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The former Navy research platform R/V FLIP has been described variously from its launch in 1962 to retirement in 2023 as a giant baseball bat, huge caterpillar, soda straw or floating bottle. “Spar buoy” was the term the builder and the Navy used to described its shape. And now Research Vessel, Floating Instrument Platform as it is best known, which officially retired after more than 50 years of naval service, has been rescued from a Mexican scrapyard for a new mission.

Fewer than two dozen shipyard workers are responsible for suspicious welds that were discovered on aircraft carriers and submarines built at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding, company officials said during an earnings call for the shipbuilder on Thursday. Company leaders in the earnings call framed the suspicious welds, made on Ford and Nimitz-class aircraft carriers and Columbia and Virginia-class submarines, as the a result of a small subset of workers in the yard.

The USS Parche, commissioned in 1974, began as a Sturgeon-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine before transitioning into a clandestine reconnaissance role during the Cold War.

Donald Trump is re-using his 2020 playbook to baselessly claim the 2024 election is being stolen from him and is being joined by allies with big megaphones amplifying his falsehoods ahead of Election Day.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced on October 31 that the Department of the Navy plans to operate 12 Arleigh Burke class (DDG 51) Flight I Destroyers beyond their 35-year expected service life. The decision, based upon a hull-by-hull evaluation of ship material condition, combat capability, technical feasibility and lifecycle maintenance requirements, will result in an additional 48 ship-years of cumulative ship service life in the 2028 to 2035 timeframe. The Navy has proposed DDG service life extension funding in the FY26 budget request, and will update the shipbuilding plan accordingly. “Extending these highly-capable, well-maintained destroyers will further bolster our numbers as new construction warships join the Fleet,” said Secretary Del Toro. “It also speaks to their enduring role in projecting power globally, and most recently in the Red Sea, their proven ability to defend themselves, as well as our allies, partners and friends from missile and drone attacks.” At the Secretary’s request, the Navy conducted a thorough evaluation of each DDG-51 Flight I ship (DDG 51-71) over the past ten months, and determined the 12 destroyers could and should remain operational beyond their expected service life. The final determination of each ship’s service life is based on maximizing the service life of each ship before it required another extensive and costly docking availability. The service life extensions meet the intent of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and the CNO’s NAVPLAN which directs the Navy to “get more ready players on the field.” “Today’s budget constrained environment requires the Navy to make prioritized investments to keep more ready players on the field,” said Adm. Franchetti. “The Navy is actively pulling the right levers to maintain and grow its Battle Force Inventory to support the United State’s global interests in peace and to win decisively in conflict.” The Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer is critical to the Navy’s mission and has proven itself most capable in contested environments, like the Red Sea.

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 311705Z OCT 24 MID180000023394U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 224/24 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/OCT// SUBJ/TIERED MULTIPLES FOR NUCLEAR TRAINED SAILORS IN ZONE B SELECTIVE REENLISTMENT BONUS// REF/A/DOC/OPNAV/1APR19// REF/B/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/272026ZFEB23// NARR/REF A IS OPNAVINST 1160.8B, SELECTIVE REENLISTMENT BONUS PROGRAM. REF B IS NAVADMIN 055/23, ENLISTED SUPERVISOR RETENTION PAY POLICY UPDATES.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces the implementation of a tiered multiple for nuclear trained Sailors executing Zone B Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB). Nuclear trained Sailors reenlisting in SRB Zone B who commit to return to sea following their shore tour will, receive a higher SRB multiple and higher contract limit. 2. Purpose. Maintaining a strong and talented cadre of Second Sea Tour (SEA-2) Sailors is vital to maximizing the warfighting capabilities of the nuclear fleet. This NAVADMIN creates a unique retention incentive for qualified, career-minded, nuclear trained Sailors who commit to return to sea. 3. Eligibility. Nuclear trained Sailors must meet all requirements listed in references (a) and (b) for Zone B reenlistment and the following: a. Qualified propulsion plant watch supervisor or engineering watch supervisor (currently holding the N33Z NEC) b. Reenlist in SRB Zone B for a period of six years during their First Sea Tour (SEA-1); or earliest opportunity, if transferred from SEA-1 prior to six years of service. Forward any questions regarding reenlistment timing to Nuclear Enlisted Programs (OPNAV N133D). 4. Incentive. These nuclear trained Sailors will be able to utilize a 10.5 multiple for purposes of calculating their SRB Zone B bonus in line with reference (a). Additionally, the following limits apply to these SRBs replacing those listed in reference (a): (1) $40,000 per year of additional obligated service and (2) $160,000 per contract. All other portions of reference (a) are applicable. 5. Execution. The maximum award level >$100,000 or $40,000/year of active obligated service is not yet programed into Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS). Sailors seeking to take advantage of bonuses in excess of $100,000 should submit the bonus as normal in NSIPS. Once the SRB pre-certification is approved, contact the SRB help desk at 901-874-3215 or mill_incen_pays.fct@navy.mil to recalculate the bonus for the correct amount. 6. Note. Executing a six year SRB Zone B and committing to a SEA-2 tour does not preclude Sailors from re-enlisting in the enlisted supervisor retention pay Zone 1 in line with reference (b). 7. The point of contact is the Nuclear Enlisted Community Manager, OPNAV N133D, and can be reached at (703) 604-5491/DSN 664 or via e-mail at bullnuke@navy.mil. 8. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – A sailor stationed at Dyess Air Force Base has been arrested on the charge of Possession of Child Pornography with Intent to Promote.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The family of a 17-year-old girl who was injured by a Navy parachutist who landed on her during San Francisco Fleet Week is sharing new details about the incident. Mia DeGuzman recorded the sky in amazement as a Navy officer on a parachute flew over a crowd. Seconds later, her life would change forever.

