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Update: Leader of SEAL Group 8 fired after DWI arrest

Update: Navy lieutenant commander arrested, charged with paying for sex with 14-year-old boy Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2024-03-29/navy-lieutenant-commander sex-teenage-boy-13451876.html Source - Stars and Stripes

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 291550Z MAR 24 MID120000991800U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN COMMARFORCOM COMMARCORSYSCOM LCES QUANTICO VA INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS SUBJ/CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS FIRST QUARTER FY24 GOLD DISK AWARDEES// NAVADMIN 067/24// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC //N8//MAR// REF/A/JFMM VOLUME VI, CHAPTER 8// AMPN/REF A IS THE JOINT FLEET MAINTENANCE MANUAL 2M ELECTRONIC REPAIR CHAPTER// REMARKS/1. In 1997 the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Logistics) implemented a CNO Gold Disk Awards Program. This program was designed to encourage fleet personnel in the maritime community to develop gold disk test routines and repair circuit card assemblies and electronic modules. The resulting benefits have resulted in improved operational readiness of a wide range of C5I and HM&E systems in addition to significantly improved OPTAR cost avoidance. The award consists of a Letter of Commendation signed by Deputy CNO for Integration of Capabilities and Resources and a military cash award of up to five thousand dollars. 2. The cash award criteria is a graduated dollar value dependent upon cost avoidance thresholds. The award program not only rewards the top repair technician, but every technician that meets the following quarterly cost avoidance thresholds: $150K to $199K of cost avoidance yields a $2k award $200K to $249K of cost avoidance yields a $3k award $250K to $299K of cost avoidance yields a $4k award $300K and over of cost avoidance yields a $5k award 3. The CNO Gold Disk Awards Program is administered by the NAVSEA Miniature Microminiature Module Test and Repair (2M MTR) Program Manager. FLEET 2M MTR policy and responsibilities are contained in reference(A). Gold Disk awardees are selected by an awards board at NUWC DETACHMENT field engineering office in Norfolk. THE MTR engineering agents selection is based on 2M repair metrics submitted in the module test and repair tracking system or verification of recently submitted Gold Disk test routines. 4. I am proud to announce the 1st Quarter FY24 awardees: (read in two columns) ET1 ADAM BARBER USS DWIGHT D EISENHOWER (CVN 69) ET1 NICOLE CARR SERMC JACKSONVILLE FL ET2 REESE CASTRO MARMC NORFOLK VA IC2 JUNIOR DUCATEL SWRMC SAN DIEGO CA ET2 KYLE HARMON MARMC NORFOLK VA ET2 ADAM HONG USS THE SULLIVANS (DDG 68) ET2 ALEXANDER MACKENZIE USS DWIGHT D EISENHOWER (CVN 69) IC2 FERNANN MENDOZA USS WINSTON S CHURCHILL (DDG 81) ET2 GUILLERMO MENDOZA MARMC NORFOLK VA ET2 STEVEN PEREZ USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75) ET2 WINSTON WYLIE MARMC NORFOLK VA ET3 NATHAN ALBRIGHT USS GERALD R FORD (CVN 78) ET3 AZRIELLA CESTRO USS DWIGHT D EISENHOWER (CVN 69) CPL JAMES DEFREESE ELMACO 2D MAINT BN CLR 25 ET3 BRADLEY DORTON MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL CAL CENTER CPL RENON VASH ELMACO 2D MAINT BN CLR 25 5. NUWC DET FEO Norfolk POC is Mr. Scott Doherty, 2M MTR and Gold Disk Fleet Coordinator, 757-396-0800 EXT 5308, DSN 386-5308 or via e-mail, SCOTT.P.DOHERTY2.CIV(at)US.NAVY.MIL The NAVSEA 2M MTR PM, is Mr. Richard R. Stark, COMM 850 207-6985 or via e- mail RICHARD.R.STARK.CIV(AT)US.NAVY.MIL 6. Released by Neil W. T. Hogg, SES, Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, N8B.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

The Navy rolled out a new effort this month to reframe Navy culture and provide leaders the right tools to understand their sailors better.

A Navy warship took out four long-range air drones that were headed toward the vessel early Wednesday in the Red Sea, according to U.S. Central Command. The command did not identify the ship involved, and multiple Navy destroyers have spent recent months there intercepting drones and missiles on a near-daily basis that were fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

U.S. Naval War College (NWC) offers four professional military education (PME) courses delivered via the My Navy Portal (MNP) for officers, enlisted and Department of Navy civilians. These courses are designed to provide learners with a 24/7 worldwide PME experience at milestones in their careers. Introductory PME Enlisted - E1 to E4 Basic PME Enlisted - E5 to E6 Primary PME Senior Enlisted - E7 to E9 Online Professional Military Education

