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deployment
Good morning all! Son gonna leave for Norfolk on December 5th for his first deployment having a very hard time with this! Yes I am a cry baby! I need some advice on what is the best way to communicate with him while gone I have heard several differant things can he have his phone or not? Do I need to get hiim some other device to communicte with? Please let me know cant bear the thought of not being able to speak with him
Views: 456
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Anti M on
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Cell phones do not work at sea. He can take his phone and may use it during port calls. He can pay to use the satellite phone on the ship, but there are often lines and his schedule may be chaotic. Don't count on calls. No texting at sea.
He will have a military email, that will be your main way to communicate. His ship might or might not be able to allow internet access, such as Facebook. He can have his laptop, but that will be for videos and games, he can't go online with it unless he's in port using a wifi spot (be careful they're notoriously unsecure overseas). Not allowed to hook into the ship's internet, if they even have it, for security reasons.
There are always letters, much like boot camp.
Be aware there will be periods of time when all communications are cut off, called "River City", restricted communications. This happens for a number of reasons, you won't know in advance and he can't tell you. During periods of silence, you simply must trust all is well.
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Permalink Reply by Stephanie on
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Thank you so much for the info! I am going to go crazy! How do we deal with the not knowing? Oh my! lol
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I come from a Navy family (my dad, me, my husband, my nephew, and an acquired kid... and more) so I have had a lot of practice. You just keep going, keep breathing, keep trusting. The day will come when they return. I mostly stay busy and don't dwell on the apart time, just the together time.
You have to take care of yourself in the meantime, being a wreck helps no one. That sounds mean when wrtitten down, but if you think about it, being your best self while they're away is good for your sailor in the long run. He'll know you're okay.
Hang in there, you will figure out what is your best "new normal" for you.
If you're religious, there's that comfort too.
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Been doing this for 25 yrs on my 9th deployment we communicate with emails usually once a week sometimes longer depending on down time and his schedule. I jus keep doing my normal routine send out care boxes once a week ( takes 4-6 weeks to get to ship). I have been at every home coming since we started this journey and make my plans while he is gone I will be on the pier for this one too mainly cause it will be his last one. One day at a time one foot in front of the other. You can always come on here and chat with us too.
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Thank you - Sometimes it seems like I dont know where my next breath is gonna come from I get so emotional over this. I do want to go to the pier and wait for the ship to come in do they let you know when it will be there ahead of time? I hae really enjoyed the insight of this group seems like someone always understands when the rest of the world cant
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H e will get his return date and can send that to you. You will have to go to the visitors center and get a pass for that day.since it has been a long time for me to go unescorted not sure what you will need besides your picture id but sure someone here or your sailor will be able to tell you.
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The ombudsman and the Family Readiness Group prepare for homecoming, let the families know when and where and how. The ombudsman is a trained volunteer spouse, an official liaison with the chain of command. She (or he) will completely understand your needs. You can google the phone number, it is on the ship;s site, but your son may need to sign you up through his ship;s email (to verify you are who you say you are).
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Hi, can we send boxes and cards to our deployed sailors? He has a bday and Christmas while he is gone...
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u r right, but gave him his presents early, but would still like to send others. Thanks for the site, will use it. does the free mail apply? I will be sending an additional quilted hot pad for cooking, with navy medallions on it, and his name embroidered on the back of it. Some of the time he will have his own quarters. thanks John and Merry Christmas you and yours!
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Permalink Reply by MADre on
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My son calls me a cry baby and tells me " there will be non of that mom". I have to wipe my nose and tears and give him that big smile he is looking for. We have a great relationship and he has set me up to want to listen to his crazy stories. He has been out at sea for short periods but his next deployment will be for 3 years. I am filled with mixed emotions; worries, fear, sadness and excitement. In other words I am a mess. He is 19 years old and going on 30... oh Lord help his shipmates! I will be sending Emails, letters and tons of care packages this is the best way to stay connected and encourage family and friends to do the same. GOOD LUCK!!!
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