He should have his FPO address, every command and ship has one. He needs to ask. You can look it up online, just need to know his department or division.
You can shop the US Sears site, and use his FPO address to avoid customs fees. I can't find a physical store in Japan, they may be mail order only.
Blondie: thanks BUT he probably won't buy the bike he would get something else. I want yo make sure he gets the bike. Do you know off hand where I can look for a bike?
Been catching up with you all!! Wonderful pictures of the all the children.
T-Lynn - thanks for the extra candle, I really appreciated it.
Well fall has finally come to the foothills, its chilly (50's) in the late evening and morning, and the weatherman is promising rain for next week and highs in the 60's. Yup fall is here.
Hope everyone has a wonderful fall weekend, and enjoy the trick or treats if you get any, I won't, everyone "Trunk or Treats" at the church in our community.
DREW, I'll ask my son who is in Yokoska as well. There is supposed to be a bike shop just outside the gates at the base.
Also, have you thought about joining the Yokosuka moms?
As far as the address my son had to wait as well till their was one available. I sent his bike to his Chies house with his permission.
One problem with a bike for a guy on a ship is finding a place to store it when they deploy. If they leave it locked on the pier with the other bikes, it gets stolen. That's why so many have beater bikes, theft is insane. I had a bike one day before it was taken from the rack at my command!
Drew my son isn't in japan anymore but knows the bike shops there as he rode with a group almost every weekend. I will ask him where he got his as you may be able to buy it from them and have him pick it up. I will let you know what I find out.
Drew, just use Sears U.S. and ship to his FPO address. Just like mailing to the states. However, sometimes oversized items are not eligible, so call them and ask. Honestly though, I'd send bike accessories like a helmet and a lock and a gift card for a bike.
Do you ship to Army post office (APO) or Fleet post office (FPO) addresses?
Our valued APO and FPO customers should shop on the Sears.com US (domestic) website for a wider selection of products and lower shipping prices. Orders shipped to APO/FPO addresses are considered local US orders and exempt from international custom duties. Please see the next question on how to change the country and currency selection to US.
I want to thank everyone regarding their input regarding buying a Nike in Japan for my son. Thanks navy mom 3 please let me know when you find out the way everyone is talking about the theft of bike over there scared to buy him one. Wonder whose stealing the bikes I read somewhere that it's very rare of crime over there. uhg
Recovering from all the trick or treaters. It rain - it was chilly - but that did not stop the kids and parents! We have NO candy left. It was great .
But son is hoping for better weather next year so he can put out all hid blow ups - light show and music. He had another goal too - he has a large shape ship bubble machine. He wants to fill it with those BIG bubble gum balls and let the kids get FREE bubble gum balls. Let you know if that happens next year.
Today, I am home - suppose to rest. I woke up coughing - stuffed up and achy. Hubby off to black powder shoot, kids going shopping. So I will have the place to myself !! I do plan to rest but also, take down decorations, put up Thanksgiving and naturally visit with Laundry Fairy.
good luck on the bike - keep us posted please.
Oh have to share - would you believe it is sunny and going to be near 60 today ? yesterday - rain - chilly - low 40's
TLynn laughing you must be near me! Yesterday Halloween chilly in the 40's today Sunday Mid to upper 60's and beautiful, sunny a blue skies. Yeah I worked in the yard today pulled down some of those Halloween decs. Planted some spring bulbs and mowed the lawn one final time before ole man winter rolls in. But hey this week in the 70's!!!!!! Are you serious...yeah that's what I'm talking about 70's in November almost unheard of. But I'll take it. Yeah gotta get my boy a bike he says he's tired of walking....lol.
But enjoy your week
Drew
We had a warm Halloween, sat in the driveway with our fire pit to hand out candy. It was nice.
Okay, a word about crime in Japan. While the crime rate is low, two things seem to be fair game for theft. Umbrellas and bikes. Almost as if they were community property. On base, there are Americans, some sailors, some dependents, who steal bikes as part of a resale scam. Security encourages registering bikes, but the guys on ships can't take them onboard, so the problem becomes storage while at sea. It was the same when I was there, and when my Dad was there in the 50s. Some things never change.
I got some of my bikes at the NEX, and some from the local shops. Daiei, I think, had some inexpensive commuter bikes. I even had a "lady shopping bike" once. It was cute.
