Bill, Welcome Aboard!. I found navyformoms in searching for answers to my son's future. I just knew their had to be a site for dads like n4m's but I was wrong. So I started this site so us dads would also have a place to call home. I'm new at this and I hope this site will benefit fathers that come behind us. So jump right in share concerns, join groups, share info, and show off your sailor. I'm so glad to find out their are so many proud navy dads just like myself. I hope this site benefits you and your family throughout your sons journey in the Navy. Thank your son for his service for me and thanks again for joining. Sincerely, EG

Welcome to NavyDads Bill! I'm sure you'll find the site as fun and useful as I have. Explore and make some friends, add your comments to a discussion or two, read the postings in the various groups-- even start one or two. I have! If you have any questions or concerns about your sailor and what he is going through...ask! I'm sure someone here will have the answer or can point you in the right direction to find out. I'm lucky enough to have two sailors- my son Eric is almost two months into a seven-month cruise on the carrier Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) and my daughter Kat just returned from her seven-month cruise on the carrier Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). And Bill this is a great place to brag about your sailor as well! So join in and let us know how Brett is doing!

As a parent of a sailor currently or soon to be at Great Lakes you'll have many questions about what your son or daughter is going through. Thanks to one of our members we have two excellent videos that you access can from the NavyDads.com main page: New Bootcamp 1 of 2 and New Bootcamp 2 of 2. These videos will answer many of your questions and concerns and will give you a better understanding of how the United States Navy transforms our children into sailors!

Be sure to spend some time in the Bootcamp group- there are many questions and answers available to help you understand what your sailor is going through. And as PIR draws closer, be sure to spend some time going through the PIR-Tips, Hints and Helps group- we’ve tried to assemble some tips and suggestions to make your sailors PIR more enjoyable. Best Regards- Paul

There is PIR info scattered all over NavyDads Bill in various discussions and we have a PIR- Tips, Hints, and Helps group as well. All these resources have all kinds of info to help parents plan a PIR and to maximize their experience at Great Lakes. Be sure to spend time rooting around the site and learning about PIR and the things that make the event more special.

Bill-- were you able to locate a Sailor's Creed frame for you liking? You know you could always get one of the frames with areas for two photos and mount a copy of the creed in one......if you have access to a decent word processor or something like Publisher you could probably make a pretty amazing copy of the creed.....might save some dollars that way!!

Thank you for the response Bill. I am sure I will have questions, some of which involve lap tops and automobiles. Right now its one step at a time. Nicholas is starting his third week of actual training. I told him to focus everything he has on learning the fundamentals. I told him learning to walk first is the hardest task at hand. Thanks again and wish your son the best.

Bill left a comment for you on the GM site. Please respond, I'm shadowing you to learn what to expect for my son now that he has PIR'd. Gary F.

Bill, has Brett started A school? Nick is in his second week of A.T.T.. Seems to be having a few problems with the math. First time around the problem is tricky then he gets it on the go round. Had him home again this week-end. He is in evening class. When I pick him up at 23:00 and drive him home he has about a day and a half. I don't mind the drive just the cost of gas. About $100.00 for two trips up and back. Had to tell him to limit the trips home to two a month. If I can get his car fixed, (Brakes and rotors) the trip would be cheaper. Fill me in. Waiting to hear about Brett. Gary T.

Bill - I can't recall if you said your son is in the same class as Dan or not. Dan's in a pilot class of some sort with a full-time instructor - not comuter-based training. He likes it ... and thinks they may be done around 7/28. What are you hearing?

Thanks for the input Bill. Some of the A -School guys have been telling those on hold that they will have to wait until August for class. Nick is finishing his 4th week on hold and is getting quite bored. Gary T.

Bill, how long before Brett classed up for A-school did he start his secret security clearance. Nick filled out his papers last Wednesday 22/07/09. Also Karen C's son filled his out. Just wondering if it is an indication A-school maybe drawing near! Gary T.

Thank you Bill. It is an odd feeling, but we all have to go through it. I appreciate your response.

Bill, how was Christmas? Ours was great. Nick has been home since the 18th of Dec, he will go back to Great Lakes Jan 3rd and stay until the 14th then home again for another two weeks. He can't wait to go to San Diego. He is tired of home (Peru, Il). He told his mom he can't wait to get back to Great Lakes because it means he will be in California next.

How is Brett doing with V.L.S.? Is the class what he expected? Sure hope Nick will. I think its the frustration of waiting. It sure has been a long time since he graduated A-School (3 Oct). The kid wants to get on with his NAVY career. Can't blame him. Well best to you and your family, hope Brett and family are doing well. Until something exciting or new happens see you later. Your friend Gary T.

I've been consdiering posted your comments int he bootcamp group for all to read...you mind if I copy that and make a link in the uppers area of the group so people can get a feeling for waht it's all about? Paul

Bill, thanks for adding me to your list. I haven't been able to obtain more info because I am up to my neck with work and other situations. I just can't wait to see my Sailor again! We are in frequent contact via email, but there is nothing like giving him a biiiiiiig hug ! I understand he will have 2 days off upon arrival, will work for 2 weeks, and then come to South Florida for few days, pick up his stuff and return to JAX. I will keep you posted and thanks again for your guidance!AC