NUKE moms

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.

Good Evening everyone!!

I am sharing my joy of Christmas with you all now, because it looks like I am going to have to give my Navy Mom muscles a good workout over the next couple of weeks, - Semper Gumby is going to have to bend a lot, I need to go into task mode instead of my normal detail mode and transform two houses into both hospitality hotels. I wanted to make sure I said Merry Christmas if I am not on much at all. 

Gigi - I'm glad you are safe from the tornado.  The amount of destruction is absolutely devastating.  I just can't imagine going through something like this.  Prayers for your son and his BP.  That's a little scary at such a young age.

It was the Army/Navy football game on Saturday and NAVY WON!  It was a great game and wonderful to see Navy sing second!  HOOYAH!

Happy Holidays to all my sea sisters!

My son just got back from an underway (that he neglected to tell me he was going on), and today he informed me he's being deployed at the end of this month! It'll be his first deployment, and I'm pretty anxious about it. We're trying to find a time for me to visit with him (and his wife) before he leaves. I'll be devastated if it doesn't work out. I've only seen him once in the last year, for just a couple of hours. Santa, all I want for Christmas is time with my son!

PacNWmom - My thoughts and prayers are with you!! I recall those "couple of hours" that you had before and how little time that was. 

PacNWmom - fingers crossed it all works out!

Signing off for now.   My son got his DD214 on December 3.   He is happily a veteran now.  Nine years, six of them on the USS Carl Vinson.  Rerated because of a medical hiccup, so he didn't finish as a nuke, but he did work in the reactor department the whole time, and is going to be working for the DOD in the same capacity.  Fair winds and following seas to all of you.   I have enjoyed my time following everyone.    B'sNukeMoM it was a pleasure to meet you the year we came out and saw you at the ball game.   You are awesome.  What an encouragement to all these moms you have been!!!  

bclmomct, thank you, I really needed to hear this especially today! Congratulations to your son!

bclmomct - Thanks for the update!  And glad to hear he's already got something lined up.  Will he be staying in San Diego?  And yes, I'm so glad we got to meet up at the baseball game - boy that seems so long ago lol!  

Please thank your son for his service and we look forward to updates.  Fair winds and following seas to him ;-D

bclmomct - Congratulations to your son! Please don't delete your profile and be sure to come back occasionally to give us an update on how things are going. Our many thanks to your son for his service!

bclmomct, congratulations to you and your son! I didn't realize he was on the Vinson. I wonder if he was on at any point with my son. My son separated in November and it has not been smooth sailing. He had lined up a job in Georgia and about a week before he started they pulled the job saying he didn't have commercial experience. It was a bad situation. He had already sold his house in SC and put a deposit on a place in GA. It was shady. They knew he was fresh out of the navy. He thinks it was maybe the union, or somebody with pull had someone they wanted to put in that position. Who knows. He now has a job he will start Jan. 3 in TX.

Being homeless with 4 kids is a humbling experience and like everything else you can either grow from that or let it sour your life. He had turned down several opportunities to take that GA job and had no trouble finding the TX job. Our sailors are certainly employable. He just made what turned out to be an unfortunate choice. It all worked out and I was proud of how well he handled it. 

NancyJo - would love to know your son's name.   If he was in reactor department, it is likely my son knows him.  Can you send me a private message with his name? 

NancyJo - I am so sorry to hear all the things your kids have been through. That is rough, but I know they are resilient. When it comes to how the crow flies, TX and GA are about equal from you, but he at least is in the Midwest! Thank you for the update. That is the sort of thing you don't post when they are going through it, but I am sorry we could not share some of the burden with you as well. 

Gah, NancyJo - wow!  I'm sorry he had troubles - talk about frustrating, but sure glad it sounds like it worked out in the end.  One good thing about the Navy is he learned to be flexible. Guess you'll be visiting Texas now!

Actually my son will be about 5 hrs closer to drive so that's a good thing! Also flying is better for me to TX. I believe this is a good thing for him. Adversity grows virtues in people with the character to recognize it. I wanted to see how the job situation all played out before saying anything here. I wouldn't have spoken yet since he hasn't actually started the job but I got excited because bclmomct's son was on the same ship as my son. Anyway, all looks good now so, Mamas, nobody said it was easy but the Navy prepares our sailors to weather many different storms. I'm so grateful!