Tony

WASHINGTON — Leaders of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform urged the National Archives this week to digitize its records to help with a large backlog of records requests from veterans who need personnel information to secure government benefits. Leaders of the National Archives and Records Administration told lawmakers last month that they were struggling with a backlog of about 500,000 records requests from veterans who need military personnel information from the archives when applying for Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and health care. They estimated the backlog would not be eliminated until the end of 2022.

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Active duty U.S. Navy Capt. Corby Ropp died on July 23, 2021 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, due to COVID-19 related complications. Ropp, 48, was assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Camp Lejeune as the department head of ophthalmology and refractive surgery. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our shipmate and ophthalmologist Capt. Ropp,” said NMRTC Camp Lejeune’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Reginald Ewing III. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Capt. Ropp’s family, coworkers, and friends during this extremely difficult time.” For questions related to this release, please contact BUMED public affairs at usn.ncr.bumedfchva.list.bumed---pao@mail.mil or (703) 254-4035.

BOISE, Idaho – Master-at-Arms First Class Allen Hillman died July 26, while hospitalized due to complications associated with COVID-19. Navy Reserve Force Hillman, 47, of Boise, Idaho, was assigned to Navy Reserve Volunteer Training Unit, Boise, ID. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and shipmate MA1 Hillman. He was a big part of our community here in Boise. We will continue to support his family and shipmates during this difficult time.” Said Cmdr. Megan Fine, Commanding Officer of Navy Operational Support Center, Boise, ID. Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms is encouraged to seek medical treatment immediately. For questions related to this release, please contact Commander, Navy Reserve Force Public Affairs.

SAN DIEGO - Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) announced the launch of the Navy’s first secret, commercial, cloud-enabled, development, security and operations (DevSecOps) pipeline, transforming how the Navy protects and manages access to data and applications across all mission areas. This pipeline, known as the Overmatch Software Armory, is an Impact Level (IL) 6 digital environment capable of supporting classified mission applications, using industry-standard DevSecOps principles designed to automate the integration of security at every phase of the software development lifecycle, from initial design through integration, testing, deployment and software delivery. Since 2018, the Overmatch Software Armory has been operating at IL4 accommodating Department of Defense (DoD) Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and at IL5 accommodating DoD CUI and National Security Systems. This is the first time the Overmatch Software Armory is operating at IL6, accommodating DoD Classified Information up to the Secret-level. The IL6 version is a mirrored companion pipeline with the same tools and automation, including cybersecurity tools enabling early inclusion of security into the development process. The Overmatch Software Armory IL4/IL5 is currently serving more than 1,300 users and 77 projects, while the IL6 version has been added to the Naval Digital Marketplace, providing users with a classified environment for secure development, testing and staging for tactical, afloat, ashore and hardened systems. Managed by the Program Executive Office for Digital and Enterprise Services (PEO Digital), the Naval Digital Marketplace is a centralized approach to governing the Navy’s acquisition of cloud-related products and services. It supports a full range of missions and data classifications through a multi-cloud, multi-vendor strategy focused on limiting duplication, reducing inefficiencies and accelerating digital modernization efforts. “The Digital Marketplace serves as the single gateway for products and services associated with DevSecOps,” said Travis Methvin, cloud program manager for PEO Digital. “We are happy to announce the addition of the IL6 Overmatch Software Armory for the provisioning and consumption of the products and services associated with DevSecOps implementations.” One of the projects the Overmatch Software Armory has been approved for is the transformation of the Risk Management Framework (RMF), a risk-based cybersecurity approach for enterprise-level authorization of IT systems and services. RMF is a rigorous six-step process that can take anywhere from six to 12 months, with an end goal of IT systems or services receiving the authorization to operate on the Navy’s network for deployment to the fleet. The Overmatch Software Armory streamlines the RMF process, increasing the pace of software delivery to the fleet, while allowing for continuous updating and direct delivery of newer versions of applications in as little as one day. “Previously, if we wanted to have our own classified secret software pipeline, we would have had to build an on premise solution and host it in a secure location onsite,” said David Jenkins, deputy for project development, Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific Command and Control Systems Division. “Now we can take advantage of the Overmatch Software Armory IL6 commercial cloud.” The use and benefits of the Overmatch Software Armory now being available at the Secret-level is in line with the Department of the Navy cloud policy focused on leveraging cloud computing services for software development. “There are other communities, such as the intelligence community that have been operating in commercially available Secret spaces for a while,” said Chris Johnson, Command and Control and Enterprise Engineering division head. “But this is the first time we have a DoD entity, specifically the U.S. Navy, not only operating in IL6 but offering an enterprise DevSecOps service for multiple programs and projects to use.” In addition to RMF, one of the largest users of the Overmatch Software Armory is Project Overmatch, a high priority Navy initiative aimed at delivering a more lethal, better-connected fleet of the future by connecting manned and unmanned platforms, weapons and sensors together in a robust Naval Operational Architecture that integrates with Joint All-Domain Command and Control for enhanced Distributed Maritime Operations. Project Overmatch leverages the latest in digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and networking technologies for improved fleet readiness worldwide. One way Project Overmatch is using the Overmatch Software Armory is through NAVWAR’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Networks Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (NetANTX). Launched in June 2021 the prize challenge focuses on identifying and delivering the most advanced AI-enabled technologies available in support of Project Overmatch. The AI-focused prize challenge is enabled by the Overmatch Software Armory and intends to make operationally relevant data sets available to selected AI developers. The call for white papers is currently open, with submissions due 27 July. For more information on this Prize Challenge visit: https://www.challenge.gov/challenge/networks-advanced-naval-technology-exercise-ainetantx-artificial-intelligence-prize-challenge/

