NUKE moms

 B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet) - Good morning!  I have a question for you.  In July, you posted the schedule for Prototype graduation 2206.  Can you direct me to where you found that info?  My son is graduating next week and he still hasn't sent us the schedule, and I haven't been able to find it online.  I appreciate any help you can give.

Good Morning / Afternoon everyone -

My apologies, I have been dealing with a lot of family things, and I believe that B'sNukemom is also out of the loop for a bit with the same. 

NucMomTami and G'sNavyMom - Generally your sailor should have their orders right before PIR, but that is not always the case. As for flight times, that varies depending on what flights the Navy procures for the best rates.  - Welcome to Navy life, you really will not know possibly until you are at PIR, or even afterwards. That is why with those flying in and out, we recommend that if possible, you give yourself an extra day for travel. We drove, just because we wanted that flexibility, and it was nothing like I thought it would be.  - Be sure to read my discussion on the BC group - What PIR weekend may be like for those flying out of GL - Navy For ...

MomofJoseph - see if you can glean some information from the Prototype FB group?  - 

Also here are links to a few discussions on this group page. Read through them for clues. I am sorry. 

This is my post re: Prototype Gradution - Prototype Graduation - Goose Creek - Navy For Moms (ning.com)

This one has a reply from 2022 - sept 30 Prototype Graduation - Navy For Moms (ning.com)

Do you by chance save any of your email feeds from the groups here. If so, you might be able to do a search in your email from B'sNukeMom. - It most likely would have been an attachment and I try to delete my attachments as much as possible, so I am not finding it. The other thing is to go to the bottom of the page here and skip through the comments until you find ones around July. 

From what I recall, there really was no schedule in 2019, just two different times for graduations. One was at 0900 the other was at 1100 and I think we had to be there a half hour early. My son tried hard to get me as much information as possible as you can tell from my discussion post and it was very slim pickings of what he actually got. 

MomofJoseph - Here is a link to the 2205 Graduation - 

NPTU Class 2205 MTS 711 Graduation - YouTube

I also found one for Class 2206. There was a note under the video saying it was the 2nd one of the day, so I am assuming they are still doing two ceremonies per class. 

NucMomTami my son flew out Saturday morning very early. The airport did give us gate passes to sit with him until he boarded. His was one of the last PIR classes to fly out commercially because of Covid.  They started bussing or other means to get the Sailors where they needed to go. Remember with the Navy things can change on a dime. I learnt very early when my heart was crushed either I learn to go with the flow or spend six years of misery. I hope things work out great for you but please stay flexible.

MomofJoesph - My son was in 2205 - there were 3 graduations. they used to give a schedule of which boat was what time. if you google NPTU grad and your sailor's SSN number you should be able to find the time. 

Thank you for the info.  I'm sorry for the slow reply - drove my Mom to the beach for the weekend and this was my first time to login.

I do have the copy of 2206 that B'sNukeMom posted, but thank you to Chipmunk for looking for it for me! In that one they graduated in 3 groups and I was hoping to know which time slot he would be in.  (But we rented a hotel room 0.8miles from Patriots Point, so we don't have to worry about traffic in the morning.)

MomofJoseph - I am not sure we actually knew until the day or so before his graduation. Pizanche's information should be more up to date than mine. 

NucMomTami & G'sNavyMom - Welcome to the Nuke Mom group. I am not sure if I have given you a proper welcome here! Please don't hesitate to ask questions here either. There is a lot of information in the pages in the upper right - be sure to click view all - and here is my discussion on A school that I wrote in collaboration with my sailor. It is older information now, so, I encourage others to add to the replies at the end if anything needs to be updated. 

Nuke A school daily schedule - sailor's perspective - Navy For Moms...

MomofJoseph sorry I've been off the computer most of the week so just seeing your question. I found most of my info from the NNPTC and NPTU Family/friend Gathering Place facebook page - they also said to keep an eye on the groups on FB for NPTU Charlestion, NPTU Charleston Connections and NPTU Charleston Ombudsman. I'd think the last would be the most beneficial. 

As it has already been mentioned - they do three groups so you could be early in the morning or later. We were the last one so it was an easy morning and no rush to get out of the way for the next group. They let as many come as you like and while you are there you are welcome to tour the ship as well as others on the docks there. They had plenty of parking on a big grassy field. 

I hope you have a great day there! We are having a family day on my son's ship in a few weeks in Norfolk so something new to look forward to!

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Thank you for the help!  It was posted today on Facebook!

4kidsforfun - please let us know how Family Day goes! That sounds so fun! 

4kidsforfun - Thank you so much for helping MomofJoseph out. Have a wonderful time at family day. I missed getting to go to ours, but my son still gave me a tour of the ship when we went and visited them last year. It really helps to have an idea of where they are at and to get an idea of the size of the ship. 

