NUKE moms

A place to come for support and guidance for anyone with a loved one in the nuke program ⚓️.

Weather - Charleston

Load Previous Comments
  • Chipmunk

    JayDee659 - I wasn't sure if yours was still on the Bush or not. I only skimmed the article but I wondered if that was the case - sea trials before being deployed. There seems to be a lot that goes into the maintenance and readiness of these carriers. More than we can probably share here.  

  • JayDee659

    Yes Chipmunk, I would not share the details here. You are correct, there is a lot that has to be confirmed and proved at sea before deployment.

    While I'm sure that you Ford parents aren't looking forward to it, the rest of the fleet will be happy when the Ford is deployable. Will take some pressure off carriers doing back to back deployments. 

  • Chipmunk

    JayDee659 - Whether parents, families, wives, or husbands want it, the point of being in the Navy is to be out on the waters and deployed. Yes, it is hard but never something that I did not want my son to experience and be a part of. 

  • NancyJo (NNPTC)

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Welcome to our newest members ~ Go Aweigh and Lancertrackmom! 

    See the source image

    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.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    NancyJo - ain't that the truth!

    JayDee - it will definitely help to get another ship into the deployment rotation!

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Happy Monday!

  • ProudOfK

    B’sNuke - that meme makes me laugh every time. And today its especially applicable. I got up five minutes before I was supposed to start working. Fortunately I work from home so I still started work on time but I can still say I did get out of bed.  I do have a good excuse though - we got a call from our nuke at about 12:30 am this morning so it did break up my sleep but so very well worth it. 

  • Chipmunk

    Go Aweigh and Lancertrackmom!  

    Welcome to the group!! We are glad you are here. 

  • KayCee

    Hi All - just sharing how priceless it was to see my sailor after he returned from a long underway!! Even one night is something I’m more than grateful for! Our kitty was sure happy to see him too.
    Now he deals with being homeless. He gave up his apartment right before they left.  One of his roommates was going to shore duty and the other was going to be done with his commitment after the underway.  Apparently, there are now two carriers at his base so finding a place is difficult. My Momma heart feels sad that he doesn’t have a place to unpack, sleep, shower and cook. 

  • Northwoodsmom

    KayCee so what do they do? Can they sleep on the ships or do they have to get motels until the find something. Does the Navy help with this or are they on their own? I find this a little unnerving.

  • Chipmunk

    KayCee - Good to hear from you!! Yes, I have heard other stories about the housing issues with his location.

  • DsMom2020

    Kaycee - Love the picture with your sailor and his happy cat. I’m really curious about this housing issue too. Although my sailor it’s quite a ways I’m basing this potential problem since he still in power school, this is the kind of information I like to keep track of for the future. I hope somebody has some information to post on what a sailor is to do in this case. Are you able to say where he’s stationed?

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Great picture KayCee!  I've also heard about housing issues there.  Very frustrating to say the least!

  • CanukaVet

    Hi all.
    I can't add much about housing. I think it depends on so many factors including type (ship or boat), where (homeport) and the status of the specific ship/ boat and others in the same area. Also, our nukes are spoiled because they get housing allowance during prototype, but aren't at a high enough level to qualify in the fleet...but that may vary by location.
    I have wondered many of the same questions but my son isn't ready to deal with the issue yet.
    I believe that carrier-wise, everyone has a rack on board unless the ship is in a maintenance status where they have to move to the barge (I have heard those are awful). There are some bachelor quarters on base, but not enough for everyone. I don't know how those are allocated/assigned. So the primary living space is a very narrow rack in tight, shared spaces. It is easy to see why most sailors opt for alternate housing.
    To the new Mom's...the point is that, once they report, they should have a place to sleep. Motels only come into play before they report and when they need an escape.
    There is no one size fits all answer.
  • Chipmunk

    DsMom2020 - I will send you a PM. 

