MIKE GONZALES's Page

Hey Mike! Just checking in. Talked to Kevin for about 1 minute last night online and he said they had left Okinawa and are on their way back to Sasebo. I am assuming the Essex will be right with them. Have you heard from Michael yet?

Mike, it isn't easy is it? I wish Kevin had been home Sunday, but he wasn't and he wasn't able to call, but I did get an email from him. Michael is going to do great and he is going to have a blast. My son is totally enthralled by Sasebo and is now on his way to Australia and is very excited about it. Hang in there....it does get easier every day.

Mike, I haven't heard from Kevin in a few days, but we have been communicating via email. He said they have Internet service in port, but at sea, they don't nor do any cell phones work. When Michael gets there, for the first couple of weeks his shipmates will take him out to see the city of Sasebo so he can adjust to his new surroundings. After that, he may begin to do some chores on the ship not related to his A school training. Kevin has been cleaning the head as well as sanding and painting of the deck. He was to have shipped out to Australia on the 12th, which explains why we haven't heard from him recently. As an FYI, I understand there are cell phone providers in the area that have plans that include unlimited calling back to the U.S. for about $30 a month. Kevin said he hasn't had a chance to get one yet as they were getting ready to ship out and there was a lot to do aboard ship. Tell Michael this will be a great experience and he is gonna love it! i wouldn't be surprised if Kevin doesn't decide he wants to move to Japan once his military career is over. Yes, he is feeling anxious but this too will pass...Kevin felt the same way and the departure at the airport was harder than any of us expected, but trust me...he is gonna have the time of his life!

Hey Mike! Has Michael shipped out to Sasebo yet? Kevin has been there almost 3 weeks and he loves it! Just curious as the Tortuga is supposed to be shipping out to Australia tomorrow, but he wasn't sure if the Essex was going to be going or not.

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

Mike welcome to NAVY DAD'S. Now that you are officially a NAVY parent please feel free to help others in there journey through Boot Camp and beyond. Please give Mike a big thanks for his service to our country. Gary T.