeMom usually asks those that have sailors who rerate to stick around in our group to let others know how the transition goes and how they are doing, but I am not sure how many do that. We do wish him the very best in all of his endeavors. My son has had at least two, including one of his good friends, ask to rerate out of his class, it isn't an easy thing to decide to rerate, but I also think the earlier the decision is made the easier it is on the sailor. At least that is how I would feel.
Just found out my sailor boards on Thursday! Prayers that he qualifies, please! I am one proud and nervous Navy Mom!! So glad I got to see him last week while in town on business. He was hoping to board then but had the flu.
TahoeZephyr - Having a son who made it but isn't planning to reenlist, I almost wish he had been re-rated to be placed in another aspect of Navy life that would have been more tolerable than his current situation. It is a difficult goal to attain and even more difficult to live with.
There is a need here to know what happens after re-rating so please don't leave. I wish the best for your son. Even if he doesn't go Nuke, your son is still at the top of the heap intelligence wise and will place well.
AZNukeGma, “board” means that he has finished all of his “check offs” and passed his comprehensive exam at Prototype and this is his oral board exam (similar to any other profession that requires a senior person to orally test the candidate on their knowledge before certifying that the candidate is “qualified” to work in the field). At least that is my understanding of the process. Final step before graduating from the pipeline and being sent to the fleet.
he is still awaiting his orders but hopes to know by the end of this week where to and when he is moving from GC.
TahoeZephyr - big hugs. this is such a difficult field and so all of these sailors are extremely bright. I'm always nervous but try to just pray that God is in control and knows best. I wish him all the best.
TahoeZephyr - Just to be considered Nuke means your son is very intelligent. No shame in being re-rated. Being a Nuke comes with a lot of stress. My son has always been cool as a cucumber seemingly impervious to every day stress and I can tell he is stressed out in the Nuke program. Because it's not just needing to be smart, it means dealing with how they teach the subject and the pace they need to go at. The job would continue to be a high stress job. Going into another field in the Navy does not mean failure - it just means a different direction and a new goal and perhaps one that he can continue on further with reenlistment because it's not continued extreme stress. And what he achieves in that new rate will determine his success. Embrace the change. Big hugs.
Tulip - prayers for your son! Thanks for explaining "board".
J's/S's Mom - Thanks for sharing. I know when my son was home at Christmas, he was telling about the tests and things they will have on the fleet, and especially as an ET how important it is that everything is right. I could tell he was second guessing himself. Any other information us moms can glean to offer our sailors and encourage them is always valuable. Even things like "first on, last off." Thanks!!
J's/S's, you're right, most of them have no idea that the testing and qualifying never end. Once they get out to the fleet they are referred to as NUBs (non-useful bodies) until they qualify on their ship. My Nuke spent lots of time studying and learning before she could stand her first watch. It did work in her advantage as she got to leave the ship at homecoming with the rest of the crowd. I was fully prepared to be on the ship most of the day after reading everyone elses stories of homecoming. I was so excited when she told me to pack my bag and that we were getting off with the main body of the ship.
It makes me sad to think the Sailors have only more stress and work to look forward to. They should absolutely be included in any home coming activities. They are part of the ship and deserve that. The Navy puts so much time, money and energy into training these guys/gals. I think there needs to be more than money to make them want to stay. I think the Navy needs to give them a few nice perks to make it worth it for them. This is why they decide to leave the Navy and get jobs in the private sector. Wouldn't it be worth it to keep the people they have spent so much time and money to train. I don't know, just seems like common sense to me. Money is great but if your not happy in your job and you don't feel appreciated then you won't stay. Bottom line.
NNLori, its not that they're excluded from homecoming. The reactor needs to be started up and shut down properly and that just isn't an on/off switch like the car. There are lots of procedures and check lists. If the reactor's not up the ship's not going anywhere. Likewise when they return it must be properly shut down.