Sailors unable to take leave due to COVID-19 restrictions now have extra time to use their leave. Sailors unable to take leave due to COVID-19 restrictions now have extra time to use their leave. That's because the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs has approved Special Leave Accrual (SLA) for fiscal year (FY) 2021. This was announced in NAVADMIN 159/21, released July 28. SLA is authorized for Sailors that performed active service in FY21 and allows them to carry over more than 60 days of leave into the next fiscal year. Sailors may not, however, carry more than 120 days of leave as part of SLA. This SLA approval only protects a Sailor’s leave balance as of September 30, 2021, and will not affect leave earned after that date unless additional SLA is authorized for that fiscal year. “We sought this approval, recognizing that leave is vital to morale, level of performance and career motivation for our Sailors,” said Vice Adm. John B. Nowell, the chief of naval personnel. “I will ask that Commanders continue to encourage and provide Sailors with the opportunity to use their leave as much as possible in the year in which it is earned.” Sailors have until Sept. 30, 2024 to whittle their balance back down to the 60-day limit. At the end of normal fiscal years, unused leave exceeding 60 days is lost. SLA temporarily increases that limit up to 120 days. This extra allowed leave balance will be noted in a Sailor’s Leave and Earnings Statement (LES). A Sailor’s SLA balance is calculated as the difference between “Combat Zone LV Carryover Balance” on their LES and the authorized maximum leave carryover balance, which is 60 days. No action is required by either the Sailor or their command to retain this leave as it is automatically tracked by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. Enlisted members with 120 or more days can sell back unused leave, however, the law limits this to once in a career and only up to 60 days total. Officers are not authorized to sell back leave in this situation. For more information on military pay entitlements and instructions on how to read an LES, go to https://www.dfas.mil/MilitaryMembers/payentitlements/aboutpay/

