Checking in from Idaho! Well, these last several weeks have certainly been crazy. We caught a break today though with some beautiful spring weather- birds chirping and beautiful flowers. I continue to work at the hospital. Two weeks ago I started a new position on the Blood and Marrow transplant team. I know how lucky I am to be working and leaving the house each day but I could stand some days off! I don't feel like I am getting things done around the house or keeping up with my youngest son's new school "norm". (Hoping he is!!)
We were able to FaceTime our Nuke last night. He started Prototype last week and seems to be enjoying the speed of it. He said the days are flying by. We would have loved to see him and have him home after power school but his cancelled liberty gave him and his roommates time to move and get all settled in. He is happy, health and safe so what else can I ask for?
Wishing everyone a Happy Easter and Happy Spring! There is a house in our neighborhood that made beautiful chalk art. I will try to post a picture of it...
Checking in from northern Wisconsin. Had to smile about everyone concerned about their roots showing, infact my devotions today was about worrying about our outward appearances. My Navy son actually was the one who would take care of this for me and he was great about it. Tried to get my hubby on board with it but what a disaster that was. Makes me miss my son even more. I wouldn't mind it so much if I could hide out in my house but with still working it really bothers me. Guess I will have to give hubby another chance at it, please pray for me, he's not working now maybe it could become a new career move, ha ha. You have a Blessed Easter, looks like snow for us.
Northwoodsmom, wear your rattiest clothes or go naked for this root touch up! I am wearing a cap to work, so the roots are not really a problem now, but, OMG, my nails!
Checking in from Mechanicsville VA: I am essential because I work in Radiology at a local hospital. Talked to my son in SC tonight: many tested but most are negative. They are trying to distance but it's difficult on a boat; all who are suspected of having the virus are being quarantined until test results are negative. He and his family are in good health, as am I. Masks, gloves, and hand washing, but, please, please, please, do not try to wear gloves all day and sanitize them because this will not help!
NonnaB - Thanks for pointing that out about the gloves! I find no comfort going to a business just because they have gloves on. They might protect their hands, but they have touched everything else and then touch my stuff.
As awkward as they are, I find the disposable food handlers gloves the best. I bought a package at Sam's for inexpensive. The box stays in my car. I put a new pair on before I get out of the car and off before getting back in. My husband thought I was being careless yesterday, but I have actually become pretty adept at removing and flipping off so I have a clean hand to unlock and open my car, with a gloved hand still able to push a cart to return and then pull off those inside out and if I can't throw away, they go on the floorboard and are thrown away in the trashcan in the garage. A pump of sanitizer now occupies my cup holder, so I then sanitize my hands.
Also, all plastics are wiped down that come in the house, fruits vegetables immediately transferred to TW containers, and plastic grocery bags are either thrown out currently or kept in garage away from other items (kind of like dealing with lice to some extent). I told my husband to quit bringing back his plastic bags he takes his lunch in at work, so only his containers come home now.
Glad to hear things are going well for your son!!!
Good morning ladies, it is a beautiful day here today. Hard to believe that they are expecting 6-9 winches of snow for tomorrow.
I know many of you already pray for our President, like him or not please keep him in your prayers. He will be making a big decision coming up about opening up our country. In my readings this morning I came across Proverbs 11:14 (For lack of guidance nations fall, but many advisors make victory sure.) Let us pray that he is guided by God and all the wonderful advisors that God has placed in front of him. Let not pride or satan get in his way of making good sound decisions. God will answered our prayers so keep it up. Love you all and God Bless you and your loved ones.
Hello - Checking in from Northern California. I work at the local hospital, in medical records, so have been continuing to work. Daughter and her boyfriend work in a restaurant, and have had their hours cut back, but still working. Hubby messed up his ankle a few months ago, and wasn't working anyway. I have worked at the hospital for 33 years, always in house. Yesterday afternoon, I brought computers home and will join those working from home. The hospital is working on sending all of our office home, at least temporarily. Sailor Son is in Guam (not on the TR, but Guam is a small island!). He was home for a bit, and I was hoping he would get stuck in Chico, but no such luck. He was quarantined in a house for 2 weeks, then sent to his ship, which itself is quarantined for about a month. His original plan was to go early, to find a place and get settled. Now, looks like that will be about May, and he will have to fit things in around his work schedule. He doesn't have his car or personal belongings, other than what he had with him when he moved - uniforms, some clothes, computer, phone, Kindle, so he played a lot of games during the two weeks he was stuck in the house there. His ship brought him meals three times a day. It's a different world right now, and I hope you are all staying as safe as possible. Have I told you how much I enjoy this group?!!! I don't post often, but read it all. :)
Northwoods mom - it is in our liturgy. There are several forms. I like the classic Rite 1:
"We beseech thee also so to rule the hearts of those who bear the authority of government in this and every land [especially ], that they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world."
