Yeah Colleen, you would think there would be plenty of moms that have Sailors stationed overseas that would want to connect with others in the same boat.
Leave it to my son...travel to the middle east only to search out Japanese food which is his favorite. Him and a buddy found a Japanese food place in the expensive part of town and he said it was awesome but his dinner alone was $70. He sent me some photos and the buildings in the area are very impressive.
I wonder if he was with Edward, because Edward told me he went with his boys (cute) and had sushi, which I thought was weird. He said one of the guys Dad was there. Seems he is a contractor.
I was hoping to hear from Edward before the ship went back out but I haven't. I assume they are at sea again? I haven't gotten an email yet so I just have to wait until he reaches out.
I got a phone call yesterday , they are underway again. Was sad I did not get a SKYPE while in port. My sailor said the WY-YI was bad and the lines long. He stayed on base for the most part and the last day in port slept all day.One of his port buddies drank to much again and my son had to carry back to ship. This is the second port that this guy has done this. I told my son time to ask for new port buddy. Deep sigh just miss him and worry that his ports are spent babysitting someone who might need more help then my son can give. I trust my son he has a good son his shoulders, he is a very responsible kid.
I'm a little concerned and confused. I Thot that there is a strictly no drinking alcohol policy. ?? Does that end once they leave A school and are deployed on ship??
I identify with you as my son most of A school refused to go anywhere with any of his sailors because of the poor decisions bring made. One would hope that they could go to command without prejudice and ask for a new port buddy.
There is no policy against drinking alcohol for those that are of legal age. Depends on the command as to what the age is overseas. Some times the CO will make it 21 and other times the CO will allow them to follow the legal age of the country they are visiting.
I don't think liberty buddies are assigned and each Sailor can pick whoever they want for their liberty buddy.
Navy Mom DPL, your son sounds like a really good friend, but I understand that you don't want him taking his time off to babysit. As for the guys drinking though, to respond to Kris. I am not aware of a no drinking policy. My son is 23 and very much looks forward to having some beers when in port. It's the Navy and they are young men wanting to have some fun, I think we need to be realistic and just hope and pray they don't go overboard or put themselves in a bad situation.
I agree ed'smom, these are adult Sailors that have been at sea for months. They should have the opportunity to relax and have a beer if that is there thing and blow off some steam. My son took an MWR trip to the beach while they were in port and he said it was so relaxing to sit on the beach, drink a Mojito and unwind.
ATA Momma - they are not allowed to drink on the ship. But while they are in port, they are adults and allowed to drink as long as they meet age requires.
According to my husband, liberty buddies are not assigned and you are able to choose who you would like to go out with. He has gone out with different people everyday while in port.
KrisWatkins, hopefully your son can find some responsible friends to hang out with in port that have similar interests to his own. I know there were a lot of guys when I was on the ship that didn't want to do anything but hang out in the bar the whole time we were in port and I had to search out someone that liked to explore and see the sights like I did.
My son said on base the age was 18 for beer and wine. my son did say he does pick his liberty buddies. He agreed it is time fr him to go out with someone else. The sailor in question was confronted by several sailors and he doesn't see what he is doing as a problem. I again has to trust in the values I raised my son with trusting he will use good judgement.
My husband also went out with some liberty buddies last port who all they did was drink and he did not like it what so ever which he is not s drinker to begin with. So this port he went out with some guys who just did their own thing and hung out most of the time. He did get buzzed but then ate something and was completely fine but he had a better experience this port for sure than last port. Also he said that packages were coming in faster than before due to them getting everything in. He said that the 2 I had sent him should be in by this week. So I will keep my fingers crossed.
I'm a lucky mom, my son make great decisions. Not a drinker He has other sailors who are friends of family who are also on the bush, but are on their second enlistment. So I feel pretty good about the connections made.
When he called while in Bahrain. He told me he spent the entire day at the water park. And I spent several hours talking to him when he was at Starbucks inside a mall with a group. So there are groups that seek out other activities.
