Brad, 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. Thank your son for his service for me and thanks again for joining. Sincerely,

Welcome to NavyDads Brad! 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 a month into a seven-month deployment on the carrier Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) and my daughter Kat just returned from her seven-month deployment on the carrier Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). And Brad this is a great place to brag about your sailor as well! So join in and let us know how Garrett is doing! Best Regards- Paul

Bravo Bard- be sure thank Garrett for his dedication and his service to others. Being a rescue swimmer may not get the glory and recognition that other rates get, but there are few that are more important to the welfare of the Navy.

It is a great idea to go ahead and start a group- just hit the button, answer a simple question or to, come up with a graphic (you need a graphic to create the group) and you're there. Of course as "the creator" you get to spend lots of time messaging to people! It's a great way to meet folks and learn some interesting and inspiring stories. Best regards and best of luck with the group- Paul

one more thing-- please forgive my spelling Brad...I swear my fingers are dyslexic and I tend to mix up letters when my digits move faster than mybrain!!

Keep the faith Brad.....the best contacts for rescue swimmers would be those that your sons serves with...I keep doing that kind of thing. I keep asking Eric and Kat to forward links to NavyDads to all their friends in hopes their frineds will forward to their respective parents...don't think it's worked yet, but I keep trying! I'm also send each some NavaDads apparel/gifs from the NavaDads store...I figue if they end up wearing some of it it's free advertising! Paul

Brad, great pics and it brings back some memories! I too was an AW back in the 80's. I too went through HS-10 and had a wonderful time. The picture in the hanger made me laugh because we spent a lot of time there. Your son has one of the greatest jobs in the Navy. I would not change a thing about my experience as a rescue swimmer. Does he know what squadron he's been assigned to?

Brad- what a great honor! I can only imagine how proud you were to be able to pin your son! A truely wonderful way to welome in the holiday season...I know that you will enjoy your time together. My best regards for a Happy and Safe Holiday Season! Paul

Welcome aboard Brad! Glad to have you as a member and to learn about Garrett's USN adventure. You must be proud of his accomplishments! Well, congratulations on raising a fine, young patriot who is willing and able to serve. Feel free to join and post on any of these groups. I would be very pleased to have more airdale activity! Merry Christmas, Kevin ps I especially like the picture with the Nimitz in the background, that was my first ship!

He'll love Atsugi, if that is where his squadron is still stationed out of. When I was in the Navy, the USS Midway was there I think in Yakuska. We made one shore det there when we were doing Operation Team Spirit onto the Korean Peninsula. I loved being an AW/SAR swimmer. My only problem with it, was the fact that aircraft never seem to crash in warm water;) They always seem to hit the water near the Bering Sea or somewhere where the water is always cold. I served with CAG-!11 and deployed twice with the USS Enterprise. As I'd said, your son has one of the best and most rewarding jobs in the Navy. The only reason that I jumped out of the Navy was that I wanted to have a family and being an AW meant that there was a lot of time at sea. I didn't want to put a family through that. My son is going to A school to be a Corpsman when he finishes bootcamp. He would like to go "Greenside" meaning that he'd like to serve as a Corpsman with a Marine Detachment. I don't have a problem with that, as long as he's happy with his choice. He'd talked about being a SAR swimmer, but seeing some of my videos and pictures and hearing some of my stories, I think that he liked the idea of working in the medical field. Please tell Garrett that he has a great group of men to work with and a tremendous legacy to uphold. I am very proud to have served and have a special kinship to those who have followed in our footsteps. Anyone who has completed RSS and served in the fleet will know exactly what I'm talking about:)

Hey Brad, thank you very much for sharing that with Garrett! I hope that he continues to carry on the proud tradition and relishes the memories that he's about to make.

Brad ~ Sorry for the delay in replying back to you. Things have changed for my son since I last made my post. He has be medically dropped from the RSS program due to back issue. He was rather disappointed and really wants to come back in two years to become a Rescue Swimmer still. It was a little difficult for myself as well, due to the fact he did not want me to say anything on here or to anyone; but I decided I need the support and need to get back on here and be part of this great program.

I am sure it was a great honor for you to pin the wings on your son!

Brad, thank you for your kinds words and support. From what I understand from my son, he cannot retry for RSS for two years, but still has it in his mind to go back to become a RSS. He is actually heading to his new location this morning for Electrician’s Mate. When he had to reclass there was nothing available in aviation as he wanted, and since he spent a lot of time in high school working in the technical both for the theater and did a lot of rewiring he decided to go that direction. He doesn’t want to be behind a desk and loves working with his hands and being able to move around. He’s actually excited and ready to start his new training. One good out of this, is he is so close to home that we will be able to get together are few times on weekends before he finishes training. He is very young, as he turned 18 during basic last fall and has his full life ahead of him. I know he is not in the rescue swimmer program right now, but would it be okay for me to continue to communicate with you and stay in the group? Sindy

Fair winds and following sea to Garrett!

Glad you enjoyed the read. My Trip was special to. Just being on Base and seeing everything was Great. TheViet Nam Memorial next to the Navy Lodge was very Special. Congrats to you Son, I know you are really Proud of him. Where is your Son now? GS should Graduate SQT in Oct of this year.

Hope you are have a Great Father's Day.

Brad,

Awesome pics as usual. I'm storing pics like these for a new video that will be upbeat and fitting to pictures like this. Tell Garrett to keep up the good work and stay safe.

Brad if you could contact me at badaudiozego@hotmail.com that would be helpful trying to find out more about AIRR for my son

Brad,

I don' t personally know Chief Carlton. Senior Chief John Lally worked for me at HS-41 as a First Class when I ran that FRS. His selecting your son to go to a CG for leadership training is what a good Chief does to ensure that his subordinates get the opportunity to learn and be exposed to new environments; it's how the Navy grows leaders. It sounds like your son has earned the trust of his Chiefs, something that comes through demonstrated performance, knowledge, willingness to learn and a desire for increased responsibility. They obviously see your son’s potential and are giving him assignments that will help him grow personally and professionally. You should be proud of your son’s accomplishments because you gave him the tools he needs to be successful in life.

Brad I've been watching the rescue swimmer group since I found NavyDads. Didn' t want to join the group until A passes RSS (didn't want to jinx him).But when he does I'll be sure to . Has your son ever said which part of his training was the most difficult?

Brad thanks for the words of wisdom will be sure to pass it on to A. He's having some difficulties with his PO said they are looking for ways to drop guys even if they are smart and athletic. A is only average in both these catagories and is worried he wont cut it. this has been all he talked about since he signed up for DEP.just hope he can see what we see in him...and find a way to make his dream come true.

I wish more people would do it to send a message. Never give in!

How was the wedding? Weather OK?

Is Garrett still asigned to the GW?

Thanks for the comment Brad i would like to see your Dad wonder if you could post his photo here on the site . It would be a GREAT honor for all of us to view it here.

Brad thanks for the picture of a real hero ! My father in law is almost 84 too and still living. Delbert was in the south pacific in the Army fighting during the war. We can never get him to talk about it to this day, this is so sad because of the history that will be lost !
Our son will get all of his war memorabilia including the guns after his passing .
Have a great day !
Rex

 Will keep your son in my prayers while they attempt to rescue the injuried. My son is going into the medical side of the Navy. he graduates in 3 1/2 weeks. I would worry about him if he is there right now myself. All will be well and your son will be home soon. God speed to him and his division.