Tony

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump signed a sweeping legislative package Tuesday that aims to help veterans facing a variety of challenges, including homelessness, access to care for women and Native Americans, toxic exposure and the coronavirus. The legislation gained unanimous approval in Congress on Dec. 17 and was sent to the White House on Dec. 24. Tuesday was the final day for Trump to signal his support for the legislation. Presidents are given 10 days to sign bills before they become law without their signatures.

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 072031Z JAN 21 MID200000522699U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 03/21 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// REF/A/NAVADMIN/OPNAV/042056ZNOV20// REF/B/USD P&R MEMO/29DEC20// REF/C/NAVADMIN/OPNAV/302124ZOCT20// NARR/REF A IS NAVADMIN 298/20, US NAVY COVID-19 STANDARDIZED OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE VERSION 3.1. REF B IS FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION GUIDANCE (SUPPLEMENT 14). REF C IS NAVADMIN 294/20, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COVID-19 RAPID ON-SITE TESTING AT BALTIMORE AND SEATTLE PATRIOT EXPRESS AERIAL PORTS OF EMBARKATION.// RMKS/1. In line with references (a) and (b), this NAVADMIN announces Department of Defense requirements for COVID-19 testing prior to overseas travel. This message also incorporates and updates information contained in reference (c), United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) implementation of rapid on-site COVID-19 testing capability at Baltimore and Seattle Patriot Express Aerial Ports of Embarkation (APOE) operated by Air Mobility Command (AMC). Reference (c) is hereby cancelled. 2. The dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic requires the implementation of measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread outside the Continental United States (OCONUS). Many countries now require negative test results before arrival. To ensure service members and families are not refused travel or delayed, all travelers executing OCONUS orders are now 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 more strict 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 OCONUS travel for each traveling family member. Valid proof may be electronic or printed. Proof will be requested prior to AMC Patriot Express (rotator) flights but may not be requested prior to commercial 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 medical provider, the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG), and/or your travel provider to determine if the destination will allow entry with a letter from a physician. 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). Additionally, travelers are encouraged to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (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 enroute 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-positive. Additionally, financially plan for an extended trip and/or additional tests should they become necessary. We encourage service members to use their Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) for travel expenses on official orders as this will assist in alleviating personal financial impact. e. Take responsibility for testing. The service is providing the following options in priority order to assist with individual travel situations, but it is the travelers responsibility to ensure all requirements have been met: (1) When traveling on the AMC Patriot Express (rotator) flights, Madigan Army Medical Center (Seattle) and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Baltimore), have been designated as primary testing sites for APOEs. These centers are staffed and funded to test Patriot Express travelers in possession of OCONUS orders. Travelers are encouraged to appear in person 48 hours prior to embarkation at the 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: (a) Baltimore AMC Gateway: (609) 253-8825, limited operations. (b) Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD: Central Screening - (571) 335-9985, Testing - 0700-1600 EST, no weekends or holidays. (c) Seattle AMC Gateway: (253) 982-3504/0555, limited operations. (d) Madigan Army Medical Center, McChord, WA: Preventative Medicine Department - (253) 968-4443, Testing - 0600-1700 PST, weekends included, no holidays. (2) Other military treatment facilities (MTF) may execute free tests for service members and dependents if tests are scheduled prior to arrival at the MTF for those in possession of OCONUS orders. 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 via the MyNavy Portal, https://www.mnp.navy.mil/. Note: Most MTFs are closed during the weekend travelers are encouraged to plan for alternate solutions if boarding a flight at the beginning of the week. (3) Commercial sites that support antigen or molecular-based tests (PCR and Abbott ID NOW) may be used to satisfy the requirement. TRICARE does not fund strictly travel-based tests. Travelers should be prepared to pay for tests and will be refunded via travel claim in line with Joint Travel Regulations if traveling on OCONUS orders. We encourage service members to use their GTCC for travel expenses on official orders as this will support these tests. For those that choose not to use the GTCC on official orders, recommend taking advance travel pay as molecular-based tests may be expensive. Additionally, if commercial sites require an upfront fee in an effort to bill TRICARE, service members should ensure to submit the full testing cost via travel claim. f. Travelers that test positive for COVID-19 while executing OCONUS 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 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 references (a) and (b). Do not proceed until consulting with your detailer/AMC. (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@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 members detailer, Navy Passenger Transportation Office (NAVPTO), and the OPNAV COVID 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 requirements, in line with reference (a) and in conjunction with any medical provider guidance, they may continue execution of their orders after conferring with detailers/AMC. Service members and detailers should be proactive to continue travel as soon as possible. 4. Command Pay and Personnel Administrators (CPPA) must do the following before a service member detaches: a. Notify service member of the testing requirement for overseas travel and options. Keep a record of the service members plans for testing, to include the intended facility site and date. b. 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. Vaccinated travelers should only rely on molecular-based tests because they may be at higher risk of a false positive with an antigen test. 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//

If you have an existing VA-backed home loan and you want to reduce your monthly mortgage payments—or make your payments more stable—an interest rate reduction refinance loan (IRRRL) may be right for you. Refinancing lets you replace your current loan with a new one under different terms. Find out if you’re eligible—and how to apply.

