newkmomma - I just wanted to say HI! and help with what I can. My son is MMN, so not sure what your son's rate will be. My son didn't find out his rate until just before PIR. My son spent 4 months in BC as he couldn't pass the run. We have been on our Navy journey since June 2022. It has just been me and him since 2017, so his leaving was constant gut punches. I had a panic attack the night before he left and cried for 3 days straight. Cried every phone call, even when I was trying not to. Wrote lots of letters with encouraging words, poems, phrases and photos. When he had PIR, we were only supposed to be together Friday and leave Saturday. However, he ended up having Saturday as well and he left Sunday from Milwaukee on a military flight. I know that that was not the norm, but I was thankful for that extra day. INDOC was about 10 days, give or take until the class up for A school. MM is only 13 weeks. When holiday stand down arrived, my son put in for leave and was able to come home for about 2 weeks at Christmas. Graduation was March and I was hoping for wonderful warm weather, it was raining. My son has been in T-track waiting to class up in May for Power school. My advice on a couple things: get him good running shoes now (brooks seems to be the best). Teach him about money (saving, spending, investments, credit) if you can, to help them out, and talk about the different retirements and education programs. My son had a booklet from DEP that talked about these options. My son had all the knowledge, and yet still managed to spend about $6500 on junk within 4 weeks of getting to GC. I was livid, as some may remember. If they can get a mailbox at the NEX, it is worth it. I had my son make his will and get his healthcare POA, but getting his financial POA next. At the time that we did this, I was on all of his accounts, but now that has changed. Lastly, make sure your SR has his DL. My son chose not to get his before he left, nor when he came home for the holidays. Or at least he has his temps. SC has some restrictions and he will be struggling to get his before Prototype. My son is an introvert, so lots of talking has never been a thing between us. But it is nice to get the random text messages and the weekly calls (during school). I don't consider myself a helicopter mom, but I want to help him in whatever capacity that I can. I am learning that they will figure it out on their own and all I can do is listen, encourage and ask questions. I live 12 hours away and so the next time I see my Sailor will be for Power school graduation or Thanksgiving, whichever comes first. I find this page and these ladies to be a wonderful resource and it probably would have been worse for me if I did not have them to cry to, vent to, question and share.
newkmomma - I was looking at the college thing a few weeks ago. They earn the equivalent of a 4 year degree (credit wise like 62) in 15-18 months. They don't actually earn a degree, but should be able to transfer some of this when they do decide to go after a degree. You can actually see online some of what they will be learning. It is old information but it does help in trying to understand what they are studying. The information they are learning is classified and can not leave the school building. When they are done after each section of the pipeline and have passed comps, their notes are destroyed. I learned this from my son because I asked him if he was going to be able to study his notes while in T-track, to help keep the information fresh.
I read the posts, but don't always post myself. Guess that makes me kind of a creeper. Have a great day!
JNMnavymomOH - HI!! It is good to hear from you and to hear how your sailor is doing. You brought up something that I forgot about and that was Driver's License.
YES, it is definitely best for them to have their DL before they head to BC. What a lot of recruiters may not realize is that our sailors will live off base for their Prototype training and they need to be able to provide their own transportation. Some have managed without having a DL, but that can make things really difficult for their roommates. Also, they will need to make sure they have money saved up to handle things like first month's worth of rent, utilities and such, as well as being able to get credit for renting an apartment or utilities. They will not receive their BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) until a month or two after they have finished Power School and moved from NNPTC to an apartment for Prototype.
My son helped me write that when he was at GC (Goose Creek), SC where NNPTC (Naval Nuclear Power Training Command) is located at. I updated it as he progressed in the Nuke Pipeline. I think I have another discussion on Prototype that I need to bump forward. Some things changed with COVID so be sure to read all the way through.
Members - if anyone has updated information to add to my discussion, please feel free to post it at the end of the comments on the last page. Thanks
Newkmomma and others who are just beginning this ride...welcome!
I concur with the other comments made.
First, I would advise you not to get too far ahead especially with your planning. I know this is difficult when you want to get the best deals, etc. But you are now on the Navy's schedule which is subject to lots of changes, twists and delays. Think Semper Gumby, always flexible.
I too am so grateful for this site and the wonderful support & information. I was often way ahead of my nuke but he didn't want to know what was coming up. Still doesn't.
I believe that is important to have a driver's license before leaving for BC. As stated before, they move off base for prototype. My son indicated that sometimes prototype will assign roommates of the same rating to the same work shifts (so they can carpool) but it is definitely not a sure thing.
