Mitch, it's our son's first also. He and my husband watched "Carrier".
It's been a busy week. I have Parent/Teacher conferences tomorrow and Friday. I'm looking forward to Saturday to relax.
Cora, I use to teach in Yale, MI. Have you heard of that?
Have a good night, all. We may reach 50 degrees tomorrow! Heat wave!!

Here's a good story. My husband sent our son a letter in the beginning of October. He got it back on Monday. Instead of it going to the Nimitz, it went to the George Washington. Good thing it was only a letter and not a box.

I taught school (a private, Lutheran one) there for 2 years, before I got married.

General Petraeus with Nimitz on Thanksgiving

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class J.D. Levite, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

USS NIMITZ, Gulf of Oman (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. Central Command celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday at sea Nov. 26 with the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, the four-star general responsible for U.S. operations in 20 countries from Egypt, to Central Asia and the entire Middle East, joined the crew at the mid-point of her 8-month Western Pacific deployment operating in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan.

"It's a unique American holiday," Petraeus said. "And to spend it on a unique piece of American turf – a ship that no other country can match – really makes it an enjoyable and memorable experience."

Minutes after arrival, Petraeus worked his way down ladder wells and through passageways to conduct re-enlistments and present awards to Nimitz Sailors in the ship's forecastle.

Petraeus also had the opportunity to see flight operations from the aviators' perspective when he stepped into an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41 with Capt. Scott Conn, deputy commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11.

"It really was awesome to experience a bit of that today to have that Top Gun moment," said Petraeus. "To being shot off the deck and make a pretty quick landing and see again the extraordinary work that you do."

Petraeus took a helo over to visit Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102). Returning to Nimitz, Petraeus carved a turkey for Nimitz crew members for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner.

In addition to 1,000 pounds of traditional Thanksgiving turkeys, Nimitz' food service team served up 600 pounds of ham, 15 roasted pigs, roast-steamship rounds of beef, broiled lobster, and 150 one gallon cans of cranberry sauce.

"We brought the turkeys on board prior to leaving San Diego," said Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Kristopher Freyberg. "We wanted to make sure that was the first thing we had since we knew we would be planning for the holidays. We loaded the entire pig on outside of Hawaii, and aside from that, we've been taking it on during replenishment-at-sea little by little."

The day ended with an all hand's call, where Petraeus addressed the entire crew wanting the Sailors deployed out here to know just how valuable they are.

"Each and every person that wears our country's uniform is indeed, in a sense, 'An Army of One,' or a Sailor of one," said Petraeus. "Each of us has enormous intrinsic worth and can be the most important person in the life of a fellow Sailor or others with whom we work."

Petraeus expressed thanks and gratitude for the job Nimitz Sailors are doing in support of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan.

"I'm so thankful to be out here with over 4,000 great Americans who are engaged in important missions and working together to accomplish them," said Petraeus. "There's no greater source of energy than the 4,000 plus members of the crew and air wing that are on one of these great ships."

CVW-11 provides 30 percent of the close air support to coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan. Since Nimitz arrived in 5th Fleet area of operations, Sept. 18, more than 1,450 sorties have been flown in support of OEF.

Nimitz CSG, commanded by Rear Adm. John W. Miller, is comprised of USS Nimitz, embarked Carrier Air Wing 11, embarked Destroyer Squadron 23, and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin. Ships assigned to DESRON 23 include the destroyers USS Pinckney, USS Sampson and the frigate USS Rentz.

Squadrons from CVW 11 include the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron 41, the "Tophatters" of VFA 14, the "Warhawks" of VFA 97, the "Sidewinders" of VFA 86, the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6, the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Attack Squadron 135, the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 and the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron 117.

Helicopter detachments include the "Easy Riders" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light 37, the "Battle Cats" of HSL 43, the "Wolfpack" of HSL 45, the "Scorpions" of HSL 49 and the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23. Also accompanying the Nimitz CSG are Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 and the USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10).

For more news from USS Nimitz (CVN 68), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn68/.

From USS Nimitz Public Affairs

USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 returned to the North Arabian Sea today, to resume combat missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) following a port visit in the Arabian Gulf.

Aircrews provide close air support and reconnaissance to coalition forces in Afghanistan, launching from the deck of Nimitz hundreds of miles away.

