CSW - Congratulations! (It sounds like he WANTS to be separated?) Does this mean that he finished his initial commitment and didn't renew? I'm sorry, but I'm still kinda new to this stuff. ;-)
CSW - Congratulations!! Please tell your son thank you for his service!!
MomofJoseph - I am fairly certain that CSW's son did not reenlist. Neither did my son. He is on his first longer trip out to sea, than just the multitude of underways that he has been on since arriving there 3.5 years ago.
Q's Momma - I'm so sorry that your son has gone silent. I have no insight because we are new to this, but I wanted to reach out and tell you that I will be praying for you. I know that would be terribly hard. (I struggle when my son doesn't respond to my text within a day.) You are an amazingly strong Mom!!!
Q'sMom, my son is no longer in the Nuke program but I remember he suddenly went silent. He told me he didn't do well on a test and they gave him more mandatory study time which absolutely took everything out of him. He was disappointed in himself and couldn't face telling me. This young Sailors are the smartest of the smart and they aren't use to not being on top. I think it is extremely hard on them when they aren't living up to their own standards. I finally reached out to the ombudsman there and he got in contact with me. I know no one want to go to those measures but worry was eating at me and affecting my sleep and health. Sometimes a mama has to do what a mama has to do. Prayers you hear from him soon.
Q's Momma - First off, know you are not the only one who has gone without hearing from their sailor at Nuke school. Hopefully those who have experienced this more will chime in. Mine was really good about communicating, but we were also only an hour behind time zone. You have a much larger time frame and so that can be a factor.
I had one mom who said her sailor, while he loved to hear from the family, calling home and such also made him sad. Their schedules can be pretty hectic. There is sweet spot between class time and chow time that you might reach him during the week, but if they are also doing PT that might not happen. My son generally would reach out on Saturday morning and do Skype calls with his brother on the computer, so I would stick my face in and wave. He a lot of times would be doing laundry as well during that time. Sunday mornings, they have different breakfast times and then he would generally sleep in, I think and the afternoons he would go into study.
If you haven't read my "A School daily schedule" in the discussion above, do so. It explains some of the study time and how that is required. My son said it was difficult for him to figure out going to church and when he was in A school, he only had a bicycle that he had bought there. Some of them were trying to do a Bible study but that became difficult. In Power School the assistant Chaplin would bring in pizza for lunch and they had a lunch time devotional, at least when my son was there.
I don't have the ombudsman contact information handy, but you do need to connect with her. I will say, my son told me that they would be told often to call home and let Momma know they were okay, because the command did not like getting phone calls from worried Mommas. Some nights he would just text me "goodnight". You might suggest that to him. He might be reading your texts but not replying so keep them positive.
A school is tough - It will kick their booty if they are not used to doing a lot of studying, memorizing, taking notes, and then taking the tests, especially the mathematics ones the way they are told to take them. There is a fine balance with the encouragement and making them feel like they will let you down if they don't perform to the expectations.
Qi’s Mom- I feel your pain. I am more worried now, than I was when my son was in bootcamp-and that was torture. My son barely passed his first exam in A school last week, and he has another one today. I didn’t hear from him much in the last week. I am bracing myself for the loss of contact if he gets his study hours increased. We just need to hang in there, and like I say to my son, keep our eyes in the prize which is graduation. They wouldn’t be there if the Navy didn’t think they were capable. Being a Nuke mom is hard though! I will definitely be leaning on you all for support over the next year and a half. Big hugs to you.
SDNukeMom - We are here for you all. If you don't post, we don't reply, but we are still here, so never be concerned about asking for information or support.
These first few weeks especially are hard on your new sailors, and A school is tough!! It is a lot different than what they were used to in school, and the amount of information that is being poured into them, they will feel on overload. My son is an ETN2 now and I recall when he was in A school that they were doing one subject at a time, then in Power School they were doing 3 subjects at once as I recall.
My son would always encourage me to encourage other sailors coming into the pipeline to be sure and reach out for any of the teacher assistance that they could get.
SDNuke Mom and Q'sMomma, I should of mentioned all the help my son got from his command while he was struggling. As long as they are trying they will stick with them and try to get them over the hurdles they are going through. They want them to succeed and will do everything possible to see that happens. If it doesn't don't worry, they invested a lot in these Sailors and they will be offered a great different rate. The biggest thing is to keep them motivated to do their best wherever that takes them.
