Nautical Mom - is your sailor on a ship or in the yards? / Base? I don't know much about Hawaii - Maybe one of those moms will reply. I also don't recall where you are located at, with regards to time zone difference between you and your sailor.
What I do know is that my son was able to email from the ship sometimes. They also have access to cell service at times, in various areas of the ship, depending on where it is at. So, it might be that when he has a break or is leaving after a duty shift that he is able to text you.
I would just text him messages and not worry about whether he is able to answer or not. I figure if my son is able to talk or text, he will reach out to me, but then my kids are just use to the fact that I answer the phone all the time. I honestly rarely even turn my phone off in the doctor's office - it has always been my kid's lifeline to me. I also have the privilege of not having to silence or be without my phone much. Although there are times like this morning when I had it plugged in charging and forgot to take back with me when I was getting a shower.
Nautical Mom- If you son's boat is in shipyard they must leave their phones in car or gate. If they are in harbor they must check them before entering boat. I do not know about carriers. Once deployed phones are wiped when they get on and off. You will have an email connection but it will be read by others. Same with mail. Right now there's a five hour difference Central Daylight Time. I agree with Chipmunk, texting when you can is best and he'll be in contact when he can.
Nautical Mom - Yes, my son is on a carrier, and he seems to have a different set of parameters at times, depending on what they are doing. I have heard that they have had their phones locked or taped or something like that during certain training situations. Then at other times they have access to their phones.
Morning - hope all are well. Today is my son's 1 year anniversary of joining the Navy. He's still in school, (Power) and he's doing well. Listening to you all, I feel like the newb, but thank you all for posting what you can. Have a wonderful day
Pizanche - Mine went in 5 years ago - in one sense it seems like just yesterday and I am still learning, then in another sense, I am ready for him to be done, but unfortunately, it is not likely that he will be coming back home any time soon. My DIL reenlisted so I will be around for a while.
Welcome to our newest member ~ tammybikerunfaithlove!
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.
Thanks ladies - I think it might be a little humid for me but hopefully not too bad. We are going to just take it easy, going to go kayaking one day and take in a Detroit Tigers game on the 4th of July. Other than that we just plan on relaxing! I so need this lol!
Thank you for the welcome B'sNukeMom! My son's ship date is July 11th for bootcamp. He is starting to seriously question if he made the right choice after talking with some nukes and reading some pros/cons about being a nuke online. Came here to learn a little more about the life of a nuke. He's currently talking with his recruiter about switching to Cryptology. He's an engineer at heart - but I also don't want him to be miserable.
Travel day for us today - heading to the airport soon. So far flights look good!
tbrfl (tammybikerunfaithlove) - His recruiter will probably do his best to talk him OUT of .switching Just know that no matter what the recruiter says he DOES have the right to request a change (could delay his ship date) or even decide NOT to go period up until the final MEPS on 7/11. Of course, there would have to be an opening in another rate and that could take time.
But with that said also let him know that although yes, this is a difficult program it's not impossible. It's not unusual to question their decision before they leave. Just make sure that he is in the right frame of mind once he leaves. He has to be 100% mentally prepared or he could end up being sent home. The first 3-4 weeks of BC are hard on some of them but it DOES get better lol! Hang in there, tell him he's got this and keep us updated!
tbrfl - I am glad that B'sNukeMom was able to reply!
First of all - Welcome to the Nuke Moms group. I would also like to invite you to join the Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) - Navy For Moms (ning.com) - please come there and ask any questions that you have about the BC aspects of your son's Navy journey.
B'sNukeMom gave a very good reply. I am also sending you a friend request.
Pizanche - I'm glad that power school is going well. Be sure to remind your kid to have nukes with different ratings in the study group. A lot of them tend to stick with their friends from A School which can leave holes in their knowledge.
tammybikerunfaithlove - There's nothing wrong with changing. Sometimes young people are influenced by the bonus money that nukes can get and don't take their own temperament into consideration. Have they given him a rating? My son is good with his hands (i.e. took all sorts of things apart that he shouldn't have as a kid) and went in guaranteed MMN. I know that sometimes they don't know until towards the end of bootcamp. I have a friend whose son switched from nuke to cryptology and he liked code breaking so much that he's still working for the NSA even though he's out of the Navy.
