Tony

After a delay in selecting new Chief Petty Officers in 2020 due to COVID, the selections were made and those who had been waiting finally got the good news. For the Naval Postgraduate School, Chief Cryptologic Technician (Select) Charles Heinen and Information Technology Chief (Select) Hector Rosario, both students in the Master of Applied Cyber Operations (MACO) curriculum, were selected to become Chief Petty Officers (CPO). The pinning of CPO anchors doesn’t happen right away after the selection board results are made public. A Chief select must be challenged with a set of trials conducted by local Chiefs in a process called induction. These seasoned Chiefs will ensure the selectees meet the required steps that prepare them to don the anchors of a Chief and lead like one as members of the U.S. Navy Chief’s Mess. “During induction, we want to instill resilience, perseverance, and the highest form of leadership,” said NPS’ Senior Enlisted Leader Senior Chief Logistics Specialist Llord von Bainco. “There are a lot of intangibles in the process, but we want to impart on them balancing home and work, how to work with any kind of team where one’s in charge, encouraging pride in our history and heritage, and teaching them what right looks like.” While Bainco noted that it is important to set a good example in managing conflict and knowing when to pick your battles and how to fight them, he stressed that the basics are equally important. “We also touch on the administrative basics, like writing evaluations and coming up with a solid plan to accomplish taskings,” said Bainco. “This is why the induction season is so very important, crucial even, to a Chief’s career. This process, though not set-in stone, gives a Chief a better chance of successfully leading his or her team wherever he or she goes, regardless of the circumstances.” Even though COVID delayed the induction season, which usually begins in August, it could not prevent it. A modified season began in November, and encompassed holiday breaks taking the process until the end of January to complete. “The pandemic has pushed all of the board’s timelines, but so far our selectees have performed how we expect selectees to perform … They are being molded into Chiefs,” said Bainco. “We break them out of their shells, and so they can emerge and act accordingly.” According to Chief Select Heinen, getting to mission accomplishment despite the situation was a key teaching point in the induction process. “One lesson that I took away is adaptability and having the ability to get things done regardless of the circumstances,” said Heinen. “Even though we are in a COVID environment, we’re still able to successfully accomplish the mission [to become Chiefs].” For Chief Select Rosario, without the heritage of U.S. Navy Chiefs, there would be no meaning to what they do. “Being a Chief is about carrying the torch of Navy traditions and passing on the heritage to the new generation of Sailors,” said Rosario. “But more importantly, it's about being the voice for those that do not have the authority or platform to be heard. To me, Chiefs are the ones that carry the burden of making things happen in the Navy and I'm glad I will be able to lead and affect change.”

On December 9, the Navy released its 30-year shipbuilding plan. With the ambitious goal of building a 546-ship fleet by 2051, the plan calls for 404 new vessels to be built as 304 are retired. Fourteen of those 304 vessels are nuclear-powered and will be recycled as part of the Navy's Ship-Submarine Recycling Program, a unique effort dedicated to the safe disposal of decommissioned nuclear-powered vessels.

After reporting on the bizarre saga of the Navy's "UFO" patents by Dr. Salvatore Pais for over a year and a half, The War Zone has finally gotten an on-the-record comment from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, or NAWCAD, about the scientist's seemingly out-of-this-world work and the service's equally strange outright support of it.

NORFOLK, Va. - The Navy's top admiral is telling Sailors that the COVID-19 vaccine remains voluntary for now, but he's strongly encouraging them to get the shot. The comments come in a video of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Gilday and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russ Smith responding to questions posed by Sailors about the vaccine.

A Russian warplane conducted a low pass near the USS Donald Cook on Sunday in the Black Sea, where the Navy has dispatched three ships for exercises. The Sukhoi Su-24 fighter-bomber screeched past the U.S. destroyer while it was operating in international waters, the U.S. Navy’s 6th Fleet said in a statement.

