USS TORTUGA

Comment

Comment by beatrizm (Ship04 Div192) on August 19, 2011 at 11:52am

I believe their racks have curtains, which provide a little privacy but do nothing about noise.

Comment by LadyBug on August 19, 2011 at 10:33am

Pomom75 - well I sent off my first package; thanks again for the info.  Didn't send any clothing like was later suggested.  I'll wait to see if he wants me to send him anything from home after we see how this package arrives.

Wismam - my son has never mentioned anything about curtains or wanting them.  I'll be curious to hear what others have to say.

Comment by wismama (CS mom) on August 18, 2011 at 3:18pm

Does anyone's sailor have one of those curtains that they were talking about on the  gifts for sailors group or do they not fit the racks on this ship... better yet; will it get used or will my son ask if I think he is a dork if I buy him one?

Comment by wismama (CS mom) on August 18, 2011 at 3:15pm

Thanks beatrizm, good suggestions as I wasn't sure about the communication things. The NEX cards are a great idea as my son is a junk food king and selective about it. I have lived in Wisconsin for 10 years now, and I still am not used to the cold as I was raised much farther south and so was he for most of his life. I always wondered why many up here had woodstoves, but I can tell you we eventually got one and it roars most of the winter (which here is about 9 months) to get that warm feeling. Long story short, I'm sure those long johns will be a much appreciated suggestion.

thanks, again

Comment by JLmom(Lisa) on August 17, 2011 at 9:20pm

Hello Ladies, My son will be joining the Tortuga sometime in Sept. I was in his PIR group through BC, what an awesome support group, but had no idea this group was here until I googled "the Tortuga" I am glad I found this site. I hope to get to know all of you and share "what we can" about our sailors.

 

To you ladies who have sailors turning 21, mine did in BC, still waiting to celebrate with him. I hope it can be soon.

 

 

Comment by beatrizm (Ship04 Div192) on August 15, 2011 at 2:09pm

Wismama, When is your son heading to the Tortuga?  They are in dry dock right now undergoing repairs, but I believe they will be heading out again some time in September.  My daughter is a GM on the Tortuga, and just finished her CS rotation last week.

Keep in mind that they don't have much storage space, so big items are not a plus.  My daughter appreciates magazines (she can pass them on or toss when she's done with them), food (just be careful how you package it; brownies made it fine, banana bread not so much).  I just sent my daughter shampoo that she can't find over there because the water on the ship turns her blonde hair green.  

I've heard some parents send NEX gift cards, that helps them out with things they can purchase.  A phone card might be a good idea, too.  Tell him to check out the offers from cell phone providers over there, they offer better deals than if they use their cell phones from home.  

Also, the time difference can make it difficult to communicate.  My daughter usually calls me in the mornings (evening for her over there).  And when they are at sea, they have limited access to computers for instant messaging for skyping.

Another thing, winter can be fairly cold, and they keep the ship cold, too, so long johns might be a good idea.  That said, we are from Florida, so what might be really cold for my daughter might not be for your son. :)

Good luck to you and fair winds and following seas to your son.

 

Comment by wismama (CS mom) on August 14, 2011 at 11:41pm

Hi all! My son has been assigned to the Tortuga after A school, so of course I am new. Any tips on stuff that would be useful would be greatly appreciated. He is a CS and my first to enlist in the navy.

Comment by POMOM575 on August 11, 2011 at 12:34am

Hi LadyBug,

I am glad I can help. Yes, you can send food, just be sure to package it securely. I sent my son chips & a couple plastic liters of soda that he didnt have available. He said he recieved them with no problem...just be detailed on the customs form.

I am glad your son is settling in!

Sorry about the delay, I don't get on the computer much...usually twice a month to pay bills =~) 

Comment by LadyBug on August 9, 2011 at 4:08pm

pomom575-thanks for the description.  I think he is settling in now which gives me some comfort.  Of course being on base helps a little too.

I have another question.  Can we send food items over to our sailors?  My son likes beef jerky (yuck) and one type of candy that isn't there on base and then I was gonna send him tuna cuz he likes that after working out.  Anyway....I wasn't sure and thought this would be the quickest way to find out.  Thanks.

Comment by POMOM575 on August 4, 2011 at 2:28am

HI Rebecca,

My son came home before leaving for Tortuga  in June, then again for Christmas.  We have not seen our him since.  He said he will be home around the holidays.  But, I am not sure if all sailors have the same experiences.  Also, his mail has taken any where from  2 1/2 weeks to 1 1/2 month, but they were underway. I have yet to purchase insurance or first class and may packages have always arrived in a reasonable amount of time. Hope this is helpful.

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• …
• 23
• 24
• 25
• 26
• 27
• …
• 35
• Next ›
• Page