Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) Programs at Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) are responsible for policy development, resourcing and oversight of quality of life programs for Sailors and their families. The mission of the FFR team is to maximize the physical, emotional and social development of the Navy family. FFR enables a ready Navy force through its Fleet Readiness, Family Readiness and Housing Programs. FLEET READINESS
The Fleet Readiness division is comprised of Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Programs, official and recreational lodging, and food and beverage operations. These services include: • • • • • • • • • • •
Fitness and Sports Deployed Forces Support Movies and Libraries Golf and Bowling Marinas and Outdoor Recreation Liberty Program Information, Tickets and Travel Navy Entertainment Program Navy Gateway Inns and Suites Galleys and Recreational Dining MWR Lodging Services
FAMILY READINESS
The Family Readiness division consists of the Fleet and Family Support Program (FFSP), Child and Youth Programs, and the Fleet and Family Support Emergency Response Program. FFSP provides services through Fleet and Family Support Centers, such as relocation assistance, new parent support, deployment services, clinical counseling services, financial management counseling, family employment services, family advocacy and the transition assistance programs. Child and Youth Programs provide services including Child Development Centers, the Child Development Home Program, Youth and Teen Centers, School-Age Care, instructional/leisure classes and the Navy School Liaison Officer Program.
HOUSING
The Navy Housing division is responsible for the overall management of all housing Navywide, including permanent party family housing and bachelor quarters. Through its public-private venture (PPV) mission, the Navy is revitalizing military housing by partnering with private sector developers to offer quality, affordable housing communities. Focused on ensuring that Sailors, both single and those with families, receive adequate and affordable housing wherever they are assigned, the Housing Program is a key quality of life program that is essential to personal and family readiness.
The FFR Service Center division supports the other three divisions and regional FFR Service Centers through a consolidation of management support functions, such as finance, personnel, training, marketing, management information systems, internal reviews, facilities and acquisition, and legal/commercial sponsorship oversight.
FAMILY READINESS FLEET & FAMILY SUPPORT
DEPLOYMENT READINESS • OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM • PERSONAL FINANCES • NEW PARENT SUPPORT • TRANSITION ASSISTANCE • FAMILY EMPLOYMENT • RELOCATION ASSISTANCE • FAMILY ADVOCACY • CLINICAL COUNSELING • SEXUAL ASSAULT • LIFE SKILLS • VOLUNTEER SERVICES
FLEET & FAMILY SUPPORT
The Fleet and Family Support Program (FFSP) provides unified, customerfocused, consistent and efficient programs and services to support sustained mission and Navy readiness. FFSP focuses on deployment support, crisis response, career support and counseling for individuals, families and commands, and provides these professional services through education classes and individual appointments at installation Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSCs). FFSP provides the appropriate services at the right time, strengthening personal and family competencies to meet the unique challenges of the military lifestyle.
Deployment Readiness FFSC professionals understand the challenges that deployments may pose and offer a variety of programs and services to help commands, service members and their families prepare before, during and after deployments. FFSC’s deployment services provide support to all service members and their families. The Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) is used to facilitate the FFSP Individual Deployment Support Program in contacting all Individual Augmentees and their families. During deployment, the FFSC offers information and referral services, family employment assistance, life skills classes and counseling support to family members, helping to enhance their resiliency skills. When service members return from deployment, the FFSC offers return and reunion programs to ensure a smooth transition for the entire military family. To assist with the transition and to promote a proactive culture in maintaining good psychological health, Operational Stress Control has been incorporated into FFSC Programs and workshops to assist families in coping with separation and reintegration.
Ombudsman Program
Since 1970, Ombudsmen have served as a vital link between Navy commands and families. The Navy Family Ombudsman is a highly-trained volunteer who is able to offer support and guidance to command families, and acts as an official liaison between the command and its families. The flexibility to evolve with the Navy and to adapt to the uniqueness of each command is the source of strength that allows the Navy Family Ombudsman Program to fulfill its mission of assisting the command by serving the needs of its families.
Trained Ombudsmen disseminate information both up and down the chain of command, including official Department of the Navy and command information, command climate issues, local quality of life improvement opportunities and “good deals� in the community.
