NUKE moms

Hi all!  Haven't been on in a while.  Just read a week's worth of comments.  Coincidentally, my son got to GC with shin splints and the first thing he asked for was his running shoes from home.  I was a sufferer in high school and college so I gave all the advice I could, but in the end, rest and healing then good shoes and good stretching to prevent future injuries.  

He is an MM and has been in INDOC for over 2 weeks. But just found out he has been classed in the first group coming up and likely will start classes next week.  Yay! He's bored and working out at the gym only takes up so much time. 

I'm soaking in all the advise and suggestions I read.  Will start passing along to him.  Especially the proactive during prototype.

Thanks. And Happy St. Patrick's Day from sunny AZ!

Happy St. Patrick's Day - I have been sporting my green all day, and now I am waiting for the Irish Soda Bread to finish baking so I can dish up the rest of our Irish meal that is well done!  I don't always coordinate very well, especially when I forgot to buy buttermilk yesterday at the grocery store and had to grab some after dropping my son off for his evening activities. 

Mama Bear - Glad to hear your son is about to class up!! A lot of what I wrote about in A school is for ETs but some of it will relate to your son, although a few things may be different with the COVID restrictions. I am glad that he has been able to go to the gym to work out. Usually they are assigned tasks to do during INDOC. 

Scam - Thanks for sharing, it is good to know of other ships in the Norfolk / Newport News area. My son's ship went from Newport, to Norfolk and has been doing underways for about a year and a half, then it will be back at Newport News. It doesn't look like mine sailor will end up with a deployment before he rings off. We are hoping to go visit him this summer, since it did not work out last year.  

D'sMom2020, Yes, thank you, he has finished prototype and after spending several weeks with friends and family, he's moved on to San Diego to his duty station.

Good morning Ladies, 

Question about Navy Fed Credit Union: my son wants me to wire transfer his tax refund and stimulus into his Navy Fed account (was credited into my account, our joint he doesn’t have an access right now) From my end here as being the sender is asking me the CITY AND STATE OF THE RECEIVING BANK. He opened the navy Fed while in bootcamp? Should be Great Lakes, IL? Or some other institution even they opened it into a particular city, if it’s a payroll account it’s always the mother branch of the company. Do y’all know the default city and state?

Thank you

That is from my sons statement. Hope that helps. 

All I know is that I was asked by my son to deposit the check from his sold truck into his Navy Federal Credit Union account.  I went to a local Federal Credit Union that most certainly wasn't his original bank.  I was able to deposit his check there.

Local Navy Federal Credit Union is what I meant.

DsMom-  Sent a message/email re banking.  I used to be a banker.

New Adventures, not sure what your PM was, but it was Gigi that was asking for help, just FYI if that makes a difference.

Gigi - I am on my sailor's NFCU account so some things are easier. But you can look up NFCU online and get their phone contact information and you can call them and let them know what you are needing to do. Ask them if they can give you information as to how to proceed. I am assuming you have your son's account #. 

If you get a CSR that balks at you, tell them you are needing general information, you don't need them to disclose something specific about your sailor's account. You just need the "How is the best way for me to do this" information. 

At least that is what I have had to do with many accounts when dealing with other family member issues. 

You can also link your bank account to your son's NFCU so that you can send money via and ACH transfer. This might be something you want to look into doing, if it is likely that you will be doing this in the future some.  If there is a local NFCU bank you can also go in there, and have a check, show your ID and probably need your sailor's SSN, but should be able to deposit a check. They might not give you the receipt, they might black parts of it out. But you might feel better doing that than a wire transfer. 

Thank you all! 
Our back office that handles wire transfer accepted Goose Creek. I just need a confirmation from my son that it’s actually there. He’d given me his online banking password but since I’m using a different device it’s asking a code sent to his phone. Gosh this tech is driving me nuts, but I go for this security measure. The nearest Navy FedCU is at least 45 mins drive, teller deposit was not an option as I’m at work too. 

Update with my son - now in Power School for 2 weeks with 20 study hours requirement and not happy about it. We call and text  still a lot but with topic that needs to discuss otherwise he’s just quiet, unlike during INdoc and the first 4 months of A school and T Track during down time he would FaceTime for no reason at all at anytime. I miss this boy!! 

Northwoodsmom- I hope you got your new son’s class number. I mailed a package in California Feb20s and he has not gotten it yet. He was in T track then now in PS, I guess that’s why. I keep praying for him 

Good Morning everyone!!

Gigi - Yes, I think 20 study hours is about the max requirement if I recall. That is tough!!  I am also sorry to hear that he has not received his package yet!!  I hope you got the bank stuff fixed, the security on the devices can pose an issue. It can be an issue for the sailors as well. 

I haven't been posting as much on this group with helping a lot in the BC Mom group and then starting the Beyond BC group, but I am still usually posting a comment or two. - Well we are going to be doing a lot of moving over the next several weeks and I am going to be getting back into some of my local fellowship. I may not be on here much but I am still around and I wanted to let you know that if you do send me a PM, I will do my best to get back with you, but it may delay longer than normal. Everyone have a great weekend!! 

Happy 1st day of spring!