My nuke is currently in the fleet. He reported to his ship almost 2 years to the day that he left for boot camp.But everyone's journey is different.
Timing is everything... when they class up, how long the gaps are between phases and when they can take leave. Despite a 7 week T track, he could not take leave because A school grad was too soon after the Christmas stand down.
One of the other limiting factors is classroom space. Each class needs a separate classroom so even if there are enough, they can't start a class.
We visited him twice in GC, to deliver his car and 3 months later for A school grad. When I asked how he was enjoying the car he replied that he was too busy to use it. But being a California boy, I'm sure it was comforting to know it was there if needed. He did use it a lot during Ttrack. Then came the Covid lockdown just as Power School started. That cancelled our return visits at the end of PS and Prototype. We saw him 3 times in 3 months then not again for 15 months.
If you plan to visit, be aware that Nukes study alot!!! Including Sunday afternoons, so make sure he is even available before you go.
Lastly, underage drinking is a huge issue. The nuke school is dry. Even those that are of age (21) who are phased up can get in trouble if they anywhere around a younger person, even off base (i.e. can't order a beer if anyone in the group is under 21).
Happy Sunday, Moms! I loved Canuka's and Chipmunk's posts and wanted to add a couple of thoughts. As far as a car, my son was allowed to take his after 3 months, and he uses it OFTEN.
Also, my son was pleasantly surprised that within 24 hours of graduating Power School, he received 1/3 of his Nuke bonus. (That really helped with rent and the other expenses involved in starting a new household.)
I would add that, while it is a bit down the line for nukes, some commands (definitely Pearl Harbor) require that Sailors have a passport, and they should have one in any event. It might be easier or cheaper for them to apply after BC. My experience with passports is that you can get one in 3 weeks if you need it in 3 months, but it will take 3 months if you need it in 3 weeks.
MomofJoseph - That's good to know about receiving the bonus so quickly. I was wondering about that, because I'm sure my son will need the extra $$!
WearsLargeHats - You are so right about passports. We learned this the hard way years ago when my husband applied for one in what we thought was plenty of time. Turns out his form sat on someone's desk in Chicago for a couple of weeks before they realized it needed to be processed. Fortunately, he called to check on it early enough that we could have it in time for our trip. You just never know what might happen.
Joe-mom --- my understanding is that the 1/3 of the bonus received after Power School must be returned if they don't complete Prototype (when they get the rest). Also the bonus payments are not automatic, depending on advisors, etc. They have to request it. My son got his final payment fairly easily but only because the person doing his transition paperwork helped with the bonus paperwork before he detached from GC. Once on his ship he encountered other nukes who were being told "what bonus?". The burden was on them to prove that they were owed something at all and how much and when. The details are in the enlistment contract.
Re: passports--- apply or renew well before hand, even now because they are valid for 10 years. The processing time gets really long in the spring and summer.
My son thought his "military passport" would be enough but as I learned here, it has its limits...allows them off the ship/boat but not much else (overnight, distance, etc.). It is up to the ship policy and each individual foreign country. It has to be valid for at least 6 months after entering a country.
Baby is coming on Tuesday and this is what B&C are doing this weekend! C wanted her dirt for her garden boxes delivered on Monday. Well the MI weather didn't cooperate so it got pushed to Tuesday and then finally delivered yesterday! They spent part of the day moving it to the back yard and her plan is to get it finished up this weekend - and all her veggies planted! They'll finish moving it today and then let the planting begin. I told her this might put her in to labor lol!
So excited for you B'sNukeMoM. 4 days before I had my Sailor I was cutting a Christmas tree down and dragging it through the woods, with my daughter I was piling lumber at work when I went into labor.. ended up with 2 very healthy babies.
They had their final ultra sound today - technician told them that Oliver is weighing in at 9lbs 11 oz +/- 8oz! Boy I hope they are incorrect lol!
Northwoodsmom - that's awesome! Yes, C has been very active her whole pregnancy. They work out every morning and she is constantly on the go....I just hope all this equates to an easy labor for her.
I was at my 10 year high school reunion - on the dance floor having a great time - B was born 2 days later!
Hi all - Happy Wednesday! Well induction was moved from 9am this morning to 9:30pm tonight, after being moved from Tuesday to Wednesday. At this rate she might just go in to labor on her own lol.