JayDee659 - I understand that but they are people too with families who want to see them. I'm sure they would also like to take part in the excitement of being home. It feels like they are not taken into consideration. The powers that be know that these start up and shut down procedures are required but they don't arrange the events to allow these Sailors to participate. Just doesn't seem right to me. Or maybe have their own separate event. I don't claim to have the answers and maybe there are perks for them that I am not aware of. I am still a new Mom to the pipeline. I just see so many people discussing the hardships related to being a NUKE and it makes me want to find small ways to make the experience better for them all so they won't want to leave. That's all. :) Do you think the Navy would be interested in my suggestions?? Hummmm, probably not! LOL
NNLori, my small experience is that not all Nukes are last off the ship, just those who have shut down. Most of the girls in my daughters berthing area left when we did (they're all Nukes). If you're a parent or loved one standing on the pier there may not be a practical way of finding this out until you don't see them. My phone only worked on the flight deck and hanger bay (when in port, of course), I had zero service in berthing and they can't take their phones down to work with them. I'd say it's all part of the job. Some days I love my job, some days not so much, it's a universal thing.
Well, I'm one of the oldsters on this group so I'll pipe up. TahoeZephyr, it's difficult to not reach a goal and there is disappointment when rerate occurs. But I reiterate it takes brains to even get in, and most rerates we hear of are good. It sounds like nuke wasn't your sons's gift but he will probably kick a** in something else. Sounds like you will provide all the support that he needs as he transitions and he will be just fine. Nothing to be ashamed of here! Please do let us know where he lands and how it goes for him.
Nuke is like any other job, military or otherwise. There are ups and downs, fairs and unfairs. It is too bad that they miss the homecoming, but lots of nurses and doctors miss Christmas. It's just part of the deal. Quals continue in the fleet but lots of professions require continuing education. That doesn't diminish the disappointment at homecoming and I feel what you are expressing. I just think we accept the things we cannot change as what just is. I can also add that each rate provides good things. Nukes go into the fleet as officers and have great employment opportunities post-navy. Other rates provide good things too and just being a veteran matters on the outside. We all should breathe a grateful sigh that our kiddos are not only doing something really important for their country, but they are also doing something really good for their future.
Have I said lately how much I appreciate you all? These discussions help me immensely. Sea Sisters rule!
JayDee659- Well that makes a Mom feel much better! If I know it is sometimes and not always that makes me feel better. It is true that all jobs have their good points and bad. I sure hope that the good out ways the bad. It's a wonderful opportunity and what each Sailor decides to do with that opportunity will certainly depend on each of their personal experiences. I am very proud of my son and all the Sailors in and out of the pipeline. I'd really love to hear some inspiring and uplifting Nuke work experiences. So if any of you have one of those to share I could really use to hear it!! Thanks ladies and as always thanks for sharing your knowledge and for your continued support as take this crazy ride called the Navy. :)
NNLori, as Nukes they don't pull kitchen duty, that may be a plus for some. There is a balance. My daughter yelled at me for touching her boots. Turns out she was working in the bilge and there was some pretty disgusting stuff that she had to step in. These things don't really bother my daughter, to her it's all part of a days work. She got to stand on deck as they passed through the Straits of Gibraltar, and even better, somebody got her picture. Now I have a lovely picture of my beautiful little sailor in a really cool place.
JayDee659- WOW!! That is so awesome!! Another great perk of the Navy, they get to see the world!! Definitely, no kitchen duty is a great perk! My son would absolutely hate that! LOL!! Good to know! Thanks!!
JayDee, LOL! I don't even want to know what was on those boots! My son will never man the rails if he can help it. He likes to stay out of the way and out of the limelight. You will never see him photo on Facebook either, unless it's with his kids or wife. Just his way. You're so lucky your nukette isn't like that!
JayDee659 - Perfect!!! No KP. That is perfect for my son because he would starve unless someone either makes it for him or he can go out and buy it. Really. I went on a trip and he was 22 and I bought easy to make stuff and put in fridge for while I was away and he couldn't figure it out. Scratched up the good pan making eggs because he used metal on the non scratch surface. Has no clue what works and can't be told. I also left him a credit card in case something came up while I was away. Yeah, something came up - he ordered delivery just about every night from the Italian restaurant that delivers. And when he didn't do that, he went out to eat.
