Expeditionary Express - August 2016

EXpeditionary e xpre s s A

Navy

E xpedi t i on ary

Fallen Warriors CTF 56 Remembers

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Home At Last

CRS2 Returns From Deployment

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Uniform Changes

The Shift to NWU Type III

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Retirement Changes Training the Fleet

Co m bat

Com m and

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Pu bl i cat io n

EOD Anniversary 75 Years of Excellence

August 2016

Sailors to get more training on finances, new retirement system 12

Vol. 1 Issue 1

Expeditionary

Commander’s

The Corner

Commander’s Corner - Celebrating 75 Years of EOD Excellence

NECC Overview 4

CRG 1, CRG 2 Host Midshipmen during PROTRAMID - Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 1 and 2 will wrap up their annual Professional Training for Midshipmen (PROTRAMID) training in Virginia Beach mid August.

CTF 56 Remembers NECC’s Fallen Warriors - Commander, Task Force (CTF) 56 hosted a Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) memorial ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, June 30.

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Coastal Riverine Squadron 2 Returns From Deployment - Sailors assigned to Coastal Riverine

News You Can Use

Navy Announces Elimination of NWU Type I - The Navy announced in NAVADMIN 174/16 that it will transition from the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type I to the NWU Type III as the service’s primary shore working uniform beginning Oct. 1, 2016.

Navigating C-Way: A Sailor’s Guide - Career

Waypoints, or C-Way as it is commonly referred to, has been used since 2013 as the Navy’s primary method of providing Sailors future career options including reenlistment, rate conversion, or transition into the Selected Reserves.

Around The Fleet

PACOM meeting with PLA North Sea Fleet commander - Adm. Scott Swift, commander of the

Squadron (CRS) 2, based out of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, returned home July 19 following a six-month deployment supporting operations across four areas of responsibility.

U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy North Sea Fleet headquarters where he met with fleet commander Vice Adm. Yuan Yubai, Aug. 8. Swift joined Yuan on a tour of the PLA(N) frigate Daqing (FFG 576) the following day.

NAVELSG Receives Silver Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Excellence Pennant - Navy Expedi-

New Leaders’ Training Released for the New Blended Retirement System -The De-

tionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG) received the Silver Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Excellence Pennant.

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partment of Defense (DoD) released the first of four online training courses that provides education about the military’s new blended retirement system, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2018.

how to get help

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@COMNECC @NECC

NECC Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg Comm: (757) 462-4316 ext. 25

Email: jennifer.cragg@navy.mil

NECC Public Affairs Staff MCC (SW/AW) Mary Popejoy MC2 (SW/AW) Travis DiPerna MC3 (SW/AW) Lauren Booher

Design: Lt. Tim Pietrack

corn e r

Navy Celebrates 75th anniversary of EOD Excellence

E xpre s s

Rear Adm. Brian Brakke

assumed command of NECC/ NECC Pacific on Aug. 12, 2016. NECC/NECC Pacific is a Type Command responsible for the organizing, manning, training, and equipping Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces worldwide.

NECC/NECC Pacific provides expeditionary capability when and where Combatant Commanders demand forces, and in 2015, the TYCOM completed 135 missions in 79 countries, across seven continents in support of six geographic and three functional combatant commands.

In 2016 and 2017 our nation will be marking the 75th anniversary of pivotal moments in our military and nation’s history. This year, we mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor; and in 2017, we will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of our Naval Construction Forces – the “Can-Do” Seabees; the Battle of Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway.

As President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “It takes a long time to bring the past up to the present,” it also takes the present to reflect on the past and its continued significance. Did you know that prior to the commencement of World War II there was no formal EOD program? It’s hard to imagine that there were no qualified ordnance personnel who could render safe or dispose of unexploded ordnance items that posed potential hazards to service members and civilians prior to the commencement of the Second World War.

That need for qualified ordnance experts spearheaded a formalized training program in 1941. The first EOD students to participate in formalized training comprised the Navy Mine Disposal Class, which was convened at the U.S. Naval Mine Disposal School, Naval Gun Factory. That first class graduated on Aug. 22, 1941. These students serve as EOD’s backbone of 75 years of success and sharpening of explosive ordnance disposal know how.

