Tony

Senator Tom Cotton recently released a report detailing manifold flaws in the U.S. Navy’s warfighting capacity; at the end of it, he included eight recommendations for how the Navy can improve itself. Reviewing the suggestions, I think he has much correct. However, his prescriptions are understandably biased toward the upper brass and provide little direction for the enlisted side of the house — the people doing the work. Having served six years on that side in the Navy, rising to E-5, I believe much should be corrected in the enlisted ranks, from the culture to recruiting practices to the chain of command.

The Defense Department wants to make sure its veterans know they can apply to correct inaccuracies or injustices in their military records, including an upgrade in discharge, officials for the DOD's legal policy office said.

WASHINGTON - Navy installations will exercise their security forces during Citadel Pacific 2021 (CP21), an annually reoccurring force protection exercise assessing emergency response in Navy Region Japan (July 19-23), Navy Region Hawaii (August 9-13), Navy Region Korea (August 23-27) and Joint Region Marianas (October 4-8). Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) and Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet conduct the exercise to evaluate command & control capabilities and ensure the readiness and effectiveness of antiterrorism programs throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. “In order to ‘train like we fight,’ CP21 simulates realistic threat scenarios such as active shooters, gate runners and improvised explosive devices” said David Foy, Deputy Director of Operations for CNIC. “Our personnel respond to the incident as they would if it were a real threat. This training approach ensures U.S. Navy security forces maintain a high level of readiness to respond to a dynamic security environment.” Citadel Pacific is an annual exercise and not in response to any specific threat. Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions to local communities and normal base operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes traffic congestion or delays at installation gates. Area residents may also see or hear unusual activities associated with the exercise including smoke, simulated gun fire, explosions and Giant Voice announcements. Advanced coordination has taken place with local law enforcement and first responders.

This is a reminder that Bibs for the E7 Active Duty January exam should be posted in July Bibliography for Advancement in Rate

WASHINGTON - For the first time, a female sailor has successfully completed the grueling 37-week training course to become a Naval Special Warfare combatant-craft crewman — the boat operators who transport Navy SEALs and conduct their own classified missions at sea. Navy officials said they would not identify the woman or provide more details on her — a routine military policy for special operations forces. She was one of 17 sailors to graduate and receive their pins on Thursday. She is also the first of 18 women who have tried out for a job as a SWCC or a SEAL to succeed.

The Chinese Communist Party is determined to supplant the United States—and building a navy to do it. America's next major war will likely play out in the Pacific Ocean, and our Navy will win or lose the day. But recent events like warships colliding in the Pacific and U.S. sailors surrendering to Iranian terrorists do not instill great confidence in the competency of our Navy. The Navy's problems begin with its leadership. A recent nonpartisan and seriously researched report jarringly concluded that, rather than focusing on training our sailors to fight and win, the Navy's most senior officials are, as a group, adrift.

If you currently receive VA pension payments or if you are thinking about applying for Veterans Pension, Survivors Pension, or Aid and Attendance (A&A) and housebound benefits, you could be the target of a scam known as pension poaching. Don’t let scammers take advantage of you. Read on to see how you can protect the benefits you have earned.

VA announced today two major decisions related to presumptive conditions associated with Agent Orange and particulate matter exposures during military service in Southwest Asia

An Alabama military base is taking increased actions to combat the ongoing prevalence of coronavirus infections, authorizing leaders to ask for proof of vaccination of service members not wearing a mask while on duty. It is the first military base in the continental United States to allow leaders to check the vaccination status of those in uniform. The new guidance at Fort Rucker comes as the new delta variant of the virus continues to drive infection rates and now accounts for a majority of cases in the United States. The base is among facilities, including Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, Fort Sill in Oklahoma and Fort Jackson in South Carolina, where less than half of the surrounding populations have been vaccinated.

