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Veterans with a service-connected disability and injured service members still serving on active duty with an injury that prevents them from driving an automobile may qualify for a VA program to purchase a specially modified motor vehicle. VA assists in paying for adaptive equipment, repairs, replacements, and reinstallations for automobile gear.

The changes are the result of feedback, comments, and recommendations received from officers, CPOs and junior enlisted Sailors during a series of working and focus groups conducted during fiscal years 2020 and early 2021. Upon the Navy receiving direction from the then Secretary of Defense to review grooming standards for racial bias, the Navy Uniform Matters Office reviewed Navy Uniform Regulations (NAVPERS 15665I). In addition to their review, focus and working group discussions were held with east and west coast assigned Sailors. Although the NAVPERS 15665I review and focus group discussions determined no racial bias exists in policy, there is a perception of bias existing in the fleet because some wording used in the document fostered inconsistent interpretation of the rules. NAVADMIN 072/21, released on April 1, is expected to eliminate that perception's root cause by deleting eight subjective terms and phrases used in many of the regulation's seven articles. Three new phrases will be added while another will be revised. Some examples of deleted terms include ‘faddish’, ‘good taste’, and ‘outrageous’, while terms such as ‘complementary appearance’ and ‘uniform distraction’ were added and clearly defined. Sailors can find the full list of what is changing in the message. "The review of NAVPERS 15665I and discussions with Sailors concluded the Navy's grooming policies are not racially biased, but various terms, phrases and definitions were found to be subjective and lead to misinterpretation," Vice Adm. John B. Nowell, Jr. wrote in the message. The Navy Uniform Matters Office’s (UMO) deep dive into grooming standards started with the review of the regulations for bias. After finding no bias in the document, UMO turned to focus and working groups and Sailor interviews to get a different perspective. It is here they found a perceived racial bias through how the Navy's grooming policies were interpreted and enforced in the fleet. Sailors involved in these reviews were both male and females in paygrades E-3 through O-6 and came from ashore and afloat commands and the various communities and ethnicities reflecting the Navy's demographic makeup. This input led to the current rewrite of the regulation's seven chapters to reflect the updated verbiage. Updates to uniform regulations don't only happen when changes in Navy uniforms or the policies related to wearing them are updated. Instead, the document is "constantly reviewed for applicability, accuracy, clarity and comprehension," the message said. Navy uniform policy and changes usually come from fleet feedback, command-sponsored requests and direction from Navy leadership. As this is just the first in a series, Nowell wrote that Sailors should standby as more "uniform policy changes are forthcoming and will focus on simplifying grooming and appearance policies to alleviate misinterpretation and facilitate equal and ready compliance and enforcement."

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 011500Z APR 21 MID200000759152U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 072/21 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/NAVADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/CNO/APR// SUBJ/NAVPERS 15665I VERBIAGE CHANGE// REF/A/DOC/COMNAVPERSCOM/1JAN03// NARR/REF A IS NAVPERS 15665I, U.S. NAVY UNIFORM REGULATIONS.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN is the first in a series of uniform policy changes aimed to enhance clarity, interpretation and application of uniform policies found in reference (a) by deleting subjective terms and phrases that lead to inconsistent application of uniform standards. Reference (a) is issued by the direction of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and carries the force of a general order. The policy guidance promulgated by reference (a) applies to all Sailors equally and regardless of their rank, grade, positions held, ethnicity or community assigned. The difference between male and female grooming policies is intended to recognize the differences between the sexes. 2. Background. During the summer and fall of 2020, the Navy conducted a review of reference (a), hair and grooming policy statements for racial bias. Additionally, a series of focus groups, working groups and interviews with Sailors were conducted to determine whether or not there was perceived or unperceived racism in the Navys grooming policies. Participating Sailors were comprised of paygrades E-3 through O-6, male and female, ashore and afloat, various communities and multiple ethnicities representing the Navys diverse demographics. The review of reference (a) and discussions with Sailors concluded that the Navys grooming policies are not racially biased, but various terms, phrases and definitions were found to be subjective and lead to misinterpretation. Additionally, Sailors participating in focus groups, working groups and interviews cited numerous occurrences of inconsistent application and enforcement of grooming policies based on the interpretation of terms and definitions creating the perception of bias. 3. In response to reference (a) review findings, Sailor feedback and recommendations received, the following update of terms, phrases and definitions in Navy grooming and appearance policies is directed: a. Faddish (delete term) b. Good Taste (delete term) c. Eccentric/Eccentricities (delete term) d. Complement the Individual (delete term) e. Complement the Skin Tone (delete term) f. Smartness (delete term) g. Conspicuous/Inconspicuous (delete term) h. Outrageous (delete term) i. Professional Appearance (revise term) j. Complementary Appearance (add term and definition) k. Professional Military Appearance (add term) l. Uniform Distraction (add term and definition) 4. The appropriate articles in reference (a), chapters one through seven, will be updated to reflect the verbiage update. Updated uniform policy changes are forthcoming and will focus on simplifying grooming and appearance policies to alleviate misinterpretation and facilitate equal and ready compliance and enforcement. 5. Reference (a) is continuously reviewed for policy applicability, accuracy, clarity and comprehension. Navy uniform policy updates directly support Sailor 2025 objectives to attract and retain the very best Sailors by finding greater flexibility in our policies and practices, including uniforms. Navy uniform policy updates are the result of Fleet feedback, command sponsored requests and direction from Navy leadership. 6. Questions regarding this NAVADMIN should be addressed to Mr. Robert B. Carroll, Navy Uniform Matters and Emerging Issues Branch (OPNAV N13X), via e-mail at robert.b.carroll(at)navy.mil, ETCM(SW/AW/EXW) Richard Baumert, Deputy Branch Head, OPNAV N13X, via e-mail at richard.baumert(at)navy.mil or ETC(SW) Ryan P. Cameron, OPNAV N13X, via e- mail at ryan.p.cameron(at)navy.mil. 7. Feedback and recommendations regarding uniform policy, uniform components and uniform availability are welcomed and can be provided via MyNavy Portal at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/, select Professional Resources, U.S. Navy Uniforms and *Ask The Chiefs.* Feedback can also be provided via the MyNavy UNIFORMS App. 8. Retain this NAVADMIN until policy changes are incorporated in reference (a), superseded or cancelled, whichever occurs first. 9. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