The Defense Department has expanded the list of medical conditions that no longer disqualify people from enlisting in the military. More than 6,000 people have enlisted through a pilot program’s relaxed requirements, which allow recruits to enter basic training with previously disqualifying medical conditions, said Lin St. Clair, deputy director of the Defense Department’s accession policy directorate. Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2024-10-29/defense-department-enlistment-medical-conditions-15669730.html Source - Stars and Stripes

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – If you’re enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program, your TDP monthly premiums will decrease for coverage effective Nov. 1. These new rates will remain in effect until Feb. 28, 2025. “TDP premium rates change periodically,” said Douglas Elsesser, a program analyst with the Dental Program Section of the TRICARE Health Plan at the Defense Health Agency. “This helps premiums stay current with the market while maintaining affordable coverage for you and your family.”

Services reaching their Fiscal Year 2024 goals can be attributed, in part, to getting more recruiters into communities, recruiting chiefs told reporters Wednesday. All five services met their recruiting goals in the past fiscal year, including the Navy, which had failed to hit its target for the prior two years. In briefing reporters, the recruiting chiefs said propensity among young Americans continues to remain low.

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 281905Z OCT 24 MID180000017871U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 222/24 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/OCT// SUBJ/DEPENDENT CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT FEDERAL OPEN SEASON FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL// REF/A/DOC/SECDEF/22MAR23// REF/B/DOC/POTUS/09JUN23// REF/C/DOC/SECDEF/03AUG23// NARR/REF A IS THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MEMORANDUM, STRENGTHENING OUR SUPPORT TO SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. REF B IS EXECUTIVE ORDER 14100, EXECUTIVE ORDER ON ADVANCING ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR MILITARY AND VETERAN SPOUSES, CAREGIVERS, AND SURVIVORS. REF C IS THE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MEMORANDUM, AVAILABILITY OF DEPENDENT CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS FOR SERVICE MEMBERS. RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces eligible Sailors may enroll or re- enroll in a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) during federal open season from 11 November - 9 December 2024, in line with references (a) through (c). The DCFSA is a pre-tax account used to pay for eligible dependent care services, such as preschool, day camp, before or after-school programs, and child or adult daycare. Contributions are directly deposited from pay into a DCFSA before taxes are deducted, which reduces a member's taxable income. 2. Eligibility. Active Component (AC) Service Members, to include Training and Administration of the Reserves (TAR) Sailors, and Reserve Component on Title 10 or Title 32 orders are eligible for enrollment in DCFSAs. Additionally, AC and TAR Sailors may use DCFSAs for dependent care expenses that allow Sailors and, if married, spouses to work, look for work, or attend school full-time. For complete eligibility information, see https://finred.usalearning.gov/Benefits/DCFSA. 3. Enrollment: a. Eligible Sailors may enroll in a DCFSA for the 2025 plan during the federal open season from mid-November through mid- December 2024. Enrollment will be processed by the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program at https://www.fsafeds.gov/explore/usmdcfsa. A DCFSA enables participants to contribute $100-$5,000 per household per year in pre-tax income to pay for dependent care expenses ($2,500 if married and filing separate tax returns). A DCFSA operates on a calendar year basis, starting 1 January and ending 31 December. b. Eligible Sailors may also enroll at any time in a DCFSA following a qualifying life event such as the birth or adoption of a child, a divorce, or a permanent change of station. c. Upon enrollment, the specified amount of funds will be withheld from the Sailor's biweekly paycheck beginning the 15th of the month for the effective year of eligibility (e.g., 15 January 2025) and deposited into their DCFSA. d. Funds are