ARCTIC CIRCLE - Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) participated in an “Order of the Blue Nose” ceremony on July 7, 2021, in a location above the Arctic Circle demarcation line of 66.30 degrees latitude. The ceremony is one of many naval traditions that indoctrinate Sailors into an elite order. During the ceremony, Roosevelt Sailors completed an obstacle course laden with frigid tasks. An audience with Boreas Rex, the King of the North, is the culminating event. Once Boreas Rex deemed their frozen quest a success, Sailors are marked with a painted blue nose. The crew gave their thoughts on their participation in the chilly ceremony. “It made me feel like I was in Antarctica,” said Yeoman 2nd Class Renato Tanamachi. “The Blue Nose is my favorite tradition in the Navy because it is something that not many Sailors get the opportunity to participate in. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget.” Roosevelt has frequented the Arctic Circle since its arrival to the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in 2020. This is the third ceremony hosted by the command. Command Master Chief James Kuroski participated in the ceremony during the ship’s first patrol. He was inducted in the first ceremony, participated once again in the second ceremony, and now hosts the third. “It’s a great honor to share this tradition with the Roosevelt crew,” said Kuroski, Roosevelt’s command master chief. “It is something everyone will remember their whole life. “ Roosevelt, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, began its second Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) patrol March 29 in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. Roosevelt is one of four U.S. Navy destroyers based in Rota, Spain, and assigned to Commander, Task Force 65 in support of NATO’s Integrated Air Missile Defense architecture. These Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Europe ships have the flexibility to operate throughout the waters of Europe and Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Arctic Circle, demonstrating their mastery of the maritime domain. U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national security interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

In 2005, the USS Ronald Reagan, a newly constructed $6.2 billion aircraft carrier, sank after being hit by torpedoes. Fortunately, this did not occur in actual combat but was simulated as part of a war game pitting a carrier task force including numerous antisubmarine escorts against HSMS Gotland, a small Swedish diesel-powered submarine displacing 1,600 tons. Yet despite making multiple attacks runs on the Reagan, the Gotland was never detected.

WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) — The House Appropriations Committee would require Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III to report to lawmakers soon on progress in keeping violent extremists out of the U.S. military. The panel said in a report made public Monday that it would direct the Pentagon to report on how it is implementing proposals to solve the problem, including recommendations from an internal Defense Department study that was sent quietly to Congress in October 2020 and disclosed publicly by CQ Roll Call in February.

Sailor-to-Sailor Newsletter

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. - A junior Sailor tied with a lieutenant for top score in the shiphandling competition during the recent Surface Line Week 2021 competition. Seaman Kelly A. House of Assault Craft Unit 2 (ACU 2) tied with Lt. Clint McNutt, navigator aboard USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), for top score. Retired Navy captain and current Navigation, Seamanship and Shiphandling Trainer (NSST), instructor, Peter Squicciarini graded the competition. He was especially impressed with House’s performance considering her lack of experience. “It was the best thing I’ve seen in five years,” he said. “When she first walked in, I asked her ‘what ship do you drive?’ Her answer was, ‘None’.” House says she decided to participate in the competition because she was curious about it and thought it would be a good learning experience for a new, undesignated Sailor. “I agreed to do it in order to help support our command in the competition as well as have fun and experience different things the Navy offers,” said House. Surface Line Week (SLW) is an annual event during which Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT) commands compete with each other in professional, athletic and camaraderie-building events and contests. The shiphandling competition saw an ensign, two lieutenant junior-grades, McNutt and House try their hands at a man-overboard scenario, being graded on several factors. The grading criteria was quantitative and included time from when “man overboard” was called to when “put swimmer in the water” was called; speed through water when “put swimmer in the water” was called; swimming distance from man overboard to pick-up point; and speed through water once alongside the man. The contest was comprised of two runs, and competitors were matched up with the class of ship on which they’re stationed for their first run. The second run had to be on a different class of ship. The small craft at House’s command wasn’t an option in the simulator, so Squicciarini matched her up with an osprey-class minehunter (MHC 51), which is handled similarly, for her first run. “Hers was the only perfect run I had. She did a flawless Anderson turn,” said Squicciarini. “She stopped it nearly on the dime, and her time was great.” House chose a destroyer for her second run, and got top scores in every category but one. Squicciarini emphasized that he was strict in his grading. “I applied the same criteria to everyone. I was not trying to give her any advantage,” he noted. “This was a stiff competition.” House had practiced taking the helm of a small craft in port at ACU 2, and noted that a chief had provided some basic instruction. However, she had never actually conned or helmed a ship at sea. “I owe my success to my original craftmaster, [Chief Boatswain’s Mate] Joshua Carrell, because he taught me the very basics of how to drive and how to get back on course when you stray away,” says House. “He taught [me] how to control the ship along with the basics of conning.” In addition to her shiphandling prowess, the assessor was blown away by the junior Sailor’s “confidence, positive attitude, and dedication to the surface Navy,” adding, “Everyone can take a page out of Seaman House’s book.” Among House’s future plans are finishing college and becoming a naval officer. “I intend to check on her progress through the commanding officer of ACU 2,” assured Squicciarini. SURFLANT mans, trains and equips assigned surface forces and shore activities, ensuring a capable force for conducting prompt and sustained operations in support of United States national interests. The SURFLANT force is composed of 77 ships, 14 pre-commissioning units, and 33 shore commands.

