NUKE moms

B'sNukeMom - Hopeful all goes well with their flight!!

Gigi and others - Safe Travels. 

Northwoodsmom  - I am sure you are missing yours. I hope you and the rest of your family have a nice time together. I don't think you posted your cupcake picture here, but did you get those served to the kiddos? They looked so yummy. 

Great news so far - B&C have checked in for their flight and so far all is well!  And the connector flight still shows it's good to go too.  Yay!!!

HooYah!!!  (Maybe I am to reserve that just for our Navy congrats but I figured this one warranted it!)

Northwoodsmom - I want to see the cupcakes and thank you. I’m really hoping to bump off with your boy!! 

They made their connector flight and should be landing in less than 2 hours!  I'll take that HooYah Chipmunk!

B'sNukeMom - Better Late than Never!!! 

Funny, I had an email from AAA today telling what airports not to fly out of because they have poor rates for on time and connecting flights!!!

Happy Thanksgiving all!!  It's a different sort of Thanksgiving this year - just 2 of us.  Enjoy your day and be safe and hug those close!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Pizanche - Even if it is just the two of you, may you have a restful day.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I hope you all have many wonderful things to be thankful for....

I am thankful that my son is happy in the Navy and seems to have found his niche! I do miss him so much tho.

Welcome aboard to our newest members ~ Birdie and Lise!

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.

Tulip - I don't have any answers for you.  Hopefully someone else will chime in!

Tulip - Sorry, I don't know either. Honestly, you might want to check with your ombudsman, they should have more information for how things take place on the base and such or maybe they have some recommendations. I don't know how your son's command works, but our ship has a private FB group and so people will often ask questions of other members there for help. 

I know we have a couple of WA moms on here, they might be able to give some assistance, as to at least how homecomings work. 

Birdie and Lise - Welcome Aboard!!  We are glad you have joined us, please come and share where you are at in this Nuke journey with your loved one. My son helped me write the A school information above, and now he is out in the fleet. 

B'sNukeMom - I trust all went well with your kids travel and that you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving!!

Hello, Nuke moms!  I joined this group a while back, but haven't posted because my son was at BC.  His PIR was last week and now he is officially at GC!  I look forward to getting to know all y'all!  <3

Chipmunk - yes, the kids made it here, but boy was their travel all screwed up.  I've never seen such a mess with an airlines before.  They had travel screw ups coming and going but we made it through and we made the best of the time they were here.  It was so good to see them and we had beautiful weather here in CA - upper 70's to low 80's the whole time they were here while it was snowing daily in MI.  We enjoyed a lot of time on the patio ;-D  Now we count down until May when they come for their "Vow Renewal" (postponed 3 times  - thanks covid lol!)

MomofJoseph - welcome again to the group!  Now the fun begins - but at least you'll have more communication!

Welcome MomofJoseph! I never heard from my son until the second day either. I know my son is no longer in this group but I was here for over 19 months so there is a little I have learnt. Your son will be going through INDOC where they learn life lessons.  He will have a little more time for communications and will make friends with other Nukes. I know my son's group would grill out alot when he first started. I remember they played football, flag football I think he said. 

I hope you do get a chance to visit him there. Charleston is such a special beautiful place to visit. My daughter and  I especially enjoyed the unique tours they offered. If you have any questions feel free to ask. 

MomofJoseph - Welcome to the Nuke Pipeline side of things. Sometimes there is a lot more conversation on here than at other times but remember you may always ask your questions and hopefully someone will help you out. Northwoodsmom has a lot of recent knowledge regarding GC as well and can probably hook you up with the ombudsman. 

And definitely plan to make a trip to see your sailor. I believe they have opened up A school graduation again, they have PS graduation, I do not know about Prototype graduation. Your sailor will likely have leave at some point (COVID restrictions messed a lot of that up for many of our sailors.), but keep in mind that just as with BC, just because it worked a certain way for one sailor, it might not be the same for the next. My son did not have the same leave after A school that many others did, even those who had holiday standdown. They will need to be checking with their SLPO. (Section Leading Petty Officer) once he classes up. - be sure to read my discussion above if you haven't already as it explains several things.

My son's SLPO gave out his cell phone as I recall but not all of them will. Make sure your son knows that he needs to have you listed on his HIPPA and first contact information. He should be filling out paperwork this week during INDOC. 

Northwoodsmom - I am glad you are sticking around the group.

Tulip - I am reaching out to some of the other members on this site that might be able to help answer your question. Have you figured anything out yourself? 