We have sometimes used variations on this Collect for those who serve:
Heavenly Father, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women in our Armed Forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; and give them courage to face the perils that beset them; and help them to know that nothing can separate them from your love; in Jesus Christ our Lord.
And I am very fond of this Compline prayer:
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake.
Thank you so much WearsLargeHats. I will keep these prays to use, sometimes I feel like the words I use are not good enough. Thank God he knows my heart otherwise I am afraid I would sound like a babbling idiot.
submomIII - Good to hear from you! I was in the medical billing and medical records field until our 2nd daughter was born and we moved to WA for my husband's schooling. Thanks for sharing about your sailor's experiences as of late.
WearsLargeHats - Always good to hear from you. Thank you for sharing the prayers!
WearsLargeHats, thank you for sharing those beautiful prayers!
All, Easter blessings to you and your Sailors! May the Risen Lord strengthen you at this time of fear and struggle on so many levels.
Thanks to those who provided insight regarding the care packages to carriers. We heard from our son’s fiancé yesterday and she said there is not an outbreak on her carrier and she is well. Thanks be to God.
Tulip - Glad to hear that your son's fiancé's carrier is healthy and well!! Sailor's coming back into port and facing all of this for the first time is going to be an adjustment. But keeping their healthy "bubble" is also going to be a challenge. May they all stay well.
May everyone have a wonderful day - I enjoyed some early morning messages I received - thank you my friends.
Waiting anxiously
My son graduated BC on 4/10 and called saying he thought he might leave for A school on Sat. We still haven’t heard anything and wish we knew what was going on. Has anyone heard anything?
Kristen - Good Morning! The "No News is Good News" mantra continues to carry over from BC through the Nuke training Pipeline and on throughout the fleet. Old normal is having to shift to new temporary normal - yesterday was a holiday - and so many factors come into play. Even if your sailor arrived in GC (Goose Creek) yesterday, there may have been multiple things going on so you did not rec'v a call. Also, if they are transporting by bus or other means, they may be waiting until they have enough Nukes to make it worthwhile for the alternate travel. Hang Tight Sea Sister!
I hope your weekend and Easter was blessed with phone calls or text messages from your sailor!! Mine arrived back into port - so I honestly was glad we were doing online church service! Much easier to step into the other room, than exit down the church aisle to take a call from your sailor!! He is switching to night shift - which doesn't really help my youngest (currently struggling w/ social distancing) be able to Skype well with his brother - his "normal" social distancing.
Kristen - Yes, holidays are hard and especially with the way yours fell, such that you are in that limbo state between not able to call and able to call. It does get a little easier while they are at NNPTC - but then again, it honestly depends on your sailor. Many of them get busy with their study schedules, if it is their first time away from home - they are trying out their "flying away from home" wings. I will say that my sailor told me that the command was always instructing the sailors that they needed to be making contact with home, so that NNPTC was not receiving calls from family checking on their sailors.
Once your son is at GC and has a basic schedule - you can figure out what works best for you to text or call. They don't have their phones with them in class, study, or PT, so you have to "catch" them. I learned when my sailor went from PT back to his BEQ to shower and often got ahold of him then. Mine was/ is as able now, a lot more communicative than most which is why I have information shared above.
Don't hesitate to ask any questions that you have.
The Hammer - I had heard that as well. I think that may be the most disconcerting thing I have heard so far. Not just because it is so close to home for all of us with our own sailors but that for the most part it seems like those that have died from this have been those that were already sick or with underlying conditions. But you would think our sailors are the healthiest of the healthy. So for this to take down one of our sailors is very disconcerting and so sad.
I hope everyone had a nice Easter - we "zoomed" with family and it was quite fun - got a little crazy at times with so many people on the computer but we made it work! Looking forward to doing it every couple of weeks now. I guess this is our new norm for now....
