Tony

The Navy and the Marine Corps have started conducting health and safety inspections of more than 62,000 base houses, a move that will allow the services to meet requirements in the 2020 defense policy law. The inspections, to be conducted by an independent contractor, began last October for the Navy and Jan. 18 for the Marine Corps. They will be completed by October, according to the services.

The U.S. Navy recently moved sailors aboard its newest base, a strategic installation in northern Poland that will support NATO’s European missile defense system. Personnel completed their move Thursday from off base into a $50 million multipurpose residential building at Naval Support Facility Redzikowo, U.S. 6th Fleet said in a statement Friday.

The F-35C Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter that crashed on the deck of aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and injured seven sailors was lost over the edge of the flight deck, U.S. 7th Fleet said early Tuesday in a statement. The Navy said Carl Vinson was able to resume flight operations shortly after the crash of the F-35. “An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, embarked aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) had a landing mishap and impacted the flight deck and subsequently fell to the water during routine flight operations,” the statement said. “Impact to the flight deck was superficial and all equipment for flight operations is operational. Carrier Air Wing 2 and USS Carl Vinson have resumed routine flight operations in the South China Sea.”

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 251656Z JAN 22 MID200001410145U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 011/22 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/JAN// SUBJ/ADVANCEMENT EXAMINATION READINESS REVIEW 3RD AND 4TH QUARTER FY-22 SCHEDULE AND IDENTIFICATION OF FLEET SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS// REF/A/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/151617ZSEP17// REF/B/DOC/COMNAVPERSCOM/5NOV18// NARR/REF A IS NAVADMIN 229/17, REALIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION OF FLEET SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS FOR ADVANCEMENT EXAMINATION READINESS REVIEWS. REF B IS MILPERSMAN 1401-020, ADVANCEMENT EXAM READINESS REVIEW (AERR).// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces the Advancement Examination Readiness Review (AERR) schedule from April to September 2022. AERR events provide an opportunity for selected rating subject matter experts from Fleet and shore- based commands to impact their respective ratings by updating and validating the examination question bank. Selected chief, senior chief, and master chief petty officers on Active Duty, Full-Time Support and Reservists currently on Active Duty for Operational Support may take part in the process. AERRs enable the Navy to advance the most qualified and rating- knowledgeable Sailors. 2. AERRs are held at Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) in Pensacola, FL. Temporary duty travel (TDY) in support of AERR events is considered mission critical and is flag officer approved. All costs pertaining to temporary duty are funded by NETPDC. All travel will be in line with Department of the Navy regulations at the time of the scheduled AERR. 3. In line with reference (a), type commanders (TYCOM) and rating sponsors will recruit rating Fleet subject matter experts (FSME), select AERR attendees plus two alternate members and provide names and contact information no less than 45 days prior to the AERR convening date to NETPDC via e-mail at NETPDC_AERR_mailbox(at)navy.mil with a subject line of AERR Selectees. 4. The following AERRs are scheduled from April through September 2022 and are subject to change. AERR schedule is in the following format Convene Date: Rating (number of FSMEs required) 3 - 9 April AWF (4), ET (6) 3 - 16 April IT (6), OS (6) 10 - 23 April ETN (6), GSE (6) 17 - 30 April AME (6), CM (6), MC (7), 24 - 30 April PR (6), QM (6) 24 April - 7 May CTI (6), GM (6), GSM (6) 1 - 7 May AM (6) 1 - 14 May UT (6) 8 - 14 May AO (6), DC (6), NCR (6) 8 - 21 May ATI (6) 15 - 21 May ETV (6), NCC (6) 15 - 28 May AWA (6), CTN (6) 22 - 28 May RS (4) 5 - 18 June AD (6), ND (6) 12 - 25 June AWE (6), CSS (6), MA (8), YNS (6) 10 - 16 July AWV (6) 10 - 23 July ABF (6), EO (6), TM (6) 17 - 30 July HM (6) 7 - 13 August AS (6) 7 - 20 August CTM (6), FT (6) 14 - 27 August LSS (6), MMN (6) 11 - 17 September ABE (6) 11 - 24 September EA (6) 5. In line with reference (b), nomination waivers with accompanying justification must be approved by NETPDC prior to TYCOM and rating sponsor selections. Due to financial considerations, applications from outside the continental United States will not be approved at this time. 6. To view the most up-to-date AERR schedule, locate a specific rating selection point of contact and download the AERR nomination package, log into MyNavy Portal at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/ and select Professional Resources/Navy Advancement Center/AERR. 7. Point of contact for this matter is the NETPDC Fleet Liaison, (850) 473-6169/DSN 753 or NETPDC_AERR_mailbox(at)navy.mil. 8. