In the navy, what exactly do you mean by months of duty?

Question

I know you're going to be on duty for months, e.g. sea duty for 6 then another 6 for shore but how does that go? Up to how long will your ship stay on water before you hit a port and resupply? What's the longest time you've ever been onboard? And up to how long will it take before your ship goes afloat again? Can you phone home and use the internet when you're on port?

Answer 1

Im in the CG, but i think i can get what you are asking. I did three months in and three months out at a time for three years. But I think they are saying six months in port and six months out to sea. Thats what we mean.

Answer 2

Soe ships don't replenish in port often. They get supplies from other ships that supply expendables like refrigerator ships and ammunition ships. Food is transferred to the ship in need at sea and it goes on about its business. The other ships (supply ships) return to port and get more of whatever it is they supply.

The operational ships spent a month or three on patrol or on the line, and then they hit a liberty port for a few days. They'll do this for a "deployment" which can last from six months to more than a year if needed. After a deployment is over, a ship might be in port for a few months getting refitted with new equipment, or undergoing repairs. During that time some people live off the ship with their families. The unmarried, lower enlisted personnel usually stay aboard.

Communication is limited by availability and security. Some ships have internet capability. Some do not. Sometimes you can tell family what you did that day. Sometimes you can't even tell them what time it is where you are, or even the weather because it might give away your location.