Hey everyone! I had an interesting conversation this morning along the same lines as the one nukelukesmom recently wrote about. I was leaving a medical appointment and saw an older gentleman wearing a cap that, at first glance I just noticed said "USS Coral Sea". I stopped and asked if he had served in the Navy. He had, so I told him my son is also. The Coral Sea (an aircraft carrier was the first ship (or maybe first aircraft carrier) to arrive in the waters off Vietnam after the Gulf of Tonkin incident. He had been assigned to that ship soon before they departed for Vietman, and spent his whole 4 years of service in that part of the world. They used to go to Australia to celebrate "Coral Sea Days", a commemoration of the battle of the Coral Sea, which the ship was named after. That WWII battle was the first time aircraft carriers engaged each other in battle. He talked about when he passed the equator and became a Leatherback. His wife didn't see what the big deal was, LOL. He was a boatswains mate, a job he really liked.
He asked about my son, so I told him about the Nuke and STA-21 programs. I can never tell if it's my imagination of if people's expression and posture really change when I tell them about my kid being a nuke (i.e. really smart). Anyone else get that impression?
Anyway, this gentleman and his wife were both delightful. I would have loved to have heard more stories, but I needed to leave and they were called back for their appointment. It was such an honor to meet him! He even thanked me for *my* service, saying parents serve while our kids do. What a guy!
Note: Special thanks to nukelukesmom for giving me the courage to say something. I'm SO glad I did!!
PacNWmom- That is a great story. I love when I see someone wearing a Navy shirt or hat. I don't see it that often where I live now. So I get super excited when I do. I am at the post office shipping off packages often and one of the postal workers is former military. He calls me his favorite customer because we always talk about the packages and the ships the packages are heading to. It's enjoyable to chat with someone about my son being in the military. Not many others I know here who understand what it is like being a military mom. I will say that people do react after they ask what my son does in the Navy. Eyes widen and many times people say, "Wow, he's super smart then!" LOL! I just say I guess so. HA! I am a teacher and the kids always find it fascinating that my son is in the Navy and then they are extremely fascinated when they hear he is a Nuke. It sounds pretty impressive to them. Glad you were able to chat for a bit with the man and his wife. That is cool!
Thanks for sharing that story PacNWmom! I do the same now, anytime I see someone with Navy attire I go out of my way to strike up a conversation. My husband also wears a lot of Navy t's or hats and people will often thank him for his service. He is quick to say that it was our son that served and often they will then thank us like you said!
PacNWmom and AZ2OH2IL2UT - know exactly what you mean about peoples responses! I remember the pride of living in a “Navy” town - thanking sailors, the respect and pride. Now my husband and I are on the receiving end of the thanks. We are so humbled and blessed that our son made the decision to serve!
Hi Sea Sisters: I am behind reading posts, trying to catch up. Between NancyJo driving down the freeway with the window open in a snow storm and JayDee's LasVegas photo, I can't stop laughing to read, *tears in my eyes*'. Sheesh, I've missed you all.
Our nuke is working hard on his Dolphins in Pearl Harbor. Mr. Buzzbeck actually went back to Charleston for 2 weeks to help some guys he met (while visiting our nuke) cut their pine trees down. Our married daughter and SIL moved down to Folsom CA.
Congrats to all the nukes making their way through the pipeline recently.
PacNWmom great story! I don't come from a family with many military ties so this culture is a little new to me. I am learning that it is a culture though and very much a "family" environment which I enjoy. It's nice to have people who understand your struggles and your triumphs. This is a great group and I really appreciate everyone participating in the discussions to help one another out. I know it has helped me several times and it has only been 7 months since my son left for Boot Camp. (Gosh how can that be? It seems like forever ago!)
Buzzbeck, we missed you! You're going back a ways for those stories. So good to hear from you!
kai cat, congrats on your new sailor! Enjoy your time with him and be proud.
PacNWmom, I loved your story. I have learned that our vets love to be acknowledge and will often engage with stories. It warms my heart. The names you threw out there tweaked my memory so I will spend time today looking up those battles.