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 241754Z JAN 22 MID200001407307U FM CHINFO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 010/22 SUBJ/ANNUAL CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FROM QUALIFIED NAVY PERSONNEL FOR THE ADVANCED MILITARY VISUAL JOURNALISM TRAINING PROGRAM 2022// POC/MCCM MICHAEL LEWIS/CHINFO SEA/LOC: WASHINGTON DC/TEL: COMM: (703) 692 -4704/DSN: 222-4704/EMAIL: MICHAEL.B.LEWIS3.MIL(AT)US.NAVY.MIL// RMKS/1. The Navy is soliciting applications from Mass Communication Specialists (MC) for the Advanced Military Visual Journalism (AMVJ) training program for academic year 2022-2023. Class reporting date for both courses is tentatively scheduled for 25 July 2022 with a projected graduation date of 12 May 2023. We are running a graphics-heavy pilot program this year as well. Specific portfolio requirements are in paragraph 2d. Applicants may apply to all three programs by submitting the appropriate portfolio as outlined in paragraphs 2c. and d. 2. Applications must be submitted no later than 4 March 2022. For complete directions and guidance for electronic submission, contact POC listed above and in paragraph 7. Applications must include the following: a. A command endorsement on letterhead summarizing the candidate's qualifications, including a statement certifying the portfolio is the sole work of the applicant and recommendation for candidate's acceptance in the program. Parent commands are responsible for eligibility verification of endorsed candidates and submission of applicable waivers. Waivers of prerequisites (e.g., TIS, PG, TOS, etc.) will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Commanding Officers should address applicant's maturity, ability to work independently, financial security, and academic ability when recommending a nominee, particularly when requesting waivers. b. An essay explaining why a candidate is interested in the AMVJ program. Essay should include motivations, influences, expectations, and post-course desires. c. A portfolio demonstrating sufficient technical ability to successfully complete the course. An applicant must submit a portfolio with communication products from across the full-spectrum of media disciplines. Candidates must submit a portfolio consisting of eight examples of their work. Portfolio must contain the following: (1) One writing product from the Individual Writing category. (2) Two video products from the Individual Video category. (3) Four photo products from the Individual Photo category (must have one picture story and one portrait personality and two photos from the any other Individual Photo category). (4) One graphic design product from any of the Individual Graphic Design categories. d. Graphics pilot program portfolio requirements. Candidates must submit a portfolio consisting of seven examples of their work. Portfolio must contain the following: (1) One animation product. (2) Two layout and design products. (3) Two digital art products. (4) One identity design product. (5) One writing product from the Individual Writing category. e. Each product must follow the rules listed in the category descriptions found within the standard operating procedure for the Navy Media Awards. f. Applicants are required to provide a biography as part of the submission process. The biography is not part of the selection process but will be used to identify and introduce the selectees to the faculty and staff at the University if selected. No biography photo required. 3. Prior to acceptance to the program and distribution of orders, applicants must: a. Be approved to reenlist or extend in the MC Rating through June 2026. b. Not reach high year tenure before June 2026. c. Have a command endorsed 1306. d. Be within physical fitness assessment standards to include no PFA failures in the past three years. e. Not have any civil or Non-Judicial Punishment violations in the past three years. 4. Course scope, prerequisites and portfolio requirements are found in CANTRAC, which can be accessed via the Navy Education and Training Command website at https://www.netc.navy.mil/. Click on the CANTRAC icon at the bottom of the webpage and search for course information using either Course Identification Number listed in paragraph 1 or the title, Advanced Military Visual Journalism. 5. Applicants in their orders window, and not yet selected for orders, must contact the detailer with your intentions. Applicants who have executed orders and are en route to their next command are not eligible. Navy Personnel Command has the final approval prior to final selection. 6. The selection board will convene in mid-March 2022. Selectees will be notified via Naval message no later than 8 April 2022. 7. Point of contact is MCCM Michael Lewis who can be reached by email at michael.b.lewis3.mil(AT)us.navy.mil or by phone at (703) 692-4704. 8. Contact Master Chief Lewis directly for the submission process. 9. Request widest dissemination. 10. Released by RDML C. W. Brown, Chief of Information.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

