Mine has been in the fleet for 2.5 years, and as yet has not gone to sea! He's a nuke machinist mate assigned to a sub...that sub has been in dry dock for two+ years. Sea trials should be coming up in a couple of months, and he will finally get his first chance @ sea!
I have been spoiled...since he has been within a little over a days drive since he came out of BC, a little over 4 years ago. I have been able to spend Thanksgiving with him or Christmas or New Years, 4th of July or his Birthday, or a combination of those, each of the last 4 years...that is all going to change, with the change of homeport that is coming at the end of sea trials.
I have known since he was in early elementary school that he would be in the service, and that it would most likely be the Navy, by the time he was in the 6th grade. Just didn't know what he would be doing. So I have had a long time to get used to the idea, although the latest change has been the hardest on me.
To be honest...I believe that he is actually safer in the Navy than he would be any where else. He is well paid (although it is long hours), has insurance, has been paid to learn a trade that will allow him to easily get a job when he chooses to get out. He re-enlisted on the four year anniversary of his entry into the Navy, so at this point he will serve a total of 8 years. Some days are harder than others! But most are good days for me.
Pat
Oct 7, 2010
Pat
Oct 7, 2010
Pat
I have known since he was in early elementary school that he would be in the service, and that it would most likely be the Navy, by the time he was in the 6th grade. Just didn't know what he would be doing. So I have had a long time to get used to the idea, although the latest change has been the hardest on me.
To be honest...I believe that he is actually safer in the Navy than he would be any where else. He is well paid (although it is long hours), has insurance, has been paid to learn a trade that will allow him to easily get a job when he chooses to get out. He re-enlisted on the four year anniversary of his entry into the Navy, so at this point he will serve a total of 8 years. Some days are harder than others! But most are good days for me.
Oct 8, 2010