UNCLASSIFIED// PRIORITY P 281530Z JUL 21 MID200001005409U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 159/21 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/JUL// SUBJ/SPECIAL LEAVE ACCRUAL FOR THE NAVY// REF/A/DOC/USC/20DEC19// REF/B/DOC/DOD/16JUN09// REF/C/DOC/USD(PR)/16APR20// REF/D/DOC/ASN(MRA)/28JUL21// REF/E/DOC/COMNAVPERSCOM/22JAN10// REF/F/DOC/COMNAVPERSCOM/25SEP18// NARR/REF A IS TITLE 10 U.S. CODE SECTION 701, THE ENTITLEMENT AND ACCUMULATION OF LEAVE FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED SERVICES. REF B IS THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INSTRUCTION 1327.06, LEAVE AND LIBERTY POLICY AND PROCEDURES. REF C IS UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MEMORANDUM AUTHORIZING SPECIAL LEAVE ACCRUAL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIVE TRAVEL. REF D IS ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY FOR MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS MEMORANDUM AUTHORIZING SPECIAL LEAVE ACCRUAL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021. REF E IS MILPERSMAN 1050-070, SPECIAL LEAVE ACCRUAL. REF F IS MILPERSMAN 7220-340, LUMP-SUM PAYMENT FOR ACCRUED LEAVE.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces special leave accrual (SLA) for Navy Service Members for fiscal year (FY) 2021. 2. In line with references (a) and (b), leave carryover into the next FY is normally limited to 60 days. However, in line with these references, SLA can be approved to allow up to 120 days of leave to be carried over into the following FY. SLA for FY-20 was approved by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), reference (c), due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SLA for FY-21 was approved by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (ASN(MRA)), reference (d), due to continued COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. 3. In line with the SLA approval for FY-21, Sailors that perform active service consistent with reference (a) during FY-21 are authorized to accumulate annual leave in excess of 60 days (not to exceed 120 days) as shown on the end of month September 2021 Leave and Earnings Statement. This SLA leave balance may be retained until the end of FY-24 (30 September 2024). Enlisted members that will have more than 120 days of leave may sell back leave per references (e) and (f). This is limited to once in a career and counts towards the 60 day career limit. In line with reference (b), officers are not authorized to sell back leave. 4. Service Members are reminded that this SLA approval only protects the leave balance as of 30 September 2021 and does not protect leave earned in future FYs unless SLA is approved for that FY. Sailors are responsible for tracking and managing their own leave. 5. Unit commanders will continue to ensure maximum use of earned leave and minimize the loss of leave within the constraints of operational requirements. All leave, to include non-chargeable leave such as convalescent leave and caregiver leave, must be recorded via e-leave in Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System. 6. This NAVADMIN will remain in effect until superseded or canceled, whichever occurs first. 7. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 281943Z JUL 21 MID200001006411U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 160/21 MSGID/NAVADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N4/JUL// SUBJ/CONSOLIDATION OF NAVY PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION LODGING (NAVY LODGE) AND NAVY TEMPORARY DUTY LODGING (NAVY GATEWAY INNS & SUITES)// REF/A/DOC/UNSECNAV MEMO/04JAN21// REF/B/DOC/OPNAV/26DEC07// REF/C/DOC/OPNAV/6MAY08// REF/D/DOC/SECNAV/21JAN04// REF/E/DOC/DOD/6OCT06// REF/F/DOC/DOD/30OCT96// REF/G/DOC/DOD/31OCT07// NARR/REF A IS UNDERSECRETARY OF THE NAVY MEMO FOR THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS OF 4 JANUARY 2021, CONSOLIDATION OF PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION AND TEMPORARY DUTY LODGING. REF B IS OPNAVINST 5009.1, RESPONSIBILITY FOR NAVY HOUSING AND LODGING PROGRAMS. REF C IS OPNAVINST 5450.331A, RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY FOR NAVY EXCHANGE OPERATIONS. REF D IS SECNAVINST 5401.2A, ESTABLISHMENT, MANAGEMENT, AND CONTROL OF NONAPPROPRIATED FUND INSTRUMENTALITIES AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF SUPPORTING RESOURCES. REF E IS DODI 1015.11, LODGING POLICY. REF F IS DODI 1015.12, LODGING PROGRAM RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. REF G IS DODI 1015.15, ESTABLISHMENT, MANAGEMENT, AND CONTROL OF NONAPPROPRIATED FUND INSTRUMENTALITIES AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF SUPPORTING RESOURCES.