NUKE moms

Eaglemom01 - I sent you a friend request.

The Hammer - I can't speak for all sailors, but I know for sure mine would rather eat dirt than stand out from the crowd during/after BC. Anything that draws attention to them can mean unwanted consequences. It really depends on how nit-picky their superiors are feeling at that moment. My kid would never have risked having an extra bag while traveling to GC. Others, however, might not care if it means having what they want with them. I suggest you talk to your sailor after PIR.

Mammagoose - My heart and peaceful, supportive thoughts go out to you and your family. I hope your sailor takes the news OK.

B'sNuke - I wish we could talk my dad into moving my mom. It's taking quite a toll on him to take care of her full time, but he won't hear of any other arrangement. Sigh. I'm so glad (and a bit jealous) your mom is excited about the move!

Submom - Sorry to hear that you are having to deal with a lot of flood clean up.

UPDATE on the Movie - Thor - my son informed me tonight that to coordinate better with Bowman, they are actually planning it for Friday March 16th at 1830 hrs - so you can pass that along to your sailors -

Hello.  When sailors leave Great Lakes for South Carolina, what airport do they leave from in Chicago?  Thanks! 

Freebird it will most likely either be O'Hare or Midway.  It depends upon the needs of the Navy (get used to hearing that one).  My daughter's PIR group flew out of Midway.  Most seem to fly out of O'Hare but it does depend on what flights the Navy can secure and at what price (just like you and I would do).  You probably won't know until PIR.

Thanks for the info!  Will stay flexible then!

Okay - here's the question on the top of my crazy mind... I'm shopping for sheets for my son - who is in boot camp now and heading to GC for EM... can I buy navy blue ones or do they have to be white?

Good morning everyone! I've been trying to keep up with all of your comments but it's been a busy couple of weeks! Saw a comment from B'sNukeMom about the mom in SC that will make deliveries for you...she is awesome! She has delivered a couple of packages to my son, one had his contacts in it so I didn't want it sitting around in the mail office forever, and the other just had snacks in it but was equally important in his eyes lol. She meets them on base and takes a pic of them with their package and sends it to you. It's worth joining the FB group just for that! :)

This past Saturday was my sailor's 20th bday so I drove up to Charleston to spend the day with him. What a great day!!! We went to Patriot's Point - we'll definitely have to do that one again, we didn't have time to see everything, there is so much to see!! The WWll sub was pretty incredible - what a special breed of man it took to serve on board one of those. Holy cow, I don't think I could have done it. If you get a chance to go to Charleston don't miss Patriot's Point, it was well worth it!!

The Hammer - You do not need to buy sheets for your son, the Navy supplies them. I have the sense you are trying to buy as though your son is going off to college, and while that is how I think about my son's time away, at GC, he is now an adult and taking care of his own living and life. He did all of his shopping once at GC for his laundry care, toiletries, etc. That didn't prevent him from calling mom and asking for suggestions though!!

Wait to find out if your son is okay with the sheets provided, before purchasing new ones. I know some moms have, or purchased mattress toppers, and their sons have been thrilled. Mine, has never said a word, and wants the minimal amount of stuff - but I did send a box of candy to him to share with his classmates at Valentine's and they were all very blessed by that.

You can buy extra white T-shirts for him, I think round collar, but the Navy color is very specific, so my son said not for me to buy and make sure he has an extra pair of his favorite running shoes!

Freebird - FYI - If by chance your son doesn't get his flight orders until after PIR and you are waiting for him, be sure to get a picture of the airport, flight number and terminal. It was a crazy situation for us, and if my husband hadn't taken a picture when our son passed by in the afternoon with his orders, we would have had a tough time finding him in the early morning, as he had no other way to contact us.

I sent the notecard to him as BC Moms suggest but he didn't think he had a way to carry it (and he didn't actually have his orders) but they do have a pocket in their blouse (at least the white ones) and your sailor can fold it and put it there to give you at PIR, if he has his flight info.

