Advise

[skittlesmom]

Hello ladies, I have a daughter stationed at Lemoore CA, right now she is on the Carl Vinson getting ready to experience Fleet Week. She has been experiencing some difficulty in ship life and is feeling like she might not want to stay in. What she is experiencing is the fact she sees no respect up and down the chain of command on board and also her fellow shipmates are giving her a hard time. I'm thinking it's maybe because she is a girl and this is her first time on a ship. Her m.o.s is AM and has not yet qualified to be on the flight deck and spends her time in the shop. So I'm asking any advice from you ladies that I might be able to give to keep on keeping on try to hang in there. Also when she gets back she will be deployed in November to May also on the Carl Vinson so I'm guessing that deployment will be twice as hard on her. She loves the Navy but seems a bit at a lose as what to do. I appreciate any comments or advise I can gain from you. Thank you so much, Skittles Mom (Linda)

[Brit'sMom]

Hi Linda, I am sorry to hear your daughter is having this experience.  It is hard enough when they are around and we couldn't always help, but when something like this happens I think we as moms, feel at a lose?  There isn't much I wouldn't do for my daughter, but when I am able to do nothing it is heart breaking!  I think you are right about her being a girl possible being part of the issue??  I would say to tell her to hang in there and show those 'guys' that she is just as capable as they are! Brit had a friend who is a guy and he could not even make it through boot camp...so she has what it takes!!  Maybe send her a box with some of her favorite things...just as a pick me up!  It will make you and her feel good!  If you want to email me let me know and I will be sure to get my personal email to you.  You might be more comfortable talking about this?? I think I would be...I wish your daughter the best of luck, hang in there, she is stronger than she thinks!

[skittlesmom]

Thank you sisters so much for your responses!! As a mother, having a daughter in the Navy going through this, I just want to step in and say...Hey don't disrespect her like that!!! I want her to succeed so much in the Navy. But she will ultimately make her choice. I tell her to hang around the people who are positive and make her feel good. As a mother, I just want to be a fly in her pocket to protect her, but I know this is her choice and path of life. I am so proud of her....I tell her all the!! I just want it to be equal all around. One person I know who is retired Navy told me to tell her when things get tough to tell herself.......Step back, take a deeeeeep breath, and tell yourself you're smart and you can do this. This goes in any walk of life or experience. Thank you ladies soooo much for your input. I greatly appreciate it. Navy mothers must stick together. And a big BRAVO ZULU to you sons and daughters serving our great county!!!

[Brit'sMom]

You could not have said this better...as how you feel.  I am always saying to my daughter, 'if I have to come down there'...LOL!  she just chuckles, and says ok mom!  She knows that I would do anything for her...and that includes letting her go to grow up and become the best she can be!  And she will...that is how I raised her...it sounds like you may have raised your the same way...how to stand and be confident, yet take the time not to walk on others getting there.  My daughter is on the USS Eisenhower and has been since A-school.  right now they are in and out of port...next year she will be going on a longer tour.  And Brit says it is a lot harder to get along with most of the other girls than it is the guys.  Girls can be so catty...but that is anywhere in life. Well you take care and like I have to tell myself from time to time...this is a good thing for "her"!  And yes, we are as proud as can be...I truely believe there is no greater relationship than that of a wonderful daughter and her mom! You take care and anytime you need to chatwe are here...

[stevensmom]

My son will soon be stationed in Lamoore. he has to report Oct 3rd. He is a Navy Corpsman. he just finished f.m.t.b. graduates Sept 30th. He is a very respectable young man and has often helped others through hard times. Maybe they can be friends. He has struggled himself at times. Let me know and I will forward his info. Best of Luck to your daughter..