Tony

The US military on Saturday shot down drones fired by Iran and headed toward Israel amid Iran's retaliatory strike on the country, Reuters reported.

The upcoming introduction of SDB-II marks a crucial development for the Navy, as the F/A-18E/F becomes the first platform within its fleet to carry this highly sophisticated munition, according to the US Navy. Designed to address targets in dynamic scenarios and adverse weather conditions, SDB-II is capable of engaging both moving and fixed targets with unparalleled precision. Also known as the Ground Bomb Unit-53B (GBU-53B) “StormBreaker,” SDB-II boasts a tri-mode seeker system, incorporating infrared and millimeter wave radar technologies.

WASHINGTON — A 15% pay raise for junior enlisted service members. No more referrals for physical therapy, optometry, women’s health and other specialties. A basic allowance for housing that covers 100% of estimated costs. Those are some of the recommendations of a panel of House lawmakers tasked with improving the quality of life for troops and their families as young service members in particular grapple with soaring living costs, substandard housing, limited access to child care, long wait times for medical care and spousal unemployment. Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2024-04-12/house-lawmakers-ndaa-military-pay-child-care-barracks-13539152.html Source - Stars and Stripes

USS Boxer (LHD-4) is back in San Diego, Calif., after suffering an engineering casualty, forcing the big deck amphibious warship to return for repairs, USNI News has learned. Boxer and elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit left on April 1 for a Pacific deployment that had been on hold due in part to maintenance issues on the big deck. Following the departure, Boxer operated off the coast of California recertifying Marines with MV-22B Ospreys after a grounding that was lifted last month.

Tricare Bulletin - Pharmacies Restored to Full Operations After Cyberattack

The Marines came out swinging against the Navy amid a hilarious photo scandal. The Navy posted a photo earlier in the week on its official social media channel of a man firing a rifle with a backwards optic, the lens covers appeared to still be on, his arm out like a chicken wing, the butt of the gun riding up his shoulder and it also appeared the selector switch might have been set to fully automatic.

FY25 CPO Selection Board Precept

Alrighty then... After the corrupt database and successful server move someone recently asked for the Chief's thread so here it is. If you have any words of wisdom or questions please chime in. And for those who are not members, feel free to join the forum!

WASHINGTON — On May 31, 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs will launch a new program — the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program — to help more than 40,000 Veterans experiencing severe financial hardship avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes. VASP is a new, last-resort tool in VA’s comprehensive suite of home retention options for eligible Veterans, active-duty Service members, and surviving spouses with VA-guaranteed home loans who are experiencing severe financial hardship. Through VASP, VA will purchase defaulted VA loans from mortgage servicers, modify the loans, and then place them in the VA-owned portfolio as direct loans. This will empower VA to work directly with eligible Veterans to adjust their loans — and their monthly payments — so they can keep their homes. With VASP, these borrowers will have a fixed 2.5% interest rate, which will provide a consistent, affordable payment for the remainder of their loan.

