Deployment Support

Deployments are an inevitable part of military life, despite the challenges of separation and change, deployments can be managed. Information, planning and skill building are the keys to managing the deployment.  Working in concert with command leadership, the Family Readiness Group, Navy Command Ombudsmen, and the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) can help provide the necessary information to cope with deployment challenges.  The Navy command ombudsmen are dedicated volunteers who are appointed by the commanding officer to serve as the link between command leadership and Navy families.  To learn more about the Family Readiness Groups and Navy Command Ombudsmen or to contact your ombudsman visit www.ffsp.navy.mil.  For more information and resources contact Fleet and Family Support Centers, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, 757-887-4606 or our Newport News office, 757-688-6289.

Years of experience and knowledge about the deployment process make it possible to design a series of informational programs and support services. FFSC provides the following programs and services to support our service members and their families during these stages of the deployment cycle:

• The Deployment Readiness Brief covers topics such as the emotional cycles of deployment, financial management, children's reactions, combat stress and an inventory of important documents. 
• Couples and Deployment can provide couples the opportunity to strengthen their relationships and experience personal growth. Designed to provide couples with tools to manage emotions and reactions associated with separation.
• Deployment Readiness for Single Service Members covers a wide array of practical and emotional tips single service members need to prepare for deployment.
• Children and Deployment– Deployments are difficult for children but manageable when parents use knowledge, skills, and helpful coping techniques. FFSC provides age-appropriated materials for children whose parent(s) are deploying.  A puppet show can also be provided to help children express any feelings of concern, anxiety that they may have.
• Reunion and Homecoming is the exciting phase of deployment.  FFSC helps active duty and family members make a smooth transition from deployment to homecoming. For homecoming, the FFSC can provide presentations to the Family Readiness Group in preparation for the homecoming of their service members. Topics can include reestablishing intimacy, expectations, changes and children.
• Individual Augmentee (IA) and Mobilization Support – IA Service members and their families are provided support by an FFSC Individual Deployment Support Specialist Case Manager (IDSS).  Their role is to maintain monthly contact with IA families and provide information and resources to the families through emails, telephone calls, and even in-person prior, during and after deployment.

Deployments can be effectively managed with the right preparation.  FFSC staff can assist command leadership to prepare single and married military members and their families for each phase of deployment – before, during and reunion/homecoming.  Understanding how to stay ready for deployments is key to successfully coping with the challenges of scheduled and unscheduled deployments.  Contact FFSC Yorktown at 757-887-4606 or Newport News, 757-688-6289 for more information about FFSC Programs and Services, visit: www.cnic.navy.mil/navylifema regarding resources, support groups and any questions you might have.