That same year, the Bomb Disposal School was also established. In November 1945 these two schools were combined. In 1953, two major operational EOD units were commissioned to support EOD operations in the fleet. Pacific Fleet EOD assets were organized at EOD Unit ONE at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and Atlantic Fleet EOD assets were organized at EOD Unit TWO at Charleston Naval Base, Charleston, South Carolina.

During the 1960’s, growth of the nuclear weapons arsenal and technological advances in surface and underwater ordnance generated a requirement for a larger and more technically competent EOD community and to meet this need, EOD Unit TWO was established at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Today, EOD Group TWO is located at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, and EOD Group ONE is headquartered at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California. Both groups fall under NECC/NECC Pacific.

To meet increased requirements for trained EOD Technicians, as well as to support expanding curriculum requirements, the Chief of Naval Operations implemented plans to consolidate Naval School EOD training at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The consolidation from Indian Head, Maryland to Eglin Air Force Base was completed in 1999. The consolidated EOD training facility supports the Department of Defense Joint Service EOD training mission. This centralizes all basic EOD training at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

commander’s c o rn e r

Today, EOD is comprised of nearly 3,000 officers and enlisted who provide the Navy’s own maritime EOD and Mobile and Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) capability within the Department of Defense. Navy EOD is the force of choice to conduct maritime Mine Countermeasures, counter Improvised Explosive Devices, Weapons of Mass Destruction and all other types of weaponry, and enable Special Operations and Conventional Forces access to denied areas. During 2015, EOD/MDSU forces took part in 22 combined exercises in 10 countries and provided operational support in every Combatant Commander’s theater of responsibility.

6. The EOD badge and the three levels (Basic, Senior, and Master) have become the standard for all four Services. To this day the EOD badge remains the only identical badge worn by all branches of service.

Here’s the Top 10 Things to Know about Navy EOD

8. On Feb 14, 1969, the EOD Memorial Committee formed, and consisted of senior Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force officers of the Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

1. Navy EOD is the world’s premier combat force for countering explosive hazards to include: Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), Underwater Mines and all other types of weaponry.

2. Navy EOD provides capable and ready forces to the Maritime, Joint and Land Component Commanders from CONUS and forward deployed locations around the globe.

3. Navy EOD is the only EOD Force that conducts underwater Mine Countermeasures, exploitation and attribution of underwater ordnance.

4. Navy EOD is the force of choice to enable combat operations and offensive maneuver for Conventional, Joint and Special Operations forces operating from the sea thru the littorals and ashore in denied areas.

5. The 1st U.S. Navy Bomb Disposal School formed at the American University Campus in Washington, DC and was established by Rear Admiral Draper L. Kauffman (1911-1979) aka the “Father of U.S. Bomb Disposal”.

7. EOD units start to arrive in Vietnam, 1965, which saw an increase in overall participation by EOD units. From 1966 to the drawdown of Vietnam in 1971, EOD personnel responded to more than 95,000 EOD incidents and EOD personnel received 106 Purple Heart Medals. During the same period EOD personnel earned seven Silver Star Medals.

Navy expeditionary combat command Welcomes new commander

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) welcomed its newest commander during a change of command ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Aug. 12.

Rear Adm. Brian Brakke relieved Rear Adm. Frank Morneau as the fifth commander of the expeditionary Type Command since its establishment in January 2006.

Distinguished guests in attendance included: Adm. John Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations; Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; Vice Adm. Rick Breckenridge, deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; Lt. Gen. John Wissler, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens, and many others.

Davidson gave the ceremony’s keynote address and presented Morneau with the Distinguished Service Medal Gold Star in lieu of second award.

During Morneau’s “Force Master Chief Time,” Force Master Chief Lance Kitchens emphasized the impact the outgoing commander had throughout the NECC force.

“It has been an absolute privilege,” said Kitchens referring to Morneau as his hero and his friend.

Kitchens also reflected on Sailor accomplishments throughout the NECC force during Morneau’s tenure - from the six Sailors selected as Sailors of the Year and promoted meritoriously to Chief Petty Officer to the 241 Sailors promoted to the next paygrade through the Meritorious Advancement Program.

Upon assuming command, Brakke focused on his charge of command and recognized the professionalism of his expeditionary Sailors.