Three decades after the end of the Cold War, it appears the Italian capital Rome is reviving its role as "Open City" – a crossroads of international espionage and intrigue. Italy today ordered the expulsion of two Russian embassy officials following the arrest of an Italian Navy captain on spying charges. The captain, identified by Italian media as Walter Biot, was reportedly caught Tuesday evening as he handed over allegedly top-secret documents to one of the Russian diplomats in exchange for money.

BREMERTON, Wash. (Tribune News Service) — This month, the Navy has been hard at work fighting a war against an infestation of bedbugs aboard a nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Connecticut, at its homeport in Bremerton. Navy entomologists say every measure has been taken to eradicate the infestation, and sailors can return to the fast-attack sub, according to a statement from Naval Submarine Forces Pacific public affairs.

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon on Wednesday will sweep away Trump-era policies that largely banned transgender people from serving in the military, issuing new rules that offer them wider access to medical care and assistance with gender transition, defense officials told The Associated Press. The new department regulations allow transgender people who meet military standards to enlist and serve openly in their self-identified gender, and they will be able to get medically necessary transition-related care authorized by law, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal decisions not yet made public.

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 311611Z MAR 21 MID200000756466U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 070/21 MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/CNO/MAR// SUBJ/SARS-COV-2 VACCINATION AND REPORTING POLICY (UPDATE 1)// REF/A/DOC/DHA/DHA-IPM/13DEC2020// REF/B/DOC/DOD/23JUL2019// REF/C/DOC/32 CFR PART 199.21/01DEC2016// REF/D/DOC/FDA/EUA/11DEC2020 REF/E/DOC/CDC/DOC/13DEC2020 REF/F/DOC/OUSD/12DEC2020 REF/G/MSG/OPNAV/042056ZNOV20 REF/H/DOC/OPNAV/04MAR2021 REF/I/MSG/OPNAV/161751ZDEC20 NARR/REF A IS THE DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY INTERIM PROCEDURES MEMORANDUM 20-004 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) VACCINATION IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM. REF B IS THE DODI 6025.02 INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL READINESS ADDRESSING RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROCEDURES FOR MONITORING INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL READINESS. REF C IS 32 CFR PART 199.21, CIVILIAN HEALTH AND MEDICAL PROGRAM OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES (CHAMPUS)/TRICARE: TRICARE PHARMACY BENEFITS PROGRAM. REF D IS THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION (EUA). REF E IS THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON IMMUNIZATION PRACTICES INTERIM RECOMMENDATION FOR USE OF PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE UNITED STATES, DECEMBER 2020. REF F IS THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CORONAVIRUS-2019 VACCINATION PLAN (DOD COVID-19 VACCINE PLAN). REF G IS THE U.S. NAVY COVID-19 STANDARDIZED OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE VERSION 4.0. REF H IS THE UPDATED DOD AND NAVY POPULATION SCHEMA FOR VACCINATION PRIORITY VERSION 3.4 REF I IS THE SARS-COV-2 VACCINATION AND REPORTING POLICY.// POC/ COVID-19 CRISIS ACTION TEAM /(703)681-1125/ EMAIL: USN.NCR.BUMEDFCHVA.MBX.BUMED-2019-NCOV-RESPONSE-CELL(AT)MAIL.MIL. RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN updates vaccine eligibility for Service members and their dependents executing an overseas permanent change of station (PCS). This change is in accordance with the updated DOD Population Schema (REF H) and modifies (REF I) to modify para 3.c and add para 3.g as follows: Change paragraph 3.c: Quote 3.c. SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Priority. The basic DOD schema is: Tier 1a: Healthcare and Emergency Service personnel. Tier 1b: Critical national capabilities, personnel forward deployed to austere locations, personnel preparing to deploy overseas, beneficiaries 75- years-old and above. Tier 1c: Beneficiaries between 64 and 75-years-old, high-risk beneficiaries, personnel deployed/TDY OCONUS for over 30 days, essential workers not previously mentioned. Tier 2: Healthy uniformed personnel and population