Daiei (dye-aye) is a department store. Cheaper to get bikes there than at a specialty bike shop.
Drew my son said the place h went to does have an online but it is all in Japanese. LOL He suggested Performance bicycle as they ship to the FPO address. Once he does get one when he registers it get the insurance they can get. That way if it does get stolen and not retrieved he can get another one. That's what my son did as one of his did get stolen once. But I think he locked it up behind there shop while he was out to sea for a week. He also needs to get the best lock he can when he locks it up.
Hello. Anybody ever have their Sailor stationed in Chinhae South Korea? The is where mine is going next. I would love to have a chat with his detail or but what can we do? Good of the Navy my eye, anyway he will be there 2 years. Just wondering if it is a nice place or the armpit of the Asian world.
My husband spent some time TAD to Chinhae communications center. It is a tiny base in a beautiful part of Korea. Food is fantastic, as are the travel opportunities, and shopping, wow. Close knit command, which is nice.
This is one of those "what you make of it" duty stations.
heard from my sailor - they'd spent time in port in Korea. amazing the places they are seeing. figured out that one of my high school classmates had been assigned to the same cruiser when he was in - small world! and he really enjoyed the experience and opportunities.
our marine is leaving tomorrow for Okinawa for 2 years - he intends to learn to scuba dive while there - so happy for him to be expanding his horizons. we even got him connected with a local church due to a fellow church member whose son had been stationed in Okinawa. another small world.
Blondie - how amazing your sailor will spend time in Italy.
Ditto to what Drew said Maggs. By the way, do you still have any skin left? Gentle hugs and healing energy to Angel.
Italy !!! Well, Blondie start your Italian lessons. Glad this time she will have mates already handy..
Good luck to your sailor and his new bases in Korea. i hope he has a wonderful time and you can stay here and share :).
Weather here is getting colder. Tonight a front is moving through, so we have a wind advisory. Going to get my wind chimes in a few minutes.
AS for Grandson, he walked behind his walking toy today . Well, more like a run and keep caught up - but - he stayed on his feet. Oh gee, I just thought about this - now I have to move faster. I hope I am losing weight here.
And he is cutting all four teeth on top - at once. Yes moody and chewing everything in site.
Wish I had something to share from sailor, but no words or pics of late.
Thanks for the comments about Chinhae. It is happening so he will make the best of it. He is a lot like his Dad that way. Just gets the job done. But he wanted orders for Europe and is pretty ticked that the Navy wouldn't work with him. Seems like they could retain more sailors if they would try to grant requests.
My husband was stuck in a truckstop in Wyoming for over 12 hours, they closed I-80. I checked this morning, it is open, so he's hauling east now. Still high winds, I hope his load is heavy enough to keep him on the pavement! Onions, I think, destined to be restaurant onion rings. I know he will be backhauling holiday hams.
mdubtxmom, he gets to apply for whatever jobs (billets) are available at the time. Maybe there where no billets for Europe or someone else got them. I'm not sure how it works when more than 1 person is trying for the same billet. They do work with them and they are able to search the database ahead of time. I think it is 6 months for sailors stationed overseas and 3 months for others. Maybe next time.
I got back from vacation last night. I used vacation, but it was NOT a vacation. Running around for my dad. At least I was able to spend time with family.
Maggs, my sisters dog had that when they were visiting us. We gave him Apple Cider Vinegar and the bleeding stopped. She took him to the vet when they returned home.
My sailor was approved for an extra year of shore duty (two years from this month) so he can work on his applications for 2 navy programs he is trying for. He told me that he signed up to volunteer at the hospital. I have no idea where he finds the time with 10 hr work days, full day college on Sundays and a baby at home. Then he told me about the organizations that he joined. I said sarcastically "why don't you run for Mayor too". I will have them all for Thanksgiving, so I am a happy Grandma.
I enjoy reading all of your stories. TLynn, ask someone to take a picture of you chasing that baby. Run! Run! Run!
When I was assigned to Diego Garcia, I was given three choices ... Diego Garcia, Diego Garcia, and Diego Garcia. Sometimes there are "hot fill" billets and the next qualified warm body gets them. It really sucks, but there is not much to be done.