J's/S'smom, that is no joke! My SIL was in Dubai and happened upon on Irish pub with his buddies. What are the odds, right? Being single sailors in port they imbibed and at some point my SIL bought drinks for the whole place. He is a math whizz but the exchange rate eluded him. When he got home it was to see a credit card bill for $800. Lesson learned. No drinks were worth $800. I'm happy to say he is a solid family man now but his nuke adventures were legion in the day.
BTW, his experience was that he was on what was supposed to be a 2-wk underway off the coast of CA in 2001 and 9/11 happened. With no preparation or going home to pack, the ship turned and headed to the Persian Gulf. Always ready, always navy time. My son's last deployment was extended by 30 days b/c N.Korea rattled our cage. That's the real life our sailors are preparing for.
That last bit had nothing to do with the current conversation but my mind is a steady stream of consciousness that sometimes I indulge.
NancyJo, the boots looked okay. I figured they were just dirty, you know, regular dirt. Then I picked them up and set them on her rack and she went ballistic! After she explained it to me I fully understood. Ugh.
My daughter never offers to man the rails. She just happened to be on deck for whatever reason and the ships photographer caught her. The picture was never on FB, somehow it got sent to her and she very kindly shared it with me. She and I are on the ships FB page in a picture that was taken on the Tiger Cruise during the air show. My lovely Nukette had gotten me a fluorescent pink shirt, so bright that she could find me. It also made me stand out during the air show pictures and my reclusive Nukette is right behind me. Haha, joke's on her.
Soccermom19, I don't think cooking is all they do on kp. One of the ex-nukes that my daughter was in A school with was on her ship. When we saw him, he was cleaning silverware. All jobs are important or the ship doesn't go!
NancyJo, wow! From underway to open war. I'd have been a nervous wreck. My daughter tells me that most of them were convinced that if they didn't cancel the Tiger Cruise, they would head back towards NK after dropping us off upon completion of the cruise. She was thrilled to be getting off the ship and staying home for a bit. Long and short, it does happen.
Boy, you all are busy this morning. I tried to jump in sooner but have been busy approving new members this morning to N4M. I've approved over 164 new members in the last week! (Not to the nuke group but to N4M overall.)
You all have pretty much summed up the nuke life quite well and I don't have much to add. The KP duty (among a few other things they do) is referred to as "cranking" and yes it's true the nukes don't have to crank (at least on a carrier)! One of the perks ;-D It is an ongoing learning/qualification process but that's like in many careers. The nuke program is a lot of work but there are a lot of benefits to it too.
B'sNukeMom, "cranking", thank you! I could not come up with that word to save my life. It was nagging in my brain and I was going to text my sailor and ask. Thank you for saving my from having to ask a silly question :)
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest members ~ Debbie, Mrstkath and NavyNukeWife!
Please be sure to read the pages to the right (12) under the member profiles. Lots of good info there. Also be sure to look through the discussion forum above (hit "view all"). And of course, feel free to jump right in with any questions you may have!
Jan 29, 2018
Chipmunk
NavyNukeWife, I believe they start getting their E-3 pay in bc, but I am not certain of that.
Jan 30, 2018
Lazerguppie
Nuke wife- the first paycheck comes about 3 weeks into basic, it is E3 pay. It is very small. I think my son's was $50. They take uniforms out of the first paycheck. My son did not get leave between BC and A school, so you may need to have others help you move. Not sure about paying for the move, as my son is not married with a family.
Jan 30, 2018
Lazerguppie
My son told us he "classes up" on Wed, so he should start class Mon. Excited and nervous for him at the same time. His only saving grace will be the required study time. He is really smart, just wont ask for help.
Jan 30, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Tuesday! (some more nuke humor for you all!)
NavyNukeWife - I believe they should give your husband some time to go home and get you and help with the move to GC before he reports. It might not be much time though so you should have everything ready to go. At least I know that when my son had PIR one of his buddies was married and he was given time to help with the move (of course it could have changed by now though). Hopefully he'll get more info in BC and can relay this to you. You should be able to move to GC right away as long as you were on his orders when he went to boot camp. Again, they should be giving him info on housing. And like the others said, he will be getting E3 pay while in BC. Hang in there - you have a lot going on but try to relax for you and that baby!