Nukelukesmom, this is a great group. Of all the groups I have joined here this one is the best. It helps that lots of us pipe up instead of waiting for someone else.
Meanwhile, yesterday B'sNuke posted the shocked monkey picture about thinking it was Friday but it's only Wednesday. Always good for a chuckle. Well, I went to the eye doctor yesterday and found out I probably need cataract surgery so I texted my girls to say I have a consult next week for cataract surgery. My 2nd daughter posted that monkey in response. No words, just the picture. I roared! Same monkey 2 times in 1 day. Just what I needed. Life is good!
Kai Cat!! -- WooHoo!!!! Congrats to your son, enjoy PIR, and encourage him to keep working at his running - they have to keep at it, all through out. But he did it!
PacNWmom - Thanks for sharing your story.
Buzzbeck - Glad you have been able to catch up! Yes, there have been some stories and pictures! Hope all is going well your direction.
MichianaMom- There is so much beautiful country near your son's base, that you can't go wrong seeing something wonderful. We lived on the desert side of WA for 3 years and then took a family trip to show #3 where she was born, we took a week, and only hit the high points of all of our favorite spots. It wasn't enough time, so pick one or two and really enjoy.
NancyJo - what are the odds about the monkey lol?!? (Great minds think alike!) Sorry to hear you have to have cataract surgery but I'm sure everything will be fine :)
Buzzbeck - Yep, somehow life seems to get in the way of our social activities but glad you were able to check in. And wasn't that sweet of your husband to help out in SC!
The big move for my mom is this weekend and of course they are predicting rain on Saturday now ~ oh boy :</ Oh well, good thing is we won't melt!
Buzzbeck it's great to hear from you. Glad to hear that Sailor Buzzbeck is doing well. I still wish that we could have met you at prototype grad.
NancyJo, I had cataract surgery done about 5 years ago in both eyes. They did one eye on a Tuesday and the other on Thursday. The hardest part for me was adjusting on Wednesday. Now that I've adjusted to my lenses (I got the multi-focal) I'm really happy with them.
B's, I thought it never rained in Southern California? Seems I've often heard that kind of talk before...
Hi Sea Sisters! A bit behind, but I've just read through and am catching up.
Got big news today! My sailor called to tell me he finally received his soft orders and he is headed to Bremerton where his girlfriend is also stationed. She is on a carrier and he will be on a sub. So happy and excited and scared all at the same time!
Kai Cat: congrats on your new Sailor and BZ to him! Hold tight...the hurry up and wait continues, as I am learning.
PattiP: Good to meet you last week. Glad you have finally heard from your son. Not much longer! Best wishes!
Soccermom19: Congrats on your beautiful daughter's wedding! Wishing them many happy and healthy years ahead.
Kai Cat!! - enjoy PIR. Have fun visiting with your sailor.
To everyone attending graduation this Friday - Congrats to your sailor and enjoy the celebration. Hoping everyone travels safely - particularly with all this crazy weather.
NancyJo - good luck with your cataract surgery. I understand that it seems scary because it's the eyes, but it's so standard these days.. Know many people that have had this done. You will be fine!!
Hey everyone - don't forget to wear your RED tomorrow! I won't be in the office tomorrow or Monday so I'm wishing you all an enjoyable weekend now ~ and behave lol! Wish me luck with my mom's move!!
Well, B'sNuke probably isn't checking this but I was thinking the flying monkeys might be real helpful with the move. Good luck to Mom in her new digs!
To all my Sea Sisters traveling for graduations this weekend, enjoy! I has come to me how fortunate we are as moms to be experiencing the military life. We don't experience what our kids do but we are part of the family and get to see what our kids get to do and the places they get to go, all the while demonstrating what commitment, responsibility, and dedication mean. Be proud, Mamas!
Well said NancyJo!!! We do have a family of our own that we get to enjoy because of the commitment of our military sons and daughters. I know it has been such a blessing for me!!!
I got a call from my Nuke this morning. She said that she got a thing for doing a thing during the thing...right. And that they took her picture when she got the thing and she might be on the ships FB page. I looked and sure enough there she was. She avoids the camera but I guess when the higher ups are giving you an award you have to smile and deal with it. Love that technical jargon - the "thing". She takes security seriously.
