Michele's Comments

Hi Michele, what a great day! So glad you had communication again with Wes. He sounds like a good sailor- "I just do what I'm told!" His official orders from BUPERS will specify any training courses (or pipelines) he is assigned to, but don't worry about trying to collect the credits- he's doing that just by being there. I'm also glad that you're feeling more at ease with it all. Keep in mind (and I'm preaching to myself here also) not only does the Navy have a plan in work for his future, but even more so does our heavenly Father. And His plan and purposes are the best, and always for our good.

I am also feeling the need to chat with my son, who was sick with a fever last Sunday and refusing SIQ (doesn't want to be set back again). We've been praying for him all week, but it's hard just sitting and waiting for (good) news. We received a letter yesterday, but it was written Sunday right before he called, so it's kinda rehash of the same info. We want to see him do well and succeed with this new career, but his health has been affected and his rating contract has changed twice. Luke is in His sovereign hands, as is Wes.

Enjoy our independence from tyranny tomorrow, and thank a sailor! Kevin

Hi Michele, how nice to actually hear from Wes! I am far enough removed from the new curriculum to be unsure about specifics, but from what I read it appeared that initial AT training is in GL and more advanced training in Pcola (course c-100-2017 or 2018). It looks like the O-level class (2018) is about 40 days long, and the I-level class (2017) is about 100 days long. Ask him what course number he is assigned to to verify, and it will probably amaze him that you know so much!
Does he have a squadron or shipboard assignment yet? Usually they wait until about 2 weeks before graduation from "C" school to assign the actual "pipeline" training for the type of aircraft or shipboard test system. That means another few months in training for the specific avionics systems he'll be maintaining. Lots of training as an AT!

Hey, Yes Evan is about 4 hours away it is nice knowing he is that close I have not seen him yet hopefully he will get to come home. He has a girlfriend that is 30 min. from him so he has some contact with home still that is always a good thing.ttll

Hey Michelle,
I feel like a rookie to all this. We did get "The Call" around 2:50am ( Florida Time) Since he was up at 5:00am that morning I can only imagine they never made it to bed.... No wonder they don't allow them to make contact till 2 weeks go by.... We are looking forward to the Letter.....

Hey Michele
Evan is hoping for norfolk to go on the USS George Bush. He said it will take a world tour when it is finished. They will not have aircraft onboard for this tour. He said they would chopper them back and forth each day to other vessels to work their jobs. It Would be great if our kids could experience something like this. The first time at sea with a new aircraft carrier. That would be something to remember.

Hi, I know I wished I would have met you also. That day was so crazy for me my emmotions were like a roller coaster I was so glad to finally see my son and put my arms around him so I could see for myself he was ok. He was very quite at first then he came to life it was like WOW!! We stayed in Lincolnshire at the hilton it was nice there were others from our div. there also. I hope your son is doing good ours loves it I am just glad I can talk to him everyday now. He may get to come home this weekend we are praying sooooo hard for it. TTYL I need to start dinner and let my husband on Thanks!

Michele, Hi and welcome to Navy Dad's!! I am Cindy, the wife of E.G. and we welcome all Mom's, Dad's, Sister, brothers, Grandparents, Aunts, Unlces and extended family and friends. I have been reading all you have written. I am right there with you in your concern. You are a inspiration to so many of us moms and dads. Keep it up! Thanks again!

Michele your are not alone. Evan is an ABE working with launching and recovery of the aircraft. It will be dangerous just like any other job can be in the military. They do keep them sharp by rotating them out constantly. As long as our boys pay attention to the details and always keep their mind on the task at hand they will be fine. I will share all the info that I find with you as I learn it. Evan is as fresh as Wes. We will learn together. keep in touch. EG

Welcome aboard Michele,
Thanks for supporting Wes and providing him the encouragement to do so well and become a sailor! I retired as an ATC, which means I have about 24 years working on aviation electronics systems. It's a great job, whether you work on the flight deck (I was a Troubleshooter during my first Med cruise) or in the hangar.

My first day on the deck I was following 2 experienced techs, and watched flight operations from the cockpit of an S-3 Viking. It looked like chaos and mayhem, but I later learned how much of a safety focus and how well planned the aircraft movements were. I spent most of a 6 month cruise working up there supporting flight operations.

Be assured, he will not be on deck alone, if at all. Most of the time there's a team of plane captains, troubleshooters, trainees, quality assurance representatives (for safety issues), and a Chief working together to maintain and launch the aircraft. It is fast-paced, and there is the potential for danger, but good leadership keeps the crew safe.

Please keep us informed of his progress through A school and into the fleet.

Blessings, Kevin
ps we live in Waxhaw!

Michele thanks for the kind words and know that mothers are always welcome. We were at the mall. My son has said alot of the guys will be joining to stay in touch. All of his free time has been checking out the base, beach, shopping, etc. When they finally settle they will use this site also to interact with each other. It's just going to take them a little time to slow down. Please feel free to pick our brains. We are here to help. My son is also headed for the flight deck. So let's share info on what we here. My son also doesn't seen to know what is going on yet. I quess it up to us parents to find out for them just like always. Keep in touch. EG

When my son graduated high school I couldn't of been prouder, he was marked in high school as 'not going to graduate' because of judgements based on his appearance. . .I never gave up on Wes and I thank the good Lord Wes never gave up on himself! I couldn't contain my tears of joy on Navy graduation day. . . the film I recorded is proof of my excitement (I couldn't hold it still lol). With each step he takes in his life my pride of him grows bigger - Thank You Wes for being the son I have always dreamed of and knew you were!!