As mentioned in many posts, don't buy tickets unless they are refundable! Strongly suggested that nothing be purchased or planned until a date is set (if there will be one at all).
Does anyone know how to find out about their return dates? Since my boy is so new on board, he doesn't want to ask. I'd really like to be there and his dad has never had the opportunity to attend anything yet...
Dawnette We are not allowed to discuss that on here as that is part of OPSEC. Also there will not be a tenative date until about a month before the ship is "expected" to be home. Also with that being said your son can email the frg to be added to their emailing list and you can meet up with them if you live in Norfolk and they will share that information with you.
EVERYONE please remember that there have been several ships in the past that due to wives, husbands, friends, and relatives talking about port dates or return dates that has made the command come back and not tell anyone which ruins it for all of us just because of one person. So Please be mindful when posting stuff online I would like to see my sailor come off of the ship and have that first kiss again!
Hi all: I got a telephone call from my sailor yesterday. I asked him to tell me the date they are to arrvie in Norfolk. He told me that they have been communicated to "with the date" of their arrival and deployment has not changed.
Since this is my sailors first deployment; my sailor wanted me to ask if anyone has a sailor on here thats been thru deployment before and you as a parent went to meet your sailor when the ship arrives in Norfolk. We would like to know what to expect, will he have time to spend with me when he arrives. typically how much time etc.
Much of it will be dependent on your Sailors division/department. Those not on duty will get off the ship and have a few days off unless they have duty. There will be a POM Leave period (Post overseas movement) where your Sailor can take leave.
They will definitely have some time off but your Sailor is going to have to give you specifics for what/when he'll get off.
My son said in his last phone call that someone came around recently to ask which leave he was taking (POM, Christmas, or New Years). He chose Christmas, so I look for him to have duty the biggest part of the time while we're there, but any bit of time we can get with him will be worth it.
Hi KWats Momma! I was on the pier when my son arrived from his last deployment. He was on a carrier that time as well. Plan for a very long day.
Whoever plans the arrival ceremony for the returning ships does an awesome job. There are covered food tents outside the pier access gates. Some vendors sell Navy related items. Others are walking around passing out samples of food/drink items and coupons to local venues.
The bleachers inside the gate fill up fast and quite a few folks brought folding camp chairs to sit on. The pier is a sea of happy people! There are tents set up for the moms with babies. It was amazing to see how many babies were born while papa was out to sea.
I watched a lot of You Tube videos of the returning ships but I didn't realize just how long it takes to ready the ship for the sailor's departure. I think it took close to an hour from the time the ship pulled up to the pier to the time the first sailors departed.
I was so afraid that we wouldn't see my son getting off the ship but it was done in such an orderly fashion, he was easy to spot. First kiss contest winners and new dads get off the ship first. Then officers. Then enlisted in rank order high to low. It takes a long time to get that many sailors off the ship.
I felt sorry for the sailors who had duty that day. They let them run off for a quick "hello" to their family, then it was right back on the ship.
rikki_100113... I'm well aware of OPSEC. I asked HOW/WHO to contact, besides my sailor, to get a possible date of return. My sailor is concerned that if he asks now, after just arriving on board knowing no one, he'll get more grief than he already is in just being the new guy.
I'm not new to OPSEC, coming from a military family, I'm just new to the Navy. Sheesh...
Don't take information passed along so personally. There are MANY that watch the posts on here, maybe new to this whole military OPSEC thing and are learning as they go.
One reason we take posting dates so seriously - (besides the fact that the powers that be DO READ THESE POSTS!!!), there was another ship coming in from a long deployment and loved ones were posting on posts at this Navy for Mom site the date and time the ship was to return. Suddenly - the the ship did not return for over 2 weeks from that arrival date. So what is said on here does matter.
And, unless ones post their personal resume on here - there is no way to know who has previous military experience and who doesn't. Even so, the Navy seems to have their own little things of doing things (nothing is written in stone).
HAVE FUN HERE - no drama!!!!!! Now, where is my pool boy, Sam ;-)
Thought i would introduce myself. My name is melanie I am a wife. My husband has been on the ship 4 years and did the maiden deployment. I have 4 kids 16, 10, 6 and 2. I am have been lurking in this forum ost of deployment and its been comforting seeing that you all are going through the same emotions. I am also part of the frg fundraising committee so if you have any questions feel free to ask me :)
Dawnette7- please do not take what I said personally as I do not know who has had previous military experience and was just simply saying that you could have your son contact the frg and have them add you to the email list and then sign up for one of their meetings in Norfolk if you live there. I have talked to several wives (not from this ship or this deployment) and they have told me horror stories about how their husband ship has been delayed because of chatter on social media. I just did not want that to happen because this deployment is long enough I dont want to add 2 weeks or even 2 days to it because of that. So please dont take what I said personally as it was not meant just for you it was meant for everyone new or old to this site.
