Navy News Service PLAN OF THE WEEK for Thursday, February 26, 2015
Navy Adds Measures to Enhance Safety during Shipboard Flight Operations
New procedures that will aid surface warfare officers and helicopter pilots while increasing safety during flight operations on destroyers have been successfully tested and recently rolled out to the fleet. Find out more on this development by visiting http://www.navy.mil/submit/
CNO, CNP Talk Personnel on Conversation with a ShipmateThe Navy's top admiral and personnel chief released another installment March 2 of the Internet video series, "Conversation with a Shipmate." Read more on this story at http://www.navy.mil/submit/
Standard Operating Procedures Available to Assist Personnel Actions
The Pay and Personnel Administrative Support System (PASS) program has created more than 30 standard operating procedures (SOP) to help Sailors perform their day-to-day personnel activities like travel claims and updating records Navy administrators said recently. Visithttp://www.navy.mil/submit/
SPAWAR FRD Improves Shipboard Combat ReadinessSpace and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) integrated a system of systems operability testing (SOT) capability for combatant ships onboard USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), which just completed an availability and sea trial period utilizing the new SOT combat readiness testing, Mar. 6.
Pay and Personnel SOPsNPC has generated more than 30 SOPs to help Sailors conduct day-to-day pay and personnel task. To learn how to access the SOPs, click on “Accurate Pay and Personnel Records” at http://www.public.navy.mil/
Secondary Dependents: Does Your Parent, Sibling or Unmarried Child Qualify?Petty Officer Lori Bent had a problem. As a single mother with a 5-year-old daughter, her Navy schedule was starting to take its toll. Stationed aboard the USS Carl Vinson with its fluctuating deployment schedule and its numerous readiness exercises, she was becoming dependent on her best friend. Go to http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/
Liberty Policy Update Expands CO's Authority
Navy liberty policy revisions announced March 2, and outlined in MILPERSMAN 1050-290, provide commanding officers with greater clarification and authority to manage their people and meet mission requirements. Get more details at https://navcms.dma.mil/
Navy liberty policy revisions announced March 2, and outlined in MILPERSMAN 1050-290, provide commanding officers with greater clarification and authority to manage their people and meet mission requirements. Get more details at https://navcms.dma.mil/
Commands; Navy.mil Wants to Recognize Your Reserve Sailors If you have a Reserve Sailor serving with your command, Navy.mil wants to know! Submit a story with photo or photo with deep cutline to your Public Affairs Officer or PA shop telling us what that Sailor does and how they support their Navy when mobilized. Be sure to include hometown and high school name/year of graduation and use #NR100.
Navy.mil Seeking Feedback on the Plan of the Day AnnouncementsWould you like to see more information included in the Plan of the Day Announcements? Or do you find them useful as is? In order to provide the best personnel and career guidance to sailors, we're looking for feedback from our viewers on how to improve these important notices. Please send your comments/suggestions to april.grant@navy.mil.
Bees to Badges
Seabees looking for new opportunities can check out the Bees to Badges program at http://www.public.navy.mil/
Seabees looking for new opportunities can check out the Bees to Badges program at http://www.public.navy.mil/
New Manning System Website Goes OnlineBillet Based Distribution (BBD), an application within CMS-ID, is an initiative which will enable the Navy to better match Sailors to individual billets. BBD will allow commands and distribution personnel to more reliably assess a vacant position’s impact on readiness. For more information, visit the BBD webpage at http://www.public.navy.mil/
OCHR and SPAWAR Host Leadership and Career Development Symposium
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) and the Office of Civilian Human Resources (OCHR) hosted a two-day leadership development conference Feb. 24 and 25, 2015. To read more go tohttps://www.dvidshub.net/news/
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) and the Office of Civilian Human Resources (OCHR) hosted a two-day leadership development conference Feb. 24 and 25, 2015. To read more go tohttps://www.dvidshub.net/news/
High Seas Must Remain Open to All, Navy Leader SaysThe world's ocean trade routes must remain open to all to maintain global commerce, the vice chief of naval operations said Feb. 24. To read more on this story go to http://www.navy.mil/submit/
FY-15 Full Time Support (FTS) Officer Transfer and Redesignation Board
FY-15 FTS Officer Transfer and Redesignation Board announced for 21 April 2015. Qualified Active Component, Ready Reserve officers and existing FTS officers requesting redesignation into another FTS officer community may apply for this board; deadline 24 March 2015. View the NAVADMIN at http://www.public.navy.mil/
FY-15 FTS Officer Transfer and Redesignation Board announced for 21 April 2015. Qualified Active Component, Ready Reserve officers and existing FTS officers requesting redesignation into another FTS officer community may apply for this board; deadline 24 March 2015. View the NAVADMIN at http://www.public.navy.mil/
Year of the Military Diver Celebration
The following are celebrations and anniversaries for 2015: Year of the Military Diver (#YOTMD) 100th Anniversary of the Mark V 70th Anniversary of the Navy base in Panama City, Florida 40th Anniversary of Women in Navy Diving 35th Anniversary of the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center
The following are celebrations and anniversaries for 2015: Year of the Military Diver (#YOTMD) 100th Anniversary of the Mark V 70th Anniversary of the Navy base in Panama City, Florida 40th Anniversary of Women in Navy Diving 35th Anniversary of the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center
Using Pay and Personnel Standard Operating Procedures
In order to ensure that pay and personnel transactions conducted on behalf of service members are completed accurately, on time, and in accordance with the current policy, NPC provides guidance for using Pay and Personnel Standard Operating Procedures. View NAVADMIN 043/15 athttp://www.public.navy.mil/
In order to ensure that pay and personnel transactions conducted on behalf of service members are completed accurately, on time, and in accordance with the current policy, NPC provides guidance for using Pay and Personnel Standard Operating Procedures. View NAVADMIN 043/15 athttp://www.public.navy.mil/
Navy's Voluntary Education (VOLED) Program Realigning
Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) will administratively realign the Navy's Voluntary Education (VOLED) program under Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC) in Pensacola, Florida, Feb 23. Visithttp://www.navy.mil/submit/
Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) will administratively realign the Navy's Voluntary Education (VOLED) program under Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC) in Pensacola, Florida, Feb 23. Visithttp://www.navy.mil/submit/
Democracy is a Year-Round Business ... VOTE!
With the 2014 mid-term election in their wake, Sailors might be tempted to forget about absentee voting and politics in general until 2016. See more details at http://www.navy.mil/submit/
With the 2014 mid-term election in their wake, Sailors might be tempted to forget about absentee voting and politics in general until 2016. See more details at http://www.navy.mil/submit/
Sea Tour Incentive Pay
Overseas Aviation Machinist Mates are undermanned at the E-8 level. Become a leader and bring in extra cash with back-to-back sea tours. For more on the Sea Tour Incentive Pay visit http://www.public.navy.mil/…/
Overseas Aviation Machinist Mates are undermanned at the E-8 level. Become a leader and bring in extra cash with back-to-back sea tours. For more on the Sea Tour Incentive Pay visit http://www.public.navy.mil/…/
Shore Special Assignments
Motivated ADs are needed for Recruit Division Commanders (RDC) and Recruiting Positions. For more on Shore Special Programs, visit:http://www.public.navy.mil/
Motivated ADs are needed for Recruit Division Commanders (RDC) and Recruiting Positions. For more on Shore Special Programs, visit:http://www.public.navy.mil/
Leave Use or Lose Carry Over
Since 2008 Sailors have been allowed to carryover up to 75 days of leave each fiscal year as authorized by Congress. That authorization will end at the end of fiscal year 2015 after which leave carryover will revert to 60 days. In general, any leave balance in excess of 60 days on September 30, 2015 will be lost. Talk with the Command Pass Coordinator (CPC) for help understanding your correct use/lose balance.
Since 2008 Sailors have been allowed to carryover up to 75 days of leave each fiscal year as authorized by Congress. That authorization will end at the end of fiscal year 2015 after which leave carryover will revert to 60 days. In general, any leave balance in excess of 60 days on September 30, 2015 will be lost. Talk with the Command Pass Coordinator (CPC) for help understanding your correct use/lose balance.
Officer Women Leadership Symposium Scheduled for March
The annual AcademyWomen Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) will be held March 6-7 at the Women In Military Service for America (WIMSA) Memorial, Arlington, Virginia. Go tohttp://www.navy.mil/submit/
The annual AcademyWomen Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) will be held March 6-7 at the Women In Military Service for America (WIMSA) Memorial, Arlington, Virginia. Go tohttp://www.navy.mil/submit/
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is a program that provides servicemembers with protections from civil actions involving financial management such as rental agreements, security deposits, evictions, installment contracts, credit card interest rates, mortgages, civil judicial proceedings and income tax payments. Visit the website athttps://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is a program that provides servicemembers with protections from civil actions involving financial management such as rental agreements, security deposits, evictions, installment contracts, credit card interest rates, mortgages, civil judicial proceedings and income tax payments. Visit the website athttps://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/
Eight Ways to Boost Resilience Between Military Couples
The Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control (NCCOSC) facilitates research and develops evidence-based programs that provide Sailors and Marines with important tools to build and maintain resilience. For more information visit https://navcms.dma.mil/submit/
The Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control (NCCOSC) facilitates research and develops evidence-based programs that provide Sailors and Marines with important tools to build and maintain resilience. For more information visit https://navcms.dma.mil/submit/
HOMES.mil Offers Navy OCONUS Online Community Listings for the First Time
HOMES.mil, the official Department of Defense (DoD) housing website, which was activated on Dec. 14, is dedicated to helping service members, families and DoD civilians find housing, wherever they choose to live. Read more at http://www.navy.mil/submit/
HOMES.mil, the official Department of Defense (DoD) housing website, which was activated on Dec. 14, is dedicated to helping service members, families and DoD civilians find housing, wherever they choose to live. Read more at http://www.navy.mil/submit/
Annual Cyber Security and Information System Security Awareness Training
All Navy military, civilian and contractor personnel with access to unclassified and secret networks must complete Cyber Security and Information System Security Awareness Training for FY2015. For more go to http://www.public.navy.mil/
All Navy military, civilian and contractor personnel with access to unclassified and secret networks must complete Cyber Security and Information System Security Awareness Training for FY2015. For more go to http://www.public.navy.mil/
Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) Offers Free College Tuition
Sailors assigned to Type 2 or 4 duty may be eligible to participate in NCPACE, which offers college courses with tuition funded at 100%. Sailors are responsible only for the cost of textbooks and related materials. NCPACE courses do not impact Sailors’ annual tuition assistance funding limits. Contact a Navy College Office for more information.https://www.navycollege.navy.
Sailors assigned to Type 2 or 4 duty may be eligible to participate in NCPACE, which offers college courses with tuition funded at 100%. Sailors are responsible only for the cost of textbooks and related materials. NCPACE courses do not impact Sailors’ annual tuition assistance funding limits. Contact a Navy College Office for more information.https://www.navycollege.navy.
Joint Services Transcript (JST) request process changing
JST requests have been streamlined by moving the processing from the Virtual Education Center (VEC) to JST Operations in Pensacola, Fla. Navy Voluntary Education retains JST program management responsibilities. As of 15 DEC 2014, Sailors should send JST requests to jst@doded.mil, fax to (850) 473-6013 / DSN 753-6013 or visit the website at https://jst.doded.mil.
JST requests have been streamlined by moving the processing from the Virtual Education Center (VEC) to JST Operations in Pensacola, Fla. Navy Voluntary Education retains JST program management responsibilities. As of 15 DEC 2014, Sailors should send JST requests to jst@doded.mil, fax to (850) 473-6013 / DSN 753-6013 or visit the website at https://jst.doded.mil.
New Program Offers Hometown Media Recognition for Sailors and Civilians of the Year
The Navy honors thousands of Sailors and Navy civilians with Sailor, Junior Sailor, Bluejacket and Civilian of the Year honors. Through a new program, the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) stands ready to help Navy commands share these stories and photos with each honoree's hometown media. For more information, visithttp://www.navy.mil/submit/
The Navy honors thousands of Sailors and Navy civilians with Sailor, Junior Sailor, Bluejacket and Civilian of the Year honors. Through a new program, the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) stands ready to help Navy commands share these stories and photos with each honoree's hometown media. For more information, visithttp://www.navy.mil/submit/
Changes to Senior Enlisted Academy
The Navy Senior Enlisted Academy is expanding its delivery format to afford every senior chief petty officer the opportunity to attend the SEA prior to selection to master chief petty officer. Its delivery format modified to nine weeks of distance learning online and three week residence. See NAVADMIN 266/14.
The Navy Senior Enlisted Academy is expanding its delivery format to afford every senior chief petty officer the opportunity to attend the SEA prior to selection to master chief petty officer. Its delivery format modified to nine weeks of distance learning online and three week residence. See NAVADMIN 266/14.
THIS WEEK IN NAVAL HISTORY
MARCH 7
1794 - President George Washington signs the Naval Act of 1794 authorizing the construction of six frigates: United States, Constellation, Constitution, Chesapeake, Congress, and President.
1799 - During the Quasi-War with France, the frigate Constitution recaptures the American sloop Neutrality back from France.
1880 - The sloop of war Constellation departs New York with food for famine victims in Ireland.
1944 - USS Hake (SS 256) torpedoes and sinks Japanese merchant tanker south of Borneo and USS Rasher (SS 269) attacks a Japanese convoy and sinks an army cargo ship about 50 miles north of Bali.
1975 - The evacuation by sea of Da Nang, Vietnam begins, a four-day effort by Military Sea Command ships that carries more than 30,000 refugees from Da Nang until March 30, when the North Vietnamese troops overrun the city and harbor.
