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I should have posted this a month ago, my daughter Kaitelyn Mercer has now served over a full year, and I am so proud and amazed at what she has accomplished during that time.  Basic training, an impressive accomplishment by itself, advanced training at Pensacola, and ongoing security training as an E-2 with the Roosevelt carrier(the "Big Stick", love that name) in Norfolk.  We visited back in July and I was impressed with everything I saw, although we didn't actually get to go on base.  Kaitelyn told us she's earned five ribbons now, including two for M-9 and M-16 proficiency. 

On top of that, she was able to purchase a car with some guidance from the Navy and the NFCU, who removes some of the hassle by handling her car and insurance payments.  Compared to where I was at after my first year of college, and already about half a year older, I'm even more impressed. 

We'll hopefully be visiting again soon this fall.  Congrats again and thanks to everyone serving at Norfolk and around the world!  You might see me cruising around the Academy this weekend on one of the Annapolis Sailing School keelboats.  Are they playing a home game?  Well at any rate--

GO NAVY!

Mike Worman

Today I received my son's civilian box which contained all of his personal belongings that he had with him on the day he left for RTC which was exactly seven days ago.

As I opened the box, I couldn’t help but get sentimental. After all we all miss him so much!

Eagerly waiting for the form letter, I hope it comes soon...

Awe, this is Killing me - Waiting to hear My Daughter is Doing & If she pasted..Last letter was Dated 9/15...I know they said "No News is Good News" but Man - this is rough..Maybe it be easier if My Baby Girl was a Young Man - LOL... I see they Put up on the Website some Notification for the new Sailor's for the PIR on 9/23..Come on Phone (ring) &/or U.S. Postal with the Great News

I received a call from my son Oliver last night at around 21:30 PST from his day one at RTC. He sounded a bit rushed but okay. He was trying to get as many phone calls out as allowed. I'm to expect a letter in the mail in a week or two.

Until we talk again Son!

I want to send my well wishes and prayers to all of the new recruits on base. God Bless You All...

Just wondering if anyone else has a loved one in Ship 11 Div 361?

Thank you ~ Melissa

My Son, My Sailor, My Hero

Poem Written By:  Paige Robbins

September 2011

The years since your birth have come and gone in a hurry.

And even though you’re grown now, I still often worry.

I’ve watched you change from boy into a man,

Knowing it's one small part of God’s plan.

Always determined to be successful in life,

You set goals for yourself and follow them in strife.

Your unwavering devotion toward family and friends,

With love and support, your dedication never ends.

Joining the Navy was your childhood dream.

The pride in my heart really makes me gleam.

Serving your country inspires you in every way.

You gain from your experiences with each passing day.

Only God knows what the future will bring.

Your strong will and determination is certainly a good thing.

Your journey through life may take you many places.

And you will endure many challenges the world faces.

I’m closing this poem to say how very proud I am of you,

And you’re always in my thoughts when on the ocean blue.

You’ll soon return from this journey across the oceans and seas.

At home again with your family is soon where you’ll be.

Hi all can anyone tell me what the sharp shooter award is the thing i cant find out is what is the one with the silver  S on it please advise

Thanks

Dave

     Hello all. My son just made a 2-minute call. He's had to get therapy for his knees (I think too many years of karate). So they changed his ship/division from 03/336 to 04/341, which puts him at a 14 Oct PIR. He sounded okay, for as short as we got to speak to him.

     His Mom teared up something awful after her 10 seconds on the phone with him.

     Plus, he had a wisdom tooth removed right before he sent us his first (and only so far) letter.

My son Kyle is in Ship 11 division 322,anyone else out there?

My daughters' PIR is 9-16 and we were wondering whether to take her civilian clothes for when she arrives at A school in San Diego. How long before they are allowed to wear civies?

My son left last Thurs with a Seal K and is Boot Camp now.  We plan on attending the PIR and had also planned on attending the post Coronado pinning. But, as I recently learned (by virtue of this blog) there is no pinning ceremony.  I (We) appreciate all and any info regarding follow-on training post PIR.

Greetings Navy family,

My daughter in law Desiree, is curently entering her last week of boot camp ( she is assigned to ship 11, div. 276 ). She graduates this coming Friday, Aug. 26. She is currently going thru battle stations., She has about 1:45 mins left. My son told me that all the recruits have to sign a non disclosure agreement prior to the exercise. Can anyone tell me if there is any truth to that. I am sure there are some things about the simulator that are classified, but will she be able to discuss her experiences with us after the fact.

Thanks!

Jeff

Hello Fellow Navy Dads of Ship 09 Div 315

I am trying to find other Members that have a sailor within this group.

I am unable to find any blogs from this group, please contact me to share info on our sailors.

Dave M

Theresa;

           Where did you read that the shuttles or taxi will get you in sooner? Do they use a different entrance or do they let you off at the gate and walkin is faster?

Fred

Larry;

       Any ideas on time frame for getting to the graduatioh on time. We have reservations in hotel supposed to be 5 miles from the base. I understand gates open asround 6 and have to be in seats by 8:45. We will be in our own vehicle and are wondering about actual time required between getting to gate, parking and getting into building?

Anyone else?

  Our Conductance to the families of the ones lost,Thank you for all of your sacrifices from the families to the SEALS.You all make us so proud of all of you, just knowing we have the best anywhere.

  the Hanson`s

anybody have a son or daughter in this group of recruits? My son Cody is here!

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet Public Affairs

USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- U.S. Navy ships and aircraft are searching for a Sailor from USS Boxer (LHD 4) who went missing while the ship was conducting maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden today.

The Sailor did not report to watch and after a search of the ship, man overboard was called away.

Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft from Boxer, fixed-wing aircraft from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), as well as a P-3 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, are conducting an airborne search while Boxer, USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) and USS Mitscher (DDG 57) conduct a surface search.

The Sailor's name is being withheld while the search is ongoing

My Son will be graduating form boot camp on 080511 and leaving the next day for "A" school in Florida. My family plans to attend the graduation and take him to Chicago on Friday via the METRA train . Anyone have any comments about the METRA and your experience visiting Chicago the day of graduation. Also I have heard I can give my son a backpack to take back on base to take with him when he flies to Florida. Does anyone know if he will be able to take the backpack back on base right after the graduation ceremony or should I plan to give it to him when we return to the base later that evening . I know I won't see him on Saturday before he flies to Florida. Also I heard that there is a real traffic jam for cars driving on base for the graduation and the best bet is to take the Hotel Shuttle to the base that morning . Anyone have any comments about that too ? Thanks in advance to all who took the time to reply to me.