Tony

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Japanese police arrested a U.S. Navy sailor early Sunday who allegedly entered an apartment unit on Okinawa while under the influence of alcohol. Seaman Apprentice Nathan Walker, 20, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, was still in police custody Monday in Okinawa city, an Okinawa police spokesman told Stars and Stripes by phone that day.

FY2024 Budget: Navy Request Calls for 9 New Ships, Asks to Shed 2 Littoral Combat Ships, 6 Other Ships

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 131658Z MAR 23 MID200080804647U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//DNS// TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//DNS// BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 067/23 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//DNS// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//DNS// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/DNS/MAR// SUBJ/RECOGNITION OF UNITS INVOLVED IN RETROGRADE OPERATION FROM AFGHANISTAN, OPERATION ALLIES REFUGE AND OPERATION ALLIES WELCOME// REF/A/DOC/DOD/7OCT2022// REF/B/DOC/DOD/20JUN19// REF/C/DOC/SECNAV/16AUG2019// NARR/REF A IS MEMORANDUM FOR SECRETARIES OF THE MILITARY DEPARTMENTS, CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF, DIRECTOR OF ADMINSTRATION AND MANAGEMENT TITLED: WAY FORWARD FOR RECOGNIZING UNITS INVOLVED FOR OPERATION ALLIES REFUGE (OAR) AND ALLIES WELCOME (OAW). REF B IS DOD 1348.33M VOL 2, SECDEF MANUAL OF MILITARY DECORATIONS AND AWARDS. REF C IS SECNAV M-1650.1, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS AWARDS MANUAL.// RMKS/1. As required by reference (a), the following guidance is provided for the awarding of the Meritorious Unit Commendation for units in support of retrograde operations from Afghanistan. 2. On 31 August 2022, the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) announced that all units involved in the retrograde operation from Afghanistan, Operation ALLIES REFUGE (OAR) and Operation ALLIES WELCOME (OAW), will be awarded, based on the President's direction, the Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) or its Service-specific equivalent. 3. Units involved in the designated operations will be awarded the MUC or sister service equivalent unit award unless the unit has already been recognized with an equivalent or higher-level unit award. 4. All Navy military and civilian personnel who were assigned to the decorated units during the periods noted, and were present and participated in the actions for which decorated, are eligible for this award. 5. Inputs for eligible Navy units are due to the CNO Awards Branch via designated Echelon 2 commands prior to 24 March 2023 in response, and uploaded to ETMS2 Tasker Number DON-221012-C6D6. 6. For questions regarding this message, contact cnoawards(AT)us.navy.mil or (703) 695-0053. 7. Released by Mr. Andrew S. Haeuptle, Director, Navy Staff.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

Advancement Exam Readiness Review (AERR) 2023/ 2024 And for those questions that I get , this is how the advancement test Sailors take are updated, and this is a request for Chiefs to volunteer and update those exams.

WASHINGTON — The Navy and Marine Corps’ budget would grow by more than $11 billion next year, the most of any of the military services, under the Biden administration’s new $842 billion defense spending plan, according to budget documents from the White House’s Office of Management and Budget. The Navy and Marine Corps’ budget would increase from the $244.7 billion Congress enacted for fiscal 2023 to nearly $256 billion in the next fiscal year. The new money would fund improvements to shipyards, submarines and upgrades to the fleet to make ships more lethal and survivable.

Navy Unveils New Leave Policy for Abortions, IVF Treatments The Navy is authorizing up to 21 days of administrative leave for sailors seeking abortions and other reproductive health care that Department of Defense health care providers typically don’t — or cannot — provide. While DoD health care providers cover abortions in the cases of rape or incest, Tricare providers do not cover abortions in other cases due to the 1976 Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding from going toward some abortions.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – I’m proud of the work of our team at the Defense Department to negotiate and implement a new TRICARE pharmacy contract. The improvements that were made will not only establish stronger access standards and deliver exceptional value for military families, they will also improve efficiency and stewardship of taxpayer funds. During my time in public service—from Congress to the Pentagon, where I now serve as under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness—I have always worked to put military families first. The new TRICARE pharmacy contract has attracted criticism in another Military.com op-ed, and I want to respond and correct the record.