2007 - The last known female veteran of World War I, Charlotte Louise Berry Winters, dies at the age of 109. She enlisted in the Navy in 1917.
MARCH 8
1814 - During the War of 1812, British frigates HMS Phoebe and HMS Cherub capture the frigate Essex, commanded by Capt. David Porter, off Valparaiso, Chile.
1848 - USS Supply, commanded by Lt. William F. Lynch, reaches the Bay of Acre, Israel, during an expedition to explore the Dead Sea to trace the River Jordan to its source.
1944 - USS Barb (SS 220) sinks Japanese cargo freighter Fukusei Maru off Rasa Island, and USS Silversides (SS 236) sinks Japanese cargo ship Kairyu Maru off Manokwari, New Guinea.
1944 - USS Sitkoh Bay (CVE 86) is commissioned. She later supports the Iwo Jima and Okinawa Campaigns.
1953 - During the Korean War, USS Philippine Sea (CV 47), USS Princeton (CV 37), and USS Oriskany (CV 34) launch 216 sorties against a North Korean supply depot.
MARCH 9
1844 - Uriah P. Levy, the Navy's first Jewish flag officer, is promoted to the rank of captain.
1863 - Union troops brought ashore by USS Norwich to Jacksonville, Fla., ransack and loot the residents before evacuating the city. Also on this date, USS South Carolina, captures the schooner Nellie off Port Royal, S.C.
1944 - USS Haddo (SS 255) torpedoes and sinks Japanese army cargo ship Nichian Maru in South China Sea. Also on this date, USS Tunny (SS 282) torpedoes the Japanese battleship Musashi off Palau, necessitating her to be repair in Japan.
1944 - USS Ericsson (DD 440) and USS Kearny (DD 432), along with three submarine chasers, sink German U 223, which had sunk five Allied merchant vessels.
1960 - The first fully integrated Fleet Ballistic Missile system test, an A1X test vehicle, is launched from USS Observation Island (EAG 154).
1985 - The Navy awards a contract to the McDonnell Douglas Corporation for development of night attack capabilities for the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft.
1991 - USS Francis Hammond (FF 1067), USS Shasta (AE 33), USS Niagara Falls (AFS-33) assist Sri Lankan merchant vessel burning in the Arabian Gulf.
MARCH 10
1783 - The last naval action of the American Revolution takes place when the Continental frigate Alliance, commanded by Capt. John Barry, battles HMS Sybil south of Cape Canaveral, Fla. Sybil is damaged in the fight and returns to the two warships that did not join in the battle.
1933 - The Pacific Fleet provides assistance after an earthquake at Long Beach, Calif.
1943 - USS Savannah (CL 42) and USS Eberle (DD 430) intercept German blockade runner Karin in the South Atlantic. After boarding the ship, a timed explosion goes off, killing 11 of Eberles boarding party.
1945 - The Navy and civilian nurses interned at Los Banos, Philippines as prisoners of war since early January 1942 are flown back to U.S. The Navy nurses are later awarded the Bronze Star for their time in captivity.
1948 - The carrier suitability of the FJ-1 Fury jet fighter is tested aboard USS Boxer (CV 21) off San Diego, with a number of landings and takeoffs.
2001 - USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) is commissioned at Naval Station Norfolk. The 31st destroyer of the Arleigh Burke-class is the fourth U.S. Navy warship to be named after a British citizen. Churchill has a Royal Naval officer assigned permanently to the ship and she flies the Royal Navy’s White Ensign as well as the Stars and Stripes.
2001 - USNS Pomeroy (T-AKR-316) is christened and launched at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, San Diego, Calif.
2007 - USS New Orleans (LPD 18) is commissioned at New Orleans, La. The second of the 12-ship San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock warships, New Orleans is homeported at Naval Base San Diego.
1945 - The Navy and civilian nurses interned at Los Banos, Philippines as prisoners of war since early January 1942 are flown back to U.S. The Navy nurses are later awarded the Bronze Star for their time in captivity.
1948 - The carrier suitability of the FJ-1 Fury jet fighter is tested aboard USS Boxer (CV 21) off San Diego, with a number of landings and takeoffs.
2001 - USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) is commissioned at Naval Station Norfolk. The 31st destroyer of the Arleigh Burke-class is the fourth U.S. Navy warship to be named after a British citizen. Churchill has a Royal Naval officer assigned permanently to the ship and she flies the Royal Navy’s White Ensign as well as the Stars and Stripes.
2001 - USNS Pomeroy (T-AKR-316) is christened and launched at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, San Diego, Calif.
2007 - USS New Orleans (LPD 18) is commissioned at New Orleans, La. The second of the 12-ship San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock warships, New Orleans is homeported at Naval Base San Diego.
MARCH 11
1778 - During the American Revolution, the Continental frigate Boston captures the British ship Martha in the North Atlantic.
1845 - George Bancroft takes office as the 17th Secretary of the Navy. Although he serves in that position only 18 months, he establishes the Naval Academy at Annapolis and encourages the growth and importance of the Naval Observatory.
1941 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Lend-Lease Act, which permits delivery of war materials to Allied Powers on credit or lease.
1942 - Lt. John Bulkeley, commander of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3, helps Gen. Douglas MacArthur and Rear Adm. Francis W. Rockwell, as well as their families and others, escape the Philippines in motor torpedo boats PT 32, PT 34, PT 35, and PT 41. For this action, along with other operations in the Philippines during the start of World War II, he receives the Medal of Honor.
1945 - The US Navy begins use of LCVPs (Landing Craft, Personal Vehicles) to ferry troops across the Rhine River at Bad Neuenahr, Germany.
1965 - Operation Market Time (Coastal Patrol Force) patrols begin off the South Vietnam coast. The objective is to interdict enemy efforts moving supplies to South Vietnam by sea.
1941 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Lend-Lease Act, which permits delivery of war materials to Allied Powers on credit or lease.
1942 - Lt. John Bulkeley, commander of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3, helps Gen. Douglas MacArthur and Rear Adm. Francis W. Rockwell, as well as their families and others, escape the Philippines in motor torpedo boats PT 32, PT 34, PT 35, and PT 41. For this action, along with other operations in the Philippines during the start of World War II, he receives the Medal of Honor.
1945 - The US Navy begins use of LCVPs (Landing Craft, Personal Vehicles) to ferry troops across the Rhine River at Bad Neuenahr, Germany.
1965 - Operation Market Time (Coastal Patrol Force) patrols begin off the South Vietnam coast. The objective is to interdict enemy efforts moving supplies to South Vietnam by sea.
MARCH 12
1864 - During the Civil War, Union screw gunboat Aroostook captures the schooner Marion near Velasco, Texas and the screw steamer Massachusetts captures the sloop Persis in Wassaw Sound, Ga.
1904 - The Marine detachment from USS Cincinnati (C 7) provides protection and assistance during the evacuation of Americans from Chemuplo (Inchon) and Seoul, Korea, when they are endangered by the Russo-Japanese War.
1942 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt designates Adm. Ernest J. King to serve as the Chief of Naval Operations, as well as the Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet (he was appointed on Dec. 30, 1941).
1943 - USS Champlin (DD-601) sinks German submarine U-130, which had previously sunk 25 Allied vessels, including three US Navy ships during Operation Torch.
1956 - The first missile firing aircraft squadron, Attack Squadron 83, is deployed overseas aboard USS Intrepid (CVA 11).
1904 - The Marine detachment from USS Cincinnati (C 7) provides protection and assistance during the evacuation of Americans from Chemuplo (Inchon) and Seoul, Korea, when they are endangered by the Russo-Japanese War.
1942 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt designates Adm. Ernest J. King to serve as the Chief of Naval Operations, as well as the Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet (he was appointed on Dec. 30, 1941).
1943 - USS Champlin (DD-601) sinks German submarine U-130, which had previously sunk 25 Allied vessels, including three US Navy ships during Operation Torch.
1956 - The first missile firing aircraft squadron, Attack Squadron 83, is deployed overseas aboard USS Intrepid (CVA 11).
MARCH 13
1941 - USS Ericsson (DD 440) is commissioned. She is the third US Navy warship named for Swedish inventor John Ericsson.
1944 - Torpedo bomber aircraft from Composite Squadron Ninety-Five (VC 95) based on board escort carrier Bogue (CVE 9), along with USS Hobson (DD 464) and USS Haverfield (DE 393), Canadian frigate HMCS Prince Rupert and RAF Flying Fortress (No. 220 Squadron) sink German submarine U 575 in the North Atlantic.
1952 - During the Korean War, counter-battery engagements by USS Manchester (CL 83), USS James E. Kyes (DD 787), USS McGinty (DE 365) and USS Douglas H. Fox (DD 779) are supported by aircraft from Task Force 77 silence enemy guns at Kalmagak during the Siege of Wonsan.
1963 - USS Albany (CG-10) and aircraft from Navy Airborne Early Warning Squadron Four aid five ill crewmembers of Norwegian freighter Jotunfjell.
1982 - USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) is commissioned at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Corp, Newport News, Va. The warship is the third in the Nimitz-class of aircraft carriers and is homeported at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Calif.
1993 - USS Montpelier (SSN 765) is commissioned at Naval Station Norfolk, her homeport. The boat is the 15th in the Los Angeles-Improved class of attack submarines.
1944 - Torpedo bomber aircraft from Composite Squadron Ninety-Five (VC 95) based on board escort carrier Bogue (CVE 9), along with USS Hobson (DD 464) and USS Haverfield (DE 393), Canadian frigate HMCS Prince Rupert and RAF Flying Fortress (No. 220 Squadron) sink German submarine U 575 in the North Atlantic.
1952 - During the Korean War, counter-battery engagements by USS Manchester (CL 83), USS James E. Kyes (DD 787), USS McGinty (DE 365) and USS Douglas H. Fox (DD 779) are supported by aircraft from Task Force 77 silence enemy guns at Kalmagak during the Siege of Wonsan.
1963 - USS Albany (CG-10) and aircraft from Navy Airborne Early Warning Squadron Four aid five ill crewmembers of Norwegian freighter Jotunfjell.
1982 - USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) is commissioned at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Corp, Newport News, Va. The warship is the third in the Nimitz-class of aircraft carriers and is homeported at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Calif.
1993 - USS Montpelier (SSN 765) is commissioned at Naval Station Norfolk, her homeport. The boat is the 15th in the Los Angeles-Improved class of attack submarines.
RELATED NEWS
Navy Adds Measures to Enhance Safety During Shipboard Flight Operations
From Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- New procedures that will aid surface warfare officers and helicopter pilots while increasing safety during flight operations on destroyers have been successfully tested and recently rolled out to the fleet.
"Operator polar plots" (OPP) consist of a series of placard overlays that identify limits and safety considerations that take into account a ship's speed and sea conditions in addition to pitch, roll and relative winds. Based on the height and direction of waves, a specific OPP is used by both the ship's officer of the deck and the helicopter pilot to determine the best options for safely landing a helicopter on a ship's flight deck.
Destroyers and their aviation detachment crews fleetwide have been trained on using the OPPs. As well, surface officers in training pipelines including the Basic Division Officer Course, Surface Warfare Officer School, and prospective CO/XO indoctrination are also being trained on their usage before heading to their new commands.
"This was a joint effort across several commands," said Capt. Jack Olive, responsible for aviation operations aboard surface ships for Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Air Forces, Navy Safety Center and Naval Surface Forces worked together to address the safety concerns of landing helicopters on low freeboard flight decks, such as destroyers."
A low freeboard flight deck is one that is close enough to the surface of the water such that a wave could wash over the flight deck, creating a hazardous situation for crew and equipment. Olive noted that Arleigh Burke-class destroyers have a flight deck approximately 13 feet above the waterline.
"Because the deck is so close to the waterline, conditions could exist that allow waves to more readily come over the deck," Olive said.
He said such a condition was cited as a factor in a 2013 mishap aboard an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer where two aviators lost their lives and an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter was lost when a wave washed over the deck and swept the helicopter overboard.
"We are continuously reassessing our safety procedures," said Capt. Curtis Shaub, aviation safety director for Naval Air Forces. "In this case, we specifically looked at how best to prevent this sort of mishap from occurring in the future. We have been working to mitigate the risks involved and to come up with a better, more comprehensive solution."
OPPs are placards that officers of the deck use to plot the ship's heading and speed, with overlays designed for certain sea states to determine limits for safe handling during flight operations. The direction of waves relative to the ship heading and ship speed are also marked on the placard. This plotted point will exist somewhere on the graph and if a given condition (denoted by different colors and crosshatch marks) indicate potentially risky or dangerous conditions, the ship can take actions, such as adjusting ship's course and speed, to mitigate those conditions.
Ship speed is shown in five-knot increments on concentric circles from the center of a graph, with waves shown relative to the ship's position. Red and yellow areas are speed-heading combinations to be avoided. Regions defined by dark lines with cross hatching reflect areas where launch and recovery roll and pitch limits may be exceeded.
"We conducted a preliminary exercise in September by giving the polar plots to six officers -- three surface warfare officers and three pilots -- with only a written explanation and no other guidance," said Olive. "They were put in situations that required them to use polar plots to assess and manage the risk. The group successfully used the polar plots with ease and recommended integrating them into the fleet."
Shaub said while no single procedure or process can fully prevent future mishaps, the goal of utilizing OPPs is, "to provide Sailors with risk mitigation tools which will help them to make more informed decisions."