SDNukeMom, have you heard how your son did today on his test? My son always asks me to pray for his tests, and I'm on pins and needles until I hear how he did. :-) I hope you get good news soon! <3
SDNukeMom, As you can tell by now... many of us experience similar communication blackouts. For me... it comes and goes and I've just learned to be okay with it. He knows that I support him and that I'm here when he needs me. He is in the fleet now and I know that I am always his first call when he returns to port (somehow I even beat out his gf!). The men and women in this group are great and we are always here to help!
MomofJoseph, Thank you so much for checking in! I finally heard from my son, and he passed his math exam! :) He got a 2.63, but he was more than happy with it because the class is finished. I didn't realize how stressed and unfocused I was until I heard from him, and now realized I've gotten nothing productive done at work today. Lol! Oh well, I'll catch up tomorrow.
The Hammer - I laughed at your last about getting the call before his gf! I was the same, but now that he is married, I have to play 2nd fiddle. Thankfully, she calls me to keep me updated, or will remind my son when he gets home to call. In the meantime, when he is not home - My DIL calls me, just because.
Q's Momma - You got it!! He doesn't realize you all need that "proof of life". So, you will need to do some training and some guidance to help him realize that even just a "good night" is better than nothing!
SDNukeMom and Q's Momma - I am crying tears of joy for you both! I'm so happy that you heard from your sailors and my heart is so full for you! That is such great news this morning!!!
My guy is deployed, and I know there are a lot of things available to him on the carrier. I am looking for ideas for care packages. He was excited about the peanut butter I sent last time. I do send him jerky and protein bars, just looking for ideas.
NickSydmom, my son always loves my homemade Chex mix, there is always so many ways to make it and it last a while. I always add extra nuts for added protein. You can put it in Freezer bags that are easy to pack. Just a idea, I use bugles and pretzel gold fish, you can also get the spicy bugles that add a little zip to it. I am sure he will love anything you send!
NickSydmom - Hello!!! It is so good to hear from you!
I recently posted some information in the Beyond BC group and it was confirmed that you can send things like Emergen-C or cough drops. I know my son likes the Vit C ones, or other hard candies to keep his throat moist. Other powder water flavorings or electrolytes are good.
She also mentioned other small travel game ideas other than just playing cards.
FYI - The USPS is now requiring the + 4 zip code for FPO addresses. It may depend on your PO, if their computers programs are maybe not upgraded. But I had issues when mailing a letter, and another mom with our ship had an issue.
If you go to USPS - Zip Code Lookup by address you may enter their Unit #, Box # and other information and it will pull up the correct + 4 digit for that box # that is associated with the ship.
Chipmunk thank you so much, lots of good info on the link. I do also have a few tips I can share. I discovered Amazon delivers to the ship, through the post office, your free prime shipping actually covers to the ship and Amazon automatically knows if an item can’t be mailed to a FPO and also populates the add on 4 digit zip code for you.
Today is the 7 year anniversary of my daughter's PIR. It seems like yesterday and a lifetime all at once. She's been deployed, seen the world and is back where she started, teaching at GC. Looking forward to what the next 7 years will hold.
NickSydmom - coffee and water enhancers (Mio or powdered versions - especially those with electrolytes) were always welcome. On my son's last deployment coffee was in short supply. I sent bulk coffee for his plant, along with coffee "pods" of his favorites. HIs plant had a coffee maker that could use both. He also used the pods to barter with other sailors. I think I also sent him condiment packets one time. He said that the condiments he preferred seemed to be gone when he was able to go eat.
On his first deployment he asked me to send vitamin D.
PacNWmom - Funny! I didn’t hear it probably because it was so loud. We honestly couldn’t hear much in the stadium over the fans. I did see it made news though.
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.
**Your journey will be a little different since you have an officer. But we are still here to answer questions!
Congrats, JNMnavymomOH, for your son's graduation! I saw your post about your son and cell phone use and wanted to share my experience. When they are in class or studying, they are not allowed to have their phones with them. I usually heard from my son in the early afternoon (after class and before study hall opens) and then on weekends. It's much more like a college schedule than bootcamp was (which I LOVE!)
OkieMama! - Welcome to the Nuke Mom page!! Let us know where you are at in this journey.
Q's Momma - I am so happy for you!!!
Pizanche - Congratulations to your sailor!! Safe travels!!
