When my submariner first received orders to Pearl Harbor, I was filled with both excitement and trepidation. Excitement for the adventure, as Hawaii was one of five states I had never been to, and trepidation because of how far I would be from family. When we left Saratoga Springs, we didn’t know anyone in Hawaii. [...]
As submarine spouses, it’s all too easy to feel isolated, alone or lonely. Whether it be a series of short underways or the long haul deployment, we really have to take a lot on by ourselves. And usually, thousands of miles away from close friends and family. We don’t give ourselves enough credit, period. But [...]
Ahh yes, the dreaded duty night. As I write to you now, I am sitting at home. Baby is sleeping upstairs and the husband has duty tonight. He actually just called me to tell me he thinks he may get off early tomorrow… he’s funny… It’s all too easy to feel sad, lonely or bitter [...]
Story submitted by Amanda G. When I picked out my wedding dress I went in with three things I did not want: strapless, sweetheart neckline, or ball gown style. Guess what dress I fell in love with looked like? It was a strapless, sweetheart neckline with a lot of flouncy, tulle layers. Ending up in [...]
So, what does a day in the life of a sailor look like? With so many different roles and responsibilities, it should come as no surprise there’s not one schedule to fit all. Morning For my husband, a typical day begins with him waking up between 5:30-6:00am. The morning meeting typically starts around 7am or [...]
I thought my first permanent change of station (PCS) story would be more along the lines of how I prepared myself and my two small kids for the big move from CT to WA, with all my tips and tricks to follow. For me, this was a BIG move. I had spent the last 20 [...]
The Navy has quite a few programs in place to assist families, however they can be difficult to find more information about. Speaking from experience, utilizing these support networks already in place can really make or break a tour.
Story submitted by Amanda D. When the words, “We’re moving to Guam” came from my fiancé's mouth, I immediately pulled out my phone and searched it on Google Maps. Saying that Guam is far away is an understatement – 8,084 miles away, to be exact. The phone call came when we were standing in Diamonds [...]
My husband and I married while he was on shore tour, so it was a couple years into our marriage before he went to sea. One morning he called me from the boat and told me to run out and buy a few things because he was leaving the next day to go underway for [...]
