We're writing today to those experiencing aircraft carrier deployment—a situation that brings immediate urgency to questions of legacy, final communications, and ensuring loved ones receive essential information. Aircraft carrier crew members face extended deployments of 6-9 months with limited communication, working in a high-risk environment involving flight operations, weapons systems, and potential combat scenarios. There is a strong sense of mission and naval tradition combined with awareness of carrier-specific risks and the need to provide for families during long separations.

You may be facing extended deployment separations from family with limited communication opportunities This concern is both practical and deeply emotional, requiring careful attention to both the logistics of legacy planning and the human need for connection and closure.

You may be facing flight deck and aviation hazards creating inherent daily risks This concern is both practical and deeply emotional, requiring careful attention to both the logistics of legacy planning and the human need for connection and closure.

You may be facing potential combat scenarios during carrier strike group operations This concern is both practical and deeply emotional, requiring careful attention to both the logistics of legacy planning and the human need for connection and closure.

Write messages for all anticipated family events during your carrier deployment - birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, school events, and potential emergencies like family illness. Carrier deployments last 6-9 months, so prepare messages that maintain connection throughout the entire period. Create Deployment Milestone Messages provides a framework for this critical work. Your family will benefit immensely from having clear guidance during what will be an overwhelming time.

Help family understand what you do aboard the carrier (without classified details), why carrier presence matters strategically, and what your deployment accomplishes. This context helps family find meaning in your absence and, if the worst happens, understand the purpose of your sacrifice. Explain Your Carrier Service and Mission provides a framework for this critical work. Your family will benefit immensely from having clear guidance during what will be an overwhelming time.

Record information about your carrier's command structure, family support contacts, deployment benefits, hazardous duty pay, and casualty notification procedures. Include your carrier's ombudsman contact and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society information for family support during deployment. Document Carrier-Specific Contacts and Benefits provides a framework for this critical work. Your family will benefit immensely from having clear guidance during what will be an overwhelming time.

Create detailed guidance for your spouse about household management during deployment, childcare arrangements, financial accounts, emergency procedures, and who to contact for different problems. This helps them navigate normal deployment challenges and becomes critical support if you don't return. Provide Comprehensive Family Support Information provides a framework for this critical work. Your family will benefit immensely from having clear guidance during what will be an overwhelming time.

Work with your carrier's family readiness group and chaplain to ensure your family has support during deployment. Discuss your digital legacy plan so they can help your family access messages if needed. Carrier families face unique deployment challenges requiring specialized support systems. Coordinate with Carrier Family Readiness provides a framework for this critical work. Your family will benefit immensely from having clear guidance during what will be an overwhelming time.

Consider the specific challenges of your situation when creating messages. Your loved ones need to understand not just what you're asking them to do, but why it matters and how to accomplish it. Clear, detailed information reduces stress and confusion during crisis moments when clarity is most needed.