Sad news indeed about the sailor on the TR :(
Kristen - you will get used to the "hurry up and wait"....and now with this virus the waiting could even be longer.....but don't worry - we're here for you!
thesuperm72 - I am glad that my comments helped you. Saturday morning's during Nuke school were when my sailor and his younger brother would Skype. My sailor would do his laundry and sit in the lounge of his BEQ and they would chat. I would walk past the computer every so often and stick my head in and wave. We would do the same on holidays where he was off. Sundays are really hard on them as they are usually back at the Rickover studying.
We have a "new normal" with our stay in place orders, but that is their new normal when they get to NNPTC. Figuring out how to break out of that and relax is good - but now they are even on restrictions as I understand it. Glad you had a nice video chat with the rest of your family and hopefully if you can plan ahead your sailor will be able to join in.
As Chipmunk said, we definitely want to be mindful of what we post right now. We have moms on here who have sailors on the TR and they may not have heard from them and we don't want to cause any undue stress. I understand that this virus is pretty much ALL that is being talked about and I know it's not like we can just ignore what's going on (nor should we) but let's just be careful about what we post.
Yes, we need to be here to support one another - for some of us this might be all we have right now - so let's continue our support but just think about what we post before we post it.
For me I'm just gonna say this sucks - some days are better than others....on one hand I'm thankful that I'm still going in to work but then there are days that I wish I wasn't - I worry about exposure.....but I'm thankful I have N4M to take my mind off of things.....
SuzyPWarrior - Quarantining does seem like a good option for NNPTC. Many of them might have been INDOC as it was waiting for others to arrive to class up.
I referenced a source below - USNI News - I wanted to clarify this is still not my preferred source. US Dept of Defense and Navy.mil are in my opinion more reliable resources of information. DoD is official. If it posts on their website then it is public knowledge.
Navy life is a growing and learning process for all of us. Sometimes I think that the two years our sailors are in the Nuke Pipeline is so that we can get a better grasp on what OPSEC and PERSEC and even Friend SEC (what secrets we share or msg) really means. Figuring out how to deal with all of this, other's opinions, viewpoints, and emotions has been the hardest and most time consuming thing for me in our current situation.
Hi, all. I have much to say about our new normal, but will save it for another day. My sailor told me last week that he was going to class up. In addition, he got textbooks. My question is this: Will his address change from the one I initially used once he settled in at GC? I have a care package to send but he told me to wait until he got his new address. Thanks in advance!
We will learn from this time that we're currently going through and upon application of what we've learned, we will be even stronger!
His address will be listed by class. You need to know his class number because mail gets distributed in that manner. It will eventually get to him if he doesn't have a class, but it may take a while so I'd wait until you get that number.
Let's not call this new normal because I don't want to settle that life will be built around this craziness. :)
Hello, all! Cold and windy here in Indiana today! Hope all of you are well! I have a sailor who is anxious for liberty to be over and looking forward to going "back to work" tomorrow (say whaaat?!) I cannot imagine liberty while quarantining would be very exciting, ha ha.
NancyJo: Thanks for sharing your situation in Omaha. I apologize for not getting back sooner but YES, please feel free to share our quarantine experience with another group! We are complete now with one stonnenial (Stone Age), three millennials, four work-from-home stations, three doodles, one lab mix, and Bob the Cat. Rossi (almost nine weeks), seems to be the comic and the one in charge. There is a LOT of dog wrestling going on, so I am very glad everyone is getting on well together!
Marianne - I concur with CSW about the class# because from what my sailor told me, they pass out letters in their classes, similar to how they do at BC.
As for a pkg though, you may be able to go ahead and ship it - because this is what my sailor also told me. He had said I could still label something as INDOC and it would still get to him if I didn't have his new class # and I was shipping a pkg. - The reason, I think this would be okay, is because the pkgs do not get delivered to the classrooms but stay at the mail room, and they give them a slip of paper to let them know their pkg is coming.
I generally mailed care pkg to my sailor from the USPS in priority boxes. (If it fits it ships - flat rate), it includes tracking and insurance. For us, it usually takes 2-3 days to get to GC and so I tried to mail on Tuesday. That way, it would arrive in GC on Thursday, the mail room had time to process - he would get his slip and could pick up on Friday after class before they closed at 5 pm or on Saturday before noon.
Since I could track the pkg and get an update, I could let him know when to expect pkg, so even if he did not get the slip he could go to the mail room. - I never had an issue with a lost box, but others have shared that they have. That was our experience and a possible option, if you want to send something now.
