DOREMI - There aren't really any restrictions except for the fact that they don't have a lot of storage room so keep that in mind. Is his ship deployed? And you can send boxes other than the USPS boxes.
DOREMI - I wasn't able to reply earlier and I would have told you to check with your sailor's ombudsman. So, I am glad that B'sNukeMom could give you better information about mailing a package.
I will say that my son's ship did an organized drop when they were out on an underway during the height of COVID. Due to the logistics of that specific drop, there were size restrictions on the boxes. Unfortunately, most of us who lived at a distance were not able to participate since it was a local drop off and we did not have enough time to mail anything. Some of the local moms did offer to make up boxes and deliver for us, if we wished.
In another group we have also talked about the length of time that packages can get to the ships and that once they are turned over to the military from the USPS, you are no longer able to track them.
I already sent a package early this afternoon.. I bought a medium size box(19L,14W,17H) at Walmart. I packed all different kinds of snacks, ramen, etc. It weighed 27 pounds and was $37 to ship. All the snacks and eats, he'll share with his friends.
DOREMI - I am glad you were able to get your box shipped.
FYI for future reference, here is the link to the USPS large flat rate box - Priority Mail Flat Rate® APO/FPO Box - MILIFRB | USPS.com - if you scroll down there is information about mailing to the military. It might have been a little smaller but with the flat rate shipping weight it may have been cheaper.
Did you still have to fill out a customs form? That was the daunting part for me when I did send a box to my sailor before. I needed to refresh my memory on all of this for upcoming sea time. - If you are not close to a PO you may order these boxes and they deliver them for free to you, I believe. Otherwise, I pick up just a couple at a time when I go into the PO.
DOREMI - I think the most daunting thing for me with the customs form was having to assign a weight amount to everything. Our postmaster weighed the box for me and gave me a total and then I had to itemize and assign a weight to everything for it to add up. I don't know if others do it that way, but that was what caused me angst.
I am glad that you were able to get the box mailed to your sailor.
DOREMI & Chipmunk --- the form was intimidating the first time, filled it manually the went to the po to make sure.
From then on I used USPS Click & Send. I paid on line, the app printed a form that was both label and for Customs. Yes, still had to itemize and weigh everything...I already had a household postal scale. When done it is bar coded so you can just give it to your local carrier or p.o. Our closest is a carrier annex that doesn't handle $$$$ but took the package.
Also, I used USPS priority mail boxes. Seemed to be cheaper for heavy stuff as long as you don't exceed the max weight.
I used individually wrapped hard candy as filler to help with contents movement. My son wanted low sugar Red Bull so I wrapped each can separately in a sealed plastic bag then in bubble wrap. These fit nicely in and around the other items.
My son said he and shipmates were able to get what they needed directly through Amazon. He was on a carrier so might not work on smaller ships.
Canuka - Thank you!! I am not sure I would be as bold as you to ship canned drinks like that but using the hard candy as filler is a great idea!! I know my son asks for hard candy a lot, because it gets dry down where they are at.
It's also a good idea to line the inside of the box with a trash bag. Put everything in and then seal up the bag before you close the box. That way if another box around yours has something break open (liquid) it won't ruin what's in your box!
Recommend to limit your time watching news reports as they will hype things and will cause most to fret and worry more than normal.
Do not listen to others' speculation. Speculations turn into rumors. Rumors feed fear. This just makes people worry more.
Do not call your sailor and let them know how scared you are over the issues going on in the world. They need to be focused on their school, their ship command, or wherever they are currently at. Your fears could be a distraction they do not need.
The U.S. Navy will not rush anyone through training. An untrained sailor would be more of a danger and hindrance to the fleet.
The U.S. Navy will not recall all sailors and put all ships to sea. We have had forces in place for a few weeks, but they are just there as a show of force. The U.S. Navy will not put all their eggs in one basket so to speak.
DO NOT POST what you think is OPSEC. All the admin are aware of what is and is not OPSEC and we have post control for a reason. We will control the narrative on this topic.
Finally, say your prayers as in reality, this will be all you can do as the family of any service member. Remember they took an oath and now are adults having to do adult things.
STAY ANCHORED DURING THIS STORM AND SUPPORT YOUR SAILORS
thank you for posting the piece from the Navy Dads group. Great information and so helpful at this time. As always praying for our leaders and our troops.
Northwoodsmom, thank you so much for asking. I'm so sorry, but I haven't been reading things from this page because life had gotten so crazy in the last couple of months. I logged in today to ask a question and I saw that you had asked how my son likes it at GC. Thank you for asking - he loves it there! He got rolled back because we all got Covid over Christmas and he was delayed returning to GC for 3 days. At first, he was disappointed that he didn't get to be in the same group as his friends from BC, but he is doing well with his new group.