Justice Department attorneys filed formal notice with a federal appeals court on Friday, saying they’re challenging a Texas judge’s decision that prohibits the Navy from taking action against 35 special operators who’ve refused the COVID-19 vaccine because of religious objections. Meanwhile, the government has also filed a new challenge to the Texas court’s jurisdiction, and arguing that the case should be moved to a different federal district court, perhaps one more sympathetic to the Navy’s religious accommodation process.

An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, had a landing mishap on deck while USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) was conducting routine flight operations in the South China Sea, Jan. 24. The pilot safely ejected from the aircraft and was recovered via U.S. military helicopter. The pilot is in stable condition. There were seven total Sailors injured; three Sailors required MEDEVAC to a medical treatment facility in Manila, Philippines, and four were treated by on-board medical personnel. All three MEDEVACs are assessed as stable. Of the four Sailors treated by on-board medical, three have been released. Additional details and the cause of the inflight mishap is under investigation. 8:33 a.m. (HST) - Updated to reflect that all three MEDEVACed Sailors are in stable condition.

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 212105Z JAN 22 MID200001403520U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 09/22 MSGID/NAVADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N2N6/JAN// SUBJ//FISCAL YEAR 2021 OCEANOGRAPHER OF THE NAVY AWARD RECIPIENTS// REF/A/MSG/OPNAV N2N6/212026ZOCT21// AMPN/REF (A) IS NAVADMIN 234/21, FISCAL YEAR 2021 OCEANOGRAPHER OF THE NAVY AWARD NOMINATIONS// POC/CRAIG HAWKINS/AGCS/OPNAV N2N6E/TEL: (703) 614-1840 /EMAIL: CRAIG.P.HAWKINS.MIL(AT)US.NAVY.MIL// POC/THOMAS MONEYMAKER/CAPT/OPNAV N2N6E/TEL: (703) 614-1864 /EMAIL: THOMAS.A.MONEYMAKER(AT)US.NAVY.MIL// RMKS/1. As announced in reference (a), the 2021 Naval Oceanography Awards program recognizes Naval Oceanography professionals for expertise, accomplishments, and leadership in the application of meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, and precise time and astrometry. The Oceanographer of the Navy takes pride in announcing the 2021 Naval Oceanography Awards selectees. 2. The 2021 Captain Richard C. Steere Award selectee is: LTJG Amanda C. Weber, USN. 3. The 2021 Commander Mary Sears Award selectee is: LCDR Darren L. Pastrana, USN. 4. The 2021 Chief Aerographers Mate John Dungan Jr. Award selectee is: AGCS(IW/EXW/AW) Abdul M. Kasimcarew Jr., USN. 5. The 2021 Matthew Henson Award selectee is: Mr. Austin D. Tubbs. 6. Released by VADM Jeffrey E. Trussler, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare, OPNAV N2N6.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan – Military and diplomatic personnel stationed overseas are eligible for free, at-home COVID-19 testing kits the Biden administration began offering every U.S. household on Wednesday. The administration is purchasing 1 billion of the rapid tests, and the first 500 million are now available for free online at COVIDtests.gov. Every home in the United States can order a set of four free tests that usually ships within seven to 12 days, according to the website. www.CovidTests.gov