“My charge and intent are clear, through our Design for Maritime Superiority, we develop, generate and employ expeditionary combat forces, where it matters, when it matters and with what matters to enable distributed fleet operations and distributed logistics,” said Brakke, who added

9. Navy EOD represented the critical element in eliminating UXO from the USS Stark (FFG-31) after two anti-ship Exocet missiles fired from an Iraqi aircraft hit her May 18, 1987.

10. Throughout the 2000s, Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal experienced a high level of growth. Student throughput in 2000 was 428; in 2009 it increased to 1277; in 2012 it increased to over 1,800 total throughput capacities for U.S. EOD Basic, Advanced IED Disposal, and International EOD Courses.

- Rear Adm. Brakke

Commander, NECC/NECC PAC

“Today is somewhat unique,” said Davidson. “You usually come to a change of command ceremony - it is the passing of accountability something that those of us in uniform relate to wholly. You cannot escape the 24/7/365 accountability and responsibility of command ... But we’re also here because we’re saying goodbye to someone who is going to retire after 33 years of service.”

After receiving his end-of-tour award, Morneau reflected on expeditionary Sailors standing the watch worldwide.

“On behalf of NECC, this award represents the thousands of Sailors who have sacrificed unselfishly,” said Morneau, who also thanked many of his classmates from the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1983 for attending the ceremony.

In addition to his end-of-tour award, representatives from the Game Wardens of Vietnam presented Morneau with an honorary black beret, and referred to the retired admiral as their “NECC Champion.”

that NECC’s combat power and its technologic edge tied with the fighting power equals the combat effectiveness of our force.

“I also want to recognize the men and women of our NECC force.

These men and women represent the toughness of our expeditionary fighting forces,” Brakke stated.

Brakke reflected on the past 28 years serving with Morneau.

“I can’t think of a finer officer I would have wanted to serve alongside. Frank and I never quite look at a problem the same way and that’s why we click. I always knew it wasn’t about us. It was about the force and we’d get to what’s right for them, together,” said Brakke. “Frank, it truly is an honor to call you a friend and to thank you for your service and contributions to our Navy, nation, and NECC forces.”

NECC is an enduring warfighting force providing sea-to-shore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations that is focused on delivering combat effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.

N E C C

OVERVIEW

CTF 56 Remembers NECC’s Fallen Warriors

CRG 1, CRG 2 Host Midshipmen during PROTRAMID

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean Furey, CTF 56 Public Affairs Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -Commander, Task Force (CTF) 56 hosted a Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) memorial ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, June 30.

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 1 and 2 will wrap up their annual Professional Training for Midshipmen (PROTRAMID) training in Virginia Beach mid August.

Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Thomas Patten, a native of Woodbridge, New Jersey assigned to Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 1, instructs midshipmen from the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) on how to properly assemble a Mossberg 500 shotgun during a tour of Navy Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach. CRG-1 hosted the tour as part of the Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID) program. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kelsey L. Adams/Released)

From May through mid-August, CRG 1 and CRG 2 hosts more than 2,400 midshipmen who learn everything from weapons handling and maintenance, to boat familiarization.

This training opportunity provides the midshipmen a chance to experience the broad range and multiple facets that encompass the Navy’s mission to include expeditionary forces.

Rear Adm. Stephen Evans, commander, Naval Service Training Command visited ongoing PROTRAMID training hosted by CRG 2 in Virginia Beach in late July to see firsthand the experience the visiting midshipmen are receiving.

“It was great opportunity to have Rear Adm. Evans see firsthand the variety of training the midshipmen are receiving in the Coastal Riverine Force,” said Capt. Bob Cepek, Commander, CRG 2. “The midshipmen are rotating through four different training stations here in Virginia Beach to familiarize themselves with everything from weapons maintenance to using a weapons simulator.”