USS Gerald R. Ford — the US Navy's newest supercarrier — is operating underway with all of its available airpower for the first time. A Navy official confirmed to Insider reporting from Navy Times that this is the first time the entire carrier air wing has been embarked on the Ford for an underway period. The ship is underway for a composite training unit exercise known as COMPTUEX.

The White House is proposing the largest pay raise for federal employees and military service members in more than 40 years. The fiscal 2024 budget request is asking Congress for a 5.2% federal pay raise. The pay raise request is one of several efforts the Biden administration is signaling for how it wants to support the federal workforce through the budget.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Do you know where to go if you break a bone? What would you do if you had the flu? It’s good to know the general types of health care available to you—especially when you need to make a quick decision about where to get care. And knowing how TRICARE covers each type can help you understand your health plan’s costs and rules for getting care. “The TRICARE plan you use affects the rules you should follow to get different types of care,” said Dr. Stacy Usher, lead nurse of Clinical Oversight and Integration for the TRICARE Health Plan. “For example, if you need emergency care, your plan affects who you need to contact after you leave the emergency room. If you need specialty care, your plan determines when you need to get a referral.”

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempting and coerce and entice a 14-year-old to have sex with him. According to court documents, 44-year-old Curtis Wade Spencer was on active duty in the Navy Nurse Corps.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nomination: Navy Vice Adm. Karl O. Thomas for reappointment to the grade of vice admiral, and assignment as deputy chief of naval operations for information warfare, N2/N6, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; and director of naval intelligence, Washington, D.C. Thomas is currently serving as commander, Seventh Fleet, Yokosuka, Japan.