The Hammer - forgive me if my comment was curt - I am sorry. I wasn't meaning you couldn't buy sheets, you just don't need to and sending our sons off is a big deal!  I did buy my son a blanket at Sarge's Meet n Greet and expected to send it to him at GC. When he came home for Christmas and I was trying to give him more stuff to take back with him, he said "Mom, I have plenty of blankets!" -- So, it really does just depend on your child. I just didn't want you spending money on something you didn't need to, save it for something else he might want.

No worries Chipmunk! All advice is appreciated as I try to navigate the unfamiliar waters! You experience and advice is greatly appreciated!

The Hammer, my daughter was fine with the sheets at GC.  She did ask for one blanket from home as she mentioned that the ones at GC were scratchy.  We are from a colder climate and she said it was warm enough there.

You may wish to keep in mind that the time they really want sheets is when they are assigned to a carrier or sub.  The sheets that they are issued are 180 count.  My daughter said she could make tea with them.  I sent her some really nice 400 count from Rack Sheets that she loves.  I also purchased some for her husband who is on a sub.  He was also super appreciative.  Since they hot rack he can just roll up his sheets and stuff them in the locker when his turn in the rack is up.  He tells me his submates are envious.

Hi everyone.  I have been absent for a couple of weeks.  Wow, so many comments to catch up on.  Here is my reason for being so occupied.  I was at the destination wedding of my daughter.  Arriving several days ahead of the wedding and then we all spent the honeymoon week together.  It didn't go down as planned, but that's the things we remember most, isn't it.  She was over an hour late, no fault of her own.  But wasn't the bride beautiful.  OK, yes, I am definitely biased.  :-)

My nuke was not able to attend, but I managed to find someone who live streamed for me using my phone all of the ceremony using Whatsapp.  Considering we were outside the US, I definitely recommend Whatsapp for staying in touch.  There is no extra charge for these video or voice calls.

It's great to be back though. 

Hi Everybody, I haven't posted in a while. All this talk of sheets, etc., is great. My sailor is one of those "don't waste your money, don't send me anything" guys. Once they get to the boat (I don't know about subs since they share racks) over time he has scavenged a bunch of stuff from sailors that have moved on & didn't want the hassle of taking stuff with them. I have never sent him anything like that & when I have asked him he firmly declined. You know your sailor best and will figure it out. A lesson that came to me very early was the independence they learn. Once boot camp was over, my role was very much cheerleader and not so much the mom who took care of things. Good luck!

Mammagoose, I'm so sorry about the lost of sailor's g'ma. So hard! My son will lose his dad soon and the prayer is that it doesn't happen while he's deployed. Prayers for your family as you grieve.

Talking about flights, as B'sNuke likes to say, Semper Gumby...be flexible! It's all needs of the Navy in Navy time. Always buy, if possible, tickets you can change and best of luck figuring out how to get off work. So far so good for my sailor but it ain't over til it's over. So worth it, tho, to get there for events, PIR especially.

Had a txt convo with my sailor last night from Danang. The Carl Vinson hitting Vietnam is big news and my sailor says they've been hearing all about how historical this visit is. He did go ashore and the hotel was nice. I'm sure I'll hear more once he's on dry land again. I think he was nervous but it's all good.

soccermom, beautiful! Live streaming is awesome for those who can't be there. Just lovely. Congrats!

Hi all - Happy Tuesday!

I love Winnie the Pooh...<3

Welcome to our newest member ~ JDubya'sMom!

B'sNukeMoM⚓️MM  - One of my favorite quotes by one of my favorite animated characters.  Happy Today indeed.  A good reminder to enjoy living in the moment.  The present is a present.  :-)

Beautiful picture Soccermom!  The little snags are the things that make it memorable.  

I LOVE Winnie the Pooh, thanks B'sNuke Mom.