Hi All and Happy Friday! Congratulations JayDee659 to you and your daughter!
AZNuKeGma - cherish and enjoy PIR. I remember it so well and will forever be thankful for every moment... even the waiting and waiting for my Sailor afterward.
I am just jumping on quickly and won't be able to respond until late tonight or tomorrow... but just wanted to know if I should have my radar up for any reason?.. I looked at my cell phone and have a missed call from Japan. So crazy, right?! My Nuke is currently in A school with projected grad date of May 18. Just wondered if you all have ever had that happen? Thanks in advance.
Okay, off and running again. Hope you all have a wonderful Friday!
JayDee659 - CongaRats!! that's wonderful. She apparently does her thing well. :-) You have a great reason to be especially proud!! And a great photo too!!
B'sNukeMom - I hope everything goes smoothly this weekend!
JayDee659 - what a wonderful picture! She must be good at doing her "thing". Our son told us the other night that he learned "something" that was about "something" and couldn't go in to detail. It's good that they take security so serious.
My son is graduating BC on 4/20 and I was wondering if anyone has an idea of when they will ship him to A school. He is a nuke and will be going to A School at GC. I'm just not sure when I should fly back home on Saturday or Sunday.
Moonbeam generally they ship out the next morning. Sometimes a holiday or the weather can delay that but I am not aware of any holiday at that time. My daughter was at the airport at 2:30 am for a 6:00 am flight.
Moonbeam - after our sailor’s PIR anyone headed to GC left for the airport Saturday morning. We were able to meet at the airport and stay until the flight boarded. Sunday they get settled in to their room at GC. I hope you have a fantastic time at PIR - is is amazing!
Hope everyone has a nice weekend. If you are one of those who had a graduation on Friday, I hope you are having a great time and enjoying seeing your sailor
Moonbeam - most of us have experienced early morning flights but it all depends on what the Navy finds for tickets, and there isn't a guarantee which airport they fly out of. I know of some who fly out later on Saturday but they are all taken to the airport early. I would recommend that if you want to fly out on Saturday, that you plan for a later flight. And there is also the possibility that your sailor could be sent to THU (temporary holding unit) in which case they will be staying in GL until their orders are finalized. You would then be able to see them on Sat/ Sun. That is the rare case, but it happened with some sailors from my son's TG who were headed to GC. I just wanted you to be aware when making your decisions.
Most important, book with an airline where you can change your tickets. Most recommend SW Airlines for that, but I would call the airlines directly. We drove, which gave us a lot more flexibility.
For those at GC - some conversation starters - after talking to my son last night - I guess at least some of them had a mandatory "fun time" and they went to an arcade, mini golf, go cart park. My son was in his orange again, and I guess he said he got called out the most for bumping on the go carts even though others were doing so as well.
Also, they had an important visitor recently - Not sure how specific I can be, but my son almost stepped out of his classroom to refill his water bottle and ran smack dab into him.
I was going to pm some of my friends but have to scoot to a meeting. Enjoy your weekend!
NavyNukeWife - I saw your comments in the main chat room. Hang in there sister. Being snowbound and pregnant is no fun. I hope you hear from your hubby soon. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
My son just got the call he will be going to boot camp in two weeks, We were initially told it wouldn't be until October so we are a little shocked. I have read everything from 6-8 weeks for boot camp. Will I have ample time to prepare when I can fly out to graduation? Will he fly out to Goose creek the day after graduation? Looks like graduations are on Fridays? Thank you ladies! I am in a bit of a panic right now.
NoahsMom (I have a Noah too!), my son also got called to go several months early....was originally DEP for Feb 2018, but got the opportunity to go last Aug instead and accepted, so we also had about 2 weeks to prepare! You will get a letter after boot camp starts that has anticipated PIR date, but still be flexible because that can change. Grad is usually on Friday and usually they fly out the next day....notice I keep saying “usually” ....the main thing is to stay flexible. A lot of the flights are early, but my son had an evening flight. He still went to the airport in the wee hours of the morning, so I met the bus there and we got to spend all day together at the airport before he flew out to GC. We both had flights out of O’Hare so it worked out great, but they do fly out of Midway sometimes. You probably won’t know his flight details until after PIR. Don’t panic :) any questions you have you will most likely find someone here who can answer :)
Do the nuke sailors at the NNPTC in Goose Creek, SC take the weekend off after their first A school graduation? I want to attend his graduation and spend the weekend with him if he can take the weekend off.