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 101523Z APR 24 MID600117339921U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 075/24 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/APR// SUBJ/SELECTED RESERVE TUITION ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM// REF/A/DOC/OPNAV/4MAR08// REF/B/DOC/NETC/20JAN11// REF/C/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/281919ZSEP21// REF/D/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/151906ZMAY23// NARR/REF A IS OPNAVINST 1560.9A, VOLUNTARY EDUCATION (VOLED) FOR NAVY SAILORS. REF B IS NETCINST 1560.3, NAVY VOLUNTARY EDUCATION PROGRAMS. REF C IS NAVADMIN 214/21, TUITION ASSISTANCE POLICY UPDATE. REF D IS NAVADMIN 112/23, TUITION ASSISTANCE UPDATE TWO.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces the continuance of the Selected Reserve (SELRES) Tuition Assistance (TA) Pilot Program. It modifies and amplifies existing policies contained in references (a) through (d) and is in effect for all TA courses approved after the release of this NAVADMIN. 2. This pilot program is open to enlisted SELRES Sailors who meet the eligibility criteria outlined in paragraph 4 of this message. 3. SELRES TA will be limited to a cap of 18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours, or 270 clock hours (or any combination thereof) for each eligible Sailor per Fiscal Year. Eligible SELRES members are encouraged to apply in a timely manner, as funding may be limited based on the approved TA budget. 4. In addition to the TA eligibility requirements in references (a) through (d), SELRES Sailors must also meet the following requirements: a. Be in a pay status and a satisfactory participant in the Navy Reserve. Voluntary Training Unit (VTU) members are not eligible. b. Have served a minimum of three years time-in-service (active and/or reserve) as calculated from Pay Entry Based Date. c. Have taken the most recent advancement exam and passed if eligible (E4-E6 only). If not Time-in-Rate eligible, must have completed Professional Military Knowledge-Exam Eligibility for the next higher paygrade. d. Must not be in a Duty Under Instruction Status. e. Must have at least two years remaining from the course start date until the End of Obligated Service or as extended. f. Not currently authorized to receive Tuition Assistance as outlined in references (a) through (d). g. Be approved for participation by their Navy Reserve Activity (NRA) chain of command via special request chit (NAVPERS 1336/3), which can be found at https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/Forms/NAVPERS/. 5. Pre-screening process. Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command (CNRFC) will establish a SELRES TA applicant selection process and select only qualified applicants. To be considered for SELRES TA, applicants must email the following documents to SELRES_TA@us.navy.mil: 6. Applications will be screened to ensure all eligibility requirements are met prior to pre-approval. Incomplete applications will be returned with no action taken. Prior to pre-approval, applicants are highly encouraged to complete the online Virtual Learning 101 training located in MyNavy Education at https://myeducation.netc.navy.mil/webta/ and upload an education plan to their MyNavy Education record. Upon pre-approval, the applicant will be contacted by a Navy College representative to receive TA counseling and how to submit a TA application in order to receive an authorized and funded voucher. Pre-approval and TA application forwarding must occur at least seven days prior to course start date. Sailors must not begin a TA course prior to receiving an authorized and funded voucher. 7. Any Sailor participating in the SELRES TA Pilot Program who fails to maintain satisfactory participation, is discharged, or transferred to the VTU or Individual Ready Reserve prior to their TA obligation end date will be subject to recoupment of funds. 8. For questions regarding degree plans or other education funding options, contact Navy College Virtual Education Center via MyNavy Portal Quick Links at https://my.navy.mil/quick-links.html. 9. For questions regarding eligibility to participate in the SELRES TA pilot program and approval process contact CNRFC at SELRES_TA@us.navy.mil. 10. This NAVADMIN will remain in effect until superseded or canceled. 11. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 101250Z APR 24 MID600117339406U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 074/24 MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N9/APR// SUBJ/ATTENDANCE AT THE 2024 NAVY AND MARINE CORPS AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL LEADERSHIP TRAINING CONTINUUM// REF/A/DOC/JTR/01Feb24/ NARR/REF A is the Joint Travel Regulations// POC/Dennis Smith/CDR/OPNAV/LOC: N980A/TEL: (703) 614-2664, DSN 224// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces the Navy and Marine Corps Air Traffic Control (ATC) Leadership Training Continuum to be held in Pensacola, Fl from 16-19 July 2024. This is an official training event designed for Navy and Marine Corps ATC leadership and management. a. This forum provides senior air traffic control managers a venue to educate and train on Federal Aviation Regulations, NATOPS, facility management, manpower, technical advances, operational enhancements, unmanned flight operations, and policy changes occurring in the ATC profession. b. Topics to be discussed: updates to Naval Aviation; special use airspace, to include scheduling, encroachment, and authority; NAVAIR PMA update on equipment and budgets; Navy and Marine Corps manning and manpower; detailer and monitor briefs; TYCOM community updates ashore, afloat, and expeditionary; current Federal Aviation Administration issues; management of the National Airspace System; and USN/USMC ATC Roadmap. 2. Navy and Marine Corps ATC leadership participation from expeditionary units, facilities ashore, and afloat is critical in order to effectively address Federal Aviation Administration, International Civil Aviation Organization, and Naval ATC policy and procedures, which directly affect safety, training, and operational readiness. 3. Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Defense, and Department of the Navy managers who desire to make a presentation should contact ACCM DeAndre Byrd, deandre.s.byrd.mil(at)us.navy.mil, (703) 614-2639. 4. This is mission essential travel, per reference (a), Commanding Officers may issue orders for attendance at government expense. Government expense should be minimized by limiting attendees to ATC Officers, Leading Chief Petty Officers, Staff Non-Commissioned Officers in Charge, and briefers. a. The meeting will be held at Mustin beach Club, NAS Pensacola, Fl. Lodging reservations should be made utilizing the Defense Travel System. b. Use of available government transportation is encouraged to enhance participation and to defray travel expense. TAD orders may cover expenses incident to attendance and participation including transportation and per diem IAW reference (a). There are no additional conference fees. Travel days are Monday 15 and Saturday 20 July. OCONUS authorized to start travel on 13 July. 5. Uniform for this event: Navy: NWU Type III. USMC: MARPAT. 6. This is a coordinated OPNAV (N98) and HQMC (AXE-8) message. 7. Released by VADM James E. Pitts, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities (N9). BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

The US Navy's third Ford-class aircraft carrier is facing delays that might push its delivery to 2030. The holdup, which Navy leaders said is due to supply chain issues and lingering effects of COVID-19, is the latest problem in the Ford program and comes at a time when some rivals are outpacing American shipbuilding efforts.