NancyJo, how exciting that your son was able to see Vietnam!  My brother served in the Navy during Vietnam.  He was on a PBR.  If any of you have visited the Vietnam Firebase at Patriots Point there is a PBR on display right up front.  After seeing that I have a very clear understanding of what my brother did and why it messed him up.  I'm sure Vietnam is much improved for sailors since then.

Soccermom, oh yes, what a beautiful bride!  It sounds like even though things didn't go as planned you all made the best of it!

I know you girls will appreciate my story. I tried to tell my husband and he didn't seem as impressed as I thought he should be. Ha!

I was talking with a customer at my work this morning and he asked about my kids. When I got to my Navy Nuke, my customer told me that he had taught in the Nuke program under Admiral Rickover! I nearly fell out of my chair! I felt like I was talking to a celebrity. He was the nicest gentleman and we had a great conversation. I found it funny later that a year ago I would not have even known who Admiral Rickover was. He told me to tell my son not to put too much pressure on himself that he had to be a smart kid if he got into the program and that he was sure he would do fine. He also said that he was going to check back in with me from time to time and see how he was doing. 

I really enjoy my job and getting to meet fascinating people like this are certainly one of the best things about it. I can't wait to text my Sailor this evening and let him know. I hope he's more excited that his Dad was. Lol

Nukelukesmom, seriously, that's like meeting Cher or something! I'm not kidding! Rickover was a legend in his own time. Tell your husband you knocked at least navy mom off her chair. 

Big final test day for class 1707!

Thank you all for the welcome and the information share. This is all brand new to me and I know I have lots to learn!

Nukelukesmom - Wow!  That's pretty cool - I would love to hear some of his stories!!

AZNuKeGma - good luck to everyone testing today!

Nukelukesmom - Your story is well appreciated here among your Navy Moms!! That is neat! My son speaks highly of Admiral Rickover and he is just hearing stories - some of them second hand - but a first hand account that is wonderful! I know you will look forward to visiting more with this veteran in the future and share your own stories.

AZNuKeGma - All the best to class 1707 as they are testing today -

JDubya'sM❤️M - Welcome to Nuke Moms (and Dads and former sailors) - Be sure to share a little about yourself and where you are at on this Navy Journey.

NancyJo - looks like you gave me a new current event assignment - Thanks!! - Also, sorry to hear about your son's father prayers for him to hold on. - Hope the grandbaby's are doing well!

B'sNuke - glad you are getting Mom settled into her new house!

Here's an article about the Vinson and their historic visit to Vietnam (all public knowledge so it's ok to post):

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-carrier-on-historic-vietnam...|14

Thanks for posting, B'sNuke! That's so nice of you to look that up. The cover photo shows an empty deck but if you click thru the slideshow you see some good pics of aircraft ready to go. I have a brother-in-law who never leaves his basement b/c of his severe PTSD from the jungles of Vietnam so this has been scary to me. But we live in different times. Mamas, our kiddos are doing really good things out there!

Oh, PattiP, you and I have been on kind of the same track. My son went to MEPS May 12, 2010. I'm kind of verklempt! I'm so happy you are getting your son back. I'm also glad you are keeping us abreast of developments, such as they are. I'm looking forward to the day that it's my son coming home. Yea for you!

PattiP - 6 years.  No wonder you have so many tips to offer.  Yes, be so proud!!!   It's wonderful that these men and women give part of their lives in service of their country.  Congratulations!! Good Luck to your sailor on the next step!!

Thank you all who keep in touch here! I appreciate all your input.

I did get some news today which has me bursting: Our son just passed power sch.- S.C. Here we come! :-)

OK ya'll (indeed, I may currently live in one of the most gorgeous areas of the west, but I did my time in the south and have yet to drop some southern slang!).  Quick update from "The Dark Side" (aka DTP).  After 4 weeks, our son has a new rate  Gunner's Mate!  I think it will be right up his alley, as the main draw for spending 4 years in NJROTC was all about the guns and Marksmanship Team :)  Seems he will be headed back to Great Lakes for A School (but, who knows when?).  Anyone have suggestions for hooking up with a GM Moms group?