Well they just got a call from the hospital telling them they have nurses there now and to head over! So they are on their way! Gah this is crazy.......
Stephanie - It is good to see you over here asking questions!
To my understanding, almost all Nukes will be sent out for sea duty after they graduate from Prototype. There are exceptions to this, but most will be sent to serve on a ship or a sub after they graduate from the Nuke Pipeline, as their course of study is referred to.
For my son, he was sent to his ship after Prototype with a month-long leave break, between graduation and reporting to the ship. In total by the time his enlistment is up soon, he will have spent almost exactly 4 years with his ship. When he first went to the ship, it had gone back to the shipyards, so he was working on the ship but it was not out to sea. Then it went on many missions (underways) back and forth out to sea. When the ship was in port, he slept at various places, when out to sea, he slept on the ship.
In most cases, when you go off of sea duty, you moved to shore duty for about 3 years. For my son though, because he got married and his wife was already transferred to shore duty, he would have to stay assigned to a ship and serve on sea duty, but when they were in dock, assuming he was not assigned to a command away from his wife, he would go home to his wife and apartment when his ship was in port.
In other words, it may just depend on the ship and the circumstances surrounding the ship, and it would not be any different for Nukes than any other sailor. When my DIL was first assigned to the ship, she had some billeting (housing) on the base that she lived in, until she had a high enough rate to earn BAH (Basic Housing Allowance) and could afford to living in an apartment.
B'sNukeMom: I remember that rollercoaster. Child #3 was induced. They told me to start calling labor and delivery at 8:00 in the morning. They were swamped and kept telling me to call back every 1-2 hours. Finally in the late afternoon they said, quick, come in before more arrive. In total 23 babies were born that day and night. They had to borrow nurses from another department because there were so many new moms and babies the following day.
Stephanie - As Chipmunk said, it really depends on what the status of the ship/boat is. My son's ship was in a work up stage for deployment. He moved on to the ship as soon as he arrived. He could have moved off when he married, but stayed to save money (his wife lives in a different state) until the ship went back to the shipyard for maintenance. At that point, everyone moves off the ship. Nukes have a little different berthing situation than other rates on the ship.
Hi all - still no baby yet! Crazy, right?!? After a long night her water finally broke early this morning. And she did finally consent to the epidural. B said the pain was so bad he finally helped convince her that there was nothing wrong with having it. So she's at 7cm, finally able to rest a little and we are hoping it isn't much longer. They've been at the hospital almost 48 hours now.....I just hope he doesn't decide to wait until his due date tomorrow lol!
B'sNukeMom - This is good news!!. Continued prayers for C. Those inducements can cause some major pain, nothing wrong with an epidural. I had 2 with an epidural and 3 without.
When my first grandchild was born, the plan was that Patrick would call us when they were heading out to the hospital, and we would drive the 2+ hours and meet them there. He called us early in the morning to tell us it was time. First child, no hurry, right? By the time we got up and got dressed, before we made it downstairs, Patrick called us back to tell us we had a grandson. Any quicker and he'd have needed a catcher's mitt.
Happy Mother's Day to all of the Moms! and Congrats to all on the new babies!
My son is now a little more than halfway done with Bootcamp. We've been communicating frequently through Sandboxx and he is doing well! I haven't had much time to be on this forum since I started a new job a week before he left for RTC. It is also somewhat difficult to navigate this site from my phone, and it won't let me comment from my phone either for some reason.
I am starting to prepare for his graduation and seeing him off to Goose Creek. I remember seeing a post about items that they will need, but can't find it now. If someone can send me a link to that, I would really appreciate it!
Bless her heart !! This will be a mothers day they'll never forget !! Do the Packers have a linebacker or a quarterback in their future !! Happy Mothers to all !!
This is the week - My son will officially graduate Prototype on Friday. I am flying down on Wednesday and taking the vaca for the last time is SC! It's been almost exactly 2 years since he started bootcamp and I know he is glad to be done with the schooling portion of this. (he spent almost a year in the DEP program also, but that is not counted) He did very well in all his schools and I am very proud of him. I will enjoy every moment I get with him. I will send a week down there and he will come home for 3 weeks before heading out to his homeport. Thanks for all your support over the last 2 years. I appreciate it. Enjoy your days!
Pizanche - BZ to your son on making it through the pipeline! I can only imagine how excited he is about what's to come. I hope you have a fabulous trip to SC. We're going for the first time in mid-June, just to visit. Our son is starting Power School in 2 days. Haven't seen him since PIR last November, so I can't wait.