I DO NOT recommend sending cash or even gift cards in the mail. We had some comments awhile back about the cards never arriving or getting to their Nuke.
ShipOfDoodles - I enjoyed your dog pictures.
Northwoodsmom - you should share your pictures over here as well.
Thanks for the responses regarding sending a care package! I appreciate all comments and help. As a side note, my experience in sending packages to INDOC has not been good. Using USPS, I have tracked packages to GC, but once on Base, it has taken 2 weeks for my sailor to receive the package(s). This took place in February and early March. Ah, well, in the end he received his things. His birthday package was a week late. The microwave cake in a mug was a big hit!!! The mug was math related. Nerdy, I know, but as a retired math teacher, I just couldn't help myself.
Today was his first day in classes. He reported that it was a very good day. Well, there you go!
My son got a personal mailbox or PMB soon after he arrived at GC, and he hasn't had any trouble getting packages. I send priority mail and it usually takes 2 days from Texas. I also have things sent to him directly through online purchases to save on shipping.
Marianne - My son loved the microwave cake in a mug! I am sorry you sailor had issues with pkgs. It seems to be a hit and miss thing, some have issues, some don't.
helena2000 - I honestly wished my sailor had a PMB, especially during Prototype - His apartment had a goofy numbering system, that caused us a lot of problems with pkgs. But we had never had problems during A school or PS. I also sent pkgs directly to my sailor from online purchases.
So far we have had not issues with packages but I have not sent anything or great value nor perishable in a short time frame. I do send him the tracking information. He says it takes a few days from arriving on base to him receiving the slip that lets him pick it up. Then he has to be able to get there when it is open which is often only on Saturdays so I try to mail around that.
Somewhere I saw that if they have the delivery confirmation and tracking number they can go to the pick up location and get the package before they get the slip but I do not know if this is true.
I am waiting to hear if he got the masks sent from a cousin and the bread/jam/biscotti/fruit and nut bar "Easter" package I sent from a company. The bread is the only thing that will be an issue if it is delayed too long. Unfortunately it did not get to base until Friday. I tried for Tuesday.
The sun is shining. The big storms yesterday were not as bad a predicted so a good start to the week so far.
New Adventure - Your Easter basket treat sounds yummy!! I am sure your sailor will enjoy it!
I finally finished four black masks and put them in the mail along with his Easter treats and used partial rolls of paper towels and toilet paper to pack!! His orange mask arrived last weekend. I added pictures and more comments to the Face Mask discussion above.
Northwoodsmom - too funny. On the humor note I heard what I thought was a good one today (and I don’t mean to make light of the serious situation we are in - especially those on the Roosevelt - but I for one have to be able to laugh). They call it Covid-19 because of the 19 pounds we are all going to gain during the shut down.
Johanna
Chipmunk...:))))))))))
Apr 10, 2020
partnerinwine
Checking in from Idaho! Well, these last several weeks have certainly been crazy. We caught a break today though with some beautiful spring weather- birds chirping and beautiful flowers. I continue to work at the hospital. Two weeks ago I started a new position on the Blood and Marrow transplant team. I know how lucky I am to be working and leaving the house each day but I could stand some days off! I don't feel like I am getting things done around the house or keeping up with my youngest son's new school "norm". (Hoping he is!!)
We were able to FaceTime our Nuke last night. He started Prototype last week and seems to be enjoying the speed of it. He said the days are flying by. We would have loved to see him and have him home after power school but his cancelled liberty gave him and his roommates time to move and get all settled in. He is happy, health and safe so what else can I ask for?
Wishing everyone a Happy Easter and Happy Spring! There is a house in our neighborhood that made beautiful chalk art. I will try to post a picture of it...
Apr 10, 2020
partnerinwine
Apr 10, 2020
Chipmunk
partnerinwine - Beautiful! Thanks!!
Apr 10, 2020
Northwoodsmom
Checking in from northern Wisconsin. Had to smile about everyone concerned about their roots showing, infact my devotions today was about worrying about our outward appearances. My Navy son actually was the one who would take care of this for me and he was great about it. Tried to get my hubby on board with it but what a disaster that was. Makes me miss my son even more. I wouldn't mind it so much if I could hide out in my house but with still working it really bothers me. Guess I will have to give hubby another chance at it, please pray for me, he's not working now maybe it could become a new career move, ha ha. You have a Blessed Easter, looks like snow for us.