// POC/MS. ANNIE FOWLER/GS-15/OPNAV N461Q/TEL: 703-695-5541/EMAIL: ANNIE.FOWLER.MIL(AT)US.NAVY.MIL// RMKS/1. The purpose of this NAVADMIN is to direct and define the actions required to implement the provisions of reference (a) to consolidate Navy Permanent Change of Station (PCS) lodging (Navy Lodge) and Navy Temporary Duty (TDY) lodging (Navy Gateway Inns & Suites (NGIS)) under the operational control of Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) and to change command and control of NGIS from Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), as delineated in reference (b), to NEXCOM. NEXCOM will achieve initial operational capability (IOC) by 1 October 2021 and full operational capability (FOC) by 30 September 2022. 2. Scope. This NAVADMIN applies Navy-wide to all NGIS regardless of supported mission. No NGIS are exempted from this consolidation. 3. Action. a. Per reference (c), Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command (COMNAVSUPSYSCOM) is designated program manager for Navy Lodges and has delegated technical management responsibility to NEXCOM. Navy Lodge will remain under the technical management of NEXCOM. Effective 1 October 2021, COMNAVSUPSYSCOM is designated as program manager for NGIS and, per reference (a), technical management for NGIS is delegated to NEXCOM. b. To reflect the change in NGIS command and control, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Fleet Readiness and Logistics (CNO N4) shall update applicable OPNAV instructions, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery shall update NAVMED P-5010-2, and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFACENGSYSCOM) shall update UFC 4-720-01. 4. Responsibilities. a. Effective immediately, NEXCOM, under the program management and administrative control of COMNAVSUPSYSCOM, shall: (1) Collaborate closely with CNIC in the transition of NGIS command and control from CNIC to NEXCOM; and (2) In collaboration with CNIC, identify common support services CNIC provides to NGIS for matters including, but not limited to, payroll support, financial oversight, human resources support, and other similar common support services and accept in writing responsibility for those services from CNIC no later than 30 September 2022. b. Effective 1 October 2021, NEXCOM, under the program management and administrative control of COMNAVSUPSYSCOM, shall: (1) Provide management, control, and performance oversight of NGIS facilities and services as outlined in references (d) through (g). Common support services provided to NGIS shall be discontinued by CNIC and thereupon initiated by NEXCOM per subparagraph 4a(2) and subparagraph 4c(2); (2) Formulate and recommend legislative proposals regarding lodging for submittal by the Chief of Naval Operations to the Secretary of the Navy as deemed necessary and appropriate; (3) Conduct customer and employee surveys; (4) Collaborate with NAVFACENGSYSCOM to formulate and recommend facility construction, leasing, and other acquisition programs to meet NGIS lodging requirements; (5) Develop and coordinate NGIS lodging guidance; (6) Conduct and evaluate service improvement programs; (7) Prepare long term capital plans based on DOD adequacy standards, facility condition, occupancy, and resulting required room rates compared to per diem; (8) Prepare budgets to support NGIS requirements; (9) Collaborate with NAVFACENGSYSCOM to determine if current Unified Facilities Criteria meets future needs; (10) Establish criteria and standards for plans, design, construction, and maintenance of NGIS lodging facilities; (11) Manage, maintain, and operate NGIS lodging programs and related collateral facilities; (12) Provide staff training and written operational guidance; and (13) Achieve and report full operational capability of the consolidation of PCS and TDY lodging programs under the command and control of NEXCOM no later than 30 September 2022. If, in the judgment of NEXCOM, FOC requires disestablishment of any nonappropriated fund instrumentality (NAFI), or establishment of any NAFI, NEXCOM shall make a timely request to CNO for such action per reference (d). c. Effective immediately, CNIC shall: (1) Collaborate with NEXCOM to effect the transition of NGIS command and control from CNIC to NEXCOM effective 1 October 2021; (2) Continue to provide common support services to NGIS on a reimbursable basis for matters including, but not limited to, payroll support, financial oversight, human resources support, and other similar common support services, as identified per subparagraph 4a(2), until such time as NEXCOM accepts in writing responsibility to provide those support services to NGIS; and (3) Support NEXCOM in transferring command and control of NGIS from CNIC to NEXCOM to achieve the lodging consolidation IOC and FOC dates directed by reference (a). 5. Released by VADM R. L. Williamson, N4.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASIFIED//