beneficiaries. Unquote. Change paragraph 3.c.1: Quote: 3.c.1. Tier 1a is nearly complete. Tier 1b will extend through April 2021. Tier 1c will begin in April. These dates are subject to change based on vaccine production. Unquote. To lessen the burden on overseas MTFs, ease logistics chains regarding overseas vaccine distribution, and aide Service members with navigating widely disparate foreign requirements, add paragraph 3.g: Quote 3.g. Service members and their eligible dependents will be prioritized to receive the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine prior to executing an overseas PCS during the overseas screening process at their affiliated MTF. Ensure vaccination timeline incorporates full immunization prior to travel. Unquote. 2. Released by VADM P. G. Sawyer, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy, OPNAV N3/N5.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

The Navy is leaning toward replacing its fleet of Super Hornets with another manned fighter that will work with emerging unmanned aircraft concepts under the umbrella of the service’s Next Generation Air Dominance program. Rear Adm. Gregory Harris, who leads the chief of naval operation’s air warfare directorate (OPNAV N98), said Tuesday that the aircraft following the Super Hornets will “most likely be manned,” but that the Next Generation Air Dominance program will include a mix of both manned and unmanned platforms.

MYSTIC, Conn. (Tribune News Service) — A spry 82-year-old, David Cornell has compiled abundant evidence of a life fully lived: his life. It's all in a binder thick with certificates, patches, official correspondence and photographs, each page sheathed in protective plastic. He's written his obituary, too, along with a list of who should be notified when he dies; some passages that should be spoken at his wake (and who should speak them); and instructions about how his ashes should be spread over a certain expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.

AUSTIN, Texas – A lawsuit involving more than 229,000 veterans with hearing problems that they claim are linked to faulty earplugs issued by the military begins its first trial Monday in a Florida federal courtroom. The multidistrict litigation claims the companies that made the earplugs -- 3M and its predecessor Aearo -- knew from testing that the equipment it designed in coordination with the military did not fit properly into an ear canal and could loosen in a way that was imperceptible to the wearer. The suit also claims some of the testing results shown to the military before the purchase were done with a modification to the earplug that the military was not told was required to achieve optimal protection.

Flags from the left-wing Antifa movement. Depictions of Pepe the Frog, the cartoon character that's been misappropriated by racist groups. Iconography from the far-right Proud Boys, including the phrase "stand back and stand by" from former President Donald Trump. They are all signs that extremists could be infiltrating the military, according to internal training materials that offer a more detailed view into the array of radical groups and ideologies the Pentagon is trying to keep out of the ranks.

Multiple shipping companies are reportedly contacting the U.S Navy about the potential risks of piracy for ships traveling around Africa to avoid the blocked Suez Canal, the Financial Times reported Friday, amid growing concerns that the sky-scraper-sized ship may end up blocking one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes for weeks.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Navy is exploring a major ship alteration for its three stealth destroyers that would further drive up the cost of the platform but could deliver a radical new hypersonic capability in the ongoing naval competition with China in the western Pacific. In a solicitation posted March 18, the Navy asked industry for ideas on how to reconfigure the Zumwalt class to host larger hypersonic missiles of a size that would not fit in the vertical launch system tubes currently installed on the ships. The service also wants that business to provide the missiles and supporting software and technology to support the missiles. Specifically, the Navy is looking for ideas about installing an “advanced payload module” that can support the Navy’s conventional prompt strike missiles “in a three-pack configuration,” according to the notice.