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 282028Z MAR 24 MID120000989890U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 065/24 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/MAR// SUBJ/NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE ACCESSION BONUS FOR CHIEF WARRANT OFFICERS IN DESIGNATORS 7151 AND 7171// REF/A/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/231313ZMAR20// REF/B/DOC/TITLE 37 U.S.C.// REF/C/DOC/ASN MRA/23FEB24/ REF/D/DOC/OPNAV/1APR19// REF/E/DOC/DOD/16JUL16// NARR/REF A IS NAVADMIN 081/20, RENEWAL OF THE NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER ACCESSION BONUS FOR DESIGNATORS 7151 AND 7171. REF B IS TITLE 37, U.S.C., PAY AND ALLOWANCES OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES. REF C IS THE ASN MRA AUTHORIZATION OF THE CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER ACCESSION BONUS PROGRAM. REF D IS OPNAVINST 1160.8C, SELECTIVE REENLISTMENT BONUS PROGRAM. REF E IS DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION 7000.14, VOLUME 7A, CHAPTER 2, REPAYMENT OF UNEARNED PORTION OF BONUSES AND OTHER BENEFITS.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces the renewal of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Accession Bonus (AB) and this NAVADMIN supersedes reference (a). Accessing NSW CWOs is a priority for the Navy. The NSW CWO AB is part of the Navy's overarching effort to size, shape, and stabilize the NSW force. Special warfare operators and special warfare combat crewmen selected for CWO that meet the eligibility criteria in this NAVADMIN may apply. 2. Program Overview. This bonus is authorized under Section 332 of reference (b) and reference (c). Effective 23 February 2024, eligible CWO selectees may apply for a bonus level of $45,000 for accepting a commission and serving on Active Duty in designators 7151 and 7171 for a 4-year bonus obligated service period. The initial commissioned service obligation for CWO is 6 years and will run concurrent with the bonus obligation. The Naval Special Warfare Plans and Policy Branch (OPNAV N137) is designated as the NSW CWO AB Program Manager. Applicants should submit applications for this bonus to the program manager for approval, payment processing and tracking prior to their commissioning date. The eligibility criteria stated in this NAVADMIN can change at any time by the program manager if a bonus reduction is warranted based on the needs of the NSW community. 3. Eligibility. Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria: a. Applicants must be Active Duty Service Members selected by a Navy CWO selection board for commissioning in designators 7151 or 7171 and accept an appointment to CWO. b. Applicants must receive their Commanding Officer's (CO) written endorsement. COs must ensure applications are accurate and verify applicants meet eligibility requirements. c. CWO selectees who accept an appointment to CWO, and who are currently on a NSW Critical Skills Retention Bonus (CSRB) contract or SEAL/SWCC Senior Enlisted Retention Bonus (SSRB) contract are ineligible to receive or apply for a NSW CWO AB. d. Upon release of Navy CWO selection NAVADMIN, Special Warfare Operators and Special Warfare Combat Crewmen selected and have contracted service under a Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) will have future SRB payments suspended in line with reference (d). If an application is accepted for CWO appointment, all suspended and future SRB payments are forfeited. The command must coordinate with the servicing Transaction Support Center to submit a defense workload operations web system transaction to defense finance and accounting services to suspend all future SRB annual installments effective the date of commissioning. This action must be taken no later than 45 days prior to the commissioning date to ensure adequate processing lead- time to prevent overpayment. Any SRB annual installments disbursed after the commissioning date will be recouped. e. If applicable, the NSW CWO AB service obligation for the Service Member will start after completion of their SRB obligated service period for which they were previously paid. 4. Contract Terms. Qualified applicants will receive a $45,000 bonus and will incur a 4-year Active Duty bonus service obligation from the date of commission, or from the end of SRB service obligation, whichever is longer. NSW CWO AB agreement obligations will run concurrently with any obligated service the officer has incurred for education or fellowships such as higher education. 5. Program Execution a. Applicants must submit their NSW CWO AB request letter, via their chain of command, to the program manager prior to their commissioning date. b. Upon acceptance of an officer's agreement, the amount of the bonus becomes fixed and the officer incurs a firm service obligation. c. Service Members will receive the bonus in a lump sum payment. 6. Application Process a. Eligible NSW CWO selectees may apply for the NSW CWO AB via their CO to the NSW CWO AB program manager. Submit application via encrypted e-mail at SEAL_OCM@navy.mil. b. Applicants may submit their application early. However, payments will not be made until all eligibility criteria are met. 7. Recoupment and Repayment Policy. Repayment policy is governed under Section 373 of reference (b), and reference (e). A Service Member of the uniformed services that enters into a written agreement with specified service conditions for receipt of a bonus is entitled to the full amount of the bonus if the Service Member fulfills the conditions of that written agreement. If the Service Member fails to fulfill the service conditions specified in the written agreement for the pay, then the pay may be terminated, and the Service Member may be required to repay an amount equal to the unearned portion of the pay. 8. Point of Contact. The primary point of contact for NSW CWO AB program management is OPNAV N137 at (703)604-5008 or via e-mail at SEAL_OCM@navy.mil. 9. This NAVADMIN will remain in effect until superseded or 23 February 2028, whichever occurs first. 10. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

