Three Sailors aboard guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) welcomed new additions to their families during the first half of the ship's deployment with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG).

Being separated from loved ones is challenging for many Sailors, and it is even harder when they miss the birth of their children. For Petty Officer 3rd Class Cody Slone, Seaman Chase Marr, and Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Morcom, staying strong, staying connected, and focusing on the mission is what keeps them going.

Slone, whose second child, Adeline, was born during this deployment, stays connected with his family through emails and phone calls. He says having a support system on the ship and back home makes it easier for him to remain focused on the overall mission.

"It is hard to have a child while on deployment, but the Navy is a big family and they will always offer support to you," said Slone, assigned to the "Vipers" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 48 and embarked aboard Monterey.

Marr was surprised when his wife told him they were having a baby, and even though it is difficult not being there for them, he has learned to make the best of any opportunity to stay in touch.

"Not being able to hold my son has been the hardest part," Marr said. "Luckily, the time difference helps me to communicate with my wife and newborn child when my shift is done, and that has made it better."

This is not the first time Morcom has missed the birth of a child. Morcom's fifth child is his second child born while deployed. Morcom explained the best way for him to cope with being away has been to lose himself in his work and remind himself that his family is the reason he continues to serve.

"I'm still in the Navy today because I have kids," Morcom said. "I want to do everything I can to ensure their safety, and the health care benefits are great for my family."

The fathers will meet their newborns when the ship returns home following its regularly scheduled deployment. In keeping with Navy tradition, they will be among the first to depart the ship.

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