SWO (Surface Warfare Officer) Children's Book - My Mommy, My SWO BY Matthew E. Miller

My Mommy, My SWO: A Heartfelt Navy Family Story

Written by Matthew E. Miller, a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy, and illustrated by Olena Taranenko, My Mommy, My SWO is a beautifully told tribute to Surface Warfare Officers and the families who stand beside them. This hardcover picture-book-length tale invites young readers (ages 5–14) to explore deployments, tearful goodbyes, heartfelt letters, and joyous homecomings through a child’s perspective, making the realities of Navy life both approachable and inspiring.

What makes it unique

• Real Navy imagery: detailed illustrations of actual ships, modern uniforms like the Navy 2POC, and vessels such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).
• Deployment explained through a child’s voice: conveys why a SWO mom goes away, what happens during underways, and how families stay connected.
• Celebrates family pride and resilience: the story captures tearful goodbyes, meaningful letters, and joyful reunions with warmth and honesty.

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)