It was challenging and exciting. The wonderful opportunities. Commanding a ship is the best job in the world. Sailors are the best people to work with. They are so smart and motivated.
Deployments are six months long.
I've deployed four times in 19 years, and served overseas two of those 19 years. Initial training for officers is usually as midshipmen in their college's R.O.T.C. program or the Academy. It is the first challenge for the new midshipmen and is quite a period of transformation. During this demanding year, as you might imagine, classmates pull together and forge friendships that last a lifetime. You must enjoy leadership roles.