"After nearly 3 months on station, this air wing continues to hone our skills to deliver effective support to our coalition partners on the ground," said Capt. Bret Batchelder, commander, CVW 11, "although, nothing about this mission out here is routine".

CVW 11 aviators work closely with embarked Army ground liaison officers here and air controllers on the ground in Afghanistan to deliver precision support to counter-insurgency operations.

They are all guided by the tactical directive instituted in July by Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan, which places limitations on the use of force that could result in civilian casualties.

Since entering the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations Sep. 18., CVW 11 has flown more than 1,450 sorties and totaled more than 8,500 cumulative flight hours in support of OEF.

Nimitz provides 30 percent of the close air support to the coalition force in Afghanistan.

Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, commanded by Rear Adm. John W. Miller, is comprised of USS Nimitz, embarked CVW 11, embarked Destroyer Squadron 23, and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin. Ships assigned to DESRON 23 include the destroyers USS Pinckney, USS Sampson and the frigate USS Rentz.

Squadrons from CVW 11 include the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron 41, the "Tophatters" of VFA 14, the "Warhawks" of VFA 97, the "Sidewinders" of VFA 86, the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6, the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Attack Squadron 135, the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 and the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron 117.

Helicopter detachments include the "Easy Riders" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light 37, the "Battle Cats" of HSL 43, the "Wolfpack" of HSL 45, the "Scorpions" of HSL 49 and the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23. Also accompanying the Nimitz CSG are Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 and the USNS Bridge.

For more news from USS Nimitz (CVN 68), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn68/.

Not sure that it will work out for us this time. Sure hope that my husband will get at least one in, but our sailor has 4 more years to go.
Are you thinking of going? Have you gotten info from your sailor?
Have a good Tuesday.

Link to the Tiger Cruise group

Read through the stuff we have posted there to get some ideas about what you would experience....also have a ton of blogs and slide shows/video there

A few weeks back when my son made a ship-to-shore call, he said that there hasn't been too much info, but he did say that he put my name down on a list as interested in doing it, so I imagine your son did as well.

Hello all members of the Nimitz group. I have filled out all forms and sent them back for the tiger cruise, but have not heard an official confirmation yet. My son onbooard the Nimitz says that my name is on the official list excepted by the medical officer. I was just wondering if anyone else has heard anything yet?
This is my first time and hopefully I get accepted on the final list. I have a ton of questions as far as when I should arrive and what to expect. I am like a kid at Christmas waiting to open presents. I am very proud of my Son and all the people on board the Nimitz. What a great group!
For those of you that have been on a Tiger Cruise before, do they send you an itinerary of when to be there, or where to stay?

Hi Steve,
I'm curious about this as well. The "girls" in our group have already made flight and hotel reservations, but I'm still in limbo.
I believe we're all "kids in the candy store" right now. I hope you, I and all the rest, get this opportunity to share in our sailor's life on board.

Did I miss something in the paperwork where the dates were specified? I had thought the dates (start and duration) were tentative, and would be confirmed around Feb 21st when the payments were allowed.

If I am correct, you have to make your own flights over to wherever the TC begins, and make your own reservations for where you will stay before you join the cruise. The ladies on the Nimitz site were looking at the motels in the San Diego area.

Joe - thanks for pointing that out. I can't believe I missed it...too busy looking over the rest of the paperwork, I guess.

I assume you all have spent time in the Tiger Cruise group....there is a good intro movie there from the Stennis with some safety do's and dont's as well as all the video/slide shows/blogs from the TR's Tiger cruise last year...

Hello my son is new to the Nimitz, he has been there about a week.

Welcome. It is my son's first deployment also. Am looking forward to when he can take leave.

thank you, I received a email last night it sounds like it could be soon

Ok I must admit that I am not a parent of a sailor on the nimitz but I am a parent of a sailor in the nimitz strike force. My son Trevor is on the FFG-46 USS Rentz which is afloat with the Nimitz. I figured I can't know to much about what he is going through or doing. Trevor is currently ashore as he was told by his command that he didn't have to return to the ship after his emergency leave. I was so looking forward to going on this tiger cruise but I guess that I can wait until the next deployment and possibly get to meet some of the wonderful parents that I have met her on NavyDads in person. I know that I am truely looking forward to meeting Paul. Maybe we will meet in Hawaii next cruise and you can show me Pearl Harbor. As for those of you that are getting to make this Tiger Cruise good luck and have fun.