"Operations at sea and in aviation are complex and inherently dangerous," he said. "Our sea-air teams are trained to look at everything we do from exercises to real-world operations through a lens of safety. Now that these OPPs have been integrated throughout the fleet, we're better prepared for challenging sea conditions. We'll be monitoring their effect and continually improving them based on what we learn."
For more news from Naval Surface Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnsp/.
From Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- New procedures that will aid surface warfare officers and helicopter pilots while increasing safety during flight operations on destroyers have been successfully tested and recently rolled out to the fleet.
"Operator polar plots" (OPP) consist of a series of placard overlays that identify limits and safety considerations that take into account a ship's speed and sea conditions in addition to pitch, roll and relative winds. Based on the height and direction of waves, a specific OPP is used by both the ship's officer of the deck and the helicopter pilot to determine the best options for safely landing a helicopter on a ship's flight deck.
Destroyers and their aviation detachment crews fleetwide have been trained on using the OPPs. As well, surface officers in training pipelines including the Basic Division Officer Course, Surface Warfare Officer School, and prospective CO/XO indoctrination are also being trained on their usage before heading to their new commands.
"This was a joint effort across several commands," said Capt. Jack Olive, responsible for aviation operations aboard surface ships for Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Air Forces, Navy Safety Center and Naval Surface Forces worked together to address the safety concerns of landing helicopters on low freeboard flight decks, such as destroyers."
A low freeboard flight deck is one that is close enough to the surface of the water such that a wave could wash over the flight deck, creating a hazardous situation for crew and equipment. Olive noted that Arleigh Burke-class destroyers have a flight deck approximately 13 feet above the waterline.
"Because the deck is so close to the waterline, conditions could exist that allow waves to more readily come over the deck," Olive said.
He said such a condition was cited as a factor in a 2013 mishap aboard an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer where two aviators lost their lives and an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter was lost when a wave washed over the deck and swept the helicopter overboard.
"We are continuously reassessing our safety procedures," said Capt. Curtis Shaub, aviation safety director for Naval Air Forces. "In this case, we specifically looked at how best to prevent this sort of mishap from occurring in the future. We have been working to mitigate the risks involved and to come up with a better, more comprehensive solution."
OPPs are placards that officers of the deck use to plot the ship's heading and speed, with overlays designed for certain sea states to determine limits for safe handling during flight operations. The direction of waves relative to the ship heading and ship speed are also marked on the placard. This plotted point will exist somewhere on the graph and if a given condition (denoted by different colors and crosshatch marks) indicate potentially risky or dangerous conditions, the ship can take actions, such as adjusting ship's course and speed, to mitigate those conditions.
Ship speed is shown in five-knot increments on concentric circles from the center of a graph, with waves shown relative to the ship's position. Red and yellow areas are speed-heading combinations to be avoided. Regions defined by dark lines with cross hatching reflect areas where launch and recovery roll and pitch limits may be exceeded.
"We conducted a preliminary exercise in September by giving the polar plots to six officers -- three surface warfare officers and three pilots -- with only a written explanation and no other guidance," said Olive. "They were put in situations that required them to use polar plots to assess and manage the risk. The group successfully used the polar plots with ease and recommended integrating them into the fleet."
Shaub said while no single procedure or process can fully prevent future mishaps, the goal of utilizing OPPs is, "to provide Sailors with risk mitigation tools which will help them to make more informed decisions."
"Operations at sea and in aviation are complex and inherently dangerous," he said. "Our sea-air teams are trained to look at everything we do from exercises to real-world operations through a lens of safety. Now that these OPPs have been integrated throughout the fleet, we're better prepared for challenging sea conditions. We'll be monitoring their effect and continually improving them based on what we learn."
For more news from Naval Surface Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnsp/.
CNO, CNP Talk Personnel on Conversation with a Shipmate
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Julianne F. Metzger, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy's top admiral and personnel chief released another installment March 2 of the Internet video series, "Conversation with a Shipmate."
Lt. Caroline Hutcheson and Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elliott Fabrizio interviewed Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) Vice Adm. Bill Moran last week.
Deep in the belly of the Pentagon, CNO and CNP answered questions regarding Navy personnel. Together they tackled salient manning issues: modernizing Navy's outdated personnel system, maximizing career-long technical training, moving away from year-group management, and reassessing the Body Composition Assessment (BCA) standards for the biannual Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA).
Greenert began the conversation by saying that taking care of Sailors is both a short and long term issue. Today, the Navy is focused on improving manning and manpower by filling gapped billets at sea, stabilizing promotion opportunities, and working to make deployment lengths shorter and more predictable. In the future, CNO said the focus will be on recruiting, training and retaining the right force to meet tomorrow's challenges.
"People are our asymmetric advantage," Greenert said. "We ask them to do so much and we need to take care of them in the here and now."
Meanwhile Moran addressed opportunities he views now to update and invest in how the Navy manages its people. He noted that the current personnel system requires a major overhaul, having not been appreciably changed since the 1940's.
"We want motivated, smart people to stay in our Navy," said Moran.
Moran went on to say specifically that the year-group system for officers and enlisted is a "fundamental flaw" in the Navy's system for managing its people.
"We've upgraded our ships, our computers and our weapons systems," said Greenert. "It's time to upgrade our personnel system. We're going to pull together and make this right."
Despite both leaders' desire to modernize the systems in place, both enthusiastically praised those Sailors working in and around the Navy that diligently manage the Navy's human resources.
"We've got phenomenal people working in Millington; community managers, and detailers," said Moran. I look forward to the coming months where we can create tools they can use to make the Navy even better, Moran said also.
Greenert too had a message of gratitude to Sailors who enable the Navy to sail smoothly on a daily basis.
"Our people are getting it done," said Greenert. "We're going to bring our personnel system to the 21st century."
For the full-length interview, tune into Conversation with a Shipmate on your Direct-to-Sailor network or go to this link: http://www.navy.mil/
For more news from Chief of Naval Operations, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cno/.
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Julianne F. Metzger, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy's top admiral and personnel chief released another installment March 2 of the Internet video series, "Conversation with a Shipmate."
Lt. Caroline Hutcheson and Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elliott Fabrizio interviewed Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) Vice Adm. Bill Moran last week.
Deep in the belly of the Pentagon, CNO and CNP answered questions regarding Navy personnel. Together they tackled salient manning issues: modernizing Navy's outdated personnel system, maximizing career-long technical training, moving away from year-group management, and reassessing the Body Composition Assessment (BCA) standards for the biannual Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA).
Greenert began the conversation by saying that taking care of Sailors is both a short and long term issue. Today, the Navy is focused on improving manning and manpower by filling gapped billets at sea, stabilizing promotion opportunities, and working to make deployment lengths shorter and more predictable. In the future, CNO said the focus will be on recruiting, training and retaining the right force to meet tomorrow's challenges.
"People are our asymmetric advantage," Greenert said. "We ask them to do so much and we need to take care of them in the here and now."
Meanwhile Moran addressed opportunities he views now to update and invest in how the Navy manages its people. He noted that the current personnel system requires a major overhaul, having not been appreciably changed since the 1940's.
"We want motivated, smart people to stay in our Navy," said Moran.
Moran went on to say specifically that the year-group system for officers and enlisted is a "fundamental flaw" in the Navy's system for managing its people.
"We've upgraded our ships, our computers and our weapons systems," said Greenert. "It's time to upgrade our personnel system. We're going to pull together and make this right."
Despite both leaders' desire to modernize the systems in place, both enthusiastically praised those Sailors working in and around the Navy that diligently manage the Navy's human resources.
"We've got phenomenal people working in Millington; community managers, and detailers," said Moran. I look forward to the coming months where we can create tools they can use to make the Navy even better, Moran said also.
Greenert too had a message of gratitude to Sailors who enable the Navy to sail smoothly on a daily basis.
"Our people are getting it done," said Greenert. "We're going to bring our personnel system to the 21st century."
For the full-length interview, tune into Conversation with a Shipmate on your Direct-to-Sailor network or go to this link: http://www.navy.mil/
For more news from Chief of Naval Operations, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cno/.
Standard Operating Procedures Available to Assist Personnel Actions
From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs Office
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Pay and Personnel Administrative Support System (PASS) program has created more than 30 standard operating procedures (SOP) to help Sailors perform their day-to-day personnel activities like travel claims and updating records Navy administrators said recently.
The SOPs are accessed through the Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E) intranet on any command access card-enabled computer. A fact sheet is available to show you how to access the SOPs as part of Navy Personnel Command's Plain Talk series atwww.npc.navy.mil/career/
"Accurate records really start and end with Sailors. We have had some travel claims taking longer to process than we like lately," said Senior Chief Personnel Specialist (SW/AW) Paul A. Smith II, Performance Management Branch, Pay and Personnel Management Division, Navy Personnel Command. "We have created a checklist that Sailors can print out prior to their permanent-change-of-station travel, stick it in a plastic bag or envelope and take with them. If they take everything on the checklist, put it in the bag and give it to their command pass coordinator (CPC) at the other end, they should have no problems getting their travel claim settled quickly."
Travel claims are just one of the many things covered by the SOPs, other subjects include special pays, basic housing allowance, fleet reserve and retirement requests, updating emergency data and transfers to mention a few.
"The CPC exists to support the Sailor, and Sailors can educate themselves and help their CPCs at the same time by knowing what they need to do in order to get processes done," said Smith. "It is the Sailor's career, so we want them to have the tools to make it run as smoothly as possible."
For more information on other pay and personnel issues go towww.npc.navy.mil.
For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visitwww.navy.mil/local/npc/.
From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs Office
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Pay and Personnel Administrative Support System (PASS) program has created more than 30 standard operating procedures (SOP) to help Sailors perform their day-to-day personnel activities like travel claims and updating records Navy administrators said recently.
The SOPs are accessed through the Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E) intranet on any command access card-enabled computer. A fact sheet is available to show you how to access the SOPs as part of Navy Personnel Command's Plain Talk series atwww.npc.navy.mil/career/
"Accurate records really start and end with Sailors. We have had some travel claims taking longer to process than we like lately," said Senior Chief Personnel Specialist (SW/AW) Paul A. Smith II, Performance Management Branch, Pay and Personnel Management Division, Navy Personnel Command. "We have created a checklist that Sailors can print out prior to their permanent-change-of-station travel, stick it in a plastic bag or envelope and take with them. If they take everything on the checklist, put it in the bag and give it to their command pass coordinator (CPC) at the other end, they should have no problems getting their travel claim settled quickly."
Travel claims are just one of the many things covered by the SOPs, other subjects include special pays, basic housing allowance, fleet reserve and retirement requests, updating emergency data and transfers to mention a few.
"The CPC exists to support the Sailor, and Sailors can educate themselves and help their CPCs at the same time by knowing what they need to do in order to get processes done," said Smith. "It is the Sailor's career, so we want them to have the tools to make it run as smoothly as possible."
For more information on other pay and personnel issues go towww.npc.navy.mil.
For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visitwww.navy.mil/local/npc/.
SPAWAR FRD Improves Shipboard Combat Readiness
By Krishna M. Jackson, SPAWAR Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) integrated a system of systems operability testing (SOT) capability for combatant ships onboard USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), which just completed an availability and sea trial period utilizing the new SOT combat readiness testing, March 6.
SOTs are part of ensuring interdependent command and control systems work seamlessly. Combat systems command and control is referred to as C5I and encompasses everything C4I (command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence) does, but includes combat systems. SPAWAR Fleet Readiness Directorate (FRD) along with associated Program Executive Offices (PEOs) oversee many of these C4I and C5I systems onboard Navy ships, including acquisition, installation and support for command and control of advanced military information technology (IT) systems. However, the process of modernizing and upgrading a ship's command and control system has proven challenging.
"I know that some of the discrepancies discovered would have taken months for the ship to finally realize, troubleshoot, find and fix on their own without system SMEs onboard," said Cmdr. Ryan Mahelona, SPAWAR FRD C5I SOT test director on the effectiveness of the C5I SOT aboard Curtis Wilbur. "As a forward deployed naval force ship, time is critical, especially when operational demands warrant the need to be ready."
The concept of a C5I SOT test was initially formulated in 2010 and was first implemented on a limited scale on a few force level ships. Since then, C5I SOT testing has evolved into the current format which has been largely driven by the fielding of the Navy's newest C4I system: Consolidated Afloat Network Enterprise System (CANES).
"In recent years, the level of system to system interoperability has grown and the sophistication of software and hardware elements more complex," said Mahelona referring to CANES. "As a result, a higher level of system interoperability is required, which has led to greater concern in combat system interdependence on C4I systems."
CANES is the latest tactical network being installed on Navy ships. It consolidates five legacy network systems into one, increasing operational effectiveness and interoperability. It will influence the advancement of C4I and C5I testing processes and, according to Mahelona, influence the way the Navy looks at C4I and C5I.
"This all came about because of the gaps that existed with C4I testing and emphasis on interoperability," said Mahelona. "When we talk about asymmetric warfare, we need to look at how we deliver the ships to the fleet in the highest readiness form that we can. In order to do that, we came up with this concept of doing a systems of systems operability test, because the system operability verification tests (SOVTs) being done are specific to a particular system."
The FRD developed SOVTs to address operational efficiency and to validate the functionality of respective systems, but ships that receive modernized/upgraded installs like CANES often experience problems with interoperability. In addition, a lack of emphasis on C5I testing prior to a ship's basic training phase frequently resulted in discrepancies being discovered late in the training cycle, and in some cases, just prior to the ship deploying.
