Today we find our military engaged in the global war on terrorism and I assure you our Navy's sailors are ready to take on any challenge necessary to protect our nation. We remain ready by providing a constant, well-trained forward presence throughout the world. Throughout my twenty years of Naval service, I was separated from my family extensively with fourteen of the years onboard various ships. The number of six-month deployments I completed amounted to more than 4 ½ years; not counting the work-ups and at-sea qualifications that preceded each deployment. During times of peace and conflict, deployments are an integral part of Navy life, but it is important not to underestimate or take for granted the incredible physical and emotional sacrifices that a long deployment imposes on our sailors and their families.
While deployed, we consistently lived in cramped and often undesirable conditions. We didn't complain about deployments or the shipboard living conditions because those were the harsh realities that came with the territory. The reality that was much harder to accept was the absence of our families; the day-to-day interactions and lifestyle to which we had become accustomed. The only family that deployed sailors have for 180 days are the immediate members of their division and the rest of the crew. For me it was heart wrenching knowing that children I left as infants were to be walking toddlers when I returned. Even as an adult with the power of reasoning and discernment it was very disheartening when I approached my younger child who seemingly no longer recognized me. Although group counseling sessions provided pre- and post-deployment, there was no preparation for the emotional hardship that had to be endured.
Despite the emotional challenges we faced with each passing day, there were three things that enabled us to perform at our best. First, we needed to know that the job we were doing was important.