Parents - remember YOUR first time away from home (and mind you, they ARE a good distance from home)? Just pray you raised them right and if they decide to partake of the local drink - that they have someone to depend on to help them. They are not angels - they are sailors out to relax (yeah, some more than others). They have to grow up sometime ;-)
I was able to Skype with my son this weekend, our first time since the deployment. It was really good to see him as well as talk with him. He said that they are able to drink but you have to be able to walk back up the brow on your own.
He said we have been doing good with the care packages but if we wanted to send them more often than we are (every 3 weeks) that would be great too. I am always afraid of sending too much because of his storage limitations. I guess I will just send smaller amounts more often. I think it is the excitement of getting the package that is more important than how big it is. They were able to go to the Nex and stock up on some necessities. He said sunscreen in port is expensive. Guess I'll be sending some of that and putting it in a ziplock bag just in case.
I love reading everyone's comments. It helps me stay connected when he is unable to email. Thanks everyone!
Had a good day yesterday! Military Moms' group in area I'm apart of packed up 62 care packages to send to local troops serving our country. They gave 3 of them to send to mine to share with others onboard. Well worth doing if you want to start one in your area or become a part of one already formed.
My son gave the last box I sent away to one of his buddies because he had no room:). He told me last week of 2 guys in his division who never receive anything from home :(. So today I mail a box to each of them and will continue to send them along with my sons boxes
I did read somewhere you can send boxes to the chaplain of the ship and he will distribute them to those sailors who never receive mail. If anyone's interested. I'm sure someone here will have the chaplain's contact info.
Karen - foot care items, health bars, jerky, cookies, sunscreen, sun glasses, wrist sweatbands, bars of soap, deoderant, puzzle books (crossword, word search, etc), newspapers, magazines, DVDs, SlimJim jerky, multi vitamins, powdered drink mixes, toothpaste and/or brush, floss, combs, brushes, hand sanitizer, deck of cards, small games, hard candy, pictures of home-loved ones-pets-friends, sports schedules, sports stats, music news of their music they like, chewing gun, mints, dry microwave foods, small calendar with important dates to keep them informed of things at home, goofy letters written by pets, ...
Woke up this morning and started filtering through the pictures, just incase I would catch a glimpse of our son. I had to save the picture to my computer so I could crop it and zoom in, but low and behold, there he is! Pointing right at me! Nothing as went quite right today, but WHO CARES. I got to see my boy!
Love your pic Tracy - your son looks like a cool guy with a great sense of humour. I bet he knew his momma would be looking for him :)
Question.... I clicked on the ghwb ombudsmen page on FB a few days ago now and I have just received a private message in my inbox on FB asking for my sons name, rank and rate. I'm just checking before I reply to them - is this normal - I know if they are for real they need to verify I am who I am but I need to know they are who they are - paranoid about opsec. Help!
JackieD, If your son's initials are A.R., the way I've heard my son talk, I think they're pretty good friends. I know they hung out when they were in Greece too.
mommaross, He is such a great kid and it was nice to see that he still has his fun personality. He loves what he does and I think it shows. As far as the ombudsman FB page, if your clicking on the page that always shares the ships photos, they are legit. It is normal for them to verify who you are.
Dad, I scour the photos every time I see one with purple in it and so glad the one I finally saw shows his personality. He looks so happy and I know his momma is :) I've been on cloud nine all day.
Tracy, yes that's my son and they are good friends. When he told me his name I remembered him from the pics they posted while in Greece. I don't remember faces but names I do :)
Thanks for the cruise book info! That is ordered and done. Now I wish I could find the page for portraits of my sailor to buy. Dang it, my sailor sent me an email and I can't find the link they sent. Any ideas? I could not find a area on the cruise book site to get personal portraits.
Anita, to order the portraits, you have to either mail back the entire order form that came in the mail or fax the order. If you call PortraitWorks, they may be able to locate yours by your sailor's name. Mine has my son's name and for ID # it has GHWB - #### (four digits).