Ombudsmen also provide resource referrals when needed and are instrumental in resolving family issues before they require extensive command attention. The Command Ombudsman Program is shaped largely by the commanding officer’s perceived needs of his/her command. The command Ombudsman is appointed by and works under the guidance of the commanding officer, who determines the priorities of the program, the roles and relationships of those involved in it, and the type and level of support it will receive.
Personal Finances Managing money in today’s marketplace can be challenging. Frequent deployments, separation from extended families, numerous moves and unanticipated emergencies drain the resources of military families. The FFSC has trained personal financial fitness coaches to help service members analyze their finances, help them set priorities, create spending plans and make their money work as hard as they do. Financial fitness professionals conduct money-saving workouts in the FFSC, on ships, in hangars and work spaces, and for spouse groups, on subjects such as car buying, consumer awareness, budgeting, investment strategies, Thrift Savings Plan, predatory lending alternatives, home buying and much more. The FFSC staff is the centralized training source for command financial specialists. A solid financial future begins at the FFSC. The Association of Financial Counseling, Planning and Education (AFCPE) has recognized this program as an outstanding education program of the year.
New Parent Support The New Parent Support Program is an in-home visitation program delivered by a team of professionals who provide supportive and caring services to expectant parents and parents of children up to 3 years of age. The program is voluntary, and Navy families and other military families are assessed to determine if they need help managing the demands of a new baby or a young child. Parent participation in the program is free of charge and can be used in connection with other supportive services on the installation and in the community. The New Parent Support Program was developed to provide military families some of the same kinds of support they would get from friends and family if they were back home. This program offers expectant parents and parents of newborns and young children the opportunity to improve existing skills and to learn new ones in the privacy of their own home. The New Parent Support Program can help married and single parents cope with “typical� parenting stressors, as well as demands that are unique to the military lifestyle, such as managing the additional physical and emotional demands of parenting due to separation and deployment. Services include answering questions about the everyday challenges of parenthood; teaching how to nurture children to promote healthy growth and development; achieving balance in providing care for a child with care for one’s self; and providing information on local resources for parents of young children. The New Parent Support Program supports mission readiness by strengthening and empowering parents to adapt to changing family and military demands.
Transition Assistance Leaving the military is not just a matter of changing jobs. It is a total lifestyle change that can bring unnecessary stress if a service member is not properly prepared. Civilian life and the military life can seem like two different worlds, especially if a service member’s entire working career has been in the military. FFSCs host the U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Employment Workshop. Service members who are planning to leave the military or retire are encouraged to take advantage of all the services offered through their FFSC at no cost. Similar services in the private sector would cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars. TAP Employment Workshops are designed to provide service members with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to plan and execute a successful job search. Department of Labor instructors conduct the three-day TAP workshops, focusing on subjects such as skills identification, post-military goals and ambitions, conducting job searches (both federal and civilian career opportunities), writing a resume, preparing for an interview and dressing for success in a new career.
The core TAP curriculum also includes presentations by the Department of Veterans Affairs on VA benefits and information on disability transition assistance. Local FFSP transition assistance professionals can provide additional employment assistance and resources. While services will vary by location, they often include individual counseling; job fairs, search libraries and access to employment listings; automated tools and personal assistance for preparing resumes, cover letters and federal job applications; and guidance in preparing for interviews.
Family Employment The Navy knows that employment is one of the most significant issues facing military families. The goal of the Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP) is to assist families with the challenges associated with the job search – particularly the impact of a mobile lifestyle. Family members can expect to learn valuable skills from workshops and seminars routinely provided to create a framework for further educational exploration, in areas such as self-directed job search, resume writing, volunteer opportunities, federal employment opportunities, career planning and financing a career change. FERP is one of several programs provided by FFSP, which enhances service member’s readiness and family preparedness, thereby contributing to mission readiness. The program is committed to promoting self-reliance and resilience, not dependency, and empowers Navy families to meet the unique challenges of the military lifestyle.
Relocation Assistance
Relocating to a new duty station is never easy. There’s just so much to think about! Service members and their families may be anxious about finding affordable housing, reputable schools and employment opportunities, to name a few. The Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) will help make the moving process as effortless as possible. From “Smooth Move” workshops to household hospitality kits, the FFSC can provide Sailors with all the necessary resources to make their transition to a new duty station efficient and simple. At overseas duty stations, intercultural relations staff can help Sailors and family members adjust to living overseas, explore the culture of their new duty station and meet new friends.