Jan 30, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ tpeanuts61999! Feel free to jump right in and ask any questions you may have.
Jan 30, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
NNR - can you all please say a little prayer for my youngest son. He has an interview this morning for a graduate program. Thanks!
Jan 30, 2018
NancyJo (NNPTC)
You got it, B'sNuke!
Jan 30, 2018
JayDee659
B'sNukeMom, I'm sure he'll do great, but I sent up a special prayer too! Let us know how he does.
Jan 30, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
My youngest just called - he said the interview went very well and they said they were going to recommend him for the program!!!! He said he's not officially in yet, but it's looking good. Let's hope the provost of the college agrees with the recommendation ;-D
Thank you JayDee and NancyJo!!!!
Jan 30, 2018
NancyJo (NNPTC)
Yea! Fingers crossed for the next step!
Jan 30, 2018
JayDee659
That's wonderful news B'sNukeMom! Tell him congratulations from us!
Jan 30, 2018
Chipmunk
B'sNukeMom - I didn't see your prayer request till later, but glad to hear the good report and praying for continued favor.
Jan 30, 2018
kai cat
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MM - I'm so happy to hear it! I have had your son and all the SR's doing their final tests this week in my thoughts!! Congrats!
Is this program out of the navy now?
Jan 30, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
kai cat - this is my youngest son - he wasn't in the navy (although I tried to convince him to join lol!). He graduated college in 2016 and is now looking at graduate school. He's one step closer now (to grad school, not the Navy!).
Thank you Chipmunk!
Jan 30, 2018
soccermom19
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MM - I have a non sailor son too. JAG keeps sending him mail. He says he is not Navy material. I think the Navy is doing wonders for my other son. But the other is not interested. He went to college and then just finished law school May 2017. He just now got a clerkship with a judge and didn't really have a job up until a couple of weeks ago, but even though he was starving (unless I kept giving him stuff out of my pantry and dropping off food), he still didn't want to consider military. Says he can't take orders unless there is a discussion and he is on board. LOL - like that would go well in the Navy.
Jan 30, 2018
Chipmunk
soccermom19 - LOL!!
Jan 30, 2018
kai cat
Do you remember what restaurants are on base at GC? I thought there some - like a subway or something?
I was thinking of getting my son some gift cards before he went.
Thanks
Jan 30, 2018
Tulip
Kai cat: yes, there is a subway.
Jan 30, 2018
Tulip
B’sNukeMom: prayers offered for your younger son. What field of grad studies?
Jan 30, 2018
JayDee659
Kai cat, there's a subway and a Panda Express. Just up the road is a Waffle House and a Cookout.
Jan 30, 2018
AZNuKeGma
Jan 31, 2018
TahoeZephyr
Kai cat - in addition to food gift cards, UBER cards are the bomb for weekend liberty :)
Jan 31, 2018
TahoeZephyr
So, I guess it's time for me to change the subject and ask if any of you ladies and gentlemen can lend some support and info...our son has just not been able to keep up with the pace of work in A School and is now going to be re-rated. He will be moving to DTP sometime this week and awaiting some information on his rating options. He's disappointed, of course, but I think also relieved as he knew he was in over his head. Any information you all can share about DTP life and advice that might be helpful for him would be greatly appreciated :)
Jan 31, 2018
Pat L. in IL
TahoeZephyr, Having been a Nuke mom for 9 years now, every sailor that I have seen be re-rated has been much happier in their new rate. Being a Nuke is simply not for everyone! Please emphasize to your sailor that there is NO shame in not making it through the pipeline! He has to be a pretty smart cookie to make it there in the 1st place.
Jan 31, 2018
Chipmunk
TahoeZephyr - I am so sorry to hear about your son. I think we had discovered that maybe our sons were in the same BEQ. I wish all the best to him in his new rating.