Apr 10, 2020
NonnaB
Northwoodsmom, wear your rattiest clothes or go naked for this root touch up! I am wearing a cap to work, so the roots are not really a problem now, but, OMG, my nails!
Apr 11, 2020
NonnaB
Velvetenor, sending you and your family sympathy and love.
Apr 11, 2020
NonnaB
Checking in from Mechanicsville VA: I am essential because I work in Radiology at a local hospital. Talked to my son in SC tonight: many tested but most are negative. They are trying to distance but it's difficult on a boat; all who are suspected of having the virus are being quarantined until test results are negative. He and his family are in good health, as am I. Masks, gloves, and hand washing, but, please, please, please, do not try to wear gloves all day and sanitize them because this will not help!
Apr 11, 2020
Chipmunk
NonnaB - Thanks for pointing that out about the gloves! I find no comfort going to a business just because they have gloves on. They might protect their hands, but they have touched everything else and then touch my stuff.
As awkward as they are, I find the disposable food handlers gloves the best. I bought a package at Sam's for inexpensive. The box stays in my car. I put a new pair on before I get out of the car and off before getting back in. My husband thought I was being careless yesterday, but I have actually become pretty adept at removing and flipping off so I have a clean hand to unlock and open my car, with a gloved hand still able to push a cart to return and then pull off those inside out and if I can't throw away, they go on the floorboard and are thrown away in the trashcan in the garage. A pump of sanitizer now occupies my cup holder, so I then sanitize my hands.
Also, all plastics are wiped down that come in the house, fruits vegetables immediately transferred to TW containers, and plastic grocery bags are either thrown out currently or kept in garage away from other items (kind of like dealing with lice to some extent). I told my husband to quit bringing back his plastic bags he takes his lunch in at work, so only his containers come home now.
Glad to hear things are going well for your son!!!
Apr 11, 2020
Northwoodsmom
Good morning ladies, it is a beautiful day here today. Hard to believe that they are expecting 6-9 winches of snow for tomorrow.
I know many of you already pray for our President, like him or not please keep him in your prayers. He will be making a big decision coming up about opening up our country. In my readings this morning I came across Proverbs 11:14 (For lack of guidance nations fall, but many advisors make victory sure.) Let us pray that he is guided by God and all the wonderful advisors that God has placed in front of him. Let not pride or satan get in his way of making good sound decisions. God will answered our prayers so keep it up. Love you all and God Bless you and your loved ones.
Apr 11, 2020
submomIII
Hello - Checking in from Northern California. I work at the local hospital, in medical records, so have been continuing to work. Daughter and her boyfriend work in a restaurant, and have had their hours cut back, but still working. Hubby messed up his ankle a few months ago, and wasn't working anyway. I have worked at the hospital for 33 years, always in house. Yesterday afternoon, I brought computers home and will join those working from home. The hospital is working on sending all of our office home, at least temporarily. Sailor Son is in Guam (not on the TR, but Guam is a small island!). He was home for a bit, and I was hoping he would get stuck in Chico, but no such luck. He was quarantined in a house for 2 weeks, then sent to his ship, which itself is quarantined for about a month. His original plan was to go early, to find a place and get settled. Now, looks like that will be about May, and he will have to fit things in around his work schedule. He doesn't have his car or personal belongings, other than what he had with him when he moved - uniforms, some clothes, computer, phone, Kindle, so he played a lot of games during the two weeks he was stuck in the house there. His ship brought him meals three times a day. It's a different world right now, and I hope you are all staying as safe as possible. Have I told you how much I enjoy this group?!!! I don't post often, but read it all. :)
Apr 11, 2020
WearsLargeHats
Northwoods mom - it is in our liturgy. There are several forms. I like the classic Rite 1:
"We beseech thee also so to rule the hearts of those who bear
the authority of government in this and every land [especially
], that they may be led to wise decisions and right
actions for the welfare and peace of the world."
We have sometimes used variations on this Collect for those who serve:
Heavenly Father,
we commend to your gracious care and keeping
all the men and women in our Armed Forces at home and abroad.
Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace;
strengthen them in their trials and temptations;
and give them courage to face the perils that beset them;
and help them to know that nothing can separate them from your love;
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
And I am very fond of this Compline prayer:
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love's sake.
Apr 11, 2020
Northwoodsmom
Thank you so much WearsLargeHats. I will keep these prays to use, sometimes I feel like the words I use are not good enough. Thank God he knows my heart otherwise I am afraid I would sound like a babbling idiot.