Rime - I am so happy for you and your Sailor!!! Congrats :)

TahoeZephyr - Just curious - Is that another 6 year contract? Or will it be 4 years now?

Kai cat - I believe it will be a 4 year contract for GM

Rime - Congratulations!!!! I know you are proud of your son.

TahoeZephyr - Glad your son is getting a rating that should fit him well! Continue to keep us posted.

TahoeZephyr - this should be the information you are looking for http://navyformoms.ning.com/group/gmmoms

It looks like the GM Moms group is fairly active as well.

Great news this morning from TahoeZephyr and Rime! Hooyah! Gunner's mate sounds like a great job. I"m so glad! I bet he loves it. Rime, enjoy SC and the ceremony. Both are wonderful. You will love it.

Hello! It's been awhile since I commented; just wanted to say that my Sailor is now "settled" in Bremerton (actual living in Silverdale) and working on his quals on the Stennis, getting ready for his first deployment. After almost 5 years under his belt the learning process continues. We are looking forward to visiting him, possibly in May. I know some of the PNW moms mentioned sights to see - if there are any must sees, let me know. So fun to see new moms on here, as well as the old-timers. Great group!

Hi all - Happy Wednesday!

TahoeZephyr - great news on your son's new rate!  I'm sure he's looking forward to getting things going after the delay.  Keep us posted :)

Rime - enjoy the graduation and have fun in SC!

Patti - I'm so anxious to hear where your son ends up.  B will be moving to Michigan in a couple of months and although he's applied to MSU to continue working on his degree he is also considering entering the workforce full time.  He's weighing his options.....

MichianaMom - from what I've heard he will really enjoy Bremerton.

B'sNukeMom, my grandfather graduated from MSU in 1922.  He was in the Mandolin Club.  :)

 jrowlo6- Welcome. He will get his rating during boot camp. I think my son got his towards the end of BC. Do you know which your son is leaning towards. They can pick what they want, but don't necessarily get their first choice. It's based on scores and the needs of the Navy. 

I am always checking the messages here, but don't comment too often. My son is an EM and about to start Power School next week. He graduated from A school back in December. I preparing myself for another fun-filled 6 months of schooling. Let the stress begin next week. Thanks for all the encouraging words and information. Congratulations to all those who have made it through the pipeline. 

I happened to catch an episode rerun of McHale's Navy this morning while walking on the treadmill. It was a rather hilarious spoof on "Loose Lips Sink Ships" - but the point was well made!!!

MichianaMom - Just about anything in that area is beautiful. I always wanted to go to Whidbey Island but we never made it. But we did make it to Forks, WA (for Twilight fans), and the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park is a must see in my opinion, as well as other parts of it. We traveled the peninsula and saw a lot of that area. I do know how to properly pronounce Sequim and Puyallup, after my very poor attempts at phonetically sounding them out!! - It is beautiful country and looking at the map is making me miss it.

  jrowlo6 - Welcome aboard!! Yes as AZ2OH2IL2UT stated your son will receive actual Nuke rating in bc. - You should be receiving a welcome note on your my page from one of the admin for N4M. I noticed you have joined a couple of groups, but I would highly recommend joining the BC Moms group and also the DEP leaving Oct group??  Those will give you information on that stage of your son's Navy journey as well. But you are always welcome to ask questions here.

AZ2OH2IL2UT - mine will be graduating A school next month! Congratulations to your son as he gets ready to move on to Power School!!

Some nuke humor for the day :)

Thanks Chipmunk! I think we will explore Olympic National Park as much as we have time for, I'm starting my list. Hopefully I'll make another trip out with my daughter, and we have Forks and La Push on our list.

Thanks to everyone here for your thoughts and prayers!! I finally have a SAILOR ☆☆☆ It has been a loooong 16 weeks! I can't wait to see him for PIR on Friday!!

Kai cat- Yeah!!! Congrats to you and ur Sailor!!!!