Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. (August 19, 2024): In this touching photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Barnes, Navy Lieutenant Killian Monley greets his family after returning from a scheduled deployment aboard the Los Angeles class attack submarine USS Charlotte. What most Americans may not realize is the demands we place on our Sailors that keep them far from home for way too long.

Generally, submarine officers like Lt. Monley rotate between sea and shore assignments and they typically spend three years assigned to a specific sub. Depending upon the submarine type, Sailors can expect to be deployed between three and six months at a time which places an enormous burden on their families.

During a deployment, Sailors lose virtually all contact with their loved ones except for an occasional e-mail. This lack of communication is perhaps the hardest aspect of submarine life. It is perfectly normal for families to go weeks, maybe even as long as a month or two, without receiving emails. Sailors can communicate via phone during sporadic port calls that may last from a couple of days to two weeks.

Every command designates the spouse of a sailor to act as an ombudsman for the crew. As a liaison between the command and the sailors’ families, the ombudsman is privy to the latest information about the sub’s return and is also the emergency contact to relay urgent information while the Sailor is at sea. Additionally, each base has a Family Readiness Group staffed by volunteers to be a resource and support system for the families.

Every American should appreciate the sacrifices these Sailor families make defending our nation far from home for extended periods of time.