@sunflower - thanks. My son is also good with his hands - we knew he was an engineer from the time he was little. Recruiter told him the only cryptology opening is on a sub - so he's sticking with nuke and hoping for the best. Did your son's friend switch prior to bootcamp? I think code breaking sounds pretty cool.
my son is a nuke and has never regretted his choice. Yes, some of the courses are difficult, but if your son has done well in math and science, he should do very well. I remember there was one class in A school that most nukes struggled with, but then they all were assigned more study hours. Keep in mind that the instructors will do everything they can to help your son succeed. Your son will be a great addition to the Navy. Just for your reference, my son is an ET, not his choice coming out of boot camp, but it really worked out well for him. Stay strong and positive
tammybikerunfaithlove - I think that he switched during bootcamp which is pretty rare. They tend to want kids that are good with math and/or languages for cryptologist. They'll be sent to school for the language(s) that the Navy needs. If your son wants to be a machinist mate nuclear his recruiter should let him get that rate as a guaranteed rating. But that does depend on what the Navy needs.
@momc - my son is more concerned about life as a nuke - hours without sun, really long shifts (not the 8 hour shifts the recruiter sold him), little time for a life outside of the navy - never mind time for relationships...etc. No idea what he'll end up doing - he'll find out after bootcamp.
Yes, the hours can be long, but the sailors seem to find time that they can do something they enjoy. Once they get to A school, they do have a set schedule for classes, watch, studying,etc. so, somehow they do find time to build friendships and time to themselves . My son would study to meet his assigned hours and if he needed more time, he studied more. Once in the fleet, their schedules are set and sometimes the hours are long especially if they are short staffed. Once they get settled in their schedule and know what is expected, they seem to find their way. My son was on a fast attack sub, which had a smaller crew than a boomer sub or a carrier. Because of the smaller crew, he got to know most sailors on the sub. They help each other because they all want to be successful. Your son will find his way. It’s always difficult when they are heading into the unknown, but the other sailors will guide him
Also, my son very much enjoyed his experience on the sub
I finally have something to add...my sailor just made it through the pipeline and is now in Hawaii at JBPHH but I can tell you that my sailor struggled through ALL OF IT! This group of mom's saved me and your sailor will make it through as well. He was so stressed out, rolled back in 6 wks in power school, swore he wouldn't make it through A school but they do...they get more hours and what the Navy did was teach my sailor how to learn - what an epiphany it was and then everything fell into place. I feel like we all go through the changes because we love them so but in the end, it will work out. I
I got a text from my deployed son! I hadn't heard anything from him since February, and while I know no news is good news, it made this mama's heart SO happy to hear from him!! He's on his way home from deployment, and said he'll call in the next few days. I can't wait to actually talk to him! He said his deployment was quite challenging (he used saltier language). For those who don't know/remember, he's an officer (ensign) on a destroyer right now.
I'm thinking of all y'all who haven't heard from your sailors in a while for whatever reason. Hang in there, I know how hard the waiting can be. I'll be wearing red today for sure!
tammybikerunfaithlove I waited to post this to you because I wanted to take time and collect my thoughts. My son spent 2 years in Goose Creek almost finishing Power School when he was pulled from the programs because of 2 low test scores. He was given a new rate and is doing super. Recruiters do seem to push the Nuclear program when they have a recruit that test high. My thought process is this even after going through the stress of the Nuclear program it is a golden opportunity. Yes it is gruesome, the extra study time the worry the disappointments everything about it can be either rewarding or heartbreaking. It is a experience I am so grateful my son had. It built so much character in him and so much knowledge that no one can take away. He will take it all into the next adventure he has been given. The only failure in life is not trying. In school I refuse to let my children quit something they started no matter how they struggled because I knew eventually it would be a lesson. Of course you can't choose for your son but I wouldn't discourage him because I see knowledge and wisdom as a gift, if it's not meant to be God will change the path he is on. Prayers to you on this journey, he will need your support every step of the way no matter what happens.
Q's Momma - I am glad you found the Nuke Mom group. I am sure B'sNukeMom will post a welcome when she is able, but I wanted to say hi from this group as well. One thing about Nuke school, there are a few more opportunities for you to come visit your sailors as long as they have the graduations open to the public. (Many recent members were not able to attend during the covid restrictions.) It is a long distance for you to travel and time zone times will make it harder for you to connect with your sailor once he is at GC but setting up a plan for phone calls and being aware of his schedule will help. Be sure to read my schedule that I posted above. Staying active in this group, even if it is to just say hi occasionally helps those of us sticking around to be mindful of who is still at GC versus out in the fleet.
