NUKE moms

I received a letter from my son who states that he was informed Nuke school is backed up like 6 months.  What does that mean exactly?  Are there too many students and not enough instructors, or not enough students to fill classrooms?  I assume too many students as lots of Divisions just graduated.  He said he would have to be THU at GL until he got to go.  Does that sound normal?  Things could change by the time my SR goes, as he believes he will be set back in training again to W1 after the OPFA. 

I don't always comment, but I do read all of them.  Always saving snippets to my son's Navy folder. Things to remember, or to learn about. 

Unfortunately my job isn't "flexible" to be able to roll with the tide, but we are going to give it our best shot.  I just found out about the Military section of FMLA, so I will be speaking to my HR about this.  Not sure if it covers PIR, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

i talked last night to my son who has PIR 9/23. He isn’t going to THU. What rate did he get. My sine will be ETN

Good Evening Ladies - I have to scoot to a meeting, but I will try my best to reply when I get back tonight.

JNMnavymomOH- you might want to check out this group - Hurry up and Wait-THU - Navy For Moms (ning.com)  

Lancertrackmom - Did you delete your other post? It came into my email but I am not seeing it here. 

If you do a search above in the discussions (view all) we have had some posts in the past about what your sailor needs at GC. That said, I would suggest asking him what he wants or needs before mailing anything to him. We recently had a post a few pages back with the address, and if you can't find it, we can get it for you again. 

Glad to hear that we have "readers" even if you can't always chat!!

Lancertrackmom - my son isn't due to have PIR until 10/7.  He hasn't told me his rate yet, if he knows it.  He was ASMO'd once already.  Don't they get that after BS21?

Thank you for the info on THU group.  I saved it in case I actually need it.

JNMnavymomOH- here is a link to a discussion that was started in 2012 and has been added to over time. Again, if your sailor is having to wait to class up, (or be held in THU), he should have time to get the basic hygiene items needed at the mini - Nex. And as for an iron/ ironing board, their roommate might already have one.

When my son was there in 2017-19 there was a thrift store very near the base that was operated by some military related group - my son would go there occasionally to look for things. They did have limited hours.

I will try to answer the other questions tomorrow. 

JNMnavymomOH - Sorry, 1st of all, here is the link I said I was posting last night - A Sailors Needs for A school - Navy For Moms (ning.com) - It was time for bed. 

As far as THU, I replied to your question in BC about it. As for specifics with regards to what is going on at NNPTC and why they might be backlogged, I really have no idea. They could possibly still be dealing with repercussions from COVID and the various delays due to that. I have no idea. But THU is not uncommon for Nuke sailors. There was a large batch of them being held in THU, when my sailor was leaving GL and did everything, he could to make sure he wasn't staying in GL after his PIR.  If you are interested in reading my experience then read -  What PIR weekend may be like for those flying out of GL - Navy For ... . 

As far as the PIR weekend for your son, I don't have answers. This new format with the added weeks, and having PFA after BS21, is so different, we are having to rely on newer members to share their experience and unfortunately, you are one of the first few. Welcome to the guinea pig club!! Our covid moms especially could relate. You are going to have to take it one day at a time and hopefully he can get some more information to you. I wish him all the best on his PFA. That has got to be the hardest, knowing that you have worked so hard and given it you all, to be at that point. 

I did not mention as much about this on the BC Mom group when it first came up with your son, singling him out with a Nuke rate, but when my son got to NNPTC and told me about the PT requirements that they all had at least when he was there, and even that his ET rate had to do an extra day of PT, the joke was basically that they were all "nerds and not brawn".  When you first mentioned his situation, my assumption was that they would do their best to work with him for his PT, because they had recruited him for his potential at NNPTC and the classroom work. 

JNMnavymomOH - My son is at GC and he mentioned that they are backed up.  (I'm not sure what is okay to share, but the vague version is that something caused a delay in Prototype.)  My son expects to start Power School soon, but after he graduates from there, he expects a long delay before he can enter Prototype.  So maybe they are delaying Nukes from entering A school until the bottleneck clears some???  (Just speculation - I don't KNOW anything for sure.)

MomofJoseph - I heard the same thing.  My son is slated to graduate Power school in November and he told me it would be months before he started Prototype. 

Good Morning and Happy Monday!

Just remember, no matter how long they are on hold, the good thing is, it still counts toward their 6 year enlistment!

I checked my notes and when B finished Power School it was 4 days shy of 4 months before he finally started Prototype.  He did Proto in Ballston Spa, NY back in 2014.  So even back then there were delays lol!

Mom of Joseph, my daughters class was told that prototype hold would be about 18 months!  Then, boom, they were in a class and on their way before I could take a breath.  The 18 months turned into 18 days. 

It is what it is, until it isn't! 

Pizanche – Congrats on your son graduating Power School in November!  It will be interesting to see how all this plays out.  My son has enjoyed his 10 weeks of downtime between A school and Power school, but I think he’s happy that he gets to class up this week.  I hope they aren’t going crazy during the downtime between Power and Prototype.  (Personally, I like the schedule when they are in school because we have the option to visit on weekends.  We didn’t get that option during T-track.  BUT, I do know that others don’t get to do visit because of the distance, and I know that has to be hard to not see your Sailors!)