B'sNukemom - I am glad that you all had a nice Thanksgiving and that the kids traveled safely, even if rather chaotically!! I am prayerful that our sailors do not have to face too many issues for those who have upcoming leave. I heard of another sailor that had lots of delays as he returned back to his home base. 

So, my husband sent me this comic of Calvin and Hobbes, I am not sure if it is okay to actually print it here but I am putting the link so you may view it online. It is from a couple of weeks ago and he had a friend of his share it with him - 

Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson for November 21, 2021 - GoComics  It hit my funny bone and my boys both love Calvin & Hobbes.

Hello all!  I haven’t posted in a while, though I read the emails. My son graduates from Power School tomorrow. My husband is flying down to see him and they will both come home on Saturday.  This will be the first time my sailor has been home since he left for BC. I wish I could have gone to graduation, but one of us needs to stay home with our high school daughter. I’m looking forward to having boots in the house. 

MyKidsMom - congratulations to your son!!!  Prayers for safe travels. I am sorry that you were not able to visit him.  Has he figured out his housing for Prototype and gotten that all arranged? 

Chipmunk— My sailor FaceTimed me and gave me a tour of his apartment about two weeks ago. He has two roommates. Now all he needs is his drivers license. He had his permit when he left for BC. We’ll have to see if he can finish up what he needs while he is home. 

MyKidsmom - Hopefully your son can get his license. It is hard when they don't drive. My son had a roommate who did not have his license and had to get rides. Our recruiter was surprised when my son did not have his license when he first signed up for DEP. I am glad we got it done before he left for BC, but I also know that nothing was stated that he "had" to have it. I think they should make sure that anyone going a Nuke rating knows they will need to be able to drive during Prototype. Then all of this mess the last year with so many agencies closing down, getting permits, DL, Real IDs, car tags, it has been a mess.

Glad to hear that he has gotten an apartment and roommates. Just FYI, they need to have a plan in order for how they will close out their lease because not every sailor that finishes Prototype at the same time will necessarily have their orders the same and some have to stick around after graduation for a while. 

Hi Tulip, I sent you a PM with the best information that I have come up with so far. I still have my feelers out though. 

Tulip - I had another reply which I sent to you in a PM. 

Bottom line it is very unlikely to get any lodging at that base due to how busy it is. 

Hi, ladies!

My son has been classified an ETN. His PIR is scheduled for 12/10/21. He should be arriving at GC by the end of the month.

I'm feeling overwhelmed right now with various things. (He's my oldest and his siblings are still in elementary school, plus I'm primary caregiver for my ailing parents.)

So, I'm not quite ready to step up to the"firehose" of Nuke information, but what will his first few weeks be like, especially with Christmas in the mix.

Hi, Elina!  Since my son arrived Monday at GC, I am no expert, but I did want to share what I've learned so far.  First, there is a lot of info on the "Pages (20)" section to the right (just below the Members), and that has been helpful.  I haven't been able to digest it as much as I would like to, but I hope to get to it before long.

My son called tonight and here's what I've learned so far.  They go through INDOC (?) where they learn how to stand watch, and the basics of life at GC (which my son says is quite different from the expectations at BC).  Then they "class-up" and actually start school.  He will not class-up in December; it will be January at the earliest.  He said they didn't have to muster until 8:00 this morning, and they've been done by 1400 each day so far.  They have to leave their phones in their rooms while in class, but he's been able to be in touch at other times - which has been really great.

He is in a "dorm room" with one roommate.  He is starting to compile a list of things he wants to get for his dorm room.  So far, it seems a lot like college orientation, minus the partying. LOL

That's all I have so far!  :-)

Elina, MomofJoseph and others, be sure to read my discussion above, - Nuke A school daily schedule - sailor's perspective - Navy For Moms...  I explain about classing up and INDOC. If I need to add to it let me know. 

We just got home from attending a Christmas concert with King and Country and my day tomorrow is busy but I will do my best to reach out to both of you since my son is also an ETN. 

Elina - as far as Christmas it is really hard to tell with your son's PIR being on the 10th. He might surprise you and tell you that he had a chance to take leave or he might not. They tend to have about a 2 week holiday standdown the week prior to Christmas and between Christmas and the New Year. He won't be able to make any plans until he is actually at GC and receives information from his command, sorry. 

Happy Friday!  I've got my RED on!

Chipmunk - the concert sounds wonderful!

I was doing a Google search for some information for someone, and I came across these videos that were posted since my son enlisted. I thought I would share with everyone. 