  • JayDee659

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Awwww JayDee - I love that! And how true it is <3

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    See the source image

  • DsMom2020

    JayDee - sooooo true

  • Chipmunk

    Canuka - Thanks for sharing. I did check with my son's carrier and at least the information that I had was that they should have a place on the ship if they didn't have a barrack's but I think part of that depends on the ship and also the location where the ship is at. Hard for us as mom's though when we feel like our kids aren't getting what we want them to have. 

    I am sharing this that I posted in another group - 

    Re: mail package pick up at NNPTC  - for your sailor's they  will go to the mail room in one of the buildings, I think I recall but will refrain from posting. He should know where to go. 

    When my son was at NNPTC this is what he shared with me -  when they received packages during his A school and Power School, they were given a slip of paper in their class to know to go pick up their package from the mail room. As for letters they had a trained mail room person similar to those during BC who  would go pick up the mail and then pass out the letters in class. So, this is one of the reasons that we tend to tell you not to send cash, or even gift cards in the mail or even birthday type cards as sad as that is. 

    Another thing to keep in mind with this scenario is that you do not want to necessarily send information that may be overly embarrassing (any number of things) or overly emotional for your sailor. It is better to figure out a time when they can talk to you about it but also I used email a lot with my sailor. He preferred that over having to keep track of mail, such as cards, etc. 

    I never had an issue with sending packages to my sailor at NNPTC. I sent them all via USPS except for once I shipped with UPS. With PO, I had insurance and a tracking #. It generally took only two days to arrive (2 + years ago) and so if I mailed on a Wed and it arrived on a Friday, he could pick up Saturday before noon. I preferred to mail by Tuesday that way he was notified on Friday (they took a day to process in mail room) and he could either pick up after class before they closed at 5 pm or on Saturday morning. 

  • Chipmunk

    JayDee659 - Thanks for sharing!!

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Hi all - Happy Sunday!  HOT here in sunny SoCal.  Laying low and watching lots of baseball.....

  • Pizanche

    Happy Labor Day! My son called me and told me his A school is not starting for another week.  He is bummed out and just want to get started.  He's doing his UI's so that is good. I mailed some stuff down to the base via Priority mail  - it tried getting delivered on Saturday, but no-one was there to accept it, so they will try again on Tuesday. Hopefully he'll get the slip of paper.  I also sent stuff to Northwoodsmom's person that she recommended, so that is in the works.  He seems to be adjusting - likes his roommate, can't wait to wear civilian clothing, told me "it's expensive to be on your own" Guess he didn't realize how much things costs! LOL now he knows why I worked 2 jobs for so many years! 

    Personally I dont know much about what happens in A school or beyond - so thanks for all the posts here and at the other group.  I read everything you ladies post - so thank you!

  • Chipmunk

    Pizanche - it is common for them to not "class" up for a week or more. My son was INDOC for a month before he classed up at NNPTC. It is good that he is doing his UIs and getting as much of that done and out of the way. They have to do the UIs to learn how to stand watches for their time in T-Track which is the interim between when they graduate A school and when their Power School (PS) starts up. 

    My discussion - Nuke A school is posted above. Be sure to read through that. My son helped me put it together when he was in A school. As new things came up, I posted more information, so cull through it to the end. 

  • Pizanche

    Chipmunk - thank you!  I read everything linked above - lots of great info, so thank you!. His goal was to do all of the UIs before school actually starts, and it is keeping him busy - so that's a good thing.! Have a great day

  • Chipmunk

    Pizanche - He will be glad to have his UIs done and certified so he is not having to cram that in at the end of A school before T-Track. 

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

  • JayDee659

    Ladies, I'm in Charleston. Since everyone always asks where to stay, I've been keeping my eyes open. It appears that they are updating the Ashley Phosphate area with new hotels. There are also several places in the Tanger Outlet area near Montague Rd. 

