Question about BESS

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by ctyankee on August 7, 2010 at 5:49pm

I wasn't able to attend, but I understand it's a very, very small ceremony (sneeze and you'll miss it, someone said). Your son will also be out of there *immediately* on to his next school, even if that means hurry-up-and-wait, at his next base.

Permalink Reply by Kenorian on August 8, 2010 at 7:36am

It was several years ago, but pretty sure it was six weeks. I don't recall a ceremony for that, though there was a "ceremony" when Paul finished the next round of schooling and finished at Groton. There were around a 12-15 sailors in his class. I was the only parent, and the ceremony was handing out a certificate along with a handshake! Groton is short ride and a short ferry for me, but it really isn't something that one should travel for!

Permalink Reply by John W Parker on August 8, 2010 at 8:15am

Thanks for the reply, I was hearing 3 to 8 weeks so that's why I had to ask how long. We also like road trips wither on a motorcycle or car. We also have heard its pretty nice up there in that area.

Thanks

Kenorian said:

It was several years ago, but pretty sure it was six weeks. I don't recall a ceremony for that, though there was a "ceremony" when Paul finished the next round of schooling and finished at Groton. There were around a 12-15 sailors in his class. I was the only parent, and the ceremony was handing out a certificate along with a handshake! Groton is short ride and a short ferry for me, but it really isn't something that one should travel for!

Permalink Reply by John W Parker on August 8, 2010 at 8:19am

Well Ill use any "excuse" to go for a visit. We miss our Sailor and we are very proud of what hes doing. For the kinda scrawny 19 y/o that left for BC in June then off to BESS he has already grown into a fine young man.

I'm also thinking alot of his A school is right there in Groton (computer/electronics). So he may be there awhile, but im really not sure at this point.

ctyankee said:

I wasn't able to attend, but I understand it's a very, very small ceremony (sneeze and you'll miss it, someone said). Your son will also be out of there *immediately* on to his next school, even if that means hurry-up-and-wait, at his next base.

Permalink Reply by Matt Rutledge on December 21, 2011 at 12:27pm

Bess is two months long and does involve a graduation ceremony after completion. During the school your son will go to fire trainers, flooding and damage controll trainers, as well as learning all of the basics of submarine systems and operation. This school is only the beginning of your sons journey through submarine school and the dropout rate is quite high. Good luck to your son and whatever he ends up doing in the submarine service,

Permalink Reply by Scott L. Waller on December 21, 2011 at 11:32pm

This is from 2010 and was filmed when my son was there, but I didn't see him in it.http://www.navytv.org/media.cfm?c=144&m=3172&;

Permalink Reply by Pete Ziolkowski on January 6, 2012 at 5:01am

We attended our son's graduation and we were glad that we did.  I actually liked it better than the graduation ceremony at Great Lakes.  You see the contrast of "Big Navy" with marching bands and rifle twirlers to the "Small Navy" of the Submarine force.  There were not a lot of parents there.  They reserve the front seats for the parents and will stop the ceremony so you can get pictures of your son getting his certificate from the Captain and Master chiefs.  They also had a guest speaker who was a Chief of a boat talk about life on submarines which was really insightful (for me at least).  Then you get your son for the whole day.  We "adopted" three other sailors and took them with us for the day.  If you go, the Navy Lodge is great.

Permalink Reply by David Burkham on May 2, 2012 at 8:53pm

My son is graduating in a couple of weeks from BESS.  I'm going out to see him.  Will I need tickets/parking permits like they did for PIR at Great Lakes?  Getting info from my SR is a challenge.

Permalink Reply by Pete Ziolkowski on May 3, 2012 at 6:11am

Hi David,  My son is the same way.  BESS graduation is 180 degrees from Great Lakes.  The best plan is to arrange to have your son meet you at the main gate.  There is a small parking area to the right of the gate.  You will need to go into the security building which is right next to the parking lot.  You will need to bring your driver's licesnse and proof of insurance (for sure) and maybe your vehicle registration.  You will tell the security person that you are here for BESS and that you are meeting your son.  They will log you in and give you a day pass for the base.  Your son will walk over from the dorms and come out a small gate next to the parking lot.  You can then drive into the base.  Parking is basically anywhere you can find it.  Our son graduated in January after Groton got hit with a snow storm so parking was a little chaotic.  The second time (A school graduation), we just parked by his dorms.  You just walk to the BESS building with your son.   As I said above, I was glad we went.  I think they appreciate family who do come and if he is staying for A school, you do get him for the whole day.  If you need more info, let me know.  Pete

Permalink Reply by David Burkham on May 3, 2012 at 8:08am

David Burkham said:

My son is graduating in a couple of weeks from BESS.  I'm going out to see him.  Will I need tickets/parking permits like they did for PIR at Great Lakes?  Getting info from my SR is a challenge.

 

Thanks, Pete!