NoahsMom, so your adventure begins. Welcome aboard, strap in tight, try to relax and chant over and over "Semper Gumby" (always flexible).
My daughter shipped out 4 months early and I had 4 hours notice. She called me at work to tell me she had to report to the MEPS 2 hours away by 7 pm. I had walked to lunch and ran the mile back to the office in August heat. I know how you feel. It's great that they're getting their career started, but at the same time you want just a little more time, right?
Bigsky is right, barring holidays graduation from boot camp, PIR, is on Fridays. Within 2 weeks of his arriving at boot camp, you'll get a letter from your son with his PIR date. That's when you start making your travel arrangements, not before. That date is set in stone as long as he passes everything. They usually fly to GC the next morning of afternoon depending on when the Navy can get flights for all the sailors. My daughters class flew out of Midway, so don't bet on one airport or another.
In the meantime, enjoy your time with your son. We're here to answer your questions and support you along the way.
Hmm, just a thought, if you don't have a way to carry your cell on you at ALL times, figure it out now. You never know when you'll get a call from him at BC so be prepared.
Let us know how we can help. My daughter is now out in the fleet and I've experienced a full realm of Navy-isms and lived to tell.
DOREMI, they do not get leave after boot camp. They will usually fly out the next morning. You can meet your sailor at the airport and usually go back through security with them. Sometimes in the case of a holiday they might get an extra day, but don't plan on it until it happens. I've seen some moms have all day and into the evening at the airport with their sailor. Mine happened to fly out at 6:00 am. You never know.
You and Noahsmom will be well served by joining the Boot Camp moms and then when you get a PIR date, join the group for your PIR. That will give you the absolute best information on your sailors PIR.
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
kai cat - wonderful news!!!!! So happy you got that call :) BZ to your sailor! Now the fun begins!
Mar 7, 2018
JayDee659
Kai cat congratulations!
Mar 7, 2018
MoMom
Congratulation to you and your sailor, kai cat!
Mar 7, 2018
PacNWmom
Hey everyone! I had an interesting conversation this morning along the same lines as the one nukelukesmom recently wrote about. I was leaving a medical appointment and saw an older gentleman wearing a cap that, at first glance I just noticed said "USS Coral Sea". I stopped and asked if he had served in the Navy. He had, so I told him my son is also. The Coral Sea (an aircraft carrier was the first ship (or maybe first aircraft carrier) to arrive in the waters off Vietnam after the Gulf of Tonkin incident. He had been assigned to that ship soon before they departed for Vietman, and spent his whole 4 years of service in that part of the world. They used to go to Australia to celebrate "Coral Sea Days", a commemoration of the battle of the Coral Sea, which the ship was named after. That WWII battle was the first time aircraft carriers engaged each other in battle. He talked about when he passed the equator and became a Leatherback. His wife didn't see what the big deal was, LOL. He was a boatswains mate, a job he really liked.
He asked about my son, so I told him about the Nuke and STA-21 programs. I can never tell if it's my imagination of if people's expression and posture really change when I tell them about my kid being a nuke (i.e. really smart). Anyone else get that impression?
Anyway, this gentleman and his wife were both delightful. I would have loved to have heard more stories, but I needed to leave and they were called back for their appointment. It was such an honor to meet him! He even thanked me for *my* service, saying parents serve while our kids do. What a guy!
Note: Special thanks to nukelukesmom for giving me the courage to say something. I'm SO glad I did!!