AntiM, The "Needs of the Navy". It is what they signed up for. Glad it worked out for you. Where you married to a sailor at the time? BTW, I love your picture.
@Kim ... I was freshly divorced, and that is where I met my current husband. I was his relief, taking over his job! No, we were not supposed to date, but it was inevitable. 29 years now. We married in Vegas because we didn't know when we'd see each other again. A gamble in a gambler's paradise.
Actually, they make married sailors go to Diego Garcia unaccompanied. No accommodations for couples, no families. If two sailors marry while stationed there, one gets orders elsewhere, immediately. Same if a woman gets pregnant, she's off the island.
@ Blondie ... thank you. He usually does regional runs, so when he goes east, I get nervous.
Recall is confusing from the outside; mostly affects security, special ops, and intel communities. Heightened security levels for every service member, but probably no recall for many.
As retirees, means if we go to base, there will be 100% ID check, reduced lanes at the gates, more personnel on security detail, maybe even random car checks.
What few people realize is for the Navy, base security can tap local commands for extra bodies to stand watch and to patrol. This would be less senior personnel, and isn't anything dangerous usually, but it sure plays havoc on liberty.
Time for me to check on my social media accounts, make sure I'm not giving even the slightest bit away.
Hi everyone, I'm sure this has already been asked and answered but I'm new :-) My son is on the Benfold, and they forward deployed to Yokosuka last month. Does anyone know how long it will take to get a Christmas package to him? Thanks so much for the help!
I always used the USPS large flat rate box (military discount). The post office delivers to San Diego in 2-3 days. The navy delivers to their ship. The earliest I heard was 4-5 days and the longest was almost a month. I think the norm is 2-3 weeks. The navy seems to move mail quicker during the holidays. I always shipped the first week in December and it made it early.
Jump in and tell us about yourself and your sailor. We are like a big family here. Warning....No one is allowed to leave when their sailor leaves Japan.
Also, when using the FPO address, you will need a customs form. Do not mail cologne or liquid aftershave, that's a prohibited item (contains flammable alcohol). Try not to send valuables, while rare, packages do go astray. Really rarely, they lose mail into the sea during transfer (years and years apart, and not every ship). Not often enough to stress over, but know it can happen. And no, insurance won't cover the package once it is in Navy hands.
Nancy-Aaron's mom: good morning. - what's a pack and ship?
Moms, my son has been in Japan since August Yokosuka working at the hospital there and he dosent call or text much. :-( I'm beginning to think he dosent love me so much anymore, he's been different since joining the navy. I like him better when he wasn't in the navy.. Do I sound selfish? Him and I were so close before he joined the navy. I asked him was he coming home for Xmas and he hesitated and said he has some training to do and he dosent think he'll be home. I don't know if that's true but I have to believe him. I'm so depressed he seems so different. He's not saving money he's constantly spending living pay check to pay check. Maybe he'll wake up soon Sad mom here
@Navcy ... if a package is going to the FPO address, no, they do not have to pay customs or taxes. Civilians don't always know this. That is why I always used USPS, and not someplace like fedex or ups (who send the packages via USPS ultimately anyway).
@Drew ... you are not being selfish, but seems to me like he may be in a new phase, exploring himself as an independent individual. He still loves you, he just isn't expressing it the same way as before. That's okay, he'll come back around, maybe a bit different, maybe more mature. He's learning who he is.
As for holiday leave, he might not have a lot of time on the books, and the new guy always gets the less desirable dates. The hospital does not have a stand down, so only a small portion can go on leave at the same time. If he doesn't have his qualifications done, they won't approve leave papers.
I think a lot of sailors do the paycheck to paycheck thing because they don't pay rent or much else. It feels great, but most outgrow it in a couple years.
I agree with Anti M and Nancy. My sailor didn't have leave until after 18 months in Japan. He had to earn the time for leave. And my sailor too went into his own little world or I should say - his NEW Navy life world. As Anti M stated - he will come around and be your son again. But more mature.
Kim - glad you had a nice vacation . Now get some rest :). Will ask kids to try and get a picture of Riker running circles around me. That's if they can keep up with him.
Maggs- good to hear Angel is better. But you did not share if you still have skin on your hands. How you doing?