Angeleyesm - How would I go about finding out if my son has added me to be contacted with deployment and arrival dates? He thought he had, but I haven't heard from anyone. He arrived on the ship about a month or so after they left, so was not included in the pre-deployment q and a sessions. He was previously deployed on the Truman, so he is well aware not to believe what anyone but the commanders say for port visits and arrival dates. Rumors run crazy on these ships. lol. I have received one newsletter a couple of months ago, but nothing else. I'm not sure if that's frg or what? My son has been in for 2 years now, but we are definitely still newbies. Thank you for any information you can give or private message me. This website has been a lifesaver from boot camp on. I'm not sure what I would have done without it. I've had so many people help me and believe it or not, I have been able to help a few.
NavySoccerMom, I'm sure Angeleyesm can give more information than I can, but I emailed my son the email address for the FRG and told him to email them with our names to be added to the list. I do know they have to receive an email from his ship email to do that. Also, the ship newsletters, the Avenger, are sent from someone on the ship and I had to contact them a couple times to start receiving those. I'm sorry I don't have any of the email addresses on my right now, but I'm sure someone else will follow up with those shortly.
One other thing, the FRG can't release any dates given to them by the command by any means other than in person. However, you will get info on the meeting dates, updates on events, and stuff like that.
Yes, according to what the doc told his mother, he's lucky to be alive, let alone loose only a leg.
THIS, ladies - is why you hear us say, "No news is good news." As the mom says in the video interview, "I'm thrilled to see my son but very sad for the reason." One strong Navy Mom!!!
Tracey, yes have your son email the frg. Just know that no dates are given via email so to get those you would have to attend a meeting. However i dont think snail mail is against opsec and maybe your sailor can snail mail the information to you .
The worst part of having a loved one on deployment is not knowing and not having an exact date. If they are needed they have to go even if its 3 days before homecoming. That actually happened to a ship. Just remeber pay the extra get insurance or refundable tickets because things can always change at a moments notice. I hate saying it and reading it my heart always gets heavy but its true.
Have any of you seen the new merchandise the frg curretky has? Christmas is coming and some of these items make great gifts . It also helps fund homecoming as well. You can view the items on the frg face book page . The tervis tumblers are ore order right now and I have one and love it. They use pay pal for payment and you can use a credit card on pay pal or at least I do as well as your reg bank.
Thanks marianneKTsmom , I am just a committee member but I do what I can to help. :)
My most sincere prayers & thoughts go out to Sailor Kolhepp! News of this makes my head go a round as it does for most of us parents of these brave soldiers.
Thanks Dad & Laura for the wonderful information. I shared it with my sailor. As the month is turning to a new one; excitement stirs as we are getting closer to the big day :)
Angeleyesm- All of that was taken care of for us way back at the beginning of deployment. I was just telling another mom what she needed to do and my experience with it.
NavySoccerMom- This is the email the newsletters come from. I would email him and give him your sailors name and relationship, and tell him you would like to receive the monthly Avenger. madlanjn@cvn77.navy.mil
Question: What happens if a sailor looses their ID while on deployment? Obviously, they can't leave the ship, but is there anyway to get it replaced? Or do they wait until they get back?
Hello everyone! I have been quietly reading posts from afar, but my son is currently deployed on the GHWB. I thought I would just say hello and post from time to time so I can stay up to date with "stuff."
I'm new to the boards so I'm a little unsure about how much to share. Maybe I'll read a few more posts, or if someone wants to chime in too, that's fine.
Welcome Aboard! FYI ~ Dad of Sailor is a GREAT one for info (retired Navy & active son on Bush). Biggest "No no" to me is do not post dates and your sailor's name. There are many others but those are two big ones.
Hi RezqNinga, glad to have you with us. Lots of knowledgeable ladies here that can answer your questions and give you tips on how to survive the deployment. Look forward to having you join in.
