Can someone explain "forward deployed?"

I will assume that you are referring to FDNF (Forward Deployed Naval Forces) ships. They are Naval ships homebased outside the United States (I don't think the ships out of Pearl Harbor are considered FDNF). I believe there are two bases Sasebo, Japan and Rota, Spain. My understanding is that they are accompanied tours and maintenance is completed on station.

Forward deployed is essentially an US military base on foreign soil. Whether or not if your family can come with you depends on the location and i'm assuming you're going to NSA-Bahrain?
http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/installations/nsa_bahrain/about/Sponorship.html this site should have your answer about family - I see a family readiness group, which would lead me to think you could bring your family, but you should read through that site or potentially contact the base/command sponsor for up to date information.

There are LCS that are forward deployed and rotate crews, similar to the way boomers do it. We're talking Guam and Bahrain among other places. When you're on the ship, your family stays in your home port.

What type of ship are you going to? Why are you leaving the subs? I left them in 84 due to an ear injury...