Japan Dads

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Comment by blondie on December 11, 2015 at 8:45am

James, sending angels to watching over him and to lead the way.  Our daughter left  C-school and went to the Middle East for 2 years and then straight to Japan for 3, so I know what you mean about the unknown.....  We never say good-bye, it's to final.  We say until we see you again.  I know it's just words but I have to know in my heart I Will see her again. 

She Loved Yokosuka and so did we.  She also lived off base, in another "town".  She had to time the trains and ride them to Yokosuka.....it is/was very safe AND Very Clean.  She met us at the airport, we took a train to her house.  That night she gave us a crash course on their money, how to use a debt card and the train schedule.  Then next day we rode the train all by ourselves to Yokosuka to meet her after work, we had many of her friends/team calling us asking if we needed a escort.....we said no we were on an adventure!  We made it and had 3 Sailors waiting on us, they showed us the way to base and got us on base to meet her.  Everyone is so Friendly and helpful.  they really do look after each other.

Victor, my daughter also went through a broker.....he rent was taken right out of her pay check, worked Great for when she was deployed!  The biggest problem I know of is the bugs and mold while they're "out"  we sent buckets of dry-rid (I think it was called)  but I've heard horror stories.  Also some sub-let their homes while they are out to other military personal.  Only other thing I can think to tell you all they drive on the wrong side of the road, or maybe we do?  lol  many use bikes, but bikes are the only thing stolen over there, well they are borrowed, many find their way back or find them sitting somewhere else.  When my sailor moved in the last people left her a bike and wagon.  It's like community property I guess. but usually they bring it back :)

I hope all your Sailors have as Wonderful experience as my Sailor did :)

 

Comment by James A. Robinson on December 11, 2015 at 7:28am

Thank you very much, Victor and Roger!  I will share my son's initial impressions with you and the group.  James

Comment by Victor Minutole on December 10, 2015 at 8:12pm

Hi Roger, he didn't really say if there were any issues. I do know he went thru a broker on the base to rent the house. They pretty much set up all the utilities and lease contract. Non Japanese pay about 3 times more in rent the locals.   The Navy gives him enough of a housing allowance that it covers the rent, utilities and his parking spot (he also bought a car).  He is about 3 miles from the base, maybe a 1/4 mile from the train station and in the middle of a nice quiet neighborhood. 

Comment by Roger Apple on December 10, 2015 at 5:31pm

Dear Victor,

My daughter just became eligible to move off base at Yokuska.  Did your son share much of the trials and tribulations he went through moving off base with you?  If so I would love to hear what she has in store.  We are very new at all this.  thanks.  Roger

Comment by Roger Apple on December 10, 2015 at 5:27pm

Dear James,  Please let us know what his first impressions are of Yokuska.  It will be interesting to get some feedback from someone else new there.

Roger

Comment by Roger Apple on December 10, 2015 at 5:25pm

Dear James, For general information on Navy Enlisted Men Ratings I usually check this site.  Navy Dad's is a great resource and has a full page covering Master of Arms.  http://www.navydads.com/forum/topics/ma-masteratarms-1

Roger

Comment by Roger Apple on December 10, 2015 at 5:18pm

Dear James, Not exactly saying goodbye, but four things that help us last year when our baby girl shipped out to Yokosuka are: 1) US Mail to the base isn't too bad.  You pay the domestic shipping rate (not more expensive international) and it seems to take about two weeks for letters and packages to get there.  2) Check his cell phone plan.  Our daughter took her phone with a Dallas phone number to Japan.  She could call and text home as a local call.  It was great until she decided she needed a Japanese phone number and switched plans.  It is now an international call and pricey, but for the couple of months it worked it helped with the transition. 3) I don't use Face Book but my daughter says it is the best way to contact her.  She can even receive Face Book messages sometimes while she is at sea depending on where where the destroyer is located. Face Book seems to be the easiest way for her to post pictures from her phone now that she does not text photos to us. 4) My favorite is Skype.  It is a technology I have used and allows me to leave messages for my sailor, have live text chats (which we do most often and sometimes daily when she is in port).  And occasionally we can get organized enough to do a live video chat.  Those are wonderfully, to be able to see her.  The quality and streaming is remarkably clear and fast.  She can Skype from her smartphone or her laptop, so we have more chances of catching her on line even with the time difference.

She has been in Yokosuka for a year now.  The time has been easier for us than when we did not hear from her at all during boot camp.  We are lucky enough that she is going to be able to come home later this month during the Christmas Stand Down.

On the happy side no North Koreans have shot at her and she has had two trips to China in her first year with a ship that spend 8 months in dry dock.

Luckily for me my daughter can never get enough hugs, so hello or goodbyes are always the same.  Good luck to your son.

Roger

Comment by Victor Minutole on December 10, 2015 at 4:48pm

James, the hardest part is letting them go and adjusting to the fact you won't be seeing them for awhile. It took some time for us and I still have my moments but I am proud of the choices our Sailor has made.   But as far as what's in store for them, my son went thru a 2 week program upon arrival, they teach them about the culture, give them some language skills and have a mentor of sorts assigned who looks out for them till they get adjusted. Skype is a great way to keep in touch.   My son has been in Yokosuka for just over 2 years and has adjusted extremely well, enough that he has moved off base...   

Comment by James A. Robinson on December 10, 2015 at 3:14pm

I could use your support.  My son, who graduated from MA A school last month, is heading for Yokosuka on the 15th for a 3 year tour.  I am proud of him and he's doing he wants to do in service of our Country, but it will be hard to say goodbye, not knowing when we will see one another, and not knowing what he'll be facing upon arrival.  You all have faced saying goodbye to your son or daughter.  Any words of wisdom and encouragement will be greatly appreciated.

Comment by James A. Robinson on November 10, 2015 at 11:46am

Does anyone have a son or daughter who is an MA stationed at Yokosuka and/or VAW 115?  Does anyone know the general duties of an MA assigned to a squadron?

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