Sadly, both my MIL and my father passed away on the same day last week (Tuesday). He was able to come home for my MIL's funeral on Saturday, but couldn't go to my dad's funeral yesterday because he didn't want to get rolled back again. (And we were fine with that.)
Nautical Mom - I hope you had a great day!! Sorry, I did not say hi earlier.
MomofJoseph - I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your loved ones. My sister's FIL passed away the same day as our mother did, so I understand how much you have been going through, not only physically but also emotionally. I am glad that your son is doing well with his new group.
Northwoodsmom - Thank you for checking on MomofJoseph, I have to admit, I have a hard time keeping up with everyone.
MomofJoseph, I am so sorry for the loss of your MIL and FIL. I know you were happy to have your son home even under those circumstances. Having to make new friends after being rolled back is tough but it is so good your son is handling it well and likes his new group. Just wanted to let you know I am keeping him in my prayers along with you and that you were in my thoughts. God Bless.
mamabearto3 - First of all congratulations to your sailor!! I am not certain about the videos, I thought there was a FB page for NNPTC but all I am finding is one for buying and swapping items.
Here is the ombudsman information, scroll to the bottom of the screen and you will find contact information - she might be your best option if no one else is able to direct you.
mamabearto3 - the NNPTC FB page has pictures posted from today's graduation - Classes 2207-A & 2149-M. Search "Naval Nuclear Power Training Command" for the group name. They usually post the video on YouTube - and they do have a link in the FB group.
B'sNukeMom - Thank you!! I might be able to type in NNPTC in Google Maps and get the right thing to pull up but I will remember next time to type it all out for FB - because the other was not doing the job.
mamabearto3 - I hope you were able to find what you wanted!! Again, congratulations to your sailor!!
mamabearto3 - I just checked the FB page and as of 45 minutes ago they had posted the YouTube video of the A school graduation - Class 2208-A & 2150-T.
mamabearto3 - I hope you were able to find the graduation video.
Just saying hi!! I know our sailors are working hard, whether out in the fleet or at school. It seems like their training and qualifications never end. And sleep and work are always rotating schedules, at least for mine. Thinking about everyone!
I am posting this link to a news article from my local area. I can't recall who this is relevant to, but if you message me privately or post on my page, then I will send the link to you directly and delete this post. Sorry - I just don't want to share it with the wrong person. We had chatted about it, but now I can't search easily for that chat.
Chipmunk, I don't think we talked about it or maybe we did, I don't remember. Stan was my cousin! I'll be in OKCity for the shrine dedication in November. Will you be there?
Chipmunk, thanks for sharing this story. It wasn’t me that you were talking with about it but I’m so glad you posted it! What an incredible story. And how cool, NancyJo, that he is your cousin!
Good Morning!! I don't know if anyone else had issues but I could not get logged into the site last night. I kept having error issues.
NancyJo (NNPTC) - I thought I had chatted with you but could not remember. I don't know if I will be at the shrine dedication or not but be sure to message me before that time and I will see. It has been very interesting to watch the shrine be built, from the bulldozing of the land and even what tended to just look like a dirt mound, to find out it had a purpose to the shrine itself. I have not been by it for some time now, but I need to take a trip over there.
Tulip - I am glad you were blessed by the story. My husband found the link for me. With our winter weather, we have had the local news on more and they announced doing this piece, but then we missed it.
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
DOREMI - There aren't really any restrictions except for the fact that they don't have a lot of storage room so keep that in mind. Is his ship deployed? And you can send boxes other than the USPS boxes.
Feb 22, 2022
DOREMI
Thank you. B'snukeMoM.
Yes, the ship deployed on Jan.3, 2022.
Feb 22, 2022
Chipmunk
DOREMI - I wasn't able to reply earlier and I would have told you to check with your sailor's ombudsman. So, I am glad that B'sNukeMom could give you better information about mailing a package.
I will say that my son's ship did an organized drop when they were out on an underway during the height of COVID. Due to the logistics of that specific drop, there were size restrictions on the boxes. Unfortunately, most of us who lived at a distance were not able to participate since it was a local drop off and we did not have enough time to mail anything. Some of the local moms did offer to make up boxes and deliver for us, if we wished.
In another group we have also talked about the length of time that packages can get to the ships and that once they are turned over to the military from the USPS, you are no longer able to track them.
Feb 22, 2022
DOREMI
Thank you Chipmunk!
I already sent a package early this afternoon.. I bought a medium size box(19L,14W,17H) at Walmart. I packed all different kinds of snacks, ramen, etc. It weighed 27 pounds and was $37 to ship. All the snacks and eats, he'll share with his friends.
