How long are navy ships out at sea and how long between each time you can get on land?

Ryan S

Based on my own experience in the Navy, I will attempt to answer your question. Time at sea varies from a few days to a few months, based on the mission. For instance, a carrier based in San Diego may go out for only a few days for carrier quals. On the other hand, a ship may go out for several months (5 or 6) if they are being assigned as part of a fleet.

Example: The US keeps a battalion of Marines on board troop ships in the Mediterranean on stand-by status in case an early response is needed for a hot situation in that area. They routinely stay for five months and as they leave the Med through the strait of Gibraltar, another battalion aboard troop ships is entering the Med.

An American often makes a port of call visit to various cities in countries that we are friendly with. In the Med, they often include Naples, Catania, Sicily, Livorno, Italy, Athens, Greece, Cannes, France, or in Spain - Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, etc. You are usually granted "port & starboard" liberty* in those ports and, just like being at home, you return to your ship at the expiration of your liberty.

* Since only 50% of the ships crew are allowed to leave the ship on liberty in a foreign port, you get to go only every other day.

I enjoyed seeing all those places and hope someday to maybe return there with my wife for a visit. If you have specific questions or just want more info then email me.

ET1 (SS) USN retired

I have known surface sailors who went 'out' for 6 months, but really only did up to a week at sea until they pulled into a port. A lot of the time when a surface ship is at sea, they are really running from port to port.

You might serve for 6 years and the longest period of continuous sea time might be a month, once.

On the other hand, subs commonly do longer periods of time underwater with no break.

violentrose

Time of deployment depends on type of ship. Small boys port more because they can carry less supplies and it is less expensive for them , carriers port alot because they have alot more money. from my experience on an amphibious deck, we went out to sea 9 months and only saw land for 9 days of that.

VDBL

Has anyone heard of an LPD being deployed for 320 days? My husband is on one now and the projected return date will make it close to 11 months long.

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