Prototype School - Balston Spa

[Trina (Spencer's Mom)]

My son is in prototype school in New York. I would like to hear from some other moms out there who might have had experience with this - there has been some issues, and school has been delayed (about 1 1/2 months into it). There were some things that happened, and so they had to shut them down. I haven't talked to my son today yet, but they have been shut down for over a month now.

I find it frustrating, but him more so - can anyone blame him???? He told me this has happened in the past, and one time they shut a class down for 9 months. What does this do for graduation - they aren't forthcoming with info so far. How do they expect these kids to have started prototype, get just over a month into it, then shut them down for over a month, and pick up where they left off? From what he has told me they have to go to class everyday, but they can't be instructed until they officially start back up - so they sit and read.

There is so much more to this, cuz I have talked to him pretty much every other day, but just looking for other moms out there who might have gone through this.

Trina

[Holly]

Tina…this isn’t anything new to NPTU Ballston Spa. My son went to NY in November of 2007. He was the first class to return to NY after about six months…something about a valve being installed incorrectly. He experienced several delays during prototype and left about 4 weeks behind schedule. I understand the first six weeks are classroom instruction before they go “in hull” for checkouts. I know when my son was delayed he completed all the checkouts possible without the reactor being operational.
He was a little frustrated with the delays but more upset over orders not getting posted till about 3 weeks left in NY. Tell you son to hang tough and to enjoy the impending winter in NY.

[Cody's Mom (Miranda)]

my did his prototype in NY and graduated in april 2008. he had delays and got his orders about 3 weeks before graduation. I agree with the other moms... just hang in there. The Navy goes at their own speed.

[Anti M]

Uh... nuclear reactor? And it is shut down? Geez ... Put two and two together ... that shut down isn't because the Navy is dinking around. Safety first! Would you want your sons working and learning on a radioactive power plant that wasn't 100%????

Of course they're not forthcoming ... it's classified. Chill, when things are safe and all is well, they'll be back on track.

[Trina (Spencer's Mom)]

I will say this again - I am not complaining - I told my son the same thing. It is just frustration on my end - I was simply here looking to talk to other moms who have been through this. I thought that was what this site was about?? I want him to learn his job and do it well, and that is what he is going to school for. I am just looking to talk to others. And he knows also what he is dealing with, or will be dealing with on a daily basis once he is done with training.

[Holly]

I certainly didn’t want to imply that you were complaining. I understand the helplessness you feel when your sailor calls and there is nothing you can say or do to make it ‘right’. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned as a parent (in 2 ½ years) is how out of control I really am with a son in the Navy. Most of the time my son is calmer than I am in these situations.
The Navy will make sure your son knows his job even though the process can be frustrating for him and you. Best of luck and Happy Thanksgiving.

[Anti M]

I am sorry I misread your tone. Sometimes being used to the hurry up and wait backfires on me.

[Laura A.]

Hi Tina, My son started Protoytpe school on Nov 3, 2008. And he said things are slow going. That no one knows much. Today he got to go into the reactor building. there is workers non Navy working on it.They don't know when it will be running.Patrick is in class 08-01.Patrick didn't come home for TH. They didn't let them know until the last minute if they could have leave. He just stayed there. Which class is your son in? Patrick and his roomates line in Saratoga Springs. Have a Happy thanksgiving. Did your son come home? Laura

[Trina (Spencer's Mom)]

Laura - my son is in class 08-03. My son and his roommates also have a house in Saratoga Springs they are renting. He didn't come home for Thanksgiving, and doesn't think he will be able to come home for xmas either.

[Laura A.]

Hi Tina, It will be hard not having our saliors home for Christmas. I don't feel like putting up a tree. I am starting to get a package ready to send.I bought PJ's. It is cold there.A warm knit type cap. And some food goodies. Like Hickory Farms.Patricks 2 roomates love to cook.I got a gingerbread christmas for them to decorate.I want to get some stocking stuffers. It is hard to know what they need. What part is your son still doing class room work? Patrick is. Have a good day.

[Trina (Spencer's Mom)]

Laura - he is taking section test tomorrow. I don't know what that means - I talked to him online the other night - that might be the way for us to talk going forward - I get more information out of him that way!!!! Right now he is doing 8 - 8 shifts, but once they take and pass the section test, he will be 8 - 5.

I did put a tree this year - I am hoping to talk to my son tonight and find out what they would like for their house - maybe a little tree or something. It is going to be weird not having him home for Christmas.

[Mary K.Butler]

Trina,

My son is also at Ballston NPTU and he started in July. He is an E4 ET3 and he is renting a house in Sarasota Springs with two others Vides and Pearson. His original Grad was suppose to be Dec and then Jan 20 and now...who knows. He did not get to come home for Thanksgiving because Capt. only gave them one day off. But him and six others made a feast fit for 20 watched football and played cards and video games. I try to talk to him every other day and encourage him to be patient...he has has it tough since boot camp in April 2007. He has only had leave home for 9 days and that is tough on him. We went to graduation in GC the end of June and spent six days doing family things and laying by the pool. It is not looking good for Christmas either, so I am sending stocking stuffers and some gifts for him to open on Christmas Day. I know how frustrated you are, I am there with you..keep positive and like I keep telling Nick remember the payoff is worth it...working on a job you love!!

[Trina (Spencer's Mom)]

Spence is also renting a house with 2 others. He was supposed to graduate Feb 20 - but we are sure he won't. Was class is your son in? Mine is 08-03. Yours must be 08-02?? Spence did get 4 days off for Thanksgiving, but by the time they told him they would, it was to late to get a ticket home. He said he does not anticipate being able to get off for Christmas because they are supposed to be starting up again for training. One of his roommates is originally only about 2 hours away from Saratoga Springs, so they went there for Thanksgiving. I think they will probably do the same thing over Christmas.

I keep telling Spence to just remember in the end this will all pay off. It is stressful, and right now he questions his decision - especially with not having a clue what is going on. But he knows he just needs to get through graduation, and then it won't be like this anymore.