Cepek added that the PROTRAMID training opportunity provides the midshipmen their first opportunity

Commander, Task Force (CTF) 56 held a memorial ceremony honoring 51 NECC service members that have been killed in action. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean Furey)

to experience the Coastal Riverine Force so they can focus CTF-56 Sailors gathered to remember and pay tribon obtaining the various required qualifications. ute to the 51 service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice during combat operations throughout Iraq and Afghan Coastal Riverine Force (CRF) operates in harbors, istan. rivers, bays, across the littorals and ashore. The primary mission of CRF is to conduct maritime security operations The guest speaker for the ceremony, Capt. Jim Mcacross all phases of military operations by defending high Govern, commodore, CTF-56, reminded everyone in attenvalue assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and har- dance that freedom does not come without sacrifice. bors both inland and on coastal waterways against enemies and when commanded conduct offensive combat opera- “Since gaining our independence, over 1.1 million tions.

Americans have lost their lives protecting what America is best known for -- freedom,” said McGovern. “This historic American milestone did not come without cost to our greatest American treasure, our military forces. Without the selfless sacrifice of our men and women in the armed forces, our country would without question not be free.”

As part of the ceremony, the names of the 51 fallen service members were read aloud and their dog tags were hung on CTF-56’s newly-built Fallen Warrior Memorial.

“The unveiling of this fallen warrior memorial is extremely important because it serves as a constant reminder,” said McGovern. “The freedom we enjoy today is never free, and our expeditionary heroes are never to be forgotten.”

Commander, Task Force 56 plans and executes expeditionary combat support throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The task force encompasses nine task groups whose missions range from explosive ordnance disposal and navy diving, naval construction forces and expeditionary logistics support, maritime interdiction operations and maritime security, to embarked security teams and combat camera.

C o a sta l R iver i n e Squadron 2 Returns From Deployment

NAVELSG Receives Silver Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Excellence Pennant

By Coastal Riverine Squadron Two Public Affairs

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

HAMPTON, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2, based out of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, returned home July 19 following a six-month deployment supporting operations across four areas of responsibility.

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (NNS) -- Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG) received the Silver Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Excellence Pennant during a June ceremony.

150206-N-AC237-111 NORFOLK (Feb. 6, 2015) Chief Boatswain’s Mate Michaels Myers hugs his daughter and holds his new born son for the first time during the CRS-2 homecoming celebration at

160120-N-ZZ999-001 ANTARCTICA (Jan. 21, 2016) Navy Cargo Handling Battalion ONE (NCHB 1) Sailors arrive at McMurdo Station, Antarctica via U.S. Air Force C-130 in support of the National

the Naval Station Norfolk Air Mobility Command Terminal. CRS-2 returned home after a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication

Science Foundation annual resupply mission in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2016 (ODF ‘16). The United States Navy has been a part of Operation Deep Freeze since 1955. NCHB 1 is the Navy’s

Specialist 2nd Class Benjamin Wooddy/Released)

only active duty Navy cargo handling battalion and operates in concert with NAVELSG’s six reserve cargo handling battalions. (U.S. Navy Photo by Electricians Mate 1st Class Jeremy Bivens/Released)

“I am truly proud of each and every Sailor at CRS 2 and of their many accomplishments during our deployment,” said Cmdr. Samuel Davis, commander, CRS 2. “Their strength, dedication to the mission and sincere care for one another demonstrated in this dynamic and arduous operating environment is a testament to their keen abilities and resolve. I am deeply grateful for the enduring support we all received from family and friends throughout our deployment.”

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeffrey Allen Crook, one of the new fathers, greeted his six-week old son upon returning from deployment.

“Absolutely a blessing,” said Crook, who was also welcomed home by his extended family.

CRS 2 Ombudsman Kimberly Essenburg was on hand to welcome the returning Sailors back to Virginia and discussed the joy of homecomings.

“It’s like Christmas, but the night before,” said Essenburg, who was joined by CRS 2 Family Readiness Group President Rebecca Hamilton.

During the deployment, the over 350 Sailors completed a variety of missions to include dynamic and static seaward security for high value assets, landward security, aircraft security and maritime domain awareness operations. Additionally, Sailors conducted unmanned aerial vehicle operations and interoperability training with adjacent forces during their deployment.

CRS 2 supported operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. In addition, the Sailors of CRS 2 provided force protection and participated in International Mine Countermeasures Exercise and Eager Lion 2016 in Aqaba, Jordan.

The pennant demonstrates the initiative displayed

by NAVELSG Sailors to enroll in the expeditionary warfare (EXW) program. Additionally, all of the Sailors at NAVELSG have not exceeded the 30-month qualification requirement to gain their EXW pin.