The Navy should consider buying Arleigh Burke-class destroyers until the technology it wants to install in its next-generation destroyers is ready for prime time, Secretary Carlos Del Toro said. “Perhaps a better strategy might be to build a few more DDG Flight IIIs to ensure that we have the capacity necessary to deter China and do the other things that we need to do until such moment in time when” the DDG(X) and other new ships are ready, he said during the U.S. Navy Memorial’s SITREP event Tuesday.

A former Hawaiʻi attorney general is preparing legal action against the Navy over jet fuel contamination of its Pearl Harbor water supply. Margery Bronster says she is targeting the Navy because it is ultimately responsible for the water crisis. Elisapeta Alaimaleata was born in Samoa. She moved to Hawaiʻi and immediately came to appreciate the state’s pure, natural resources — especially the water.

The following guides have been updated: 18 January 2022: - An updated "Guide 8 (Jan 2022) has been added to the GUIDES" tab. This update changes the word "Servicewoman" to "Sailor" 11 January 2022: - An updated "Guide 6 (Jan 2022) has been added to the GUIDES" tab. 7 January 2022: - An updated " Guide 11 (Jan 2022) has been added to the "GUIDES" tab. PRT Guides

The Navy has separated two more sailors due to continued refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The two separations are sailors who are within their first 180 days of service, according to the weekly Navy COVID-19 update. The Navy has separated 22 sailors so far for vaccine refusal, all of whom were in their first 180 days of service. The separations are for entry-level sailors, according to the update.

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order #44 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.

The largest procurement program in the Department of Defense (DOD), the F-35 Lightning II is a strike fighter aircraft being procured in different versions for the United States Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy. Current DOD plans call for acquiring a total of 2,456 F-35s. Allies are expected to purchase hundreds of additional F-35s, and eight nations are cost-sharing partners in the program with the United States. The F-35 promises significant advances in military capability. Like many high-technology programs before it, reaching that capability has put the program above its original budget and behind the planned schedule.

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii – The process for drinking water flushing, sampling and testing timeline, including data release, has been finalized by the Interagency Drinking Water System Team (IDWST).