NorthwoodsMom - thank you so much for your thoughtful words and for sharing your sons story. You have a wonderful perspective on it all - you are so right - no matter what happens - it will be good for him in the end and will make him a stronger person for it. Just days away from him shipping off to BC - I'm trying to hold it together.
Happy Belated 4th to all! We had a lovely family day on the lake. Precious moments for sure!
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.
tammybiker - I had hoped to sit down and ask my son to give me some specifics with regards to your son's questions, but it just never worked out - my apologies.
Yes, the school hours are long and hard, depending on how well your son picks up on the information and is able to work through it. Be sure to have him read my discussion above and talk about at least when good opportunities are for you or him to call and stay connected with family.
For some of the sailors, calls and texts, why they are very much appreciated can lead to times of homesickness and that is hard to deal with when they are studying so much. For my son, calling home helped him to stay grounded with what he was doing and why.
My son's schedule has been nothing of what the recruiters told him it would be - mostly longer and harder. The different subs, or ships that our sailors are on will determine how much time they work longer than a normal work day, usually.
My son's ship is First in class and so they have had a lot of time out to sea for tests and trials but then they have not had some of the other benefits that other ships who are out will have had. My son also got married this last year to another sailor and she has reenlisted, but he does not plan to next year. He left home, a month after graduating HS, and being a distance now from family, since we live in the Midwest, we aren't close to anything seaside, my son misses being able to be near his family, but that would occur with any rate. As for us, he is a very long solid 2 day drive, my oldest who also has my grandbaby lives a good 1 day drive away. The rest of my children are still close by.
Chipmunk - thanks for all of that. We will just take it day by day once he hits school. His girlfriend leaves for BC (also navy) a week after him - then she'll be in school for cryptology. It will be hard on them - though at least if they happen to have some similar free weekends, they can meet in the middle occasionally while in school. (5 hours of drive time will be between them).
Tammybiker - Navy married life is hard. Just some info, if two sailors are married, they will likely have to be offset of each other when it comes to shore duty and sea duty, because two of them cannot be out to sea at the same time.
tammybikerunfaithlove - I will do my best soon to send you a message with all that I have learned from my two sailors and their navigation to married life while in the Navy.
JayDee659 & NancyJo - How are you all doing? How are the kids / sailor - I am working on deleting old emails and found a post from around Christmas time.
Hey all! I'm looking for some guidance and advice. My son is returning from a six month deployment. My mom is in rapidly declining health and I need to let him know that we are putting her in hospice care in the next few days. Do I need to contact the Red Cross to do that? Should I give his wife a head's up about what's going on? Any advice is appreciated.
PacNWmom - personally I always figure the most direct route to communication is the best. So, yes, I would contact your DIL, as well if possible to let your son know. Then I would also contact American Red Cross, because I believe for your son to actually be able to get a leave chit approved, it has to go thru the Red Cross. I would at least contact them and see about getting the ball rolling, so that if things progress rapidly and you are dealing with your mom, then his approval might be in the works.
I believe you now have to contact them via the internet only, not 100% sure.
And my thoughts, love, and BNMHs I am sending your way. My mother passed away the winter before my son left for BC, his senior year that I was homeschooling him and it was really hard, just trying to juggle everything.
Hi Chipmunk, all is well with us. We actually just recently returned from spending several days in GC. My Nuke is enjoying the more regular schedule of shore duty and enjoys instructing. Her Nuke husband got out after his contract was up and is enjoying being a full time dog dad and house husband.
My daughter just re-enlisted again for the 2nd time. When she first enlisted I had no clue how quickly time would go by.
Hope everyone here is doing well. Welcome to all the new mommas.
JayDee659 - It is good to hear from you. We also returned from seeing our sailor and his wife as well. We finally had an opportunity to visit the ship. We missed the family day, due to other schedule conflicts that arose, it overlapped with when the kids could finally take their honeymoon trip. So, this Momma sucked it up and rejoiced that my kids had a wonderful honeymoon and I did not get to go out on the boat and see dolphins, but I did get a private tour when we were able to go see them. The other previous times we were out to see our sailor, the boat was in the shipyards.
I had to smile at your comment about your SIL being the full-time dog dad and house husband. Mine is planning on doing the same, but with cats and hopefully children before long. Although, I know my DIL expects him to finish his schooling as well. Time does fly by!