Our big news this last weekend was the birth of our second grandbaby, a bouncing little boy! I can't wait until I can go see him and hold him. I can't share it here, but I got a kick out of what my Nuke said he was likely doing when his nephew decided to enter this world in the very early morning hours!!
I messaged my Nuke the first thing, so even if he did not see it, I could say he was the first one to know about it.
CSW
Well he got his orders! He will be separating soon. Thank you all for your companionship and support during these last six years!
Looking forward to being a vet mom!
Oct 24, 2022
MomofJoseph
CSW - Congratulations! (It sounds like he WANTS to be separated?) Does this mean that he finished his initial commitment and didn't renew? I'm sorry, but I'm still kinda new to this stuff. ;-)
Oct 24, 2022
Chipmunk
CSW - Congratulations!! Please tell your son thank you for his service!!
MomofJoseph - I am fairly certain that CSW's son did not reenlist. Neither did my son. He is on his first longer trip out to sea, than just the multitude of underways that he has been on since arriving there 3.5 years ago.
Oct 24, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Oct 25, 2022
MomofJoseph
Q's Momma - I'm so sorry that your son has gone silent. I have no insight because we are new to this, but I wanted to reach out and tell you that I will be praying for you. I know that would be terribly hard. (I struggle when my son doesn't respond to my text within a day.) You are an amazingly strong Mom!!!
Oct 26, 2022
Northwoodsmom
Q'sMom, my son is no longer in the Nuke program but I remember he suddenly went silent. He told me he didn't do well on a test and they gave him more mandatory study time which absolutely took everything out of him. He was disappointed in himself and couldn't face telling me. This young Sailors are the smartest of the smart and they aren't use to not being on top. I think it is extremely hard on them when they aren't living up to their own standards. I finally reached out to the ombudsman there and he got in contact with me. I know no one want to go to those measures but worry was eating at me and affecting my sleep and health. Sometimes a mama has to do what a mama has to do. Prayers you hear from him soon.
Oct 26, 2022
Chipmunk
Q's Momma - First off, know you are not the only one who has gone without hearing from their sailor at Nuke school. Hopefully those who have experienced this more will chime in. Mine was really good about communicating, but we were also only an hour behind time zone. You have a much larger time frame and so that can be a factor.
I had one mom who said her sailor, while he loved to hear from the family, calling home and such also made him sad. Their schedules can be pretty hectic. There is sweet spot between class time and chow time that you might reach him during the week, but if they are also doing PT that might not happen. My son generally would reach out on Saturday morning and do Skype calls with his brother on the computer, so I would stick my face in and wave. He a lot of times would be doing laundry as well during that time. Sunday mornings, they have different breakfast times and then he would generally sleep in, I think and the afternoons he would go into study.
If you haven't read my "A School daily schedule" in the discussion above, do so. It explains some of the study time and how that is required. My son said it was difficult for him to figure out going to church and when he was in A school, he only had a bicycle that he had bought there. Some of them were trying to do a Bible study but that became difficult. In Power School the assistant Chaplin would bring in pizza for lunch and they had a lunch time devotional, at least when my son was there.
I don't have the ombudsman contact information handy, but you do need to connect with her. I will say, my son told me that they would be told often to call home and let Momma know they were okay, because the command did not like getting phone calls from worried Mommas. Some nights he would just text me "goodnight". You might suggest that to him. He might be reading your texts but not replying so keep them positive.
A school is tough - It will kick their booty if they are not used to doing a lot of studying, memorizing, taking notes, and then taking the tests, especially the mathematics ones the way they are told to take them. There is a fine balance with the encouragement and making them feel like they will let you down if they don't perform to the expectations.
Oct 26, 2022
Chipmunk
Northwoodsmom - Thanks for sharing! I missed your post as I was typing mine.
Q's Momma - here is the link to the Ombudsman information from the NNPTC official website.
Naval Sea Systems Command > Home > NNPTC > Ombudsman (navy...
Oct 26, 2022
SDNukeMom
Qi’s Mom- I feel your pain. I am more worried now, than I was when my son was in bootcamp-and that was torture. My son barely passed his first exam in A school last week, and he has another one today. I didn’t hear from him much in the last week. I am bracing myself for the loss of contact if he gets his study hours increased. We just need to hang in there, and like I say to my son, keep our eyes in the prize which is graduation. They wouldn’t be there if the Navy didn’t think they were capable. Being a Nuke mom is hard though! I will definitely be leaning on you all for support over the next year and a half. Big hugs to you.
