Hi All, and Happy New Year! It's been a while since I was on here. I found a local FB group of Navy Moms that has been my sounding board. But I am venturing into new territory and need your suggestions. My Nuke is graduating from Power School in a few weeks and this will be his first graduation that we are able to attend. Any suggestions for making the trip memorable, traditions to uphold at/for graduation, things to see/do in or around Charleston? Thanks in advance for your help. I'm so excited to finally see him in uniform in person. We have only seen two "selfies" and his boot camp grad photo of him in uniform. He's not much for showing off and he has chosen to not wear or bring uniforms when he has come home.
Mama Bear - I "bumped" the discussion on sightseeing in Charleston up above. There's some fun things listed there to see and do. So glad you are able to go for Power School graduation. I'm sure no matter what you end up doing you'll have a great time!
Mama Bear - It is so good to hear from you. I miss not having more people asking about graduations and where to go or what to see.
So, note (and someone had updated me to more recent but I forget now) I think the shop where they sell memorabelia, T-shirts, coins, etc at NNPTC closes at noon or earlier on Friday. If you want to get something from there, be sure your sailor knows that. Mine was busy with getting his orders, and we had inclement weather that put our graduation inside with two groups, so we did not get around to the store - I didn't even know where it was or that it was there - until it was closing.
Also, be sure to get pictures with your sailor in uniform (no tag or know how to delete it). I am sure you plan to, but I was recently needing a picture of my son in his uniform with family and thankfully, I had his graduation pictures we had someone take for us.
I don't recall what all is posted in the siteseeing discussion but note, Charleston was all street side parking meter payment when we were there last. And I think you could pay with a card. Be sure to double check Charleston's visitor center website for up-to-date information on the parking meters. At one point they were free after a certain time, but by the next time we were there, they had changed and charged on Sat. as well. Their website also has information on things to do.
We also helped our son buy some things for his apartment and to be able to make his own meals, a lunch bag for taking food to Prototype (they had no cafeteria at the time). and just general things he might need in his apartment.
Mama Bear - Congratulations on your son's upcoming Power School graduation. That is the big one, size-wise.
We made it to Charleston two of the four planned trips...to deliver his car (during A School) and for A school grad. Then Covid hit.
First take photos of him in uniform and group shots...we took them in the quad. Who knows when you will see him again in uniform.
There are many wonderful things to do & see; it really depends on your interests.
The USS Yorktown at Patriots Point is a good intro to ship board life.
The HL Hundley is a Civil War submarine that was found in the 1990s. The museum is only open on weekends.
Downtown Charleston.
Fort Sumter (only accessible by boat).
Any of the many plantations, homes and gardens.
Olde Charlestown for history of the original settlement.
Savannah, Georgia -- we did a day trip from Charleston.
Our first time was over Thanksgiving, son stayed with us at a Downtown hotel. For A school grad, we rented a car and stayed near Northwoods Mall or Airport - closer to base.
Two final thoughts:
1. My experience was all before covid.
2. Our son was torn between spending time with us and relaxing with his buddies after being under so much pressure. We expected to see each other in 8 months, it was really 13 months.
I just wanted to add my 2 cents on the topic of exploring Charleston. There is a great Visitors' Center in downtown Charleston on Meeting Street. They have tons of pamphlets of things to do in Charleston and you can even book tours there--bus tours, historic building tours, etc.
We booked a bus tour that was a good start to give an overview of the city and then you can decide what to explore in greater depth. The tour guide gave a lot of history. He seemed to know his stuff.
Also, there are free shuttle buses that travel to different points of interest. It's called DASH--Downtown Area SHuttle. There are 3 lines, Orange, Green, and Purple. All 3 of these lines stop at the Visitors' Center. I don't know if I can post links here, but here goes: https://www.ridecarta.com/services/dash/
Good Morning Everyone! I was so focused the other day on the weather that my sailor was having in his area that I forgot to check and see if GC had any snow?
Another reason we always say stay flexible, is the weather. When my sailor was at NNPTC, after Christmas standdown for his A school, they had an unprecedented snowfall. I believe they shut down for almost a week, thus they delayed their graduation by a week. And then his class did not have the same extended leave opportunity that some of the other classes around him had.
My son also evacuated NNPTC twice while there due to hurricanes. That also caused delays with PS graduation. That one was to my benefit, as I was dealing with a lot of family issues at the time, but it still meant being in limbo until the last minute with travel plans.
I'm going to Prototype Graduation 2/11 - the final one!!! and I'm excited and proud. However, my sailor has orders for Hawaii; do you know how long he'll be in Charleston after graduation before he leaves for Hawaii??