Family Advocacy The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) provides clinical assessment, treatment and advocacy services for military members and their families involved in incidents of child abuse. FAP services include assessment of risk, safety planning, and interventions and/or treatment for victims, offenders and others affected by family violence. The goals of victim safety and wellbeing and offender accountability and rehabilitation form the basis of the clinical provider’s work in responding to domestic abuse. FAP professionals work closely with financial management specialists, prevention and education staff, and health care providers to help military personnel and family members address problems that may contribute to domestic violence. Adult victims of domestic abuse may choose to make a restricted report of their experience, which will enable them to obtain medical and counseling services without command notification. FAP is a command program, and it is a collaborative effort between the command and FAP to provide treatment interventions and resources for service members and their families.
Clinical Counseling Sometimes situations in life are distressing or overwhelming, leaving us uncertain about how to sort the issues out and get back on track. FFSCs offer clinical counseling services to service members and their families. Professional, licensed, clinical providers staff the program. The intent of clinical counseling services is problem-focused and brief, with the emphasis placed on problems in daily living, such as difficulty adjusting to the military lifestyle, relationships, parenting, grief and other personal crises that can have a negative impact upon military readiness and family preparedness. Services encompass a wide scope of educational, preventative and therapeutic services that promote an improved quality of life and increased resilience. Counseling is available to individuals, couples, families and groups, and provides an avenue for obtaining private, professional assistance in a non-medical environment.
Sexual Assault: Not in My Navy The Navy’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program (SAPR) — formerly the Sexual Assault Victim Intervention (SAVI) Program — provides a comprehensive, standardized, victim-sensitive system to prevent and respond to sexual assaults Navywide. This is done through sexual assault awareness and prevention education, victim advocacy and data collection. Support and assistance are available to victims 24/7 worldwide from Victim Advocates (VAs). The VA is a trained volunteer who provides effective and appropriate support and guidance for victims. They also ensure that victims know their reporting options and resources. VAs are supervised by Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) at the Fleet and Family Support Centers. SARCs are responsible for coordinating the response efforts for victims of sexual assault, and helping commands with training and building a
climate of prevention. They serve as an installation’s single point-of-contact for care management, from the initial report to final disposition or until a victim no longer requests services. There are two types of reporting options for active-duty victims: restricted and unrestricted reporting. Choosing to file a restricted report with a SARC, a VA, or healthcare provider (including Fleet and Family Support Center clinical counselors) allows one to receive victim advocacy, healthcare and counseling services without notifying law enforcement or their command, although a forensic exam can be done and the evidence stored with an non-identifying number the SARC assigns, in the event that a victim later decides that they want an investigation done or to go forward legally. With an unrestricted report, the same services are available, but law enforcement and the victim’s command are notified. If law enforcement and the command are notified, they can support the victim in obtaining a military protective order and allow for time away from work for medical, counseling and legal appointments. A command liaison can also be assigned to ensure the victim’s needs are met. Again, a victim always has the option to change from a restricted report to an unrestricted report, but a victim cannot change from an unrestricted to restricted report. Also, if anyone else is notified except for a VA, SARC or health care provider, a case must be unrestricted. If you, or someone you know, has been sexually assaulted, contact a SARC or VA first, to ensure that reporting options are not accidentally jeopardized by telling someone in law enforcement or the chain of command of the assault.
Life Skills
FFSCs offer proactive workshops at no cost to enhance a service member’s personal and professional life. Classes and reading materials are offered to teach or improve “life skills,” on subjects such as anger management, basic budgeting, couples communication, spouse trained and ready, parenting, stress management, suicide awareness and news you can use. Service members can contact their local FFSC to sign up for a workshop or get more information.
Volunteer Services The Volunteer Program offers an opportunity to work within the FFSC or receive referrals for opportunities within the community. There are many ways to develop new skills, share knowledge and assist the community. There are two components to the FFSC Volunteer Services Program: • Augment paid staff in order to be able to provide additional services; and • Provide military members and their families the opportunity to learn new skills to share with their community, and to enhance their personal marketability for employment. In addition to volunteer opportunities at the FFSC, each center maintains a list of volunteer opportunities both on and off base.