"This SOT is a level six and level seven test that tests systems of systems interoperability, which typically require higher level link testing," said FRD Installations Program Manager Capt. Allan Walters. "The SOT is primarily at the end of an availability to bring together legacy testing and new system testing. The ship will then have the confidence that the systems work properly prior to going into their workups."
C5I SOT testing currently is not a fleet requirement, despite increasing requests from the fleet. Since October 2013, C5I SOTs have been executed on eleven destroyers, one amphibious assault ship and two aircraft carriers.
"By design, the C5I SOT brings a C5I testing emphasis earlier into the training cycle and before the ship's basic training phase," said Mahelona. "Based on the ships we have done, we're definitely heading in the right direction."
As the Navy's Information Dominance systems command, SPAWAR designs, develops and deploys advanced communications and information capabilities for the warfighter. With nearly 10,000 acquisition professionals located around the world and close to the fleet, the organization is at the forefront of research, engineering and support services that provide vital decision superiority for the warfighter.
For more news on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visithttp://www.public.navy.mil/
For more news from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visitwww.navy.mil/local/spawar/.
By Krishna M. Jackson, SPAWAR Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) integrated a system of systems operability testing (SOT) capability for combatant ships onboard USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), which just completed an availability and sea trial period utilizing the new SOT combat readiness testing, March 6.
SOTs are part of ensuring interdependent command and control systems work seamlessly. Combat systems command and control is referred to as C5I and encompasses everything C4I (command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence) does, but includes combat systems. SPAWAR Fleet Readiness Directorate (FRD) along with associated Program Executive Offices (PEOs) oversee many of these C4I and C5I systems onboard Navy ships, including acquisition, installation and support for command and control of advanced military information technology (IT) systems. However, the process of modernizing and upgrading a ship's command and control system has proven challenging.
"I know that some of the discrepancies discovered would have taken months for the ship to finally realize, troubleshoot, find and fix on their own without system SMEs onboard," said Cmdr. Ryan Mahelona, SPAWAR FRD C5I SOT test director on the effectiveness of the C5I SOT aboard Curtis Wilbur. "As a forward deployed naval force ship, time is critical, especially when operational demands warrant the need to be ready."
The concept of a C5I SOT test was initially formulated in 2010 and was first implemented on a limited scale on a few force level ships. Since then, C5I SOT testing has evolved into the current format which has been largely driven by the fielding of the Navy's newest C4I system: Consolidated Afloat Network Enterprise System (CANES).
"In recent years, the level of system to system interoperability has grown and the sophistication of software and hardware elements more complex," said Mahelona referring to CANES. "As a result, a higher level of system interoperability is required, which has led to greater concern in combat system interdependence on C4I systems."
CANES is the latest tactical network being installed on Navy ships. It consolidates five legacy network systems into one, increasing operational effectiveness and interoperability. It will influence the advancement of C4I and C5I testing processes and, according to Mahelona, influence the way the Navy looks at C4I and C5I.
"This all came about because of the gaps that existed with C4I testing and emphasis on interoperability," said Mahelona. "When we talk about asymmetric warfare, we need to look at how we deliver the ships to the fleet in the highest readiness form that we can. In order to do that, we came up with this concept of doing a systems of systems operability test, because the system operability verification tests (SOVTs) being done are specific to a particular system."
The FRD developed SOVTs to address operational efficiency and to validate the functionality of respective systems, but ships that receive modernized/upgraded installs like CANES often experience problems with interoperability. In addition, a lack of emphasis on C5I testing prior to a ship's basic training phase frequently resulted in discrepancies being discovered late in the training cycle, and in some cases, just prior to the ship deploying.
"This SOT is a level six and level seven test that tests systems of systems interoperability, which typically require higher level link testing," said FRD Installations Program Manager Capt. Allan Walters. "The SOT is primarily at the end of an availability to bring together legacy testing and new system testing. The ship will then have the confidence that the systems work properly prior to going into their workups."
C5I SOT testing currently is not a fleet requirement, despite increasing requests from the fleet. Since October 2013, C5I SOTs have been executed on eleven destroyers, one amphibious assault ship and two aircraft carriers.
"By design, the C5I SOT brings a C5I testing emphasis earlier into the training cycle and before the ship's basic training phase," said Mahelona. "Based on the ships we have done, we're definitely heading in the right direction."
As the Navy's Information Dominance systems command, SPAWAR designs, develops and deploys advanced communications and information capabilities for the warfighter. With nearly 10,000 acquisition professionals located around the world and close to the fleet, the organization is at the forefront of research, engineering and support services that provide vital decision superiority for the warfighter.
For more news on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visithttp://www.public.navy.mil/
For more news from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visitwww.navy.mil/local/spawar/.
Liberty Policy Update Expands CO's Authority
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy liberty policy revisions announced March 2, and outlined in MILPERSMAN 1050-290 provide commanding officers with greater clarification and authority to manage their people and meet mission requirements.
Consistent with Chief of Naval Personnel's goal to provide more authority back to command triads and allow for more effective management of their people, the revised policy expands descriptions of when special liberty may be appropriate, including for compassionate reasons.
Those examples include granting special liberty after extended deployments or time away from homeport, to reward exceptional performance, allow for Sailors to attend a funeral of a family member or assist one dealing with serious illness or injury, or any special occasion or circumstance determined by the commanding officer.
Leaders will also be able to establish their own "out of bounds" for liberty and special liberty and modify it as operational requirements dictate.
What's not changed is that special liberty may not exceed four days, or be combined with normal liberty or special holidays to allow for an absence exceeding four days. Sailors combining regular leave with special liberty still must start and finish leave at their home station or port.
The revised MILPERSMAN 1050-290 can be reviewed atwww.npc.navy.mil.
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy liberty policy revisions announced March 2, and outlined in MILPERSMAN 1050-290 provide commanding officers with greater clarification and authority to manage their people and meet mission requirements.
Consistent with Chief of Naval Personnel's goal to provide more authority back to command triads and allow for more effective management of their people, the revised policy expands descriptions of when special liberty may be appropriate, including for compassionate reasons.
Those examples include granting special liberty after extended deployments or time away from homeport, to reward exceptional performance, allow for Sailors to attend a funeral of a family member or assist one dealing with serious illness or injury, or any special occasion or circumstance determined by the commanding officer.
Leaders will also be able to establish their own "out of bounds" for liberty and special liberty and modify it as operational requirements dictate.
What's not changed is that special liberty may not exceed four days, or be combined with normal liberty or special holidays to allow for an absence exceeding four days. Sailors combining regular leave with special liberty still must start and finish leave at their home station or port.
The revised MILPERSMAN 1050-290 can be reviewed atwww.npc.navy.mil.
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
High Seas Must Remain Open to All, Navy Leader Says
By Jim Garamone, DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The world's ocean trade routes must remain open to all to maintain global commerce, the vice chief of naval operations said Feb. 24.
"The world [economy] depends on those high seas staying free," Navy Adm. Michelle J. Howard told CNN's Jim Sciutto during the NewAmerica Future of War Project conference.
Noting that China is building its blue-water navy, Sciutto asked Howard how that could affect the maritime situation. China, she replied, "refers to itself as maturing and is starting to stretch its muscles in terms of who they are and how they see themselves as a world power."
Countries ask themselves if it is possible to be a world power without military power, and "China has taken the path that in order to be a global power, they have to have military strength," the admiral said.
*U.S. Navy Seeks to Maintain Advantage*
China is building its navy and following the path of many other countries in history, including the United Kingdom and the United States, copying what has been successful, the admiral said. But the United States wants to maintain its military advantage at sea, she added, and the Navy is continuing to acquire and adapt to maintain the lead.
But China is not what keeps her up at night, the vice chief said. North Korea and the capriciousness of its leader do worry her, she said. "When you have countries that have a certain amount of strength ... and then the leadership does not operate logically or on an agreed framework, then that creates a challenge," she added.
*Working With China on Framework*
The United States is working with China to create such a framework, Howard said. "We've made some tremendous progress with military-to-military contacts," she told Sciutto. "The chief of naval operations has had several engagements with his counterpart."
Last year at the Western Pacific Naval Symposium, leaders from several nations, including China, agreed to adopt a code for unexpected encounters at sea, Howard said.
"We have a way at the tactical level for our ships to communicate with each other, to alleviate any misunderstandings," she added. "There has been great dialogue and great movement between our navies."
Sciutto asked Howard if she worries about China's naval build up.
*Alternate Futures*
"The world is always a magical place, there are always a number of alternative futures that can unfold," she said. "You can look at it as a potential conflict -- that's one alternate future. You can look at it on the strength of the trade partnership we have with China -- that's another. And it's not just with China. It's all the nations of the region -- Japan, India, South Korea.
"So there are alternative futures here," she continued, "and what are we doing to walk down a path that walks away from conflict or creates the stepping stones to conflict?"
Guiding China and working with China is the best policy for the future of the world, Howard said.
Howard was promoted to the rank of four-star admiral on July 1, 2014, during a ceremony at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus presided over the ceremony and administered the oath of office.
Howard is the first female four-star admiral in the history of the U.S. Navy.
By Jim Garamone, DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The world's ocean trade routes must remain open to all to maintain global commerce, the vice chief of naval operations said Feb. 24.
"The world [economy] depends on those high seas staying free," Navy Adm. Michelle J. Howard told CNN's Jim Sciutto during the NewAmerica Future of War Project conference.
Noting that China is building its blue-water navy, Sciutto asked Howard how that could affect the maritime situation. China, she replied, "refers to itself as maturing and is starting to stretch its muscles in terms of who they are and how they see themselves as a world power."
Countries ask themselves if it is possible to be a world power without military power, and "China has taken the path that in order to be a global power, they have to have military strength," the admiral said.
*U.S. Navy Seeks to Maintain Advantage*
China is building its navy and following the path of many other countries in history, including the United Kingdom and the United States, copying what has been successful, the admiral said. But the United States wants to maintain its military advantage at sea, she added, and the Navy is continuing to acquire and adapt to maintain the lead.
But China is not what keeps her up at night, the vice chief said. North Korea and the capriciousness of its leader do worry her, she said. "When you have countries that have a certain amount of strength ... and then the leadership does not operate logically or on an agreed framework, then that creates a challenge," she added.
*Working With China on Framework*
The United States is working with China to create such a framework, Howard said. "We've made some tremendous progress with military-to-military contacts," she told Sciutto. "The chief of naval operations has had several engagements with his counterpart."
Last year at the Western Pacific Naval Symposium, leaders from several nations, including China, agreed to adopt a code for unexpected encounters at sea, Howard said.
"We have a way at the tactical level for our ships to communicate with each other, to alleviate any misunderstandings," she added. "There has been great dialogue and great movement between our navies."
Sciutto asked Howard if she worries about China's naval build up.
*Alternate Futures*
"The world is always a magical place, there are always a number of alternative futures that can unfold," she said. "You can look at it as a potential conflict -- that's one alternate future. You can look at it on the strength of the trade partnership we have with China -- that's another. And it's not just with China. It's all the nations of the region -- Japan, India, South Korea.
"So there are alternative futures here," she continued, "and what are we doing to walk down a path that walks away from conflict or creates the stepping stones to conflict?"
Guiding China and working with China is the best policy for the future of the world, Howard said.
Howard was promoted to the rank of four-star admiral on July 1, 2014, during a ceremony at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus presided over the ceremony and administered the oath of office.
Howard is the first female four-star admiral in the history of the U.S. Navy.
Sailor Continues Family's Dive Legacy During YOMD Celebration
By Jacqui Barker, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Public Affairs
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (NNS) -- Ask any military diver today or from yesteryear about what makes their military community so special and you'll hear one word: Brotherhood.
For two men stationed onboard Naval Support Activity Panama City (NSA PC) Florida, this brotherhood allows them to share both a personal and professional bond in the home of military diving during this, the Year of the Military Diver.
Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC)'s Training Officer Lt. Jason Junker today serves in the U.S. Navy's diving community as an explosive ordnance disposal officer just across the base from his father David Junker, a retired master chief machinist's mate and diver, who serves as the in-service engineering agent for the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) systems at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD). The latter Junker retired in 1997 after 20 years on active duty and four years in the reserves.
"Being a Navy diver to me means being part of a long legacy of Navy divers, conducting work under extraordinarily difficult conditions. That was very rewarding for me," said Dave Junker. "On many occasions during my career, I reflected on how much I enjoyed the work and camaraderie, ultimately leading to a full career in this field."
Following in his father's impressive and successful footsteps, Jason graduated from Bay High School in 1997 and enlisted in the Navy in 1999. Working his way up through the enlisted ranks and the EOD community, he advanced to chief petty officer before he was selected for the Seaman-to-Admiral program in which he earned his commission. Since first enlisting, Jason has served in Operations Enduring Freedom and OIF. He has been stationed at EOD mobile units 2, 6, and 5. Today, Junker is NDSTC's third in command.
"Being a military diver means having the honor to follow in the footsteps of some of the bravest men and women who have served our country," said Jason. "It's also about maintaining the proud tradition and heritage they built for us, while moving forward in today's Navy and creating new milestones for future military divers to be proud."
While his most memorable dive job or duty station to date remains with EOD Mobile Unit 2 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, he can embrace the legacy of being in the military dive community during the Year of the Military Diver commemoration. This year, 2015, is also the 100th anniversary of the Mark V dive suit and NDSTC's 35th anniversary.
"The year of the military diver offers a time to gather the diving communities from all DOD services together to share experiences and discuss our history," said Jason. "It provides a rare opportunity for young divers to give something back to those that went before us. It also offers education and quality interaction between our diving community and Bay County leadership."