Apr 11, 2020
WearsLargeHats
Northwoodsmom, I sent you a message.
Apr 11, 2020
Chipmunk
submomIII - Good to hear from you! I was in the medical billing and medical records field until our 2nd daughter was born and we moved to WA for my husband's schooling. Thanks for sharing about your sailor's experiences as of late.
WearsLargeHats - Always good to hear from you. Thank you for sharing the prayers!
Apr 11, 2020
Tulip
All, Easter blessings to you and your Sailors! May the Risen Lord strengthen you at this time of fear and struggle on so many levels.
Thanks to those who provided insight regarding the care packages to carriers. We heard from our son’s fiancé yesterday and she said there is not an outbreak on her carrier and she is well. Thanks be to God.
Apr 12, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Apr 12, 2020
Chipmunk
Tulip - Glad to hear that your son's fiancé's carrier is healthy and well!! Sailor's coming back into port and facing all of this for the first time is going to be an adjustment. But keeping their healthy "bubble" is also going to be a challenge. May they all stay well.
May everyone have a wonderful day - I enjoyed some early morning messages I received - thank you my friends.
B'sNukeMom - Christ the Lord is Risen Indeed!!
Apr 12, 2020
Kristen
My son graduated BC on 4/10 and called saying he thought he might leave for A school on Sat. We still haven’t heard anything and wish we knew what was going on. Has anyone heard anything?
Apr 13, 2020
Chipmunk
Kristen - Good Morning! The "No News is Good News" mantra continues to carry over from BC through the Nuke training Pipeline and on throughout the fleet. Old normal is having to shift to new temporary normal - yesterday was a holiday - and so many factors come into play. Even if your sailor arrived in GC (Goose Creek) yesterday, there may have been multiple things going on so you did not rec'v a call. Also, if they are transporting by bus or other means, they may be waiting until they have enough Nukes to make it worthwhile for the alternate travel. Hang Tight Sea Sister!
Apr 13, 2020
Chipmunk
Good Morning SuzyPWarrior and everyone else!!
I hope your weekend and Easter was blessed with phone calls or text messages from your sailor!! Mine arrived back into port - so I honestly was glad we were doing online church service! Much easier to step into the other room, than exit down the church aisle to take a call from your sailor!! He is switching to night shift - which doesn't really help my youngest (currently struggling w/ social distancing) be able to Skype well with his brother - his "normal" social distancing.
Apr 13, 2020
Kristen
Apr 13, 2020
Chipmunk
Kristen - Yes, holidays are hard and especially with the way yours fell, such that you are in that limbo state between not able to call and able to call. It does get a little easier while they are at NNPTC - but then again, it honestly depends on your sailor. Many of them get busy with their study schedules, if it is their first time away from home - they are trying out their "flying away from home" wings. I will say that my sailor told me that the command was always instructing the sailors that they needed to be making contact with home, so that NNPTC was not receiving calls from family checking on their sailors.
Once your son is at GC and has a basic schedule - you can figure out what works best for you to text or call. They don't have their phones with them in class, study, or PT, so you have to "catch" them. I learned when my sailor went from PT back to his BEQ to shower and often got ahold of him then. Mine was/ is as able now, a lot more communicative than most which is why I have information shared above.
Don't hesitate to ask any questions that you have.
Apr 13, 2020
Chipmunk
NNPTC - Naval Nuclear Power Training Command
GC - Goose Creek, South Carolina
BEQ - Bachelor Enlisted Quarters - Single Females are also considered Bachelors according to my son.
Apr 13, 2020
ProudOfK
The Hammer - I had heard that as well. I think that may be the most disconcerting thing I have heard so far. Not just because it is so close to home for all of us with our own sailors but that for the most part it seems like those that have died from this have been those that were already sick or with underlying conditions. But you would think our sailors are the healthiest of the healthy. So for this to take down one of our sailors is very disconcerting and so sad.
Apr 13, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Monday!
I hope everyone had a nice Easter - we "zoomed" with family and it was quite fun - got a little crazy at times with so many people on the computer but we made it work! Looking forward to doing it every couple of weeks now. I guess this is our new norm for now....
Sad news indeed about the sailor on the TR :(
Kristen - you will get used to the "hurry up and wait"....and now with this virus the waiting could even be longer.....but don't worry - we're here for you!