R 291854Z JAN 21 MID600050190282U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 026/21 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/JAN// SUBJ/DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COVID-19 TESTING PRIOR TO OVERSEAS TRAVEL (UPDATE 1)// REF/A/NAVADMIN/OPNAV/072031ZJAN21// REF/B/EXECUTIVE ORDER/13998/21JAN21// REF/C/USD P&R MEMO/29DEC20// REF/D/CDC ORDER/12JAN21// REF/E/GENADMIN/USTRANSCOM/230226ZJAN21// REF/F/NAVADMIN/OPNAV/042056ZNOV20// NARR/ REF A IS NAVADMIN 03/21, 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 14). 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 AMENDED GUIDANCE TO THE JOINT FORCE UPDATING COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELERS MOVING FROM OCONUS TO CONUS DESTINATIONS IN RESPONSE TO FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION SUPPLEMENT 14. REF F IS NAVADMIN 298/20, US NAVY COVID-19 STANDARDIZED OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE VERSION 3.1. RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN adds requirements for COVID-19 testing prior to international travel, in line with reference (a), to include testing prior to entry into the U.S. from a foreign country, as described in references (b) through (e). Reference (a) is cancelled. 2. The dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic requires the implementation of measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread. Many countries, to include the U.S., now 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). An antigen test may be used for testing prior to travel when a molecular test (such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Abbott ID NOW) is not available. 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. 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. Valid proof may be electronic or printed for commercial flights. Printed proof will be requested prior to Air Mobility Command (AMC) Patriot Express (PE) (i.e., rotator) or Military aircraft flights. Travelers should verify specific country entry requirements to avoid delays, fines, or other complications upon arrival. Note: If previously infected with COVID-19, a molecular COVID-19 test may still produce a positive result. If unable to achieve a negative result, consult with a medical provider, the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG), and/or your travel provider to determine the necessary medical clearance documentation. Documents likely include the proof of COVID-19 positive results, written documentation from the treating physician that the traveler has recovered, and the date of the onset of symptoms or positive test. b. Review the FCG (https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/Fcg.cfm) to determine the exact entry requirements for the final destination (does not apply to routine intermediate stops). COVID-19 travel information for travelers returning to the United States may be found on the Department of State website (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 (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. c. 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. d. 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. e. 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 (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) Travelers assigned to a U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)/AMC PE flight (i.e., rotator) may be tested at the Madigan Army Medical Center (Seattle) or Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Bethesda) if travel timing precludes testing prior to arriving at the PE terminal. If using this option, travelers should appear in person 48 hours prior to boarding at their respective Aerial Port of Embarkation (APOE). Walk-up testing is located in temporary shelters outside the facilities. Direct communication with the testing sites is limited. Applicable contact information as follows: i. AMC Gateway, Baltimore, MD: Phone - (609) 253-8825 Schedule - Limited operations ii. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD: Phone (Central Screening) (571) 335-9985 Schedule - 0700-1600 EST, no weekends or holidays iii. AMC Gateway, Seattle, WA: Phone - (253) 982-3504/0555 Schedule - Limited operations. iv. Madigan Army Medical Center, McChord, WA: Phone (PrevMed) (253) 968-4443 Schedule - 0600-1700 PST, weekends/no holidays (c) Commercial sites that support antigen or molecular-based tests (e.g., 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 (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. f. 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) APOE, 2) home or detaching installation, 3) nearby family member, 4) nearby acceptable military installation and 5) 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. If at a U.S. PE APOE, USTRANSCOM/AMC will take immediate responsibility for the travelers, to include medical, lodging, pet services, meals and transportation support. AMC will direct travelers to nearby military installations or participating lodging sites. 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 email 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. Travelers with valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination are currently not exempt from the testing requirement. 6. 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. 7. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

SAN DIEGO — About a dozen personnel assigned to the U.S. Navy's guided-missile destroyer Chafee, homeported in Hawaii but training in San Diego, tested positive for COVID-19 and were removed from the ship, Navy officials said. "In order to ensure the health of the force and guarantee mission readiness, most of the crew members assigned to USS Chafee have been placed in a restriction-of-movement status in hotels in the local San Diego area," Cmdr. Sean Robertson, a Third Fleet spokesman, said Saturday.

Navy SEALs have gotten the go-ahead to do clandestine training in more than a dozen Washington state parks. John Ryan of member station KUOW finds, though, that many parkgoers say war games and recreation just don't mix.