Dave Junker, who grew up in Galion, Ohio, enlisted in the Navy's submarine community in 1972. He fondly remembers when the facilities that now embody the home of military diving were being built on the Navy base in Bay County, Florida. It's an area that he proudly calls home and has worked at NSWC PCD now for 10 years.
"I was on staff at the Washington Navy Yard until 1978 and I went through first class dive school here in 1980 when the old YDTs were here," said Dave. "I had a four-year break in service and was in the reserves with the Harbor Clearance Unit in Seattle. A chief petty officer I had worked for persuaded me to return to active duty."
Initially, Dave was a "nuke" before he became a Navy diver and was stationed onboard USS Proteus (AS 19), and served in a staff billet at Navy First Class Dive School, Washington Navy Yard, before the function was transferred to NDSTC by 1980. He was also stationed at Naval Medical Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, MV Seaforth Clansman with the British Ministry of Defense diver exchange program, USS Ortolan (ASR 22) as a saturation diver, and the Submarine Development Group One, where he worked deep submergence operations support. Finally, he worked at the Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) located onboard NSA PC in Panama City, Florida, where he served as an unmanned test director and unlimited dive supervisor. Of all the wide range of experiences Dave had throughout his 20 year of Navy diving, he fondly recalls his work as a research subject between 1984 and 1987 at the Naval Medical Research Institute.
"What made this job so memorable for me was the testing and understanding the limits of physiological and psychological limitations for extended underwater missions," said Dave.
Today, Dave reflects on what being a Navy diver has meant to him.
"To be part of a long legacy of Navy divers, conducting work under extraordinarily difficult conditions was very rewarding," he said. "On many occasions during my career, I reflected on how much I enjoyed the work and camaraderie, ultimately leading to a full career in this field."
Today, Dave continues to support his dive community but these days it's as a federal civil servant working on EOD systems at NSWC PCD, which is a research, development, test and evaluation facility. Over the years, he has not only watched the base grow into a military dive hub, he has been a major part of it.
"Certainly, in our local community, Navy divers are well known and are hopefully well regarded," said Dave. "Panama City has been the hub of Navy dive training since 1980 when NDSTC opened, and with the Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) being here since 1970."
Military divers have been stationed or trained at the Navy base for almost 60 years when divers worked at the base - then called the Mine Defense Laboratory - on mine countermeasures, and diving and life support programs. Those programs have endured and are now supported by NSWC PCD where Dave Junker is employed working engineering and system development for EOD and diving.
"For many divers, Bay County feels like your hometown because at some point, we've all come through the dive school for training," said Jason. "Small, specialized communities, like EOD or divers, tend to go unnoticed most of the time to the public. Panama City and Panama City Beach are unique in that they are exposed to such a large number of men and women divers from all services and Department of Defense (DoD) organizations. The local public seems to recognize the work and sacrifice that the diving community has made and has supported our service members extremely well."
At NDSTC, Junker is responsible for all NDSTC training courses for each branch of service, foreign national and interagency programs. Annually, NDSTC trains more than 1,300 students in various subjects in all ranks. Specifically, NDSTC houses 23 certified diver life support systems, which include six hyperbaric recompression chambers, two diving simulation facilities capable to 300 feet, an aquatics training facility which is the second largest pool in the U.S., a submarine lock-out trunk and two 133-foot yard diving tenders (YDT) for open, ocean-diving support with recompression chambers and mixed gas diving capabilities.
"Jason Junker is a tribute to Panama City. He grew up in this city and graduated from Bay High School," said NDSTC Commanding Officer Cmdr. Hung Cao. "Today, he is not only walking in his father's footsteps but he is also the training officer responsible for developing the next generation of divers."
NDSTC students are trained in basic gas laws, diving medicine, recompression chamber operations, salvage mathematics, and salvage operations. The schoolhouse is the largest diving facility in the world and it trains military divers from all services. More than 1,300 students train each year in the 23 courses. Students include candidates for submarine SCUBA, U.S. Navy deep sea divers, Seabee underwater construction divers, joint service diving officers, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) divers, diving medical technicians, diving medical officers, U.S. Army Engineer divers, U.S. Marine Corps combatant divers, U.S. Coast Guard divers, and U.S. Air Force pararescue operators and combat controllers. A limited number of U.S. law enforcement, U.S. government agency and students from allied and coalition nations also train at NDSTC.
NSWC PCD: Technical Center of Excellence for Littoral Warfare & Coastal Defense
For more news from Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, visit www.navy.mil/local/NSWC/.
By Jacqui Barker, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Public Affairs
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (NNS) -- Ask any military diver today or from yesteryear about what makes their military community so special and you'll hear one word: Brotherhood.
For two men stationed onboard Naval Support Activity Panama City (NSA PC) Florida, this brotherhood allows them to share both a personal and professional bond in the home of military diving during this, the Year of the Military Diver.
Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC)'s Training Officer Lt. Jason Junker today serves in the U.S. Navy's diving community as an explosive ordnance disposal officer just across the base from his father David Junker, a retired master chief machinist's mate and diver, who serves as the in-service engineering agent for the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) systems at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD). The latter Junker retired in 1997 after 20 years on active duty and four years in the reserves.
"Being a Navy diver to me means being part of a long legacy of Navy divers, conducting work under extraordinarily difficult conditions. That was very rewarding for me," said Dave Junker. "On many occasions during my career, I reflected on how much I enjoyed the work and camaraderie, ultimately leading to a full career in this field."
Following in his father's impressive and successful footsteps, Jason graduated from Bay High School in 1997 and enlisted in the Navy in 1999. Working his way up through the enlisted ranks and the EOD community, he advanced to chief petty officer before he was selected for the Seaman-to-Admiral program in which he earned his commission. Since first enlisting, Jason has served in Operations Enduring Freedom and OIF. He has been stationed at EOD mobile units 2, 6, and 5. Today, Junker is NDSTC's third in command.
"Being a military diver means having the honor to follow in the footsteps of some of the bravest men and women who have served our country," said Jason. "It's also about maintaining the proud tradition and heritage they built for us, while moving forward in today's Navy and creating new milestones for future military divers to be proud."
While his most memorable dive job or duty station to date remains with EOD Mobile Unit 2 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, he can embrace the legacy of being in the military dive community during the Year of the Military Diver commemoration. This year, 2015, is also the 100th anniversary of the Mark V dive suit and NDSTC's 35th anniversary.
"The year of the military diver offers a time to gather the diving communities from all DOD services together to share experiences and discuss our history," said Jason. "It provides a rare opportunity for young divers to give something back to those that went before us. It also offers education and quality interaction between our diving community and Bay County leadership."
Dave Junker, who grew up in Galion, Ohio, enlisted in the Navy's submarine community in 1972. He fondly remembers when the facilities that now embody the home of military diving were being built on the Navy base in Bay County, Florida. It's an area that he proudly calls home and has worked at NSWC PCD now for 10 years.
"I was on staff at the Washington Navy Yard until 1978 and I went through first class dive school here in 1980 when the old YDTs were here," said Dave. "I had a four-year break in service and was in the reserves with the Harbor Clearance Unit in Seattle. A chief petty officer I had worked for persuaded me to return to active duty."
Initially, Dave was a "nuke" before he became a Navy diver and was stationed onboard USS Proteus (AS 19), and served in a staff billet at Navy First Class Dive School, Washington Navy Yard, before the function was transferred to NDSTC by 1980. He was also stationed at Naval Medical Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, MV Seaforth Clansman with the British Ministry of Defense diver exchange program, USS Ortolan (ASR 22) as a saturation diver, and the Submarine Development Group One, where he worked deep submergence operations support. Finally, he worked at the Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) located onboard NSA PC in Panama City, Florida, where he served as an unmanned test director and unlimited dive supervisor. Of all the wide range of experiences Dave had throughout his 20 year of Navy diving, he fondly recalls his work as a research subject between 1984 and 1987 at the Naval Medical Research Institute.
"What made this job so memorable for me was the testing and understanding the limits of physiological and psychological limitations for extended underwater missions," said Dave.
Today, Dave reflects on what being a Navy diver has meant to him.
"To be part of a long legacy of Navy divers, conducting work under extraordinarily difficult conditions was very rewarding," he said. "On many occasions during my career, I reflected on how much I enjoyed the work and camaraderie, ultimately leading to a full career in this field."
Today, Dave continues to support his dive community but these days it's as a federal civil servant working on EOD systems at NSWC PCD, which is a research, development, test and evaluation facility. Over the years, he has not only watched the base grow into a military dive hub, he has been a major part of it.
"Certainly, in our local community, Navy divers are well known and are hopefully well regarded," said Dave. "Panama City has been the hub of Navy dive training since 1980 when NDSTC opened, and with the Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) being here since 1970."
Military divers have been stationed or trained at the Navy base for almost 60 years when divers worked at the base - then called the Mine Defense Laboratory - on mine countermeasures, and diving and life support programs. Those programs have endured and are now supported by NSWC PCD where Dave Junker is employed working engineering and system development for EOD and diving.
"For many divers, Bay County feels like your hometown because at some point, we've all come through the dive school for training," said Jason. "Small, specialized communities, like EOD or divers, tend to go unnoticed most of the time to the public. Panama City and Panama City Beach are unique in that they are exposed to such a large number of men and women divers from all services and Department of Defense (DoD) organizations. The local public seems to recognize the work and sacrifice that the diving community has made and has supported our service members extremely well."
At NDSTC, Junker is responsible for all NDSTC training courses for each branch of service, foreign national and interagency programs. Annually, NDSTC trains more than 1,300 students in various subjects in all ranks. Specifically, NDSTC houses 23 certified diver life support systems, which include six hyperbaric recompression chambers, two diving simulation facilities capable to 300 feet, an aquatics training facility which is the second largest pool in the U.S., a submarine lock-out trunk and two 133-foot yard diving tenders (YDT) for open, ocean-diving support with recompression chambers and mixed gas diving capabilities.
"Jason Junker is a tribute to Panama City. He grew up in this city and graduated from Bay High School," said NDSTC Commanding Officer Cmdr. Hung Cao. "Today, he is not only walking in his father's footsteps but he is also the training officer responsible for developing the next generation of divers."
NDSTC students are trained in basic gas laws, diving medicine, recompression chamber operations, salvage mathematics, and salvage operations. The schoolhouse is the largest diving facility in the world and it trains military divers from all services. More than 1,300 students train each year in the 23 courses. Students include candidates for submarine SCUBA, U.S. Navy deep sea divers, Seabee underwater construction divers, joint service diving officers, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) divers, diving medical technicians, diving medical officers, U.S. Army Engineer divers, U.S. Marine Corps combatant divers, U.S. Coast Guard divers, and U.S. Air Force pararescue operators and combat controllers. A limited number of U.S. law enforcement, U.S. government agency and students from allied and coalition nations also train at NDSTC.
NSWC PCD: Technical Center of Excellence for Littoral Warfare & Coastal Defense
For more news from Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, visit www.navy.mil/local/NSWC/.
Navy's Voluntary Education (VOLED) Program Realigning
From Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs
PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) will administratively realign the Navy's Voluntary Education (VOLED) program under Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC) in Pensacola, Florida, Feb 23.
According to Rear Adm. Mike White, commander of the Naval Education and Training Command, the move will be administrative and will have zero impact on the purpose, mission or abilities of VOLED.
"For the Sailor using VOLED, the change will be seamless and transparent," said White. "In fact, each of the 33 Navy College Offices worldwide and the Virtual Education Center (VEC) will remain unchanged; they will retain the same physical locations, the same telephone numbers, the same email addresses, and the same commitment to serving service members."
VOLED will continue to support Sailors with dedicated, committed assistance and counseling to help them develop tailored plans to meet their educational and credentialing goals.
VOLED is currently celebrating 40 years of Sailors' educational successes through diverse programs including tuition assistance, numerous testing programs, the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) - where Sailors can complete courses while on type 2 and 4 sea duty, and the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) - which provides Sailors with the opportunity to earn a certificate of apprenticeship from the U.S. Department of Labor by documenting tasks of their Navy rating while on the job.
Regardless of the educational goal, Navy College Offices and the Virtual Education Center are available to assist Sailors in accelerating their future.
For more information on Navy Voluntary Education, visit the Navy College Program website: https://www.navycollege.navy.
For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cnet/.
From Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs
PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) will administratively realign the Navy's Voluntary Education (VOLED) program under Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC) in Pensacola, Florida, Feb 23.
According to Rear Adm. Mike White, commander of the Naval Education and Training Command, the move will be administrative and will have zero impact on the purpose, mission or abilities of VOLED.
"For the Sailor using VOLED, the change will be seamless and transparent," said White. "In fact, each of the 33 Navy College Offices worldwide and the Virtual Education Center (VEC) will remain unchanged; they will retain the same physical locations, the same telephone numbers, the same email addresses, and the same commitment to serving service members."
VOLED will continue to support Sailors with dedicated, committed assistance and counseling to help them develop tailored plans to meet their educational and credentialing goals.
VOLED is currently celebrating 40 years of Sailors' educational successes through diverse programs including tuition assistance, numerous testing programs, the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) - where Sailors can complete courses while on type 2 and 4 sea duty, and the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) - which provides Sailors with the opportunity to earn a certificate of apprenticeship from the U.S. Department of Labor by documenting tasks of their Navy rating while on the job.
Regardless of the educational goal, Navy College Offices and the Virtual Education Center are available to assist Sailors in accelerating their future.
For more information on Navy Voluntary Education, visit the Navy College Program website: https://www.navycollege.navy.
For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cnet/.