Blondie, hope by now the wind has settled down. We only had high winds for a day and then teh temps dropped. But this weekend was beautiful. Hope it comes your way.
Yes, situations in France is heart breaking. Sending positive healing thoughts their way.
Wish I had some gossip - honest - my gossip tank is empty!
Anti M and Nancy - Aaron's Mom: you moms have made me feel sooooo much better. Just wondering what my boy is thinking. He's been so quiet not his usual self just wondering if he really likes Japan. I asked him and he said he did but I just get the feeling he doesn't like it. I think he wants to come home. I asked him has he made any friends and he said yes a few in the hospital. But he just gets off work and play video games. I want him to get out and explore and meet people I don't want him just sitting around doing nothing. Just a concerned mom. But I don't know what I'd do without this site. P Everyone is so supportive and helpful, just unbelievable and I want to thank tpyiu all so much.
Some people who haven't traveled go into a culture shock phase when they get stationed overseas. Most eventually come out of it, and begin making friends and going places. A handful do become barracks rats, but usually their supervisors try to look after them and point them toward activities. Sports, tours, hobbies ... video games can be awfully isolating.
I'd visited Japan with my parents, my father had been Navy and adored the culture and people; I was eager to explore. Not everyone will be. I knew one guy who wouldn't even eat at McDonald's offbase, just in case "they might have fried fish in the french fry oil". He was an exception!!! I am still in touch with some of my Navy buddies from our time in Japan (and most of us ended up stationed together on Diego Garcia too, weird). So once he makes friends, he'll start adjusting and exploring more.
Anti M : is there a way to talk to his supervisor so they can watch him... I'm really worried, how would the supervisor know if he's just staying in his barracks playing video games. I have a really for feeling the way that I feel because I lost a daughter at 21 years old and I just want to make sure he is not falling in that same thing. Help!
@drew ... no, not really, only if he is having serious issues. Just give him time to adjust. Also, he's coming up on winter in Yokosuka, lots of rain and gray days, and cold wind. No one goes out a lot in winter there.
Drew, It sounds like 'homesickness' to me. Keep sending him emails, even if he doesn't reply. Tell him how proud of him you are. Tell him you miss him. My parents sent me away for my summers at age 10. I was so homesick the first year. I ignored their phone calls because hearing my moms voice made it worse. Then I got the panic telegram from my mom. Knowing she missed me, suddenly made me feel better. I was fine the 2nd year.
@drew - definitely keep sending messages (upbeat), usual chatter type messages. we have a marine (besides our sailor) and the one thing he told us before shipping to Okinawa was how much he missed all the letters he used to get in bc - so just stay the course. my sailor is VERY independent and every so often I have to send him my "your mother" messages (joking but gentle reminders to communicate). big hugs - you are stronger than you know.
KIM and SKULLY_THE_SKEPTIC: Thank you sooooo much I feel so much better....well maybe a little bit better. I'm going to try to stay busy. I love this site you moms are great and you understand
(((HUGS)))
Drew, I wish I could offer a sure fire way to get your son to communicate. At one time we passed around the idea of "vodoo doll" made to look like our Sailors so we could gently nudge a phone call out of them. LOL! My Sailor was in Japan for 18 months, and I was blessed. He called every week, or as soon as he could. I always said that Japan for me was easier than boot camp. My son is now out of the Navy and going back to school. He lives about 5 minutes from us, but usually we don't see him everyday, however lately he has been a tremendous help to us during our kitchen remodel. He will call me or his Dad and talk a while when his wife is at work. My daughter on the other hand would go forever when she was in college before she would call. Now that she is working and living on her own, she finds more time for us. The one thing that worked for me with her, was sending her favorite cookies or favorite snacks. I would send the same thing to my son, and I would always try to send them something funny (frisbees, bubbles or anything that I thought would make them laugh) When they got those packages I knew a phone call was coming. Hang in there, and look for those "happys" to have on hand to stick in his package.
Mississippi mom: thank you for your kind words. This is such a great site beautiful moms an old saying my grandma use to say when their little their little on your heart and when they get big they're big on your heart. Never ending I guess. I know my son loves me - maybe I just have a hard time knowing that now he's NOT mommas little boy :-( lol. (((HUGS))) he's my baby boy lol my daughter is 45! Lol yep what was I thinking right
Hi, Ladies. My daughter leaves for Japan this week and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on cellular services or how will we communicate while there? Thanks.