Chinese bombers recently simulated an attack on a US Navy aircraft carrier in the South China Sea, the US military said Friday, confirming earlier reporting from the Financial Times. As the Navy's Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group sailed into the South China Sea this past Saturday, the Chinese military sent eight H-6K bombers, four J-16 fighter jets, and one Y-8 anti-submarine warfare aircraft flying past Taiwan and into the contested waterway.

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — The entire crew of the guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee is undergoing testing for the coronavirus after about a dozen sailors were found to be infected, the Navy said Friday. The warship, which carries roughly 350 sailors, arrived on Jan. 23 in San Diego from its homeport in Hawaii for training.

The Navy’s surface fleet has a new set of orders that updates a sleep policy to give sailors on watch rotations a bit more sleep and create a culture supporting a more ready, rested and focused seagoing force. The “Comprehensive Crew Endurance Management Policy,” signed off Dec. 11 by Naval Surface Force Pacific and Naval Surface Force Atlantic, is the first update to the joint instruction issued just months after two 2017 fatal at-sea collisions rocked the Navy.

Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command (CNRFC) is integrating Annual Training (AT) and Active Duty for Training (ADT) orders for Reserve Sailors through the Navy Personnel and Pay (NP2) system. This latest capability improvement completes the integration of all current and future Reserve orders – AT, ADT, Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS), Officer Recall, Mobilization and Demobilization — in a single location.   “Instead of having to log into multiple systems, manually track orders, or rely on a CAC-enabled [common access card] computer, Sailors can pull up NP2 for access to their orders from any mobile device by utilizing Okta Verify” said Capt. Claudia Macon, NP2 Transformation team lead at CNRFC. Okta Verify is a Navy-approved third-party security application to help Sailors authenticate their log-in accounts for access to personnel data, records and pay systems. Over time, the expansion of the CAC-less service will allow Sailors the ability to conduct all personnel transactions using their mobile device. “This capability is a real game changer,” said Macon. “The world is quickly adapting to a mobile environment and the Navy is meeting the demand to keep up with the needs of our Sailors.” The integration may take several days to complete. Upon completion of the data loading period, Sailors may receive an email notification indicating a transfer of data has occurred and orders are now available. This notification indicates the system is working as intended. “Sailors should not be alarmed once in receipt of this notification,” said Macon. “A common misperception is that new orders have been issued. Instead, Sailors now have access to their orders and the ability to execute a checklist, based on their orders, and view and print lean orders — a truncated version of orders that makes it easier to present a hard copy of orders and execute official business while traveling.” NP2 uses an agile development methodology, deploying new capabilities to Sailors and the Navy Human Resource (HR) workforce. When complete, NP2 will be a single, integrated personnel and pay system, providing everything you need in one location using one login, for all Sailors — active or Reserve. The Chief of Navy Personnel released NAVADMIN 008/17 – found here – on updated Navy HR services and instructions for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) through the Okta Verify application. The Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for NP2 is set for early 2022