BZ to you and your sailor Nautical Mom! Will he be shipping a vehicle? My sailor's travel orders were changed several times before they were finalized because he was arriving during stand down and he needed to work out from where he would leave his vehicle for shipment. I believe my sailor also requested and took some leave during this time so he could come home and pack what he wanted to take with him to Hawaii. Once he gets his airline assignment he can check on the luggage dimensions. We ended up purchasing plastic trunks on wheels instead of suitcases which made transport on either end a bit easier. You can purchase most of what you need in Hawaii, but he was glad he packed things like his baseball glove and favorite fry pan.
Nautical Mom - BZ to your sailor on completing the nuc pipeline! Usually they get 30 days leave before reporting to their next duty station, but nothing is set in stone. It should say in his hard orders.....hopefully he has them already?
Hi CSW - yes, he is planning to take his vehicle and take leave, but I thought and was told that the Navy would pack him and take care of all of his shipping?? I am so confused and in Mom mode with my truck to go pack him in Charleston --- at least now I know what questions to ask him when I am there...AND I WILL BRING PLASTIC BUCKETS with Me...thank you so much !!
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.
30 days' leave would be amazing!!! more questions to ask him, you have been a godsend for me on this site since boot camp and GC; thank you EVER SO MUCH for all of your guidance efforts, and time. God bless you !!! I appreciate everything you do...
Your sailor will have to schedule the shipping of his vehicle and personal items. My S had to go back to Charleston at the end of leave to meet the shipping company.
Nautical Mom we will be at prototype graduation on 2/11 as well! My son will be heading to Norfolk so not quite so far although Hawaii is a much nicer place to visit. Congratulations to your son!
Hello all. My son graduated from USMMA and is Charleston. Was to start in November but got rolled back to the class that is starting. How is everyone doing? Who else has an a child starting Nuke Sub Officer school? (May not be right name- I am still learning!)
Julie JW Congrats on your son graduating from USMMA. Is he going to Nuke school in Charleston next or sub school (SOBC)in Groton? If he is going to SOBC he will likely have my son as an instructor. If you have questions please reach to me and I will see if I have the answer. Officers at nuke school will start with power school and then prototype. If they go subs they will either before nuke school or after nuke school go to SOBC. ( sub officer basic course)
Good Evening Everyone!! I did not get a chance to post yesterday and say hi.
Nautical Mom & 4kidsforfun - Congratulations!! Wow, it is hard to believe that they are finishing Prototype. I lose track of where everyone is at in the pipeline. Yes, hopefully the weather cooperates. My son's was a windy, rainy day! We had quite the pictures! I was forever telling my son to hold on to his cover, I could just see it blowing off into the water.
Julie JW - Welcome we are glad you are here. I don't know how many loved ones of Nuke officers that we have here, but I am always interested in hearing about the experiences of all of our Nukes. I would definitely reach out to topdog1p and glean any information that you can.
JNMnavymomOH - Welcome Aboard! We are glad you have joined us. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions that you might have about the Nuke pipeline.
Julie JW - My son is an officer, but hasn't gone through the officer side of the nuke pipeline yet. He went through the enlisted side, then was accepted into the STA-21 program. Right now he's deployed, and will probably be back in Charleston around the end of this year. I'll be eager to hear your Nuke's experience!
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jan 17, 2022
Chipmunk
Good Morning Everyone!! I hope you all have a great day!!
Jan 18, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jan 18, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jan 19, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jan 20, 2022
Mama Bear
Hi All, and Happy New Year! It's been a while since I was on here. I found a local FB group of Navy Moms that has been my sounding board. But I am venturing into new territory and need your suggestions. My Nuke is graduating from Power School in a few weeks and this will be his first graduation that we are able to attend. Any suggestions for making the trip memorable, traditions to uphold at/for graduation, things to see/do in or around Charleston? Thanks in advance for your help. I'm so excited to finally see him in uniform in person. We have only seen two "selfies" and his boot camp grad photo of him in uniform. He's not much for showing off and he has chosen to not wear or bring uniforms when he has come home.
Jan 20, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mama Bear - I "bumped" the discussion on sightseeing in Charleston up above. There's some fun things listed there to see and do. So glad you are able to go for Power School graduation. I'm sure no matter what you end up doing you'll have a great time!
Jan 20, 2022
Mama Bear
B'sNukeMom thanks. I'll check it out.
Jan 20, 2022
Chipmunk
Mama Bear - It is so good to hear from you. I miss not having more people asking about graduations and where to go or what to see.
So, note (and someone had updated me to more recent but I forget now) I think the shop where they sell memorabelia, T-shirts, coins, etc at NNPTC closes at noon or earlier on Friday. If you want to get something from there, be sure your sailor knows that. Mine was busy with getting his orders, and we had inclement weather that put our graduation inside with two groups, so we did not get around to the store - I didn't even know where it was or that it was there - until it was closing.