The United States Navy really stepped in it on social media Tuesday. Now, I want to be clear that I have nothing but great respect for our big and beautiful Navy. One of my closest friends is a naval officer, and I have another close buddy who spent a long time on SEAL Team 6.

Trial of Navy Chief Petty Officer Accused of Espionage Kicks Off in San Diego

In an effort to push back China’s influence and expand its presence in Oceania, the U.S. is renovating Lombrum Naval Base on the Island of Los Negros in Papua New Guinea. The U.S. recently announced that the U.S. Navy is looking at three projects for Lombrum: a 7,556-square-foot Regional Maritime Training Center; a 7,351-square-foot small Boat Team and Boson Facility; and overhauling a 118-foot-long deteriorated small boat jetty. The combined expected price tag for these projects ranges from $11 million to $25 million.

WASHINGTON – The Department of the Navy recently launched the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claims Management Portal, an improved and user-friendly online tool that continues to simplify and streamline the process for claims filed under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, catching cancer early is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from cancer. That’s where routine cancer screenings come in. Screening tests can find many common cancers before they cause symptoms. “Finding cancer early can make a big difference in your treatment options,” said Dr. Ross Colt, medical director of Clinical Oversight and Integration for the TRICARE Health Plan. “If you’ve been putting off a screening that’s recommended for you, it’s time to make it a priority.” By screening for cancer, you can take control of your health and potentially catch cancers before they progress.

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 091326Z APR 24 MID600117334917U FM CHINFO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 073/24 SUBJ/SELECTEES FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2024-2025 ADVANCED MILITARY VISUAL JOURNALISM TRAINING PROGRAM AT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY// REF/A/MSG/R 221506Z JAN 24// AMPN/REF A IS NAVADMIN 012/24 REQUESTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE ADVANCED MILITARY VISUAL JOURNALISM TRAINING PROGRAM // POC/MCCM Tony Sisti CHINFO SEA/LOC: WASHINGTON DC/ TEL: COMM: 703-692-4704/EMAIL: anthony.b.sisti.mil(at)us.navy.mil// RMKS/1. Per reference (a), the following Sailors have been selected to attend photojournalism training: a. MC1 Daniel Gaither, Naval Special Warfare Group One b. MC1 Jonteill Johnson Montgomery, Navy Office of Information c. MC1 Andre Richard, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det Hawaii d. MC2 Nicholas Russell, USS George Washington (CVN 73) e. MC2 David Negron, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West f. MC2 Mykala Keckeisen, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) 2. The following Sailors have been selected to attend graphic design training: a. MC1 Jacob Bergh, Commander, Navy Reserve Force b. MC2 Tyler Slavicek, PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) c. MC3 Joshua Sapien, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) d. MC2 Mariano Lopez, U.S. Naval Academy 3. Course dates: The estimated report date for both courses is 25 July 2024. Program graduation is projected to be 8 May 2025. Additional information will be provided directly from the point of contact. 4. Congratulations to all selectees. Sailors who applied but were not selected for this highly competitive program will receive a response to their application with guidance for future consideration. 5. Team First. 6. Released by RDML R. M. Perry, Chief of Information.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

The court-martial trial of a Navy chief charged with passing classified information to a foreign contact is scheduled to begin Tuesday. Chief Fire Controlman (Aegis) Bryce Steven Pedicini’s general court-martial is scheduled to run through April 19, according to the Navy’s online trial docket.

Littoral Combat Ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS-10) sailed past Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed Spratly Island chain in the South China Sea, prompting an angry response from the Chinese military. Meanwhile, the Philippines issued a release on Sunday stating that more than 135 China Maritime Militia (CMM) were massing around a Philippine claimed reef in the Spratlys. In Monday’s statement, People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force Col. Tian Junli, spokesman for the Southern Theater Command, said Gabrielle Giffords sailed into Chinese waters without prior notification and violated Chinese law.

