First, take a deep breath.
Second, decide what kind of pattern you want for your well-being.
You can work with his schedule and make it special while he is on this shift. It actually provides for some time to learn new skills to share.
He is gone twelve hours, and when he comes home, do you eat together, or talk at any time while he's home?
You can look for activities to do in the early evenings classes at local centers. Look on line to see what is available in your community and do research for places that sound interesting.
Best wishes in learning about the community you are living in!

It's hard when you feel like you spend more time alone than with your spouse. My husband recently returned from an 8 month deployment and is working 12 hour days. I joined a gym during deployment so I have that to keep me somewhat busy and I am starting some classes at the college in about a month. I have been here four years and have no real friends so I know the frustration. And it seems like he doesn't understand why it upsets me not to have time with him...his attitude is that he's home and not being deployed again so that's good enough. Maybe you'd like to volunteer to take up some of the time you are alone? Many places, from the SPCA to local libraries look for volunteers. it's just a thought. I wish you the best of luck and really do hope you can find very important balance....we all need that.

@mideyebrow no we really don't eat together because i am trying to loose wait and i can't afford to eat that late at night. And when he comes home he is so tired we barely spend time together. Then he only wakes up in just enough time to get ready for work.

@Chelsey i start school in august also and im looking for a job. Im from cleveland and am used to the fast city now that i am in newport news it is a little depressing because im always bored senseless. I go to the base to workout from time to time. Thanks for your advice

Is he working seven days on without time off?
As ChelseyAnn says, make it balance for your well-being.
Good for you to eat healthy!
Does he eat when he comes home?
Do you have a daily ritual, such a kiss, that provides the connection?
I'm reaching for ideas, to help you find ways to add to the excitement, even as exhausted as he is, to let him know you have interest in him.
Hope this helps!
You are not alone!

Moving to a new city is always difficult, just as adjusting to the return of your soldier is difficult as well. Volunteering in your community is a great way to spend time, get involved in helping, and find people who have similar interests. Have you thought about going a spouses group or FRG? Take a deep breath, he won't be on night shifts forever and everything will be a-ok ;)

Do you live on base? Have you met any of the other spouses to talk with them about your situation?

My father is retired USAF and I grew up as a Military Brat. There were always other families to spend time with and help one another cope, even if you are in a new community and far from your home/family.

Talk with someone who can direct you to the supportive services that are offered. There are many more now than when I was growing up because the military recognizes that loneliness is hard on the families of the brave men and women who serve our country.

Good luck and God bless,
Marcia

Here are some things that I d o so I cvan spend more time with my husband and stay sane.............................if he leaves for work @ 2pm make lunch your "dinner" If my husband flies nights I make dinner around noon and we sit together and talk just like its "dinner time". Join a gym, if you live on or near post then its FREE. you will meet some wives there.
join the FRG and meet other wives. Join a bible study, lastly volunteer.
Best of luck lady!

Volunteering is a great idea! You can meet people who share the things you like to do and make a difference in the lives of others in the community. You will meet lots of folks and learn more about where you are living.

Meetup.com is a great website that allows you to search for people in your area that get together. You can search by activity, so for instance we just moved and I am into photography, so I looked up photography on Meetup and found many different groups that get together and practice photography. It is a great resource! Hope that helps!

There are always groups and classes on base/post and off. Lots of them are free. It is a good way to get to know the people and the area where you are stationed.
Good luck and God bless,
Marcia
Military Brat