All Blog Posts (898)

End of time in the service.

Here is a small bit of information concerning the end of enlistment; When I got out I had 30 days' leave on the books. Unless you have a civilian job waiting for you from day one I suggest using up all your leave time. As with any job once it's over and you depart you're entitled to unemployment compensation until you get the next job. But if you have leave time on the books they will not pay you unemployment until that leave time is used up. It caught me…

Just finished an AMAZING two days with our AMAZING Son, ETSN Nuke, and Hero, following an absolutely incredible PIR! Truly one of the most memorable and impactful times in my life. We are so profoundly proud, and completely fulfilled parents today. He even FaceTimed us from his barracks at Goose Creek late last night!

So many thanks for everyone here, and especially Jim and Sarge for their expert help and guidance!

Hooyah, Navy!

Like many parents that come and go at NavyDads, I too was active while our daughter was in boot camp. I remember all too well picking everyone's brain about boot, what to do, letters and graduation. Steadfastly, as they have done all these years, NavyDads and its members offered the same advice and sage wisdom to a frantic parent.

Fast forward two years from my last post and my daughter was discharged from the Navy and two minutes later re-enlisted for another tour at her station. …

My daughter is a Culinary Specialist on the USS Ronald Reagan and I couldn't be more proud. She recently said that if I am in Japan on August 14th, I can tour the ship and go on a day cruise. I am all over this for sure but know there has to be a process including an application. Anyone experienced in this out there, please help me know where to start.

i have read blogs on this awesome site about what to expect on the cruise, but was not able to locate any information about the…

Well, it's been 5 years and my son is about to separate.  

He's been going over the paper work but they seem to be going around in circles.  He has about 45 days left so I assume there is still time to complete the paperwork.

Does anyone have advice on getting the paperwork done?

Thanks

My son left home to be a man today. I happy that he's finding his way yet i feel i donated a lung. 

Hi everyone, I'm brand new here. My son just got his orders. He will be on the brand new destroyer USS Paul Ignatius. He's still in C school in Pensacola and should be out in a month. Was wondering if anyone put there has a sailor going on the same ship. 

    Well we recieved our first letter from colton today, was good to here from him. Said he was his division leader so was really proud of that. It sounds sort of like when I went in, was quite and eye opener the first 2 weeks and now are molding the division as team. I thought we would get an official letter stating their PIR (graduation date) so we can start planning the trip??  Brian

Graduated A school at Great Lakes, on to C School in sunny San Diego!  

I was honored to be invited by my son on a Tiger Cruise on the USS San Diego. I didn't know what to expect. I researched everything including NavyDads.com. It was all helpful, but the tiger cruise was so much more. I would be glad to share any information about a Tiger Cruise if anyone has questions. 

You can also check out my facebook page on the topic. …

Found out early last week that our son was dropped from CTN on the last week of class.  He had already received his orders.  He was given three choices, PACT Sea, PACT Air or IC.  He chose IC.  This was a bit of a blow for all involved.  He should be going back to Great Lakes for A school for his new rate, then a follow-on C school as he is on an ATF contract.  Hopefully this will work out for him.

Make sure you tell your sailors not to coast at the end of their A school - we…

Please let me know if you plan to join a Tiger Cruise from HI this Summer.

This will be my 3rd Cruise and I will happily answer, if I can, your questions about Tiger Cruising.

Kevin held on to Section Leader & RPO in 2 categories for the length of basic. Top 3 in A school, top 3 in B school, now tied for 2nd at VLS in Virginia. He'll finish VLS, then home to SoCal for a visit and to get married. After a honeymoon, then report to Yokosuka, Japan for assignment to CG-67 USS Shiloh. He's loving every minute of Navy life.  I've never heard him sound happier.

I need some advice! My son is at RTC currently in Ship 5. He was RCPO and led his…

It's been a long time since I have been here. A lot has changed. My sailor Sarah, is now a HM3 and spent the last year stationed in San Diego. She is now deployed and is serving on the USNS Mercy (PP18).  Perhaps there is another Father that has a loved one stationed on the Mercy or with the 7th fleet?  If so, I'd love to hear from you.

First, I want to thank everyone that has contributed to this site. It has been wonderful. Secondly, I want to urge you to read as much as you can. There are gems of information hidden all over that will make things so much easier.

I would like to share my family's first experience with PIR this past week. I'm hoping it will help.

We booked a hotel through some online booking service...my oldest daughter did it so I can't remember which one. I'll update if I can. It was a hotel…

Just praying all will be well as my daughter takes her last PFA today .. Than Battlestations this week sometime .. Cant wait for the "I'm a Sailor" phone call ... Good day to Everyone on here !!