Well - I am going to be hit and miss on this site and group for a bit. My little miss Precious showed up over two months early and grandma was just not ready for her to come so soon. Neither were mom and dad, but they are figuring it out. I can't wait to see her, so I need to get back to figuring out my flight. I don't like having my sailor family halfway across the country, but I know that I am not the only one. 

Chipmunk - I'm so glad you have your trip scheduled to see your son, DIL and new grandbaby P!  How is everything going with mama and miss P?  I will keep them in my prayers daily....

B'sNukeMom - Baby and Momma are doing well. This is a totally new ballpark for me as well, so we are all learning and encouraging each other.  

My son graduated from Prototype!  (Picture is of stage prior to ceremony.)  Just wanted to share a few tips.

My son was in the 3rd group that graduated.  The flyer said that the crowd change-out would be from 10:30 - 11:00.  We arrived on the ship about 10:22 and people were already seated for the 11:00 graduation.  (But we still found seats in the 2nd row.)

They had merch for sale before and after, but it is cash only.  There is an ATM at the gift shop, but it's not on the ship - it's back at the main entrance.  

Parking and admission fees are waived.  Just state that you are there for graduation and they'll wave you through.

Arrive EARLY.  Our hotel was less than a mile away.  We left at 10:05 and it took 10 minutes to get through the gate.  (People who are not there for graduation have to pay at the gate and that slows the line.)

Hope this helps!

momifJosrph - congrats on your son’s graduation!!!

MomofJoseph - My son graduated (as an officer) at the same time as yours. I wish I had known, we could have met!! Where is your son headed next? Forgive me if you’ve said already. Mine is going on the Teddy Roosevelt. What a great ceremony! I thoroughly enjoyed it! 

We arrived early, with my son, who had to be there an hour ahead of the ceremony (and he likes to be a bit early).  That was plenty of time.

I highly recommend going to as many graduations as you can, folks.  Each is different and special.  

MomofJoseph & PacNWmom - Congratulations to both of your sons!

MomofJoseph and PacNWmom, congratulations to your Nukes, it is such a tough program. My son is on the TR as well but on the topside. Enjoy your time together.

MomofJoseph - Bravo Zulu to your sailor! Way to go!!!

MomofJoseph & PacNWmom - congratulations to both of your sailors!!  I am sorry that you two did not get a chance to meet up. MomofJoseph - Thank you for the update for Prototype graduation. When my son had his, there were only two ceremonies, so having three is a lot of juggling. 

I have had computer issues this weekend and I am hoping that I finally have a new, working computer, but I still have some things to check out on it. But I am glad to know that I can still get logged into N4M!

MomofJoseph and PacNWmom - BZ to both of your sailors!

PacNWmom - wow, what a journey it's been for your son! Now graduating as an Officer - woohoo!

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. 

Hello everyone 💙 My son will be arriving in GC in the next few weeks. Is there anything I can get him that he'll need for when he arrives that will be helpful? I know they're limited with what they can bring or take, but I wasn't sure if I can be helpful in any way. Can they receive care packages while there? Thank you⚓️

G'sNavyMom - They need very little while they're in school and living on base. My son asked us to bring a couple of his sweatshirts and his swim trunks from home. Any other civilian clothes he preferred to buy himself at the NEX. Others on this site have mentioned blankets and sheets. Care packages with favorite snacks and such are definitely ok, and usually very welcome!

joe-mom - this is great information.  Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.

joe-mom - can sheets, blanket and clothing be mailed to him?

Absolutely! Just make sure he gives you the correct address, with his class number.

Ok, perfect! Thank you

G'sNavyMom - I "bumped" the discussion "A Sailors Needs for A School" up above.  It's an old list but still should be helpful.

G'sNavyMom - Did you see the discussion that B'sNukeMom bumped forward? There is a list in that discussion of everything that they might possibly need - HOWEVER - They are supplied with bedding and towels. So, I would just wait. As much as we want to - deck them out as we would a college dorm room - A school is really not the time to do that. - Save your money for Prototype when they have to get an apartment and live off base.  - 

Wait for your son to let you know what he feels like he needs. I did mail the fluffy Navy blanket to my son which I bought at Sarge's Meet n Greet. But other than that, he was good with what was issued. There is a small NEX very close to their living quarters and they can purchase supplies like toiletries and laundry supplies. - I think they can even purchase items such as irons and an ironing board there, but I am not sure. My son was bunked with a sailor who had been there for a few months and had those items. When he moved on, he even gave my son his electric hair trimmer. 

At the time when my son was there, there was also a thrift store run by some of the Navy wives which was fairly close, but they had odd hours. 

Chipmunk and B'sNukeMoM - thank you this information. Just trying to get him ready and do what i can. I'm going into this blindly, so I don't know what I don't know

PacNWmom - Congrats to you and your Sailor!  I also wish we could have met at graduation!!!  My son is headed to Groton - he's on a PCU sub.  He is so excited to finally be headed into the fleet!