Dani_NukeMom - Happy to hear you're getting lots of letters. Those are treasures. Halfway there - the second half will fly by and you'll be at PIR in no time. When my son left for Goose Creek, he didn't need much. The only thing he asked for was his good running shoes and a couple of sweatshirts. They don't have a lot of extra room in their bags, so they try to keep it light.
B'sNukeMom - C is a trooper! Looking forward to seeing pics of little Oliver soon.
Pizanche - Congratulations to your sailor and may you have safe travels!
joe-mom - may you plans for visiting and traveling go smoothly as well.
Dani_NukeMom - Yes, this site can be more difficult to post with a phone. You might try putting it into desktop mode, otherwise, post on a computer. As joe-mom said, they really do not have room to take a lot from GL to GC on their flight. And I would honestly wait until your son got to GC to find out what he would like for you to send to him. They are provided everything they need for their room, and they have both a mini NEX near them where they can purchase laundry supplies and things they need and there is a larger NEX that they can go to as well.
If you are just wanting to "gift" him some things, it might be easier to just deposit money in his bank account for purchases.
Dani_NukeMom - Here is a link to a discussion that does list items needed at A school, but again, I would wait and ask your son, once he gets there. And I DO NOT suggest sending items before they arrive at GC. If your sailor is held up at RTC for any reason after PIR (that does happen occasionally, your package will sit with them not knowing what to do with it.) -
Q. My Sailor is being placed in the Temporary Holding Unit. What does this mean? A. Sailors placed in this unit, are Sailors who have graduated from Recruit Training Command and are awaiting follow-on orders to their school. The reasons for placing a graduated Sailor on hold can vary from clearance issues, needing a special physical, or sometimes it is as simple as waiting for a class to fill up.
These Sailors, however, are not just waiting around. They follow a daily schedule. Many maintain work assignments while awaiting their follow-on orders, to include: manning the Ship, acting as escorts for recruits transiting to medical or legal appointments, or performing office duties at locations throughout the base.
They are also housed separately from other recruits and have the ability to enjoy liberty, and are permitted to leave the base for recreation or for visiting with family members. They may also call home during their non-duty hours.
Dani_NukeMom - Ditto to what the others said about not needing much at GC. The one thing I gave my son that he LOVED is a fleece Navy blanket. (I ordered it from The Lakeside Collection and gave it to him after PIR.) I kept it for him after PIR and then took it to him at GC once he got there.
Pizanche - congrats on your sailor's Prototype graduation. I hope you have a wonderful time with him! (And once the dust has settled, will you please share your experience at graduation with us? My son should graduate late September or early October. I'd love to know what your experience is and any suggestions you have!)
JNMnavymomOH
newkmomma - I just wanted to say HI! and help with what I can. My son is MMN, so not sure what your son's rate will be. My son didn't find out his rate until just before PIR. My son spent 4 months in BC as he couldn't pass the run. We have been on our Navy journey since June 2022. It has just been me and him since 2017, so his leaving was constant gut punches. I had a panic attack the night before he left and cried for 3 days straight. Cried every phone call, even when I was trying not to. Wrote lots of letters with encouraging words, poems, phrases and photos. When he had PIR, we were only supposed to be together Friday and leave Saturday. However, he ended up having Saturday as well and he left Sunday from Milwaukee on a military flight. I know that that was not the norm, but I was thankful for that extra day. INDOC was about 10 days, give or take until the class up for A school. MM is only 13 weeks. When holiday stand down arrived, my son put in for leave and was able to come home for about 2 weeks at Christmas. Graduation was March and I was hoping for wonderful warm weather, it was raining. My son has been in T-track waiting to class up in May for Power school. My advice on a couple things: get him good running shoes now (brooks seems to be the best). Teach him about money (saving, spending, investments, credit) if you can, to help them out, and talk about the different retirements and education programs. My son had a booklet from DEP that talked about these options. My son had all the knowledge, and yet still managed to spend about $6500 on junk within 4 weeks of getting to GC. I was livid, as some may remember. If they can get a mailbox at the NEX, it is worth it. I had my son make his will and get his healthcare POA, but getting his financial POA next. At the time that we did this, I was on all of his accounts, but now that has changed. Lastly, make sure your SR has his DL. My son chose not to get his before he left, nor when he came home for the holidays. Or at least he has his temps. SC has some restrictions and he will be struggling to get his before Prototype. My son is an introvert, so lots of talking has never been a thing between us. But it is nice to get the random text messages and the weekly calls (during school). I don't consider myself a helicopter mom, but I want to help him in whatever capacity that I can. I am learning that they will figure it out on their own and all I can do is listen, encourage and ask questions. I live 12 hours away and so the next time I see my Sailor will be for Power school graduation or Thanksgiving, whichever comes first. I find this page and these ladies to be a wonderful resource and it probably would have been worse for me if I did not have them to cry to, vent to, question and share.
