Loose Lips Sink Ships

This is always an important message to remember but it is especially important when you are living in a foreign country. You really never know if the people around you whom you assume can only speak Japanese can fluently understand English and could be collecting information. I know, I know, I sound very paranoid but to be honest in this situation you really can't trust others with information that could put your sailors life on the line.

Facebook

What information would that be exactly? It really doesn't take much. A simple "I am so sad my husband is leaving in a few days" or, " (Sailors name Here) can't wait to port in (location)" on Facebook defiantly indicates ships movement. You may also think that because when a ship is leaving is pretty well known around base that its ok...wrong. It may be common knowledge to you but it actuality it is not. Remember most people do not know all the people on their Facebook list and if by some miracle you do, there is a good chance you haven't been in real contact with that person in some time. The point is, you don't know who is getting that information.

Talking to Family and Friends

Everyone needs support when a deployment is coming up but one of the worse things you could do is start letting people know ahead of time, even family and friends. Obviously they have our best interest at heart but you don't know who they might innocently talk to and leak that information that you just gave out. Keep in mind as well, phone lines, the internet and the mail are not secure means of communication. You may think you are having a private conversation but you never really know.

The Do's and Don'ts

-Don't announce plans ahead of time. This includes when the ship is leaving, coming back, where it is going, or even what your spouses leave dates are.
-Don't give any information over unsecured means of communication...so basically never.
-Do let people know if you would like AFTER the event has occurred. Once the ship is gone let people know that your sailor is out to sea. By then it is public knowledge because anyone that can see the harbor knows that the ship is gone.
-Do master the phrase, "I don't know." Most of the time this will be true, you really won't know what is going on with your sailor but in the times that you do, answer "I don't know" anyway.
-Do remember that a little bit of information given by you can be added up with information gathered from other people to paint a full picture.
-Don't forget that even though it would be easier to be able to tell ahead of time and get the support you need and want from family and friends, your sailors life is more important.

If you have any questions or comments please contact me at navywifeinjapan@gmail.com