Tricare Bulletin - How TRICARE Covers Durable Medical Equipment

Three years after Secretary Denis McDonough promised that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs would begin covering gender-affirming surgery, that commitment has still not been met. And as anti-trans legislation continues to sweep the country, transgender veterans say they see the latest delays by VA as further evidence of politically motivated bias against their community. “The community has done our job, we have served our country, we have earned the benefits that we have through VA; it’s not our fault that Congress and Capitol Hill can’t stop fighting about whether or not we should even be alive,” said Lindsay Church, executive director of Minority Veterans of America. “All we want is access to care.”

The military’s approach to preventing fatigue is fragmented and requires greater oversight to prevent potentially fatal accidents and help sleep-deprived service members, a government watchdog agency said this week. Dedicated leadership at the Pentagon and in each service is needed to oversee progress combatting the issue, the Government Accountability Office said in a report released Tuesday. Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2024-03-27/fatigue-crash-accountability-report-13438970.html Source - Stars and Stripes

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 281442Z MAR 24 MID120000988535U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 063/24 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/MAR// SUBJ/FY-25 ACTIVE-DUTY NAVY NUCLEAR LIMITED DUTY OFFICER IN-SERVICE PROCUREMENT SELECTION BOARD RESULTS// REF/A/DOC/MANMED/20FEB19// AMPN/REF A IS NAVMED P 117, MANUAL OF MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.// RMKS/1. Congratulations to selectees of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Active- Duty Navy Nuclear Limited Duty Officer (LDO) In-Service Procurement (ISP) Selection Board. 2. For LDO selectees, read name, commissioning month/year. All appointments are effective on the first day of the commissioning month. Members are directed to verify their select status via BUPERS Online. LIMITED DUTY OFFICER ENSIGN NUCLEAR POWER - 620X Abbott Brennan A 0925 Abernathy Tabitha Maria 1224 Aponterosa Jon L 0825 Barrantes Thomas A 1124 Bradley Christopher E Jr 0525 Bradleymoore William A 1224 Brown Brent Daniel 1024 Bryson Ammon Lee 1124 Burkhart Kaitlynn Rae 0925 Campbell Timothy Scott 0525 Cassidy Taylor Joseph 0825 Collins Dominic R II 0825 Conwell Branden Michael 0525 Cook Jacob Lee 0825 Escobar Godofredo E 1124 Fitzgerald Jeremy Don 1224 Gathof Cory Alexander 0825 Gimmarro Nicolas Tyler 0825 Huber Cole Harrison 0425 Kaisi Zachary Ryan 0525 Lewis Beau David 1124 Lewis William M Jr 1024 Lord John Michael 0525 Mah Zachary James N 0325 Markel Christopher D 0225 Mather Scotie Lyn 1124 Metcalf Donald John 1124 Mitchell Tyler John 1224 Morrell Matthew R 0225 Oneil Tyler Michael 0425 Pierce Joseph W 0925 Raybon Noah Thomas Jr 1123 Ridgley Easton R 0325 Rios Marcus Anthony 1024 Ritter Travis Lane 1224 Sackmann Allan R 0225 Schauer James Joseph 0925 Schmitt Jamie Paul 0425 Shelton Jeffrey E Jr 1024 Sloan Stefan Bryan 1224 Thole Isaac James 0325 Williams Luke Gipson 0425 3. Each applicant should take pride in knowing that the superior performance documented in the evaluations reviewed by the board required the members to dedicate long hours in making hard choices to ensure only the best and fully qualified applicants were selected. I am confident that each selectee will justify their selection time and again in their new career as naval officers. Those not selected are highly encouraged to seek out an LDO/Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) in your area for advice on ways to grow professionally and improve opportunity for future selection. Bravo Zulu to all who were willing to answer the call. 4. This message is not authority to issue appointments. Frocking is prohibited. COMNAVPERSCOM (PERS-806) will deliver appointments to MyNavy Career Center (MNCC) Millington approximately 60 days prior to the commissioning date. MNCC will forward appointments to the Transaction Service Center (TSC) Great Lakes, who will distribute directly to the respective CPPAs. TSC Great Lakes will also process the conversion from enlisted to officer status for LDOs and CWOs, for all commands other than those who have the ability to process their own (CVN, SPECWAR, etc.). TSC Great Lakes can be contacted directly at the below email address. 5. Commanding Officers are directed to: a. Notify selectee. b. Notify PERS-803 via official correspondence no later than 10 days following release of this message of selectees who do not accept appointment. Selectees who decline their commission within this 10 day period will be considered by the FY-25 Enlisted Selection Boards. After the 10 day period, PERS-802 will invalidate all FY-25 Active-Duty Navy Nuclear LDO ISP Selection Board selectees eligibility for the FY-25 Active-Duty Enlisted Selection Boards. c. Per reference (a), ensure LDO selectees obtain a commissioning physical within 90 days preceding the appointment month. Notify the Nuclear LDO detailer (PERS-422B) upon completion. d. Hold execution of all permanent change of station orders in abeyance, if applicable, and immediately notify PERS-40 of member's selection. e. Administer an official Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) within four months of commissioning date. Selectees must hand carry test results to Officer Indoctrination School, Newport, RI. If selectee fails to achieve satisfactory medium, notify Nuclear LDO detailer (PERS-422B). Hold commissioning in abeyance until successful completion of PFA. f. Hold appointment in abeyance if it is determined that a selectee is no longer mentally, physically, morally, or professionally qualified or if they fail to meet current PFA requirements. Immediately forward documentation citing reason to PERS-803. 6. If a Nuclear LDO selectee's enlistment (including any extensions) expires after the date of appointment, they are not reenlistment eligible unless appointment is declined. 7. Each selectee should contact the Nuclear LDO officer detailer (PERS-422B) for submission requirements in regards to personal information and history cards, and inform PERS-806 of address changes to facilitate appointment delivery. 8. Points of Contact a. PERS-422B point of contact for Nuclear LDO ISP Selection Board, issues/questions is LT Karl Martin at (901) 874 3938/DSN 882. b. PERS-806 point of contact for issuance of oath and commissioning documents issues/questions is Mrs. Alda Boster, at (901) 874 4374/DSN 882 or email at officer_appt.fct@navy.mil. c. MNCC point of contact for distribution of oath and commissioning documents is askmncc@navy.mil. d. TSC Great Lakes point of contact for oath of office distribution and conversion questions is M_GRLK_TSCEOPP@navy.mil. 9. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