“This accomplishment signifies pride and excellence,” said NAVELSG Command Master Chief Darcy

Additionally, CRS 2 Sailors supported operations in Beauchamp. “Our EXW coordinators took that goal of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas earning the EXW pennant seriously and the results speak of responsibility while operating out of Rota, Spain, and for themselves.” conducted security missions in Panama in support of U.S. Southern Command.

Beauchamp added he made it a personal goal for himself when he checked into the command in July 2014

CRS 2 is part of the Coastal Riverine Force (CRF), to encourage all Sailors within the command to strive for which operates in harbors, rivers, bays, across the littorals excellence in everything they do. and ashore. The primary mission of the CRF is to conduct maritime security operations across all phases of military During the 2015-2016 holiday stand-down, 10 EXW operations by defending high value assets, critical maritime specialists and 14 enrolled Sailors applied initiative -- one of infrastructure, ports and harbors both inland and on coastal the CNO’s core attributes -- into their command’s program waterways against enemies, and when commanded conduct and created the first two-week EXW Academy to assist offensive combat operations.

Sailors in achieving their pin ahead of the required timeframe. The creation of the EXW Academy at NAVELSG was

The CRF is comprised of units manned, trained, and launched soon after the Navy Expeditionary Combat Comequipped to conduct port and harbor security, high-value mand (NECC) instruction was released September 2015, asset security and escort, surveillance and reconnaissance, which provided EXW guidance for the entire expeditionary insertion and extraction of small units and command and force. control for supporting assigned units. The CRF is capable of conducting 24-hour operations in all weather conditions “Many of our Sailors come from within the NECC and climates.

Force and are pleased to be part of a command that has this pennant; it gives them a great sense of accomplishment, pride and boosts morale,” said Beauchamp.

NECC Force Master Chief Lance Kitchens was pleased with the NAVELSG Sailors’ performance and drive to obtain the pennant -- the first to do so within NECC.

“This pennant gives pride to all of the NAVELSG Sailors and further shows them that through their dedication and teamwork demonstrated the command’s toughness,” said Kitchens. “This example of warrior ethos will motivate other commands within NECC to strive toward excellence and will also give NAVELSG Sailors who are still working hard to earn their EXW a reason to keep pushing knowing that they set the standard.”

NAVELSG is located in Williamsburg, Virginia, with an active battalion located at Cheatham Annex and forward-deployed detachments and Reserve battalions located across the United States. NAVELSG provides Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the fleet’s surface and air-handling mission. More than 100 Sailors and civilians work hand-in-hand with the fleet and are dedicated to ensuring training is current and well executed on behalf of 2,800 active-duty and Reserve Sailors in the administration, logistics and training of their active and Reserve components.

news you can use

NEws you can use

Navigating c-way a sailors’ guide Navy Announces Elimination of NWU Type I From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy announced in NAVADMIN 174/16 that it will transition from the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type I to the NWU Type III as the service’s primary shore working uniform beginning Oct. 1, 2016.

Over the next three years, Sailors may wear either the NWU Type I or III, but effective Oct. 1, 2019, all Sailors will be expected to wear the NWU Type III as their primary Working Uniform when ashore or in port.

While the Navy is developing an incremental regional fielding plan for the NWU Type III, this transition period will give Sailors time to prepare for the change and allow them to get maximum wear out of recently purchased NWU Type I uniforms.

“As the CNO and I travel to see Sailors deployed around the world, one of the issues they consistently want to talk about are uniforms,” said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. “They want uniforms that are comfortable, lightweight, breathable ... and they want fewer of them. We have heard the feedback and we are acting on it. As a direct result of Sailors’ input, effective Oct. 1, we will transition from the NWU Type I to the NWU Type III as our primary shore working uniform.”

This change is the first step in a multi-phased process that will streamline and consolidate the Navy’s uniform requirements, and ultimately improve uniformity across the force. The Navy has listened to Sailors’ feedback and is incorporating their desires to have a working uniform that is better fitting, more breathable and lighter weight.

NWU Type III will be issued to new accessions and recruits beginning Oct. 1, 2017.

