Navy Surface Warfare Officer Book | My Daddy, My SWO

My Daddy, My SWO is a heartfelt Navy Surface Warfare Officer children’s book written for military kids and Navy families. Told through the eyes of a child, this hardcover story helps young readers understand deployments, underways, separation, letters, and the joy of homecoming when Dad serves at sea.

A U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer Story for Kids

Written by Matthew E. Miller, a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy, My Daddy, My SWO brings an authentic look at Navy life to children ages 5 to 14. The story explains what a SWO does, why Navy parents sometimes have to leave, and how families stay connected while waiting for their hero to come home.

This military kids book gives children a gentle way to understand the pride, sacrifice, and connection that come with having a parent in the Navy. From tearful goodbyes to meaningful letters and joyful reunions, the story helps children feel seen, supported, and proud of their Navy family.

Why This Deployment Book Stands Out

• Authentic Navy details: Features real Navy imagery, ships, uniforms, and life at sea, including the Littoral Combat Ship and Navy 2POC uniform.
• Child centered storytelling: Explains deployments and underways in a way that feels comforting, simple, and age appropriate.
• Written by a Navy SWO officer: Created by a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer with firsthand experience in military family life.
• Built for connection: Helps children understand separation while celebrating letters, memories, family pride, and homecoming.
• Meaningful military family gift: A thoughtful book for Navy families, deployment preparation, homecomings, birthdays, and bedtime reading.

Who This Book Is For

My Daddy, My SWO is ideal for children whose fathers serve as a Navy Surface Warfare Officer, a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, or in the Navy more broadly. It is also a meaningful gift for families looking for a deployment book that explains military separation with warmth, honesty, and hope.

Whether your child is preparing for Dad’s first underway, missing him during deployment, or celebrating his return home, this story creates a bridge between Navy service and a child’s heart.

About the Author and Illustrator

Matthew E. Miller is a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy. Originally from Frankfort, Kentucky, he now lives in San Diego, California, with his wife Jaclyn, their sons Mason and Hayden, and their dog Olivia. He wrote this book to help his son understand why Navy parents sometimes have to go away.

Olena Taranenko, a Ukrainian children’s book illustrator, brought the story to life with emotional, detailed artwork. During the project, her town was attacked, and the book was paused until she safely relocated. Her work reflects resilience, courage, and the power of storytelling.

Publication Details

• Title: My Daddy, My SWO
• Publisher: UMBOBOOKS.com
• Publication Date: September 30, 2024
• Edition: First Edition
• Format: Hardcover
• Size: 7.5 inches wide by 10 inches tall
• Print Length: 32 pages
• Language: English
• Reading Age: 5 to 14 years
• ASIN: B0DHYMHF44

A Meaningful Navy Family Story

My Daddy, My SWO is more than a story. It is a tool for understanding, pride, and connection within military families. This Navy Surface Warfare Officer book helps kids see the courage behind service and the love that remains strong through every deployment, underway, and homecoming.

What’s inside

• Format: Hardcover – Large 7.5″ wide x 10″ tall
• Pages: 32, written in English
• Reading age: 5 to 14 years
• Edition: First Edition, published September 30, 2024 by UMBOBOOKS.com
• ASIN: B0DHYMHF44

Author & Illustrator

Author Matthew E. Miller is a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy, bringing firsthand insight into the life of a SWO and the strength of military families. The illustrations are by Olena Taranenko, a Ukrainian children’s book illustrator who contributed vibrant, heartfelt imagery while enduring personal upheaval, ultimately relocated for safety—an embodiment of resilience and commitment to art.

Who this book is for

• Children whose parents serve as Surface Warfare Officers or in the Navy more broadly.
• Families seeking a meaningful way to discuss deployments, separations, and reuniting at home.
• Gift buyers looking for a rare, authentic look at military family life that goes beyond generic parenting stories.

Why it matters

This book offers more than a story; it’s a gateway to understanding, pride, and connection within military families. It’s also part of a larger spirit that inspired the My Mommy, My Daddy Series and the subsequent My Hero, making it a thoughtful addition for readers exploring family strength and service.