S8 E2: 25 Years of COMPASS: Navigating Navy Life with Confidence with NS FamilyLine COMPASS Director Susan Fox

25 Years of COMPASS: Navigating Navy Life with Confidence with NS FamilyLine COMPASS Director Susan FoxIf you’ve ever wondered who you’re supposed to call, ask, or trust when Navy life feels overwhelming — this episode is for you.

In this episode of Our Navy Life, host Teal Yost sits down with Susan Fox, Director of the COMPASS program at Naval Services FamilyLine, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of COMPASS — a spouse-to-spouse program that has helped Navy families navigate military life with confidence, clarity, and connection.

Susan shares her own journey as a Navy spouse and volunteer mentor, beginning with her first COMPASS class in Guam and continuing through years of service supporting spouses worldwide. Together, Teal and Susan explore how COMPASS equips families with practical knowledge, emotional support, and community — ensuring no spouse has to figure out Navy life alone.

Whether you’re brand new to the Navy, a seasoned spouse, or somewhere in between, this conversation highlights why COMPASS remains one of the most trusted resources in the Navy community.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The origin story of COMPASS

How a spouse recognized the need for Navy-specific

support and built a program that has served families for

25 years.

• What COMPASS actually is

  A peer-led, spouse-to-spouse program offering Navy Life 101 — from benefits and PCS moves to deployments and communication.

• Why the peer model works

  COMPASS creates a rank-free, judgment-free environment where spouses learn from lived experience and shared understanding.

• Confidence through knowledge

  Participants learn practical skills like reading LES statements, understanding entitlements, planning PCS moves, and navigating deployments.

• Connection beyond Google

  While information is online, COMPASS provides nuance, hands-on learning, and real human connection.

• Support during isolation and transition

  COMPASS helps spouses build confidence, friendships, and support networks after PCS moves and during deployment seasons.

• Why seasoned spouses still benefit

  Even experienced spouses gain new insights, updated policy information, and fresh PCS and deployment tips.

• Volunteer mentorship & giving back

  How spouses can become COMPASS mentors and make a tangible impact supporting fellow Navy families.

• How the program evolved for modern Navy life

  From curriculum updates to virtual sessions, COMPASS continues adapting to changing Navy policies and family needs.

• A powerful message for overwhelmed spouses

  You are not alone. There is a legacy of spouses ready to support you.

Resources & Links

• COMPASS Program Information

• NS FamilyLine Website

• NS FamilyLine Facebook

• NS FamilyLine Instagram

• COMPASS Instagram: @go.compass

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a spouse who is new, transitioning, or feeling overwhelmed. One conversation can open the door to confidence and community.

From our Navy family to yours — stay strong, stay connected, and stay mission ready.

Resources & Links