The Navy is leading salvage efforts to clear and re-open the channel leading to the Port of Baltimore following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, service officials told USNI News on Thursday. Naval Sea Systems Command supervisor of salvage and diving is supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Unified Command, led by the Coast Guard, reads a statement provided to USNI News. The Coast Guard and its multiple Maryland and federal partners established the Unified Command Wednesday after cargo ship MV Dali, struck Baltimore’s Key Bridge Tuesday morning, causing the bridge to collapse. Six construction workers who were on the bridge died.

VetResources - New Income-Driven Student Loan Repayment Program

The U.S. Navy plans to mount a high-powered microwave prototype system on one of its vessels as early as 2026, according to the Navy’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget documents. The system will come from the Navy’s Project METEOR, which is developing a directed energy weapon system prototype that the service plans to integrate on ships in 2026. METEOR will “provide capability with low cost-per-shot, deep magazine, tactically significant range, short time engagement for multi-target approach, dual deception and defeat capability,” according to the budget documents.

What GAO Found Many service members are not getting the Department of Defense (DOD) recommended 7 or more hours of sleep each day. The department’s overarching fatigue-related guidance emphasizes service members obtain at least 7 hours of sleep for optimal performance and readiness. For over a decade, DOD surveys have found that the majority of service members report sleeping 6 or fewer hours per night. Respondents to GAO’s nongeneralizable survey cited similar issues. For example, many respondents are sleeping too little, and roughly half of respondents have poor sleep quality regardless of quantity. Survey respondents provided examples of how sleep deprivation has affected their work, from nearly colliding with another aircraft to falling asleep on the job.