Until further policy guidance is promulgated, black boots will be the standard boot worn in the United States and its territories with the NWU Type III. However, expeditionary forces in the United States or any forward deployed forces may wear the desert tan or coyote brown boots at the discretion of the unit commanding officer with the NWU Type III. Additionally, Sailors may wear the NWU Type I black fleece liner.

Sailors will be able to buy NWU Type III components for personal wear through Navy Exchange uniform stores and call centers once there is sufficient inventory on hand.

U.S. Fleet Forces Command (FFC) continues its multi-phase wear test of improved flame resistant variant (IFRV) working uniform components, for shipboard wear. FFC most recently conducted in-depth focus groups with fleet Sailors aimed at refining the design of the IFRV coverall. Additional feedback from the focus groups, subsequently validated by a senior level working group, resulted in the preliminary design of a more professional looking two-piece utility shipboard uniform that can be worn both at sea and operational support jobs ashore. Wear tests of the prototype two-piece variants are expected to occur in 2017.

Also announced in NAVADMIN 174/16: * The Navy will transition to the black Cold Weather Parka (CWP) starting Oct. 1, 2018, as outerwear with the Service and Service Dress Uniform.

Navy All Weather Coat, Pea Coat and Reefer coat will become optional items. Mandatory wear date for the parka is Oct. 1, 2020. * Women, E7 and above, are now authorized to wear men’s uniform khaki pants without the belt and buckle with the khaki over blouse. Gig-line issues prevent wear of the male slacks with the tuck-in shirt.

* The rollout date of the male Service Dress Blue uniform at Recruit Training Command has been moved to Oct. 1, 2017, due to manufacturing delays. This change also aligns the uniform release with the introduction of the new E1-E6 Service Dress Whites. * Navy sweat shirt and pants logo has been replaced with silver reflective lettering “NAVY,” which is similar to the logo on the Navy Physical Training Uniform shirt and shorts. The sweatshirt and pants are now available for purchase at Navy Exchange uniform centers. * Commands may now authorize the wear of a “Don’t Tread on Me” and Reverse U.S. Flag patches on NWU Type II and Type III. * Approval for the replacement of the Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC) insignia. Going forward, there will be three separate insignias to denote a Sailor’s specific qualification level, which are SWCC basic, SWCC senior and SWCC master. The implementation date is Aug. 19, 2016, with a mandatory wear date of Oct. 1, 2016. * The Navy Uniform Matters Office is in the process of redesigning their website to enhance the dissemination and information regarding recent uniform changes. We expect the site to be running in the coming months.

The Navy continues to conduct a wear test of new women’s khaki pants and is developing options to improve the sizing of women’s khaki pants for E7 and above. We expect that the new women’s khaki pants will be available for purchase in late 2017 or early 2018.

Enlisted clothing replacement allowance will be adjusted to cover costs of these uniform changes and requirements. However, by law, commissioned officers are currently entitled to a one-time uniform stipend ($400), paid at the beginning of their careers. An additional stipend cannot be granted without a change in law.

NAVADMIN 174/16 contains more detail on the uniform changes and can be found at www.npc.navy.mil.

Navy Announces Elimination of Officer Photograph for Selection Boards NAVADMIN 186/16 announced the elimination of the requirement for officer photographs during selection boards. NAVADMIN 186/16 reads : 1. This NAVADMIN announces the elimination of the requirement to display an official photograph for officer selection boards, as adherence to physical standards, military bearing and service professionalism is documented in fitness reports and the officers performance summary report (PSR).

2. This change is effective immediately. A change to MILPERSMAN Article 1070-020, Officer Official Military Personnel File will reflect the elimination of the requirement to display the photograph during officer promotion selection boards.

3. The requirement to maintain an officer photograph in the official service record will continue to exist in accordance with MILPERSMAN Article 1070-180, Officer Photographs. The point of contact (POC) for photo submission to Official Military Personnel File is Records Management and Policy (PERS-313) at (901) 874-3407/DSN 882.

Navigating C-Way: A Sailor’s Guide

By Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Career Waypoints, or C-Way as it is commonly referred to, has been used since 2013 as the Navy’s primary method of providing Sailors future career options including reenlistment, rate conversion, or transition into the Selected Reserves.