Also, be sure to get pictures with your sailor in uniform (no tag or know how to delete it). I am sure you plan to, but I was recently needing a picture of my son in his uniform with family and thankfully, I had his graduation pictures we had someone take for us.
I don't recall what all is posted in the siteseeing discussion but note, Charleston was all street side parking meter payment when we were there last. And I think you could pay with a card. Be sure to double check Charleston's visitor center website for up-to-date information on the parking meters. At one point they were free after a certain time, but by the next time we were there, they had changed and charged on Sat. as well. Their website also has information on things to do.
We also helped our son buy some things for his apartment and to be able to make his own meals, a lunch bag for taking food to Prototype (they had no cafeteria at the time). and just general things he might need in his apartment.
Jan 21, 2022
CanukaVet
Mama Bear - Congratulations on your son's upcoming Power School graduation. That is the big one, size-wise.
We made it to Charleston two of the four planned trips...to deliver his car (during A School) and for A school grad. Then Covid hit.
First take photos of him in uniform and group shots...we took them in the quad. Who knows when you will see him again in uniform.
There are many wonderful things to do & see; it really depends on your interests.
The USS Yorktown at Patriots Point is a good intro to ship board life.
The HL Hundley is a Civil War submarine that was found in the 1990s. The museum is only open on weekends.
Downtown Charleston.
Fort Sumter (only accessible by boat).
Any of the many plantations, homes and gardens.
Olde Charlestown for history of the original settlement.
Savannah, Georgia -- we did a day trip from Charleston.
Our first time was over Thanksgiving, son stayed with us at a Downtown hotel. For A school grad, we rented a car and stayed near Northwoods Mall or Airport - closer to base.
Two final thoughts:
1. My experience was all before covid.
2. Our son was torn between spending time with us and relaxing with his buddies after being under so much pressure. We expected to see each other in 8 months, it was really 13 months.
Have a great trip!
Jan 21, 2022
Northwoodsmom
Mama Bear and others in SC, prayers for safe travels, freezing rain is in the forecast today for the area. Lord protect all of you!
Jan 21, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jan 21, 2022
Know Weigh
I just wanted to add my 2 cents on the topic of exploring Charleston. There is a great Visitors' Center in downtown Charleston on Meeting Street. They have tons of pamphlets of things to do in Charleston and you can even book tours there--bus tours, historic building tours, etc.
We booked a bus tour that was a good start to give an overview of the city and then you can decide what to explore in greater depth. The tour guide gave a lot of history. He seemed to know his stuff.
Also, there are free shuttle buses that travel to different points of interest. It's called DASH--Downtown Area SHuttle. There are 3 lines, Orange, Green, and Purple. All 3 of these lines stop at the Visitors' Center. I don't know if I can post links here, but here goes: https://www.ridecarta.com/services/dash/
Jan 21, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
If you have time stop by and see the Angel Oak Tree:
Angel Oak Tree
Jan 21, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Cheers to our sweet daughter in love as she celebrates another trip around the sun! Happy Birthday C!
Jan 22, 2022
Chipmunk
Wish her Happy Birthday from us!!
Hi Know Weigh - Thanks for sharing about the shuttle services and such!!
I also second the Angel Tree!
Thinking about all of our east coast sailors who received the snowfall!!
Jan 22, 2022
Chipmunk
Good Morning Everyone! I was so focused the other day on the weather that my sailor was having in his area that I forgot to check and see if GC had any snow?
Another reason we always say stay flexible, is the weather. When my sailor was at NNPTC, after Christmas standdown for his A school, they had an unprecedented snowfall. I believe they shut down for almost a week, thus they delayed their graduation by a week. And then his class did not have the same extended leave opportunity that some of the other classes around him had.
My son also evacuated NNPTC twice while there due to hurricanes. That also caused delays with PS graduation. That one was to my benefit, as I was dealing with a lot of family issues at the time, but it still meant being in limbo until the last minute with travel plans.
Jan 24, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jan 24, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jan 25, 2022
Chipmunk
That was me this morning!! Trying to wake up!
Jan 25, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jan 26, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jan 27, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Happy Friday! I've got my RED on ;-D
Jan 28, 2022
Nautical Mom
Happy Friday All!
I'm going to Prototype Graduation 2/11 - the final one!!! and I'm excited and proud. However, my sailor has orders for Hawaii; do you know how long he'll be in Charleston after graduation before he leaves for Hawaii??