Democracy is a Year-Round Business ... VOTE!
From Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- With the 2014 mid-term election in their wake, Sailors might be tempted to forget about absentee voting and politics in general until 2016.
"Not so fast," said Lt. Whit Abraham, the Navy Voting Action Officer.
Odd-numbered years are historically considered "off-years" for voting, and draw fewer voters to the polls. So why should Sailors think about voting now?
Although they often take a back seat to national races, local elections are just as important. Sailors stationed far from home have family members in their hometowns, and may even intend to reside there permanently at some point. Odd-year elections drive important community issues - issues with direct consequences for voters.
"2015 marks many statewide races, mayoral and town elections, and even some special elections for Congress," said Abraham, who manages the Navy's Voting Assistance Program from Washington, D.C.. "The local officials up for election in 2015 are the ones who set property tax rates for municipalities and school districts, they're the folks who administer police departments and maintain millions of miles of local roads and bridges, and in many states the judges -- from state Supreme Courts down to local district judges -- are on the ballot this year as well. So you can argue that many of these local officeholders have more to do with the daily lives of American citizens day in and day out than any other elected officials."
As defenders of the right to vote, Sailors are encouraged to participate. "Absentee voting is easy, but the key is giving the process time," said Abraham.
A major first step in the process is visiting the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website at http//www.fvap.gov. Here, Sailors can click on their state or territory to get detailed information about registration guidelines and local elections.
Sailors wishing to vote absentee should complete an electronic Federal Post Card Applications (FPCA) early in 2015. The FPCA is a registration form, a request for a ballot, and the preferred way to update your address. Filling out and returning the FPCA updates local election officials on a member's absentee status, and it is especially important if Sailors and spouses have changed duty stations. "An updated FPCA puts you on the radar screen," said Abraham. "When the time comes to mail ballots later this year, election officials will know how to reach you."
Across the Navy, voting assistance is administered at the unit level. Voting assistance officers are appointed by their commanding officer and are trained by the Federal Voting Assistance Program. Besides accessing the FVAP website, voters can speak directly to these individuals who stand ready to assist Sailors and family members.
"Democracy is a year-round business, and so is the Navy Voting Assistance Program. Elections are always happening, and we encourage people to ask questions and take a proactive stance" said Abraham. "We're here to ensure your voice is heard - not just in Washington, but in your local community as well. That's what this year is all about."
For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cni/.
From Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- With the 2014 mid-term election in their wake, Sailors might be tempted to forget about absentee voting and politics in general until 2016.
"Not so fast," said Lt. Whit Abraham, the Navy Voting Action Officer.
Odd-numbered years are historically considered "off-years" for voting, and draw fewer voters to the polls. So why should Sailors think about voting now?
Although they often take a back seat to national races, local elections are just as important. Sailors stationed far from home have family members in their hometowns, and may even intend to reside there permanently at some point. Odd-year elections drive important community issues - issues with direct consequences for voters.
"2015 marks many statewide races, mayoral and town elections, and even some special elections for Congress," said Abraham, who manages the Navy's Voting Assistance Program from Washington, D.C.. "The local officials up for election in 2015 are the ones who set property tax rates for municipalities and school districts, they're the folks who administer police departments and maintain millions of miles of local roads and bridges, and in many states the judges -- from state Supreme Courts down to local district judges -- are on the ballot this year as well. So you can argue that many of these local officeholders have more to do with the daily lives of American citizens day in and day out than any other elected officials."
As defenders of the right to vote, Sailors are encouraged to participate. "Absentee voting is easy, but the key is giving the process time," said Abraham.
A major first step in the process is visiting the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website at http//www.fvap.gov. Here, Sailors can click on their state or territory to get detailed information about registration guidelines and local elections.
Sailors wishing to vote absentee should complete an electronic Federal Post Card Applications (FPCA) early in 2015. The FPCA is a registration form, a request for a ballot, and the preferred way to update your address. Filling out and returning the FPCA updates local election officials on a member's absentee status, and it is especially important if Sailors and spouses have changed duty stations. "An updated FPCA puts you on the radar screen," said Abraham. "When the time comes to mail ballots later this year, election officials will know how to reach you."
Across the Navy, voting assistance is administered at the unit level. Voting assistance officers are appointed by their commanding officer and are trained by the Federal Voting Assistance Program. Besides accessing the FVAP website, voters can speak directly to these individuals who stand ready to assist Sailors and family members.
"Democracy is a year-round business, and so is the Navy Voting Assistance Program. Elections are always happening, and we encourage people to ask questions and take a proactive stance" said Abraham. "We're here to ensure your voice is heard - not just in Washington, but in your local community as well. That's what this year is all about."
For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cni/.
Leave-Use It or Lose It
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Military service members' February leave and earning statement (LES) will carry a reminder that as of Oct. 1, any accrued leave more than 60 days will be lost.
Since 2008 Sailors have been allowed to carryover up to 75 days of leave each fiscal year as authorized by Congress. That authorization will end at the end of fiscal year 2015 after which leave carryover will revert to 60 days. In general, any leave balance in excess of 60 days on Sept. 30, 2015 will be lost.
Service members' LES may have an incorrect use/lose leave balance. Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) is reprogramming pay systems to account for the return to the 60 day leave carryover by the June 2015 LES.
Sailors should check their LES and talk with their Command Pass Coordinator (CPC) for help understanding their correct use/lose balance.
There are some specific exceptions. Sailors with more leave days than the authorized carryover limit, who are also assigned to hostile fire or imminent danger pay areas or deployed on a ship or mobile unit for at least 60 continuous days, may apply for special leave accrual (SLA) to retain any excess leave days. This request is typically done at the command level. Instructions on how to apply for and administer SLA are outlined in MILPERSMAN 1050-070.
Sailors are encouraged to work with their commands to manage their leave balances throughout FY15.
Commands with questions on leave policies should contact their local Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) or call the NPC Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672).
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Military service members' February leave and earning statement (LES) will carry a reminder that as of Oct. 1, any accrued leave more than 60 days will be lost.
Since 2008 Sailors have been allowed to carryover up to 75 days of leave each fiscal year as authorized by Congress. That authorization will end at the end of fiscal year 2015 after which leave carryover will revert to 60 days. In general, any leave balance in excess of 60 days on Sept. 30, 2015 will be lost.
Service members' LES may have an incorrect use/lose leave balance. Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) is reprogramming pay systems to account for the return to the 60 day leave carryover by the June 2015 LES.
Sailors should check their LES and talk with their Command Pass Coordinator (CPC) for help understanding their correct use/lose balance.
There are some specific exceptions. Sailors with more leave days than the authorized carryover limit, who are also assigned to hostile fire or imminent danger pay areas or deployed on a ship or mobile unit for at least 60 continuous days, may apply for special leave accrual (SLA) to retain any excess leave days. This request is typically done at the command level. Instructions on how to apply for and administer SLA are outlined in MILPERSMAN 1050-070.
Sailors are encouraged to work with their commands to manage their leave balances throughout FY15.
Commands with questions on leave policies should contact their local Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) or call the NPC Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672).
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
Officer Women Leadership Symposium Scheduled for March
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The annual AcademyWomen Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) will be held March 6-7 at the Women In Military Service for America (WIMSA) Memorial, Arlington, Virginia.
Held annually, OWLS includes educational and professional development workshops, seminars and exhibits designed to enhance the professional knowledge of attendees while increasing overall awareness of issues affecting women in the military. The symposium offers an invaluable opportunity for female officers, midshipmen and senior enlisted to benefit from the open dialogue, career enhancing information, and mentoring opportunities.
While all service members are eligible, ideal candidates for the symposium include outstanding officers, midshipmen, and senior enlisted, who are at a career decision point. All 66 available Navy-funded registrations will be coordinated through the Navy Office of Diversity and Inclusion - Women's Policy. To obtain a conference registration reservation, contact Lt. Tawney Nakamura at (703) 604-5077 or tawney.nakamura@navy.mil. Registrants must be from the local National Capital Region. Uniform for Navy personnel will be service khaki for E-7 and above and service uniform for E-6 and below.
Individual commands are not authorized to expend travel funds, including lodging, transportation, and meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). Travel funding for those who are attending in an official capacity has already been coordinated and approved; all other travel is not authorized. Lunch will be provided on March 6 and 7 for those attending. All other meals will be purchased by the attendee.
More information can be found on the AcademyWomen website at
http://academywomen.org/
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The annual AcademyWomen Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) will be held March 6-7 at the Women In Military Service for America (WIMSA) Memorial, Arlington, Virginia.
Held annually, OWLS includes educational and professional development workshops, seminars and exhibits designed to enhance the professional knowledge of attendees while increasing overall awareness of issues affecting women in the military. The symposium offers an invaluable opportunity for female officers, midshipmen and senior enlisted to benefit from the open dialogue, career enhancing information, and mentoring opportunities.
While all service members are eligible, ideal candidates for the symposium include outstanding officers, midshipmen, and senior enlisted, who are at a career decision point. All 66 available Navy-funded registrations will be coordinated through the Navy Office of Diversity and Inclusion - Women's Policy. To obtain a conference registration reservation, contact Lt. Tawney Nakamura at (703) 604-5077 or tawney.nakamura@navy.mil. Registrants must be from the local National Capital Region. Uniform for Navy personnel will be service khaki for E-7 and above and service uniform for E-6 and below.
Individual commands are not authorized to expend travel funds, including lodging, transportation, and meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). Travel funding for those who are attending in an official capacity has already been coordinated and approved; all other travel is not authorized. Lunch will be provided on March 6 and 7 for those attending. All other meals will be purchased by the attendee.
More information can be found on the AcademyWomen website at
http://academywomen.org/
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
Eight Ways to Boost Resilience Between Military Couples
By Jenny Collins, Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control (NCCOSC) facilitates research and develops evidence-based programs that provide Sailors and Marines with important tools to build and maintain resilience.
As service members build resilience, military couples can also take steps to boost their resilience as well.
Military spouses and significant others play an important part in offering encouragement and support to today's service members.
With a military career that often includes deployments and extended separations, military couples must work harder at being able to withstand, recover, and grow together in the face of stressors, adversity, and changing demands.
Below are 8 ways military couples can improve their resilience.
1. Maintain Your Connection. Being apart can be tough. By figuring out a system of regular contact, couples can build a strong foundation of open communication. It's best to time conversations about upsetting issues as to not overwhelm your partner. Open conversations should still consist of an overall positive and supportive tone.
2. Reshape Interpretation. Some highly stressful life events are inevitable in military life. One cannot change when or how these events happen, but couples can certainly shape their attitudes to best react and respond. Use flexible thinking to place some perspective on the situation.
3. Remain Optimistic. Maintaining optimism in the face of stressors is a couple's best chance to move forward during stressful times. Try to envision what you both want instead of worrying about what you're both scared of.
4. Trust. Discuss in detail your expectations of one another on the homefront and while you are apart. Work together to find ways to maintain trust. Talk about concerns but don't dwell on them. Focus on how to work past them.
5. Take Care of Yourself... and Each Other. Set aside a couple of minutes a day to decompress. Meditation is a great tool to alleviate stress. Make sure that your partner is doing the same or offer ways to help one another. Taking care of yourselves helps keep your minds ready to deal with situations that require resilience.
6. Understanding. If you and your partner are in the middle of a conflict, focus on what is upsetting you and vice versa. Try to disregard what caused the fight. Concentrate and work together to find the solution. This type of behavior control will be much more effective.
7. Create and Work Towards Goals Together. Couples who have common goals are often more successful in their relationship. Develop realistic goals with deadlines. Even completing small accomplishments can help improve your relationship.
8. Professional Help. It's important to recognize that unresolved relationship problems have the potential to impact a service member's well-being and focus on the job. If the stress of military life becomes overwhelming for either party, don't hesitate to seek help from a support group, counselor, clinician, or chaplain. Reaching out for support can help you manage any reaction and boost your resilience.
Resilience is very effective in helping our active duty population manage operational and combat stress, both in their work life and their home life.
At NCCOSC, we envision a future of innovative and relevant research that will increase our knowledge of psychological health. The knowledge that is gained will ultimately contribute to the readiness and resilience of our Sailors and Marines as they face the future challenges of military service.
For more information about NCCOSC, visit www.nccosc.navy.mil, and follow on Facebook or Twitter
For more news from Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control, visit www.navy.mil/local/nccosc/.
By Jenny Collins, Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control (NCCOSC) facilitates research and develops evidence-based programs that provide Sailors and Marines with important tools to build and maintain resilience.
As service members build resilience, military couples can also take steps to boost their resilience as well.
Military spouses and significant others play an important part in offering encouragement and support to today's service members.
With a military career that often includes deployments and extended separations, military couples must work harder at being able to withstand, recover, and grow together in the face of stressors, adversity, and changing demands.
Below are 8 ways military couples can improve their resilience.
1. Maintain Your Connection. Being apart can be tough. By figuring out a system of regular contact, couples can build a strong foundation of open communication. It's best to time conversations about upsetting issues as to not overwhelm your partner. Open conversations should still consist of an overall positive and supportive tone.
2. Reshape Interpretation. Some highly stressful life events are inevitable in military life. One cannot change when or how these events happen, but couples can certainly shape their attitudes to best react and respond. Use flexible thinking to place some perspective on the situation.
3. Remain Optimistic. Maintaining optimism in the face of stressors is a couple's best chance to move forward during stressful times. Try to envision what you both want instead of worrying about what you're both scared of.
4. Trust. Discuss in detail your expectations of one another on the homefront and while you are apart. Work together to find ways to maintain trust. Talk about concerns but don't dwell on them. Focus on how to work past them.