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 131647Z JUL 21 MID600050795136U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 150/21 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/JUL// SUBJ/DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COVID-19 TESTING PRIOR TO OVERSEAS TRAVEL (UPDATE 2)// REF/A/NAVADMIN/OPNAV/291854ZJAN21// REF/B/EXECUTIVE ORDER/13998/21JAN21// REF/C/USD P&R MEMO/16APR21// REF/D/CDC ORDER/12JAN21// REF/E/GENADMIN/USTRANSCOM/102224ZJUN21// REF/F/NAVADMIN/OPNAV/160550ZFEB21// NARR/REF A IS NAVADMIN 026/21, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COVID-19 TESTING PRIOR TO OVERSEAS TRAVEL. REF B IS EXECUTIVE ORDER 13998, PROMOTING COVID-19 SAFETY IN DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL. REF C IS FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION GUIDANCE SUPPLEMENT 20. REF D IS CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION ORDER REQUIREMENT FOR NEGATIVE PRE-DEPARTURE COVID-19 TEST RESULT OR DOCUMENTATION OF RECOVERY FROM COVID-19 FOR ALL AIRLINE OR OTHER AIRCRAFT PASSENGERS ARRIVING INTO THE UNITED STATES FROM ANY FOREIGN COUNTRY. REF E IS USTRANSCOM GUIDANCE TO THE JOINT FORCE UPDATING COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELERS IN RESPONSE TO FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION SUPPLEMENTS 16 REVISION 1, 17 AND 20. REF F IS NAVADMIN 037/21, U.S. NAVY COVID-19 STANDARDIZED OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE VERSION 4.0.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN updates options for COVID-19 testing prior to international travel, provides exceptions to the testing requirement as delineated in references (b) through (e), and provides updated processes for travelers that test positive prior to or during travel. In line with reference (e), U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) will no longer provide support services (transportation, lodging, sustenance, etc.) to travelers denied boarding due to COVID-19. Additionally, no earlier than 15 July 2021, USTRANSCOM will suspend all COVID-19 testing at all Continental United States (CONUS)-based Aerial Points of Embarkation (APOE). Reference (a) is canceled. 2. The dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic requires the continuation of measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread. Many countries, to include the U.S., require negative test results before arrival. In line with reference (c), and to ensure Service Members and families are not refused travel or delayed, all travelers executing international orders, to include returning to the U.S. from a foreign country, are required to have a negative viral COVID-19 test (molecular or antigen). However, a molecular test is the preferred test prior to travel. If the destination location requires a specific test, test timing, or test result format, travelers must follow the stricter requirement. Individuals should review the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) at https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/Fcg.cfm to determine the exact entry requirements for the final destination. 3. Service Members and/or family members must do the following a. Possess, and present on request, proof of a negative viral COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours of embarkation for international travel for each traveling family member unless the exceptions in paragraph 3.b. apply. Valid proof may be electronic or printed for commercial flights. Printed proof will be required prior to Air Mobility Command (AMC) Patriot Express (PE) (i.e., rotator) or military aircraft flights. b. Exceptions to Testing. Unless otherwise required by a more restrictive DoD Policy or specific entry requirements for the final destination: (1) Individuals fully recovered from a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 infection within the previous three months are not required to undergo viral testing. Individuals recovered from COVID-19 infection and desiring to travel will receive clearance from a healthcare provider or public health official and maintain a copy of the clearance letter in their possession during travel. (2) Individuals who are fully vaccinated are exempt from viral testing prior to travel from the United States to a foreign country. Fully vaccinated personnel are required to undergo viral testing prior to travel from a foreign country to the United States and post-international travel testing. c. Review the FCG at https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/fcg.cfm to determine the exact entry requirements for the final destination (does not apply to routine intermediate stops) to avoid delays, fines, or other complications upon arrival. COVID-19 travel information for travelers returning to the United States may be found on the Department of State website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid -19-information.html. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at https://step.state.gov for a free service enabling travelers to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This service provides updates from the embassy regarding travel requirements and safety conditions in the destination country. d. Review associated destination requirements, such as type of test, timing or test result format, to determine specifics for entry that may be more restrictive than service policy, e.g., testing within 72 hours from arrival instead of embarkation - in this case, travelers must execute their testing in order to arrive at their embarkation site with proof and have sufficient time remaining to travel to their destination prior to the requirement expiring. e. Plan intermediate travel and leave. Do not place you and your family in extremis should an unexpected restriction of movement (ROM) be required while traveling prior to embarkation. During trip planning, ensure you identify facilities along your route of travel that will accommodate you or a family member who may become COVID-19 positive. Additionally, financially plan for an extended trip