Apr 13, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Apr 13, 2020
Chipmunk
From the source I went to after seeing The Hammer's comment - USNI News
It said the Next of Kin had not been yet notified. Just reminding us to be mindful of all of our members.
Apr 13, 2020
Chipmunk
thesuperm72 - I am glad that my comments helped you. Saturday morning's during Nuke school were when my sailor and his younger brother would Skype. My sailor would do his laundry and sit in the lounge of his BEQ and they would chat. I would walk past the computer every so often and stick my head in and wave. We would do the same on holidays where he was off. Sundays are really hard on them as they are usually back at the Rickover studying.
We have a "new normal" with our stay in place orders, but that is their new normal when they get to NNPTC. Figuring out how to break out of that and relax is good - but now they are even on restrictions as I understand it. Glad you had a nice video chat with the rest of your family and hopefully if you can plan ahead your sailor will be able to join in.
Apr 13, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
As Chipmunk said, we definitely want to be mindful of what we post right now. We have moms on here who have sailors on the TR and they may not have heard from them and we don't want to cause any undue stress. I understand that this virus is pretty much ALL that is being talked about and I know it's not like we can just ignore what's going on (nor should we) but let's just be careful about what we post.
Yes, we need to be here to support one another - for some of us this might be all we have right now - so let's continue our support but just think about what we post before we post it.
For me I'm just gonna say this sucks - some days are better than others....on one hand I'm thankful that I'm still going in to work but then there are days that I wish I wasn't - I worry about exposure.....but I'm thankful I have N4M to take my mind off of things.....
Hang in there friends - we'll get through this...
Apr 13, 2020
Chipmunk
SuzyPWarrior - Quarantining does seem like a good option for NNPTC. Many of them might have been INDOC as it was waiting for others to arrive to class up.
Apr 13, 2020
Chipmunk
I referenced a source below - USNI News - I wanted to clarify this is still not my preferred source. US Dept of Defense and Navy.mil are in my opinion more reliable resources of information. DoD is official. If it posts on their website then it is public knowledge.
Navy life is a growing and learning process for all of us. Sometimes I think that the two years our sailors are in the Nuke Pipeline is so that we can get a better grasp on what OPSEC and PERSEC and even Friend SEC (what secrets we share or msg) really means. Figuring out how to deal with all of this, other's opinions, viewpoints, and emotions has been the hardest and most time consuming thing for me in our current situation.
Apr 13, 2020
Marianne
Hi, all. I have much to say about our new normal, but will save it for another day. My sailor told me last week that he was going to class up. In addition, he got textbooks. My question is this: Will his address change from the one I initially used once he settled in at GC? I have a care package to send but he told me to wait until he got his new address. Thanks in advance!
We will learn from this time that we're currently going through and upon application of what we've learned, we will be even stronger!
Apr 13, 2020
CSW
Marianne,
His address will be listed by class. You need to know his class number because mail gets distributed in that manner. It will eventually get to him if he doesn't have a class, but it may take a while so I'd wait until you get that number.
Let's not call this new normal because I don't want to settle that life will be built around this craziness. :)
Apr 13, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
I'm with you CSW - please dear Lord don't let this be our new normal!
Apr 13, 2020
ShipOfDoodles
Hello, all! Cold and windy here in Indiana today! Hope all of you are well! I have a sailor who is anxious for liberty to be over and looking forward to going "back to work" tomorrow (say whaaat?!) I cannot imagine liberty while quarantining would be very exciting, ha ha.
NancyJo: Thanks for sharing your situation in Omaha. I apologize for not getting back sooner but YES, please feel free to share our quarantine experience with another group! We are complete now with one stonnenial (Stone Age), three millennials, four work-from-home stations, three doodles, one lab mix, and Bob the Cat. Rossi (almost nine weeks), seems to be the comic and the one in charge. There is a LOT of dog wrestling going on, so I am very glad everyone is getting on well together!
To all new Nuke moms--welcome!!
Social%20Distancing.jpg
Rossi.jpg
Apr 13, 2020
ProudOfK
ShipOfDoodles - very cute picture. Gave me my chuckle for the day.
Apr 13, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
ShipOfDoodles - love the pictures!
Apr 13, 2020
Chipmunk
Marianne - I concur with CSW about the class# because from what my sailor told me, they pass out letters in their classes, similar to how they do at BC.