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 072114Z MAR 23 MID200080789792U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 066/23 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N7// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N7// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO/N7/MAR// SUBJ/CALENDAR YEAR 2024 NAVY LEGISLATIVE FELLOWSHIP CALL FOR APPLICATIONS// REF/A/DOC/BUPERS/12DEC17// REF/B/DOC/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC/12OCT16// NARR/Ref A is BUPERSINST 1560.21F, Legislative Fellows Program. Ref B is DODINST 1322.06, Fellowships, Legislative Fellowships, Internships, Scholarships, Training-With-Industry (TWI), and Grants Provided to DoD or DoD Personnel for Education and Training// Rmks/1. This NAVADMIN solicits applications for the 2024 Navy Legislative Fellows Program. The Legislative Fellows Program allows naval officers, senior enlisted, and Department of the Navy civilians to broaden their understanding of the legislative process and the operation of the U.S. Congress through a year-long, full-time assignment to the office of a member of the House of Representatives or the Senate. The Legislative Fellows Program also enhances the ability of the Navy to fulfill its role in the national policy development process. 2. This is a highly competitive program. Records must reflect sustained superior performance and potential for future assignments in critical billets. Upon completion of the program, officers earn the Legislative Fellowship Additional Qualification Designation (AQD 234). 3. Military Applicants. Participation is open to all Active Duty and Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) unrestricted line, restricted line, and staff corps officers in the permanent grades of O-3 through O-5. Enlisted participation is open to all Active Duty Navy occupational specialty codes in the permanent grades of E-7 through E-9. The selection process will focus on individual performance, promotion potential, academic and subspecialty qualifications, needs of the Navy, and availability for follow-on assignment. Officers with permanent change of station orders already issued will not be considered. a. Applicants must be available for permanent change of station assignment to the Washington, DC area in November 2023. Following orientation at the Office of Legislative Affairs, fellows will begin a 12-month assignment in January 2024 in a Congressional office. During the Fellowship, officers and senior enlisted Sailors will be assigned to the Office of Legislative Affairs for administrative purposes. Civilian administrative control will remain with their respective command. In accordance with reference (b), upon execution of orders, fellows must agree in writing to a Service commitment of three years following completion or termination of the fellowship. All officer applicants must contact their detailers for counseling on the career impact of participation in the Legislative Fellowship Program. b. Submit applications via e-mail to the Office of Legislative Affairs point of contact no later than 12 May 2023. c. Points of contact are CDR Rebeca Rodriguez, Navy Legislative Fellows Program Manager, who can be reached at (703) 697-2885/DSN 227 or via e-mail at Rebeca.S.Rodriguez.mil@us.navy.mil and LT Jacob Jepsen, Outservice Education Placement and Special Fellowships, PERS 443, who can be reached at (901) 874-3996/DSN 882 or via e-mail at Jacob.A.Jepsen.mil@us.navy.mil. d. General questions on other Navy fellowship programs should be directed to CDR Anne Stehlin, Fellowships and Scholarships Management, OPNAV N712 at (571)-256-4784 or via e-mail at Anne.C.Stehlin.mil@us.navy.mil. 4. Civilian Applicants. Senior civilian employees (GM/GS-13 and above or equivalent) interested in the Legislative Fellowship Program must contact their local civilian training officer for information on submission of applications for the 2024 program. Notably, civilian participation in the Fellowship Program differs from military requirement in that civilian selectees do not participate in a rotational assignment post-Fellowship and will return to their command and position. Civilian selectees must be able to report for the role in November 2023. November and December 2023 include orientation at the Office of Legislative Affairs followed by 12 month placement in a Congressional office (January - December 2024). Questions concerning Department of the Navy civilian participation should be directed to Ms. Sherri Hirn who can be reached at (202) 685-6493 or via e-mail at Sherri.A.Hirn.civ@us.navy.mil. Additional information is available at: https://portal.secnav.navy.mil/orgs/MRA/DONHR/Training/Pages/Developmental- Programs.aspx 5. Applicants will be notified of their selection status via their command representative. 6. Program information and submission guidance are available at: https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Reference/Instructions/BUPERS/BUPERS INST_1560.21.pdf?ver=FlPNGzZWgvHwGGM9l3f0AQ%3d%3d 7. This NAVADMIN will remain in effect until superseded or canceled, whichever occurs first. 8. Released by Vice Admiral J. W. Hughes, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development (N7).// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

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A military veteran accused of telling an undercover FBI agent about a plan to “wipe out” the nation’s Jewish population was convicted on Tuesday of storming the U.S. Capitol to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s 2020 electoral victory. A federal judge heard trial testimony without a jury before convicting Virginia resident Hatchet Speed, a former Navy reservist who was assigned to an agency that operates spy satellites. U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden is scheduled to sentence Speed on May 8 for his role in a mob’s attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Tom Cruise’s nearly four-decade dalliance with the U.S. Navy is going strong as he films yet another movie with assistance from the sea service. Variety reports that Cruise is currently filming “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two” on an aircraft carrier in the Adriatic Sea, marking the eighth film in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise.