Gigi, I talked to my son this morning and he still hasn't gotten a new class number and still is in hold waiting for a class to start. He said they start every 2 months for ET. He is bored so I encouraged him to study things he struggled with. He also was in study time for 20 hours. I feel bad for them because your brain must get so boggled down with information I am not sure how they can handle it. He stated Power School was so much harder because of the 3 subjects at one time and the amount of technical stuff to try and absorb. He said they do have to clean once in a while and then go out and play some sports. I am praying he starts his new classes soon,his chief did come in and explain things. So right now we hurry up and wait.

Welcome to our newest member ~ brightsunnyhome!

Please be sure to read the ***NEW MEMBERS*** info at the top of the page.  Lots of good info there.  Also take a look at the Pages (20) to the right under the member profiles - be sure to hit "view all".  And the discussion forum above has some good info too - be sure to read Chipmunks "Nuke A School Daily Schedule".  And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Thank you Chipmunk - I miss chatting with you. Checked  Beyond  BC read there sometime said you moved. Hope all went well. 
My son confirmed the wire transfer within an hour luckily was his lunch break. The package was sent back to sender (now in California at my aunt’s) she will try to resend today. I also ordered from Amazon a cycling type of shorts as thermal in Feb for I know he stand watch outside a building also got refunded (but he got the first set) I don’t know how the mails are being handled now, never had a problem before.  Son’s trying to divide the 20 hours during weekdays as he wants to enjoy sleep and friends during weekend. Hope all is well for y’all Nuke.

BTW - I am going to have a 2 SRs this July, already oath for Dep my niece and boyfriend. My son was so surprise 

Hi Gigi - Yes, life stays busy at my house. We are moving but it is across town and we are taking things slowly. 

My son just got back from an underway and they will be back out again before long so they stay on their toes. Lots of training and various things with them. He turned down Star-reenlistment and I am not surprised, but it does make ranking up a lot harder to do and he puts a lot of time and effort into his job. 

I am sorry to hear that you are having so much difficulty with his packages. Mine always received his at GC, but I know others that had issues as well. 

brightsunnyhome - We are glad you have joined us!! What stage of the Nuke Pipeline is your sailor, or are we there yet? My son has been in for 3+ years now. It seems hard to believe at times and he is more than halfway through his enlistment, but there are days when it seems like yesterday that he was calling me from INDOC before A school to tell me about his first hurricane evacuation! 

Some days fly by, others drag on!

Good Morning Everyone!! 

B'sNukeMom  - Thanks for your meme!!

I wanted to pass along some information for all of you that was shared by a member of one of my other groups. DoD TAP - Pre-Separation Counseling  This is information on the separation process for our sailors. She mentioned that the process is to start a year before they separate or retire. I know my son still has a couple of years but I thought I would share this so you know what is ahead for our sailors. 

Good Morning Everyone!! 

How are we doing? Did anyone get a call from their sailor? Or did you reach out and call them? Saturday morning during A school and PS was the best time to reach mine. He was usually hanging out with my son on the computer and talking while sailor was doing laundry. 

Now it is hit and miss and I receive more calls from his girlfriend at times than I do from my sailor. 

Good info, Chipmunk. My son separates in November and has started that process. He has a specific timeline and has already transitioned out of the job he has done for the last two years. The navy has been very helpful as he prepares for the actual job hunting phase. He's nervous about getting a job but he has friends who have already transitioned out and had no problem. Many businesses love to hire veterans. 

Hello! It's been awhile since I've been on and I hope all of you are well--enjoying the promise of spring. All of a sudden it seems (yes, truly) my son is about to finish up Prototype in Goose Creek. He has his qualifying exams this week and then will stand for his boards (if I am getting the lingo right?) Anyway, he has received his soft orders and suddenly I am filled with questions, mostly because his soft orders are for Pearl Harbor. This would be a dream come true for him. It hit me though, how very far away he really will be--although a childhood friend of my sons' has been in Japan/Spain/Japan for pretty much the duration of his enlistment. So, no complaints, just a little trepidation. I don't fly well, so if I ever get to visit it will have to include copious amounts of wine on the flight.  

A question:  does anyone know how leaving the mainland affects a move? We are hoping he will have leave and get to come home first, but I welcome any Navy Mom advice about how to be supportive/helpful without being intrusive. He's 23 and I know he will seek his own answers, but I am totally clueless. Does the Navy put him up while he secures housing? What should he do with his car? His only other possessions are his uniforms, some civilian clothes, an Xbox, a Kindle and his golf clubs. Exciting times ahead--his soft orders include his ship assignment--he is over the moon and I do feel incredibly blessed. Advice is welcome! Bless you all. 

Ship of Doodles,

So if your son is E-5 and receiving E-5 pay he can live off base. Even if he's frocked E-5 but not receiving pay he'll live on base until he's E-5/pay.  Even if he's E-5 he'll have some housing on base for a period of time while he gets settled.