5. Take Care of Yourself... and Each Other. Set aside a couple of minutes a day to decompress. Meditation is a great tool to alleviate stress. Make sure that your partner is doing the same or offer ways to help one another. Taking care of yourselves helps keep your minds ready to deal with situations that require resilience.
6. Understanding. If you and your partner are in the middle of a conflict, focus on what is upsetting you and vice versa. Try to disregard what caused the fight. Concentrate and work together to find the solution. This type of behavior control will be much more effective.
7. Create and Work Towards Goals Together. Couples who have common goals are often more successful in their relationship. Develop realistic goals with deadlines. Even completing small accomplishments can help improve your relationship.
8. Professional Help. It's important to recognize that unresolved relationship problems have the potential to impact a service member's well-being and focus on the job. If the stress of military life becomes overwhelming for either party, don't hesitate to seek help from a support group, counselor, clinician, or chaplain. Reaching out for support can help you manage any reaction and boost your resilience.
Resilience is very effective in helping our active duty population manage operational and combat stress, both in their work life and their home life.
At NCCOSC, we envision a future of innovative and relevant research that will increase our knowledge of psychological health. The knowledge that is gained will ultimately contribute to the readiness and resilience of our Sailors and Marines as they face the future challenges of military service.
For more information about NCCOSC, visit www.nccosc.navy.mil, and follow on Facebook or Twitter
For more news from Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control, visit www.navy.mil/local/nccosc/.
HOMES.mil Offers Navy OCONUS Online Community Listings for the First Time
By Carol Casto, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- HOMES.mil, the official Department of Defense (DoD) housing website, which was activated on Dec. 14, is dedicated to helping service members, families, and DoD civilians find housing, wherever they choose to live.
For the first time, the HOMES.mil website is offering Navy housing listings for those living outside the continental United States (OCONUS).
The website enables Housing Service Center (HSC) professionals, landlords, and property managers to find and share vital information about community rental listings. Just as in the continental United States, OCONUS HSCs work closely with landlords in their communities to assist service members with finding safe, suitable and affordable housing.
"Living OCONUS is a unique experience, and our HSC staff works directly with landlords to ensure the listings available on HOMES.mil are accurate and meet our minimum requirements," said Anne-Marie Snodgrass, EURAFSWA regional housing director. "We are excited to finally have the opportunity to provide our customers with the additional service of being able to search for community housing listings online, before they arrive."
"The HSC staff is experienced in working with landlords throughout the world," said Snodgrass. "Each location has its own set of local customs, agreements, laws and command policies that the HSC staff considers before accepting local listings, as necessary."
HOMES.mil is part of the integrated services offered OCONUS through the HSC. In addition to home finding in the community, the HSC also offers showing services and language translation services (when needed). HSC counselors can provide translation services between the Service member and landlord during home tours, lease negotiation, and issue resolution.
"The staffs post each listing on HOMES.mil and work with their translators and the local community to offer service members and their families the best possible local housing," said Snodgrass.
Additional HSC services OCONUS may offer include community orientation; providing information about entitlements such as overseas housing allowance, temporary lodging allowance, and cost of living allowance; and temporary and full-tour furnishings.
Service members should contact their local HSC or sponsor to determine if there is a mandatory military family housing assignment or on-base first policy at their location.
The Navy HSC is available to assist service members and their families find a home wherever they choose to live, either OCONUS or stateside. HOMES.mil improves the home finding experience for service members and their families and alleviates some of the burdens and stress of PCS.
To find information about your local HSC, including contact information, visit Navy Housing online at www.cnic.navy.mil/
For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cni/.
By Carol Casto, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- HOMES.mil, the official Department of Defense (DoD) housing website, which was activated on Dec. 14, is dedicated to helping service members, families, and DoD civilians find housing, wherever they choose to live.
For the first time, the HOMES.mil website is offering Navy housing listings for those living outside the continental United States (OCONUS).
The website enables Housing Service Center (HSC) professionals, landlords, and property managers to find and share vital information about community rental listings. Just as in the continental United States, OCONUS HSCs work closely with landlords in their communities to assist service members with finding safe, suitable and affordable housing.
"Living OCONUS is a unique experience, and our HSC staff works directly with landlords to ensure the listings available on HOMES.mil are accurate and meet our minimum requirements," said Anne-Marie Snodgrass, EURAFSWA regional housing director. "We are excited to finally have the opportunity to provide our customers with the additional service of being able to search for community housing listings online, before they arrive."
"The HSC staff is experienced in working with landlords throughout the world," said Snodgrass. "Each location has its own set of local customs, agreements, laws and command policies that the HSC staff considers before accepting local listings, as necessary."
HOMES.mil is part of the integrated services offered OCONUS through the HSC. In addition to home finding in the community, the HSC also offers showing services and language translation services (when needed). HSC counselors can provide translation services between the Service member and landlord during home tours, lease negotiation, and issue resolution.
"The staffs post each listing on HOMES.mil and work with their translators and the local community to offer service members and their families the best possible local housing," said Snodgrass.
Additional HSC services OCONUS may offer include community orientation; providing information about entitlements such as overseas housing allowance, temporary lodging allowance, and cost of living allowance; and temporary and full-tour furnishings.
Service members should contact their local HSC or sponsor to determine if there is a mandatory military family housing assignment or on-base first policy at their location.
The Navy HSC is available to assist service members and their families find a home wherever they choose to live, either OCONUS or stateside. HOMES.mil improves the home finding experience for service members and their families and alleviates some of the burdens and stress of PCS.
To find information about your local HSC, including contact information, visit Navy Housing online at www.cnic.navy.mil/
For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cni/.
(Nearly) Free College Degree Possible Through NCPACE
By Susan D. Henson, Center for Personal and Professional Development Public Affairs Officer
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- College tuition is a huge bargain for Sailors taking classes through Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) - in fact it's almost free.
NCPACE, one of numerous programs administered by Navy Voluntary Education (VOLED), is offered to officer and enlisted Sailors assigned to ships and deployable commands (Type 2 and 4 duty) to provide undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities on par with those available to Sailors on shore duty. With tuition funded at 100 percent, students are responsible only for the cost of textbooks and related materials.
Approximately 7,200 individual Sailors participated in NCPACE in FY-13, accounting for more than 10,700 enrollments.
Commands must have an active NCPACE program for Sailors to participate. One such command is the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, which Maintenance Control team member and Education Services Officer (ESO) Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class (AW) John Phillips is glad about. Using NCPACE, he completed a Master of Arts in administrative leadership with the University of Oklahoma in December.
"I enlisted in the Navy to serve my country and was aware the GI Bill provided an opportunity to complete my education," said Philips. "Once in the Navy, the additional educational benefits offered such as Tuition Assistance (TA), NCPACE, and college-level exams came as a welcome surprise. Each time I reenlisted, the educational benefits -- which far exceed those offered in most civilian employment -- became a reinforcing factor for staying in."
Most Sailors hear "Voluntary Education" (VOLED) and tend to think of TA, which pays tuition for courses toward completion of a high school diploma, certificate, or technical or college degree. While TA is the most popular VOLED program the Navy offers, it has annual caps for each participant to ensure as many Sailors as possible have an opportunity to use it. NCPACE courses, however, don't count against a Sailor's annual maximum TA funding cap while still providing the means for Sailors to complete coursework toward a diploma or degree.
This, coupled with the low cost, makes NCPACE among the best educational deals the Navy offers, according to Lt. Cmdr. Mark Wadsworth, director of Voluntary Education Support Site Saufley Field in Pensacola, Florida.
"Sailors only having to foot the bill for books and course materials is a big savings for them," said Wadsworth." Taking courses through NCPACE is a really good way for Sailors to continue their education, especially when they've maxed out their TA for the year."
Wadsworth pointed out that all NCPACE schools are regionally accredited, meaning Sailors will have maximum flexibility in transferring credits to their home college. Another benefit of NCPACE is flexible term dates that can be tailored to a unit's deployment cycle at the unit ESO's request.
"While NCPACE doesn't have an annual credit hour cap like TA, we do limit Sailors to two NCPACE courses per term regardless of the delivery method being Instructor Led (IL) or Distance Led (DL)," he said. "This, along with the number of terms a command requests, will determine the number of NCPACE courses a Sailor can potentially complete in a year."
The IL delivery method provides an instructor teaching courses while a ship is underway or pierside, while the DL program allows the flexibility of independent study. NCPACE can be continued during in-port periods through coordination with the local Navy College Office, according to Wadsworth. The NCPACE program also offers IL academic skills classes in math, reading and writing to help Sailors improve their skills in those areas.
Chief Navy Counselor (SW/AW) Travis Cook, command career counselor and ESO for Assault Craft Unit One in Coronado, California, has taken NCPACE courses at four commands, which allowed him to earn an Associate of Applied Science through Excelsior College.
"I found out about NCPACE early in my career through my command career counselor and career development boards," said Cook. "I have no doubt that earning my degree has helped me reach the level I've obtained in the Navy as a chief petty officer. So now when I talk to junior Sailors, I tell them that education will not only benefit you when you decide to leave the service, but it can help you while you're still active."
Cook said finding time to participate in NCPACE is, indeed, possible.
"The most challenging part for me was balancing family, work and the education requirements," said Cook. "I would recommend that any Sailor who's interested to first talk to their command career counselor, a mentor or someone in their chain of command for guidance to make sure they meet command requirements and are eligible."
Phillips said Sailors participating in NCPACE should choose the right course delivery method and be ready to maintain self-discipline.
"The DL program is an outstanding opportunity for those who have the drive and tenacity to complete courses outside of a classroom environment, but it can be challenging for those who appreciate continual interaction from an instructor," said Phillips. "The IL program brings the instructor to the student, but it's still challenging because Sailors must dedicate what little free time they may have toward attending class and completing the coursework."
Cook said the key to any Sailor's success in NCPACE is to effectively prioritize personal responsibilities.
"I tell Sailors to remember that your job comes first," said Cook. "Make sure you're ready to handle the responsibility of work and taking classes. Don't rush into something you're not mentally prepared for. When the time is right, take advantage of all the benefits the Navy has to offer."
"Our leadership recognizes that off-duty education is voluntary, but they consider it valuable and a direct reflection on a Sailor's level of motivation for self-improvement," said Phillips. "As such, off-duty education has become a standard question during our Sailor of the Year and Quarter boards, mid-term counselings, and career development boards. Every Sailor is encouraged to take advantage of the various VOLED programs the Navy offers."
Navy VOLED Director Ernest D'Antonio, also a retired U.S. Marine, is personally aware of the challenge of taking courses while assigned to a deployed unit. He still hopes more Sailors will take advantage of NCPACE. "If Sailors who want a college degree take advantage of NCPACE when they can, it will cost them less time and money in the long run," he said. "This program is an all-around win for Sailors who are working toward their degree and trying to save money. It's also a win for participating commands because, just like all VOLED programs, their Sailors are learning critical thinking and analytical skills that help them make informed decision and perform at a higher level, which contributes to overall mission accomplishment."
To sign up for NCPACE, Sailors should contact their unit ESO or servicing Navy College Office.
By Susan D. Henson, Center for Personal and Professional Development Public Affairs Officer
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- College tuition is a huge bargain for Sailors taking classes through Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) - in fact it's almost free.
NCPACE, one of numerous programs administered by Navy Voluntary Education (VOLED), is offered to officer and enlisted Sailors assigned to ships and deployable commands (Type 2 and 4 duty) to provide undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities on par with those available to Sailors on shore duty. With tuition funded at 100 percent, students are responsible only for the cost of textbooks and related materials.
Approximately 7,200 individual Sailors participated in NCPACE in FY-13, accounting for more than 10,700 enrollments.
Commands must have an active NCPACE program for Sailors to participate. One such command is the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, which Maintenance Control team member and Education Services Officer (ESO) Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class (AW) John Phillips is glad about. Using NCPACE, he completed a Master of Arts in administrative leadership with the University of Oklahoma in December.
"I enlisted in the Navy to serve my country and was aware the GI Bill provided an opportunity to complete my education," said Philips. "Once in the Navy, the additional educational benefits offered such as Tuition Assistance (TA), NCPACE, and college-level exams came as a welcome surprise. Each time I reenlisted, the educational benefits -- which far exceed those offered in most civilian employment -- became a reinforcing factor for staying in."
Most Sailors hear "Voluntary Education" (VOLED) and tend to think of TA, which pays tuition for courses toward completion of a high school diploma, certificate, or technical or college degree. While TA is the most popular VOLED program the Navy offers, it has annual caps for each participant to ensure as many Sailors as possible have an opportunity to use it. NCPACE courses, however, don't count against a Sailor's annual maximum TA funding cap while still providing the means for Sailors to complete coursework toward a diploma or degree.
This, coupled with the low cost, makes NCPACE among the best educational deals the Navy offers, according to Lt. Cmdr. Mark Wadsworth, director of Voluntary Education Support Site Saufley Field in Pensacola, Florida.
"Sailors only having to foot the bill for books and course materials is a big savings for them," said Wadsworth." Taking courses through NCPACE is a really good way for Sailors to continue their education, especially when they've maxed out their TA for the year."
Wadsworth pointed out that all NCPACE schools are regionally accredited, meaning Sailors will have maximum flexibility in transferring credits to their home college. Another benefit of NCPACE is flexible term dates that can be tailored to a unit's deployment cycle at the unit ESO's request.