Sailors raise the national ensign as the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) pulls into Jebel Ali, Dubai for a scheduled port visit. George H.W. Bush 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 Margaret Keith (Released) 140802-N-CS564-013
Anyone else hear from their Sailor in port? Spoke to mine via phone and facebook and he's enjoying the time off after so long at sea. Hope all your Sailors are enjoying the down time.
Our Sailor is having so much fun it makes me so happy. Biggest Mall in the world Biggest Water Park, riding a Camel and the Gold, Gold Gold he's in heaven. Gave him my ring size, he said "mom your funny". Got to love him.
Yes, I heard from my son also :0) we skyped and he can text me on an app called kik ...hes so happy to have some free time..I am so happy for all of them, they really needed this break. counting down the days :-)
FINALLY heard from my son earlier today. He had lost his ID on the bus their first day in port so couldn't leave the ship. He spent the next couple days between work hours trying to track it down. He knew it was in good hands, just didn't know exactly who's hands. He finally got it back, so scrambled around to get a phone call in to his girlfriend before she went into surgery this morning, then gave us a call. It was so good to hear from him.
Anita n Ohio
As mentioned in many posts, don't buy tickets unless they are refundable! Strongly suggested that nothing be purchased or planned until a date is set (if there will be one at all).
Jul 30, 2014
Dawnette7
Jul 30, 2014
rikki_100113
Dawnette We are not allowed to discuss that on here as that is part of OPSEC. Also there will not be a tenative date until about a month before the ship is "expected" to be home. Also with that being said your son can email the frg to be added to their emailing list and you can meet up with them if you live in Norfolk and they will share that information with you.
EVERYONE please remember that there have been several ships in the past that due to wives, husbands, friends, and relatives talking about port dates or return dates that has made the command come back and not tell anyone which ruins it for all of us just because of one person. So Please be mindful when posting stuff online I would like to see my sailor come off of the ship and have that first kiss again!
Jul 30, 2014
KWats Momma
Hi all: I got a telephone call from my sailor yesterday. I asked him to tell me the date they are to arrvie in Norfolk. He told me that they have been communicated to "with the date" of their arrival and deployment has not changed.
Jul 30, 2014
KWats Momma
Since this is my sailors first deployment; my sailor wanted me to ask if anyone has a sailor on here thats been thru deployment before and you as a parent went to meet your sailor when the ship arrives in Norfolk. We would like to know what to expect, will he have time to spend with me when he arrives. typically how much time etc.
Jul 30, 2014
Dad of Sailor
KWats Momma,
Much of it will be dependent on your Sailors division/department. Those not on duty will get off the ship and have a few days off unless they have duty. There will be a POM Leave period (Post overseas movement) where your Sailor can take leave.
They will definitely have some time off but your Sailor is going to have to give you specifics for what/when he'll get off.
Jul 30, 2014
TLC72
My son said in his last phone call that someone came around recently to ask which leave he was taking (POM, Christmas, or New Years). He chose Christmas, so I look for him to have duty the biggest part of the time while we're there, but any bit of time we can get with him will be worth it.
Jul 30, 2014
Laura
Hi KWats Momma! I was on the pier when my son arrived from his last deployment. He was on a carrier that time as well. Plan for a very long day.
Whoever plans the arrival ceremony for the returning ships does an awesome job. There are covered food tents outside the pier access gates. Some vendors sell Navy related items. Others are walking around passing out samples of food/drink items and coupons to local venues.
The bleachers inside the gate fill up fast and quite a few folks brought folding camp chairs to sit on. The pier is a sea of happy people! There are tents set up for the moms with babies. It was amazing to see how many babies were born while papa was out to sea.
I watched a lot of You Tube videos of the returning ships but I didn't realize just how long it takes to ready the ship for the sailor's departure. I think it took close to an hour from the time the ship pulled up to the pier to the time the first sailors departed.
I was so afraid that we wouldn't see my son getting off the ship but it was done in such an orderly fashion, he was easy to spot. First kiss contest winners and new dads get off the ship first. Then officers. Then enlisted in rank order high to low. It takes a long time to get that many sailors off the ship.
I felt sorry for the sailors who had duty that day. They let them run off for a quick "hello" to their family, then it was right back on the ship.
I will see you on the pier, whenever it may be!
Jul 31, 2014
Dawnette7
I'm not new to OPSEC, coming from a military family, I'm just new to the Navy. Sheesh...
Jul 31, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Don't take information passed along so personally. There are MANY that watch the posts on here, maybe new to this whole military OPSEC thing and are learning as they go.