and/or additional tests should they become necessary. Service Members are encouraged to use their Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) for travel expenses on official orders as this will assist in alleviating personal financial impact. TRICARE covers COVID-19 tests when medically necessary and appropriate. Visit https://www.tricare.mil/covid19testing for more details on COVID-19 testing coverage. TRICARE does not fund strictly travel-based tests. If not using a military facility, Service Members traveling on official orders should be prepared to pay for tests and be refunded via travel claim, in line with the Joint Travel Regulations. For those that choose not to use the GTCC or do not possess a GTCC, advanced travel pay is encouraged since molecular- based tests may be expensive. If paying for a commercial test that requires an upfront fee (copay), Service Members should ensure to submit the full testing cost via travel claim. f. Take responsibility for testing. The service is providing the following options to assist with individual travel situations, but it is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure all requirements have been met: (1) When traveling internationally from the U.S.: (a) Military treatment facilities (MTF) will execute free tests for Service Members and dependents in possession of international orders in line with reference (c). Tests should be scheduled prior to arrival at the MTF. MTFs should deliver hard copy documentation of test results within 24 hours of testing to the Service Members and dependents. This allows for testing in a different area than former duty stations to account for leave or training in route. A non-inclusive list of preferred MTFs may be found on the Overseas PCS COVID-19 Testing Fact Sheet via the MyNavy Portal at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/covid-19.html. Note: Most MTFs are closed during the weekend and holidays. Travelers are encouraged to plan for alternate testing solutions if boarding a flight at the beginning of the week. (b) Commercial sites that support antigen or molecular- based tests (e.g., Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Abbott ID NOW) may be used to satisfy the requirement. See planning and cost considerations above. (2) When traveling to the U.S. from a foreign country: (a) Travelers returning to the U.S. should primarily use their closest U.S. installation MTF. COVID-19 testing results will be available via TRICARE Online, often within 24 hours of testing. Results may be printed, if hard copies are required. A list of preferred international MTFs may be found on the Overseas PCS COVID- 19 Testing Fact Sheet via the MyNavy Portal at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/covid-19.html. (b) International commercial sites that support antigen or molecular-based tests may also be used to satisfy the requirement. However, travelers should consult with their local installation, military liaison, or U.S. Embassy prior to doing so. See planning and cost considerations above. g. Travelers that test positive for COVID-19 while executing international travel must do the following: (1) Immediately execute ROM procedures. If a member of a family unit tests positive, the entire family unit must commence ROM. Travelers may not proceed separately. If not already in place at suitable lodging, priority for ROM site should be given to the following in order: 1) home or detaching installation, 2) nearby family member, 3) nearby acceptable military installation and 4) nearby acceptable hotel. Call ahead to the preferred ROM site for notification and support. If no ROM site is available and additional support is required, call the MyNavy Career Center (MNCC) contact information below. While in ROM, travelers must strictly adhere to force protection health guidance and return to work criteria, in line with reference (f). Do not proceed until consulting with your detailer and/or AMC (if at a U.S. PE APOE). (2) Contact the MNCC for initial notification and additional support, available 24/7, by phone at 1-833-330-MNCC (6622) or e-mail at askmncc(at)navy.mil. Provide valid contact information and proof of positive test result(s) to the servicing MNCC agent. The servicing MNCC agent will take appropriate action to notify the Service Member detailer, Navy Passenger Transportation Office (NAVPTO), and the OPNAV COVID-19 Taskforce Liaison. (3) Continue communicating with your detailer and NAVPTO agent for orders modification (ORDMOD) and logistics support. Upon notification from the MNCC, the detailer and NAVPTO agent will contact the Service Member to discuss an ORDMOD and re-book future travel. ORDMODs will ensure per diem is available and reimbursable for qualified expenses incurred during the ROM period. Service Members may use the GTCC if issued. Additionally, Service Members may request a travel advance through the MNCC regardless of GTCC possession. (4) Secure from ROM. Once the travelers meet return to work criteria, in line with reference (f) and in conjunction with any medical provider guidance, they may continue execution of their orders after conferring with detailers and/or AMC (if at a U.S. PE APOE). Service Members and detailers should be proactive to continue travel as soon as possible. 4. Command Pay and Personnel Administrators must do the following before a Service Member detaches a. Notify Service Member of the testing requirement for international travel and options. Keep a record of the plans of the Service Member for testing, to include the intended facility site and date. b. Counsel Service Members on the expense for commercial testing and discuss options for the potential financial burden, e.g. GTCC, advanced travel pay, reimbursement, etc. c. Ensure the Service Member has detaching command contact information in case additional support is needed during an intermediate ROM status. 5. Contact the MNCC with any questions, issues or to provide feedback at 833-330-MNCC/6622 or via e-mail at askmncc(at)navy.mil. 6. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