Oct 26, 2022
Chipmunk
SDNukeMom - We are here for you all. If you don't post, we don't reply, but we are still here, so never be concerned about asking for information or support.
These first few weeks especially are hard on your new sailors, and A school is tough!! It is a lot different than what they were used to in school, and the amount of information that is being poured into them, they will feel on overload. My son is an ETN2 now and I recall when he was in A school that they were doing one subject at a time, then in Power School they were doing 3 subjects at once as I recall.
My son would always encourage me to encourage other sailors coming into the pipeline to be sure and reach out for any of the teacher assistance that they could get.
Oct 26, 2022
Northwoodsmom
SDNuke Mom and Q'sMomma, I should of mentioned all the help my son got from his command while he was struggling. As long as they are trying they will stick with them and try to get them over the hurdles they are going through. They want them to succeed and will do everything possible to see that happens. If it doesn't don't worry, they invested a lot in these Sailors and they will be offered a great different rate. The biggest thing is to keep them motivated to do their best wherever that takes them.
Oct 26, 2022
MomofJoseph
SDNukeMom, have you heard how your son did today on his test? My son always asks me to pray for his tests, and I'm on pins and needles until I hear how he did. :-) I hope you get good news soon! <3
Oct 26, 2022
The Hammer
SDNukeMom, As you can tell by now... many of us experience similar communication blackouts. For me... it comes and goes and I've just learned to be okay with it. He knows that I support him and that I'm here when he needs me. He is in the fleet now and I know that I am always his first call when he returns to port (somehow I even beat out his gf!). The men and women in this group are great and we are always here to help!
Oct 26, 2022
SDNukeMom
MomofJoseph, Thank you so much for checking in! I finally heard from my son, and he passed his math exam! :) He got a 2.63, but he was more than happy with it because the class is finished. I didn't realize how stressed and unfocused I was until I heard from him, and now realized I've gotten nothing productive done at work today. Lol! Oh well, I'll catch up tomorrow.
Oct 26, 2022
Chipmunk
SDNukeMom - Glad to hear that he passed!!
The Hammer - I laughed at your last about getting the call before his gf! I was the same, but now that he is married, I have to play 2nd fiddle. Thankfully, she calls me to keep me updated, or will remind my son when he gets home to call. In the meantime, when he is not home - My DIL calls me, just because.
Q's Momma - You got it!! He doesn't realize you all need that "proof of life". So, you will need to do some training and some guidance to help him realize that even just a "good night" is better than nothing!
Oct 26, 2022
Chipmunk
Q's Momma - You are most welcome!! I am glad that you heard from your sailor!!
Oct 26, 2022
MomofJoseph
SDNukeMom and Q's Momma - I am crying tears of joy for you both! I'm so happy that you heard from your sailors and my heart is so full for you! That is such great news this morning!!!
Oct 27, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Oct 27, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hooray for phone calls/texts/passing exams!
Oct 27, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Oct 28, 2022
Pizanche
Have a good weekend!
Oct 28, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Oct 28, 2022
NickSydmom
My guy is deployed, and I know there are a lot of things available to him on the carrier. I am looking for ideas for care packages. He was excited about the peanut butter I sent last time. I do send him jerky and protein bars, just looking for ideas.
Oct 29, 2022
Northwoodsmom
NickSydmom, my son always loves my homemade Chex mix, there is always so many ways to make it and it last a while. I always add extra nuts for added protein. You can put it in Freezer bags that are easy to pack. Just a idea, I use bugles and pretzel gold fish, you can also get the spicy bugles that add a little zip to it. I am sure he will love anything you send!
Oct 29, 2022
Chipmunk
NickSydmom - Hello!!! It is so good to hear from you!
I recently posted some information in the Beyond BC group and it was confirmed that you can send things like Emergen-C or cough drops. I know my son likes the Vit C ones, or other hard candies to keep his throat moist. Other powder water flavorings or electrolytes are good.
Here is a link B'sNukeMom shared on our ship page, Care package mailing information & ideas
She also mentioned other small travel game ideas other than just playing cards.
FYI - The USPS is now requiring the + 4 zip code for FPO addresses. It may depend on your PO, if their computers programs are maybe not upgraded. But I had issues when mailing a letter, and another mom with our ship had an issue.
