Time away
My first tour was 40 months. Looking through my logbook confirms that I spent 30 of those 40 months away at sea on the CVS. Good mates on board, a great time, all with a fiancee then wife at home.
2nd tour as an instructor at home - spent a lot of time away on detachment etc - had great fun with a lot of good mates with a wife and ankle biter at home.
3rd tour - on the ship again for quite a lot however less time away due to programming and the new "harmony" rules (dont ask me to quote them) with a wife and 2 ankle biters at home.
4th tour - all the family together (aarh, lovely)
There is no denying there is a lot of seperation. You get used to it, you make the best of it. The wife gets used to it, she makes the best of it and if you have a strong marriage/relationship all will be fine.
Dont give up the opportunity to fly some great aircraft and have some great times. Be honest with the missus and work it out with her.
Good luck.
Oggin