FY22 MCPO Selection Board - NAVADMIN 156/21 FY22 SCPO Selection Board - NAVADMIN 155/21

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Monday that it will require its health care professionals to be vaccinated within the next two months as coronavirus infections have more than doubled in the past month at its medical facilities.

President Joe Biden has ordered the end of the combat role for American troops in Iraq in the coming months, a move that will for now retain U.S. service members in the country as advisors, he announced Monday at the White House. “Our role in Iraq will be … just to be available, to continue to train, to assist, to help and to deal with ISIS as it arises, but we’re not going to be, by the end of the year, in a combat zone,” Biden said alongside Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, according to a White House pool report.

From Alan Nunn, Recruit Training Command Public Affairs Long before either of them arrived at Recruit Training Command (RTC), Capt. Jeffry Sandin helped make it possible for Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class Ali Tolinos to earn advancement and extend his Navy career. Tolinos, a Recruit Division Commander (RDC), is now helping Navy recruits begin their careers at RTC, where Sandin recently became the commanding officer. Tolinos’ gateway to RTC, the Navy’s only boot camp, was through the Active Duty Enlisted Advancement-to-Position (A2P) program. GREAT LAKES (NNS) -- Long before either of them arrived at Recruit Training Command (RTC), Capt. Jeffry Sandin helped make it possible for Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class Ali Tolinos to earn advancement and extend his Navy career. Tolinos, a Recruit Division Commander (RDC), is now helping Navy recruits begin their careers at RTC, where Sandin recently became the commanding officer. Tolinos’ gateway to RTC, the Navy’s only boot camp, was through the Active Duty Enlisted Advancement-to-Position (A2P) program. The A2P program offers active duty second class petty officers the opportunity to advance to first class petty officer by filling priority billets and successfully completing any required training or schools. The program is intended to improve fleet readiness and manning through better distribution of personnel. Candidates are selected for A2P billets on a competitive basis. They have to take the most recent E-6 Navy rating exam and have a record of sustained superior performance. On March 12, 2020, Tolinos graduated from RDC “C” School and advanced to first class petty officer, becoming RTC’s first A2P program graduate. “Many people try to apply for it, but they don’t meet all the criteria to make it,” Sandin said. “To get somebody to apply for it and be accepted is a pretty big deal.” Tolinos has served in the Navy for 17 years and said he was facing high-year tenure for the third time in his career when he received his orders to RTC and acceptance into the A2P program. It was the first time Tolinos considered becoming an RDC. “It wasn’t even on the radar,” he said. “I was still hoping I could make first class by my tests. I’d come up shy by a few points. I was trying. I just couldn’t make the quota.” Tolinos said he would have run out of time without the A2P program opportunity. Permanently established on Oct. 7, 2019, the A2P program was advanced by Sandin, who was then Navy Personnel Command (NPC) Director of Enlisted Distribution. He credits his NPC staff for developing a program that provides a pathway to become an RDC or fill other demanding first class petty officer billets and earn advancement. “There was an A2P program graduate in each of my first four weekly “C” School graduations,” said Sandin, who took command at RTC in May. “It showed there were people taking interest in the program and people benefiting from the program. I was just coming out of [NPC], where I was trying to sell that and I saw here on the recipient side that it’s working.” Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Quincy O’Bryant, who was pinned by Sandin during a “C” School graduation ceremony July 8, is the most recent of nearly two dozen A2P Sailors to earn their red rope and become an RDC. “The A2P program helped get me to the point I felt I was at already,” O’Bryant said. “With the responsibilities I took, even prior to being here at Great Lakes, A2P put me in the position as far as rank goes. I’ve always held myself to a standard higher than was expected and the program puts you where you deserve to be.” O’Bryant has embraced one of the Navy’s most arduous and difficult assignments and is ready for the challenge. “The A2P program itself is absolutely a blessing, especially for this billet,” O’Bryant said. “There are other billets that have this program as well, but I chose this one mainly because I knew it would be a challenge. I didn’t want to just be given something – I came here to actually work for it.” The A2P program has become an important tool in helping RTC attract distinguished Sailors to train the future of the Navy. “Getting Sailors and their families up to RTC Great Lakes is not an easy chore from a detailing perspective,” Sandin said. “Just communicating that effectively out to the fleet, saying ‘Hey, we need good quality staff members, is not enough.’ So when those opportunities become available, and there’s a billet here at Great Lakes that somebody can jump on, and get promoted once they’ve completed RDC “C” School, or instructor school, that’s a big win for us.” It’s also been a big win for the Sailors like Tolinos, who did five division pushes on the front end of his tour at RDC. “When it’s all said and done, I know I’ll be proud,” Tolinos said. “For 10-15 years, you accept everything the Navy gives you, and then it’s your chance to give back and train somebody to replace you somewhere down the road. I can see how beneficial that is and how it’s fulfilling as a career. I’ll look back and take pride in being an RDC.” Boot camp is approximately eight weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes physical fitness, seamanship, firearms, firefighting and shipboard damage control along with lessons in Navy heritage and core values, teamwork and discipline. More than 40,000 recruits are trained annually at RTC and begin their Navy careers.