I don't know anything about DTP, but I think WearsLargeHats, or something like that had a son that re-rated, soon after I joined this group. I think she is still on our group to help others out, she might be on Christian Moms group. Hopefully, someone will be able to share some information with you.
B'NukeMom usually asks those that have sailors who rerate to stick around in our group to let others know how the transition goes and how they are doing, but I am not sure how many do that. We do wish him the very best in all of his endeavors. My son has had at least two, including one of his good friends, ask to rerate out of his class, it isn't an easy thing to decide to rerate, but I also think the earlier the decision is made the easier it is on the sailor. At least that is how I would feel.
Navy Mom Hugs!!
Jan 31, 2018
Tulip
Just found out my sailor boards on Thursday! Prayers that he qualifies, please! I am one proud and nervous Navy Mom!! So glad I got to see him last week while in town on business. He was hoping to board then but had the flu.
Jan 31, 2018
AZNuKeGma
Tulip what does board mean?
Jan 31, 2018
Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke
TahoeZephyr - Having a son who made it but isn't planning to reenlist, I almost wish he had been re-rated to be placed in another aspect of Navy life that would have been more tolerable than his current situation. It is a difficult goal to attain and even more difficult to live with.
There is a need here to know what happens after re-rating so please don't leave. I wish the best for your son. Even if he doesn't go Nuke, your son is still at the top of the heap intelligence wise and will place well.
Jan 31, 2018
Tulip
AZNukeGma, “board” means that he has finished all of his “check offs” and passed his comprehensive exam at Prototype and this is his oral board exam (similar to any other profession that requires a senior person to orally test the candidate on their knowledge before certifying that the candidate is “qualified” to work in the field). At least that is my understanding of the process. Final step before graduating from the pipeline and being sent to the fleet.
he is still awaiting his orders but hopes to know by the end of this week where to and when he is moving from GC.
Jan 31, 2018
proudNukemom
TahoeZephyr - big hugs. this is such a difficult field and so all of these sailors are extremely bright. I'm always nervous but try to just pray that God is in control and knows best. I wish him all the best.
Jan 31, 2018
soccermom19
TahoeZephyr - Just to be considered Nuke means your son is very intelligent. No shame in being re-rated. Being a Nuke comes with a lot of stress. My son has always been cool as a cucumber seemingly impervious to every day stress and I can tell he is stressed out in the Nuke program. Because it's not just needing to be smart, it means dealing with how they teach the subject and the pace they need to go at. The job would continue to be a high stress job. Going into another field in the Navy does not mean failure - it just means a different direction and a new goal and perhaps one that he can continue on further with reenlistment because it's not continued extreme stress. And what he achieves in that new rate will determine his success. Embrace the change. Big hugs.
Jan 31, 2018
Chipmunk
Tulip - prayers for your son! Thanks for explaining "board".
J's/S's Mom - Thanks for sharing. I know when my son was home at Christmas, he was telling about the tests and things they will have on the fleet, and especially as an ET how important it is that everything is right. I could tell he was second guessing himself. Any other information us moms can glean to offer our sailors and encourage them is always valuable. Even things like "first on, last off." Thanks!!
Jan 31, 2018
JayDee659
J's/S's, you're right, most of them have no idea that the testing and qualifying never end. Once they get out to the fleet they are referred to as NUBs (non-useful bodies) until they qualify on their ship. My Nuke spent lots of time studying and learning before she could stand her first watch. It did work in her advantage as she got to leave the ship at homecoming with the rest of the crowd. I was fully prepared to be on the ship most of the day after reading everyone elses stories of homecoming. I was so excited when she told me to pack my bag and that we were getting off with the main body of the ship.
Jan 31, 2018
NNLori
It makes me sad to think the Sailors have only more stress and work to look forward to. They should absolutely be included in any home coming activities. They are part of the ship and deserve that. The Navy puts so much time, money and energy into training these guys/gals. I think there needs to be more than money to make them want to stay. I think the Navy needs to give them a few nice perks to make it worth it for them. This is why they decide to leave the Navy and get jobs in the private sector. Wouldn't it be worth it to keep the people they have spent so much time and money to train. I don't know, just seems like common sense to me. Money is great but if your not happy in your job and you don't feel appreciated then you won't stay. Bottom line.
