Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 7/22/2008

Question
How much time does a Surface Warfare Officer spend at sea, when first commissioned? If one has a family is becoming a Surface Warfare Officer a good move?? I don't want to be on a ship for 36 months at a time due to having a family and a newborn baby.
Thanks!

Answer
Dear Casondra --

Your first few months as a new Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) will be spent at SWO School.  However, after that you could be assigned to a ship that deploys immediately.  Many SW Officers have families, but they either have a spouse that is very independent and able to care for the family alone during deployments or they have their children stay with other dependable adults while both parents are deployed.  The length and the timing of deployments depends upon the size, type, and mission of the ship to which you are assigned.  It is possible to be assigned to a ship that does short shore runs and is rarely out for long periods of time.  However, that type of assignment is not guaranteed.

If you have had a child yourself, you will get at least six weeks of maternity (sick) leave.  However, after that you will be expected to get back to work, and make arrangements for child care for your baby.  If that is not how you wish to raise your children, you should not join the Navy.

Please write back if you have other questions.  Good luck to you.