Mar 7, 2018
AZ2OH2IL2UT
PacNWmom- That is a great story. I love when I see someone wearing a Navy shirt or hat. I don't see it that often where I live now. So I get super excited when I do. I am at the post office shipping off packages often and one of the postal workers is former military. He calls me his favorite customer because we always talk about the packages and the ships the packages are heading to. It's enjoyable to chat with someone about my son being in the military. Not many others I know here who understand what it is like being a military mom. I will say that people do react after they ask what my son does in the Navy. Eyes widen and many times people say, "Wow, he's super smart then!" LOL! I just say I guess so. HA! I am a teacher and the kids always find it fascinating that my son is in the Navy and then they are extremely fascinated when they hear he is a Nuke. It sounds pretty impressive to them. Glad you were able to chat for a bit with the man and his wife. That is cool!
Mar 7, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Thanks for sharing that story PacNWmom! I do the same now, anytime I see someone with Navy attire I go out of my way to strike up a conversation. My husband also wears a lot of Navy t's or hats and people will often thank him for his service. He is quick to say that it was our son that served and often they will then thank us like you said!
Mar 7, 2018
SubMom
PacNWmom and AZ2OH2IL2UT - know exactly what you mean about peoples responses! I remember the pride of living in a “Navy” town - thanking sailors, the respect and pride. Now my husband and I are on the receiving end of the thanks. We are so humbled and blessed that our son made the decision to serve!
Mar 7, 2018
Buzzbeck
Hi Sea Sisters: I am behind reading posts, trying to catch up. Between NancyJo driving down the freeway with the window open in a snow storm and JayDee's LasVegas photo, I can't stop laughing to read, *tears in my eyes*'. Sheesh, I've missed you all.
Our nuke is working hard on his Dolphins in Pearl Harbor. Mr. Buzzbeck actually went back to Charleston for 2 weeks to help some guys he met (while visiting our nuke) cut their pine trees down. Our married daughter and SIL moved down to Folsom CA.
Congrats to all the nukes making their way through the pipeline recently.
Mar 8, 2018
Nukelukesmom
PacNWmom great story! I don't come from a family with many military ties so this culture is a little new to me. I am learning that it is a culture though and very much a "family" environment which I enjoy. It's nice to have people who understand your struggles and your triumphs. This is a great group and I really appreciate everyone participating in the discussions to help one another out. I know it has helped me several times and it has only been 7 months since my son left for Boot Camp. (Gosh how can that be? It seems like forever ago!)
Kai cat Bravo Zulu to your Sailor!
Mar 8, 2018
NancyJo (NNPTC)
Buzzbeck, we missed you! You're going back a ways for those stories. So good to hear from you!
kai cat, congrats on your new sailor! Enjoy your time with him and be proud.
PacNWmom, I loved your story. I have learned that our vets love to be acknowledge and will often engage with stories. It warms my heart. The names you threw out there tweaked my memory so I will spend time today looking up those battles.
Nukelukesmom, this is a great group. Of all the groups I have joined here this one is the best. It helps that lots of us pipe up instead of waiting for someone else.
Meanwhile, yesterday B'sNuke posted the shocked monkey picture about thinking it was Friday but it's only Wednesday. Always good for a chuckle. Well, I went to the eye doctor yesterday and found out I probably need cataract surgery so I texted my girls to say I have a consult next week for cataract surgery. My 2nd daughter posted that monkey in response. No words, just the picture. I roared! Same monkey 2 times in 1 day. Just what I needed. Life is good!
Mar 8, 2018
Chipmunk
Kai Cat!! -- WooHoo!!!! Congrats to your son, enjoy PIR, and encourage him to keep working at his running - they have to keep at it, all through out. But he did it!
PacNWmom - Thanks for sharing your story.
Buzzbeck - Glad you have been able to catch up! Yes, there have been some stories and pictures! Hope all is going well your direction.
MichianaMom- There is so much beautiful country near your son's base, that you can't go wrong seeing something wonderful. We lived on the desert side of WA for 3 years and then took a family trip to show #3 where she was born, we took a week, and only hit the high points of all of our favorite spots. It wasn't enough time, so pick one or two and really enjoy.
Mar 8, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Thursday!