A small vessel transits in front of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) as it transits the Strait of Hormuz as seen from the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58). The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Abe McNatt (Released) 140428-N-PJ969-027
140428-N-PJ969-038 STRAIT OF HORMUZ (April 28, 2014) The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) transits the Strait of Hormuz as seen from the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58). Philippine Sea is deployed as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Abe McNatt/Released) USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)
mommaross CVN77
Yay - got my phone call this morning - happy momma. He's having fun just chilling at the hotel pool.
Apr 25, 2014
Dad of Sailor
Yeah Colleen, you would think there would be plenty of moms that have Sailors stationed overseas that would want to connect with others in the same boat.
You're always welcome here. :)
Apr 25, 2014
Dad of Sailor
Leave it to my son...travel to the middle east only to search out Japanese food which is his favorite. Him and a buddy found a Japanese food place in the expensive part of town and he said it was awesome but his dinner alone was $70. He sent me some photos and the buildings in the area are very impressive.
Apr 26, 2014
ed'smom
Hi Dad,
I wonder if he was with Edward, because Edward told me he went with his boys (cute) and had sushi, which I thought was weird. He said one of the guys Dad was there. Seems he is a contractor.
Apr 26, 2014
ed'smom
Mommaross, so happy you heard from your son! YEA!
Apr 26, 2014
KWats Momma
Apr 26, 2014
MarianneKT's Mom
Katie text me about 2 am today to say the package I dropped off at the Post Office around Noon on Monday had already arrived!
Missed a call from her on Saturday as I was at a restaurant with 7 other Navy moms and didn't hear my phone!! :(
Apr 27, 2014
ed'smom
I was hoping to hear from Edward before the ship went back out but I haven't. I assume they are at sea again? I haven't gotten an email yet so I just have to wait until he reaches out.
Apr 28, 2014
NavyMomDPL
I got a phone call yesterday , they are underway again. Was sad I did not get a SKYPE while in port. My sailor said the WY-YI was bad and the lines long. He stayed on base for the most part and the last day in port slept all day.One of his port buddies drank to much again and my son had to carry back to ship. This is the second port that this guy has done this. I told my son time to ask for new port buddy. Deep sigh just miss him and worry that his ports are spent babysitting someone who might need more help then my son can give. I trust my son he has a good son his shoulders, he is a very responsible kid.
Apr 28, 2014
KWats Momma
I identify with you as my son most of A school refused to go anywhere with any of his sailors because of the poor decisions bring made. One would hope that they could go to command without prejudice and ask for a new port buddy.
Apr 28, 2014
Dad of Sailor
There is no policy against drinking alcohol for those that are of legal age. Depends on the command as to what the age is overseas. Some times the CO will make it 21 and other times the CO will allow them to follow the legal age of the country they are visiting.
I don't think liberty buddies are assigned and each Sailor can pick whoever they want for their liberty buddy.
Apr 28, 2014
ed'smom
Navy Mom DPL, your son sounds like a really good friend, but I understand that you don't want him taking his time off to babysit. As for the guys drinking though, to respond to Kris. I am not aware of a no drinking policy. My son is 23 and very much looks forward to having some beers when in port. It's the Navy and they are young men wanting to have some fun, I think we need to be realistic and just hope and pray they don't go overboard or put themselves in a bad situation.
Apr 28, 2014
KWats Momma
Apr 28, 2014
Dad of Sailor
I agree ed'smom, these are adult Sailors that have been at sea for months. They should have the opportunity to relax and have a beer if that is there thing and blow off some steam. My son took an MWR trip to the beach while they were in port and he said it was so relaxing to sit on the beach, drink a Mojito and unwind.
Apr 28, 2014
KWats Momma
Apr 28, 2014
morgantracy
ATA Momma - they are not allowed to drink on the ship. But while they are in port, they are adults and allowed to drink as long as they meet age requires.