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 282000Z JAN 21 MID600050184863U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 025/21 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/JAN// SUBJ/FISCAL YEAR 2021 ENLISTED EARLY TRANSITION PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES// REF/A/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/192000ZNOV20// NARR/REF A IS NAVADMIN 307/20, MODIFICATION TO EARLY SEPARATION POLICY NAVADMIN CANCELLATIONS.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN supplements reference (a) by providing the fiscal year (FY) 2021 enlisted early transition quotas for Active Component Sailors by rating, paygrade, year group (the fiscal year the Sailor joined the Navy) and Navy enlisted classification (NEC). 2. As announced in reference (a), our Navy has grown over recent years and as a result, some enlisted ratings at specific paygrades have become overmanned due to high retention in these ratings. In an effort to provide well-balanced enlisted ratings in support of community rating health, the Navy is opening up opportunities for eligible Sailors to submit requests for early separation via the Enlisted Early Transition Program (EETP). 3. EETP is a quota-controlled voluntary separation program, which is updated periodically to reflect opportunity. Early separation will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis until all quotas are exhausted in the respective rating. a. EETP opportunities and the application process are also listed on the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) website via MyNavy Portal at https://my.navy.mil, then click *Quick Links* and then the *NPC* tab. Once on the NPC website, navigate to the *Enlisted* dropdown, then select *Community Managers* and navigate down to the *EETP* link. FY- 21 EETP separation opportunities are as follows: Rating Pay-Grade Year Group Quotas NEC Information AS ALL 2012 2 2013 4 2014 2 AZ ALL 2008 5 2009 3 2011 2 2012 3 2013 10 2014 5 GSE ALL 2013 5 NEC U07A and U55A are not eligible. 2014 5 GSM ALL 2013 10 NEC U07A and U12A are not eligible. 2014 3 2015 4 HM ALL 2007 15 Eligible NECs: 0000, L03A, L06A, L07A, L08A, L12A, L25A, L33A and L36A. 2008 1 2009 3 2010 33 2011 40 2012 40 2013 54 2014 35 2015 35 2016 73 2017 47 EM ALL 2011 1 NEC U35A, U36A and U58A are not eligible. 2012 2 2013 9 2014 2 BM ALL 2012 4 2013 8 2014 7 CTI (Middle East North Africa) ALL 2007 1 NEC 9ARB and 771B are not eligible. 2008 1 2009 1 2010 1 2011 1 2012 3 2013 1 2014 2 2015 3 CTI (Latin/South America) ALL 2007 1 NEC 771B is not eligible. 2008 1 2009 1 2010 1 2011 3 2012 2 2013 2 2014 2 CTN ALL 2010 3 NEC H13A, H14A, H15A, H16A and 771B are not eligible. 2015 10 2016 7 MC ALL 2011 1 2012 1 2013 3 2014 3 2015 6 2016 6 CS ALL 2013 10 2014 10 2016 37 NCCR ALL 2007 1 2008 1 2009 1 2010 2 2011 1 2012 1 2013 1 2014 1 PS ALL 2011 3 2012 7 2013 7 2014 3 2015 5 2017 14 RP ALL 2012 3 2013 5 2014 4 LS ALL 2012 19 2013 18 2014 18 YN ALL 2013 7 2014 7 BU ALL 2013 3 NEC B03A, B16A, B17A and B18A are not eligible. 2014 3 2015 5 2016 1 CE ALL 2008 1 NEC B03A, B16A, B17A and B18A are not eligible. 2010 2 2011 1 2013 2 2014 3 2015 3 2016 3 CM ALL 2008 2 NEC B03A, B16A, B17A and B18A are not eligible. 2013 3 2014 2 2015 4 2016 6 EA ALL 2017 1 NEC B03A, B16A, B17A and B18A are not eligible. EO ALL 2010 2 NEC B03A, B16A, B17A and B18A are not eligible 2014 2 2015 5 2016 6 SW ALL 2012 1 NEC B03A, B16A, B17A and B18A are not eligible 2013 2 2014 2 2015 3 2016 4 b. Sailors in the following categories will not be eligible to apply: (1) Undermanned NECs (less than 95 percent manned). (2) Under any selective reenlistment bonus obligations. (3) Under obligated service (OBLISERV) for *C* school training. (4) Under OBLISERV for the Selective Training and Reenlistment Program. (5) Under OBLISERV for transfer of Post 9/11 education benefits. (6) Sailors in nuclear ratings. 4. The Navy remains committed to ensuring Fleet readiness by providing well-trained Sailors in the right paygrade, with the right skills and experience, at the right time. Ensuring proper rating health, by balancing rating paygrades, while retaining the necessary knowledge, skills and experience in the Fleet is instrumental to maintaining our warfighting advantage. 5. Questions and concerns regarding these policy changes may be referred to MyNavy Career Center at askmncc(at)navy.mil or 1-833- 330- MNCC(6622). 6. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

January 22 was the 67th anniversary of the launch of the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. Launched in 1954, Nautilus broke multiple speed, depth, and travel distance records, with a radical new design that marked the arrival of the nuclear age.

The U.S. Navy has three warships operating in the Black Sea, stepping up its presence in the region after a drop in overall NATO maritime activity there last year. The destroyer USS Porter began its transit into the sea Thursday in support of NATO efforts, joining two other Navy vessels conducting operations in the strategic waterway, the Naples, Italy-based 6th Fleet said.

