Welcome aboard Lyle.
I would like to take this time to point you in some of the right directions. For starters if you haven't had the time take a look at the right side of any page you click on. There you will find some useful information for you. The links under the about this site will help you with how this site got started, navigation, PIR, About us, community guidelines and some links to some of the groups that beginners with a lot of questions will find very useful. There is also a link called Navy Enlisted Ratings, this link will take you to a brief description of the rates (jobs) in the Navy that you can find your sailors rate and find out some information about the rate that they are in.
First and foremost though we are all here for the same reason. We are curious about what our young sailors are getting into and for more information about the rate or job that they will be doing for the next 4-6 yrs of their lives. I know when I first got here I had lots of questions and there was not a lot of people on this site but they all were either going through the same thing or had been through it and had sailors out in the fleet. Now this site has grown to over 2000 members, Dads, Moms, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, sisters, brothers, girlfriends and boyfriends. Don't be afraid to ask questions of members in here because somewhere along the way we have all had the same questions and asked. There are a lot of knowledgeable people on this site with various years of experience in the NAVY either on their own account or through their Sailors.
Again welcome aboard and BRAVO ZULU to you and your son Erick on his enlistment and please thank him for me for making the choice to defend the freedoms that my family, this country and I have and enjoy.
Navy dads Co-admin Tim

Lyle, Welcome Aboard!

Let me start by saying I'm so glad you've found us. When my son first enlisted in the Navy I began to research what would be in his future. After countless hours searching the Internet and still being left with so many unanswered questions, I was inspired to create this site to ease the burden on Navy families that followed behind me. Our community consists of Navy Dads, Moms, Grandparents, Spouses, Siblings, etc. which are a valuble resource for knowledge.

Your involvement is "key" to learning about what your Sailor will be doing and more importantly, teaching Navy life to others that follow in your shoes by documenting what you have learned along the way. So jump right in, share concerns, share info, and show off your Sailor. I hope this site benefits you & your family throughout your sons journey in the Navy. Thank Erick for his service from me and thanks again for joining us.

Sincerely,
E.G.