FAMILY READINESS CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAMS
CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAMS Philosophy – Navy CYP provide high-quality educational and recreational programs for children and youth. Teams of caring, knowledgeable professionals plan developmentally appropriate programs that are responsive to the unique needs, abilities and interests of children. CYP professionals foster a sense of independence, trust and responsibility within each child through understanding and respectful interactions. Likewise, through positive relationships, CYP respect and support the ideals, cultures and values of families while nurturing children and youth.
CYP Goals • Build physical development and skills • Promote social competence and positive relationships with others • Foster emotional well-being and a sense of trust and respect for self and others • Encourage children to think, reason, question and experiment • Develop initiative, problem-solving and decision-making skills • Advance creative expression, representation and appreciation for the arts • Promote language and literacy development • Develop self-discipline and the ability to seek out and complete self-selected tasks • Cultivate respect and appreciation of differences, and the uniqueness of diverse cultures and traditions • Support sound health, safety and nutritional practices
Navy CYP guiding principles and commitment to the members of the uniformed services include: Accessibility – Navy CYP supports service members and families with 227 facilities, 3,000 Child Development Homes worldwide and accredited commercial partnership spaces throughout the continental United States. Affordability – Navy CYP is committed to the economic viability of military families and offers affordable care based on household income.
Quality – Navy Child and Youth Programs are among the highest quality in the nation. Navy Child Development Centers are accredited with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and Navy Child Development Home providers are certified by the Department of Defense (DoD), applicable state licensing agencies, and are currently accrediting with the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). Navy before and after-school programs are accredited with the National AfterSchool Alliance (NAA), and Navy Youth Programs are affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). Eligibility – Developmental child care and youth recreational programs are available to all active-duty military, activated Reservists and National Guardsmen, DoD civilian personnel and DoD contractors. Youth recreational programs are also available to military retirees and DoD civilian retirees.
Navy Child and Youth Programs (CYP) provide developmental child care and youth recreational programs and services for eligible children and youth ages 4 weeks to 18 years of age. Programs and services are specifically designed and operated to meet the unique needs of the military mission, service members and their families. Child Development Centers (CDCs) provide full and part-day child care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Child Development Homes (CDHs) provide full and part-day, night and weekend child care for children ages 4 weeks to 12 years. School-Age Care (SAC) provides before and after-school care and day camps for children ages 6 to 12. Youth and Teen Programs provide sports and fitness programs, leisure classes, Internet labs and recreational opportunities for youth ages 13 to 18. Child and Youth Education Services help “level the playing field” for transitioning students, and prepare schools and installations to respond confidently to the complexities of transition and deployment, while assuring families that their children’s academic wellbeing is a Navy priority by providing School Transition Services, Deployment Support, Installation, School and Community Communications, Partnerships in Education, Home School Linkage and Support, and Post-Secondary Preparation Opportunities.
Request for Care
Parents can apply for child care online from anywhere in the world by submitting an online request for care (RFC). The child care request goes directly to the local program where the child care is needed. For example, parents are able to submit their request from their present duty station prior to arriving at their new duty station. To submit an RFC, visit www.cnic.navy.mil/cyp and click on “Apply for child care.� For more information on Navy CYP, visit www.cnic.navy.mil/cyp.
Navy School Liaison Officer
The School Liaison Officer is the primary point of contact between the military installation and the local school administration, including the Department of Defense Education Agency (DoDEA) Schools, parents and the community at large. The Navy School Liaison Officer Program helps installation and regional commanders work with state departments of education and local school districts to ensure school personnel are aware of the stressors on military families brought about by frequent transitions and extended deployments. These education professionals are located on all major Navy installations and serve as links between Navy families and schools.
The School Liaison Officer serves as the liaison between the installation commander, military agencies and schools by providing assistance in matters pertaining to student education. The School Liaison Officer also implements the Navy’s Strategic Planning for Education Advocacy K-12 recommendations in order to ensure Navy families have access to quality educational opportunities. School Liaison Officers level the playing field for military children by ensuring maximum educational opportunities for academic success. School transition and deployment support is a Navy readiness and retention issue. The Navy benefits from having Sailors who are able to focus on their duties, whether ashore or deployed. The School Liaison Officer specializes in serving military families and offers a wide spectrum of services, enabling families to become more involved in their child’s educational experience. Services include: • Supporting families with inbound/outbound school transfers; • Providing information on local schools and boundaries; • Assisting with school choice; • Helping families understand the special education process; • Providing information about graduation requirements; • Making military and community agency referrals; • Supporting families with the home schooling process; and • Assisting with post-secondary preparation. Find your Navy School Liaison Officer at www.cnic.navy.mil/cyp.