The commanding officer of a Navy ship was relieved days ahead of a scheduled change-of-command ceremony after an investigation was opened into his decision to make a plaque commemorating his crew's major weapons seizure in the Middle East, his lawyer said. Cmdr. Frank Azzarello was removed from his post on the destroyer Forrest Sherman on Wednesday over what the Navy said was a "loss of confidence in his ability to command." He was relieved by Rear Adm. Ryan Scholl, the head of Carrier Strike Group Eight.

United States Navy Band turn a Taylor Swift classic into a Sea Shanty On Monday the U.S. Navy band totally won the internet after sharing a parody cover of Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” Expect the U.S. Navy band gave the famed pop song one minor little twist… turning the breakup bop into a full-blown sea shanty.

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 271724Z JAN 21 MID600050176809U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 024/21 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/JAN// SUBJ/PHYSICAL READINESS PROGRAM POLICY CHANGES CY2021 CYCLE, PLANK AND ROWER MODALITIES// REF/A/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/182104ZNOV20// REF/B/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/071628ZJUL20// REF/C/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/051654ZSEP17// REF/D/DOC/OPNAV/11JUL11// NARR/REF A IS NAVADMIN 304/20, PHYSICAL READINESS PROGRAM POLICY CHANGES CY2021 CYCLE, PLANK AND ROWER MODALITIES. REF B IS NAVADMIN 193/20, PHYSICAL READINESS PROGRAM POLICY UPDATE FOR PHYSICAL FITNESS ASSESSMENT CYCLE TWO 2020 DUE TO COVID-19 MITIGATION. REF C IS NAVADMIN 141/17, PHYSICAL READINESS PROGRAM POLICY CHANGES. REF D IS OPNAVINST 6110.1J, PHYSICAL READINESS PROGRAM.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN cancels and replaces reference (a) and provides policy updates to references (b) through (d). The major changes to reference (a) are delaying the Calendar Year 2021 (CY2021) Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) cycle to 1 July 2021 through 31 December 2021 and announcing the Physical Readiness Information Management Information System (PRIMS) transformation. a. CY2021 Physical Readiness Program (PRP). In order to continue to mitigate COVID-19 impacts to the Fleet, the Navy will conduct one PFA cycle in CY2021 from 1 July to 31 December 2021. Shifting the PFA cycle to July allows Navy to execute the official PFA after the primary influenza season while allowing time for COVID-19 vaccines to be more widely distributed. (1) Validation. All Sailors must participate in the CY2021 PFA cycle (the excellent or above validation from previous cycles does not apply). Sailors who meet the criteria for *validation* in CY2021 PFA cycle as outlined in reference (c) will be exempt from participation in PFA cycle one 2022. (2) A new PRP Guide 15, Conduct of the Physical Fitness Assessment in COVID-19 Conditions, is available on the PRP Website. (3) Navy will continue to evaluate conditions to allow safe execution of the PRT. If required, further guidance will be provided. b. Group Physical Training. Command leadership and command fitness leaders (CFL) are to ensure all proper health and fitness procedures are performed in line with local health protection condition guidance when conducting body composition assessments (BCA), physical readiness tests (PRT) and organized group physical training (command, department, division or Fitness Enhancement Program). c. CFL Certification. While Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) has resumed teaching the CFL course, CFL certifications that were issued after 1 January 2016 are extended until 31 December 2021 due to limited course availability. Commanders may designate former CFLs who were initially certified after 1 January 2016 to act as CFLs until 31 December 2021. CFLs who have not recertified on or after 1 January 2016 are prohibited from being designated as the CFL and must take the 5-day CFL recertification course. The CFL course has commenced introducing the new modalities, including requiring new students to complete a mock PFA which includes the plank. d. Means to Regain Eligibility from PFA Failures. Since the Navy is only conducting one PFA cycle during 2021, all Sailors with PFA failures, including those with two or more consecutive PFA failures, may regain eligibility for advancement or retention by passing a mock or official PFA prior to 31 December 2021. Commanding officers have the authority to determine how many mock PFA