Navy Nuclear Operations - America's Navy video

Navy Electronics Technician Nuclear – ETN video

Navy Electrician’s Mate Nuclear – EMN video

Navy Machinist’s Mate Nuclear – MMN video

There is some crossover of information, but I thought the videos would be nice to share. 

Thank you for the warm welcome! I have been reading and learning! My son's PIR will be Jan. 7, 2022 (TG-06-09). I am wondering how long I may visit him at GL before he heads to Charleston.

Birdie - Even if you don't join the BC Moms group on this site, I recommend you go read information there regarding PIR. I just posted a comment to JCNavyMom. You may also want to read my discussion in that group about what your PIR weekend might look like. Granted it was 4+ years ago and to my knowledge they are still not flying the sailors commercially. 

Your time with your sailor could be anywhere from just a couple of hours after PIR (as was the case for us) to having the entire weekend to possibly be with your sailor, if they are kept in THU (Temporary Holding Unit) and not flown out immediately. Flexibility is the key. In most cases, the sailors who were flying out to their A-schools all left RTC on buses very early Saturday morning before the rooster crowed! 

Good morning Ladies, I just want to put out there some of things I have come across since my son was removed from the Nuclear program. I know there is a stigma associated with the process, probably self inflicted because everyone I have been talking with are so nice. No one is looking down at your child or you and what you are feeling is just a case of displacement. Not sure of where you belong right now. You probably met alot of caring mom's that you feel it is hard to connect to now that your Sailor is out. 

I want to reassure you and encourage you, you are not alone. There are so many Sailors in DTP right now, over a hundred. Some are from A school, others Power School and still others from Prototype. They are being encouraged by the commander there. My son tells me alot of stories about how they are told about Sailors in the pipeline that didn't make it through and how other rates are excited to get them because of their work ethics. Other Moms tell me of the success their Sailors have made of themselves in different rates and how happy they are. 

This is very hard difficult rate, just being chosen for it  is a honor but not everyone chosen is cut out for it. I admire each of our Sailors for their service especially in Nuclear because I know the difficulty of this rate.  The Navy needs other talents as well to run a well oiled ship. Your Sailor is equally as important to that mission.  They have worked hard and endlessly and will become remarkable Sailors wherever they are placed. There are so many Wonderful stories of success so take heart, be encouraged and know this is just the beginning of a new journey.

Very well said Northwoodsmom! My son is getting close to the end of prototype and has "lost" several friends for various reasons and he has never thought less of any of them. They all know what a grind it is and respect each other no matter where they end up. They may end up serving together on a ship/sub at some point too. I'm sure it makes it easier for your son to have your support!

Northwoodsmom, my son has been out of the program for over 6 years now. He seems to be doing well whatever it is that he can neither confirm nor deny. Listening to whales or something like that.

Northwoodsmom - Thanks for posting your encouraging words for other moms who may be reading but not posting and wondering about their sailors. 

4kidsforfun - WoW - Prototype almost complete!! I quit trying to keep up with where everyone was at, so it is good to hear the update. Are they having graduations for Prototype yet? 

WearsLargeHats - LOL!! I would love to listen for whales - well, I say that but maybe just on a vacation sometime.

Chipmunk, thank you for your suggestions. I've been roaming around joining groups.  I am impressed by how helpful folks are and how united we are in supporting our recruits/sailors!

Birdie, you are welcome!

B'sNukeMom - Thanks for posting the Peanut's memes!!

B’sNukeMom - hi! Is there an event/competition going on? Is there a way to watch them? 

my son’s Christmas chit has been approved!! 
Asking for prayers too .. his blood pressure spikes high and being measured daily. He’d given BP meds for maintenance and hope to control it real soon. He won’t be separated or re-rated but submarine will be out of the picture. Which is okay with him (me too).
Hope all is well with everybody. We were hit by tornado last night. My work’s alarm went off and been getting notifications lol. Lost  power several times but back to normal now. 

Gigi I was aware you were in Tennessee and when I saw the radar started holding you up in prayer and those around you. Prayers your son gets his blood pressure under control, I am sure all the stress they are under in Power School and now prototype isn't helping.  So happy your okay!

Thank you Northwoodsmom! I was up all night listening and trying to be ready to whatever May happen. We are lucky that Tennessee is mountainous, it slowed down the twister/hurricane   
So worried with my son, BP med is for maintenance it’s a lifetime kind of med, he’s just 23. 

Whoohoo! Navy wins!! 

Gigi - I am so glad that you all are okay. I will be praying for your son. I am also thankful that Northwoodsmom was more on the radar than I was about both the storms and those who might be affected by it.