Tiger cruise!! Cant wait to get there. Hope to see some of you there.

Has anyone gotten a confirmation yet?

From what I've heard, there is a list that the Sailors can view to see who has been approved. However, the official emails were delayed. Hopefully no later than the end of this week.

Thanks, I am anxiously waiting an e-mail. I have bought plane tickets and will be in Bremerton to great them no matter what. Hopefully, I don't have to fly to San Diego.

Same here!

Mitch, You've heard more than me. I wasn't aware of the delay, other than the obvious...No confirmation. I understand the on-board monitors have been displaying who needs to pay the Tiger fees, but not a guarantee even with the payment. Hope we hear soon, flight costs are escalating and rooms are getting scarce.

Just keeping the faith. From what I understand, if there weren't any medical or paperwork issues and the sailors didn't get put on restrictions for any reason, chances are good. Still want that e-mail, though!

Same here waiting on confirmation. Our sailor has informed us that all is good with the medical and that payment has been made. Travel plans are made we are ready to go.

if anyone knows this sort of info...PRIVATE MESSAGE IT...do not post in public areas....

Sorry Paul, I deleted the post to avoid any problems.

no reason Terry....just wanted to warn everyone about posting in-port days and things like that in a public forum....it's so easy to get wound up in the return of your sailor that one tends for forget about security concerns and OPSEC! Best to post questions in here but with the comment also about replies in pirvate message only...

Thanks for the reminder Paul, we are all getting a little excited about upcoming events. We certainly would not want to endanger our sailors

Thanks Paul,
Chomping at the bit is taking its toll.
I was surprised at how inexpensive the cancellation insurance is. Money well spent.

and BTW...for those going on the cruise (it's the experience of a lifetime for sure!!!) we "demand" photos and blogs !!!!!!! LOL......share....and brag!!!!

hi all
i have been away from this site for a while
my 12 year old son and i are going on the tiger cruise too
he is very excited
i have also not received any email telling me when and where to show up
we have bought tickets too

hey Joe.....just wait until AFTER your cuise....then they'll all be really tired of listening to your Tirger Cruise stories......

Woo Hoo! See ya there! Thanks to the crew of USS Nimitz, Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN, Captain Ring and Captain Monger! Can hardly wait for the "once in a lifetime experience".

be sure to read through my blogs in the Tiger Cruise or Theodore Roosevelt groups....it'll give you an idea of what my impressions were and what you can expect more or less.....

Ditto to the comments of Pete, I finally got it out of my son that I am on the cruise.
Hope to see all of you there! The anticipation of Christmas morning is nothing compared to this.

Same here can't wait to get on my way now. Hope to see some of you there.

We would like the same info, our boy got to the ship to late for the cruise, but we would like to watch the ship come into port and hopefully see him.

Thank you Russ

I only took 543 photos on my Tiger Cruise last year.....over two days.....

Can't wait to see the pictures!!!

Heading to the airport now. Got enough memory for about 2400 pictures we will see how it goes.

HooYah...we hope to se you post about 2399 of the photos Jerry....you're gonna have the time of your life!!!

Headed out the door, too! Next stop...Tiger Cruise! Good Luck to everyone on their way...See ya there.

Have fun, all you TC people!! Will be waiting for the pics. Talked to my son today. It was wonderful!

We're Back! The trip was amazing, a trip of a lifetime I will never forget. I got to spend time with my son and see a little snapshot of what he goes through day to day.

Hey Steve....I wasn't fibbing about the experience was I!!!!! It indeed IS the trip of a lifetime for us NavyDads--- HooYah!!

I would definetely do it again. My wife gets the next trip though, unless we can both join him. I don't want to take the spot of someone else that wants to go though. we had over 1300 tigers on board and I saw smiles on everyones faces. I am very proud of all our young men and women that serve our country.

LOL...glad someone mentioned the racks...think a lot of folks thought I was exaggerating in my Tiger Cruise blogs (Tiger Cruise group) when I was talking about the experience about having a bottom rack!!!! On the Roosevelt they were very specific about having all Tigers stay back from the rails and had sailors stationed to keep folks where they belonged until the ship was about to moor..........