While some Sailors are very familiar with C-Way, others are not. However, the most important thing for every Sailor to know is they have the ability to review their reenlistment options early and often with their command career counselors and chain of command.

“C-Way is designed for Sailors to best help navigate their careers, whether they are reenlisting or if they convert to a different rate,” said Fleet Master Chief of Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E) April Beldo. “It allows the Navy to make sure that the health of our communities remains stabilized while providing Sailors the best opportunities for advancement.”

Starting the C-Way Process

Sailors should meet with their command career counselor 15 months before their soft end of obligated active service (SEAOS) or projected rotation date (PRD) to discuss their options.

The Career Navigator skill set list, located on the C-Way web page, assists command career counselors and Sailors on their career decisions before submitting a C-Way application for reenlistment or conversion.

“The Career Management Program or Career Navigator is not only about transition, it is about being able to manage your career earlier, and Sailors having the ability to make choices,” said Beldo. “It enables the Navy to continue watching the health of each rating and the health of the communities while providing Sailors with the best possible opportunities.”

Once Sailors have made a decision, command career counselors submit their application until the request has been approved.

Those Sailors with a SEAOS will have four in-rate reviews starting at 13 months, followed by four conversion reviews, and then three selected reserve (SELRES) only reviews.

Those Sailors in the Professional Apprenticeship Career Track (PACT) program should work with their career counselors to ensure that their applications are submitted correctly.

The Navy’s Approval Process

The Bureau of Naval Personnel in Millington, Tennessee, approves requests for reenlistment through the C-Way system for all Active Component and FTS E3-E6 Sailors with 14 years or less of service.

Most Sailors’ applications are approved during the first or second CWay application window.

“The monthly results for in-rate approval, conversion and SELRES usually releases results within ten business days after that month’s requests have been submitted,” said Earl Salter, deputy director of Career Waypoints. “If you are a first class petty officer or applying for a rate that has an auto-approval option, approval is instantaneous, he said.

C-Way automatically generates reenlistment applications 15 months prior to a Sailors’ PRD for those who have less than 24 months between PRD and SEAOS. For SEAOS at 10 to 13 months, Sailors have several choices, including four in-rate looks for active duty or Full Time Support (FTS) in-rate reenlistment, active duty or FTS rate conversion, transition to SELRES or separation from the Navy.

“Throughout the C-Way process, Sailors need to be proactive and make sure that their packages are up to date,” said Beldo. “Any time something changes, such as earning a warfare device, receiving an award or a personnel evaluation, Sailors should check with their command career counselors to make sure their applications reflect the latest information.”

If Sailors are not selected for an in-rate reenlistment, they can then request conversion to a different rating they are qualified for from the open rates list during the nine to six month range. Sailors will receive four conversion looks or can choose to transition into SELRES or separate from the Navy. Rate-conversion quotas are limited, and once a Sailor is selected, that decision is final.

At five to three months, Sailors may submit an application for transition into SELRES if they were not selected for reenlistment or rate conversion. During that timeframe, Sailors will receive three looks for transition to SELRES within a different rate. If not selected, then the Sailor must separate from the Navy.

“Navy leadership has worked hard to make enhancements to C-Way so that it can be the best for both the Fleet and the Sailors,” said Salter. “Retaining the best and brightest Sailors for the Navy is the most important thing for the Fleet.”

For more information on Career Waypoints, talk to your command career counselor or visit http://www.npc.navy.mil and click the Career Waypoints link on the left side of the page.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www. facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit http:// www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.

around the fleet

around the fleet

New Leaders’ Training Released for the New Blended Retirement System Readout of Pacific Fleet commander’s meeting with PLA Navy North Sea Fleet commander

If you joined the Navy:

From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

After December 31, 2017: You’ll be automatically enrolled in the Blended Retirement System

QINGDAO, China (NNS) -- Adm. Scott Swift, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy North Sea Fleet headquarters where he met with fleet commander Vice Adm. Yuan Yubai, Aug. 8. Swift joined Yuan on a tour of the PLA(N) frigate Daqing (FFG 576) the following day.

The meetings occurred during Swift’s travel to Qingdao and Beijing for senior leader engagements and coincided with the guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold’s port visit to Qingdao.