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 271610Z MAR 24 MID120000985745U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 062/24 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/MAR// SUBJ/NOTICE OF CONVENING FY25-2 TEST PILOT SCHOOL SELECTION BOARD// REF/A/DOC/BUPERS/06JAN21// AMPF/REF A IS BUPERSINST 1500.62E, TEST PILOT SCHOOLS.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces convening of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) Selection Board on 20 June 2024. This board will select highly qualified Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers (NFO) for USNTPS and Empire Test Pilot School (ETPS). Test Pilot School (TPS) graduates have significant and long-lasting influence on platforms and systems that directly impact the future warfighting capability of the Fleet. Request command and Fleet community assistance to identify candidates with strong operational performance and ideally, strong academic backgrounds in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic fields of study. 2. To be eligible for board consideration, a command-endorsed application in line with reference (a), must be received by MyNavy Career Center (MNCC) no later than 9 May 2024. Additional documentation (including Wing/CAG endorsements, letters of recommendation, Fitness Reports (FITREPs), etc.) will be accepted until 6 June 2024, but must be submitted by the applicant, as a letter to the board, in line with subparagraph 4a. The e-mail address(es), phone number(s), college transcripts, Anthropometric Data Measurement Record, a current Body Composition Assessment report from Physical Readiness Information Management System, last FITREP, and post-TPS test squadron assignment preferences of the applicant must be included with the application. Current ashore and afloat contact information of the applicant's Commanding Officer must also be included to expedite notification, if selected. 3. The command endorsement shall explicitly state whether the applicant, if selected, will be allowed and available to report for pre-arrival training by the following dates: a. 1 October 2024 for Fixed Wing pilots b. 28 October 2024 for Rotary Wing pilots c. 2 December 2024 for NFOs Endorsements with availability dates after these respective dates may be removed from consideration and not reviewed by the board. Inability for the applicant to meet the above date may be mitigated by conducting initial training in a Temporary Additional Duty (TEMADD) status at the expense of the endorsing command. If this is required, it must be explicitly stated in the command endorsement that the endorsing command will provide TEMADD funds until the applicant can officially detach. If the applicant has official Permanent Change of Station orders and is projected to be on board the gaining command prior to the board convening date of 20 June 2024, a gaining command endorsement is required in addition to the endorsement from the applicant's current command. 4. Application package submissions: a. The preferred method of application submission is electronic. E-mail encrypted PDF submissions to cscselboard@navy.mil and carbon copy ernesto.r.villalba.mil@us.navy.mil and brandy.l.dempster- theisen.ctr@us.navy.mil. If required, please visit https://dod411.gds.disa.mil/ to download the required mailbox certificates to encrypt the email. If unable to send encrypted, please contact ernesto.r.villalba.mil@us.navy.mil and brandy.l.dempster- theisen.ctr@us.navy.mil for assistance. b. If unable to send electronically, applications may be sent via U.S. Postal Service to the following address: MyNavy Career Center FY25-2 Test Pilot School Selection Board (Board #380) 5720 Integrity Drive Millington, TN 38055 c. Applications sent via FEDEX/UPS/DHL should use the following address: MyNavy Career Center FY25-2 Test Pilot School Selection Board (Board #380) 5640 Ticonderoga Loop, BLDG 768, RM E302 Millington, TN 38055-6300 5. Applicants should confirm receipt of their application package and all correspondence by calling the MNCC at 1-833-330-MNCC or DSN 882-6622. 6. Eligibility: a. Designated Naval Aviators and NFOs through the grade of lieutenant commander (O4) who are qualified for flight duties and have not been terminated from flying status are eligible for selection. b. The preferred Unrestricted Line (URL, 13X0) Aviators are lieutenant (O3) and O4 Aviators with detailer-forecasted career timing to complete the selected TPS program and a minimum 24 month follow-on test tour prior to their next career milestone (e.g. Department Head, etc.). c. Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer (1510) aviators through the grade of O4 may be selected if they are able to serve a 36-month follow-on test tour and still meet career milestones. d. Applicants determined to have insufficient career timing to meet the minimum test tour of 24 months may have their application removed from consideration. e. Applicants should ensure they have a valid government passport that will not expire prior to completion of the class. 7. Applicants should periodically check for updates and additional information via MyNavy HR at https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career- Management/Boards/Administrative/Test-Pilot/. 8. Points of contact are CDR Ernesto R. Villalba, PERS-434B, via e- mail at ernesto.r.villalba.mil@us.navy.mil or Ms. Brandy Theisen, PERS-434B1, via e- mail at brandy.l.dempster-theisen.ctr@us.navy.mil. 9. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 271604Z MAR 24 MID120000985728U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 061/24 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/MAR// SUBJ/FY25 SEAMAN TO ADMIRAL-21 PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT// REF/A/DOC/OPNAV/14DEC09// REF/B/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/171350ZJUL17// REF/C/DOC/BUPERS/02MAY19// REF/D/DOC/COMNAVCRUITCOM/20JUL22// NARR/REF A IS OPNAVINST 1420.1B, ENLISTED TO OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS APPLICATION ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL. REF B IS NAVADMIN 177/17, NUCLEAR TRAINED SAILOR APPLICATIONS TO OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS. REF C IS PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION 150A, SEAMAN TO ADMIRAL-21 NUCLEAR OPTION COMMISSIONING PROGRAM. REF D IS COMNAVCRUITCOMINST 1130.8M, NAVY RECRUITING MANUAL.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN solicits applications and provides guidance for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21) Commissioning Program. Applicants stationed outside the United States at any time between 1 February 2023 and 30 June 2024 or those who were deployed at any time between 1 February 2023 and 30 June 2024 may apply without a valid Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT), if they meet the requirements detailed in paragraph 8h of this NAVADMIN. The SAT or ACT application requirement is also waived for all STA-21 Nuclear option (STA-21(N)) applicants. Supplemental information for applicant submission is provided in paragraphs 8g and 8h of this NAVADMIN. 2. STA-21 is a full-time undergraduate education and commissioning program open to enlisted personnel of all pay grades and ratings who meet the eligibility requirements specified in reference (a). 3. Deadline for submission of applications for the FY25 STA-21 Program is 1 July 2024. Application packages must be postmarked on or before the deadline date. Applications should be submitted prior to the deadline as early submission allows timely feedback to the Sailor for submission of missing or illegible documents. The additional documentation submitted must be postmarked on or before 24 July 2024. No additional documents may be submitted after this date. The selection board is scheduled to convene in August 2024 and the selectees will be announced via NAVADMIN message. 