attempts a Sailor can have to pass prior to 31 December 2021. e. Fitness Modalities. Effective immediately, curl-ups are prohibited from the PRP and shall not to be performed during any group PT or official and mock PFAs. The new fitness modalities (forearm plank and 2000-meter row) are implemented to improve the physical readiness of Sailors in alignment with the culture of excellence. (1) The forearm plank will be conducted for both official and mock PFAs. (2) Sailors who do not meet the minimum passing score for the forearm plank modality will not receive a *fail* for the 2021 cycle PRT only, including any mock PFAs performed. However, Sailors must still pass the BCA, the push-up and cardio modalities of the PRT. Failure to do so will result in a *fail* for PFA cycle 2021. 2. A study conducted by Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) developed the initial forearm plank and 2000-meter row PRT performance standards and procedures, which are available in PRP Guides 5 and 10. 3. The forearm plank has replaced curl-ups as the abdominal muscular endurance assessment. a. NHRC determined that the forearm plank is a better test of core strength and abdominal muscular endurance. The repeated spinal flexion movement of the curl-up is not operationally relevant, may aggravate lower back injuries and does not appropriately challenge the abdominal musculature. b. The forearm plank incorporates an isometric contraction that activates the abdominal and trunk muscles, mimicking the main function of the abdominal musculature by acting as stabilizers for the spine. c. The forearm plank is a functional exercise required in 85 percent of shipboard tasks involving pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying. Training for the forearm plank will strengthen the core, improve posture and reduce the risk of sustaining lower-back injuries throughout the career of a Sailor. 4. The 2000-meter row on the Concept-2 Rower will serve as another alternate-cardio option in addition to the 12-minute stationary bike, 500- yard/450-meter swim and 1.5-mile treadmill run. a. The 2000-meter row is a non-weight bearing, low-impact exercise, which reduces impact on the legs. More importantly, rowing provides a full body cardio workout, engaging 80 percent of the musculature of the body. b. Similar to the stationary bike, the Concept-2 Rower is space saving and can be used on any naval vessel or installation. c. Unlike the plank, the 2000-meter row is an alternative cardio event and therefore a failing grade will be marked as a failure. 5. In line with reference (d) and PRP Guides, Sailors medically cleared for the Navy PFA will participate in the BCA and PRT. a. The new PRT event sequence will be as follows: (1) push-ups (2) forearm plank (3) cardio or alternate cardio b. Unlike the curl-up event, both push-ups and the forearm plank exercise require overlapping and similar muscle groups. (1) During the study to develop the new forearm plank standards, push-ups were conducted first and the forearm plank was conducted second. (2) This sequence of events permits maximal performance on the push- ups and the forearm plank accounting for any residual fatigue from push-up execution. 6. To assist CFL/Assistant Command Fitness Leaders (ACFL) and members participating in the Navy PFA, the new standards, tutorial videos, PRP Guides and other training resources are available on the Navy Physical Readiness Program website (https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers- npc/support/21st_Century_Sailor/physical/Pages/default2.aspx). a. Videos which demonstrate the proper form and testing procedures for the forearm plank and 2000-meter row for Sailors and CFLs/ACFLs will also be available on the Navy Physical Readiness Program website. b. Sailors can prepare for the new PRT events by regularly participating in a well-rounded physical fitness routine outlined in reference (b). The Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System (NOFFS) provides the Navy with physical fitness and nutrition information for Sailors allowing the Navy to maintain peak physical readiness and reduce injury risk. NOFFS workouts can be accessed via four mobile applications (NOFFS-Operational, Strength, Endurance and Sandbag) which can be downloaded for free using your smartphone app store. Within the NOFFS platform, planks are referred to as *pillar bridges*. 7. Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) may delegate authority to unit commanders to decide exactly when to switch to the new PRT based on their accession missions. 