Seeing as how this hits so close to home, I feel that it is worthy of mention, though I can’t say that I am really deeply rooted in this whole roller coaster whirlwind that’s been happening around here. Nick is still only training to fly his fleet aircraft, but I do know some women whose husbands are attached to the Truman as well as a few friends who had been planning to deploy, and who have thus been enduring this emotional trial.
(Confused? In short, the USS Truman, an aircraft carrier, was set to leave for a long deployment like…today. This week. And because of budget cuts and the uncertainty and indecision in Congress, the deployment has been delayed until further notice. For more, read this.)
Right after learning of this, I was immediately happy for all of the families who had spent months dreading the day the ship would leave, thinking, Wahooo! They don’t have to go anymore, people must be so excited! But now, I’m not so sure. This blog – which, might I add, is pretty fabulous – says it all very well:
Keep Calm and Have a Cosmo: The Unknown Fear
And a quote from the DoD:
“Facing budget uncertainty — including a Continuing Resolution and the looming potential for across-the-board sequestration cuts –the U.S. Navy made this request to the Secretary and he approved. This prudent decision enables the U.S. Navy to maintain these ships to deploy on short notice in the event they are needed to respond to national security contingencies.”
My heart currently aches for these families who are, I’m sure, quite happily united at the present but all-too afraid of the moment when the Truman will be called to sea. My hope for them is that at least they have some notice so that they can prepare themselves emotionally, thus lessening this “fear of the unknown.”
Just another reason why I wish family (or more simply, people) was more important than money. #dreaming