Anti M
He should have his FPO address, every command and ship has one. He needs to ask. You can look it up online, just need to know his department or division.
You can shop the US Sears site, and use his FPO address to avoid customs fees. I can't find a physical store in Japan, they may be mail order only.
Oct 30, 2015
DREW7062
Oct 30, 2015
mtnmom
Hi there;
Been catching up with you all!! Wonderful pictures of the all the children.
T-Lynn - thanks for the extra candle, I really appreciated it.
Well fall has finally come to the foothills, its chilly (50's) in the late evening and morning, and the weatherman is promising rain for next week and highs in the 60's. Yup fall is here.
Hope everyone has a wonderful fall weekend, and enjoy the trick or treats if you get any, I won't, everyone "Trunk or Treats" at the church in our community.
Oct 30, 2015
DREW7062
Oct 30, 2015
2tymeNavyMom
Also, have you thought about joining the Yokosuka moms?
As far as the address my son had to wait as well till their was one available. I sent his bike to his Chies house with his permission.
Oct 30, 2015
Anti M
One problem with a bike for a guy on a ship is finding a place to store it when they deploy. If they leave it locked on the pier with the other bikes, it gets stolen. That's why so many have beater bikes, theft is insane. I had a bike one day before it was taken from the rack at my command!
Oct 30, 2015
DREW7062
Oct 31, 2015
navymom3
Drew my son isn't in japan anymore but knows the bike shops there as he rode with a group almost every weekend. I will ask him where he got his as you may be able to buy it from them and have him pick it up. I will let you know what I find out.
Oct 31, 2015
Anti M
Drew, just use Sears U.S. and ship to his FPO address. Just like mailing to the states. However, sometimes oversized items are not eligible, so call them and ask. Honestly though, I'd send bike accessories like a helmet and a lock and a gift card for a bike.
http://www.sears.com/
http://www.sears.com/en_intnl/dap/international-shipping-and-distri...
Do you ship to Army post office (APO) or Fleet post office (FPO) addresses?
Our valued APO and FPO customers should shop on the Sears.com US (domestic) website for a wider selection of products and lower shipping prices. Orders shipped to APO/FPO addresses are considered local US orders and exempt from international custom duties. Please see the next question on how to change the country and currency selection to US.
Oct 31, 2015
DREW7062
Oct 31, 2015
DREW7062
Oct 31, 2015
T-Lynn
HI
Recovering from all the trick or treaters. It rain - it was chilly - but that did not stop the kids and parents! We have NO candy left. It was great .
But son is hoping for better weather next year so he can put out all hid blow ups - light show and music. He had another goal too - he has a large shape ship bubble machine. He wants to fill it with those BIG bubble gum balls and let the kids get FREE bubble gum balls. Let you know if that happens next year.
Today, I am home - suppose to rest. I woke up coughing - stuffed up and achy. Hubby off to black powder shoot, kids going shopping. So I will have the place to myself !! I do plan to rest but also, take down decorations, put up Thanksgiving and naturally visit with Laundry Fairy.
good luck on the bike - keep us posted please.
Oh have to share - would you believe it is sunny and going to be near 60 today ? yesterday - rain - chilly - low 40's
Well, need to get some tea for my throat.
take care all hugs
Maggs - love teh pics !
Nov 1, 2015
T-Lynn
Nov 1, 2015
T-Lynn
Nov 1, 2015
T-Lynn
Nov 1, 2015
DREW7062
But enjoy your week
Drew
Nov 1, 2015
Anti M
We had a warm Halloween, sat in the driveway with our fire pit to hand out candy. It was nice.
Okay, a word about crime in Japan. While the crime rate is low, two things seem to be fair game for theft. Umbrellas and bikes. Almost as if they were community property. On base, there are Americans, some sailors, some dependents, who steal bikes as part of a resale scam. Security encourages registering bikes, but the guys on ships can't take them onboard, so the problem becomes storage while at sea. It was the same when I was there, and when my Dad was there in the 50s. Some things never change.
Nov 1, 2015
Anti M
I got some of my bikes at the NEX, and some from the local shops. Daiei, I think, had some inexpensive commuter bikes. I even had a "lady shopping bike" once. It was cute.