WASHINGTON – Lawmakers reintroduced legislation Friday to streamline the process for veterans to get benefits because of illnesses from burn pits and other toxic exposures. The legislation would lessen the proof required for veterans to receive benefits. Currently, veterans must provide proof of their medical conditions and evidence of their locations at specific burn pits or points where the exposure occurred. Then, they must undergo a medical exam and start a disability compensation claim, which can take years.

(CNN) Over more than three years as a Navy sailor, I bore a burden. I served during a time when the number of women in the armed forces was growing, but still saw firsthand the obstacles that exist for us as we serve our country and make history every day. Ten years removed from my time in active duty, those obstacles -- and my story -- are hardly relics of the past.

AUSTIN, Texas — Congress has provided the military more than $1 billion, enacted 249 legislative provisions and chartered panels, commissions and committees to address sexual assault in the military, yet the statistics from the past 15 years show little progress, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said Wednesday during a Senate hearing. “Not one of these steps has reduced sexual assaults within the ranks. We are right where we were when we started, nothing has changed,” said Gillibrand, who is the chairwoman of the subpanel for military personnel on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The helicopter, a twin-engine Sikorsky Seahawk, crashed into the Pacific Ocean last year while operating from the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19). The air crew was able to escape the MH-60S before it sank and no lives were lost in the accident. Responding to a U.S. Pacific Command Fleet request, SUPSALV located and documented the wreckage using side-scan sonar and photographs of the helicopter as it lay on the ocean floor during North Pacific operations last spring.

WASHINGTON — Several drones repeatedly swarmed Navy destroyers off the California coast in July 2019, and it remains unclear who was behind the brazen nighttime flights, according to a report on the website The Drive, quoting ship logs. As many as six drones flew around the warships at a time in often low-visibility conditions near Southern California's Channel Islands over a number of days, with the drones flashing lights and prompting security precautions onboard, according to the report.

Last year's gargantuan $2.3 trillion appropriations bill did a couple very obvious things: it provided millions of Americans badly needed coronavirus relief aid and it averted an impending government shutdown. It also dealt with ... UFOs.

KABUL, Afghanistan — Time is running out for Washington to choose whether to keep to a deal with the Taliban and pull out of Afghanistan by May 1, a defense official and several security analysts said. The deadline to leave Afghanistan set out in a U.S.-Taliban agreement last year means U.S. troops must begin their withdrawal by the beginning of April, or risk a chaotic and dangerous exit from America’s longest war, said Jonathan Schroden, special operations program director at the Center for Naval Analyses.

(Tribune News Service) — The lungs Bill Thompson was born with told a gruesome, harrowing and unmistakable tale to Dr. Anthony Szema when he analyzed them and found the black spots, scarring, partially combusted jet fuel and metal inside. The retired Army staff sergeant had suffered catastrophic lung damage from breathing incinerated waste burned in massive open-air pits and probably other irritants during his tour of duty in Iraq.

The trials for three members of a Marine Raider battalion charged in the 2019 death of a former Green Beret have been delayed. A spokesman for Marine Forces Special Operations Command, or MARSOC, confirmed that Navy Chief Petty Officer Eric Gilmet's involuntary manslaughter trial has been rescheduled for May 10 through May 28. It was originally scheduled to begin March 1 and conclude Friday.

Wow! A Navy warship has halted the start of its deployment again after turning back to shore a second time in about two weeks to address more trouble with a fuel tank. Vella Gulf, a Virginia-based Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, arrived in Norfolk on Sunday -- a day after officials announced it was briefly back at sea following repairs to a leaking fuel oil tank. The new problem affected the same tank, but a Navy official familiar with the problem said the issues appear to be unrelated.

As the entire U.S. military pivots to preparations for a future conventional war after decades of asymmetrical conflict, the Navy’s diving community is giving increased focus to what it takes to operate in the frigid waters that Arctic missions may require in the not-too-distant future.

WASHINGTON — Raytheon plans to deliver next week the first of the U.S. Navy’s new Block V Tomahawk, an upgraded version of the service’s venerable land-attack missile that will ultimately include the ability to target ships at sea at extended ranges. The new Block V, when fully realized in its Block Va and Block Vb varieties, will be expected to hit surface ships at Tomahawk ranges — in excess of 1,000 miles — with the integration of a new seeker. It also will integrate a new warhead with a broader range of capabilities, including greater penetrating power.