I, also, would work on the crate training and thinking about taking him with. I agree that one scary day would be better than having to re-adjust to an entirely different life.

And you say you don't get to choose your flight. I'm assuming that is because the military would be flying you back - or wherever you're headed to next - and you would go on whatever flight they set up. Would it be totally out of the question to have hubby fly back on that flight and you and Boomer schedule your own flight (which, of course, would mean paying for it too) so he could be in the cabin with you?

16 hours is a long, long time for a kitty to be without a litterbox. If he was in the cabin with you, you could possibly work something out where after, like 8 hours or so, you took him in the bathroom with a small box or even a bag with litter in it just so he could get some relief.

And I agree with Kirsten that thinking about this and planning ahead of time just shows what a responsible meowmy you are.