Daiei (dye-aye) is a department store. Cheaper to get bikes there than at a specialty bike shop.
Nov 1, 2015
navymom3
Drew my son said the place h went to does have an online but it is all in Japanese. LOL He suggested Performance bicycle as they ship to the FPO address. Once he does get one when he registers it get the insurance they can get. That way if it does get stolen and not retrieved he can get another one. That's what my son did as one of his did get stolen once. But I think he locked it up behind there shop while he was out to sea for a week. He also needs to get the best lock he can when he locks it up.
Nov 1, 2015
mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)
Nov 9, 2015
Anti M
My husband spent some time TAD to Chinhae communications center. It is a tiny base in a beautiful part of Korea. Food is fantastic, as are the travel opportunities, and shopping, wow. Close knit command, which is nice.
This is one of those "what you make of it" duty stations.
Nov 10, 2015
scully_the_skeptic
heard from my sailor - they'd spent time in port in Korea. amazing the places they are seeing. figured out that one of my high school classmates had been assigned to the same cruiser when he was in - small world! and he really enjoyed the experience and opportunities.
our marine is leaving tomorrow for Okinawa for 2 years - he intends to learn to scuba dive while there - so happy for him to be expanding his horizons. we even got him connected with a local church due to a fellow church member whose son had been stationed in Okinawa. another small world.
Blondie - how amazing your sailor will spend time in Italy.
Nov 10, 2015
DREW7062
DREW
Nov 11, 2015
DREW7062
Nov 11, 2015
T-Lynn
HI
Ditto to what Drew said Maggs. By the way, do you still have any skin left? Gentle hugs and healing energy to Angel.
Italy !!! Well, Blondie start your Italian lessons. Glad this time she will have mates already handy..
Good luck to your sailor and his new bases in Korea. i hope he has a wonderful time and you can stay here and share :).
Weather here is getting colder. Tonight a front is moving through, so we have a wind advisory. Going to get my wind chimes in a few minutes.
AS for Grandson, he walked behind his walking toy today . Well, more like a run and keep caught up - but - he stayed on his feet. Oh gee, I just thought about this - now I have to move faster. I hope I am losing weight here.
And he is cutting all four teeth on top - at once. Yes moody and chewing everything in site.
Wish I had something to share from sailor, but no words or pics of late.
Wish all a great evening hugs
Nov 11, 2015
mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)
Thanks for the comments about Chinhae. It is happening so he will make the best of it. He is a lot like his Dad that way. Just gets the job done. But he wanted orders for Europe and is pretty ticked that the Navy wouldn't work with him. Seems like they could retain more sailors if they would try to grant requests.
Nov 12, 2015
Anti M
My husband was stuck in a truckstop in Wyoming for over 12 hours, they closed I-80. I checked this morning, it is open, so he's hauling east now. Still high winds, I hope his load is heavy enough to keep him on the pavement! Onions, I think, destined to be restaurant onion rings. I know he will be backhauling holiday hams.
Nov 12, 2015
Kim
mdubtxmom, he gets to apply for whatever jobs (billets) are available at the time. Maybe there where no billets for Europe or someone else got them. I'm not sure how it works when more than 1 person is trying for the same billet. They do work with them and they are able to search the database ahead of time. I think it is 6 months for sailors stationed overseas and 3 months for others. Maybe next time.
I got back from vacation last night. I used vacation, but it was NOT a vacation. Running around for my dad. At least I was able to spend time with family.
Maggs, my sisters dog had that when they were visiting us. We gave him Apple Cider Vinegar and the bleeding stopped. She took him to the vet when they returned home.
My sailor was approved for an extra year of shore duty (two years from this month) so he can work on his applications for 2 navy programs he is trying for. He told me that he signed up to volunteer at the hospital. I have no idea where he finds the time with 10 hr work days, full day college on Sundays and a baby at home. Then he told me about the organizations that he joined. I said sarcastically "why don't you run for Mayor too". I will have them all for Thanksgiving, so I am a happy Grandma.
I enjoy reading all of your stories. TLynn, ask someone to take a picture of you chasing that baby. Run! Run! Run!
