Missy, I am wondering if you heard Hennek?

ok sorry its been so long dealing with the navy you know how stressful it can be and will do 

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USS George Washington (CVN 73)
            Box 10
            FPO AP 96650-2801

The Essex had been doing it about every other year, depending on their schedule.  This spring there was a hull swap with the USS Bonhomme Richard.  One was scheduled for July, but then it got cancelled.  We never did hear definitively why, but then my daughter Katie has now moved on to the George HW Bush out of Norfolk.  You'll have to ask some of the Geo Washington families whether they do a similar thing or not on that ship.  And yes! The Tiger Cruise was awesome!!

For Katie's ship in July 2010 (USS Essex), my son and I flew over to Fukuoka, Japan, where we met Katie at the airport.  She helped us get to base.  We stayed at the Navy Lodge a few days before embarking the USS Essex for a 4 day/3 night cruise from the Sasebo base to Yokosuka base (where the GW is based).  We got to eat, sleep and live like the sailors; had tours; entertainment; helicoptors flew on and off; played with the fire equipment (Katie is a DC); balloon toss w/the Captain and his family; steel beach (barbecue on the flight deck)....it was wonderful!

Missy - I would say prepare for sending care packages.  Not sure how your brother is about emails, my daughter was great, but other moms of sons said they were few and far between and usually short.  Katie's shop loved the care packages because I was the only Mom (and our daughter Alicia too) that sent homebaked treats.  We got our passports too since Katie's ship offered a Tiger Cruise.

Missy, my daughter Katie was in Sasebo, Japan, for years.  We were fortunate to be able to go on a Tiger Cruise with her. She was also able to take leave a few times and come home.  Katie missed a graduation, confirmation, birthdays - just for the immediate family.  It is hard on them and on you (the family).  It's hard to know if talking about the events more helps them or not, or just makes them miss it more - everyone is different.  Katie was very good at emailing us, but from the commens of other Moms, the guys, in particular aren't always ---but then again, the only 'active' Moms on her ship had sons - rarely did I read posts from the Mom of a daughter. Katie only had a phone that worked in Japan, but could call for free from the USO (which she didn't). She used ship to shore cards on occasion, didn't really skype, but regular emails from sea via her navy.mil acct and her sbc account when in port.  I sent some letters, but since she was so regular with emails, it was usually just cards.  Packages went out no less than once a month.  Sometimes it included things she couldn't get at the NEX - like a particular brand of something - or a favorite that just didn't carry.  Always homebaked goodies!  Since Katie had the only Mom in the  'shop' who sent homebaked - she opened every box in the shop and shared. After a while, I started getting requests and was happy to accommodate.  My oldest daughter Alicia also sent cookies and fudge from the shop she works at in the summer.   I even sent a box or 2 since she came back to the states (now stationed in Norfolk) for one girl's birthday (she loved gingersnaps) and one of the guys I met on the 'cookie crew' whose favorite was rolo/chocolate cookies.  I'd be lying if I said it was going to be easy....especially since you have been able to see him so much.  I know you have cherished every minute of that time...and you will make it through.  Sounds like since your brother enjoyed your times together that he will probably be good about keeping in touch.  Not everyone comes home to the US when they have leave opportunity, but mine did and hope your brother does too.  Take care.