According to my husband, liberty buddies are not assigned and you are able to choose who you would like to go out with. He has gone out with different people everyday while in port.
Apr 28, 2014
Dad of Sailor
KrisWatkins, hopefully your son can find some responsible friends to hang out with in port that have similar interests to his own. I know there were a lot of guys when I was on the ship that didn't want to do anything but hang out in the bar the whole time we were in port and I had to search out someone that liked to explore and see the sights like I did.
Apr 28, 2014
NavyMomDPL
My son said on base the age was 18 for beer and wine. my son did say he does pick his liberty buddies. He agreed it is time fr him to go out with someone else. The sailor in question was confronted by several sailors and he doesn't see what he is doing as a problem. I again has to trust in the values I raised my son with trusting he will use good judgement.
Apr 28, 2014
rikki_100113
My husband also went out with some liberty buddies last port who all they did was drink and he did not like it what so ever which he is not s drinker to begin with. So this port he went out with some guys who just did their own thing and hung out most of the time. He did get buzzed but then ate something and was completely fine but he had a better experience this port for sure than last port. Also he said that packages were coming in faster than before due to them getting everything in. He said that the 2 I had sent him should be in by this week. So I will keep my fingers crossed.
Apr 28, 2014
KWats Momma
When he called while in Bahrain. He told me he spent the entire day at the water park. And I spent several hours talking to him when he was at Starbucks inside a mall with a group. So there are groups that seek out other activities.
Apr 28, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Parents - remember YOUR first time away from home (and mind you, they ARE a good distance from home)? Just pray you raised them right and if they decide to partake of the local drink - that they have someone to depend on to help them. They are not angels - they are sailors out to relax (yeah, some more than others). They have to grow up sometime ;-)
Apr 28, 2014
Dad of Sailor
George H.W. Bush Departs Manama, Bahrain
Apr 28, 2014
Selms
I was able to Skype with my son this weekend, our first time since the deployment. It was really good to see him as well as talk with him. He said that they are able to drink but you have to be able to walk back up the brow on your own.
He said we have been doing good with the care packages but if we wanted to send them more often than we are (every 3 weeks) that would be great too. I am always afraid of sending too much because of his storage limitations. I guess I will just send smaller amounts more often. I think it is the excitement of getting the package that is more important than how big it is. They were able to go to the Nex and stock up on some necessities. He said sunscreen in port is expensive. Guess I'll be sending some of that and putting it in a ziplock bag just in case.
I love reading everyone's comments. It helps me stay connected when he is unable to email. Thanks everyone!
Apr 28, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Had a good day yesterday! Military Moms' group in area I'm apart of packed up 62 care packages to send to local troops serving our country. They gave 3 of them to send to mine to share with others onboard. Well worth doing if you want to start one in your area or become a part of one already formed.
Apr 28, 2014
mommaross CVN77
I did read somewhere you can send boxes to the chaplain of the ship and he will distribute them to those sailors who never receive mail. If anyone's interested. I'm sure someone here will have the chaplain's contact info.
Apr 28, 2014
TLC72
Anita n Ohio has that info and I'm sure she wouldn't mind reposting.
On another note, I am very surprised there hasn't been any pictures or anything at all posted on the ships facebook page. Kind of curious as to why.
Apr 28, 2014
Anita n Ohio
LCDR Ferguson Harris
CRMD (Command Religious Ministery Dept)
USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)
FPO AE 09513-2803
Apr 29, 2014
Karen Ship 13 Div 341
Apr 29, 2014
Karen Ship 13 Div 341
Apr 29, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Karen - foot care items, health bars, jerky, cookies, sunscreen, sun glasses, wrist sweatbands, bars of soap, deoderant, puzzle books (crossword, word search, etc), newspapers, magazines, DVDs, SlimJim jerky, multi vitamins, powdered drink mixes, toothpaste and/or brush, floss, combs, brushes, hand sanitizer, deck of cards, small games, hard candy, pictures of home-loved ones-pets-friends, sports schedules, sports stats, music news of their music they like, chewing gun, mints, dry microwave foods, small calendar with important dates to keep them informed of things at home, goofy letters written by pets, ...