available in the Sailor's DCFSA after each pay period. Funds can be withdrawn to directly pay dependent care providers or to reimburse dependent care expenses paid out of pocket. For the procedures to file a claim, see https://finred.usalearning.gov/assets/downloads/FINRED-DCFSAClaims101-G.pdf. e. Contributions should be carefully planned not to exceed the total amount of qualified expenses anticipated to be incurred during the year. f. There is a grace period through 15 March following the plan year (e.g., 15 March 2026 for those that enrolled for the 2025 plan year) to incur expenses. All claims must be submitted by 30 April following the plan year. g. Unclaimed contributions will be forfeited after 30 April following the plan year (e.g., 30 April 2026 for those enrolled in the 2025 federal plan year). h. Re-enrollment. Eligible Sailors must re-enroll each year during the Federal Open Season to continue participation. A Sailor's participation will NOT automatically carry over from year to year. 4. Things to consider before you enroll in DCFSA: a. Review your family's budget and cash flow. Enrolling in a DCFSA will impact your take-home pay. b. Understand your tax benefits. Free tax software and one-on- one help from military tax experts are available to Service Members and their families. 5. DCFSA resources. Free assistance is available to help Sailors make the right decision, provide enrollment information, and understand how the DCFSA affects both their family's financial budget and tax situation. a. Office of Financial Readiness DCFSA webpage: https://finred.usalearning.gov/Benefits/DCFSA. b. Military OneSource: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/dependent-fsa/. c. FSAFEDS: https://www.fsafeds.gov/explore/usmdcfsa . d. Local Command Financial Specialists and Fleet and Family Support Center Personal Financial Managers. e. Tax consultation from MilTax via Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/taxes/miltax-military-tax-services/. 6. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 281903Z OCT 24 MID180000017868U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 221/24 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/OCT// SUBJ/FISCAL YEAR 2025 UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY LEADERSHIP EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTERS PROGRAM// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces application procedures for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) masters program. The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is seeking applications from motivated, academically, and professionally qualified Unrestricted Line Officers for the FY25 LEAD masters program. Selected officers will serve as both company officers and role models for our future naval officers. The USNA company officer masters program is a unique opportunity for junior officers to participate in a 36-month graduate education and leadership experience. The program combines a fully-funded masters degree in leadership education and development from the Naval Postgraduate School with a required 2-year follow-on commitment as a company officer at USNA in Annapolis, MD. 2. Additional information can be found on the USNA website at https://www.usna.edu/LEAD/Lead-Masters-Program/index.php. 3. Community specific eligible Year Groups (YG) and additional eligibility requirements follow: a. Surface Warfare: (1) Eligible YG: YG 21 surface warfare qualified officers who have demonstrated superior performance at sea, have screened for Department Head (DH) afloat, and who have the career timing to support a 36-month shore duty assignment prior to their 7.5-year mark of commissioned service. Select YG 19 surface warfare officers may be eligible depending on career timing and current shore duty assignment. Nuclear trained officers are also eligible however, due to the specific nature of their career timing, it is understood that they will rotate earlier than 36 months for DH school timing. All YG 20 and 21 officers should contact their respective Surface Warfare Officer Assignment Division (PERS-41) junior officer detailer to determine their timeline to DH School. (2) Eligible officers will compete for USNA LEAD nominations via the PERS-41 Talent Management Board (TMB). PERS-41 junior officer detailers will assist the nominated officers with their online nomination package submission. All TMB details will be announced via separate correspondence and support the timeline