FLEET AND FAMILY READINESS EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAM Preparing service members and their families to respond to natural and man-made disasters is the focus of the Fleet and Family Readiness Emergency Response Program. Visit the Operation Prepare Web site at www.cnic.navy.mil for more information. Immediately following a declared disaster, the Navy needs to know:
• •
Your status – Are you okay? Your location – Where are you? How can you be contacted to ensure you receive help?
This information is crucial in order to provide information and referral to service members and their families. In such an emergency, Navy service members and families should contact the Navy by taking two important steps:
1. Muster with their command; and 2. Complete a needs assessment with NFAAS.
The Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) NFAAS is a tool for the Navy to account, assess, manage and monitor the well-being and recovery process for personnel and their families affected by an event such as a natural or man-made disaster. Fleet and Family Support Center professionals respond to service members and their families by providing case management of needs identified in NFAAS. All families are encouraged to update their contact information by logging in to NFAAS at https://navyfamily.navy.mil. Only Navy professionals and subject-matter experts use the information provided by the service member or their family on the assessment to aid with recovery efforts.
FLEET READINESS FITNESS, SPORTS AND DEPLOYED FORCES SUPPORT
Fitness The goal of the Navy Fitness Program is to create “Fitness for Life� for the entire Navy population, including active-duty Sailors, family members and DoD civilians. Individual and group instruction is available from certified fitness professionals in cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, flexibility and nutrition. Aquatics programming includes lap swimming, lessons and specialty programs, such as water aerobics. Intramural sports programs provide another outlet to promote fitness and establish esprit de corps. Active-duty Sailors and family members can participate in intramural sports programs, such as flag football, softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, golf and more.
All-Navy Sports Sailors who possess the athletic skills to compete above the intramural level in team or individual sports have the chance to represent the Navy at higher-level athletic competitions through the Navy Sports Program. All-Navy teams participate in the Department of Defense’s Sports Program and compete in the Armed Forces Sports Championships against teams from the Marine Corps, Army and Air Force. Following inter-service competition, the very best Navy athletes may be selected to compete as members of the All-Armed Forces Team, and participate in the Military World Games, national and international competitions. The Navy Sports Program fields All-Navy teams in boxing, bowling, cross country, wrestling, basketball, soccer, triathlon, volleyball, softball, golf, rugby and marathon. The Navy Sports Program also assists athletes who participate at the national or international level in activities that are not normally offered on a base, such as rowing, archery and shooting. Additionally, Armed Forces teams are selected to compete in international competition in tae kwon do, shooting, sailing, cycling and judo.
Deployed Forces Support MWR’s Deployed Forces Support Program enhances the quality of life of more than 180,000 Sailors and Marines at sea and forward-deployed Navy ground forces. Sports, recreational programs, physical fitness equipment, social activities (parties/ picnics), tours, subsidies/rebates and gear locker checkout are just a few of the morale-enhancing opportunities offered. Deployed Forces Support Coordinators (DFSCs) are located at major fleet concentration areas throughout the world, and assist ships and forward-deployed ground forces with programming, financial management, recreation administration, procurement and property management. DFSCs are civilian recreation and fitness professionals exclusively dedicated to supporting the MWR needs of the fleet and forward-deployed ground forces. The Navy’s MWR Civilian Afloat Program is comprised of afloat fitness (fit bosses) and recreation specialists (fun bosses) who serve aboard aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships and tenders. Fit and fun bosses work together in providing fitness and recreation programs for shipboard Sailors.
