How to Travel To a Port Call

How to Travel To a Port Call
Glasgow, United Kingdom · ; Dougie Coull Photography

One of the more exciting aspects of being a submarine spouse is the possibility of a port call. Sometimes, spouses, significant others, and families are lucky enough to be able to visit on a port call. I have been lucky to have been able to visit two port calls-one international and one domestic. On the [...]

The Submarine Birthday Ball: 5 Things to Know

The Submarine Birthday Ball: 5 Things to Know
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jimmy Ivy III

The Submarine Birthday Ball is one of the most time honored traditions of the submarine community. National Submarine Day falls on April 11. On that date in 1900, the United States government procured its first modern commissioned submarine, the USS Holland (SS-1). Every year, wherever submariners congregate, there is sure to be a Submarine Birthday Ball. [...]

How to Support Your Spouse (And Yourself) Through Their XO Tour

How to Support Your Spouse (And Yourself) Through Their XO Tour
USS INDIANA, credit: US Navy

As a follow up from our department head post, we were asked to gather feedback on spouses who have experienced an XO tour! The "XO," or Executive Officer, is second in command and reports directly to the Commanding Officer (CO). An XO is responsible to the captain for all ship's work, drills, exercises, personnel organization, [...]