defined in this NAVADMIN. (3) A DH retention bonus contract must be submitted immediately upon selection for the LEAD Program. DH school attendance and the successful completion of two DH tours as defined by PERS-41 is required following the completion of USNA assignment. b. Submarine: (1) Eligible YG: YG 20 and 21. (2) Submarine and Nuclear Officer Distribution Division (PERS-42) will review all applications and recommend for selection top performing officers who can meet Submarine Officers Advanced Course (SOAC) gate at 7.5 years of commissioned service. SOAC attendance and completion of a DH tour is required following completion of USNA assignment. (3) Eligible officers will compete for nominations via the PERS-42 TMB. Application materials required for the TMB are those listed in this NAVADMIN. (4) A nuclear officer bonus contract must be submitted immediately upon acceptance into the LEAD program. SOAC attendance and the successful completion of a DH tour as defined by PERS-42 is required following the completion of USNA LEAD assignment. c. Aviation: (1) Eligible YG: Officers eligible for first shore tour. (2) Eligible officers will compete for USNA LEAD nominations via USNA-run TMB. Primary criteria utilized for selection will be past performance, qualifications, career timing, and community needs. Interested officers should contact their respective Aviation Officer Distribution Division (PERS-43) detailer for assistance with nomination package submission. d. Special Warfare: (1) Eligible YG: No restriction. (2) Prospective applicants must be screened by the DH board and education panel and have signed the naval special warfare officer continuation pay contract. Applicants meeting these criteria will compete for SEAL/SWCC Officer Assignments and Placement Division (PERS-415) nominations based on their performance, academic qualifications, and suitability for the program. e. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD): (1) Eligible YG: YG 17-19. (2) Prospective applicants must have completed an EOD company commander tour, be administratively board screened for EOD DH, and signed the EOD warfare officer retention bonus contract. Applicants meeting these criteria will compete for EOD Officer Assignment and Placement Division (PERS-416) nominations based on their performance, academic qualifications, and suitability for the program. f. Information Warfare: (1) Eligible YG: No restriction. (2) Prospective applicants will compete for USNA LEAD nominations via the Information Warfare Community Division (PERS-47) TMB. Primary criteria utilized for selection will be past performance, qualifications, career timing, and community needs. Interested officers should contact their respective PERS-47 detailer for assistance with nomination package submission. 4. Interested officers must: a. Complete an application and forward to respective detailer. A sample can be found at https://www.usna.edu/LEAD/Lead-Masters-Program/LEAD- Program-Application.php. The application package must include: (1) Completed application page (PDF fillable version found at the website above). (2) Personal statement that specifically addresses the reason for the application to the LEAD program, how the program fits into your career goals, and your expectations with respect to the program. (3) Biography (following the format provided at the website above). (4) All higher education transcripts. (5) Copy of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores taken within the last 5 years (or statement explaining why you are unable to take the GRE such as deployment or operational commitments). (6) Chain of command endorsement (required). (7) Additional professional and academic letters of recommendation (desired, not required). (8) Copy of performance summary report, officer summary record, and last five fitness reports. b. Communicate intentions to apply for this program to the cognizant detailer to ensure adequate career timing. All applications will be vetted through detailers to verify career timing impact. 5. Any inquiries should be sent to LCDR Michael Watrol, PERS-443, PERS-440_submit.fct@navy.mil 6. Released by VADM Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Are you ready for TRICARE Open Season and the upcoming changes to TRICARE in 2025? Mark your calendar for a TRICARE webinar, “Get Ready for TRICARE Open Season and 2025 Region Changes,” on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2–3 p.m. ET on Microsoft Teams Live.