FLEET READINESS FOOD & BEVERAGE PROGRAMS
Navy Galleys Today’s Navy galleys are a part of the decades-long tradition of providing hearty meals for Sailors at sea and on shore. Primarily serving meals to single Sailors who live on base and do not receive full basic allowance for subsistence, Navy galleys provide essential food services to all uniformed military personnel at Navy installations worldwide. Over the years, galleys have evolved to reflect popular tastes in ethnic foods, such as Asian, Mexican and Italian cuisine. Many galleys also add a touch of local flavor, while emphasizing healthy meal choices. Ashore galleys are vital to readiness, serving more than 28 million meals annually. CNIC provides the resources required to ensure nutritious meals are offered in excellent facilities staffed with highly-trained Navy and civilian personnel. Resources are focused on training commands, fleet concentration areas, overseas and remote/isolated locations, which provide the greatest customer outreach opportunities.
Recreational Food Operations Navy Recreational Food Operations include a variety of concepts, ranging from full-service clubs to quick-service restaurants. There are more than 400 operations worldwide serving the Navy community, including catering and conference centers, pubs, delis, coffee shops and nightclubs. More than 100 branded concepts are located throughout the Navy, including Chili’s Grill & Bar, Guinness Irish Pubs, A&W Root Beer, Mean Gene’s Burgers and Starbucks “We Proudly Brew,” to name a few. In addition, CNIC partners with the Navy Exchange Service Command to source national brands from its portfolio.
FLEET READINESS OFFICIAL & RECREATIONAL LODGING
Navy Gateway Inns and Suites
The Navy Gateway Inns and Suites (NGIS), formerly known as the Visitors Quarters or VQ, offers more than 28,000 beds worldwide throughout Navy bases for the official traveler, in support of readiness and mission accomplishment. Guests have the same quality facilities, furnishings and lodging services that they would find in a mid-level, commercial hotel. For more information, visit www.cnic.navy.mil and click on “Fleet and Family Readiness,” then “Fleet Readiness.” To make a reservation, click on “Navy Gateway Inns and Suites” on the Fleet Readiness page, or visit www.dodlodging.net.
Cabins, Camping, Cottages and RV Parks
MWR offers more than 600 recreation cabins and cottages, and more than 2,000 RV campsites (with partial or full hookups) at 46 installations throughout the Navy.
New Sanno Hotel The New Sanno Hotel, operated by the U.S. Navy, is located in the heart of downtown Tokyo, Japan. Offering 149 luxurious rooms at reasonable rates for authorized patrons, it has recently upgraded its amenities, such as a swimming pool, recreational facilities, a Navy Exchange and other services designed for military travelers. The Status of Forces Agreement regulates and controls patronage at the New Sanno Hotel. For more information on the New Sanno Hotel, visit www.thenewsanno.com.
FLEET READINESS MEDIA & RESOURCE
Movies The mission of the Navy Entertainment Movie Program is to provide entertainment movies for deployed forces, i.e., afloat Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Military Sealift Command personnel, as well as movie entertainment on Navy installations. The Navy Motion Picture Service (NMPS) supplies movies to more than 800 afloat and ashore locations worldwide on film and tape. NMPS distributes 150,000 copies of movies annually and has an inventory of 600,000 videotapes. Watching movies is one of the most popular leisure activities provided by Navy MWR to Sailors at sea. The Navy’s movie program has grown over the past five years worldwide. Support for deployed forces includes mobile movie equipment packages for ships and shore units, as well as special movie presentations.
Libraries The Navy General Library Program (NGLP) features facilities that offer a wide variety of books and periodicals, computer resources and programs that enhance opportunities for educational research and recreational reading. NGLP supports all general libraries in the Navy, including more than 300 afloat and 30 shore locations. NGLP also outfits new ships with libraries and provides support to military missions in the Unified Pacific Command. NGLP has partnered with Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) to provide downloadable audio books, e-books, Navy Times, reference materials and practice tests at no cost to Sailors and Marines. Library Multimedia Resource Centers (LMRCs) use space-saving digital technology to increase the holdings of afloat libraries by enabling the storage of reading materials on computer media and providing e-mail and Internet connectivity. The technology supports access to accredited educational programs that enable crewmembers to pursue advanced education opportunities. Sailors consistently rate the availability of computers and Internet connectivity at LMRCs as important shipboard quality of life services. Support for deployed forces includes compact, battery-powered audio books and monthly shipments of popular paperbacks to afloat and shore commands.