The new program provides service members with the option to pay their debt on a mobile device or computer using a debit card, electronic funds transfer (EFT) or via a PayPal account. Credit cards will not be accepted through this program, and PayPal can only be used if linked to a debit card or bank account. Until now, service members were required to repay TA debt using a cashier’s check, money order or a payroll transaction—a process that took anywhere from a week to 45 days, according to Tim Driggers, Voluntary Education Business Operations division head. “This is the first time since the beginning of the tuition assistance program in the mid-nineties that we’ve done electronic debt payments,” said Driggers. “The service members can pay with their bank account using a smartphone as opposed to putting a check in the mail. Since the pilot program began, we’ve seen a reduction in checks by about 60% by doing e-billing on a weekly basis.” The new capability not only benefits the accounting system, but the service member as well. “We saw a debt get paid within two hours of service member notification,” said Driggers. “This allows the service member to be in good standing again, so that the TA is available for use immediately.” The process is streamlined and simple to use for the service members, according to Fred Morales, the TA Collections branch head. “Once an indebtedness occurs due to a collectible grade, and provided the course has been invoiced by an academic institution, the service member will receive an email with instructions directing them to Pay.gov where they can make the payment electronically,” said Morales. “It’s very easy to use.” In most cases, debt transactions will be posted to the member’s WebTA account by TA Accounting the next business day after the service member pays their TA debt using Pay.gov If a debt payment is not made within 45 days, a file will be sent to Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) to cancel the e-bill, and the debt amount will be taken from the service member through payroll deduction. For more information regarding the repayment of TA debts, please call: 1-877-838-1659, option 4.

A VA grant is powering a Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare researcher’s look into the effects of discontinuing thyroid replacement therapy in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. It may pave the way to address levothyroxine overuse in the United States. Dr. Spyridoula Maraka, Little Rock VA’s Health Services Research & Development service, will be recruiting Veterans beginning Feb. 1, 2021, for participation in the 18-month randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Her research has been given a more than $163,000 grant award.

The USS Freedom was meant to be the starting point in a revolution in naval warfare in September 2006, when the newly commissioned combat vessel slid into the Menominee River in Marinette, Wisconsin. It was the first launch of a class of high-tech littoral combat ships (LCS,) designed to be agile, stealthy and plugged-in while fighting in the dangerous shallow draft coastal areas where Pentagon strategists believed the wars of the 21st century will largely be fought.

The U.S. Navy will commission seven ships in 2021 and christen another eight, according to data provided by Naval Sea Systems Command.

I am getting a lot of inquiries from Sailors who are unable to view their profile sheet. I am unable to help, but I'd appreciate it if you could post here if you are having issues also. Please include the related advancement cycle. I believe most are having issues with cycle 107 but I am not sure. Also: Contact your career counselor Contact your CMC Your ESO should be able to print them out There are a lot of Sailors having this issue and the upper chain needs to know.

Before starting your next PMK-EE, make sure to check your mobile application or Navy e-Learning enrollment for the latest version! PMK-EE Mobile Application

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Wind-driven flames racing through miles of dry brush on a U.S. Marine Corps base in Southern California prompted the evacuation of more than 7,000 residents on Thursday from neighborhoods at the edge of the sprawling installation, authorities said. The so-called Creek Fire erupted Wednesday night along a roadside on the eastern flank of Camp Pendleton, north of San Diego, and charred some 3,000 acres by noon on Thursday, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) reported.

Hope some knows!

Official - Cycle 107 Quotas/ Advancement Results Release Timeline 22 Dec, 2020 - Quotas Release 23 Dec, 2020 - * Results TRIAD (CO, XO, CMC) Release 24 Dec, 2020 - Public Release

Congratulations to all who advanced! Cycle 107 - E4 ~ E6 Results

The Navy in January is expected to release a request for proposals to field its first completely new torpedo since the 1990s. Northrop Grumman has announced its intention to enter the compact rapid attack weapon program, which will seek to find a manufacturer for the prototype of a lightweight torpedo developed at Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory.

Official - Cycle 107 Quotas/ Advancement Results Release Timeline 22 Dec, 2020 - Quotas Release 23 Dec, 2020 - * Results TRIAD (CO, XO, CMC) Release 24 Dec, 2020 - Public Release * Hopefully, the results have been release to TRIAD. If anyone has word, please post.

Cycle 107 Quotas E4 Quotas E5 Quotas E6 Quotas

Official - Cycle 107 Quotas/ Advancement Results Release Timeline 22 Dec, 2020 - Quotas Release 23 Dec, 2020 - * Results TRIAD (CO, XO, CMC) Release 24 Dec, 2020 - Public Release * Release to TRIAD allows the upper chain of command to notify those who advanced.

The U.S. Navy is eliminating its automatic 180-day limited-duty period for injured or ill sailors and Marines and moving to a flexible time frame based on a service member's medical diagnosis and projected recovery time. The service also will introduce a position at Navy Medical Training Command and major units dedicated to monitoring and facilitating the process -- physicians fully versed in medical evaluation policies, diagnoses and treatments who can advise leaders on the status of personnel on limited duty and weigh in on return-to-duty decisions.

You should be able to see it now via MyNavy Portal

Cycle 248 results for Active Duty and Full Time Support (FTS) Sailors to advance to E-4, E-5 and E-6, December 18. Active Duty Full Time Support (FTS) Congratulations Sorry, I have no updates on Cycle 107

Cycle 248 - Cycle 107 - No sign of Cycle 107 and it is unusual that no updates have been posted.

Cycle 248 Active Duty E-4/E-5/E-6 Advancement Results are now LIVE on BOL to Command Triads (CO, XO, CMC). Public release is tomorrow. Still no word on Cycle 107 SELRES.

Remember folks, the result for Cycle 248 will be given to TRIAD (CO, XO, CMC) today. They will know if you made it or not. Tomorrow the public non-classified version will be release. TRIAD Release Thursday, Dec 17, 2020 NAVADMIN Release (Public) Friday Dec 18, 2020 This is for Cycle 248 I have no updates on Cycle 107

Sorry folks, I have no idea about SELRES Cycle 107.

TRIAD Release Thursday, Dec 17, 2020 NAVADMIN Release (Public) Friday Dec 18, 2020 This is for Cycle 248