Feb 22, 2022
Chipmunk
DOREMI - I am glad you were able to get your box shipped.
FYI for future reference, here is the link to the USPS large flat rate box - Priority Mail Flat Rate® APO/FPO Box - MILIFRB | USPS.com - if you scroll down there is information about mailing to the military. It might have been a little smaller but with the flat rate shipping weight it may have been cheaper.
Did you still have to fill out a customs form? That was the daunting part for me when I did send a box to my sailor before. I needed to refresh my memory on all of this for upcoming sea time. - If you are not close to a PO you may order these boxes and they deliver them for free to you, I believe. Otherwise, I pick up just a couple at a time when I go into the PO.
Feb 22, 2022
DOREMI
Yes. I filled out the customer form and itemized contents.
Feb 22, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Feb 23, 2022
Chipmunk
DOREMI - I think the most daunting thing for me with the customs form was having to assign a weight amount to everything. Our postmaster weighed the box for me and gave me a total and then I had to itemize and assign a weight to everything for it to add up. I don't know if others do it that way, but that was what caused me angst.
I am glad that you were able to get the box mailed to your sailor.
Feb 23, 2022
CanukaVet
From then on I used USPS Click & Send. I paid on line, the app printed a form that was both label and for Customs. Yes, still had to itemize and weigh everything...I already had a household postal scale. When done it is bar coded so you can just give it to your local carrier or p.o. Our closest is a carrier annex that doesn't handle $$$$ but took the package.
Also, I used USPS priority mail boxes. Seemed to be cheaper for heavy stuff as long as you don't exceed the max weight.
I used individually wrapped hard candy as filler to help with contents movement. My son wanted low sugar Red Bull so I wrapped each can separately in a sealed plastic bag then in bubble wrap. These fit nicely in and around the other items.
My son said he and shipmates were able to get what they needed directly through Amazon. He was on a carrier so might not work on smaller ships.
Feb 23, 2022
Chipmunk
Canuka - Thank you!! I am not sure I would be as bold as you to ship canned drinks like that but using the hard candy as filler is a great idea!! I know my son asks for hard candy a lot, because it gets dry down where they are at.
Feb 24, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Feb 24, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
It's also a good idea to line the inside of the box with a trash bag. Put everything in and then seal up the bag before you close the box. That way if another box around yours has something break open (liquid) it won't ruin what's in your box!
Feb 24, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
From Navy Dads (as shared by another mom on here)
⚓️STAY ANCHORED IN THE TRUTH⚓️
NERVES WILL BE RATTLED OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS!
Recommend to limit your time watching news reports as they will hype things and will cause most to fret and worry more than normal.
Do not listen to others' speculation. Speculations turn into rumors. Rumors feed fear. This just makes people worry more.
Do not call your sailor and let them know how scared you are over the issues going on in the world. They need to be focused on their school, their ship command, or wherever they are currently at. Your fears could be a distraction they do not need.
The U.S. Navy will not rush anyone through training. An untrained sailor would be more of a danger and hindrance to the fleet.
The U.S. Navy will not recall all sailors and put all ships to sea. We have had forces in place for a few weeks, but they are just there as a show of force. The U.S. Navy will not put all their eggs in one basket so to speak.
DO NOT POST what you think is OPSEC. All the admin are aware of what is and is not OPSEC and we have post control for a reason. We will control the narrative on this topic.
Finally, say your prayers as in reality, this will be all you can do as the family of any service member. Remember they took an oath and now are adults having to do adult things.
STAY ANCHORED DURING THIS STORM AND SUPPORT YOUR SAILORS
Feb 24, 2022
Chipmunk
B'sNukeMom - that is a good idea about the trash bag to protect your own box from another's possible mishaps.
I appreciate the post as well. Thank you!!
Feb 24, 2022
momc
B’sNukemom
thank you for posting the piece from the Navy Dads group. Great information and so helpful at this time. As always praying for our leaders and our troops.
Feb 24, 2022
Northwoodsmom
MomofJoseph, just wondering how things have been going with you, does your son like Goose Creek?
Feb 25, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Feb 25, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Feb 28, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 1, 2022
Nautical Mom
Happy Tuesday y'all :)
Mar 1, 2022
MomofJoseph
Northwoodsmom, thank you so much for asking. I'm so sorry, but I haven't been reading things from this page because life had gotten so crazy in the last couple of months. I logged in today to ask a question and I saw that you had asked how my son likes it at GC. Thank you for asking - he loves it there! He got rolled back because we all got Covid over Christmas and he was delayed returning to GC for 3 days. At first, he was disappointed that he didn't get to be in the same group as his friends from BC, but he is doing well with his new group.
