Information for New Arrivals

[Nancy]

Many of us have kids heading to Groton. Let's put everything we need to know about transportation, hotels, visiting, etc. here in one place.

[Lori_KingsBay_USSRI_Radio]

I love you! But, thought you had everything I need to know already - o.k., guess I have some work to do - let me see what I can add!

[Nancy]

Well, I am more concerned about this end of the trip now. How do they get from the airport to Groton? What are they able to take with them? I think nothing yet at this point, but then do we need to mail it all to them? I saw a reference to storage lockers at one point, but do I remember where that was so I can go reread it?? oh no!! Did you see it? Where do we stay when we visit them there and we need to plan a time that you, Elizabeth, and I can all be there at the same time. LOL but not really kidding, as we can't see the boys the whole time we can sightsee together!
Nancy

[ElizabethC]

I am all in for a trip to Groton to see the boy's and sight see with the mom's. We will definetly have to plan a trip when we can all be there at the same time.

[Lori_KingsBay_USSRI_Radio]

Hey you 2! As I think about this, even though my SR graduates a week before your SR's, they may start A school together. My SR is a SECF. I flew A into Providence at the guideance of a contact in Groton. Also, learned there is a Duty Driver that may be available to transport from airport to Base. I'm going to have A contact the Quarter Deck in Groton @ 301-677-6287 about transportation to base. A is flying into Providence arriving at 11:22 A the day previous to reporting at 0700. Hoping this gives him adequate time to get to base in daylight and settled in. Airfare from our home to RI was $280 plus tax. Good luck with your travel plans! Let me know how it goes. :-) Since my SR arrives a week before yours, I will post his experience hoping to help you both with pre planning! By the way, I think they can take the sea bag and their laptops and phones - that may be it! They will get that information at BC, possibly in their orders. If they all end up beginning A together I may be there at graduation the same time as you both!

[Nancy]

Great info, unfortunately already flying I into Hartford. But I will give him the Quarter Deck number and hopefully he can also arrange transport. Is the duty driver ONLY from Providence?? He is arriving around 12:30 the day before reporting at 7. So it sounds really similar. Lots more than $280...it ended up being $450ish...down from an original $600.

I wants to buy a new laptop, so I guess if they get their debit cards he will be able to pick out what he wants. I figure a lot of his Christmas is our visit and his flights. He will be thrilled to have his phone!!

It will be really helpful for you to let us know what is going on. It will be especially nice to figure out how they are getting from airport to base. I thought he could go to the USO and see if anyone else was heading in his direction.

I vote for them graduating together!!! Wouldn't that be just the best thing?? it would make up for the different PIR groups. Maybe the Navy will arrange it just for us! LOL

Is it your understanding that they can be out of uniform while they are home and just wear it traveling to and from assignments? That is what I am understanding from everything I am reading here.

Thanks for the head's up :-)
Nancy

[Lori_KingsBay_USSRI_Radio]

You must have purchased a fully refundable Tix? The one I purchased will require a $150 fee to change but is still cheaper than fully refundable. I did purchase travel insurance for $16 because there was a clause in there that says something about "job change." Not sure if it would help but $16 was cheap enough.

The Duty Driver is located at Groton so they send him out. Maybe Elizabeth and Penny can get their sons arrival near the time of I's so that the Duty Driver would be more likely to pick them up. That was what I was hoping to coordinate. One other PIR 12/17 mom has her son coming in on the 26th vs A's arrival on the 27th. Tix's the day after Christmas were outrageous and I felt it would make Christmas Day a bit somber if he were leaving the next day so decided on the 27th.

Never thought about him going to the USO - good thought!

I have no idea wheather they can be out of uniform outside the home. I thought......since they haven't phased in yet that they could not. They will defintely know this information when they come home.

Lori

[Nancy]

no, not fully refundable, have to pay the $150, it's just cuz it's out of ca. I have been able to coordinate with Elizabeth and we have the boys arriving at Hartford at roughly the same time. They can meet up at the USO.

the uniform thing is from things that AntiM has posted and the references to taking the garment bag to keep uniform in. Although...I won't fit in any of his old clothes. I am going to need to take the big brother shopping with me to get his approval on purchases. LOL

[ElizabethC]

Hi...my son is flying into New Haven, CT, but reading your posts I'm rethinking my son's travel arrangements...ugh, Hartford or RI. Good info on contacting the quarter deck for possible transportation to base. I wonder if they boy's will have a sponser that they need to contact when they get to CT or if they just need to go straight to the check in. (I'm probably really overthinking all of this....ok honestly I'm a nervous wreak) Do either of you know how long the schooling is, I know that BESS is 4 weeks, but I've been told a year to a year and a half total depending on the what rate (?) they are put into after BESS.

Elizabeth

Nancy-I sent you a PM before I came over to this post, PM me and let me know what date "I" is traveling to CT, may make some changes.

[Lori_KingsBay_USSRI_Radio]

Elizabeth; I believe either airport is fine - both Hartford and Providence are equally (or close to) the same traveling distance. So I wouldn't worry.

I am hoping we learn more from our SR's re: traveling from airport to base. I'm putting this piece of the puzzle aside for now! You and Susan may be able to coordinate a bit on the 2 boys traveling to base together which is great - throw Penny's son in there and you may have a stronger possibility of getting some base transportation help!

Glad you are visiting the 12/17 PIR group! Your 12/22 group has a strong wife and GF presence in their posts!

My SR shared with his GF that he will probably have 9 weeks total of schooling at Groton; then he will either be at the King something Georgia base or even remain in Groton for C school. I am fortunate enough to adopt him for Thanksgiving so will have some time to talk through some of this with him in person. I will let you girls know what I learn!

[Lori_KingsBay_USSRI_Radio]

Another piece of information; all SR's will receive their official orders on 12/14 for the 12/17 PIR. I expect your 12/22 SR's will receive theirs days before their PIR and would hope some the the travel details or helpful contact information will be provided in this documentation.

[Nancy]

Lori, IB says he has his orders and they are sealed. Is this what you are referring to?

[Kathy Ship 11 Div 057]

Hello Ladies! my son is in Boot Camp and then off to Groton for sub school.  Trying to eavesdrop and learn a few things from all of you if you don't mind.  I'm clueless on how this all works.