SWO Navy Children’s Book | My Mommy, My SWO

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

A Surface Warfare Navy Story for Military Kids

Written by Matthew E. Miller, a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy, My Mommy, My SWO brings an authentic look at Navy life to children ages 5 to 14. The story helps explain what a SWO does, why a Navy mom sometimes has to go away, and how families stay connected during time apart.

This military kids book gives children a comforting 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 supported, included, and proud of their Navy family.

Why This Navy 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 focused storytelling: Explains underways, deployment, and separation in a way that feels gentle, clear, and reassuring.
• Written by a U.S. Navy SWO: Created by a Surface Warfare Officer with firsthand experience in Navy life and military family separation.
• Built for connection: Helps children understand letters, memories, family pride, and homecoming while Mom is away.
• Meaningful Navy family gift: A thoughtful book for deployment preparation, homecomings, birthdays, classrooms, and bedtime reading.

Who This Book Is For

My Mommy, My SWO is ideal for children whose mothers serve as a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, a Navy SWO officer, or in the Navy more broadly. It is also a meaningful deployment book for families looking to explain military separation with warmth, honesty, and hope.

Whether your child is preparing for Mom’s next underway, missing her during deployment, or celebrating her 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 own child understand why military 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 Mommy, 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
• ISBN: 9798991120401

A Meaningful Navy Family Story

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

Designed for family storytelling

Ideal for explaining deployments and underways to children while fostering family pride and connection within Navy life.

About the creators

• Author: Matthew E. Miller is a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy. Originally from Frankfort, Kentucky, he now resides in San Diego, California, with his wife Jaclyn, an audiologist serving active duty service members. They are raising two boys, Mason and Hayden, alongside their dog, Olivia, and Miller wrote this book to help his son understand why sometimes he has to go away.
• Illustrator: Olena Taranenko, a Ukrainian children’s book illustrator, brought the story to life. During the project, her town was attacked, and the book was paused until she safely relocated, a testament to her resilience and commitment to art.

“This book beautifully captures the pride and challenges of Navy life, creating a heartfelt connection between children and their military parents. It is a meaningful tool for fostering understanding and appreciation within military families.” — CAPT (Ret.) Bud Weeks, Director of Navigation, Seamanship, and Shiphandling, Surface Warfare Schools Command

Publication details

• Publisher: UMBOBOOKS.com
• Publication date: September 30, 2024
• Edition: First Edition
• Format: Hardcover – Large 7.5" wide x 10" tall, 0.25" thick
• Language: English
• Print length: 32 pages
• Reading age: 5 to 14 years
• Dimensions: 0.25" x 7.5" x 10" (width x height x thickness)