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

  • CSW

    B's NukeMom,

    THANKS for that. Been struggling to get my father's estate handled and everyday I learn more about what I didn't do or know.

    We're only human.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    CSW - I'm glad that spoke to you.  Please just take things one day at a time...{{BNMH}}

  • WearsLargeHats

    CSW -- I know what a struggle that is. My father passed away about a year ago, I just got the supervised portion of the small estate settled last month, there are still some things to be filed with the IRS, and there are some trusts that will take a long time to work out. The IRS is particularly difficult to work with. The rules are vague and incredibly complicated, and they aren't talking to anybody. They sent a request for a deceased person to provide identification in order to get a refund, either online, which is impossible and illegal, or by calling the phone number where you get to listen to a 2 minute message then are told they aren't answering calls.

  • Chipmunk

    I am glad that I was able to deal with the 5 estates I had to prior to COVID!!  

    CSW - by the time I was finished, I felt like I could hirer myself out for helping others deal with estates!

  • CSW

    Chipmunk and Wears, Thanks for the encouragement. It's only a little over four months since he passed and to tell you the truth I've been trying to avoid it because it's final. Thankfully it's brought my brother and I closer, but there is ALOT.

  • Gigi

    JayDee659 - that’s where we exactly stayed this weekend, TownePlace Suite Marriott, with full kitchen. Had a good 3 nights with my Sailor. Went to Tanger outlet as well and bought him sun glasses (he’s old one was not okay anymore to wear inside the base) for his birthday. I scored a nice shirts and pants for $10-12. Viscious Biscuit in Mount Pleasant was the best brunch for me for $10-14.

    Over-all my sailor is well, he’s grades are pretty good said in fact his test is almost perfect. But he complained of being at school. (I have a feeling that he’s bored). Seems like he’s not enjoying school anymore. He doesn’t want to go to sub but he volunteered. 

  • DsMom2020

    So heartwarming to read about how much you are helping one another. Really love this group. 

  • Northwoodsmom

    DsMom2020, I can't remember if it was you that posted about  your son asked for ID's for the up coming graduation. My son requested ours already for December. He said they were only allowing 2 people to attend. We were hoping to take his 90 year old Grandpa but now the only way that will happen is if one of us give up our seat. Have you heard anything yet?

  • Chipmunk

    GiGi - Glad to hear that your sailor is doing well and that you were able to enjoy a visit with him!!!

    CSW - It is good that this is actually bringing you and your brother together. Estate settlements, no matter how they are dealt with can actually cause strife and division within families. I am still dealing with things from my parents and other elderly family members. Trying to store stuff or go through things and figure out what to keep and what to get rid of. It did not help that in Spring of 2020 I was ready to just start donating and then everything shut down!!

    One elephant bite at a time!!

  • DsMom2020

    Hi NWM
    My son just texted me last night and said he needs the ID cards and Social Security numbers by end of day Thursday for the December graduation. As far as I know it’s still limited to two people. I’m not sure if another sailor does not any guest if they could list your son’s grandpa as their guest? But even that would have to be done probably by tomorrow. Good luck. I hope his grandpa can attend.
  • 4kidsforfun

    NWM and DS we went to a powerschool graduation in August. At the last minute they told them only 2 guests but it was on "the honor system". My son's class worked out who was and wasn't going so they found spots for my parents and daughter to go qhere other sailors families couldn't come. They heard other classes talking about having theor families go early as it is first come basis getting in the gate. I think some did do that as there was a family of nine sitting near us. When we got to the gate we gave the guy our lisences and he checked us all off. No questions although we knew which other sailors we were there for in addition to our son. The lists do not say who the approved guests are linked to. Literally a big stack of papers they look through then send you on your way. 

    It did seem like everyone that showed up was let in. Sadly some did not have classes that worked it out to make it fair so they left family members at hotels. They were a bit upset after leaving dad or grandma or whoever behind to see huge family groups that just came anyway. 

