NAVY SUB SCHOOL-DADS

Comment

Comment by Bill Ward on September 15, 2013 at 10:47am

My son graduated BESS on 26 JUL, spent a week in ACU, then began ATT which he finished a few days ago. He's back in ACU where he'll likely remain through December before starting TCNO and then A school.

It's fairly common for these new guys to spend time in ACU, especially around the holidays when much of the staff is on leave. Those who are going to be in ACU for a while typically get assigned a "job" as opposed to random field day type duties.

It happened to me way back in the day where I'm pretty sure I painted every building at NAS Memphis.

Comment by James W Prebis on September 15, 2013 at 10:25am

Scott,

My son graduated from BESS in June and he had to wait around 5-6 weeks in ACU. I think the time it takes to get enough students into a specific class determines how long ACU will take. His most recent ACU only lasted 2-3 weeks. (I think your son's long wait in ACU may also be due to the fact that he is catching the end of the year i.e. Christmas and New Years when many scheduled activities tend to slow down). I think there are some additional classes the guys can take while they are in ACU. Sometimes there are other activities available during ACU, my son helped with the remodeling of the library.

Comment by Scott LaPlante on September 15, 2013 at 10:04am

News from Groton from my son.  After completing BESS on 4-Oct, he will be awaiting class up (ACU in his terms) for 93 days - starting class right after the first of the year.  Is it normal for such a period of time between BESS grad and class start-up?  He plans on working out (he is a runner and soccer player) along with the duty and watch he will be assigned.  

Comment by Scott LaPlante on August 26, 2013 at 11:05pm

Thanks to all who responded to my question.  We are working toward attending BESS grad.  Our son stays in Groton afterward for A school, too, for an additional 30+ weeks, so that may mean another trip. 

Comment by David Burkham on August 26, 2013 at 9:38pm

Hi Mike,

My son is on the Bremerton too.  He went to Pearl this last April and met up with the boat on the last few weeks of deployment.

Comment by Mike Walpole on August 26, 2013 at 8:10pm

The whole family went last October for BESS graduation, SSN Bremerton class.  It was a nice ceremony, pictures and interaction was encouraged.  We visited the submarine museum and toured the Nautilus.  then we had him at home for 2 weeks back home before he shipped out to Hawaii.

IMHO, what's even better is being on the dock when they come back from their first deployment.  We managed to get the whole family out to The Pearl - ti was great. 

Comment by Kenton Thomas on August 26, 2013 at 12:24pm

BESS graduation (May past) was well worth going to, and very few families attend. Staff seemed appreciative that we were there, and met a number of Evan's Classmates/friends. We flew into Hartford, rented car. Arrived Thursday, left Sunday, not long enough, but saw a number of the sites. Was worth trip just for the time with our son. We are looking forward to going back for "A" School graduation ceremony later on, but planning more time. 

Comment by David Burkham on August 26, 2013 at 11:58am

Scott, give yourself a couple of days if you go.  the Groton/Mystic  area is very nice with a fair amount to do.  BESS is worth going to as well as "A" school graduation.  I drove out both times from Illinois and it was well worth the trip x 2.  Your SR will appreciate it!

Comment by Pete Ziolkowski on August 26, 2013 at 11:21am

My vote would be yes.  In contrast to "Big Navy" graduation ceremonies after boot camp, I thought the BESS graduation epitomized the smaller more close knit world of submarines.  They will even stop the ceremony so you can get pictures and family members are asked to sit in the front row.  It is also a more relaxed post graduation visit since they are not rushing to go anywhere.  We actually "adopted" a couple of other sailors for the day and took them out to the aquarium and dinner.

Comment by Scott LaPlante on August 26, 2013 at 8:59am

I think this question was asked before, but I will ask again.  Our son is in BESS and scheduled for graduation on 4-Oct.  We were curious if it was worth the trip to attend this. 

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