Sailor to Sailor Newsletter

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CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 061627Z MAR 23 MID200080785328U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 065/23 MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/MAR// SUBJ/FOLLOW ON COVID-19 VACCINE RESCISSION ACTIONS// REF/A/DOC/NDAA-FY23/HR 7900// REF/B/DOC/SECDEF/10JAN23// REF/C/MSG/SECNAV/201839ZJAN23// REF/D/MSG/CNO/112139ZJAN23// REF/E/MSG/CNO/152142ZFEB23// REF/F/DOC/DEPSECDEF/24FEB23// REF/G/DOC/SECNAV/24FEB23// NARR/REF A IS THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023. REF B IS SECDEF MEMO, TITLED RESCISSION OF COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. REF C IS ALNAV 009/23, RESCISSION OF COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. REF D IS NAVADMIN 005/23, REMOVAL OF COVID-19 VACCINATION MANDATE. REF E IS NAVADMIN 038/23, U.S. NAVY COVID-19 STANDARDIZED OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE 8.0. REF F IS DEPSECDEF MEMO, GUIDANCE FOR IMPLEMENTING RESCISSION OF 24 AUGUST 2021 AND 30 NOVEMBER 2021 CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. REF G IS SECNAV MEMO, DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY ACTIONS TO IMPLEMENT CORONAVIRUS 19 VACCINE RESCISSION.// RMKS/1. References (a) through (g) rescinded the Navy's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for Navy Service members, and refusing the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer a basis for separation from the Navy. 2. Reference (d) ended administrative separations based solely on COVID-19 vaccine refusal. Separation processing may continue in cases where there are other reasons for separation. 3. In line with reference (e), COVID-19 vaccination status shall not be a consideration in assessing individual Service member suitability for deployment or other operational assignments. Navy Service members who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 and are approaching, in, or past their assignment window should contact their detailer if not already being processed for their next assignment. 4. Reference (b) directed the military services to cease processing requests and appeals seeking religious accommodation from the COVID- 19 vaccine. Such requests and appeals by Navy Service members are now closed and are considered returned without action. Navy Service members who submitted requests or appeals seeking relief from other mandatory vaccinations along with a COVID-19 vaccine request that have not yet been adjudicated will be contacted individually in line with reference (g). 5. In line with reference (g), the records of currently serving Navy Service members who requested religious accommodation from COVID-19 vaccination are being centrally reviewed to identify and remove any adverse information related to vaccine refusal, should it exist. Other current and former Navy service members may petition the Board for Corrections of Naval Records regarding COVID-19 vaccination related matters. 6. In line with reference (g), selection board precepts will include language that precludes consideration of adverse information regarding COVID-19 vaccine refusal in the case of Service members who submitted religious accommodation requests. 7. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 061613Z MAR 23 MID200080785276U FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS ALNAV 019/23 MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/MAR// SUBJ/2023 ACTIVE DUTY FUND DRIVE IN SUPPORT OF THE NAVY-MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY// REF/A/DOC/SECNAVINST 5340.7A/01MAY2018// NARR/REF A IS SECNAVINST 5340.7A, FUNDRAISING AND SOLICITATION IN SUPPORT OF NAVY-MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY// RMKS/1. For 119 years Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) has provided confidential needs-based financial assistance to active duty and retired Sailors, Marines, and their families. The Society's programs and services also include tuition scholarships, budget counseling, thrift shops, and visiting nurses to help address the unique challenges of military life and service. The Society operates around the globe in more than 200 offices located on land and sea, staffed by thousands of volunteers and a small cadre of paid employees. In 2022, the Society provided over $42 million in interest-free loans and grants to 40,000 Sea Service Members and their families. 2. On 1 March 2023, the Department of the Navy kicked off its annual Active Duty Fund Drive (ADFD) benefitting NMCRS. The goal for the 2023 ADFD is to raise $8 million. There are two key objectives of the drive. First, to provide an opportunity to our Sailors and Marines to make a financial contribution to NMCRS in order to meet their critical mission of providing financial and educational programs/services to our Service Members and their families. Second, to ensure 100 percent meaningful contact with every Sailor and Marine to educate them about of the programs and services available to them from NMCRS. 3. We have a historic and special relationship with NMCRS as illustrated by the slogan "By Our Own, For Our Own." The ADFD provides an excellent opportunity for our Navy-Marine Corps team to express our appreciation and gratitude to NMCRS for all they do. The annual ADFD is an all hands effort and I fully expect and depend on leaders at every level of command to stay engaged and committed to a successful campaign. 4. Consistent with rules for the use of appropriated funds, commanders may authorize the use of appropriated funds for traditional kickoff events, recognition ceremonies and other non-solicitation events to support the ADFD. 5. Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

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Dental Health Newsletter

Japan is negotiating with the United States the possibility of transferring a U.S. Navy officer, convicted of a fatal car crash in 2021, to his home country at the request of his family and U.S. lawmakers, diplomatic sources said Sunday. The government of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has claimed there were no flaws in the criminal proceedings against U.S. Navy Lt. Ridge Alkonis, 34, but criticism has been growing over his long detention in Japan, with some members of the U.S. Congress also showing their support.

