Yes, you read that right...I am deploying - me, a Navy spouse! I will be an embed blogger on the USNS COMFORT in just a few weeks. A little later this summer I will be embarking upon the USS NASHVILLE, an LHD which is involved in APS (African Partnership Station). I'll talk more about the NASHVILLE deployment later this summer.

The USNS COMFORT, one of the Navy's two hospital ships, is deploying in support of Continuing Promise 2009, a public private venture to provide health care, health education and humanitarian assistance throughout Latin America.

I will be joining the ship at one of their humanitarian port calls and will transit on board to the next humanitarian port call where I will experience the mission of the USNS COMFORT.

I am so excited to be able to blog on the mission of our Sailors from the ship! I will be writing, blogging and broadcasting from the ship. My goal is to experience shipboard life as much as an embed can while discovering the story behind the mission. I will be interviewing crew and staff. I will even attempt a PQS (Personal Qualification Standard). LT Gill, the COMFORT's PAO says he'll see if they can make a 'line handler' out of me. We'll see...

So, let me ask YOU a few questions. What are the burning questions you always wanted to know about shipboard life? What are your suggestions to experience for this embed? And, what suggestions do have (besides don't forget the shower shoes...LOL!).

I am so used to being the one on the pier, this is certainly a role reversal. My husband is so supportive of these opportunities to embed. He is thrilled that I will be able to experience first-hand a fraction of what Sailors experience. While he is behind me in these opportunities we have had a few 'moments.' My husband mentioned, "It's not so easy being the one left behind." Uh, Duh...

Oh, one last thing...In preparing for this 'deployment' I learned that I am the first military spouse to go as am embed. I hope to represent us well...

Hey, let me know what you are interested in learning about shipboard life and deployment...!

For an update on my journey check out www.homefrontinfocus.com.