Oh yeah that's right: d. 12 July 2021: RC E-7 selection board convenes. All eligibility requirements, to include any waivers, must have final approval and be posted to the records of the candidates prior to this date.

WASHINGTON — A new court decision, if it holds, would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide billions of dollars in education benefits to more than 1 million post-9/11 veterans. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit decided Thursday that veterans who qualify for both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill for multiple periods of military service should be allowed to draw benefits from each. Since the newer Post-9/11 GI Bill became effective in 2009, the VA has limited veterans to benefits from one program, not both.

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan – A U.S. Navy sailor charged with drunken driving after an accident on a Yokohama expressway in May could also face a marijuana charge. Petty Officer 3rd Class Elijah Oneth, stationed at Yokosuka, was indicted Wednesday by the Yokohama District Public Prosecutors Office on a charge of driving while intoxicated, a spokesman for the office told Stars and Stripes on Friday.

WASHINGTON - Citadel Rumble 2021 (CR21), an annual all hazard exercise conducted by Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), runs today through July 16 in Navy Region Northwest and will occur onboard Navy installations in Navy Region Southwest, August 9-13.

Beirut, July 11 ??(EFE).- An explosion took place in the vicinity of a United States military base in the province of Deir al-Zour, in eastern Syria in the series of incidents after the American troops bombed Iranian-backed militias two weeks ago. A Syrian military source, requesting anonymity, told EFE that the explosion occurred at ??the Konico gas field, where a US base is located.

RUMEILAN, SYRIA - In a remote part of Syria’s northeast, a few kilometers from the oil-rich town of Rumeilan, U.S. soldiers are busy helping local Kurdish forces ensure that militants affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) terror group do not again pose a threat to the region.

Thank you for posting this @masq0591. I was having issues with the server and did not see this post until much later even though you posted this hours before I got hold of the results. Thanks again.

Congratulations to all who advanced!