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 141648Z JAN 22 MID600051439059U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 002/22 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/JAN// SUBJ/CHIEF PETTY OFFICER ASSIGNMENT OPTIMIZATION// REF/A/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/071453ZAUG17// REF/B/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/022009ZDEC19// REF/C/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/111604ZDEC02// NARR/REF A IS NAVADMIN 192/17, OPTIMIZING SENIOR ENLISTED (E7-E9) ASSIGNMENTS. REF B IS NAVADMIN 274/19, SEA SHORE FLOW ENLISTED CAREER PATHS UPDATE. REF C IS NAVADMIN 395/02, TRAINING AND ADMINISTRATION OF RESERVE SEA SHORE ROTATION TOUR LENGTH REVISION.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN supports references (a) through (c) and announces the assignment optimization plan for active component and training and administration of reserve (TAR) chief petty officers (CPOs). Commander, Navy Personnel Command (COMNAVPERSCOM), Enlisted Assignment Division (PERS-40) will work with the Fleet readiness integrators (FRI), type commanders (TYCOMs) and budget submitting office (BSO) N1 staffs to evaluate all CPOs assigned to billets with incorrect paygrades or those who are not aligned to funded billet requirements. The goal of this optimization plan is to ensure our most experienced enlisted Sailors are aligned to billets which specifically need their training, leadership and experience. This plan will lead to the realignment of CPOs into billets appropriate to their skills and experience. 2. COMNAVPERSCOM will host a virtual senior enlisted manning summit in Millington, TN from 28 February to 4 March 2022. In person groups supporting the virtual summit will be governed by the applicable health protection condition restrictions, see local guidance for specifics. During registration for the summit, attendees have and will be provided with specific risk mitigation instructions. The aim of this summit will be to review all CPO assignments, with the goal of aligning the maximum number of chiefs to chief billets. This summit will allow Fleet and TYCOMs to work with COMNAVPERSCOM to fill their most impactful gapped billets. a. Enlisted Readiness and Placement Branch (PERS-4013) provided a list of misaligned CPOs to the FRIs. The FRIs distributed the list of misaligned Sailors to the TYCOM and BSO N1s. Prior to the summit, PERS-4013 will evaluate CPO billet requirements in MyNavy Assignment (MNA) and, if the billets are filled by Sailors outside of the billet paygrade, the incumbent may be realigned to an in-paygrade requirement or placed in excess aboard the current command. This will ensure that personnel assignment stakeholders have a clear demand signal of valid CPO requirements. After completion of the summit, if CPOs are identified for movement, PERS-4013 will submit personnel manning action requests via MNA. If there are no near-term movements required, Sailors may have their projected rotation date (PRD) adjusted to enter the order negotiation window earlier than their current PRD. (1) CPOs who have their PRD adjusted will be considered a sea or shore roller based on a ratio of sea and shore duty billets available within their paygrade. (2) CPOs should expect to negotiate for orders to fill an in-paygrade requirement in all follow on assignments. b. Enlisted manning stakeholders identified in paragraph 1 shall review misaligned personnel, as well as Fleet billet vacancies, and provide their recommendations for action at the manning summit. c. Fleet readiness concerns will guide all decisions and actions, but each move will be considered on a case-by-case basis to minimize impacts to our Sailors and their families. d. The movement of realigned personnel will begin in the April 2022 timeframe. 3. The summit precept requires participants to maintain integrity without prejudice or partiality for all Sailors evaluated. Each participant must pay particular attention to each Sailor and billet to ensure that they are meeting the intention of CPO optimization. During deliberations, participants may discuss any negative impacts a realignment may have on the command or the Sailor. Before any decisions are made, TYCOM/BSO and FRIs will provide their input. If the requested actions are within one FRI, the FRI will make final decisions. If the requested action involves more than one FRI and there is a disagreement, the manning control authority will make the final decision. A copy of the precept will be provided to the participants by the summit coordinators. 4. Fleet activities shall continue evaluating MNA alignments to ensure that Sailors are accurately aligned aboard the current activity. CPOs should be aligned to billets for their specific paygrades. If Sailors of any paygrade need to be realigned to another billet, the command activity manning manager (AMM) should submit a member realignment request in MNA. If the MRR is approved, PERS-4013 will update the alignment. AMMs should reach out to their command placement coordinator in PERS-4013 with any issues, questions or concerns. 5. Key messages a. Sailors. We are working to better align our enlisted supervisors to billets which require their skills and experience. The emphasis on operational readiness and unit prioritization reflect our identity as a sea service. We must preserve the readiness of the Fleet and ensure that CPOs are optimally assigned to meet mission readiness. We will take each Sailors personal considerations into account, but I know that this may induce additional hardship for some Sailors and their families, and I sincerely thank them for their service and sacrifice. b. Commands. Commanders, commanding officers, executive officers and command master chiefs must ensure their Sailors understand the intent of this message. 6. To register for the CPO manning summit, participants should contact one of the following summit coordinators: CDR Eric Lull, eric.h.lull.mil(at)us.navy.mil 901-874-4360 ITCM LaToya Bauman, latoya.m.bauman.mil(at)us.navy.mil 901-874-3753 NCCS Shanika Jones, Shanika.d.jones.mil(at)us.navy.mil 901-874-4583 7. Points of Contact. For specific questions, please contact your PERS-4013 placement coordinator, rating detailer or the MyNavy Career Center at askmncc(at)navy.mil or 1-833-330- MNCC(6622). 8. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

Jan 2022 Sailor to Sailor

Has everyone checked to see if their PMK-EE is documented?

