Ask any Navy spouse, or any military spouse for that matter – there is always a list of reasons why, on any given day, being married to a service-member flat out stinks.
On those days when you, a usually proud Navy spouse, are having trouble remembering why military service is such a worthy career, here is a list that is sure to bring a smile to your face, a laugh to your belly, and maybe even a tear to your eye. Because even on the bad days, it’s good to remember the benefits, the heritage, the tradition, and those things that are just plain cool about being married to a sailor!
10. Life’s a Beach!
The Navy ALMOST always sends us to live in lovely places located on a coastline.
Navy = ships, and for the most part, ships = water.
The U.S. Navy is the proud owner of some of the most stunning beachfront properties in the world: San Diego, Pearl Harbor, Pensacola, La Maddalena (Italy, which has sadly been closed), Virginia Beach, Charleston, Whidbey Island, just to name a few.
Admittedly, some of you may be stationed at a landlocked base for a shore tour, but hang in there, Navy spouse. Your shore tour won’t last more than three years and you’ll be back to surfing, snorkeling and fun at the beach in no time!
9. Go Navy! Beat Army!
The Naval Academy is on a roll this year.
See you in December, Army!
Does everyone have their recipe for 7 layer bean dip and buffalo wings ready?
8. Those Uniforms
What other military branch sends the Good Humor Man/Woman to your house every afternoon from April to October (and sometimes year-round)?
Sadly, junior enlisted ranks have said goodbye to their summer whites, but for the rest of you, be sure to ask your spouse to stop and pick up your favorite frozen treat on the way home on a hot summer day!
Navy spouse, he or she will be sure to thank you for it… not!
And finally…the enlisted dungarees have gone the way of the dodo bird! Hallelujah!
Welcome to the 21st century, sailors!
7. The best theme music… EVER!
Thank you, “Top Gun”!!
Need I say more?
THESE are the perks of being a Navy spouse…
Can you hear “Highway to the Danger Zone” and NOT see Maverick speeding along the San Diego seawall on his motorcycle?
Or “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling“, without thinking of Maverick and Goose breaking out in song at the bar?
Or “Take My Breath Away” without thinking of… well, you get the picture!
6. An Officer and a Gentleman
While we are talking about the 80’s and all the ways that era helped many a sailor woo a love interest, how about that classic, “An Officer and a Gentleman”?
There is no escaping that “Awwwww” (swoon) moment when Richard Gere scoops up Debra Winger and carries her off to start their romantic life together.
All military relationships start off that way, right? (See these 11 Most Romantic Military-themed movies!)
5. Homecomings
And not for the reason you might think, although that is also a very worthy reason indeed.
Is there anything more majestic than watching that ship or submarine returning to port with your sailor and the rest of the crew in their dress uniforms “Manning the Rails” for all to see?
With emotions already running high, the pageantry and stunning visuals of this traditional Navy ritual are something to behold and will likely move you to tears as a Navy spouse, no matter how many homecomings you’ve seen.
