So this is my husband's first deployment since we've been together. any advice?

How long have you guys been in Hawaii??? My hubby is on the USS Crommelin.

Just try to stay busy busy!!!! Deployment is what you make of it!!! Just have to be positive!!!

He's been there for a little while... I'm moving out there in April. I'm in Oregon right now. He wanted me close to family since this is my first deployment

I stayed home for most of our last deployment, which was our first as well.

Just be patient when you don't hear from him for a few days... communications can go down and stay down quite a bit.

Stay busy with your family! Go out and do things and the time will go by a lot faster!! :goodluck

My DH isn't on the Hopper but the other ship that left with them. Hang in there, and because they are on a smaller ship, mail is sporatic (only when in port) and phone calls can be too. What I do is try to write everyday. I email him (it might get returned, that just means the ship's server is down) and I write him a letter or postcard, so when maildrop happens, he gets a bunch. I number the letters. It helps me too, knowing I'm doing something to make it better for him.

I hope May comes quickly for both of us!

Yea Its getting a little easier... the letters help.

Bumping...prayers for the Hopper families!

Keep busy, plan lunch/dinner/activities with friends or family. Don't worry when you don't hear from him it's usually because they're extremely busy or the email server is down. Stay positive and the time will go by relatively quickly.

Thanks.. I'm just glad its almost May!

Yeah for May!!!