If you go to the post office the have express boxes specific for APO/FPO addresses. When you use these boxes there is small discount when mailing. Custom forms can also be picked up there as well. You will need one for each box. They can also be filled out online.
With all the deployments my son has been on it usually send 10 to 12 boxes at a time. Also in the corner of your boxes put 1 of 10, 2 of 10, etc. That way they will know how many to look for. I also put a date code 011217 on each of the boxes so that gives an idea when I mailed. These do not have to be large lettering just something in the corner
Nana: cards can be sent just as a card, however, I always put my cards in a plastic baggie (i.e. gallon size) and then a bigger envelope in case it gets wet.
USPS boxes are free from the post office and when you send them they are cheaper then the regular fee as we get a discount. You will need to fill out the information on the box and also a slip that goes with it. Make sure you have the correct mailing address for the ship and your sailor.
Actually, I had a death in my family which postponed production a couple days, so I do have time to add orders, but need to do it today. Email me at ignitespiritbows@yahoo.com with your order, and I'll get back to you this evening when I get back home.
I seem to recall it can take a bit for them to get their new email set up. My son's squadron is not on this deployment but my heart is with those whose loved ones are. One word of encouragement....the joy you will feel when that ship pulls back in is beyond description. Prayers for everyone's safety!
MaryM, they each have their own email on the ship, it will be [name]@cvn77.navy.mil My son got his right after they left the shipyard, before their first underway.
I would be happy to take the duty off your plate. I see at as supporting a very valuable forum. I couldn't got thru the last deployment without yours & others advice & suppport.
Duties are very simple...be a positive and encouraging voice to the group. Be a regular member and assist when you can. I also added all the information above and kept it current during the last deployment. There are no rules on what is put up there so it would be up to you. I tried to put some info that the group found helpful.
Let me know if still interested and I'll work on figuring out to get you added.
Happy Friday everyone, hope your wearing your USS George H W Bush red deployment t-shirt today, I am. To all serving and protecting and to all their family's continued thoughts and prayers sent your way.
Hi I am new to the group, this is my son's first deployment, he is attached to the Spartans squadron assigned to the Bush. Glad to have found the group. It has already been so hard.
Hi Marianne, my son is also with the Spartans but is not on this deployment, he was however on the last and is still in Fl. There is so much support in this group your going to love hearing everyone stories and sharing yours.
Marianne, yes the do. HSM Spartans 70 and of course the USS George H W Bush pg. I can't tell you how many times I checked there pg last deployment if they could track it I would have looked like a stalker lol.
I don't often respond-- but I want you to know that the first thing I do each morning each morning is check my emails to see your comments, encouragement and advice. Thanks
There is so much going on in the carrier. You have to think 6 thousand sailor on this working. There are only so many computers and phone. Please be patient while trying to get news from your Sailor. Stay positive and wait for that call or email. Deployment is not only hard on family but also on the Sailor's as they are working very long hours. THIS IS WHAT THEY HAVE TRAINED FOR.
Very true! My son told me that is hard to get to a computer due to lack of computers vs sailors. Also he said that the long hours they work makes communication a little tough, work, eat, & sleep. Hang in there! In times When I'm missing my sailor I get out a box start gathering & packing things to send to him. Seems to help the rough moments.
I thought that once they pull into port it is safe to post. Certainly everyone in the port city is aware of their presence, it is hard to keep that a secret. The sailors are already posting pictures on Facebook, and the Greek press published their scheduled arrival and departure dates 5 days ago.
I am certainly aware and observant of OPSEC, and my interpretation in this case could be incorrect, so please correct me if so.
If they are in port it is safe to talk about the port they are in, however, we should not discuss how long they will be there and when they are pulling out.
JD's Mom, I don't see your comments on here anymore, but appreciate the reminder to remain cautious about ship's movements, location, schedule, etc. Although my son has been in the Navy 3 1/2 years, this is his first deployment, so I am certainly no expert and appreciate any and all advice.
You are correct that I also have not seen anything official from the US Navy regarding this port call, which I find odd, since sailors were already heading to shore for liberty even as I was on the phone with my son this morning.
My son posted a picture of himself, and so did his friends, saying where they were. I can't believe he would have done that without getting explicit approval from his CO. My son has always been SUPER strict about OPSEC and PERSEC, so I feel if he's posting it, he got permission that it was okay. If he hadn't gotten the go ahead, he wouldn't have even sent me pictures privately, much less put one on facebook.
MeLinda
If you go to the post office the have express boxes specific for APO/FPO addresses. When you use these boxes there is small discount when mailing. Custom forms can also be picked up there as well. You will need one for each box. They can also be filled out online.
With all the deployments my son has been on it usually send 10 to 12 boxes at a time. Also in the corner of your boxes put 1 of 10, 2 of 10, etc. That way they will know how many to look for. I also put a date code 011217 on each of the boxes so that gives an idea when I mailed. These do not have to be large lettering just something in the corner
Jan 31, 2017
MeLinda
I've gotten 3 emails from my son. Yea. All short but sweet.
Sounds like they are super busy
Jan 31, 2017
scootersmom94
I've gotten a few emails from my son. He says that they are really busy and that he already needs soap! LOL
Jan 31, 2017
Nana
Jan 31, 2017
scootersmom94
And in other news... my Sailor is expecting his first child, a boy sometime this week. So.... I'm gonna be a Grandma!!!