4. The core program and the following target options are open for application for the FY25 Selection Board: Surface Warfare Officer (SWO), SWO Engineering Duty Option (ED), Nuclear (Surface and Sub), Special Warfare, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Naval Flight Officer, Aviator, Civil Engineering Corps, Nurse Corps, and Information Professional. 5. The following target options have zero select opportunities for FY25: Human Resources, Intelligence, Information Warfare, Medical Corps, Supply Corps, SWO Information Professional (IP), Oceanography Officer (OCEANO), and SWO (OCEANO). 6. The Nuclear (Surface and Submarine) target option is now open to Sailors who are serving in the Fleet and hold an active nuclear Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) (N1XO, N1XS, N2XO, N2XS) and to those Sailors who are in the nuclear training pipeline with the N91T NEC. Applicants holding a nuclear NEC must receive a conditional release from the Nuclear Enlisted Community Manager (OPNAV N133D), in line with reference (b), if applying for an option outside the nuclear community. All applicants for STA-21(N) must be able to begin their first day of class in the first semester of their coursework prior to reaching 8 years of service. See paragraph 9 of this NAVADMIN for additional requirements for non-nuclear trained Sailors applying for the Nuclear (Surface and Submarine) target options. Reference (c) provides specific information and all other requirements to apply for the STA-21(N) program. 7. Additional information applicable to FY25 STA-21 applications is as follows: a. If a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) was not performed within the last year, Commanding Officers (CO) will provide an affirmative statement in their endorsement certifying the applicant is within height and weight requirements as required by paragraph 7 of this NAVADMIN. b. See paragraph 8h of this NAVADMIN for standardized test scores requirements. Candidates are advised to verify school admission requirements, as the STA-21(N) SAT or ACT waiver does not supersede university admission requirements. c. The Joint Service Transcript (JST), in line with reference (a), enclosure (1), chapter 8, paragraph 6b(9), is not required to be submitted for this application. A future revision of reference (a) will remove this requirement. d. The applicant's photograph, in line with reference (a), is no longer required for this application. A future revision of reference (a) will remove this requirement. 8. The following information addresses lessons learned from the FY24 STA-21 selection process and board. This information is provided to preclude common errors: a. Of the 462 applications received for FY24, 436 were board eligible. A total of 79 were selected to participate in the FY24 STA-21 Program. b. Each year, packages are not considered due to non-qualifying SAT or ACT scores, missing CO endorsement or recommendations, recent Non-Judicial Punishment, missing PFA cycles, missing or illegible submission of documents, and not meeting program age or PFA requirements. c. Minimum eligibility requirements must be met before submitting an application. Applications should be mailed only when fully completed. Officer interview boards will consist of three officers. The applicant's CO may not be a board member and should not submit an interview appraisal sheet. The CO's personal interview should be conducted only after the application is complete and the officer interview board has submitted their appraisals. The full picture of an applicant's academic and officer potential can only be determined by reviewing the SAT or ACT scores (if required), high school or college transcripts, and a completed application package. d. The CO's endorsement is extremely important, especially the ranking of the individual among their peers. The endorsement should contain specifics about the individual's academic potential, commitment, leadership, service above self, and potential as a naval officer. CO comments should specify the primary option to which the individual is applying and address how the individual meets the qualifications for that option. For junior Sailors with only schoolhouse evaluations, the CO must address this issue in their endorsement. e. An interview board and nomination review board will be conducted in line with reference (a). It is recommended officers of the applicant's designator of choice, if available, be asked to participate in the interview and nomination review board to assess the applicant for their community. Officer appraisals provide important insight into the applicant. The appraisal from the board should be a frank and honest assessment of the applicant's leadership and academic potential. Appraisal forms should be typed in 10 or 12-point font. f. The applicant's personal statement should address why the Sailor wants to become an officer, how the Sailor's selection would improve the Navy, and why the Sailor is applying for a specific option. Sailors must also address any hardships or unique experiences that shaped their character. Junior Sailors should provide information on high school experiences as high school transcripts rarely provide in-depth information on involvement in sports, clubs, volunteer hours, work, etc. Additionally, applicants should address any anomalies in the package (e.g., poor high school grades, college grades, service school grades, or poor performance evaluation). The explanation should include details of the situation, how the applicant has overcome these issues, and why the applicant will be successful in the future. g. The application is a reflection of the applicant. Applicants must review their packages in their entirety before submitting them. Check for misspelled words and improper grammar. Ensure all high school and college transcripts are enclosed. Applicants must submit results from the last PFA completed including their overall score. Applicants who have not taken the PFA within the past year and meet the exception criteria must have a CO's endorsement including a statement verifying the applicant is currently within height and weight standards. h. Qualifying SAT or ACT scores are required for all non- nuclear officer candidates except as noted in paragraph 1 of this NAVADMIN. Qualifying SAT or ACT scores are not required for all nuclear officer candidates. Applications can still be submitted pending receipt of SAT or ACT scores or with a command statement indicating non-availability for overseas locations and deployed units. SAT or ACT scores can be from exams taken between 1 July 2019 and 1 July 2024. Applicants without a SAT or ACT score and who meet the exception criteria should ensure their high school cumulative grade point average (minimum 2.5 GPA) is within the last 5 years or have a minimum 2.5 cumulative college GPA on a 4.0 scale with 12 or more semester hours. It is recommended the command retain a copy of the entire application package. The command portion of the application (such as command endorsement and interview appraisal sheets) should not be given to the applicant. 