Swift thanked his hosts for their warm hospitality and highlighted the PLA(N)’s participation as one of 26 navies in the recent U.S. Navy-led multilateral Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise held off the coast of Hawai’i and southern California. Swift underscored the importance of the spirit of inclusiveness that is a hallmark of RIMPAC, a unique forum that allows a growing number of navies to set differences aside and train together as maritime professionals. Swift also praised the improvement of the PLA(N), returning for their second RIMPAC, as one of the relatively new participants in the 25th edition of the exercise that began in 1971. One of the areas the PLA(N) trained in during this year’s RIMPAC was submarine rescue, included in the exercise for the first time.

Reiterating comments he made when meeting last year with the commander of the PLA (N), Adm. Wu Shengli, Swift emphasized to Yuan the importance of transparency, parity and reciprocity in the effort to improve the relationship between the Pacific Fleet and the PLA(N).

Swift remarked that sustained navy-to-navy engagements, including exercises like RIMPAC, port visits by ships like Benfold and professional exchanges like his visit to North Sea Fleet, were essential building blocks toward increasing cooperation and reducing tensions at sea.

Swift noted that Qingdao was where the multilateral Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) protocol was signed by regional navies, including the U.S. Navy and PLA(N), during the 2014 Western Pacific Naval Symposium,

After December 31, 2005, but before January 1, 2018: You’ll have the choice to enroll in the Blended Retirement System or remain in today’s current retirement system Before January 1, 2006: You’ll be grandfathered and remain in today’s current retirement system

160720-N-AT895-005 QINGDAO (July 20, 2016) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson visits the Chi-

The Navy is setting up new financial training to educate sailors on the new retirement system and how to manage their

nese People’s Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA(N)) Submarine Academy, North Sea Fleet Headquarters and a PLAN frigate

finances. The training will draw on other training. Here, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Nicholas Sulu attends a financial respon-

and submarine in Qingdao, China. Richardson is on a multi-day trip to China to meet with his counterpart, improve mutual

sibility course in 2013.(Photo: MC3 Paul Kelly/Navy)

understanding, and encourage professional interaction between the two navies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathan Laird/Released)

and that both navies had demonstrated the value of CUES several times in international waters. Swift advocated for the expansion of CUES to include all regional naval forces, including coast guards.

Swift and Yuan also discussed operations at sea.

Swift commented that despite any differences in national policies, it is incumbent upon fleet commanders like himself and Yuan to ensure that actions at the tactical level do not have unintended strategic implications.

Yuan later joined Swift aboard Benfold for a visit with the ship’s crew and a reception hosted by the ship to highlight the cooperation between the two navies.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter. com/usnavy.

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs Office

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Defense (DoD) released the first of four online training courses that provides education about the military’s new blended retirement system, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2018.

The first training course is specially designed for leaders, so they can understand the new blended retirement system before service members are introduced to it. The Leader Course (J3OP-US1330) is posted to Joint Knowledge Online http://jko.jten.mil/courses/brs/leader_training/Launch_Course.html (common access card required) and will be posted to Navy e-Learning soon.

Three other web-based training courses for financial specialists, new accessions and those who are eligible to optinto the new system will be released in the coming months.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016 established a new blended military retirement system that goes into effect Jan. 1, 2018. All currently serving Sailors are grandfathered into today’s military retirement system.

Sailors with fewer than 12 years of service as of December 31, 2017 (or fewer than 4,320 retirement points in the case of reserve component members), will be able to choose to remain in the current system or opt into the blended military retirement system.

The blended retirement system will provide a modern compensation plan that serves all Sailors, not just those who stay in for a full career. Today, approximately 81 percent of service members who join the military leave with no retirement benefit. Under the blended military retirement system, approximately 85 percent of those who join will receive a retirement benefit, even if they leave before qualifying for full retirement.

The new system is comprised of three elements: a 401(k) style component with matching funds, a mid-career continuation pay bonus, and a retirement annuity for completing twenty or more years of eligible service. For the first time, the Government will automatically contribute to service members’ Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) accounts and institute a program for matching their contributions similar to the Federal Employee Retirement System.

To learn more about the new retirement system, please visit: Military Compensation or view the DoD’s information graphic on the blended retirement system: The U.S. Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System

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For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.

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