It's actually the discussion that is low, not the visit count, which is up. The visit count has increased enough that I've slowly started the process of adding memory and CPU power to the server. Don't know why people are talking less though.

If TRIAD got their copy please post.

This has been validated. (Who would doubt @Stabservo? ) E-8 and E-9 Results Monday Jul 26 1100 EDT BOL/ TRIAD Release Tuesday Jul 27 1100 EDT NAVADMIN Release

2021 Alnavresfor 008 Navy Reserve Force Meritorious Advancement Program for Selres Sailors Season Two Announcement

WASHINGTON – 2022 will be a big year for the Zumwalt-class destroyer program, as first-in-class Zumwalt and sister ship Michael Monsoor continue finding their place in the fleet — and perhaps make a debut at a major naval exercise, the head of the surface navy told reporters July 22. Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, commander of Naval Surface Forces, said at the Pentagon that the surface fleet was already bringing in some new technology for high-end warfare and would see several significant additions in the coming years — most notably the Zumwalt DDGs fielding hypersonic missiles — and that his force was working hard already to pave the way for fleet introduction of all the new war-fighting assets.

All of these billets provide a unique Navy experience while also being very rewarding tours. Defense Courier Duty provides an opportunity to work out of your rate as well as a joint force working environment. Washington, D.C. billets provide Sailors the opportunity to make connections and learn how things are run there. Millington billets are essential to manning the fleet. A billet to USS John F. Kennedy, a pre-commissioned ship, will allow Sailors to build their systems from the ground up. The USS Constitution is a tour that is very unique in experiencing Navy heritage and history. SEA FA billets teach the future Senior Enlisted Leaders of the fleet. “As a Defense Courier you get the opportunity to work outside of your rating and you’re working with other joint agencies.” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Shanika Jones, Shore Special Programs Department Leading Chief Petty Officer. “It is rewarding knowing that the mission you went out on may be a small piece of the puzzle, but it allowed a bigger mission to take place.” The responsibilities during this tour are to receive, transport, store, transfer and account for highly classified and time sensitive material. Another benefit of the billet is a Special Duty Assignment pay of $75 a month. A few requirements for Sailors are to be E-5 or have been selected to E-5, have mature judgement, have no physical condition that prevents travel onboard an aircraft or lifting heavy objects. A complete list of requirements and billet description can be found on MyNavy HR’s website or by contacting your detailer. “Washington, D.C. billets are high visibility and they run our top echelon of the Navy.” said Chief Petty Officer Timothy Harrison, Shore Special Programs, Millington/DC Lead Detailer. “Sailors, especially junior Sailors, can make good contacts and will have a better knowledge base working at these billets in Washington, DC.” Ratings most often needed are YN, PS, IT, ET, CTI, CTM, CE, BU, UT, and MC. Opportunities often become available for other ratings as well. A few billets that are available in Washington, D.C. are Naval Support Facility Thurmont and Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMX-1). A complete list of requirements and billet descriptions can be found on MyNavy HR’s website or by contacting your detailer. Millington billets are very similar to those in Washington, D.C. in requirements and often work hand-in-hand. “Millington