SHIP 13, DIV 385, PIR 10/11/13, USS MARVIN SHIELDS

First phone call for the Division was yesterday apparently, as we heard from my son around 10 AM Pacific.  They were allowed 45 minutes at the NEX phone center for calls.  He said they had been in P-hold for longer than normal and were only just now finishing up week 1. Not to spread unsubstantiated rumors but there was a change in the RDC personnel that got things back on track. "Things are much better now, we are starting to learn things" is how he put it.

They have been receiving letters and will be allowed to write and mail some out today, Sunday.  Everybody has got all their shots and paperwork is all done.  Dental exams are also done and any needed work already done or scheduled.  They have been doing a lot of reading and memorizing prepping for test.  Battle Stations is a mystery to them as they hear about but nobody will talk about it.  My son tells me that those completing it are required to be secretive, nice idea, keep them wondering a bit.

The call along with the holiday and beautiful weather made for a great day, mom and I are both smiling much more now.