NancyJo - what are the odds about the monkey lol?!? (Great minds think alike!) Sorry to hear you have to have cataract surgery but I'm sure everything will be fine :)
Buzzbeck - Yep, somehow life seems to get in the way of our social activities but glad you were able to check in. And wasn't that sweet of your husband to help out in SC!
The big move for my mom is this weekend and of course they are predicting rain on Saturday now ~ oh boy :</ Oh well, good thing is we won't melt!
Mar 8, 2018
Chipmunk
B's - Thanks for the picture - I thought my husband needed to see it this morning and he just replied - "Loved It!!"
Mar 8, 2018
JayDee659
Buzzbeck it's great to hear from you. Glad to hear that Sailor Buzzbeck is doing well. I still wish that we could have met you at prototype grad.
NancyJo, I had cataract surgery done about 5 years ago in both eyes. They did one eye on a Tuesday and the other on Thursday. The hardest part for me was adjusting on Wednesday. Now that I've adjusted to my lenses (I got the multi-focal) I'm really happy with them.
B's, I thought it never rained in Southern California? Seems I've often heard that kind of talk before...
Mar 8, 2018
NancyJo (NNPTC)
LOL
Mar 8, 2018
Tulip
Hi Sea Sisters! A bit behind, but I've just read through and am catching up.
Got big news today! My sailor called to tell me he finally received his soft orders and he is headed to Bremerton where his girlfriend is also stationed. She is on a carrier and he will be on a sub. So happy and excited and scared all at the same time!
Kai Cat: congrats on your new Sailor and BZ to him! Hold tight...the hurry up and wait continues, as I am learning.
PattiP: Good to meet you last week. Glad you have finally heard from your son. Not much longer! Best wishes!
Soccermom19: Congrats on your beautiful daughter's wedding! Wishing them many happy and healthy years ahead.
Mar 8, 2018
AZNuKeGma
We’ve arrived here in GC
Mar 8, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Tulip - How fun - glad you got to meet up with Patti! I love it when Navy mom's get together :)
AZNuKeGma - woohoo - glad you made it there safe & sound! Have fun at graduation tomorrow!
Mar 8, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
JayDee - lol! Yep, it doesn't rain much but go figure, the day we move my mom, rain!
Mar 8, 2018
soccermom19
Happy Thursday - almost Friday!!! TGIF - Almost!
Tulip - thanks for nice wishes.
Kai Cat!! - enjoy PIR. Have fun visiting with your sailor.
To everyone attending graduation this Friday - Congrats to your sailor and enjoy the celebration. Hoping everyone travels safely - particularly with all this crazy weather.
NancyJo - good luck with your cataract surgery. I understand that it seems scary because it's the eyes, but it's so standard these days.. Know many people that have had this done. You will be fine!!
Mar 8, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hey everyone - don't forget to wear your RED tomorrow! I won't be in the office tomorrow or Monday so I'm wishing you all an enjoyable weekend now ~ and behave lol! Wish me luck with my mom's move!!
Mar 8, 2018
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Don't forget to spring forward this weekend!
Mar 8, 2018
soccermom19
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MM - Good luck with your mom move this weekend!!!
AZNuKeGma - Have a great time in GC. Congrats to all. Looking forward to hearing all about it.
Mar 8, 2018
bigsky21
B'sNukeMom, good luck with the move this weekend! Hopefully you won't need those flying monkeys lol :)
Congrats to all the grads today!!
Mar 9, 2018
NancyJo (NNPTC)
Well, B'sNuke probably isn't checking this but I was thinking the flying monkeys might be real helpful with the move. Good luck to Mom in her new digs!
To all my Sea Sisters traveling for graduations this weekend, enjoy! I has come to me how fortunate we are as moms to be experiencing the military life. We don't experience what our kids do but we are part of the family and get to see what our kids get to do and the places they get to go, all the while demonstrating what commitment, responsibility, and dedication mean. Be proud, Mamas!
Mar 9, 2018
soccermom19
Well said NancyJo!!! We do have a family of our own that we get to enjoy because of the commitment of our military sons and daughters. I know it has been such a blessing for me!!!