JayDee659 – that is CRAZY that you thought it would be 18 months and it was 18 days!  I can’t really wrap my mind around that. :-) But thank you for sharing and I REALLY appreciate “It is what it is – until it isn’t.”  I’m going to adopt that saying.  I have heard the first part, but never the second part.

B’sNukeMom – thank you for sharing that all of this time is part of their 6-year commitment.  I just told my sister that he committed to two years of Nuke School and four years in the fleet, so however long it takes him to get out of school, he still has 4 years in the fleet.  Thank you for clarifying! 

Bern – I responded to your discussion, but also wanted to say here that I really appreciate your perspective.  And I get that about the car door outside.  (I worry about that when my husband is late getting home from work, or when my younger son is out driving.  I know I’ll worry even more when my son is in the fleet.)  But I am so proud of his decision (and terrified at the same time).

Thanks to all of y’all – I love this group!

Mom of Joseph the next fun exercise was housing. My daughter called me in a slight panic because she had prototype orders for BS and had to have housing in a few days. Despite being in Vegas on vacation, I spent a morning lining up housing for her (she and her husband were both on duty) . The next day she called to tell me that orders changed and all married couples were staying in GC.  The Navy Mom who I was staying with took me out for a drink. I will add that my daughter was very appreciative. 

JayDee659 - Wow!  Thank you for sharing that.  I think you deserved (and needed) that drink! LOL

Good morning all. Here is a photo of North Island NAS as of now. Left to right...Abe, Chet, Carl.

The tan buildings in front of Lincoln are carrier BEQ, the white rectangle between Nimitz & Vinson is a berthing barge while Vinson is in yard status (temporary racks, galleys, etc.).

Have a great day everyone.

Canuka - great picture - thanks for sharing!

Happy Thursday all!  Although Fall has arrived summer is trying to make a come back here in SoCal.  It's supposed to be 103 on Monday and Tuesday!

We are heading to Colorado tomorrow for a wedding/vow renewal for our niece.  I'm excited because the whole family will be there.  B&C are flying in and the youngest and his fiancee are coming along too (I mean it is for their cousin so of course they'll all be there!).  I'm just excited that we'll all spend some time together.  Got a nice AirBnB, going to the zoo and a baseball game on Saturday and the wedding is Sunday.  Quick trip but I'll take it!

Thanks for sharing your pic Canuka! I’ve seen Vinson during my March visit in SoCal. Hope someone will share pics from Norfolk, i haven’t been … 

B’sNukeMom - have fun and be safe!! Ill take it too even just for a couple of hours.
I remember during the peak of covid when my son was still in GC i planned a simple lunch/dinner by the beach 6 ft apart!! But he got an approval that the same day of our arrival and stayed with us at a hotel. Its a 10 hour drive one way but we did good, i can’t tell how many times, i tried every 3 months to see him. Now that he’s in Norfolk.. wheew not sure how and when?? 

Hi all... it's been a while! My sailor is still stationed at Kitsap base in the Puget Sound (WA). I went out there in July for a special event where we were allowed to tour (parts) of the sub he is on. It was a super cool experience! To get out, I had to climb a metal ladder that was two stories tall! Anyone else take a tour?

The Hammer - that's cool that you got to tour the sub!  Wow, lots of climbing lol!  I never got to tour a sub - well except for the one at Patriots Point - but I did get to tour the USS Truman carrier when B was on it!  

Hi B's NukeMom! Yeah... I was really surprised that they offered it. It is amazing how much they cram into such a small space. We also went whale watching... which was wonderful. Saw a mama and baby humpback.

Gigi - Be sure to post a request on the Norfolk group for some pictures. I am on G'ma duty and trying to post quickly here. 

B'sNukeMom - Have a wonderful time!!

The Hammer - I am so glad you had a chance to tour your son's sub!! We were not able to attend the family event for our sailor's ship during their Tiger Cruise for the day, but we were able to visit the week or so later and our sailor and DIL took us on a tour of the ship. It was pretty neat!

Oh whale watching!! Aww!!! They saw dolphins on my sailor's ship and I was sad. 

When my son was stationed at Pearl aboard the Bremerton SSN-698, he was able to give us a tour. He just had to clear it with the OOD, who made an announcement to cover anything classified. My wife was impressed with that ladder down the torpedo loading hatch. They let me look through the periscope as long as I didn't touch anything. There was a destroyer precisely in the crosshairs.
A 688-class submarine is very little like a WWII Balao class. Much more spacious, and I didn't notice any particularly low overheads. Still, I started to feel the bulkheads closing in after about 20 minutes. He said he has some really weird dreams for about 3 weeks.
As far as museum submarines, if you get to visit Pearl Harbor, don't miss the Bowfin, a memorial to submariners on Eternal Patrol. It is also a popular choice for re-enlistment ceremonies. It is right across from the sub base there, and every so often the sailors go and do a Field Day on it. Everything is shiny. It looks like they could take it out to sea. Too bad the Clamagore wasn't so lovingly cared for.