G'sNavyMom - We are excited to be on this adventure with you!  As the others said, I agree about waiting until they get to GC to see what they need.  We gave my son a fleece Navy blanket at PIR and that's all he wanted for his room.  (We only live 4 hours from GC so we drove down to visit and took it to him.)  Also, make sure you know what his address is (like someone else said).  There is one address for the first few weeks - it's the INDOC address in the discussion doc, but I think you need to know their division #.  But there are different addresses for A School and Power School.

And like Chipmunk said, they will need LOTS of stuff for Prototype, so it's best to wait until then to shower them with stuff.

Good luck to you and your Sailor!  It's a wild (but awesome) ride!

MomofJoseph - thank you! I appreciate the advice and insight. Trying to do what I can on my end and learning as I go along. This is all new to me/us. 

Thank you for the kind wishes! We're all looking forward to what's ahead.

Congratulations to your son heading into the fleet! Exciting for him!

Welcome to our newest members ~ G'sNavyMom, Kimberly and KLsewso!

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.

WELCOME to our new members!  This is such a great place to get answers to your questions and to get support in this adventure!  :-)  I'm still relatively early in all this.  My son JUST finished Nuke School and is on leave.  He will head to his home port in a few weeks, so we are enjoying our time with him at home!  (But I really had hoped the Navy would train him to keep his room clean, but so far, that hasn't happened! LOL)  But it's good to have him home nonetheless!

Just want to let you all know if your sailor has a "family day" it is well worth the travel and time to go. We spent last Sunday on the George Washington, went out to sea for the day, saw an air show including jets landing and taking off from the carrier and had a tour of the ship. Of course, we cannot see where our Nukes work but can see much of the ship. It is a very long day but worth it in the end to get a feel for where they'll be and how it all works. There were complaints about long lines ( hours for tshirts and they were sold out of family day ones and all sizes other than small and medium before we got there) and lunch hours ending up almost 2 hours late but everything was worth it in the end. Things happen but we still got to go out on a carrier! 

That's all I have - do what you can to attend if you ever get the opportunity!

MomofJoseph - Enjoy the time with your sailor, even if his room is messy!!

Welcome to our newest members - Glad to have you here with us!

4kidsforfun - I am so glad that you had a wonderful family day!! I was not able to attend the one on my son's ship, but I really wanted to go. They also had long lines and such, which we did not have when touring with just our sailors, but we were in port. How I would have loved to have been out on the ocean!

Because there has been discussion about the government shut down and NFCU possibly covering paychecks in another group on this site, I wanted to share this information which I just received from my sailor gal. 

UPDATE: - NFCU Loan assistance for Gov't shutdown!!

My sailor gal just shared this with me - Government Shutdown Assistance | Navy Federal Credit Union

This 0% loan has to be applied for and then will be drafted back out of sailor's accounts, once their DOD deposit is made. There is a deadline for application, before their missed paycheck. 

Be sure to have your sailor check this out and let them know about it, make sure they read the fine print. If they are deployed this may be more difficult for them to deal with - it is not automatically covered as they have done in the past. If you are on their bank account, you might be able to apply for them, I am not certain. 

I am not going to be able to reply to questions about this, but I wanted to share the information as soon as my DIL told me about it, since I know we have discussed this recently in other groups. 

We are concerned about the sailors on deployment who may not be able to access this application, so I am sharing it with you as soon as I found out about it, so maybe you can reach out to them. They do have to have their access code to apply at least through the mobile app.

From other discussions, I don't know if there has been an actual loan application necessary with NFCU, but there is this time. 

4kidsforfun - I completely agree with family day! My kid is on one of the fast attack subs - USS Jimmy Carter, and the tour was fantastic! We obv did get to see many parts of the sub but I did get to look up periscope and sit in one of the navigation seats. Note of caution though… this is a pretty physical tour. To get out, I had to climb two stories straight up on a metal ladder! Great fun though… five stars!!!

Happy Sunday everyone! Yepp I am still here just reading always 2-4 weeks late. Whenever i wanted to chime in topics were long gone. 
Mom of Joseph so true about our son’s room. He’s home for a 10 days vacation. Whenever we’re out of town or visiting relatives house his room/bed was always tidy. But when his home he was in his old self. Never utilized closet so luggages were just wide open. 
4kidsforfun - glad you experienced family day. Mine might not going to happen his carrier is on dry dock til maybe 2026.

he was chosen to join another carrier to experience deployment and will fully qualified everything he quals. Only 2 of them in his division.  Question moms with deployment experience: how’s the communication looks like on ship? Only thru their navy email? Is there a wifi where he can use his laptop or maybe phone or the ship’s computer just to open his bank account and pay bills during sea days? I understand that communication is limited but i’m concern more of the navy fed bank website if he can access it. Thank you all