President Joe Biden announced Thursday that he has ordered a new deployment of some 120 active-duty military medical troops into hospitals overwhelmed with coronavirus patients in six states as the United States faces its highest-ever spike in cases and hospitalizations. The deployment of mostly doctors and nurses is part of an increased federal response to the omicron variant of the coronavirus, the most infectious version of the disease since the pandemic spread worldwide in early 2020. The new military medical teams deploying will go to hospitals in Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island and New Mexico — joining another 350 medical troops sent into U.S. hospitals across the nation since Thanksgiving, the president said.

RTTUZYUW RHOIAAA0001 0121702-UUUU--RHSSSUU ZNR UUUUU R 121701Z JAN 22 MID600051416389U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 06/22 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//DNS// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/JAN/ SUBJ//CHARGE OF COMMAND// RMKS/1. In the CNO's January 11th remarks at the 34th Surface Navy Association (SNA) Symposium, he issued a call to accelerate our competitive edge as the world's strongest Navy by scaling the Get Real and Get Better approach consistently used by our best units and organizations: "History shows the navy which adapts, learns and improves the fastest gains an enduring warfighting advantage. The essential element is fostering an ecosystem a culture that assesses, corrects, and innovates better than the opposition." 2. In concert with this call to action, the CNO released an updated Charge of Command for our Commanding Officers, characterizing it as "a clear statement of what I value in our leaders, what we should expect our teams to embody, and the mindset we need to win the future fight." 3. In his implementation guidance to the Flag and SES Wardroom, CNO removed the requirement for Commanding Officers to sign the Charge, asking that it be used to inspire and mentor Commanding Officers. He also set the expectation for Senior Leaders to take pride in executing the Charge's mandate to measure themselves by how well they remove barriers and create opportunities for improved subordinate Commander performance. 4. The Charge directs Commanding Officers to lead their team in "Get Real, Get Better behavior and problem solving our self-assessing, self-correcting, and learning culture." The Get Real Get Better approach brings to life leadership and problem-solving best practices demonstrated in our best organizations and refined over the past four years. It's a proven approach for empowering our people and achieving exceptional outcomes. 5. As he closed his SNA remarks, CNO asked each of us on the Navy team to read the Charge of Command and apply the principles of continuous Self- Assessment and Self-Correction, measuring ourselves, our team, and our commands by Get Real Get Better principles. Best practice is to do this transparently and with others, sharing our ideas and enhancing our learning. 6. CNOs SNA speech, the Charge of Command, and Get Real Get Better reference materials are available on the Navy.mil website. Additional material will be released over the remainder of 2022. 7. Released by ADM Bill Lescher, Vice Chief of Naval Operations.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Service members and veterans can get ready for life after the military by using the DOD’s Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) programs, MilGears, United Services Military Apprenticeship Program and DOD SkillBridge. Many Sailors gain unique logistics-related skills during their naval service, making the civilian trucking industry a viable future career choice. Managed by the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Education and Training, these tools include the DOD’s Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) programs, the MilGears Platform Suite of Tools, the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) and the SkillBridge program. “For the Navy, these online tools are all great opportunities for Sailors and Navy veterans,” said Keith Boring, Navy Credentialing Programs branch head at Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). “We recognize and value the contributions Sailors and our service members continue to make in their careers after the service, and these programs are available to help them navigate achieving their professional goals.” Service members and veterans can capture their military occupational data, map it to civilian occupations, find associated civilian career pathways, earn apprenticeships and certifications, and partner with industry employers to begin new careers in many fields such as the trucking industry. “With COOL, a service member or veteran can pursue at least two relevant credentials that are directly tied to the trucking industry, as well as credentials related to the logistics side,” said Mike Talley, the director of Navy COOL. “The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) relates