(Bloomberg) -- A top Philippine defense official said a plan to give the US more access to military bases would boost the Southeast Asian country’s defense capabilities against threats to its security as geopolitical tensions simmer.

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 031435Z MAR 23 MID200080778338U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 064/23 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/MAR// SUBJ/SKILLBRIDGE EMPLOYMENT SKILLS TRAINING GUIDANCE UPDATE// REF/A/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/171359ZSEP15// REF/B/DOC/DOD/JUN2019// NARR/REF A IS THE NAVADMIN 160/22, SKILLBRIDGE EMPLOYMENT SKILLS TRAINING GUIDANCE. REF B IS THE DOD FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN message updates SkillBridge registration procedures to be conducted within the new SkillBridge application portal. It additionally institutes new policy controls. Reference (a) remains in full effect except as modified below. 2. Policy and procedure changes in this NAVADMIN are effective immediately for all new SkillBridge applicants. In line with reference (a), Sailors with prior command approval are grandfathered and may start or continue their SkillBridge program as approved by their command. Sailors without command approval must reapply under the guidelines of this message. 3. From this point forward, Sailors desiring to participate in SkillBridge must register and apply for SkillBridge approval using the application portal via MyNavy Education at https://myeducation.netc.navy.mil/. E-mail registrations are no longer being accepted. Application portal instructions can be found at https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Transition/SkillBridge/. 4. SkillBridge is intended to provide transition assistance and skill development for Service members leaving the Navy. However, it is not an entitlement and participation does impact readiness. As such, the time allowed for program participation is now based on paygrade. If approved, SkillBridge must occur prior to any terminal leave or permissive temporary duty associated with separation, fleet reserve, or retirement. The following limits indicate the maximum amount of time prior to the actual separation, fleet reserve, or retirement date that SkillBridge participation can commence. a. Tier one (enlisted E5 and below) - 180 days or less. b. Tier two (enlisted E6-E9) - 120 days or less. c. Tier three (officers O4 and below) - 120 days or less. d. Tier four (officers O5 and above) - 90 days or less. 5. SkillBridge applications for tier four personnel shall not be approved if participation would result in a gapped billet. Additionally, tier four applicants now require positive endorsement from the Director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy (OPNAV N13) before they can begin SkillBridge. Commanding officers (CO) must certify in any approval for tier four applicants that SkillBridge participation will not result in a gap. The Office of the Chief of Naval Personnel (OPNAV) SkillBridge registrar will forward command-approved requests for tier four personnel to OPNAV N13. The registrar will then notify applicants of OPNAV N13's decision. 6. Personnel who have received service-funded education, to include tuition assistance, under-graduate and post-graduate education, will not be permitted to start SkillBridge until all obligated service for that education is complete. 7. Officers must fulfill their minimum service requirement for commissioning prior to starting SkillBridge. 8. Officers serving under a retention bonus will not be permitted to start SkillBridge until the service obligation for that bonus is complete. 9. COs should consider whether allowing SkillBridge participation by Sailors in receipt of skill or billet-based special and incentive pays would negatively impact mission readiness. In line with reference (a), COs are always fully authorized to deny or curtail SkillBridge requests in light of mission readiness impacts. 10. Sailors who relinquish an overseas housing allowance or overseas military housing to return to the continental United States for SkillBridge participation are not currently eligible for a housing allowance in line with reference (b). This is a recognized gap that OPNAV is actively working with the Department of Defense in order to develop a solution. 11. All other policies in reference (a) remain in effect. 12. Additional resources are available at https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Transition/SkillBridge/ 13. Direct all questions regarding SkillBridge policy to navy_skillbridge.fct(at)navy.mil or by phone at (703) 604-5310. 14. This message will remain in effect until superseded or canceled, whichever occurs first. 15. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//