It's always nice when summer arrives and family visits take place! JayDee and Chipmunk - glad you had some fun family time!
PacNWmom - I'm so very sorry to hear about your mom. Definitely reach out to the Red Cross and hopefully your DIL can help with this too. Thinking of you....
Chipmunk
Nautical Mom - is your sailor on a ship or in the yards? / Base? I don't know much about Hawaii - Maybe one of those moms will reply. I also don't recall where you are located at, with regards to time zone difference between you and your sailor.
What I do know is that my son was able to email from the ship sometimes. They also have access to cell service at times, in various areas of the ship, depending on where it is at. So, it might be that when he has a break or is leaving after a duty shift that he is able to text you.
I would just text him messages and not worry about whether he is able to answer or not. I figure if my son is able to talk or text, he will reach out to me, but then my kids are just use to the fact that I answer the phone all the time. I honestly rarely even turn my phone off in the doctor's office - it has always been my kid's lifeline to me. I also have the privilege of not having to silence or be without my phone much. Although there are times like this morning when I had it plugged in charging and forgot to take back with me when I was getting a shower.
Jun 28, 2022
CSW
Nautical Mom- If you son's boat is in shipyard they must leave their phones in car or gate. If they are in harbor they must check them before entering boat. I do not know about carriers. Once deployed phones are wiped when they get on and off. You will have an email connection but it will be read by others. Same with mail. Right now there's a five hour difference Central Daylight Time. I agree with Chipmunk, texting when you can is best and he'll be in contact when he can.
Jun 28, 2022
Chipmunk
Nautical Mom - Yes, my son is on a carrier, and he seems to have a different set of parameters at times, depending on what they are doing. I have heard that they have had their phones locked or taped or something like that during certain training situations. Then at other times they have access to their phones.
CSW - Thanks!!
Jun 28, 2022
Pizanche
Morning - hope all are well. Today is my son's 1 year anniversary of joining the Navy. He's still in school, (Power) and he's doing well. Listening to you all, I feel like the newb, but thank you all for posting what you can. Have a wonderful day
Jun 29, 2022
Nautical Mom
Good morning all,
@Chipmunk @CSW @B'sNukeMom
Thank you for your responses; this has helped me so much. I really appreciate having this group to reach out to. Have a great day!
Jun 29, 2022
Chipmunk
Pizanche - Mine went in 5 years ago - in one sense it seems like just yesterday and I am still learning, then in another sense, I am ready for him to be done, but unfortunately, it is not likely that he will be coming back home any time soon. My DIL reenlisted so I will be around for a while.
Nautical Mom - You are welcome!
Jun 29, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Happy Wednesday! We fly out tomorrow to visit B&C in MI. Can't wait ;-D
Jun 29, 2022
Chipmunk
Enjoy!!
Jun 29, 2022
Northwoodsmom
B's Nuke, you will love it the weather is perfect. Prayers for safe travels with no cancellation!
Jun 29, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ tammybikerunfaithlove!
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.
Jun 29, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Thanks ladies - I think it might be a little humid for me but hopefully not too bad. We are going to just take it easy, going to go kayaking one day and take in a Detroit Tigers game on the 4th of July. Other than that we just plan on relaxing! I so need this lol!
Jun 29, 2022
tammybikerunfaithlove
Thank you for the welcome B'sNukeMom! My son's ship date is July 11th for bootcamp. He is starting to seriously question if he made the right choice after talking with some nukes and reading some pros/cons about being a nuke online. Came here to learn a little more about the life of a nuke. He's currently talking with his recruiter about switching to Cryptology. He's an engineer at heart - but I also don't want him to be miserable.
Jun 30, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Travel day for us today - heading to the airport soon. So far flights look good!
tbrfl (tammybikerunfaithlove) - His recruiter will probably do his best to talk him OUT of .switching Just know that no matter what the recruiter says he DOES have the right to request a change (could delay his ship date) or even decide NOT to go period up until the final MEPS on 7/11. Of course, there would have to be an opening in another rate and that could take time.
But with that said also let him know that although yes, this is a difficult program it's not impossible. It's not unusual to question their decision before they leave. Just make sure that he is in the right frame of mind once he leaves. He has to be 100% mentally prepared or he could end up being sent home. The first 3-4 weeks of BC are hard on some of them but it DOES get better lol! Hang in there, tell him he's got this and keep us updated!