Fukuoka, Oct. 29 (Jiji Press) -- The wife of a U.S. serviceman has been found dead in a hotel in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka, local police said Tuesday. The U.S. military has taken the husband into custody and will investigate the case, according to police sources.

The U.S. Navy made an official apology this week for the bombardment and near destruction of a native Alaskan village 142 years ago. Speaking Saturday in Angoon, Alaska, located about 100 miles south of the state capital of Juneau in the Tongass National Forest, Rear Adm. Mark Sucato, commander of Navy Region Northwest issued the apology on the 142nd anniversary of the attack, which happened on Oct. 26, 1882 and killed six children while leaving the village's surviving residents without food or shelter amid a harsh winter.

OIX GATEWAY NORFOLK VA SUCCESSFUL PROCESSING REPORT: FY24 SELECTED RESERVE HEALTH PROFESSIONS OFFICER RECRUITING GOES MSG_ID: 120001489878 RTTUZYUW RHOIAAA0047 2982030-UUUU--RHSSSUU. ZNR UUUUU R 242030Z OCT 24 MID120001489878U FM COMNAVRESFOR NORFOLK VA TO NAVRESFOR INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC COMNAVIFORES FORT WORTH TX BUMED FALLS CHURCH VA COMNAVCRUITCOM MILLINGTON TN COMNAVPERSCOM MILLINGTON TN COMNAVRESFOR NORFOLK VA COMNAVRESFORCOM NORFOLK VA COMNAVAIRFORES SAN DIEGO CA BT UNCLAS ALNAVRESFOR 031/24 MSGID/GENADMIN/COMNAVRESFOR NORFOLK VA// SUBJ/FY24 SELECTED RESERVE HEALTH PROFESSIONS OFFICER RECRUITING AND RETENTION INCENTIVES// RMKS/1. This ALNAVRESFOR announces incentives for Selected Reserve (SELRES) Health Professions Officers (HPO) in Critical Wartime Specialties (CWS) and Non-Critical Skill Shortages. Incentives outlined in this program are effective immediately and can be found on Navy Reserve Homeport at: https://www.navyreserve.navy.mil/Resources/Official-RESFOR-Guidance/Notices/ . This message supersedes ALNAVRESFOR 031/23. 2. To provide a Navy Reserve Force that delivers strategic depth and operational readiness in alignment with the National Defense Strategy (NDS) and changing geo-political spectrum, our Navy must attract and retain high caliber and quality officers. Successful recruiting and retention efforts require flexible tools to strengthen SELRES HPO communities by attracting those skills and qualifications needed to prevail against our adversaries. 3. Eligibility Determination and Bonus Application Procedures. a. Eligibility criteria for SELRES HPO incentives may be found on the Navy Reserve Homeport at: https://www.navyreserve.navy.mil/Resources/Official-RESFOR-Guidance/Notices/ . b. A Navy Reserve Activity's (NRA) Incentive Coordinator shall assist officers in completing the application for incentives. Guidance in completing the application is provided via the link above. 4. Point of contact for application and policy questions: Members should contact the Bonus Program Representative at their respective NRA. 5. This ALNAVRESFOR will remain in effect until superseded or cancelled, whichever occurs first. 6. Released by VADM N. S. Lacore, Commander, Navy Reserve Force.// BT #0047 NNNN <DmdsSecurity>UNCLASSIFIED//</DmdsSecurity> <DmdsReleaser>GONZALES.RAYMOND.MONTON.1166176987</DmdsReleaser>

WASHINGTON/SINGAPORE, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Fearing China will deploy hypersonic weapons to sink ships in the Pacific, the U.S. Navy is moving forward with a plan to arm some of its vessels with Patriot interceptor missiles, two senior defense officials said. One industry official said putting the highly agile Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptors, used primarily in the U.S. by the Army, aboard Navy ships anticipates advances in Chinese missile technology, including the use of highly maneuverable hypersonic weapons.

Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL running for the Senate in Montana, has said he was discharged from the military for medical reasons because of injuries he sustained on duty, but his discharge paperwork tells a different story. The heavily redacted, two-page document obtained by NBC News indicates that Sheehy voluntarily resigned his commission and does not list any medical condition that forced him out of uniform, according to a review of the document and a current and former U.S. official familiar with the details of his separation.

Just as former president Donald Trump told Fox News last week that he wanted to use the U.S. military to “handle” what he called the “enemy from within” on Election Day, an obscure military policy was beginning to make the rounds on social media platforms favored by the far right. The focus? Department of Defense Directive 5240.01. The 22-page document governs military intelligence activities and is among more than a thousand different policies that outline Defense Department procedures.

Consistent with the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, the objective of this evaluation was to conduct a comprehensive review of the health care provided to individuals undergoing Navy Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) training to determine whether professionals providing health care to SEAL candidates are properly trained, quality assurance mechanisms with respect to this care are sufficient, and appropriate efforts to mitigate the health stress to individuals undergoing this training are in place.

VetResources | Free Call of Duty Tracer Pack Available Friday

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – TRICARE Open Season begins Monday, Nov. 11—that’s just a few weeks away. If you’re a TRICARE beneficiary, this is the time when you can enroll in a health plan or change health plans for coverage that starts Jan. 1, 2025. You can make these changes through Tuesday, Dec. 10. “TRICARE Open Season is your chance to review your options and make any changes to your health plan for 2025,” said Zelly Zim, senior policy analyst, TRICARE Health Plan Policy and Programs, at the Defense Health Agency. “It’s important to understand what’s different this year, compared to past open seasons, to ensure your coverage continues without interruption.”

UPDATE: Arrest made in fatal shooting of Navy sailor in East Village