Jan 31, 2018
JayDee659
NNLori, its not that they're excluded from homecoming. The reactor needs to be started up and shut down properly and that just isn't an on/off switch like the car. There are lots of procedures and check lists. If the reactor's not up the ship's not going anywhere. Likewise when they return it must be properly shut down.
Jan 31, 2018
NNLori
JayDee659 - I understand that but they are people too with families who want to see them. I'm sure they would also like to take part in the excitement of being home. It feels like they are not taken into consideration. The powers that be know that these start up and shut down procedures are required but they don't arrange the events to allow these Sailors to participate. Just doesn't seem right to me. Or maybe have their own separate event. I don't claim to have the answers and maybe there are perks for them that I am not aware of. I am still a new Mom to the pipeline. I just see so many people discussing the hardships related to being a NUKE and it makes me want to find small ways to make the experience better for them all so they won't want to leave. That's all. :) Do you think the Navy would be interested in my suggestions?? Hummmm, probably not! LOL
Jan 31, 2018
JayDee659
NNLori, my small experience is that not all Nukes are last off the ship, just those who have shut down. Most of the girls in my daughters berthing area left when we did (they're all Nukes). If you're a parent or loved one standing on the pier there may not be a practical way of finding this out until you don't see them. My phone only worked on the flight deck and hanger bay (when in port, of course), I had zero service in berthing and they can't take their phones down to work with them. I'd say it's all part of the job. Some days I love my job, some days not so much, it's a universal thing.
Jan 31, 2018
NancyJo (NNPTC)
Well, I'm one of the oldsters on this group so I'll pipe up. TahoeZephyr, it's difficult to not reach a goal and there is disappointment when rerate occurs. But I reiterate it takes brains to even get in, and most rerates we hear of are good. It sounds like nuke wasn't your sons's gift but he will probably kick a** in something else. Sounds like you will provide all the support that he needs as he transitions and he will be just fine. Nothing to be ashamed of here! Please do let us know where he lands and how it goes for him.
Nuke is like any other job, military or otherwise. There are ups and downs, fairs and unfairs. It is too bad that they miss the homecoming, but lots of nurses and doctors miss Christmas. It's just part of the deal. Quals continue in the fleet but lots of professions require continuing education. That doesn't diminish the disappointment at homecoming and I feel what you are expressing. I just think we accept the things we cannot change as what just is. I can also add that each rate provides good things. Nukes go into the fleet as officers and have great employment opportunities post-navy. Other rates provide good things too and just being a veteran matters on the outside. We all should breathe a grateful sigh that our kiddos are not only doing something really important for their country, but they are also doing something really good for their future.
Have I said lately how much I appreciate you all? These discussions help me immensely. Sea Sisters rule!
Jan 31, 2018
JayDee659
Well said as always Nancy Jo!
Jan 31, 2018
NNLori
JayDee659- Well that makes a Mom feel much better! If I know it is sometimes and not always that makes me feel better. It is true that all jobs have their good points and bad. I sure hope that the good out ways the bad. It's a wonderful opportunity and what each Sailor decides to do with that opportunity will certainly depend on each of their personal experiences. I am very proud of my son and all the Sailors in and out of the pipeline. I'd really love to hear some inspiring and uplifting Nuke work experiences. So if any of you have one of those to share I could really use to hear it!! Thanks ladies and as always thanks for sharing your knowledge and for your continued support as take this crazy ride called the Navy. :)
Jan 31, 2018
JayDee659
NNLori, as Nukes they don't pull kitchen duty, that may be a plus for some. There is a balance. My daughter yelled at me for touching her boots. Turns out she was working in the bilge and there was some pretty disgusting stuff that she had to step in. These things don't really bother my daughter, to her it's all part of a days work. She got to stand on deck as they passed through the Straits of Gibraltar, and even better, somebody got her picture. Now I have a lovely picture of my beautiful little sailor in a really cool place.