FLEET READINESS FLEET & FAMILY RECREATION
Auto Skills, Car Washes and Vehicle Storage
The Navy MWR Auto Skills Program provides indoor and outdoor stall space and appropriate tools for authorized patrons to work on personal vehicles. These centers are not intended to be full-service stations, but rather facilities where customer selfhelp is fostered and automotive skills are learned. Trained MWR professionals provide guidance, when necessary. Many auto skills centers sell automotive-related products, operate car washes and manage the installation’s vehicle storage program.
Bowling
The Navy MWR Bowling Program offers open and league bowling, special youth programs, instructional classes, pro shops, game rooms, and food and beverage areas. Many centers have upgraded their facilities to offer “cosmic bowling,� with glow-in-the-dark balls, pins and other equipment. Birthday parties and an assortment of family-oriented activities are also available.
Entertainment
The Navy Entertainment Program provides quality, live entertainment for Sailors stationed overseas and on deployed ships at sea, and assists CONUS locations with talent referral and production of shows. Navy MWR partners with United Service Organizations (USO) and Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE) when possible, to bring the largest number of shows to the most locations.
Information, Tickets and Travel (ITT) Located on virtually every Navy installation around the world, MWR’s Information, Tickets and Travel (ITT) offices are the key to savings for Sailors and their families looking for discounted tickets. ITT has a wide variety of information on local and national attractions, hotels, vacation cruise packages, community events and other MWR events. ITT operations save Sailors and their families about $15 million each year. Overseas ITT offices focus primarily on international trips and tours to help Sailors and their families visit the area they are stationed near, and provide them with the opportunity to learn about new cultures and people. Each year, about 30,000 Sailors and their families take advantage of international trips available through overseas ITT offices.
Liberty (Single Sailor) Liberty is a worldwide MWR program that positively impacts the quality of life and contributes to the personal readiness of single and unaccompanied military personnel. Liberty provides high-energy recreation programs, superior entertainment experiences and development of personal leisure skills, leading to extraordinary and unique opportunities for enjoyment, activity and adventure in an alcohol and tobacco-free environment. Sailors can kick back and relax at the Liberty Center, be with their friends and find fun things to do in their off-duty time. Most Liberty Centers include free use of computers, Internet and wireless Internet, state-of-the-art video game systems, movies and TV rooms, book collections and special events. Liberty trips and tours include sporting events, outdoor adventures, shopping trips, amusement parks, deep-sea fishing and community events, including festivals, concerts and seasonal programs. Although the Liberty Program is primarily for young, enlisted service members, all unaccompanied personnel assigned to U.S. Navy installations are eligible to participate. Children under 18 are not allowed on trips and tours or inside Liberty Centers. Guests are allowed to participate in selected activities on a space-available basis, but do not receive the Liberty Program discount.
Marinas and Sailing The Navy has 36 MWR marinas offering a variety of boating opportunities, including kayaks, canoes, sailboats and powerboat rentals. Private berthing and retail sales (bait/tackle/licenses) are also available at some locations.
Golf Navy MWR has 38 golf courses on bases throughout the world offering open course play, tournament play, pro shops, driving ranges, cart rentals and snack bars. Professional Golfers Association (PGA) certified instructors also offer classes and personalized lessons.
Outdoor Recreation The Navy Outdoor Recreation Program introduces Sailors to the world of outdoor recreation, where MWR professionals organize and lead safe, challenging outings, activities and instructional programs. Examples include white water rafting, rock climbing, kayaking and hiking. Many locations also offer equipment rentals, special events, guided trips, and resale and equipment repair services. Examples include camping equipment, camping trailers, grills, dunk tanks, party bags, party inflatables and costume rentals.
SPECIAL INTEREST PROGRAMS Navy Voting Assistance Program The Navy Voting Assistance Program (NVAP) provides voting assistance to all Department of the Navy personnel and their families around the world. NVAP ensures that all Navy personnel receive timely and accurate information regarding state and federal elections through all communications means available, 24 hours a day. Visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program Web site at www.fvap.gov for information on absentee registration and the voting process.
Flying Clubs Navy Flying Clubs offer active-duty Sailors and other authorized patrons an opportunity to develop skills in aeronautics, including piloting, navigation, aircraft mechanics and other related aero sciences. There are currently eight Navy Flying Clubs at bases around the world.