One reason we take posting dates so seriously - (besides the fact that the powers that be DO READ THESE POSTS!!!), there was another ship coming in from a long deployment and loved ones were posting on posts at this Navy for Mom site the date and time the ship was to return. Suddenly - the the ship did not return for over 2 weeks from that arrival date. So what is said on here does matter.
And, unless ones post their personal resume on here - there is no way to know who has previous military experience and who doesn't. Even so, the Navy seems to have their own little things of doing things (nothing is written in stone).
HAVE FUN HERE - no drama!!!!!! Now, where is my pool boy, Sam ;-)
Jul 31, 2014
Angeleyesm
Thought i would introduce myself. My name is melanie I am a wife. My husband has been on the ship 4 years and did the maiden deployment. I have 4 kids 16, 10, 6 and 2. I am have been lurking in this forum ost of deployment and its been comforting seeing that you all are going through the same emotions. I am also part of the frg fundraising committee so if you have any questions feel free to ask me :)
Jul 31, 2014
MarianneKT's Mom
Welcome Angeleyes. Thanks for all you do with the FRG. I too have 4 children, but it is my #2 daughter that is serving on the Bush with your husband.
Jul 31, 2014
rikki_100113
Dawnette7- please do not take what I said personally as I do not know who has had previous military experience and was just simply saying that you could have your son contact the frg and have them add you to the email list and then sign up for one of their meetings in Norfolk if you live there. I have talked to several wives (not from this ship or this deployment) and they have told me horror stories about how their husband ship has been delayed because of chatter on social media. I just did not want that to happen because this deployment is long enough I dont want to add 2 weeks or even 2 days to it because of that. So please dont take what I said personally as it was not meant just for you it was meant for everyone new or old to this site.
Jul 31, 2014
NavySoccerMom
Angeleyesm - How would I go about finding out if my son has added me to be contacted with deployment and arrival dates? He thought he had, but I haven't heard from anyone. He arrived on the ship about a month or so after they left, so was not included in the pre-deployment q and a sessions. He was previously deployed on the Truman, so he is well aware not to believe what anyone but the commanders say for port visits and arrival dates. Rumors run crazy on these ships. lol. I have received one newsletter a couple of months ago, but nothing else. I'm not sure if that's frg or what? My son has been in for 2 years now, but we are definitely still newbies. Thank you for any information you can give or private message me. This website has been a lifesaver from boot camp on. I'm not sure what I would have done without it. I've had so many people help me and believe it or not, I have been able to help a few.
Jul 31, 2014
TLC72
NavySoccerMom, I'm sure Angeleyesm can give more information than I can, but I emailed my son the email address for the FRG and told him to email them with our names to be added to the list. I do know they have to receive an email from his ship email to do that. Also, the ship newsletters, the Avenger, are sent from someone on the ship and I had to contact them a couple times to start receiving those. I'm sorry I don't have any of the email addresses on my right now, but I'm sure someone else will follow up with those shortly.
Jul 31, 2014
TLC72
One other thing, the FRG can't release any dates given to them by the command by any means other than in person. However, you will get info on the meeting dates, updates on events, and stuff like that.
Jul 31, 2014
NavySoccerMom
Thank you, Tracy. I will see if I can find out the frg e-mail and send it to him. I appreciate any and all info and input I can get.
Jul 31, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Prayers of support and quick healing to Kolhepp.
http://wtvr.com/2014/07/31/sailor-loses-leg/
Jul 31, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Yes, according to what the doc told his mother, he's lucky to be alive, let alone loose only a leg.
THIS, ladies - is why you hear us say, "No news is good news." As the mom says in the video interview, "I'm thrilled to see my son but very sad for the reason." One strong Navy Mom!!!
Jul 31, 2014
Angeleyesm
Tracey, yes have your son email the frg. Just know that no dates are given via email so to get those you would have to attend a meeting. However i dont think snail mail is against opsec and maybe your sailor can snail mail the information to you .
The worst part of having a loved one on deployment is not knowing and not having an exact date. If they are needed they have to go even if its 3 days before homecoming. That actually happened to a ship. Just remeber pay the extra get insurance or refundable tickets because things can always change at a moments notice. I hate saying it and reading it my heart always gets heavy but its true.
Have any of you seen the new merchandise the frg curretky has? Christmas is coming and some of these items make great gifts . It also helps fund homecoming as well. You can view the items on the frg face book page . The tervis tumblers are ore order right now and I have one and love it. They use pay pal for payment and you can use a credit card on pay pal or at least I do as well as your reg bank.