Apr 27, 2023
JNMnavymomOH
newkmomma - I was looking at the college thing a few weeks ago. They earn the equivalent of a 4 year degree (credit wise like 62) in 15-18 months. They don't actually earn a degree, but should be able to transfer some of this when they do decide to go after a degree. You can actually see online some of what they will be learning. It is old information but it does help in trying to understand what they are studying. The information they are learning is classified and can not leave the school building. When they are done after each section of the pipeline and have passed comps, their notes are destroyed. I learned this from my son because I asked him if he was going to be able to study his notes while in T-track, to help keep the information fresh.
I read the posts, but don't always post myself. Guess that makes me kind of a creeper. Have a great day!
Apr 27, 2023
Chipmunk
JNMnavymomOH - HI!! It is good to hear from you and to hear how your sailor is doing. You brought up something that I forgot about and that was Driver's License.
YES, it is definitely best for them to have their DL before they head to BC. What a lot of recruiters may not realize is that our sailors will live off base for their Prototype training and they need to be able to provide their own transportation. Some have managed without having a DL, but that can make things really difficult for their roommates. Also, they will need to make sure they have money saved up to handle things like first month's worth of rent, utilities and such, as well as being able to get credit for renting an apartment or utilities. They will not receive their BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) until a month or two after they have finished Power School and moved from NNPTC to an apartment for Prototype.
Apr 27, 2023
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Apr 28, 2023
Chipmunk
Good Morning Everyone!! Have a wonderful weekend!
Please join me in welcoming Rebecca to our group!
Rebecca - if your loved one is still at home you might want to share my discussion above with him. Nuke A school daily schedule - sailor's perspective - Navy For Moms...
My son helped me write that when he was at GC (Goose Creek), SC where NNPTC (Naval Nuclear Power Training Command) is located at. I updated it as he progressed in the Nuke Pipeline. I think I have another discussion on Prototype that I need to bump forward. Some things changed with COVID so be sure to read all the way through.
Members - if anyone has updated information to add to my discussion, please feel free to post it at the end of the comments on the last page. Thanks
Apr 29, 2023
CanukaVet
Newkmomma and others who are just beginning this ride...welcome!
I concur with the other comments made.
First, I would advise you not to get too far ahead especially with your planning. I know this is difficult when you want to get the best deals, etc. But you are now on the Navy's schedule which is subject to lots of changes, twists and delays. Think Semper Gumby, always flexible.
I too am so grateful for this site and the wonderful support & information. I was often way ahead of my nuke but he didn't want to know what was coming up. Still doesn't.
I believe that is important to have a driver's license before leaving for BC. As stated before, they move off base for prototype. My son indicated that sometimes prototype will assign roommates of the same rating to the same work shifts (so they can carpool) but it is definitely not a sure thing.
My nuke is currently in the fleet. He reported to his ship almost 2 years to the day that he left for boot camp.But everyone's journey is different.
Timing is everything... when they class up, how long the gaps are between phases and when they can take leave. Despite a 7 week T track, he could not take leave because A school grad was too soon after the Christmas stand down.
One of the other limiting factors is classroom space. Each class needs a separate classroom so even if there are enough, they can't start a class.
We visited him twice in GC, to deliver his car and 3 months later for A school grad. When I asked how he was enjoying the car he replied that he was too busy to use it. But being a California boy, I'm sure it was comforting to know it was there if needed. He did use it a lot during Ttrack. Then came the Covid lockdown just as Power School started. That cancelled our return visits at the end of PS and Prototype. We saw him 3 times in 3 months then not again for 15 months.
If you plan to visit, be aware that Nukes study alot!!! Including Sunday afternoons, so make sure he is even available before you go.
Lastly, underage drinking is a huge issue. The nuke school is dry. Even those that are of age (21) who are phased up can get in trouble if they anywhere around a younger person, even off base (i.e. can't order a beer if anyone in the group is under 21).
That's enough for now.
