What I Learned in a Briefing

Last night I went to the homecoming briefing. You know... the meeting telling you not to camp out in the parking lot overnight, balloons are prohibited on the pier, not to bring a cooler of beer or wine, and to leave your .50cal at home. I mean really? Who would-- I shouldn't ask such a question... I have run across some psycho wives interesting people in my time. They also answered questions from spouses. Any event that has media coverage and is expected to attract 10,000 people must be well organized.


"How will I know what pier they will be pulling into? Will we be able to see them tie the ship up?"
-Nah, something that large is actually a chameleon. Pay no attention to the crowd that watches the mooring process either.


"How will the Sailors know when liberty call is and is it by pay grade?"
-Most will already have bags packed and ears glued to the 1MC. Usually khaki is allowed to race off depart in an orderly fashion first...unless your Max...but his wife got used to chillin on the pier with her friend chattin' away making fun of Barney and Fred Flinstone . ;)


"Is there only one way off the ship?"
-right now 2, fly or swim. On that "special day" look for the brows...not on your face.


"You mentioned they set sea and anchor at xx:xx but what time are they expected to be pier side?"
-Thank You! Finally one of my questions answered.



I sit back and think about some of the questions asked. It brought me back to that Spring we got married, I didn't know anything! Literally I new nothing! I started reading books and took interest in learning more about this lifestyle since I knew it wasn't going away any time soon. I'll ALWAYS be learning, but it makes me realize I have come a long way. Max was close with a lady and her family when he was a single Sailor stationed here the first time and she is my go-to for community happenings. She has taught me so much and I love how she has the perfect amount of "tough" in her! I have also learned from "more seasoned" Wives and "newbie's", many in which I miss terribly. I have learned from talking over coffee with a wife whose hubbie is nearing retirement....and from other Chief spouses (oh, I can't tell you how much I learned here) and Wardroom spouses. I have learned my opinion of one group of people may never change, even when I am one of them...or better yet vow to not be one of those. I have learned how to communicate between the lines keeping OPSEC (Operations Security) in mind. I have learned from some of my friends who were active duty, and dual military couples. I have learned from serving as a Command Family Ombudsman (overseas at that!) for a couple ships. I have learned it's possible to have an excellent CO spouse and a fantastic Commanding Officer and not be active duty. I have learned from and about the overseas community. I have learned to not allow others experiences influence my opinion. It's amazing what the years have taught me...but it's shocking what I learned about the Navy, myself and my family...especially while living overseas.

So the questions that spouses asked above made me realize.... they are learning what I have once learned... have patients as others once did (and are doing) with me.

Hi 5's to the person that can count how many times I can include learn/learned/learning in a single blog. I did it to drive my friend Renee crazy and see if she actually makes it to the bottom. :)