"While NCPACE doesn't have an annual credit hour cap like TA, we do limit Sailors to two NCPACE courses per term regardless of the delivery method being Instructor Led (IL) or Distance Led (DL)," he said. "This, along with the number of terms a command requests, will determine the number of NCPACE courses a Sailor can potentially complete in a year."
The IL delivery method provides an instructor teaching courses while a ship is underway or pierside, while the DL program allows the flexibility of independent study. NCPACE can be continued during in-port periods through coordination with the local Navy College Office, according to Wadsworth. The NCPACE program also offers IL academic skills classes in math, reading and writing to help Sailors improve their skills in those areas.
Chief Navy Counselor (SW/AW) Travis Cook, command career counselor and ESO for Assault Craft Unit One in Coronado, California, has taken NCPACE courses at four commands, which allowed him to earn an Associate of Applied Science through Excelsior College.
"I found out about NCPACE early in my career through my command career counselor and career development boards," said Cook. "I have no doubt that earning my degree has helped me reach the level I've obtained in the Navy as a chief petty officer. So now when I talk to junior Sailors, I tell them that education will not only benefit you when you decide to leave the service, but it can help you while you're still active."
Cook said finding time to participate in NCPACE is, indeed, possible.
"The most challenging part for me was balancing family, work and the education requirements," said Cook. "I would recommend that any Sailor who's interested to first talk to their command career counselor, a mentor or someone in their chain of command for guidance to make sure they meet command requirements and are eligible."
Phillips said Sailors participating in NCPACE should choose the right course delivery method and be ready to maintain self-discipline.
"The DL program is an outstanding opportunity for those who have the drive and tenacity to complete courses outside of a classroom environment, but it can be challenging for those who appreciate continual interaction from an instructor," said Phillips. "The IL program brings the instructor to the student, but it's still challenging because Sailors must dedicate what little free time they may have toward attending class and completing the coursework."
Cook said the key to any Sailor's success in NCPACE is to effectively prioritize personal responsibilities.
"I tell Sailors to remember that your job comes first," said Cook. "Make sure you're ready to handle the responsibility of work and taking classes. Don't rush into something you're not mentally prepared for. When the time is right, take advantage of all the benefits the Navy has to offer."
"Our leadership recognizes that off-duty education is voluntary, but they consider it valuable and a direct reflection on a Sailor's level of motivation for self-improvement," said Phillips. "As such, off-duty education has become a standard question during our Sailor of the Year and Quarter boards, mid-term counselings, and career development boards. Every Sailor is encouraged to take advantage of the various VOLED programs the Navy offers."
Navy VOLED Director Ernest D'Antonio, also a retired U.S. Marine, is personally aware of the challenge of taking courses while assigned to a deployed unit. He still hopes more Sailors will take advantage of NCPACE. "If Sailors who want a college degree take advantage of NCPACE when they can, it will cost them less time and money in the long run," he said. "This program is an all-around win for Sailors who are working toward their degree and trying to save money. It's also a win for participating commands because, just like all VOLED programs, their Sailors are learning critical thinking and analytical skills that help them make informed decision and perform at a higher level, which contributes to overall mission accomplishment."
To sign up for NCPACE, Sailors should contact their unit ESO or servicing Navy College Office.
For more information on the Navy College Program, visit:https://www.navycollege.navy.
For more news from Center for Personal and Professional Development, visit www.navy.mil/local/voledpao/.
For more news from Center for Personal and Professional Development, visit www.navy.mil/local/voledpao/.
Joint Services Transcript Request Process Streamlined
By Susan D. Henson, Center for Personal and Professional Development Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors can expect their requests for Joint Services Transcript (JST) updates to take less time with a streamlined process that will begin Dec. 15.
The processing change removes the intermediate step of Sailors submitting JST requests to the Center for Personal and Professional Development's (CPPD) Virtual Education Center (VEC) in Virginia Beach.
Sailors will, instead, submit JST requests directly via mail, email or fax to JST Operations at Naval Education and Training Professional Development Technology Center (NETPDTC) in Pensacola, Florida.
According to Ernest D'Antonio, CPPD's Voluntary Education (VOLED) program director, the change will benefit Sailors in a few ways.
"Although Navy Voluntary Education still retains program management responsibilities for JST, under the new process Sailors will wait less time to get updates to their JSTs," said D'Antonio. "The VEC team will also have more time to assist Sailors enrolling in and pursuing off-duty education since the VEC will no longer be reviewing JST documents."
Under the outgoing system, the VEC received and reviewed documents such as official JST requests, special mailings, JST corrections and updates, DD-214 documents, and official college transcripts to add degrees. After the review was completed, the VEC forwarded eligible documents to JST operations to process.
Under the new system, Sailors and veterans send their documents directly to JST operations.
"This change will streamline the process and ensure JST corrections and additions are processed more quickly," said Susan Sutter, VEC supervisor. "It also means that a degree added to Sailors' JSTs will transmit faster to their other Navy records."
The VEC is continuing to process JST requests during the transition until Dec. 15. Any JST requests received at the VEC after that date will be forwarded to JST Operations for processing, Sutter said.
JST processing is already relatively user friendly, Sutter said.
"For example, Sailors can request an official JST be sent to their education institution in just a few minutes. All they have to do is log on the JST website and submit an official transcript request.
"And to add non-academic certifications such as master training specialist and Homeland Security to a JST, they simply email, fax or mail a certified true copy of their certificate to JST operations," she said.
Although the VEC will still assist Sailors with questions about the JST process, Sailors may also contact JST Operations directly at the following:
NETPDTC
ATTN: JST Operations Center, N615
6490 Saufley Field Road
Pensacola, FL 32509
Website: https://jst.doded.mil
Email: jst@doded.mil
Fax: (850) 473-6013 or DSN 753-6013
For more information about the Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD), visit: https://www.netc.navy.mil/
For more news from the Center for Personal and Professional Development, visit www.navy.mil/local/voledpao/.
Find CPPD on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
CPPD: Where Mind Meets Mission
By Susan D. Henson, Center for Personal and Professional Development Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors can expect their requests for Joint Services Transcript (JST) updates to take less time with a streamlined process that will begin Dec. 15.
The processing change removes the intermediate step of Sailors submitting JST requests to the Center for Personal and Professional Development's (CPPD) Virtual Education Center (VEC) in Virginia Beach.
Sailors will, instead, submit JST requests directly via mail, email or fax to JST Operations at Naval Education and Training Professional Development Technology Center (NETPDTC) in Pensacola, Florida.
According to Ernest D'Antonio, CPPD's Voluntary Education (VOLED) program director, the change will benefit Sailors in a few ways.
"Although Navy Voluntary Education still retains program management responsibilities for JST, under the new process Sailors will wait less time to get updates to their JSTs," said D'Antonio. "The VEC team will also have more time to assist Sailors enrolling in and pursuing off-duty education since the VEC will no longer be reviewing JST documents."
Under the outgoing system, the VEC received and reviewed documents such as official JST requests, special mailings, JST corrections and updates, DD-214 documents, and official college transcripts to add degrees. After the review was completed, the VEC forwarded eligible documents to JST operations to process.
Under the new system, Sailors and veterans send their documents directly to JST operations.
"This change will streamline the process and ensure JST corrections and additions are processed more quickly," said Susan Sutter, VEC supervisor. "It also means that a degree added to Sailors' JSTs will transmit faster to their other Navy records."
The VEC is continuing to process JST requests during the transition until Dec. 15. Any JST requests received at the VEC after that date will be forwarded to JST Operations for processing, Sutter said.
JST processing is already relatively user friendly, Sutter said.
"For example, Sailors can request an official JST be sent to their education institution in just a few minutes. All they have to do is log on the JST website and submit an official transcript request.
"And to add non-academic certifications such as master training specialist and Homeland Security to a JST, they simply email, fax or mail a certified true copy of their certificate to JST operations," she said.
Although the VEC will still assist Sailors with questions about the JST process, Sailors may also contact JST Operations directly at the following:
NETPDTC
ATTN: JST Operations Center, N615
6490 Saufley Field Road
Pensacola, FL 32509
Website: https://jst.doded.mil
Email: jst@doded.mil
Fax: (850) 473-6013 or DSN 753-6013
For more information about the Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD), visit: https://www.netc.navy.mil/
For more news from the Center for Personal and Professional Development, visit www.navy.mil/local/voledpao/.
Find CPPD on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
CPPD: Where Mind Meets Mission
Changes to Senior Enlisted Academy
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (SEA) is expanding its delivery format to afford every senior chief petty officer the opportunity to attend the SEA prior to selection to master chief petty officer.
This change aligns with the Chief of Naval Operations' vision set forth in the Navy Leader Development Strategy and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy's focus on developing leaders.
Starting in Fiscal Year 2017, all newly selected senior chief petty officers will be required to complete the SEA in Newport, Rhode Island, or attend either the Air Force Senior Enlisted Academy, Marine Corps Senior Enlisted Academy, Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Academy or Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy, in order to be eligible for advancement to master chief petty officer.
Currently, the SEA resident course is six weeks. To meet the increased resident demand without compromising content, the SEA will modify its delivery format to nine weeks of distance learning online, prior to three weeks of resident education in Newport. By October 2015, all active duty personnel attending the SEA will be required to complete newer, longer requirement, followed by the three-week residence.
During the nine weeks of distance learning, each senior chief should expect to spend approximately three to five hours per week on assignments. Reducing the resident portion to three weeks allows the SEA to increase the number of classes per year without increasing the SEA's footprint requirements for base infrastructure. The shorter course also reduces the Sailor's time away from home and parent command, while not compromising educational content.
The present SEA blended course format, six weeks of distance learning followed by two weeks of rigorous in resident education, will continue to be the primary method to attend the SEA for Reservists.
The enrollment requirements remain the same.
Those Sailors who have already earned the rank of senior chief or are selected prior to the FY17 board will be grandfathered under the old policy and will not be required to attend the SEA. The course still remains a requirement for those who have been selected to become a command senior chief, command master chief or chief of the boat. Additionally, senior chiefs who are selected from the FY17 selection board will have to attend the SEA in order to be eligible for master chief.
Limited funding will be available during a permanent-change-of-station transfer. The vast majority of senior chiefs will attend the SEA on temporary-assigned duty orders. The primary funding for the program will come from the Naval War College.
As a prerequisite to attending the SEA, students must have completed the required 70 hours of online Primary Professional Military Education via Navy Knowledge Online.
It is mandatory that this work be completed prior to arrival at the SEA. The DoD Cyber Awareness Challenge and the Personally Identifiable Information training modules are also mandatory for all users of DoD information systems as required by the Federal Information Security Management Act. All students must provide a printed certificate of completion upon check-in at the SEA.
Students must also be within body composition assessment standards upon arrival. Any student arriving to the SEA out of standards will not be enrolled and required to wait 12 months prior to re-enrollment in the course. Any student who fails the course due to academic performance will also have to wait 12 months to re-enroll.
In general, waivers will not be approved. However, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis to deal with any extenuating circumstances.
Additional information can be found in NAVADMIN 266/14.
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (SEA) is expanding its delivery format to afford every senior chief petty officer the opportunity to attend the SEA prior to selection to master chief petty officer.
This change aligns with the Chief of Naval Operations' vision set forth in the Navy Leader Development Strategy and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy's focus on developing leaders.
Starting in Fiscal Year 2017, all newly selected senior chief petty officers will be required to complete the SEA in Newport, Rhode Island, or attend either the Air Force Senior Enlisted Academy, Marine Corps Senior Enlisted Academy, Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Academy or Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy, in order to be eligible for advancement to master chief petty officer.
Currently, the SEA resident course is six weeks. To meet the increased resident demand without compromising content, the SEA will modify its delivery format to nine weeks of distance learning online, prior to three weeks of resident education in Newport. By October 2015, all active duty personnel attending the SEA will be required to complete newer, longer requirement, followed by the three-week residence.
During the nine weeks of distance learning, each senior chief should expect to spend approximately three to five hours per week on assignments. Reducing the resident portion to three weeks allows the SEA to increase the number of classes per year without increasing the SEA's footprint requirements for base infrastructure. The shorter course also reduces the Sailor's time away from home and parent command, while not compromising educational content.
The present SEA blended course format, six weeks of distance learning followed by two weeks of rigorous in resident education, will continue to be the primary method to attend the SEA for Reservists.
The enrollment requirements remain the same.
Those Sailors who have already earned the rank of senior chief or are selected prior to the FY17 board will be grandfathered under the old policy and will not be required to attend the SEA. The course still remains a requirement for those who have been selected to become a command senior chief, command master chief or chief of the boat. Additionally, senior chiefs who are selected from the FY17 selection board will have to attend the SEA in order to be eligible for master chief.
Limited funding will be available during a permanent-change-of-station transfer. The vast majority of senior chiefs will attend the SEA on temporary-assigned duty orders. The primary funding for the program will come from the Naval War College.
As a prerequisite to attending the SEA, students must have completed the required 70 hours of online Primary Professional Military Education via Navy Knowledge Online.
It is mandatory that this work be completed prior to arrival at the SEA. The DoD Cyber Awareness Challenge and the Personally Identifiable Information training modules are also mandatory for all users of DoD information systems as required by the Federal Information Security Management Act. All students must provide a printed certificate of completion upon check-in at the SEA.
Students must also be within body composition assessment standards upon arrival. Any student arriving to the SEA out of standards will not be enrolled and required to wait 12 months prior to re-enrollment in the course. Any student who fails the course due to academic performance will also have to wait 12 months to re-enroll.
In general, waivers will not be approved. However, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis to deal with any extenuating circumstances.
Additional information can be found in NAVADMIN 266/14.
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
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