    Hope this helps and makes sense! I am happy to answer any questions. 

  • Marianne

    Hi, all! It's been quite some time since I posted. What a crazy ride it's been for the past few months!

    I managed to see my sailor in late April. I stayed at Home 2 Suites by Hilton on Blue House Rd, N Charleston. My cat came with me! I drove my sailor's truck down from PA.

    And I was able to continue my work since I work remotely. It was wonderful to spend time with him! He finished Power School at that time, so I helped him with the move into his apartment.

    Now he's nearing the end of NPTU. Struggling a bit, but maybe that's his MO. Not sure what that's all about.

    And I have a new job working as a Covid-19 Contact Tracer. It's an interesting job. :)

  • Chipmunk

    Hi Marianne - It is good to hear from you!! I am glad that you were able to visit with your sailor in April and help him with his move. Prototype can be a challenge, some prefer it to more of the book work of A school and PS and for some it is more challenging. Keeping up with all of their check offs and the different subjects of study, plus their shift changes are just a part of it. 

    I am glad that you are enjoying your new job. 

  • DsMom2020

    4Kidsforfun - thank you for all the Info in PS graduation!! Can you tell me a few more details….you may need to pm me - my questions may be too detailed for OPSEC.
    What time does it start?
    What time is check in?
    How long does it take to park and check in?
    Once it starts, how long before they start presenting/announcing…?
    I assume they go by class number in order, like at PIR.

    I ask because my neice really wants to attend but can’t get the day before off for travel. She would take a red eye and found a flight that lands at 8:45am. I’m afraid she’ll miss it as it must take (at best) at least 45 min to deplane, and get to airport even if she has someone waiting to transport her.

    I’ll friend request you so you can answer privately if you choose to.

    Thanks.
  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

  • Chipmunk

    DsMom - I will let 4Kidsforfun answer your questions privately but just FYI - I doubt that your niece would make it for the graduation and if there is rain they might move it indoors and then have two separate ceremonies - hard to tell but that is what happened with my sailor. Her name and information has to be on the list of approved guests also. 

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    See the source image

    Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.

    Military Crisis Line – 24/7 confidential and toll-free support for service members and veterans in crisis. Call 1-800-273- TALK (option 1), text 838255 or visit www.militarycrisisline.net

    Navy Chaplain Care – Communications with Navy chaplains are always 100% confidential unless the service member decides otherwise. Sailors and family members can speak with their nearest command chaplain, call 1-855-NAVY-311 to request chaplain support or https://www.navy311.navy.mil/home

    Military OneSource – Confidential non-medical counseling available to service members and families. Call 1-800-342- 9647 or visit www.militaryonesource.mil.

  • 4kidsforfun

    I agree Chipmunk - there would not be time to get there before the ceremony started. It is at least a 20 minute drive from the airport, then get through the gate, drive to parking, walk to ceremony...

    If your sailor's section is one of the later ones it will be a while before they get to them. My son was in section 2 so was up on stage fairly quickly but there were 12 enlisted sections and then three officer sections. I believe they were lined up by height in each section (shortest to tallest). Before they call any of them they have speakers. Here is the order of events from the program:

    Arrival of Official Party

    Parading of Colors

    Invocation

    Commanding Officer, NNPTC

    Guest Speaker

    Presentation of certificates

    Awards

    Closing Remarks/Benediction

    Departure of Official Party

  • Northwoodsmom

    4kidsforfun, do they get any liberty after graduation. Just wondering if it's like BC. My son did day we can help him to move. Did you get to do anything with your Sailor?

  • 4kidsforfun

    My son and his friends rented a house (with a pool) and had already moved in before we got there. They move out of the barracks the day before graduation. We spent the weekend celebrating as it was also my dad's birthday but then he came home with us. He got 10 days or so off I think? He didn't stay home for much of it though as he was anxious to get the house together before prototype started and be back with his friends.