8. Physical Readiness Information Management System 2 (PRIMS-2). a. Legacy PRIMS is migrating into a new system known as PRIMS-2 as part of MyNavy HR transformation efforts. This new system does not refresh legacy PRIMS, it is a completely new system for CFLs to manage Official PFA documentation for Sailors. (1) Initial launch of the new system for CFLs only is scheduled for March 2021. (2) CFL access to the new system requires completion of a SAAR-N Form. Current CFLs have been notified via separate correspondence (SEPCOR) with a sample copy of the SAAR-N Form and guidance on filling it out. (a) CFLs must be current with their CFL certification requirements to gain access. If they have not been to the 5-Day CFL certification course or CFL Seminar since 1 January 2016, they must register for an upcoming CFL certification class. CFL course information can be found at https://www.navyfitness.org/fitness/cfl-information. (b) PRIMS-2 training opportunities for CNIC CFL instructors and CFLs will commence in February 2021 and do not require completion of the SAAR-N Form. (3) Access by other authorization roles (ACFL, Special Users, Physical Readiness Control Officer, etc.) will be granted as they become available, additional guidance will be sent SEPCOR. b. Sailors will not need to gain access to PRIMS-2 unless they have a back office role (CFL, ACFL, Read Only). (1) Sailor access for completion of the PARFQ form will be accomplished through MyNavy Portal (MNP) starting with the CY2021 Cycle. (2) MNP is working on adding Sailor PFA reports and forms to enhance the one stop shop concept. 9. Contact the Physical Readiness Program Office (OPNAV N170B) for additional information: a. For policy related questions via e-mail at PRP(at)navy.mil. b. For PRIMS related questions via e-mail at PRIMS(at)navy.mil. c. For policy or PRIMS related questions via phone at (901) 874-2210/DSN 822. 10. This NAVADMIN will remain in effect until superseded or canceled, whichever occurs first. 11. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 271531Z JAN 21 MID600050176391U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 022/21 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/JAN// SUBJ/ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTIVE AND RESERVE CAREER RECRUITER FORCE SELECTION BOARDS// REF/A/DOC/BUPERS/13NOV18// NARR/REF A IS BUPERSINST 1133.29M, CAREER RECRUITER CONVERSION PROCEDURES// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces the Career Recruiter Force (CRF) selection board. The CRF was established in 1978 to develop a cadre of exceptional recruiting managers to provide consistency and leadership to the recruiting effort of the Navy. Commander, Navy Recruiting Command (CNRC) manages the size, qualifications and career path of the CRF community. 2. The CRF program is open to enlisted Sailors who are currently assigned to recruiting duty and have previously completed a successful tour as a recruiter with the Navy Enlisted Classification codes 803R (Navy Recruiter Canvasser) or 805R (Officer Recruiter). Further eligibility criteria and application procedures are listed in reference (a). 3. A CNRC administrative board will consider applicants for conversion to CRF. Please refer to the following link for board dates and current updates: https://www.mnp.navy.mil/group/career- planning. 4. All Sailors must submit an Enlisted Personnel Action Request (NAVPERS 1306/7) to the CRF Enlisted Community Manager at valerie.pugh(at)navy.mil requesting release from their respective community for purposes of applying for conversion to CRF. Once approved, applications may be scanned and sent via encrypted e-mail directly to NCCM Jose Carpio at jose.carpio(at)navy.mil or via mail to: Commander Navy Recruiting Command ATTN: CRF Program Manager 5722 Integrity Drive Bldg 784 Millington TN 38054-5057 5. All candidates will be notified via official message if selected. 6. Selectees currently on recruiting duty will be converted immediately to Navy Counselor (Recruiter) (NEC-800R). Selectees not on recruiting duty will be immediately assigned a temporary NEC 2199. Selected Fleet Sailors will take the Navy-wide advancement examination in current rating until successfully graduating from the CRF academy. Selectees will attend the CRF academy in Pensacola, FL in conjunction with permanent change of station orders at their current projected rotation date. 7. Point of contact is NCCM Jose Carpio, CRF Program Manager, at (901) 874-9459/DSN 882. 8. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