billets literally man the fleet, manage policies and programs and anything that is done here is usually sent up for review and then sent out. It’s like a 1-2 punch kind of thing between the Washington D.C. and Millington billets.” said Chief Petty Officer Timothy Harrison, Shore Special Programs, Millington/DC Lead Detailer. A complete list of requirements and billet descriptions can be found on MyNavy HR’s website or by contacting your detailer. A billet aboard USS John F. Kennedy, a pre-commissioned ship, is a unique experience that not many Sailors get to have. Another benefit of this billet is becoming a plank owner, which is an individual who was a member of the crew of a ship when that ship was placed in commission. “This billet is very career enhancing because these Sailors get to build their programs from the ground up and that gives them a sense of ownership over their equipment.” said Chief Petty Officer Eric Spisak, Sea Special Programs Detailer. “It’s also very important to the Navy to man these new ships with motivated Sailors to ensure their warfighting capability.” A complete list of requirements and billet descriptions can be found on MyNavy HR’s website or by contacting your detailer. “The USS Constitution is a blend of traditional leadership styles linking back into all the traditions the Navy is built upon. The Constitution being ‘Old Ironsides’ and one of the first ships in the Navy is kind of the birth place of our roots there” said Petty Officer First Class Nicholas Belflower, Shore Special Programs Detailer. “It’s a rewarding shore experience that lets you connect with the community there in Boston through the tours that are given on the ship.” USS Constitution is the oldest Navy ship still in commission. Duty aboard "Old Ironsides", is like taking a step back into history. Being that the ship is made of wood, part of your primary duties will be to maintain her and her bright work. As a part of our history, USS Constitution receives numerous visitors every year and you may be tasked with giving a tour. There is a screening process, IAW MILPERSMAN 1306-920. As part of that screening you will be required to do a telephonic interview with the USS Constitution, Command Master Chief. A complete list of requirements and billet descriptions can be found on MyNavy HR’s website or by contacting your detailer. The Senior Enlisted Academy provides an opportunity for students to engage in studies that broaden their educational experience and assist them in fulfilling today’s increasing senior enlisted responsibilities. SEA develops stronger leaders by preparing them to fulfill their expanded and ever-widening roles as global leaders. SEA FA is looking for highly motivated personnel, pay grades E8 – E9 of all rates, who are looking to enhance their careers through instructing duty, must currently hold the NEC 8SEA and be able to fulfill a 36 month tour obligation. Enlisted Sea and Shore Special Programs provide great opportunities as well as unique and rewarding Navy experiences to Sailors. For more information about any Sea and Shore Special Programs please visit www.MyNavyHR.Navy.Mil or contact your detailer. Navy Enlisted Special Programs - Sea, Shore and Augmentation

LYNN HAVEN, Fla (WMBB) — 40-year-old Dwayne M. Gordon was arrested in April after the victim told investigators he molested her multiple times at a Lynn Haven home.

The head of the U.S. Navy admits the service added too much untested tech to its latest and greatest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford. When the Navy first built the Ford, it incorporated nearly two dozen new technologies, some of which are still giving the service headaches 4 years after the ship entered the fleet.