Jun 30, 2022
Chipmunk
tbrfl - I am glad that B'sNukeMom was able to reply!
First of all - Welcome to the Nuke Moms group. I would also like to invite you to join the Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) - Navy For Moms (ning.com) - please come there and ask any questions that you have about the BC aspects of your son's Navy journey.
B'sNukeMom gave a very good reply. I am also sending you a friend request.
Jun 30, 2022
sunflower
Pizanche - I'm glad that power school is going well. Be sure to remind your kid to have nukes with different ratings in the study group. A lot of them tend to stick with their friends from A School which can leave holes in their knowledge.
tammybikerunfaithlove - There's nothing wrong with changing. Sometimes young people are influenced by the bonus money that nukes can get and don't take their own temperament into consideration. Have they given him a rating? My son is good with his hands (i.e. took all sorts of things apart that he shouldn't have as a kid) and went in guaranteed MMN. I know that sometimes they don't know until towards the end of bootcamp. I have a friend whose son switched from nuke to cryptology and he liked code breaking so much that he's still working for the NSA even though he's out of the Navy.
Jun 30, 2022
tammybikerunfaithlove
@sunflower - thanks. My son is also good with his hands - we knew he was an engineer from the time he was little. Recruiter told him the only cryptology opening is on a sub - so he's sticking with nuke and hoping for the best. Did your son's friend switch prior to bootcamp? I think code breaking sounds pretty cool.
Jun 30, 2022
momc
Tammybikerunfalithlove
my son is a nuke and has never regretted his choice. Yes, some of the courses are difficult, but if your son has done well in math and science, he should do very well. I remember there was one class in A school that most nukes struggled with, but then they all were assigned more study hours. Keep in mind that the instructors will do everything they can to help your son succeed. Your son will be a great addition to the Navy. Just for your reference, my son is an ET, not his choice coming out of boot camp, but it really worked out well for him. Stay strong and positive
Jun 30, 2022
sunflower
tammybikerunfaithlove - I think that he switched during bootcamp which is pretty rare. They tend to want kids that are good with math and/or languages for cryptologist. They'll be sent to school for the language(s) that the Navy needs. If your son wants to be a machinist mate nuclear his recruiter should let him get that rate as a guaranteed rating. But that does depend on what the Navy needs.
Jun 30, 2022
tammybikerunfaithlove
@momc - my son is more concerned about life as a nuke - hours without sun, really long shifts (not the 8 hour shifts the recruiter sold him), little time for a life outside of the navy - never mind time for relationships...etc. No idea what he'll end up doing - he'll find out after bootcamp.
Jun 30, 2022
momc
Tammybikerunfaithlove
Yes, the hours can be long, but the sailors seem to find time that they can do something they enjoy. Once they get to A school, they do have a set schedule for classes, watch, studying,etc. so, somehow they do find time to build friendships and time to themselves . My son would study to meet his assigned hours and if he needed more time, he studied more. Once in the fleet, their schedules are set and sometimes the hours are long especially if they are short staffed. Once they get settled in their schedule and know what is expected, they seem to find their way. My son was on a fast attack sub, which had a smaller crew than a boomer sub or a carrier. Because of the smaller crew, he got to know most sailors on the sub. They help each other because they all want to be successful. Your son will find his way. It’s always difficult when they are heading into the unknown, but the other sailors will guide him
Also, my son very much enjoyed his experience on the sub
Jun 30, 2022
Nautical Mom
TBRFL - welcome!
I finally have something to add...my sailor just made it through the pipeline and is now in Hawaii at JBPHH but I can tell you that my sailor struggled through ALL OF IT! This group of mom's saved me and your sailor will make it through as well. He was so stressed out, rolled back in 6 wks in power school, swore he wouldn't make it through A school but they do...they get more hours and what the Navy did was teach my sailor how to learn - what an epiphany it was and then everything fell into place. I feel like we all go through the changes because we love them so but in the end, it will work out. I
Jun 30, 2022
Chipmunk
Nautical Mom - Congratulations to your sailor!!! Here's to hoping that you will have an opportunity to visit your sailor!
Jun 30, 2022
Pizanche
Sunflower - thanks for the advice - I will mention it to him.
Nautical Mom - Congrats!
Chipmunk - im glad!