Take deep breaths and stay tuned here.
Apr 29, 2023
MomofJoseph
Happy Sunday, Moms! I loved Canuka's and Chipmunk's posts and wanted to add a couple of thoughts. As far as a car, my son was allowed to take his after 3 months, and he uses it OFTEN.
Also, my son was pleasantly surprised that within 24 hours of graduating Power School, he received 1/3 of his Nuke bonus. (That really helped with rent and the other expenses involved in starting a new household.)
Apr 30, 2023
WearsLargeHats
I would add that, while it is a bit down the line for nukes, some commands (definitely Pearl Harbor) require that Sailors have a passport, and they should have one in any event. It might be easier or cheaper for them to apply after BC. My experience with passports is that you can get one in 3 weeks if you need it in 3 months, but it will take 3 months if you need it in 3 weeks.
May 1, 2023
joe-mom
MomofJoseph - That's good to know about receiving the bonus so quickly. I was wondering about that, because I'm sure my son will need the extra $$!
WearsLargeHats - You are so right about passports. We learned this the hard way years ago when my husband applied for one in what we thought was plenty of time. Turns out his form sat on someone's desk in Chicago for a couple of weeks before they realized it needed to be processed. Fortunately, he called to check on it early enough that we could have it in time for our trip. You just never know what might happen.
May 1, 2023
CanukaVet
Joe-mom --- my understanding is that the 1/3 of the bonus received after Power School must be returned if they don't complete Prototype (when they get the rest). Also the bonus payments are not automatic, depending on advisors, etc. They have to request it. My son got his final payment fairly easily but only because the person doing his transition paperwork helped with the bonus paperwork before he detached from GC. Once on his ship he encountered other nukes who were being told "what bonus?". The burden was on them to prove that they were owed something at all and how much and when. The details are in the enlistment contract.
Re: passports--- apply or renew well before hand, even now because they are valid for 10 years. The processing time gets really long in the spring and summer.
My son thought his "military passport" would be enough but as I learned here, it has its limits...allows them off the ship/boat but not much else (overnight, distance, etc.). It is up to the ship policy and each individual foreign country. It has to be valid for at least 6 months after entering a country.
May 1, 2023
joe-mom
Canuka - Great info, thanks for clarifying. I'll pass this on to my son.
May 1, 2023
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
May 2, 2023
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
May 3, 2023
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
May 4, 2023
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Just got the call from C - they are to be at the hospital at 9am on Tuesday! I'm gonna be a Lollie soon ;-D
May 4, 2023
joe-mom
That's awesome, B's! Praying that all goes well.
May 4, 2023
Chipmunk
Ohh so exciting for you all!!
May 4, 2023
3B'smom
Sending good vibes prayers for a safe delivery.
May 4, 2023
Pizanche
Congrats Bnukes
May 4, 2023
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Baby is coming on Tuesday and this is what B&C are doing this weekend! C wanted her dirt for her garden boxes delivered on Monday. Well the MI weather didn't cooperate so it got pushed to Tuesday and then finally delivered yesterday! They spent part of the day moving it to the back yard and her plan is to get it finished up this weekend - and all her veggies planted! They'll finish moving it today and then let the planting begin. I told her this might put her in to labor lol!
May 5, 2023
Northwoodsmom
So excited for you B'sNukeMoM. 4 days before I had my Sailor I was cutting a Christmas tree down and dragging it through the woods, with my daughter I was piling lumber at work when I went into labor.. ended up with 2 very healthy babies.
May 5, 2023
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
They had their final ultra sound today - technician told them that Oliver is weighing in at 9lbs 11 oz +/- 8oz! Boy I hope they are incorrect lol!
Northwoodsmom - that's awesome! Yes, C has been very active her whole pregnancy. They work out every morning and she is constantly on the go....I just hope all this equates to an easy labor for her.
I was at my 10 year high school reunion - on the dance floor having a great time - B was born 2 days later!
May 5, 2023
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Wednesday! Well induction was moved from 9am this morning to 9:30pm tonight, after being moved from Tuesday to Wednesday. At this rate she might just go in to labor on her own lol.
May 10, 2023
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Well they just got a call from the hospital telling them they have nurses there now and to head over! So they are on their way! Gah this is crazy.......
May 10, 2023
Happynurse
May 11, 2023
Chipmunk
Stephanie - It is good to see you over here asking questions!