If you go to USPS - Zip Code Lookup by address you may enter their Unit #, Box # and other information and it will pull up the correct + 4 digit for that box # that is associated with the ship.
Oct 29, 2022
NickSydmom
Chipmunk thank you so much, lots of good info on the link. I do also have a few tips I can share. I discovered Amazon delivers to the ship, through the post office, your free prime shipping actually covers to the ship and Amazon automatically knows if an item can’t be mailed to a FPO and also populates the add on 4 digit zip code for you.
Oct 30, 2022
JayDee659
Today is the 7 year anniversary of my daughter's PIR. It seems like yesterday and a lifetime all at once. She's been deployed, seen the world and is back where she started, teaching at GC. Looking forward to what the next 7 years will hold.
Oct 30, 2022
3B'smom
NickSydmom - coffee and water enhancers (Mio or powdered versions - especially those with electrolytes) were always welcome. On my son's last deployment coffee was in short supply. I sent bulk coffee for his plant, along with coffee "pods" of his favorites. HIs plant had a coffee maker that could use both. He also used the pods to barter with other sailors. I think I also sent him condiment packets one time. He said that the condiments he preferred seemed to be gone when he was able to go eat.
On his first deployment he asked me to send vitamin D.
Oct 30, 2022
MomofJoseph
JayDee659 - Wow! Seven years - that is AMAZING!!! We are just at 11 months in this journey. Congratulations!
Oct 30, 2022
NickSydmom
Thank you for all the great ideas, I hadn’t thought about vitamins, but with the little amount of sunshine they get, vitamin D is a great idea.
Oct 30, 2022
JayDee659
Thank you Mom of Joseph! Enjoy your journey, you'll be looking at 7 years in the blink of an eye.
Oct 30, 2022
Chipmunk
JayDee659 - Be sure to tell your Nukette, "Thank you for her service from all of us!" I think it is great that she is able to be back at GC!
Oct 30, 2022
Chipmunk
NickSydmom - Thanks for the information on Amazon prime. I passed that along to my DIL.
Oct 30, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Oct 31, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
JayDee - wow how time flies!
Oct 31, 2022
KayCee
Happy Halloween Everyone!
I loved the giant Salute to Service flag at the Seahawks game yesterday!
Oct 31, 2022
PacNWmom
KayCee - Did you see when the official called the Seahawks the Mariners by accident? LOL
Oct 31, 2022
KayCee
PacNWmom - Funny! I didn’t hear it probably because it was so loud. We honestly couldn’t hear much in the stadium over the fans. I did see it made news though.
Oct 31, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Nov 1, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ OkieMama!
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.
**Your journey will be a little different since you have an officer. But we are still here to answer questions!
Nov 1, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Nov 3, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Nov 4, 2022
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Don't forget we change the clocks this weekend!
Nov 4, 2022
MomofJoseph
Hi, OkieMom! Is your Sailor at Goose Creek now?
Congrats, JNMnavymomOH, for your son's graduation! I saw your post about your son and cell phone use and wanted to share my experience. When they are in class or studying, they are not allowed to have their phones with them. I usually heard from my son in the early afternoon (after class and before study hall opens) and then on weekends. It's much more like a college schedule than bootcamp was (which I LOVE!)
Nov 7, 2022
MomofJoseph
Congratulations, Q's Momma! We are so happy for you!!!
Nov 7, 2022
Pizanche
Congrats!
Nov 7, 2022
Pizanche
My son passed his power school comp!!! Very excited. Leaving Wednesday to head down to GC.
Nov 7, 2022
Northwoodsmom
Pizanche congratulations to your son. Have a great time, prayers for a safe trip!
Nov 7, 2022
Chipmunk
OkieMama! - Welcome to the Nuke Mom page!! Let us know where you are at in this journey.
Q's Momma - I am so happy for you!!!
Pizanche - Congratulations to your sailor!! Safe travels!!
Our big news this last weekend was the birth of our second grandbaby, a bouncing little boy! I can't wait until I can go see him and hold him. I can't share it here, but I got a kick out of what my Nuke said he was likely doing when his nephew decided to enter this world in the very early morning hours!!
I messaged my Nuke the first thing, so even if he did not see it, I could say he was the first one to know about it.
Nov 7, 2022
MomofJoseph
Pizanche - Congratulations!!!! Have a great, safe, wonderful trip to GC! I can't wait to hear about it!
Nov 8, 2022