9. The following modifications to application requirements apply only to FY25 STA-21(N) applicants in an effort to reduce administrative requirements for applicants. These modifications will be incorporated into a future revision of reference (a). All waivers will be adjudicated on a case-by-case basis. All waivers are required to be clearly identified and formally endorsed by the Sailor's CO as part of the Sailor's STA-21(N) application. a. JST transcripts are not required for STA-21(N) applicants. b. Applicants are required to apply to 3 STA-21(N) program approved universities. c. The following universities have zero select opportunities for FY25: Columbia University and Southern University and A&M College. d. Interviews (command and nominative boards) are not required for STA- 21(N) applicants. STA-21(N) applicants are not required to submit officer interview sheets. e. Non-nuclear trained Sailors are welcome to apply to STA- 21(N). Non- nuclear trained Sailors must be released by their community manager prior to submitting an application package. Non- nuclear trained Sailors application packages are required to be screened by the Nuclear Accessions Director of Commander Navy Recruiting Command (CNRC). If applicants have any questions about this process contact OPNAV N133 at bullnuke@navy.mil. Non-nuclear trained Sailors are required to meet the requirements of nuclear field duty as specified in Chapter 5 of reference (d). Those requirements not met for nuclear field duty require a waiver with CNRC concurrence. These requirements include, but are not limited to, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, foreign citizenship, and security clearance. f. CO Letter of Recommendation. A CO's letter of recommendation must be included in an applicant's package. CO's letters of recommendation are encouraged to endorse a Sailor based upon their mental aptitude, leadership, and ability to manage adversity. CO's are encouraged to provide supplemental context into their ranking methodology and ranking philosophy. Commands with "one of one" Sailors are reviewed with the same regard as commands with multiple Sailors applying. CO's are recommended to rank their STA-21(N) applicants in a separate group than the applicants for non-nuclear STA-21 applicants within their command. g. Applicants will submit three personal statements in response to the following three questions. Each statement must not exceed 300 words. (1) What actions have you taken to prepare for the STA-21(N) program, and how do these actions set you apart from other applicants (Provide specific endeavors/activities that you assess make you competitive.) (2) How do you assess your readiness to academically manage a technically rigorous and compressed college level course load (Highlight academic success, but also explain any previous academic shortfalls and evidence that you've overcome them). (3) STA-21(N) is an education and commissioning opportunity that will challenge you morally, mentally, and physically. How do you assess your resiliency in successfully navigating the adversity and mental stresses expected in this program? (Explain your Warrior Ethos and provide any personal challenges or shortcomings that have made you more resilient?) 10. The following lessons learned are provided to STA-21(N) applicants based FY24 STA-21(N) selection process and board. This information is provided to ensure applicants highlight their accomplishments in a competitive package: a. The most competitive applicants have strong academic performance in high school, college, or the nuclear training pipeline. If an applicant does not have a history of strong academic performance, they should provide evidence of improved technical rigor and academic readiness through some other means, i.e., SAT, ACT, or additional college level courses in technical subjects (calculus, physics, etc). b. Sailors are encouraged to address forthright reasons of poor academic performance or disenrollment from an academic institution. This is best accomplished with an explanation of lessons learned or actions taken since the event to address the weaknesses. c. Letters of recommendation are encouraged and should provide further evidence of a Sailor's ability to complete a rigorous technical degree or efforts a Sailor has taken to strengthen their application. 11. The preferred method of delivery for applications is through mail. If mail delivery is not possible, contact the Naval Service Training Command STA-21 Program Office (N92 STA-21) at grlk_sta21@us.navy.mil for alternative delivery methods. Mail completed applications to: Naval Service Training Command ATTN: N92 STA-21 320A Dewey Ave Building 3, Room 106 Great Lakes, IL 60088-2845 12. For questions, specific details, eligibility criteria, application requirements, and selection procedures, refer to reference (a), contact your Command Career Counselor, or visit the STA-21 website at: https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Naval-Service-Training-Command/STA-21/ for the most up-to-date information. 13. [Points of contact for STA-21 is Naval Service Training Command, N92 STA-21, and can be reached at (847) 688-5454 ext 242/DSN 792 or via e-mail at grlk_sta21@us.navy.mil.] (The point of contact for the STA-21(N) Program Office is the Nuclear Enlisted Community Manager, OPNAV N133D, and can be reached at (703) 604- 5491/DSN 664 or via e-mail at bullnuke@us.navy.mil.) 14. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 271557Z MAR 24 MID120000985699U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 060/24 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/MAR// SUBJ/ACADEMIC YEAR 2025 NURSE CORPS MEDICAL ENLISTED COMMISSIONING PROGRAM SELECTION BOARD// REF/A/DOC/OPNAV/14DEC09// AMPN/REF A IS OPNAVINST 1420.1B, ENLISTED TO OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS APPLICATION ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN message solicits applications for the Academic Year (AY) 2025 Nurse Corps Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program (NC MECP) selection board. The AY25 NC MECP Selection Board will convene in the Fall of 2024. NC MECP provides a path for Active Duty (AD) and Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) enlisted Sailors and Marines in any rating or military occupational specialty who already have some college credit to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing and a commission in the NC. Reserve Component enlisted Sailors in any status other than TAR are not eligible. 2. Applications must be postmarked by 3 September 2024 and mailed to: Commanding Officer Naval Medical Leader and Professional Development Command Attn: HMDT, 16th Floor 8955 Wood Road Bethesda MD 20889-5611 Any additional required documentation not yet available for the original application package must be received no later than 16 September 2024. Incomplete packages will not be reviewed by the board. 3. Reference (a), chapters 1, 2, and 5 provide application procedures and requirements which should be read in their entirety. Additional application information can be found via MyNavy Portal (MNP) at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/group/career-planning/commissioning-programs on the NC MECP link. Applicants must not have reached their 42nd birthday by the time of initial commission. Age waivers will not be granted. A Marine administrative message will outline conditional release procedures for AD Marines who are selected to participate in the program. 4. Amplifying information for the AY25 NC MECP selection board. a. Applicants assigned to a nuclear training command or who hold a nuclear Navy Enlisted Classification and are applying for the AY25 NC MECP selection board must obtain conditional release from nuclear- field duty prior to submitting their application for consideration. To obtain a conditional release, an applicant must submit an Enlisted Personnel Action Request (NAVPERS 1306/7) form to the Nuclear Propulsion Program Management Office (OPNAV N133) via their detailer. b. Applicants not assigned to nuclear programs must submit a NAVPERS 1306/7 to their enlisted community manager to obtain the conditional release. 5. Once approved, selection board results will be released and posted via MNP at the NC MECP link. 6. Point of contact is Beverly D. Kemp, NMLPDC, who can be reached at (301) 319-4520/DSN 285 or via e-mail at beverly.d.kemp.civ@health.mil. 7. This NAVADMIN message will remain in effect until superseded or 30 September 2025, whichever occurs first. 8. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