To my understanding, almost all Nukes will be sent out for sea duty after they graduate from Prototype. There are exceptions to this, but most will be sent to serve on a ship or a sub after they graduate from the Nuke Pipeline, as their course of study is referred to.
For my son, he was sent to his ship after Prototype with a month-long leave break, between graduation and reporting to the ship. In total by the time his enlistment is up soon, he will have spent almost exactly 4 years with his ship. When he first went to the ship, it had gone back to the shipyards, so he was working on the ship but it was not out to sea. Then it went on many missions (underways) back and forth out to sea. When the ship was in port, he slept at various places, when out to sea, he slept on the ship.
In most cases, when you go off of sea duty, you moved to shore duty for about 3 years. For my son though, because he got married and his wife was already transferred to shore duty, he would have to stay assigned to a ship and serve on sea duty, but when they were in dock, assuming he was not assigned to a command away from his wife, he would go home to his wife and apartment when his ship was in port.
In other words, it may just depend on the ship and the circumstances surrounding the ship, and it would not be any different for Nukes than any other sailor. When my DIL was first assigned to the ship, she had some billeting (housing) on the base that she lived in, until she had a high enough rate to earn BAH (Basic Housing Allowance) and could afford to living in an apartment.
May 11, 2023
3B'smom
B'sNukeMom: I remember that rollercoaster. Child #3 was induced. They told me to start calling labor and delivery at 8:00 in the morning. They were swamped and kept telling me to call back every 1-2 hours. Finally in the late afternoon they said, quick, come in before more arrive. In total 23 babies were born that day and night. They had to borrow nurses from another department because there were so many new moms and babies the following day.
May 11, 2023
3B'smom
Stephanie - As Chipmunk said, it really depends on what the status of the ship/boat is. My son's ship was in a work up stage for deployment. He moved on to the ship as soon as he arrived. He could have moved off when he married, but stayed to save money (his wife lives in a different state) until the ship went back to the shipyard for maintenance. At that point, everyone moves off the ship. Nukes have a little different berthing situation than other rates on the ship.
May 11, 2023
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - still no baby yet! Crazy, right?!? After a long night her water finally broke early this morning. And she did finally consent to the epidural. B said the pain was so bad he finally helped convince her that there was nothing wrong with having it. So she's at 7cm, finally able to rest a little and we are hoping it isn't much longer. They've been at the hospital almost 48 hours now.....I just hope he doesn't decide to wait until his due date tomorrow lol!
May 12, 2023
Chipmunk
B'sNukeMom - This is good news!!. Continued prayers for C. Those inducements can cause some major pain, nothing wrong with an epidural. I had 2 with an epidural and 3 without.
May 12, 2023
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
She's at 10cm and hoping Oliver arrives soon!
May 12, 2023
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
12:05am EST 5/13/23 baby Oliver has arrived! Mom is doing great. Waiting on vitals. I’m so excited!
May 13, 2023
MoMom
May 13, 2023
PacNWmom
Congrats, welcome and best wishes to both the new babies! I'm so excited for you grandparents!
May 13, 2023
Pizanche
Congrats!!!!! welcome to the world little one. Warms wishes to all
May 13, 2023
Chipmunk
B'sNukeMom - Congratulations!!! To everyone! {{{BNMHs}}}
May 13, 2023
joe-mom
B'sNukeMom - Wonderful, welcome news! Congrats to all!
May 13, 2023
Northwoodsmom
How exciting B'sNukeMoM, I am so happy for you. Hope you get to see the little guy soon. Thanking God for a smooth delivery. Congratulations!
May 13, 2023
mom of mrams
Best wishes and Congratulations to everyone !! Welcome to the world Oliver !
May 13, 2023
WearsLargeHats
When my first grandchild was born, the plan was that Patrick would call us when they were heading out to the hospital, and we would drive the 2+ hours and meet them there. He called us early in the morning to tell us it was time. First child, no hurry, right? By the time we got up and got dressed, before we made it downstairs, Patrick called us back to tell us we had a grandson. Any quicker and he'd have needed a catcher's mitt.
May 13, 2023
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Everyone is doing great - they’ll go home tomorrow afternoon. 4 nights and 5 days in the hospital. 60 hours of labor!
She’s a champ!
May 13, 2023
Pizanche
Happy Mother's Day to you all!
May 14, 2023
Dani_NukeMom
Happy Mother's Day to all of the Moms! and Congrats to all on the new babies!
