USN Submarine Life Question

[Spike88]

I'm determined to join the Navy, despite my last two attempts to do so(didn't join out of stupidity, not because they wouldn't take me), I've realized it's my best option for getting somewhere in life. I'm still determined to become a Nuke(and I only have 2 years before I'm disqualified ) and I plan to volunteer to be on a submarine.

Anyways, my questions:

1. From my understanding, submarines go out for 6 months and then come back for 6 months. Is this true?

2. Does the submarine stay in dock for these 6 months, or do they just rotate the crew?

3. What is Navy life like back at base? Particularly when it comes to E4's and up? Is it like any other job with shifts and day's off? Or is it like your time on the submarine?

4. Do you and your family have to live on base and Navy housing complexes, or is it your choice? IE. can you buy an actual house and live there if you want to?

5. I've heard that there is online college courses you can take while on ships, is this true?


Bonus Questions:

6. How long do other ships spend out at sea? And do they rotate the crews off of them? More exactly, how do they handle the crew of carriers? But I am interested in knowing about Destroyers, Cruisers, etc.

7. I've heard that captain's of aircraft carriers are only ex-pilots. Is this true? What command would a nuclear officer get, if any?