Jul 1, 2022
tammybikerunfaithlove
Thank you @momc and @nauticalmom! Your words are so encouraging. Much appreciated!
Jul 1, 2022
Chipmunk
Jul 1, 2022
PacNWmom
Speaking of those deployed...
I got a text from my deployed son! I hadn't heard anything from him since February, and while I know no news is good news, it made this mama's heart SO happy to hear from him!! He's on his way home from deployment, and said he'll call in the next few days. I can't wait to actually talk to him! He said his deployment was quite challenging (he used saltier language). For those who don't know/remember, he's an officer (ensign) on a destroyer right now.
I'm thinking of all y'all who haven't heard from your sailors in a while for whatever reason. Hang in there, I know how hard the waiting can be. I'll be wearing red today for sure!
Jul 1, 2022
Pizanche
PacNWmom - that's great!!
Jul 1, 2022
tammybikerunfaithlove
@pacnwmom - wow. So glad you heard from him. I'm so not ready for that long length of time with no contact.
Jul 1, 2022
Chipmunk
PacNWmom - Hi!! I am so glad you heard from your sailor!! I am sure this has been a challenge for him.
Jul 1, 2022
Northwoodsmom
tammybikerunfaithlove I waited to post this to you because I wanted to take time and collect my thoughts. My son spent 2 years in Goose Creek almost finishing Power School when he was pulled from the programs because of 2 low test scores. He was given a new rate and is doing super. Recruiters do seem to push the Nuclear program when they have a recruit that test high. My thought process is this even after going through the stress of the Nuclear program it is a golden opportunity. Yes it is gruesome, the extra study time the worry the disappointments everything about it can be either rewarding or heartbreaking. It is a experience I am so grateful my son had. It built so much character in him and so much knowledge that no one can take away. He will take it all into the next adventure he has been given. The only failure in life is not trying. In school I refuse to let my children quit something they started no matter how they struggled because I knew eventually it would be a lesson. Of course you can't choose for your son but I wouldn't discourage him because I see knowledge and wisdom as a gift, if it's not meant to be God will change the path he is on. Prayers to you on this journey, he will need your support every step of the way no matter what happens.
Jul 3, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jul 4, 2022
Chipmunk
Happy 4th of July everyone!!
Q's Momma - I am glad you found the Nuke Mom group. I am sure B'sNukeMom will post a welcome when she is able, but I wanted to say hi from this group as well. One thing about Nuke school, there are a few more opportunities for you to come visit your sailors as long as they have the graduations open to the public. (Many recent members were not able to attend during the covid restrictions.) It is a long distance for you to travel and time zone times will make it harder for you to connect with your sailor once he is at GC but setting up a plan for phone calls and being aware of his schedule will help. Be sure to read my schedule that I posted above. Staying active in this group, even if it is to just say hi occasionally helps those of us sticking around to be mindful of who is still at GC versus out in the fleet.
Jul 4, 2022
tammybikerunfaithlove
NorthwoodsMom - thank you so much for your thoughtful words and for sharing your sons story. You have a wonderful perspective on it all - you are so right - no matter what happens - it will be good for him in the end and will make him a stronger person for it. Just days away from him shipping off to BC - I'm trying to hold it together.
Happy Belated 4th to all! We had a lovely family day on the lake. Precious moments for sure!
Jul 5, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ Q's Momma!
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.
Jul 5, 2022
Chipmunk
tammybiker - I had hoped to sit down and ask my son to give me some specifics with regards to your son's questions, but it just never worked out - my apologies.
Yes, the school hours are long and hard, depending on how well your son picks up on the information and is able to work through it. Be sure to have him read my discussion above and talk about at least when good opportunities are for you or him to call and stay connected with family.
For some of the sailors, calls and texts, why they are very much appreciated can lead to times of homesickness and that is hard to deal with when they are studying so much. For my son, calling home helped him to stay grounded with what he was doing and why.
My son's schedule has been nothing of what the recruiters told him it would be - mostly longer and harder. The different subs, or ships that our sailors are on will determine how much time they work longer than a normal work day, usually.
My son's ship is First in class and so they have had a lot of time out to sea for tests and trials but then they have not had some of the other benefits that other ships who are out will have had. My son also got married this last year to another sailor and she has reenlisted, but he does not plan to next year. He left home, a month after graduating HS, and being a distance now from family, since we live in the Midwest, we aren't close to anything seaside, my son misses being able to be near his family, but that would occur with any rate. As for us, he is a very long solid 2 day drive, my oldest who also has my grandbaby lives a good 1 day drive away. The rest of my children are still close by.