September 2024 E5, E6 AD/FTS advancement bibliographies (BIBs) are now available

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 081434Z APR 24 MID120001016526U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 072/24 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/NAVADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/APR// SUBJ/NOTICE OF CONVENING FY-24 ASSISTANTS JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL SELECTION AND CONTINUATION BOARDS// REF/A/DOC/COMNAVPERSCOM/23JAN21// REF/B/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/271415Z SEP 19// NARR/REF A IS MILITARY PERSONNEL MANUAL ARTICLE 1420-010 CHAPTER 73, COMMUNICATION WITH ADMINISTRATIVE SELECTION BOARDS. REF B IS NAVADMIN 220/19, ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF LETTERS TO PROMOTION AND SELECTION BOARDS THROUGH MYNAVY PORTAL.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces the notice of convening Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Assistants Judge Advocate General (AJAG) selection boards. The FY-24 selection boards to recommend officers on the Active-Duty list in the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps for selection as AJAG will be convened as follows: 23 APR 2024 - AJAG (Civil Law) and AJAG of the Navy (Board #109) 23 APR 2024 - AJAG (Operations and Management (O&M)) and AJAG of the Navy (Board #108). 23 APR 2024 - AJAG (Education, Training, and Professional Development (ET&PD) and AJAG of the Navy (Board #107). 2. The following list indicates the name, Active-Duty list number, and date of rank of the senior and junior officers on the Active- Duty list in the competitive category of the JAG Corps, who are eligible to opt-in for consideration as of the date of this NAVADMIN: Sr Eligible CAPT Dellapina, K. 01251900 1 SEP 2012 Jr Eligible CAPT Pohanka, M. 01742850 1 APR 2021 3. Only officers who affirmatively request consideration by the selection board will be eligible for selection. An officer can request consideration by the selection board(s) via the Letter To the Board (LTB) process, as outlined in paragraph 4. Officers opting-in for consideration by multiple selection boards must submit a separate LTB for each board. 4. Only eligible officers who are opting-in for consideration may communicate with the selection board via the LTB process in accordance with references (a) and (b). Reference (b) announced the introduction of a new application known as Electronic Submission of Selection Board Documents (ESSBD), accessible through MyNavy Portal (MNP). ESSBD improves the speed, transparency, and confidence of receipt over current LTB submission methods, such as hard copy and e-mail submitted letters and related attachments. a. ESSBD will be available for all promotion, advancement, and selection boards. b. ESSBD provides board candidates with the capability to electronically submit LTBs in a standard, consistent format, with or without attachments, and will allow the candidate to see (for content and clarity) exactly what will be delivered and presented to the board. c. To use ESSBD, candidates must access document services through MNP at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/group/my-record. On-screen instructions will direct the submitter thereafter. d. Submission and subsequent receipt acknowledgement for LTBs submitted via ESSBD or other means does not constitute confirmation of eligibility for the board(s) to which LTBs are submitted. If required, a full visual user guide is available at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/group/advancement-and- promotion. e. LTBs must be received by Navy Personnel Command no later than 2359 (Central Standard Time (CST)) 10 days prior to the convening date of the respective board, as noted below. Submitters are cautioned to not wait until the deadline date to submit LTBs via ESSBD or other available avenues. Selection to Convening Date Due Date/Time AJAG (Civil Law)/Board #109 23 APR 24 12 APR 24/2359 CST AJAG (O&M)/Board #108 23 APR 24 12 APR 24/2359 CST AJAG (ET&PD)/Board #107 23 APR 24 12 APR 24/2359 CST f. The written communication may call the board's attention to any matter concerning the record of the officer that the officer considers important. Written communication may include, as enclosures, correspondence from any individual concerning the eligible officer. Correspondence not originated by the eligible officer, including endorsement to the letter of the eligible officer and letters written on behalf of that officer, must contain a written acknowledgement by the eligible officer that he or she desires such correspondence be presented to the board. Correspondence without such an acknowledgement is considered third- party correspondence and will be returned without being presented to the board. Classified correspondence will not be accepted. g. Questions or issues regarding LTB submission should be directed to PERS-801 by calling 1-901-874-2362 (DSN: 882-2362). 5. All officers are reminded of their responsibility to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their official records prior to the convening date of the board. 6. The following officers are not eligible and their records will not be presented to the board for consideration, notwithstanding the timely submission of a LTB President requesting consideration: a. Any officer who has an approved voluntary separation/ retirement request, submitted by the officer, and not required by policy, no later than 10 days before the convening date of the board. b. Any officer who was recommended by a previous selection board for appointment as an AJAG of the Navy, Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (pursuant to section 156 of title 10, U.S. Code), or Deputy JAG of the Navy. c. Any officer whose three-year tour as the AJAG (Civil Law), AJAG (O&M), or AJAG (ET&PD) would extend the officer's service beyond his or her 62nd birthday. 7. If a selected officer has a mandatory retirement date between 1 May 2024 and 1 September 2027, a continuation board will be convened to consider the officer for continuation on Active Duty. 8. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

The U.S. government lost its bid to dismiss part of the lawsuit, which would force the military to comply with a law meant to make the military justice system more transparent.

When the destroyers The Sullivans and Delbert D. Black deployed in the fall to the eastern Mediterranean Sea, they joined the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group that was already well into its cruise. The warships’ arrivals were part of an experiment the Navy is currently undertaking, where it swaps destroyers out mid-deployment, part of a broader concept that U.S. Fleet Forces Command head Adm. Daryl Caudle is spearheading to supplement a carrier strike group with additional destroyers that the strike group did not initially deploy with — a departure from the traditional model.

Today we’re going to discuss fighting Russian submarines using surface combatant warships of the US and Royal Navies: destroyers and frigates, mostly.