Civilian MWR Activities Civilian MWR activities include the establishment, operation and control of MWR activities and nonappropriated fund instrumentalities (NAFIs), such as cafeterias and recreational activity funds for holiday parties, on Department of Defense (DoD) installations dedicated to the support of DoD civilian employees and others as authorized in DoD directives.
HOUSING The CNIC FFR Housing Program is focused on ensuring that service members, both single and those with families, receive adequate and affordable housing worldwide, whether provided by the local, private community or under government sponsorship. The Housing Program provides modern, comfortable facilities that reflect the Navy’s commitment to quality of life. In addition, the Housing Program provides a variety of housing referral services to customers. From transient and permanent lodging for single Sailors to multi-room housing units for families, Navy Housing professionals provide high-quality facilities and services. A variety of on-base and off-base housing is available to meet the specific needs of Sailors and their families. Family housing includes one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, town homes and single-family houses. Many units are undergoing renovation and new units are being built in various locations. Many housing areas feature Youth Recreation Centers and MWR activities.
Public - Private Venture (PPV) Housing
Privatized housing, also known as Public-Private Venture (PPV) housing, is owned by a private entity and governed by a business agreement in which the Navy has limited rights and responsibilities. The private entity is entirely responsible for the construction, renovation, maintenance and day-to-day management of the housing. PPV housing may be located on or off government property and may include former military housing. If a Sailor and their family want to live in PPV housing, the local housing welcome center will process their PPV housing application and refer them to the private property management company that manages the PPV housing units and handles all resident matters, including maintenance.
The goal is zero out-of-pocket rent expenses for PPV housing residents, who sign a lease with the property management company. Sailors still receive their BAH and pay rent directly to the property manager. There is no pet deposit and, if rent is paid by direct deposit, there is no security deposit. Throughout the transition period, housing will either be renovated or replaced and some inconveniences may occur. For example, service members may have to relocate to other housing units during the transition period. Nevertheless, this transition period is relatively short and, in most cases, the transition is smooth. In the end, the benefits will outweigh the minor inconveniences incurred. For more information on Navy PPV, visit Navy Housing OneStop, the one-stop source for Navy Housing worldwide, at https://www.housing.navy.mil/onestop.
Bachelor Housing The CNIC Housing Program is also dedicated to providing adequate living quarters for single Sailors. While the physical construction and renovation of facilities belong to the Facilities and Environmental Program (N4), the Housing Program works closely with them to assure newly-constructed buildings and renovations are outfitted with furnishings, fixtures and equipment for Sailors. In addition, the Housing Program provides management professionals to operate Bachelor Quarters. Recently, some bachelor housing units were privatized in a similar manner to family housing. San Diego’s Pacific Beacon showcases the results of partnering with the private sector to achieve even greater than expected outcomes. Visit www.pacificbeacon.com for what we hope will become the model for future bachelor housing projects.
SUPPORT SERVICE CENTER The FFR Support Service Center includes the Legal Office, Information Technology Branch, Financial Management Branch, Personnel Branch, Training Branch, Facilities and Acquisitions Branch, and Marketing and Multimedia Development Branch. This group supports the work of all Fleet and Family Readiness Programs. The support includes design and development of land and buildings, finance program support, computer operations for point-of-sale facilities, personnel and training of staff, and marketing and multimedia development. At Navy installations, you will see them as the administrative activity supporting FFR Programs.
Student Internships The Navy Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) Internship Program provides college seniors and graduate students with an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge and skills in a real-world work experience within a Navy community. The 12week internship places students under the care and supervision of a qualified mentor, who guides and supports them as they learn first-hand what it takes to deliver quality programs and services to Sailors and their families. Interns earn college credits and valuable experience, while helping to enhance the quality of life of the Navy community. Students interested in applying for an FFR internship must be enrolled in a degree program related to an FFR Program. Currently FFR offers placements in social work, library science, business and hospitality, sports, fitness, aquatics, community recreation, youth recreation, outdoor recreation, child development, special events, tourism, marketing, food and beverage management, and food and beverage culinary experiences. For additional information about the FFR Internship Program, visit http://www.mwr.navy.mil.
Produced By:
NAVY FFR MARKETING & MULTIMEDIA DEVELOPMENT BRANCH
COMMANDER, NAVY INSTALLATIONS COMMAND MILLINGTON DETACHMENT
Revised January 2010