Welcome to our newest member ~ Kristin!

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.

B&C

Youngest & his fiancee

Ah we had a great time in Colorado!  It was so good to spend time with the whole family ;-D

B'sNukeMoM - I love those pics!  So beautiful!!!

Kristin - Welcome to this great group!  Where is your Sailor in the Nuke program?  My son just started Power School yesterday, so we are still very much at the beginning.

B'sNukeMom - I am glad that you had a chance to visit your famiily and celebrate your niece's wedding. 

Kristin - Welcome Aboard!!

MomofJoseph - Good to hear that your son's classes started for Power School. 

FYI - I saw on FB that Prototype graduation for tomorrow is cancelled due to the storm.

Oh, that is sad news about graduation, but those of us that have been around awhile know that it is not uncommon. 

I hope all are well, been thinking about those along the hurricane pathway.

B'sNukeMom that doesn't surprise me. I'm here in GC until we get electric back at home.  It's 64 and very windy today.  They will likely only get a tropical storm but I'm sure that's concerning if you've never experienced one before.

Everyone be safe! 

JayDee659 - I forgot about you being in FL when we were checking on others in the Beyond BC group. Glad you are able to visit your kids. Keep us posted. 

Thanks Chipmunk, the eye of Ian hit just a little south of us.  I heard that the Manatee River (which is about a mile from my house) had all the water sucked out of it by the force of the winds!

For anyone with a sailor at GC here's some information you may like to have regarding hurricanes and tropical weather.  My daughter is an instructor at prototype and was just told this morning that they follow Charleston County protocol.  If Charleston County mandates an evacuation then there will be meetings on base to discuss the plan, set up transportation, etc.  Your Nuke will know.  I know that not all Nukes do a great job communicating with us but you can follow Charleston Co. on line and be aware of the current situation.

When they evacuated for Matthew in 2016 my daughter was allowed to drive her personal car home to Indiana.  She first had to file a very detailed plan with her Chief and get permission.  So if you live close enough to SC but far enough out of the path, your child might have an opportunity to come home - NO GUARANTEES!

I'll say that right now it's windy right now but no big deal.  Your kiddos may want to make sure they have fresh batteries in their flash lights and have some canned soup and extra tp on hand.  The Walmart in Summerville is a zoo, out of soup and short on water flats, hopefully the one in GC is better stocked.

I'll update everyone if anything changes, but if any of you mid west moms are nervous, feel free to reach out to me.  Trust me, I know what it's like.  

JayDee659 - I am glad to hear that things are looking okay for your place. Wow! That is interesting about the Manatee River! I can't imagine what that would be like for all of the aquatic life as well. 

I remember both of the evacuations my son made for hurricanes. Once during A school and once during Power School. The first one he rode on a bus transport, the 2nd one he drove himself. I remember telling him to make sure he had snacks and such with him. He had charged his computer and downloaded some books to read online for the first time. 

I told him to prepare himself as best as he could to be without things, so that he was not part of the problem when other sailors needed food and water.

Welcome to our newest member ~ jomama!

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.

jomama- Welcome to the Nuke Moms group! We are glad you are here. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions that you or your son have about the Nuke program. I also posted a message on your profile page. 

Hi All - just checking in. It’s been a while since I’ve been on N4Ms. For whatever reason, my email notifications keep getting turned off. After the 2nd or 3rd time, I just left them off. Freed up some time, as I must admit, this site is addicting :) 

My sailor graduated prototype in June. He did incredibly well in the Nuke pipeline, and became a JSI (Junior Staff Instructor) at NPTU (prototype). He loves it and really enjoys helping Nuke students learn. He recently Star Re-enlisted and I got to go onto NPTU and ‘pin him’ during the ceremony. I felt so proud and happy for him. 

He made great friends while in Nuke School and we enjoyed getting to know them too when we would visit. My son had bought a house and his 4 best friends (3 guys, 1 girls) lived with him during prototype. They developed a great bond and I hope they remain friends for life. They all did very well academically and had a super friendly competition throughout the program. One has been to visit us a couple times as he is stationed in San Diego and we live in Orange County.

The Navy, and the Nuke Program has been such a positive experience for my son, and helped a floundering young man who had lost direction during college find his way. He is now contemplating applying for the STA-21 program  

N4Ms got me through it during the first few months (boot camp and A school) when I was so afraid he’d hate it or would not be able to handle the workload. I thank all you wonderful ladies, especially Chipmunk for all your encouraging and wise words when I needed them the most. 

DsMom2020 - Oh it is so good to hear from you!! I was thinking about you the other day and wondering how your sailor was doing. The last we had chatted, I don't recall if I knew for sure that he was officially a JSI. Thank you for sharing!

Be sure to keep us updated, especially if he is thinking about STA-21. 

DsMom, congratulations to your son. That's so awesome he has been chosen to be a instructor. Prayers our Lord gives to him His Wisdom to instruct those depending on him to continue on their journey. So very happy for you!