Jan 28, 2022
CSW
BZ to you and your sailor Nautical Mom! Will he be shipping a vehicle? My sailor's travel orders were changed several times before they were finalized because he was arriving during stand down and he needed to work out from where he would leave his vehicle for shipment. I believe my sailor also requested and took some leave during this time so he could come home and pack what he wanted to take with him to Hawaii. Once he gets his airline assignment he can check on the luggage dimensions. We ended up purchasing plastic trunks on wheels instead of suitcases which made transport on either end a bit easier. You can purchase most of what you need in Hawaii, but he was glad he packed things like his baseball glove and favorite fry pan.
Jan 28, 2022
Chipmunk
Nautical Mom - That is great!! Congratulations to your sailor!
Jan 28, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Nautical Mom - BZ to your sailor on completing the nuc pipeline! Usually they get 30 days leave before reporting to their next duty station, but nothing is set in stone. It should say in his hard orders.....hopefully he has them already?
Jan 28, 2022
Northwoodsmom
Congratulations Nautical Mom, I know how very hard they work to get there!
Jan 28, 2022
Nautical Mom
Thank you Northwoodsmom !!! : )
Jan 28, 2022
Nautical Mom
Hi CSW - yes, he is planning to take his vehicle and take leave, but I thought and was told that the Navy would pack him and take care of all of his shipping?? I am so confused and in Mom mode with my truck to go pack him in Charleston --- at least now I know what questions to ask him when I am there...AND I WILL BRING PLASTIC BUCKETS with Me...thank you so much !!
Jan 28, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ JNMnavymomOH!
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.
Jan 28, 2022
Nautical Mom
Thank you Chipmunk :)
Jan 28, 2022
Nautical Mom
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN
30 days' leave would be amazing!!! more questions to ask him, you have been a godsend for me on this site since boot camp and GC; thank you EVER SO MUCH for all of your guidance efforts, and time. God bless you !!! I appreciate everything you do...
Jan 28, 2022
Nautical Mom
JNMnavymomOH!
Welcome aboard!
Jan 28, 2022
somar
Jan 28, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Nautical Mom - thank you! And I will keep my fingers crossed he does get the full 30 days!
Jan 28, 2022
JNMnavymomOH
Thank you! We are just starting our journey and am trying to learn lots and prepare him (and myself) well.
Jan 28, 2022
Nautical Mom
Somar - I'm only 4 hours from Charleston in Georgia so I could make that work, but good to know!
Jan 28, 2022
Nautical Mom
Thank you B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN :) my heart is so full right now !
Jan 28, 2022
Nautical Mom
JNMnavymomOH
You are in the right place for support! and congrats to your and your sailor!
Jan 28, 2022
4kidsforfun
Nautical Mom we will be at prototype graduation on 2/11 as well! My son will be heading to Norfolk so not quite so far although Hawaii is a much nicer place to visit. Congratulations to your son!
Jan 28, 2022
Julie JW
Jan 28, 2022
Julie JW
Jan 28, 2022
Gigi
Congratulations- Nautical Mom and 4kidsforfun
Welcome to our group - JNMNavymomOH
Hello Julie JW!
Jan 28, 2022
topdog1p
Julie JW Congrats on your son graduating from USMMA. Is he going to Nuke school in Charleston next or sub school (SOBC)in Groton? If he is going to SOBC he will likely have my son as an instructor. If you have questions please reach to me and I will see if I have the answer. Officers at nuke school will start with power school and then prototype. If they go subs they will either before nuke school or after nuke school go to SOBC. ( sub officer basic course)
Jan 28, 2022
Julie JW
Jan 28, 2022
Julie JW
Jan 28, 2022
Nautical Mom
4kidsforfun Congratulations! let's hope the weather cooperates.
Jan 29, 2022
Chipmunk
Good Evening Everyone!! I did not get a chance to post yesterday and say hi.
Nautical Mom & 4kidsforfun - Congratulations!! Wow, it is hard to believe that they are finishing Prototype. I lose track of where everyone is at in the pipeline. Yes, hopefully the weather cooperates. My son's was a windy, rainy day! We had quite the pictures! I was forever telling my son to hold on to his cover, I could just see it blowing off into the water.
Julie JW - Welcome we are glad you are here. I don't know how many loved ones of Nuke officers that we have here, but I am always interested in hearing about the experiences of all of our Nukes. I would definitely reach out to topdog1p and glean any information that you can.
JNMnavymomOH - Welcome Aboard! We are glad you have joined us. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions that you might have about the Nuke pipeline.
Jan 29, 2022
PacNWmom
Julie JW - My son is an officer, but hasn't gone through the officer side of the nuke pipeline yet. He went through the enlisted side, then was accepted into the STA-21 program. Right now he's deployed, and will probably be back in Charleston around the end of this year. I'll be eager to hear your Nuke's experience!
Jan 30, 2022