Sadly, both my MIL and my father passed away on the same day last week (Tuesday). He was able to come home for my MIL's funeral on Saturday, but couldn't go to my dad's funeral yesterday because he didn't want to get rolled back again. (And we were fine with that.)
Mar 1, 2022
Chipmunk
Nautical Mom - I hope you had a great day!! Sorry, I did not say hi earlier.
MomofJoseph - I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your loved ones. My sister's FIL passed away the same day as our mother did, so I understand how much you have been going through, not only physically but also emotionally. I am glad that your son is doing well with his new group.
Northwoodsmom - Thank you for checking on MomofJoseph, I have to admit, I have a hard time keeping up with everyone.
Mar 1, 2022
Northwoodsmom
MomofJoseph, I am so sorry for the loss of your MIL and FIL. I know you were happy to have your son home even under those circumstances. Having to make new friends after being rolled back is tough but it is so good your son is handling it well and likes his new group. Just wanted to let you know I am keeping him in my prayers along with you and that you were in my thoughts. God Bless.
Mar 2, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 2, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
MomofJoseph - I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Mar 2, 2022
CanukaVet
Mar 2, 2022
CanukaVet
Mar 2, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 3, 2022
mamabearto3
Hello ladies! Does anyone know where they will post the recorded video from A school graduation tomorrow? 03/04/2022 Thank you in advance
Mar 4, 2022
Chipmunk
mamabearto3 - First of all congratulations to your sailor!! I am not certain about the videos, I thought there was a FB page for NNPTC but all I am finding is one for buying and swapping items.
Here is the ombudsman information, scroll to the bottom of the screen and you will find contact information - she might be your best option if no one else is able to direct you.
Naval Sea Systems Command > Home > NNPTC > Ombudsman (navy...
Mar 4, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 4, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
mamabearto3 - the NNPTC FB page has pictures posted from today's graduation - Classes 2207-A & 2149-M. Search "Naval Nuclear Power Training Command" for the group name. They usually post the video on YouTube - and they do have a link in the FB group.
Mar 4, 2022
Chipmunk
B'sNukeMom - Thank you!! I might be able to type in NNPTC in Google Maps and get the right thing to pull up but I will remember next time to type it all out for FB - because the other was not doing the job.
mamabearto3 - I hope you were able to find what you wanted!! Again, congratulations to your sailor!!
Mar 4, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
mamabearto3 - I just checked the FB page and as of 45 minutes ago they had posted the YouTube video of the A school graduation - Class 2208-A & 2150-T.
Mar 5, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 7, 2022
Chipmunk
Good Morning Everyone!!
mamabearto3 - I hope you were able to find the graduation video.
Just saying hi!! I know our sailors are working hard, whether out in the fleet or at school. It seems like their training and qualifications never end. And sleep and work are always rotating schedules, at least for mine. Thinking about everyone!
Mar 7, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 8, 2022
Chipmunk
Good Morning Everyone - I sure would not mind hanging out at the beach with Snoopy and Woodstock!
Mar 8, 2022
Chipmunk
I am posting this link to a news article from my local area. I can't recall who this is relevant to, but if you message me privately or post on my page, then I will send the link to you directly and delete this post. Sorry - I just don't want to share it with the wrong person. We had chatted about it, but now I can't search easily for that chat.
Inside The Shrine: Remembering Blessed Stanley Rother (news9.com)
Mar 8, 2022
NancyJo (NNPTC)
Chipmunk, I don't think we talked about it or maybe we did, I don't remember. Stan was my cousin! I'll be in OKCity for the shrine dedication in November. Will you be there?
Mar 8, 2022
Tulip
Mar 8, 2022
Chipmunk
Good Morning!! I don't know if anyone else had issues but I could not get logged into the site last night. I kept having error issues.
NancyJo (NNPTC) - I thought I had chatted with you but could not remember. I don't know if I will be at the shrine dedication or not but be sure to message me before that time and I will see. It has been very interesting to watch the shrine be built, from the bulldozing of the land and even what tended to just look like a dirt mound, to find out it had a purpose to the shrine itself. I have not been by it for some time now, but I need to take a trip over there.
Tulip - I am glad you were blessed by the story. My husband found the link for me. With our winter weather, we have had the local news on more and they announced doing this piece, but then we missed it.
Mar 9, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 9, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Chipmunk - yes, the site was wonky last night! I'm glad to see it's ok this morning ;-D
Mar 9, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
NancyJo - that is very cool. Thanks for sharing the story Chipmunk.
Mar 9, 2022
NancyJo (NNPTC)
Chipmunk, thanks, I will be in touch!
Mar 9, 2022
Chipmunk
I am glad the site has "behaved" today!
Mar 10, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 10, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 11, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Mar 14, 2022