Thanks marianneKTsmom , I am just a committee member but I do what I can to help. :)
Jul 31, 2014
KWats Momma
My most sincere prayers & thoughts go out to Sailor Kolhepp! News of this makes my head go a round as it does for most of us parents of these brave soldiers.
Thanks Dad & Laura for the wonderful information. I shared it with my sailor. As the month is turning to a new one; excitement stirs as we are getting closer to the big day :)
Jul 31, 2014
TLC72
Angeleyesm- All of that was taken care of for us way back at the beginning of deployment. I was just telling another mom what she needed to do and my experience with it.
NavySoccerMom- This is the email the newsletters come from. I would email him and give him your sailors name and relationship, and tell him you would like to receive the monthly Avenger. madlanjn@cvn77.navy.mil
Hope this helps!
Jul 31, 2014
Angeleyesm
tracey sorry i got confused :)
Jul 31, 2014
Laura
Aug 1, 2014
Anita n Ohio
That's ok, Laura. I prefer Sam.
(He could read my Jeep manual to me and I'd swoon!)
Aug 1, 2014
lavendergrl8
Is that public knowledge about Kolhepp? just want to make sure before i ask my son anything. Thanks
Aug 1, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Yes, I found it on local news. Happened back in the middle of June. Seaman Kolhepp is now stateside in Washington D.C. area.
Aug 1, 2014
Anita n Ohio
http://wtkr.com/2014/07/30/sailor-from-virginia-beach-run-over-by-f...
Aug 1, 2014
lavendergrl8
Thanks Anita -always so helpful ;-)
Aug 1, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Aug 1, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Aug 1, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Aug 1, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Aug 1, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Aug 1, 2014
Anita n Ohio
Aug 1, 2014
stuntsmom
Aug 2, 2014
Dad of Sailor
Yes, the Bush is sea duty.
Aug 2, 2014
stuntsmom
Aug 2, 2014
TLC72
Question: What happens if a sailor looses their ID while on deployment? Obviously, they can't leave the ship, but is there anyway to get it replaced? Or do they wait until they get back?
Aug 3, 2014
Dad of Sailor
No, they don't have to wait. They can make ID cards right on the ship. They just need to report it and request a new one in admin department.
Aug 3, 2014
RezqNinja
I'm new to the boards so I'm a little unsure about how much to share. Maybe I'll read a few more posts, or if someone wants to chime in too, that's fine.
Nice to "meet" you all... =)
Aug 4, 2014
Anita n Ohio
RezqNinja:
Welcome Aboard! FYI ~ Dad of Sailor is a GREAT one for info (retired Navy & active son on Bush). Biggest "No no" to me is do not post dates and your sailor's name. There are many others but those are two big ones.
Aug 4, 2014
Dad of Sailor
Hi RezqNinga, glad to have you with us. Lots of knowledgeable ladies here that can answer your questions and give you tips on how to survive the deployment. Look forward to having you join in.
Aug 4, 2014
Dad of Sailor
Sailors raise the national ensign as the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) pulls into Jebel Ali, Dubai for a scheduled port visit. George H.W. Bush 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 Margaret Keith (Released) 140802-N-CS564-013
Aug 4, 2014
Dad of Sailor
Anyone else hear from their Sailor in port? Spoke to mine via phone and facebook and he's enjoying the time off after so long at sea. Hope all your Sailors are enjoying the down time.
Aug 4, 2014
SailorMom94
Aug 4, 2014
lavendergrl8
Yes, I heard from my son also :0) we skyped and he can text me on an app called kik ...hes so happy to have some free time..I am so happy for all of them, they really needed this break. counting down the days :-)
Aug 5, 2014
lavendergrl8
I hear they have vending machines of gold. Can you imagine? lol
Aug 5, 2014
Anita n Ohio
If they came make a golden "Head" (Navy Term), yeah - they can make anything out of gold. LOL
Aug 5, 2014
TLC72
FINALLY heard from my son earlier today. He had lost his ID on the bus their first day in port so couldn't leave the ship. He spent the next couple days between work hours trying to track it down. He knew it was in good hands, just didn't know exactly who's hands. He finally got it back, so scrambled around to get a phone call in to his girlfriend before she went into surgery this morning, then gave us a call. It was so good to hear from him.
Aug 5, 2014