Churchill Sailors Prepare for Return and Reunion

USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) completed return and reunion courses March 26 as they prepare for their return to homeport.

The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) courses provided Churchill Sailors an easier transition to life at home after the rigors of a nine-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Responsibility (AOR).

Counselors from FFSC Mid-Atlantic offered six courses providing instruction in strategies for money management; credit and large purchases, such as new vehicles; guidance for parents new and old; advice on intimacy for couples and an open forum for returning singles.

"The goal here is to paint reality for returning service members," said Michelle Viola-Hudak, one of two embarked FFSC counselors aboard Churchill. "There's a cycle of deployment and a cycle of returning home and the goal is to make the reunion process smoother."

Hudak, a former Navy senior chief petty officer who said she's experienced the trials of reintegration herself, said that after long periods of separation, both Sailors and family members can face a number of stressors.

"You may be coming home to a brand new home, dog, or child," said Hudak. "Couples who have been together a long time can fall off track and new couples may not know where to begin. You can find yourself in financial trouble or with money to spend. The transition back can be tough."

Recognizing potential issues early and learning to manage heavy emotions can remove stress from that transition period, Hudak said.

"(Returning home) is what we've all been looking forward to since we first got underway," said Cmdr. Christine O' Connell, executive officer of Winston S. Churchill. "Ensuring everyone comes back alive and physically safe is a priority, but we also have a responsibility is making sure our Sailors are safe beyond their fingers and toes; that their emotionally and personally ready to return."

O'Connell, who attended every brief, said she found the courses on intimacy and returning to children to be particularly helpful.

Sonar Technician Surface 1st Class Richard J. Mitchell is completing his second deployment on Winston S. Churchill, and said he appreciated the open discussion during the courses and the chance to impart some of what he's learned over his first return from deployment.

"You have to learn to balance," said Mitchell. "Everyone wants some time with you when you return. Kids want as much time as spouses. There's a lot of good tips on how to rejoin your families in these briefs and a lot senior Sailors can impart as well."

Beyond the courses, the FFSC have been offering one-on-one sessions and providing advice for Winston S. Churchill Sailors preparing to transition out of the Navy following deployment.

"Whether you choose to stay Navy or chose civilian employment, it's best to plan ahead and be ready either way," said Lindsay Haake, a FFSC specialist in employment services who has been instructing Winston S. Churchill Sailors in resume-writing.

Both Hudak and Haake encouraged Sailors to visit their local FFSC for further assistance with reintegration.

"Sailors need to know resources are available," said Hudak. "We want coming home to be a wonderful occasion and we're here to help make sure it is."

For more information on Fleet and Family Support Centers Mid-Atlantic, visit www.cnic.navy.mil/navylifema .

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