As for a pkg though, you may be able to go ahead and ship it - because this is what my sailor also told me. He had said I could still label something as INDOC and it would still get to him if I didn't have his new class # and I was shipping a pkg. - The reason, I think this would be okay, is because the pkgs do not get delivered to the classrooms but stay at the mail room, and they give them a slip of paper to let them know their pkg is coming.
I generally mailed care pkg to my sailor from the USPS in priority boxes. (If it fits it ships - flat rate), it includes tracking and insurance. For us, it usually takes 2-3 days to get to GC and so I tried to mail on Tuesday. That way, it would arrive in GC on Thursday, the mail room had time to process - he would get his slip and could pick up on Friday after class before they closed at 5 pm or on Saturday before noon.
Since I could track the pkg and get an update, I could let him know when to expect pkg, so even if he did not get the slip he could go to the mail room. - I never had an issue with a lost box, but others have shared that they have. That was our experience and a possible option, if you want to send something now.
Apr 13, 2020
Chipmunk
I DO NOT recommend sending cash or even gift cards in the mail. We had some comments awhile back about the cards never arriving or getting to their Nuke.
ShipOfDoodles - I enjoyed your dog pictures.
Northwoodsmom - you should share your pictures over here as well.
Apr 13, 2020
Marianne
Thanks for the responses regarding sending a care package! I appreciate all comments and help. As a side note, my experience in sending packages to INDOC has not been good. Using USPS, I have tracked packages to GC, but once on Base, it has taken 2 weeks for my sailor to receive the package(s). This took place in February and early March. Ah, well, in the end he received his things. His birthday package was a week late. The microwave cake in a mug was a big hit!!! The mug was math related. Nerdy, I know, but as a retired math teacher, I just couldn't help myself.
Today was his first day in classes. He reported that it was a very good day. Well, there you go!
Take care and stay safe!
Apr 13, 2020
helena2000
My son got a personal mailbox or PMB soon after he arrived at GC, and he hasn't had any trouble getting packages. I send priority mail and it usually takes 2 days from Texas. I also have things sent to him directly through online purchases to save on shipping.
Apr 13, 2020
Chipmunk
Marianne - My son loved the microwave cake in a mug! I am sorry you sailor had issues with pkgs. It seems to be a hit and miss thing, some have issues, some don't.
helena2000 - I honestly wished my sailor had a PMB, especially during Prototype - His apartment had a goofy numbering system, that caused us a lot of problems with pkgs. But we had never had problems during A school or PS. I also sent pkgs directly to my sailor from online purchases.
Apr 14, 2020
New Adventures
Good morning.
So far we have had not issues with packages but I have not sent anything or great value nor perishable in a short time frame. I do send him the tracking information. He says it takes a few days from arriving on base to him receiving the slip that lets him pick it up. Then he has to be able to get there when it is open which is often only on Saturdays so I try to mail around that.
Somewhere I saw that if they have the delivery confirmation and tracking number they can go to the pick up location and get the package before they get the slip but I do not know if this is true.
I am waiting to hear if he got the masks sent from a cousin and the bread/jam/biscotti/fruit and nut bar "Easter" package I sent from a company. The bread is the only thing that will be an issue if it is delayed too long. Unfortunately it did not get to base until Friday. I tried for Tuesday.
The sun is shining. The big storms yesterday were not as bad a predicted so a good start to the week so far.
Apr 14, 2020
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Tuesday!
It's a new day - make it a good one ;-D
Apr 14, 2020
Chipmunk
New Adventure - Your Easter basket treat sounds yummy!! I am sure your sailor will enjoy it!
I finally finished four black masks and put them in the mail along with his Easter treats and used partial rolls of paper towels and toilet paper to pack!! His orange mask arrived last weekend. I added pictures and more comments to the Face Mask discussion above.
Apr 14, 2020
Northwoodsmom
Welcome spring, my husband put a mask on my snowman.
Apr 14, 2020
NancyJo (NNPTC)
Northwoodsmom, love the navy camo! LOL
Apr 14, 2020
ProudOfK
Northwoodsmom - too funny. On the humor note I heard what I thought was a good one today (and I don’t mean to make light of the serious situation we are in - especially those on the Roosevelt - but I for one have to be able to laugh). They call it Covid-19 because of the 19 pounds we are all going to gain during the shut down.
Apr 14, 2020
Northwoodsmom
ProudOfK, that's too funny. If this weather keeps up I should be able to control my weight with shoveling snow and building snowman.
Apr 14, 2020