I just wish my son was going to be here for the birth.
Jan 31, 2017
Capstar
Congratulations, Scootersmom! That's so exciting!! Sorry he's not going to be there. I can't begin to imagine.
Jan 31, 2017
scootersmom94
Capstar: Thank you!! it is very exciting.
Nana: cards can be sent just as a card, however, I always put my cards in a plastic baggie (i.e. gallon size) and then a bigger envelope in case it gets wet.
Jan 31, 2017
SailorMom94
Jan 31, 2017
ngmalang
Thank you Tracy and SailorMom94 for the care package tips.
Jan 31, 2017
beb3
I know I missed the shirt order deadline but if you do another order in the future, please let me know.
Thank you!
Feb 1, 2017
Stacey3
I too missed the shirt order. I just reconnected and saw that there was an order. Please let me know if there is another.
Feb 1, 2017
TLC72
Actually, I had a death in my family which postponed production a couple days, so I do have time to add orders, but need to do it today. Email me at ignitespiritbows@yahoo.com with your order, and I'll get back to you this evening when I get back home.
Feb 1, 2017
Mary
Feb 1, 2017
Mary
Feb 1, 2017
Dad of Sailor
MaryM,
Don't fully understand your question...if you're asking if they have their own email address then yes, they do have their own address.
Feb 1, 2017
KWats Momma
Feb 1, 2017
ed'smom
Feb 1, 2017
SoCal_Sailor_Dad
MaryM, they each have their own email on the ship, it will be [name]@cvn77.navy.mil My son got his right after they left the shipyard, before their first underway.
Feb 1, 2017
Mary
Feb 1, 2017
Dad of Sailor
KWats Momma,
No, I have been trying for several years and I'm still it. No one interested I guess.
Feb 2, 2017
KWats Momma
Could you describe what the duties entail.
Feb 2, 2017
MeLinda
I would be willing to help as an administrator. Maybe there could be a couple of us that can work together
Feb 2, 2017
Dad of Sailor
Thanks ladies!
Duties are very simple...be a positive and encouraging voice to the group. Be a regular member and assist when you can. I also added all the information above and kept it current during the last deployment. There are no rules on what is put up there so it would be up to you. I tried to put some info that the group found helpful.
Let me know if still interested and I'll work on figuring out to get you added.
Feb 2, 2017
MeLinda
I'm still interested
Feb 2, 2017
SailorMom94
Feb 3, 2017
Marianne
Feb 3, 2017
SailorMom94
Feb 3, 2017
Marianne
Feb 3, 2017
Dad of Sailor
This ships facebook page shows they have entered the Mediterranean Sea. There are pictures of them transiting the Strait of Gibraltar.
Feb 4, 2017
NavyMom93
I check their facebook page everyday to see what's new.
Feb 4, 2017
SailorMom94
Feb 4, 2017
KWats Momma
Feb 4, 2017
NavyMom93
It's just two new pictures added onto the other ones. You have to look closely.
Feb 4, 2017
Marianne
Feb 5, 2017
lbimom
I don't often respond-- but I want you to know that the first thing I do each morning each morning is check my emails to see your comments, encouragement and advice. Thanks
Feb 5, 2017
Mary
Feb 5, 2017
KathyWQ
Feb 5, 2017
Marianne
Feb 5, 2017
SailorMom94
Feb 6, 2017
KWats Momma
Feb 6, 2017
Marianne
Feb 6, 2017
Mother of 4
I just got a message from my son!It was wonderful!
Feb 6, 2017
Mary
waiting to hear from my son.comforting to know others have and everything ok
Feb 6, 2017
Dad of Sailor
If you're not aware, check out the US Navy 6th Fleet Facebook page. Lots of photos of the work they are doing.
https://www.facebook.com/USNavalForcesEuropeAfrica
Feb 6, 2017
NavyMom93
My son sent pictures from Greece!
Feb 6, 2017
SoCal_Sailor_Dad
I thought that once they pull into port it is safe to post. Certainly everyone in the port city is aware of their presence, it is hard to keep that a secret. The sailors are already posting pictures on Facebook, and the Greek press published their scheduled arrival and departure dates 5 days ago.
I am certainly aware and observant of OPSEC, and my interpretation in this case could be incorrect, so please correct me if so.
Feb 6, 2017
Dad of Sailor
SoCal,
If they are in port it is safe to talk about the port they are in, however, we should not discuss how long they will be there and when they are pulling out.
Feb 6, 2017
SoCal_Sailor_Dad
JD's Mom, I don't see your comments on here anymore, but appreciate the reminder to remain cautious about ship's movements, location, schedule, etc. Although my son has been in the Navy 3 1/2 years, this is his first deployment, so I am certainly no expert and appreciate any and all advice.
You are correct that I also have not seen anything official from the US Navy regarding this port call, which I find odd, since sailors were already heading to shore for liberty even as I was on the phone with my son this morning.
Feb 6, 2017
NavyMom93
My son posted a picture of himself, and so did his friends, saying where they were. I can't believe he would have done that without getting explicit approval from his CO. My son has always been SUPER strict about OPSEC and PERSEC, so I feel if he's posting it, he got permission that it was okay. If he hadn't gotten the go ahead, he wouldn't have even sent me pictures privately, much less put one on facebook.
Feb 6, 2017
ngmalang
Just got to talk to my son! It just feels so good knowing that they are safe.
Feb 6, 2017