Apr 29, 2014
MarianneKT's Mom
Portraitworks 800-323-0578 or portraitworks@aol.com
Apr 29, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Anyone have the "yearbook" info for this deployment? I lost mine :-(
Apr 29, 2014
MarianneKT's Mom
Pre-order your copy today! www.buymycruisebook.com Use Coupon Code Bush77 to take $9.00 off your order!
Bluewater Publishing 800-323-0578
This is in the info on the insert for the USS George H.W. Bush 2014 Cruisebook
Apr 29, 2014
TLC72
Apr 29, 2014
Dad of Sailor
That is neat you were able to locate your "grape" among all the photo's. Looks like he's in good spirits.
Apr 29, 2014
mommaross CVN77
Love your pic Tracy - your son looks like a cool guy with a great sense of humour. I bet he knew his momma would be looking for him :)
Question.... I clicked on the ghwb ombudsmen page on FB a few days ago now and I have just received a private message in my inbox on FB asking for my sons name, rank and rate. I'm just checking before I reply to them - is this normal - I know if they are for real they need to verify I am who I am but I need to know they are who they are - paranoid about opsec. Help!
Apr 29, 2014
JackieD
Apr 29, 2014
TLC72
JackieD, If your son's initials are A.R., the way I've heard my son talk, I think they're pretty good friends. I know they hung out when they were in Greece too.
mommaross, He is such a great kid and it was nice to see that he still has his fun personality. He loves what he does and I think it shows. As far as the ombudsman FB page, if your clicking on the page that always shares the ships photos, they are legit. It is normal for them to verify who you are.
Dad, I scour the photos every time I see one with purple in it and so glad the one I finally saw shows his personality. He looks so happy and I know his momma is :) I've been on cloud nine all day.
Apr 29, 2014
JackieD
Apr 29, 2014
Anita n Ohio
THANKS!!! Dreamer6298 :-)
Apr 30, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Tracy - Pic of your loved one can turn any day around for you, huh! Lucky Lady!!!!!
Apr 30, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Thanks for the cruise book info! That is ordered and done. Now I wish I could find the page for portraits of my sailor to buy. Dang it, my sailor sent me an email and I can't find the link they sent. Any ideas? I could not find a area on the cruise book site to get personal portraits.
Apr 30, 2014
JackieD
Anita, to order the portraits, you have to either mail back the entire order form that came in the mail or fax the order. If you call PortraitWorks, they may be able to locate yours by your sailor's name. Mine has my son's name and for ID # it has GHWB - #### (four digits).
Apr 30, 2014
Dad of Sailor
A small vessel transits in front of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) as it transits the Strait of Hormuz as seen from the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58). The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Abe McNatt (Released) 140428-N-PJ969-027
Apr 30, 2014
Dad of Sailor
140428-N-PJ969-038 STRAIT OF HORMUZ (April 28, 2014) The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) transits the Strait of Hormuz as seen from the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58). Philippine Sea is deployed as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Abe McNatt/Released) USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)
Apr 30, 2014
rikki_100113
dad- that one little vessel looks exactly little lol i laughed a little when I saw that picture
Apr 30, 2014
Dad of Sailor
rikki,
Lol, first thing I thought of is someone in the little boat yelling to the others..."Hurry, Row, Row".
Apr 30, 2014
rikki_100113
hahahahaahahaha......that is hilarious!!!
Apr 30, 2014
Dad of Sailor
Looks like an Anita care package arrived, she really packs them full. :)
Apr 30, 2014
Anita n Ohio
LOL I only wish, Dad. LOL Just sent three out Monday. Would be a miracle if they made it that quick (so FedEx DOES deliver to The Bush jk).
May 1, 2014