FORT WORTH, Texas – On an early Saturday morning at the gun range aboard Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, a group of 50 Sailors outfitted in Type III digital-camouflage uniforms don protective equipment and thigh-rig weapon holsters. A range safety officer recites safety protocol verbatim aloud. The Sailors listen intently as they prepare for the day’s multiple courses of fire. It’s drill weekend for Navy Reserve Naval Security Forces (NSF) Fort Worth. In accordance with the Navy Reserve Fighting Instructions, released by Chief of Navy Reserve (CNR) Vice Adm. John Mustin, the unit is actively conducting focused training to prepare Sailors for mobilization billets. Weapons qualifications and sustainment training on the M9 semi-automatic pistol, M500 shotgun and M4 assault rifle are the primary objectives during the drill period. “Our mission is to ensure our Sailors are ready to deploy,” said Reserve Chief Master-at-Arms Joe Rogers, the unit’s senior enlisted leader. “We’re the Reserve security arm. So, every month we train within our scope of law enforcement and force protection.” In preparation for the day’s first course of fire, the unit’s small-arms marksmanship instructor (SAMI), Reserve Master-at-Arms First Class Arthur Trevino, directs eight Sailors to pick up a 9mm handgun which has been pre-staged at the ready line in their firing lanes. They are instructed to ensure their weapon is clear and safe, and then to place their weapon into Condition One. “Shooters, with your six-round magazine, load and make ready,” Trevino commands. “Ensure your safety is on. Holster your weapon.” Two line coaches patrol each of the lanes to ensure compliance before signaling the SAMI to proceed. “A lot of the guys in the unit are civilian police officers,” said Trevino. “Each of them brings a variety of knowledge and experience, which increases our readiness level.” Trevino proceeds to instruct the shooters, “First course of fire is going to be two rounds in four seconds, two rounds in four seconds. Stand by…Fire!” As a Reserve security force, NSF Fort Worth Sailors augment the installation’s active component. The unit’s members also receive mobilization orders to support various missions both stateside and overseas. “Right now, we have Sailors deployed in multiple locations around the world providing security and logistics support,” said Rogers. “My Sailors joined the Navy for a reason. They believe in our mission. They believe in their patriotic duties to our country.” Those sentiments were echoed by Reserve Master-at-Arms Second Class Sly Cameron, a unit Sailor who also patrols the Dallas-Fort Worth area as a civilian police officer for the Mansfield Police Department. “It’s a needed profession,” said Cameron. “I come from a family of law enforcement. My dad, my brother and sister, we’re all police officers. So, I’m able to bring my outside experience and training to help mold the unit because at the end of the day, we’ve got to be ready for any and all situations.” In the Fighting Instructions directive, which calls on Reserve Sailors and units to focus efforts on warfighting readiness, CNR identifies three tenets: Design the Force, Train the Force, Mobilize the Force. These principles serve as the basis of CNR’s vision for the Navy Reserve force to identify warfighting capabilities best suited for the Reserve component, which provide a clear benefit to the Navy. They guide the force to focus training efforts on preparing Navy Reserve Sailors for their mobilization billets. And, the instructions direct the force to develop and employ rapid mobilization processes like Distributed Mobilization to ensure large-scale readiness for conflict against a peer or near-peer adversary. “Achieving strategic depth and improving warfighting readiness requires us to build on the hard work completed so far with a sense of urgency,” said Mustin.

GROTON, Conn. (Tribune News Service) — Noting that trends in coronavirus infection rates and hospitalizations “have indicated the virus has been adapting and its reach growing,” the Naval Submarine Base in Groton announced Wednesday that it is increasing its Force Health Protection Condition, or HPCON, from Alpha to Bravo, effective immediately. HPCON Alpha is for limited community transmission, whereas Bravo is moderate, Charlie is substantial and Delta is severe.

NAPLES, Italy — Russian military actions in the Black Sea during a multinational exercise reflect an increasingly aggressive effort to control the region, said a top U.S. admiral and analysts calling for an assertive response from the U.S. and NATO allies. The Kremlin has long objected to the annual Sea Breeze drills, which this year included 32 nations maneuvering in what the Russians, as one of six nations bordering the Black Sea, consider their backyard.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs faces an Aug. 1 deadline to implement changes to its GI Bill program approved by Congress earlier this year. Congress in January approved the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, named for former Republican leaders of the House and Senate veterans’ affairs committees. The new law is more than 340 pages long and aims to help various segments of the veteran population, including women, Native Americans and students, as well as veterans experiencing homelessness.

Sailors recently selected for advancement to E-4 through E-6 will remain in a frocked status until their pay incrementation date. All advancements from the spring cycle occur July through December. No less than three percent of Sailors will be advanced each month, with the majority of advancements occurring in the final pay increment. Roughly 85% of the Sailors selected for advancement in July will be advanced on December 16th. Pay increments are determined by each Sailor's Final Multiple Score standing in their rating and across the entire paygrade, NOT their percentile. An updated profile sheet will be generated when a Sailor's increment is determined.