The Navy will ship his auto for him.  If he owes money on it it is a bit more work to get all the documents sorted out. If he is shipping a vehicle it can only ship from a couple of locations in the US and they will give him specific instructions about how the vehicle should be readied for transport (how full the fuel, paperwork etc.).  He cannot ship ANYTHING in the vehicle.  For the rest of his gear he will need to contact the airline he is flying to get specific dimensions. He's allowed so many bags (I think it's five, but don't quote me). We ended up getting plastic trunk/totes with wheels instead of suitcases.  It made it easier. 

Once he gets his orders he'll be given a contact and that contact will help him make arrangements. Look on Facebook Joint Base Pearl Harbor for welcome news for newbies.

Our son had some leave between his due date in Pearl and end of Prototype so we flew out and drove his vehicle back home and he got his fly orders from a location closer to us.

One thing he needs to do during this time if possible is get his passport if he doesn't have it.   You can private message me once you know what boat he'll be on and maybe our sailors will be shipmates!

CSW - This is SO helpful! Thank you! I will PM you later on--may as well wait until his soft orders become firm! This is a great place to start and I am most appreciative! 

NancyJo, from what I've heard, your son should have no problems.  Congratulations on his fulfilling his contract!

Will he be staying in GC?  The reason I ask is that it sounds like he's out about the same time my daughter is headed there.  She's looking to purchase a home.  If timing works, maybe our kids could do a deal.  PM me if you have any thoughts.

jes12joy-  is living on base beneficial or living off base?  I love on the info from you and CSW.  Pearl in on mines wish list.  

I tried to call my son last night for his birthday, with no success. :'( I just found out from his fiance that he's on an underway. He's never been very communicative, but I sure wish he'd let me know before he goes out to sea.

Feeling left out.

PacNWmom- hang in there. It's really a challenge to balance communications during free time especially if there's girlfriend, fiance, wife and two sets of parents (like for my sailor).  He was very frustrated last week when he only had one day off and didn't want to share the same news three or four times!  He loves you and knows you're always there when he needs you. :)

Hi all - Happy Monday!  

ShipOfDoodles - looks like you're getting some good info to help out with your son's move!    Thank you ladies for helping her out with this.

NancyJo - wow, November is right around the corner.  Do you think they'll stay in GC or do they care?

PacNWmom - Happy Birthday to your son!  Sorry you didn't get to talk to him - hopefully his boat will be back soon and you'll get to wish him a happy birthday ;-D

CSW, Thanks, that helps!

B'sNuke, my son and family love SC so would like to stay but they will go where the job is. I don't think he'll have trouble finding a job but he worries. I just talked to the brother of 1 of my son's old classmates who said my son should look at his company. Their main office is in NE where I live but it's a big company with places all over the country and they like to hire veterans. We'll see. This mama would love to see them closer to home!

Hello everyone, finally got another phone call from my Sailor, he is still in hold waiting for school to start for him. It's been 5 weeks so I don't know what's going on. He said he is bored but he keeps going in for study hours to not loose what he had already learnt. He also said he is having trouble with a tooth but they keep moving his appointment  back, he thought being in hold would be a good time to get it worked on but doesn't seem able to get it done either. I really thought he would only be held up for a couple weeks but this is really discouraging for both of us. Oh well he has a job, fed well and a roof over his head do I will just have to be Grateful for that. It was a nice surprise to hear from him.

NancyJo - I wasn't sure how long your son planned to stay in, but I guess he will be transitioning out soon. That is hard to believe. I know that your G'ma heart really wants them closer. But SC is nice as well. All the best as he transitions. I will be reaching out to you as mine gets closer, I am sure. So, please stick around for awhile, at least. 

PacNWMom - I am so sorry that your son did not inform you. Thankfully I sort of have an idea of my sailor's schedule, so when it gets closer to an underway, I call and double check again. I do appreciate his gf who also keeps me notified of things as well. 

Northwoodsmom - It is good to hear that your son is still studying, he also needs to be working on his PT as well. I am sorry to hear that he has not gotten his tooth taken care of yet. 

ShipofDoodles - Congratulations to your sailor!!!!

NancyJo - I don't blame them for wanting to stay in SC.  We sure loved it when we visited years ago and hubby often says that's a place he'd like to retire to.  But like you said - see where the best job offer comes from and go from there!  But it sure would be nice if they ended up in NE, right?!?

Northwoodsmom - B waited 3 full months between Power School and Prototype starting.  Definitely a lot of "hurry up and wait"!  Good thing is at the end of the day it all counts toward the commitment time.

Thank you to all who responded for the wonderful input, and your best wishes as my son enters his final weeks at GC. You all mean the world to me even if I have been on only sporadically. I am pulling for all of you, and all of your sons and daughters as we navigate (literally), these sometimes tumultuous waters. I'm only 19 months into this journey, but knowing I have all of you along with me is a treasure. Thank you, so much. 

ShipofDoodles - We love to hear from you when you are able!!

Thank you, Chipmunk! Like so many other moms, it's just a long stretch of letting our kids know we have their hands at their backs, cheering them on, and then hurry up and wait! I almost cannot believe it has been nearly 17 months since he arrived in GC--19 since he left for Great Lakes. My encouragement and best wishes to all of you "new" Nuke moms coming in. It's a ride, to be sure! Know all of us have been there are here for you!