Military OneSource - Got Your Orders? You've Got Backup 3-27-2024

The U.S. Navy, working with the Coast Guard, has been operating seven surface drones off of the northern coast of Haiti to monitor illegal human smuggling by sea, an increasingly deadly practice that claims hundreds of lives per year. But the sea drones are doing more than helping the Navy keep watch over the Caribbean, Rear Adm. James Aiken, the commander of U.S. 4th Fleet, told Defense One.

The server move and major security enhancement is complete. There will be some small tweaks (server restarts) but for the most part everything is done. Meanwhile, if you do encounter an issue please use the contact form or post in this forum if you can't email.

A $6 billion settlement involving roughly 250,000 veterans will move forward in a lawsuit that argued faulty earplugs were sold to the military for use during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. For the settlement, 98% of service members and veterans with claims had to agree to it. 3M, the Minnesota-based company that made the earplugs, announced Tuesday that 99% of claimants are on board. Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2024-03-26/military-troops-veterans-earplugs-3m-settlement-13433653.html Source - Stars and Stripes

The US Navy is asking for $3.7 billion from Congress in its recently issued unfunded priority list. This year’s request is centered around investments for the Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) and infrastructure improvements in Hawaii and Guam.

Two Navy sailors who were assigned to deployed warships died over the past week – one in the Red Sea and one in the Indian Ocean.

Chinese ships blasted water cannons at ships on Manila’s latest resupply mission to the South China Sea outpost on Second Thomas Shoal today, resulting in an unspecified number of injuries and heavy damage onboard one of the Philippine vessels. The resupply mission was publicly revealed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines as soon as the civilian-contracted on Friday, Philippine Navy-operated resupply boat Unaizah Mae 4 sortied from Palawan in a move to provide transparency on the upcoming Chinese harassment.