Jan 31, 2018
NNLori
JayDee659- WOW!! That is so awesome!! Another great perk of the Navy, they get to see the world!! Definitely, no kitchen duty is a great perk! My son would absolutely hate that! LOL!! Good to know! Thanks!!
Jan 31, 2018
NancyJo (NNPTC)
JayDee, LOL! I don't even want to know what was on those boots! My son will never man the rails if he can help it. He likes to stay out of the way and out of the limelight. You will never see him photo on Facebook either, unless it's with his kids or wife. Just his way. You're so lucky your nukette isn't like that!
Jan 31, 2018
soccermom19
JayDee659 - Perfect!!! No KP. That is perfect for my son because he would starve unless someone either makes it for him or he can go out and buy it. Really. I went on a trip and he was 22 and I bought easy to make stuff and put in fridge for while I was away and he couldn't figure it out. Scratched up the good pan making eggs because he used metal on the non scratch surface. Has no clue what works and can't be told. I also left him a credit card in case something came up while I was away. Yeah, something came up - he ordered delivery just about every night from the Italian restaurant that delivers. And when he didn't do that, he went out to eat.
So now I see why he wants to be a Nuke. LOL :-)
Jan 31, 2018
NancyJo (NNPTC)
J's/S'smom, that is no joke! My SIL was in Dubai and happened upon on Irish pub with his buddies. What are the odds, right? Being single sailors in port they imbibed and at some point my SIL bought drinks for the whole place. He is a math whizz but the exchange rate eluded him. When he got home it was to see a credit card bill for $800. Lesson learned. No drinks were worth $800. I'm happy to say he is a solid family man now but his nuke adventures were legion in the day.
BTW, his experience was that he was on what was supposed to be a 2-wk underway off the coast of CA in 2001 and 9/11 happened. With no preparation or going home to pack, the ship turned and headed to the Persian Gulf. Always ready, always navy time. My son's last deployment was extended by 30 days b/c N.Korea rattled our cage. That's the real life our sailors are preparing for.
That last bit had nothing to do with the current conversation but my mind is a steady stream of consciousness that sometimes I indulge.
Jan 31, 2018
JayDee659
NancyJo, the boots looked okay. I figured they were just dirty, you know, regular dirt. Then I picked them up and set them on her rack and she went ballistic! After she explained it to me I fully understood. Ugh.
My daughter never offers to man the rails. She just happened to be on deck for whatever reason and the ships photographer caught her. The picture was never on FB, somehow it got sent to her and she very kindly shared it with me. She and I are on the ships FB page in a picture that was taken on the Tiger Cruise during the air show. My lovely Nukette had gotten me a fluorescent pink shirt, so bright that she could find me. It also made me stand out during the air show pictures and my reclusive Nukette is right behind me. Haha, joke's on her.
Soccermom19, I don't think cooking is all they do on kp. One of the ex-nukes that my daughter was in A school with was on her ship. When we saw him, he was cleaning silverware. All jobs are important or the ship doesn't go!
Jan 31, 2018
JayDee659
NancyJo, wow! From underway to open war. I'd have been a nervous wreck. My daughter tells me that most of them were convinced that if they didn't cancel the Tiger Cruise, they would head back towards NK after dropping us off upon completion of the cruise. She was thrilled to be getting off the ship and staying home for a bit. Long and short, it does happen.
Jan 31, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Wednesday!
Boy, you all are busy this morning. I tried to jump in sooner but have been busy approving new members this morning to N4M. I've approved over 164 new members in the last week! (Not to the nuke group but to N4M overall.)
You all have pretty much summed up the nuke life quite well and I don't have much to add. The KP duty (among a few other things they do) is referred to as "cranking" and yes it's true the nukes don't have to crank (at least on a carrier)! One of the perks ;-D It is an ongoing learning/qualification process but that's like in many careers. The nuke program is a lot of work but there are a lot of benefits to it too.
Jan 31, 2018
JayDee659
B'sNukeMom, "cranking", thank you! I could not come up with that word to save my life. It was nagging in my brain and I was going to text my sailor and ask. Thank you for saving my from having to ask a silly question :)
Jan 31, 2018