Nov 12, 2015
Anti M
When I was assigned to Diego Garcia, I was given three choices ... Diego Garcia, Diego Garcia, and Diego Garcia. Sometimes there are "hot fill" billets and the next qualified warm body gets them. It really sucks, but there is not much to be done.
Turns out DG was the best duty station ever.
Nov 12, 2015
Kim
AntiM, The "Needs of the Navy". It is what they signed up for. Glad it worked out for you. Where you married to a sailor at the time? BTW, I love your picture.
These are good reads:
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/enlisted/detailing/Pages/defa...
http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=65585
The "Perform to Serve" has been scary for some sailors.
Nov 12, 2015
Anti M
@Kim ... I was freshly divorced, and that is where I met my current husband. I was his relief, taking over his job! No, we were not supposed to date, but it was inevitable. 29 years now. We married in Vegas because we didn't know when we'd see each other again. A gamble in a gambler's paradise.
Actually, they make married sailors go to Diego Garcia unaccompanied. No accommodations for couples, no families. If two sailors marry while stationed there, one gets orders elsewhere, immediately. Same if a woman gets pregnant, she's off the island.
@ Blondie ... thank you. He usually does regional runs, so when he goes east, I get nervous.
Nov 13, 2015
Anti M
Recall is confusing from the outside; mostly affects security, special ops, and intel communities. Heightened security levels for every service member, but probably no recall for many.
As retirees, means if we go to base, there will be 100% ID check, reduced lanes at the gates, more personnel on security detail, maybe even random car checks.
What few people realize is for the Navy, base security can tap local commands for extra bodies to stand watch and to patrol. This would be less senior personnel, and isn't anything dangerous usually, but it sure plays havoc on liberty.
Time for me to check on my social media accounts, make sure I'm not giving even the slightest bit away.
Nov 14, 2015
Hilary
Hi everyone, I'm sure this has already been asked and answered but I'm new :-) My son is on the Benfold, and they forward deployed to Yokosuka last month. Does anyone know how long it will take to get a Christmas package to him? Thanks so much for the help!
Hilary
Nov 14, 2015
Kim
Welcome Hilary
I always used the USPS large flat rate box (military discount). The post office delivers to San Diego in 2-3 days. The navy delivers to their ship. The earliest I heard was 4-5 days and the longest was almost a month. I think the norm is 2-3 weeks. The navy seems to move mail quicker during the holidays. I always shipped the first week in December and it made it early.
Jump in and tell us about yourself and your sailor. We are like a big family here. Warning....No one is allowed to leave when their sailor leaves Japan.
Nov 15, 2015
Anti M
Also, when using the FPO address, you will need a customs form. Do not mail cologne or liquid aftershave, that's a prohibited item (contains flammable alcohol). Try not to send valuables, while rare, packages do go astray. Really rarely, they lose mail into the sea during transfer (years and years apart, and not every ship). Not often enough to stress over, but know it can happen. And no, insurance won't cover the package once it is in Navy hands.
Nov 15, 2015
DREW7062
Moms, my son has been in Japan since August Yokosuka working at the hospital there and he dosent call or text much. :-( I'm beginning to think he dosent love me so much anymore, he's been different since joining the navy. I like him better when he wasn't in the navy.. Do I sound selfish? Him and I were so close before he joined the navy. I asked him was he coming home for Xmas and he hesitated and said he has some training to do and he dosent think he'll be home. I don't know if that's true but I have to believe him. I'm so depressed he seems so different. He's not saving money he's constantly spending living pay check to pay check. Maybe he'll wake up soon Sad mom here
Nov 15, 2015
Anti M
@Navcy ... if a package is going to the FPO address, no, they do not have to pay customs or taxes. Civilians don't always know this. That is why I always used USPS, and not someplace like fedex or ups (who send the packages via USPS ultimately anyway).
Nov 15, 2015
Anti M
@Drew ... you are not being selfish, but seems to me like he may be in a new phase, exploring himself as an independent individual. He still loves you, he just isn't expressing it the same way as before. That's okay, he'll come back around, maybe a bit different, maybe more mature. He's learning who he is.
As for holiday leave, he might not have a lot of time on the books, and the new guy always gets the less desirable dates. The hospital does not have a stand down, so only a small portion can go on leave at the same time. If he doesn't have his qualifications done, they won't approve leave papers.