Mar 9, 2018
soccermom19
I remembered to wear my RED today!!! How about everyone else? :-)
Mar 9, 2018
Buzzbeck
Well said NancyJo, I am a better Navy Mom because of this group!
Got my RED on!
Mar 9, 2018
JayDee659
I got a call from my Nuke this morning. She said that she got a thing for doing a thing during the thing...right. And that they took her picture when she got the thing and she might be on the ships FB page. I looked and sure enough there she was. She avoids the camera but I guess when the higher ups are giving you an award you have to smile and deal with it. Love that technical jargon - the "thing". She takes security seriously.
Mar 9, 2018
Buzzbeck
Way to go Nukette!
Mar 9, 2018
KayCee
Hi All and Happy Friday! Congratulations JayDee659 to you and your daughter!
AZNuKeGma - cherish and enjoy PIR. I remember it so well and will forever be thankful for every moment... even the waiting and waiting for my Sailor afterward.
I am just jumping on quickly and won't be able to respond until late tonight or tomorrow... but just wanted to know if I should have my radar up for any reason?.. I looked at my cell phone and have a missed call from Japan. So crazy, right?! My Nuke is currently in A school with projected grad date of May 18. Just wondered if you all have ever had that happen? Thanks in advance.
Okay, off and running again. Hope you all have a wonderful Friday!
Mar 9, 2018
soccermom19
JayDee659 - CongaRats!! that's wonderful. She apparently does her thing well. :-) You have a great reason to be especially proud!! And a great photo too!!
Mar 9, 2018
Chipmunk
JayDee - Thanks for sharing the picture!! Congratulations to your daughter!
AZNuKeGma - Hope you had a great time at graduation today.
Kaycee - I would say the missed call is a spam. My husband always reminds me that if they wanted to talk to me, they would have left a voice message.
B'sMom - I hope your move is going smoothly this weekend.
Mar 9, 2018
AZNuKeGma
I was very happy to meet you today RIME our boys are awesome
Mar 9, 2018
SubMom
soccermom19- I remembered my red!
B'sNukeMom - I hope everything goes smoothly this weekend!
JayDee659 - what a wonderful picture! She must be good at doing her "thing". Our son told us the other night that he learned "something" that was about "something" and couldn't go in to detail. It's good that they take security so serious.
Mar 9, 2018
Moonbeam
My son is graduating BC on 4/20 and I was wondering if anyone has an idea of when they will ship him to A school. He is a nuke and will be going to A School at GC. I'm just not sure when I should fly back home on Saturday or Sunday.
Mar 10, 2018
JayDee659
Moonbeam generally they ship out the next morning. Sometimes a holiday or the weather can delay that but I am not aware of any holiday at that time. My daughter was at the airport at 2:30 am for a 6:00 am flight.
Enjoy PIR and stay flexible!
Mar 10, 2018
Moonbeam
JayDee659 oh wow ok...I would just rather fly home Saturday instead of Sunday if he won't be there. Thanks for the info!
Mar 10, 2018
SubMom
Moonbeam - after our sailor’s PIR anyone headed to GC left for the airport Saturday morning. We were able to meet at the airport and stay until the flight boarded. Sunday they get settled in to their room at GC. I hope you have a fantastic time at PIR - is is amazing!
Mar 10, 2018
soccermom19
Hope everyone has a nice weekend. If you are one of those who had a graduation on Friday, I hope you are having a great time and enjoying seeing your sailor
Mar 10, 2018
Moonbeam
Thank you SubMom!
Mar 10, 2018
Chipmunk
Moonbeam - most of us have experienced early morning flights but it all depends on what the Navy finds for tickets, and there isn't a guarantee which airport they fly out of. I know of some who fly out later on Saturday but they are all taken to the airport early. I would recommend that if you want to fly out on Saturday, that you plan for a later flight. And there is also the possibility that your sailor could be sent to THU (temporary holding unit) in which case they will be staying in GL until their orders are finalized. You would then be able to see them on Sat/ Sun. That is the rare case, but it happened with some sailors from my son's TG who were headed to GC. I just wanted you to be aware when making your decisions.