In the weeks since Adam Newbold, a former member of the Navy SEALs, was identified as part of the enraged crowd that descended on the Capitol on Jan. 6, he has been interviewed by the FBI and has resigned under pressure from jobs as a mentor and as a volunteer wrestling coach. He expects his business to lose major customers over his actions.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The U.S. military is exploring the possibility of using a Red Sea port in Saudi Arabia and an additional two airfields in the kingdom amid heightened tensions with Iran, the military said Tuesday. While describing the work as "contingency" planning, the U.S. military said it already has tested unloading and shipping cargo overland from Saudi Arabia's port at Yanbu, a crucial terminal for oil pipelines in the kingdom.

WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) — Congress is asking the Department of Defense to return billions of dollars that former President Donald Trump diverted from local military base construction projects to fund the border wall and was never spent. President Joe Biden canceled the national emergency declaration that Trump and the Defense Department had used to justify shifting $3.6 billion from scores of domestic and overseas military construction projects. Those included a new fire station at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina and a new fire crash rescue station for Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, which was badly damaged by Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Norfolk, VA- Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (COMNAVAIRLANT), Rear Adm. John Meier announced the Fiscal Year 2020 Junior Sailor of the Year and the 2020 Senior Sailor of the Year for COMNAVAIRLANT, Jan. 22. U.S. Navy Information Systems Technician Petty Officer 1st Class Dorothea L. Allen was named the Senior Sailor of the Year, and Navy Culinary Specialist (Submarine) Petty Officer 2nd Class Ralph K. Joseph was named the Junior Sailor of the Year. Allen, a native of North Carolina, upon hearing the news of her selection, expressed gratitude and humility, as well as surprise and a determination to pay it forward. “I’m really shocked,” she laughed. “I’m just really honored, and I don’t really feel like I deserve it, but I really appreciate the recognition. I definitely feel an obligation to mentor junior Sailors and help them to get into the same place that I’m in for next year‘s awards!” Likewise, Joseph, a native of Haiti who later relocated to Orlando, Florida, felt humbled by the Admiral’s decision to select him. He expressed great pride in the work and the individuals who raised him to his current height. “It reiterates to me that nothing is given to you,” he said. “You’ve got to earn it, even if you think you’re there, you’re not there yet; there’s always another level. With the right leadership and mentorship, you’ll keep getting back up, keep going harder and what you’ll do is get recognized for it. I want to thank my mentors and my leaders, especially Chief Josie Paulino, who put me in this position.” Both Allen and Joseph were able to rise above the competition with their individual positive attitudes. Their enthusiasm raised morale and spread to their fellow Sailors. Outside the workplace, the two winners also took great effort to make a difference in the community as well. Allen, previously earning Sailor of the Quarter for the third Quarter of 2020, encouraged her junior Sailors to get involved with college programs, and assisted them in becoming fully qualified in over 200 training sessions. Excelling in her collateral duties as well, she’s taken on the roles of both Command Urinalysis Coordinator and Sexual Assault Prevention Response Victim Advocate. Furthermore, she donated over $1,000 to various charities. Joseph, exhibiting his true skill and devotion to his work, helmed a complete overhaul of the galley menu, adding 50 new healthy and nutritious options. On top of that, he successfully balanced the Mess Hall’s $8,000 budget with 100 percent accuracy. Outside of his busy full-time work in the kitchen, he completed over 50 hours of volunteering with Virginia-based organizations. Meier noted just how strong the competition for this year’s selection was, and was proud to acknowledge the winners. “This is a fantastic problem to have,” he began. “To select amongst a group of superstars – our best and brightest in the command! Thanks to everybody who nominated, supported, and mentored these petty officers into the program. To the winning Sailors, I would ask that you pay it forward as well. Mold others in your image – that’s really our charge. Congratulations to our Sailor of the Year, and our Junior Sailor of the Year!” Sailor of the Year is a time-honored tradition introduced in 1972 by Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Whittet. This annual competition is held to recognize superior performance of individual Sailors, who exceed in personifying the ideals of the Navy Core Values. Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic is responsible for four nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, 54 aircraft squadrons, 1,200 aircraft and 50,000 officers, enlisted and civilian personnel based on the East Coast of the United States. It provides combat ready, sustainable naval air forces with the right personnel, properly trained and equipped, with a focus on readiness, operational excellence, interoperability, safety, and efficient resourcing.

NORFOLK, Va. -- A U.S. Navy SEAL has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the hazing death of a U.S. Army Green Beret while the men served together in Africa. The SEAL's attorney said he plans to appeal the punishment. Tony DeDolph received the sentence Saturday from a jury of fellow servicemembers at a Navy base in Norfolk, Virginia, the Navy said in a statement Monday. He had pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and related counts Jan. 14.