USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

Comment

Comment by John Neeley on August 30, 2010 at 10:37am

Mitch - He'll do fine. Discuss with him the unique and often learned ability of opening one's eyes, shutting one's mouth and doing your best at all times and he should do what he is trained to do to without issue. Ditto on the cell phone info of all others, although my boy's laptop is full of movies he'd downloaded before leaving..some sort of generational necessity. I enjoy lugging the 10-20 pound boxes to the Post Office and sending things off to him. Life is good there, although I am not happy he has acquired the "coffee" habit. The best email to send is one loaded with questions...number them...seems this generation is not conducive to elaborating on anything unless properly queried. Always remember OPSEC comes first!

Comment by Bob Dixon on August 30, 2010 at 9:25am

Hi Mitch,
I read your questions and believe me, you are the same kind of parent as me...wanting to make sure that your sailor is prepared and cared for. I had the same concerns as you...my daughter is aboard the HST. She chose to leave her laptop at home and as has already been noted, the cell phone is useless. Calling cards have to be purchased aboard ship in order to use. Like has been stated, space is very limited so only pack the essentials. His sponsor can offer some suggestions on that. Anything else he "needs" can be shipped to him. We regularly send packages to our daughter with more "essentials" and always some extra "goodies". She tells us that it's a real pleasure to get those packages and see what surprises we've sent.

Another bit of information, once he's aboard, be patient about hearing from him. Your best source of communication is email and it is occasionally not available. Trust in his ability that's been instilled in him as a USN sailor and as a faithful son.

He's getting ready to have the time of his life!

Comment by Otto Mueller on August 30, 2010 at 7:35am

Based upon my understanding it would be best to take only what is needed aboard ship and wait upon return to decide what other things go to Hampton Roads.

Comment by Mitch on August 29, 2010 at 10:14pm

Thanks Otto. Do you know if he will be able to leave things in VA, or are we gonna have to ship his things when they get back?

Comment by Otto Mueller on August 29, 2010 at 9:36pm

Mitch, his cell phone is useless on-board and unless you have purchased on-board calling cards, they aren't much help either. As long as you know the name of your sponsor, the foklks at the USO station at Norfolk International will be the biggest help. The airport is about 8-9 miles from the gates at Norfolk Naval Station and transportation should be made available for your sailor. If not, count on about a $30 cab ride. He should travel light when going aboard the ship. What he experienced at Great Lakes as far as space is about what he'll have. I am assuming your sailor is home on leave from A or C school. Re-read the orders carefully to make sure you didn't overlook some valuable information. Sometimes your local recruiter can make some quick contacts for you. Like I said, important thing is knowing when to arrive (I assume he has tickets already) and going to the USO at the Norfolk airport. Does your sailor have the sponsor's email? If so send an email. Your son will go to temporary housing upon arrival and after some check in processing be on his way to the AOR for the HST. It will be an exciting ride! My son choose not to take his laptop, but I understand several do have iPads and laptops. BE sure to have the camera! Hope this helps some.

Comment by Mitch on August 29, 2010 at 9:07pm

HELP! Our son is leaving this week to join the HST. We have not heard from his sponsor. We don't know if he is supposed to bring all his things or just the things for the ship? How does he get to the base in VA from the airport? What can he bring on the ship? (cell phone, ipad, calling card, etc...) Where can we get this info ASAP? HELP!!!

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on August 9, 2010 at 8:58pm

they have both listed....Ombudsman page and the FRG....you're right though ...FRG has most of the news....was thinking about family issues and the thought carried over!!!

Comment by Mitch on August 9, 2010 at 8:58pm

I was looking at the facebook page for HST and saw that they were talking about one of the ports that they had already left. I thought it was ok to talk about it once they were gone. Thanks for the insight! Still learning the ropes. Be patient with me!

Comment by Otto Mueller on August 9, 2010 at 8:55pm

Mitch, I think Paul meant click on the FRG tab. Please read it carefully and let your son know what he needs to do. It will take him a few days once on board to get squared away with email address ,etc so don't be concerned if you don't hear from him right away. It is possible he'll call as soon as he can to let you know he got there OK. My son joined the crew during an underway, so he was flown on by a COD (greyhound aircraft) which is a thrill all by it's self. The Truman is a great ship and the crew works hard and are very proud of their accomplishments, as they should be. It is a very team oriented command so he will be well taken care of and made to feel right at home.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on August 9, 2010 at 7:57pm

Mitch- that kind of info will never (supposed to be never at least) be published in a public forum....if you click here it will take you to the HST's website....click on OMBUSDMAN and if get in touch with these folks when your son gets to the ship and he verifies your identity, they can fill you in with current news. Don't bother until he's on the ship though as you will not receive any info.....

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