Most important, book with an airline where you can change your tickets. Most recommend SW Airlines for that, but I would call the airlines directly. We drove, which gave us a lot more flexibility.
Mar 10, 2018
Chipmunk
For those at GC - some conversation starters - after talking to my son last night - I guess at least some of them had a mandatory "fun time" and they went to an arcade, mini golf, go cart park. My son was in his orange again, and I guess he said he got called out the most for bumping on the go carts even though others were doing so as well.
Also, they had an important visitor recently - Not sure how specific I can be, but my son almost stepped out of his classroom to refill his water bottle and ran smack dab into him.
I was going to pm some of my friends but have to scoot to a meeting. Enjoy your weekend!
Mar 10, 2018
Chipmunk
NavyNukeWife - I saw your comments in the main chat room. Hang in there sister. Being snowbound and pregnant is no fun. I hope you hear from your hubby soon. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mar 10, 2018
Moonbeam
Thank you Chipmunk
Mar 10, 2018
NoahsMom
My son just got the call he will be going to boot camp in two weeks, We were initially told it wouldn't be until October so we are a little shocked. I have read everything from 6-8 weeks for boot camp. Will I have ample time to prepare when I can fly out to graduation? Will he fly out to Goose creek the day after graduation? Looks like graduations are on Fridays? Thank you ladies! I am in a bit of a panic right now.
Mar 10, 2018
bigsky21
NoahsMom (I have a Noah too!), my son also got called to go several months early....was originally DEP for Feb 2018, but got the opportunity to go last Aug instead and accepted, so we also had about 2 weeks to prepare! You will get a letter after boot camp starts that has anticipated PIR date, but still be flexible because that can change. Grad is usually on Friday and usually they fly out the next day....notice I keep saying “usually” ....the main thing is to stay flexible. A lot of the flights are early, but my son had an evening flight. He still went to the airport in the wee hours of the morning, so I met the bus there and we got to spend all day together at the airport before he flew out to GC. We both had flights out of O’Hare so it worked out great, but they do fly out of Midway sometimes. You probably won’t know his flight details until after PIR. Don’t panic :) any questions you have you will most likely find someone here who can answer :)
Mar 10, 2018
DOREMI
Do the nuke sailors at the NNPTC in Goose Creek, SC take the weekend off after their first A school graduation? I want to attend his graduation and spend the weekend with him if he can take the weekend off.
Mar 10, 2018
JayDee659
NoahsMom, so your adventure begins. Welcome aboard, strap in tight, try to relax and chant over and over "Semper Gumby" (always flexible).
My daughter shipped out 4 months early and I had 4 hours notice. She called me at work to tell me she had to report to the MEPS 2 hours away by 7 pm. I had walked to lunch and ran the mile back to the office in August heat. I know how you feel. It's great that they're getting their career started, but at the same time you want just a little more time, right?
Bigsky is right, barring holidays graduation from boot camp, PIR, is on Fridays. Within 2 weeks of his arriving at boot camp, you'll get a letter from your son with his PIR date. That's when you start making your travel arrangements, not before. That date is set in stone as long as he passes everything. They usually fly to GC the next morning of afternoon depending on when the Navy can get flights for all the sailors. My daughters class flew out of Midway, so don't bet on one airport or another.
In the meantime, enjoy your time with your son. We're here to answer your questions and support you along the way.
Hmm, just a thought, if you don't have a way to carry your cell on you at ALL times, figure it out now. You never know when you'll get a call from him at BC so be prepared.
Let us know how we can help. My daughter is now out in the fleet and I've experienced a full realm of Navy-isms and lived to tell.
Mar 10, 2018
JayDee659
DOREMI, they do not get leave after boot camp. They will usually fly out the next morning. You can meet your sailor at the airport and usually go back through security with them. Sometimes in the case of a holiday they might get an extra day, but don't plan on it until it happens. I've seen some moms have all day and into the evening at the airport with their sailor. Mine happened to fly out at 6:00 am. You never know.
You and Noahsmom will be well served by joining the Boot Camp moms and then when you get a PIR date, join the group for your PIR. That will give you the absolute best information on your sailors PIR.
Mar 10, 2018