to 27 broad military occupations, and the Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) relates to over 120 broad military occupations. Navy COOL can help you discover and understand pathways to this kind of credentialing and potentially how to fund the credentials.” The MilGears Platform Suite of Tools is a newer tool initially developed by the U.S. Navy and then further expanded by DOD for all the services. Powered by the extensively detailed data contained in COOL, such as military, civilian and federal occupations and industry-recognized credentials, MilGears considers the entirety of the individual service member’s or veteran’s unique military and civilian career background, as well as on and off-duty qualifications and credentials. “MilGears lets you upload formal documentation, capture military training and experience, and add any additional uniquely obtained qualifications from your service,” said Boring. “If you were driving in convoys during deployments in Iraq or Afghanistan, those skills relate to driving experience that contribute towards the CDL and the TWIC.” The formal military training program USMAP allows Sailors to earn a nationally recognized journeyman certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Active-duty and Full Time Support (FTS) Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Coast Guard service members have the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while serving. “Occupational career fields, such as heavy and tractor-trailer truck driving, are approved registered apprenticeship trades through USMAP, so service members can complete the journeyman apprenticeship trade as part of their daily military job,” said Tom Phillips, USMAP director at NETC. “Your military supervisor provides monthly validation for the list of required military occupation competencies. You demonstrate the competency and fulfill any time-based requirements, and depending on the trade, it could take as little as a year to complete or may require up to four years to complete.” Over the last few years, USMAP has assisted more than 60 DOD service members in earning the heavy truck driving registered apprenticeship journeyman certificate. More than 340 personnel across the services are currently enrolled in this apprenticeship. During their last 180 days of service, Sailors can take advantage of the DOD SkillBridge program. Before separating from the military, they can gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry internships, job training, employment skills training and DOL-registered apprenticeship programs. SkillBridge connects service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences and provides an invaluable chance to work and learn in civilian career areas. While industry partners have access to and can leverage the world’s most highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost, service members continue to receive their military compensation and benefits. To participate in the SkillBridge program, the industry partner programs must offer a high probability of post-service employment with the provider or other employers in a field related to the opportunity. With more than 1,600 partnerships developed between industry and the DOD, over 70 are in the transportation and material moving industry. More than 700 service members have graduated from SkillBridge trucking industry partner programs in the last few years. For more information about these programs, visit: • MilGears: https://milgears.osd.mil/ • DOD COOL: https://cool.osd.mil • USMAP: https://usmap.osd.mil • DOD SkillBridge: https://skillbridge.osd.mil NETC, as the largest shore command in the U.S. Navy, recruits, trains, and delivers those who serve our nation, taking them from street-to-fleet by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat ready warfighters.

Whether the Red Hill bulk fuel storage facility in Hawaii remains open is uncertain, following two major fuel spills the Navy that contaminated Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickham’s water supply and forced thousands of families out of their homes after Thanksgiving. Testifying Tuesday before the House Armed Services readiness subcommittee, Rear Adm. Blake Converse, deputy commander of the Pacific Fleet, said, “we need to complete our investigation” and assess the findings of third-party investigators as to how the spilling of 14,000 gallons of jet fuel happened at Red Hill and can the problems identified in manning, operating procedures and training be fixed.

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday issued a new “Charge of Command” to commanders Jan. 11. 2022.

The USS Orleck, a former U.S. Navy destroyer that saw combat in the Korean and Vietnam wars, is heading to Jacksonville to begin a new life as a floating military museum. The Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association announced Tuesday that it has acquired the ship and that it will soon be Jacksonville-bound after passing a seaworthiness inspection last month in Texas.