Jul 5, 2022
tammybikerunfaithlove
Chipmunk - thanks for all of that. We will just take it day by day once he hits school. His girlfriend leaves for BC (also navy) a week after him - then she'll be in school for cryptology. It will be hard on them - though at least if they happen to have some similar free weekends, they can meet in the middle occasionally while in school. (5 hours of drive time will be between them).
Jul 5, 2022
Chipmunk
Tammybiker - Navy married life is hard. Just some info, if two sailors are married, they will likely have to be offset of each other when it comes to shore duty and sea duty, because two of them cannot be out to sea at the same time.
Jul 5, 2022
tammybikerunfaithlove
Chipmunk - Wow - I didn't know that. Bet they don't either. No plans yet of getting married - but I know it's on their minds.
Jul 5, 2022
Chipmunk
tammybikerunfaithlove - I will do my best soon to send you a message with all that I have learned from my two sailors and their navigation to married life while in the Navy.
Jul 5, 2022
JNMnavymomOH
Just popping in to say HI!! We have started our BC journey so I will be sure to be a bit more active with questions and information.
Jul 7, 2022
Chipmunk
JNMnavymomOH - we will be here for you!
Jul 7, 2022
Chipmunk
JayDee659 & NancyJo - How are you all doing? How are the kids / sailor - I am working on deleting old emails and found a post from around Christmas time.
Jul 7, 2022
PacNWmom
Hey all! I'm looking for some guidance and advice. My son is returning from a six month deployment. My mom is in rapidly declining health and I need to let him know that we are putting her in hospice care in the next few days. Do I need to contact the Red Cross to do that? Should I give his wife a head's up about what's going on? Any advice is appreciated.
Hate to deliver sad news, but it's necessary.
Jul 7, 2022
Chipmunk
PacNWmom - personally I always figure the most direct route to communication is the best. So, yes, I would contact your DIL, as well if possible to let your son know. Then I would also contact American Red Cross, because I believe for your son to actually be able to get a leave chit approved, it has to go thru the Red Cross. I would at least contact them and see about getting the ball rolling, so that if things progress rapidly and you are dealing with your mom, then his approval might be in the works.
I believe you now have to contact them via the internet only, not 100% sure.
And my thoughts, love, and BNMHs I am sending your way. My mother passed away the winter before my son left for BC, his senior year that I was homeschooling him and it was really hard, just trying to juggle everything.
Jul 7, 2022
JayDee659
Hi Chipmunk, all is well with us. We actually just recently returned from spending several days in GC. My Nuke is enjoying the more regular schedule of shore duty and enjoys instructing. Her Nuke husband got out after his contract was up and is enjoying being a full time dog dad and house husband.
My daughter just re-enlisted again for the 2nd time. When she first enlisted I had no clue how quickly time would go by.
Hope everyone here is doing well. Welcome to all the new mommas.
Jul 8, 2022
Chipmunk
JayDee659 - It is good to hear from you. We also returned from seeing our sailor and his wife as well. We finally had an opportunity to visit the ship. We missed the family day, due to other schedule conflicts that arose, it overlapped with when the kids could finally take their honeymoon trip. So, this Momma sucked it up and rejoiced that my kids had a wonderful honeymoon and I did not get to go out on the boat and see dolphins, but I did get a private tour when we were able to go see them. The other previous times we were out to see our sailor, the boat was in the shipyards.
I had to smile at your comment about your SIL being the full-time dog dad and house husband. Mine is planning on doing the same, but with cats and hopefully children before long. Although, I know my DIL expects him to finish his schooling as well. Time does fly by!
Jul 8, 2022
Chipmunk
*sea
Jul 8, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Our 8 days in Michigan ended today. We had a great time with B&C but it’s never long enough!
And I wore my red today!
Jul 9, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
It's always nice when summer arrives and family visits take place! JayDee and Chipmunk - glad you had some fun family time!
PacNWmom - I'm so very sorry to hear about your mom. Definitely reach out to the Red Cross and hopefully your DIL can help with this too. Thinking of you....
Jul 9, 2022
Chipmunk
B'sNukeMom - Glad you had a nice visit as well. And yes, the time is never long enough!
Jul 9, 2022