My son is now a little more than halfway done with Bootcamp. We've been communicating frequently through Sandboxx and he is doing well! I haven't had much time to be on this forum since I started a new job a week before he left for RTC. It is also somewhat difficult to navigate this site from my phone, and it won't let me comment from my phone either for some reason.
I am starting to prepare for his graduation and seeing him off to Goose Creek. I remember seeing a post about items that they will need, but can't find it now. If someone can send me a link to that, I would really appreciate it!
May 14, 2023
mom of mrams
Bless her heart !! This will be a mothers day they'll never forget !! Do the Packers have a linebacker or a quarterback in their future !! Happy Mothers to all !!
May 14, 2023
Pizanche
This is the week - My son will officially graduate Prototype on Friday. I am flying down on Wednesday and taking the vaca for the last time is SC! It's been almost exactly 2 years since he started bootcamp and I know he is glad to be done with the schooling portion of this. (he spent almost a year in the DEP program also, but that is not counted) He did very well in all his schools and I am very proud of him. I will enjoy every moment I get with him. I will send a week down there and he will come home for 3 weeks before heading out to his homeport. Thanks for all your support over the last 2 years. I appreciate it. Enjoy your days!
May 15, 2023
joe-mom
Pizanche - BZ to your son on making it through the pipeline! I can only imagine how excited he is about what's to come. I hope you have a fabulous trip to SC. We're going for the first time in mid-June, just to visit. Our son is starting Power School in 2 days. Haven't seen him since PIR last November, so I can't wait.
Dani_NukeMom - Happy to hear you're getting lots of letters. Those are treasures. Halfway there - the second half will fly by and you'll be at PIR in no time. When my son left for Goose Creek, he didn't need much. The only thing he asked for was his good running shoes and a couple of sweatshirts. They don't have a lot of extra room in their bags, so they try to keep it light.
B'sNukeMom - C is a trooper! Looking forward to seeing pics of little Oliver soon.
Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!
May 15, 2023
Chipmunk
Pizanche - Congratulations to your sailor and may you have safe travels!
joe-mom - may you plans for visiting and traveling go smoothly as well.
Dani_NukeMom - Yes, this site can be more difficult to post with a phone. You might try putting it into desktop mode, otherwise, post on a computer. As joe-mom said, they really do not have room to take a lot from GL to GC on their flight. And I would honestly wait until your son got to GC to find out what he would like for you to send to him. They are provided everything they need for their room, and they have both a mini NEX near them where they can purchase laundry supplies and things they need and there is a larger NEX that they can go to as well.
If you are just wanting to "gift" him some things, it might be easier to just deposit money in his bank account for purchases.
May 16, 2023
Chipmunk
Dani_NukeMom - Here is a link to a discussion that does list items needed at A school, but again, I would wait and ask your son, once he gets there. And I DO NOT suggest sending items before they arrive at GC. If your sailor is held up at RTC for any reason after PIR (that does happen occasionally, your package will sit with them not knowing what to do with it.) -
A Sailors Needs for A school - Navy For Moms (ning.com)
May 16, 2023
Chipmunk
Temporary Holding Units - since I mentioned that a sailor can be held at RTC - this is from the FAQ page - U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command > FAQ -
Q. My Sailor is being placed in the Temporary Holding Unit. What does this mean?
A. Sailors placed in this unit, are Sailors who have graduated from Recruit Training Command and are awaiting follow-on orders to their school. The reasons for placing a graduated Sailor on hold can vary from clearance issues, needing a special physical, or sometimes it is as simple as waiting for a class to fill up.
These Sailors, however, are not just waiting around. They follow a daily schedule. Many maintain work assignments while awaiting their follow-on orders, to include: manning the Ship, acting as escorts for recruits transiting to medical or legal appointments, or performing office duties at locations throughout the base.
They are also housed separately from other recruits and have the ability to enjoy liberty, and are permitted to leave the base for recreation or for visiting with family members. They may also call home during their non-duty hours.
May 16, 2023
MomofJoseph
Dani_NukeMom - Ditto to what the others said about not needing much at GC. The one thing I gave my son that he LOVED is a fleece Navy blanket. (I ordered it from The Lakeside Collection and gave it to him after PIR.) I kept it for him after PIR and then took it to him at GC once he got there.
Pizanche - congrats on your sailor's Prototype graduation. I hope you have a wonderful time with him! (And once the dust has settled, will you please share your experience at graduation with us? My son should graduate late September or early October. I'd love to know what your experience is and any suggestions you have!)
May 16, 2023