I think a lot of sailors do the paycheck to paycheck thing because they don't pay rent or much else. It feels great, but most outgrow it in a couple years.
Nov 15, 2015
T-Lynn
HI
I agree with Anti M and Nancy. My sailor didn't have leave until after 18 months in Japan. He had to earn the time for leave. And my sailor too went into his own little world or I should say - his NEW Navy life world. As Anti M stated - he will come around and be your son again. But more mature.
Kim - glad you had a nice vacation . Now get some rest :). Will ask kids to try and get a picture of Riker running circles around me. That's if they can keep up with him.
Maggs- good to hear Angel is better. But you did not share if you still have skin on your hands. How you doing?
Blondie, hope by now the wind has settled down. We only had high winds for a day and then teh temps dropped. But this weekend was beautiful. Hope it comes your way.
Yes, situations in France is heart breaking. Sending positive healing thoughts their way.
Wish I had some gossip - honest - my gossip tank is empty!
Sweet dreams all hugs
Nov 15, 2015
T-Lynn
Nov 15, 2015
DREW7062
Nov 15, 2015
Anti M
Some people who haven't traveled go into a culture shock phase when they get stationed overseas. Most eventually come out of it, and begin making friends and going places. A handful do become barracks rats, but usually their supervisors try to look after them and point them toward activities. Sports, tours, hobbies ... video games can be awfully isolating.
I'd visited Japan with my parents, my father had been Navy and adored the culture and people; I was eager to explore. Not everyone will be. I knew one guy who wouldn't even eat at McDonald's offbase, just in case "they might have fried fish in the french fry oil". He was an exception!!! I am still in touch with some of my Navy buddies from our time in Japan (and most of us ended up stationed together on Diego Garcia too, weird). So once he makes friends, he'll start adjusting and exploring more.
Nov 15, 2015
DREW7062
Nov 15, 2015
Anti M
@drew ... no, not really, only if he is having serious issues. Just give him time to adjust. Also, he's coming up on winter in Yokosuka, lots of rain and gray days, and cold wind. No one goes out a lot in winter there.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Nov 16, 2015
Kim
Drew, It sounds like 'homesickness' to me. Keep sending him emails, even if he doesn't reply. Tell him how proud of him you are. Tell him you miss him. My parents sent me away for my summers at age 10. I was so homesick the first year. I ignored their phone calls because hearing my moms voice made it worse. Then I got the panic telegram from my mom. Knowing she missed me, suddenly made me feel better. I was fine the 2nd year.
Nov 16, 2015
scully_the_skeptic
@drew - definitely keep sending messages (upbeat), usual chatter type messages. we have a marine (besides our sailor) and the one thing he told us before shipping to Okinawa was how much he missed all the letters he used to get in bc - so just stay the course. my sailor is VERY independent and every so often I have to send him my "your mother" messages (joking but gentle reminders to communicate). big hugs - you are stronger than you know.
Nov 16, 2015
DREW7062
(((HUGS)))
Nov 16, 2015
Mississippi Mom
Drew, I wish I could offer a sure fire way to get your son to communicate. At one time we passed around the idea of "vodoo doll" made to look like our Sailors so we could gently nudge a phone call out of them. LOL! My Sailor was in Japan for 18 months, and I was blessed. He called every week, or as soon as he could. I always said that Japan for me was easier than boot camp. My son is now out of the Navy and going back to school. He lives about 5 minutes from us, but usually we don't see him everyday, however lately he has been a tremendous help to us during our kitchen remodel. He will call me or his Dad and talk a while when his wife is at work. My daughter on the other hand would go forever when she was in college before she would call. Now that she is working and living on her own, she finds more time for us. The one thing that worked for me with her, was sending her favorite cookies or favorite snacks. I would send the same thing to my son, and I would always try to send them something funny (frisbees, bubbles or anything that I thought would make them laugh) When they got those packages I knew a phone call was coming. Hang in there, and look for those "happys" to have on hand to stick in his package.
Nov 16, 2015
DREW7062
Nov 16, 2015
kjsdaughter
Hi, Ladies. My daughter leaves for Japan this week and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on cellular services or how will we communicate while there? Thanks.
Nov 16, 2015