Expeditionary Express - February 2017

EXpeditionary e xpre s s A

Navy

E xpedi t i on ary

Meet NECC & Sailors of the Year

NECC-PAC

Retention Excellence Awards, 8 check out the winners Coastal Riverine Squadron 4 Returns from 7-month Deployment NECC Holds VA Workshop

Co m bat

5

Com m and

8 10

Pu bl i cat io n

VISITS EODOFGROUP 2 NECCMCPON ANNOUNCES SAILORS THE YEAR FEBRUARY 2017

UCT 2 cddc provides underwater infastructure repairs in the pacific fleet

Vol. 1 Issue 7

Expeditionary E xpre s s Force Master Chief’s Corner

Operation Deep Freeze: Boots on Ice

Bravo Zulu to our NECC and NECC-Pacific Sailors of the Year

NECC’s-Pacific Civilian of the Year NECC’s Civilian of the Month NECC’s Sailor of the Quarter 5

NECC Overview NECC Sailors of the Year - Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and NECC-Pacific named its Sea, Shore and Reserve Sailors of the Year (SOY) during a luncheon Feb. 8.

Coastal Riverine Squadron Four Returns Home from Seven-Month Deployment

NORFOLK, Va. - Family members and friends of Sailors 10 assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) Four welcomed home their loved ones at Naval Air Station Norfolk from a seven-month deployment to Commander, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Fleet areas of operations, Jan. 21.

NECC

Holds

VA

Benefits

Workshop

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) held a Veterans’ Services workshop to inform members on information regarding filing for disabilities through the Department of Veterans Affairs

ANTARCTICA -- After four long days of travel, Sailors from Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) 1 arrived safely at the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Antarctica, where they will be participating in Operation Deep Freeze 2017.

News You Can Use NAVY LAUNCHES FULL SPEED AHEAD -WASHINGTON -- The chief of Naval Personnel announced Jan. 30 new training for 2017 that expands on existing efforts to prevent destructive behaviors across the fleet.

Free Tax Software, Support Available for Military, Families - In advance of the holiday season, the FBI reminds shoppers to beware of cyber criminals and their aggressive and creative ways to steal money and personal information.

Around The Fleet Navy Celebrates African American/Black History Month WASHINGTON -- Throughout the month of February, the Navy joins our nation in celebrating the history and culture of African American and Black Sailors during National African American/Black History Month.

11 (DVA) at command headquarters in Virginia Beach.

how to get help

12

Follow us on Social Media

/NavyExpeditionaryCombatCommand

@COMNECC

NECC Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg Comm: (757) 462-4316 ext. 252 Email: jennifer.cragg@navy.mil

NECC Public Affairs Staff

MCC(EXW/SW/AW) Edward Kessler

PO2 (SW/AW) Travis DiPerna

FORCE MASTER CHIEF’s

CORNE R Bravo Zulu to our NECC and NECCPacific Sailors of the Year

By NECC Force Master Chief James Herdel Congratulations to the finalists and the top Sailors who will advance to the next level of competition: -- Personnel Specialist 1st Class Laura Godinez, assigned to 30th Naval Construction Regiment, was selected as the NECC Pacific Shore Sailor of the Year; -- Navy Diver 1st Class Nicholas Blankshine, assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, was selected as the NECC Pacific Sea Sailor of the Year; -- Personnel Specialist 1st Class Aliscia Malone, assigned to NECC, was selected as the NECC Shore Sailor of the Year; -- Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Keleiu Kromah, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit 2, was selected as the NECC Sea Sailor of the Year; -- Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Michael DeMercado, assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron 1, was selected as the NECC Reserve Sailor of the Year.

Our finalists have shown proven performance, proven leadership, and proven dedication to self-improvement and outstanding professionalism which makes me very proud to call them shipmates.

These Sailors help to reinforce the standards we uphold in the U.S. Navy. Your accomplishments today are helping to shape the Sailors of tomorrow.

Bravo Zulu to each and every one of you, and the mentors who have assisted you along the way.

Necc’s Civilian

o f

Karen Simmons-Faber

t h e

mo nth

“Her efforts have significantly increased coordination and the optimization of care for all supported service members,” said

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Harned, who added she consistently works far above all clinical Commander, Navy Expeditionary expectations. “She also meets on a monthly basis with representatives Combat Command Public Affairs from the NECC Recovery Care Management Program in regards to patients dually enrolled in this program.”

IRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Navy Simmons-Faber has helped to lead the way in documenting Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) announced its Civilian of patient care in the military electronic health record, AHLTA, added Harned. the Month, Feb. 1.

V

Psychological Health Team.

Dr. Karen Simmons-Faber, a psychologist and clinical supervisor, is assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2 and serves as a key member of the NECC

“I am honored to have been selected as the NECC Civilian of the Month,” said Simmons-Faber. “The accomplishments that the program has achieved over the years are due to the hard work and diligence of many members of the Psychological Health Team, and due to our continued collaboration with our medical department and Recovery Care Team.”

“She helped create a working relationship with Boone Branch Medical Clinic Psychiatry, which dramatically improved treatment and patient outcomes,” said Harned. “Dr. SimmonsFaber is making substantial contributions to NECC readiness. Her hard work, professionalism, and superior knowledge contribute significantly to the NECC mission and establish her as a critical member of the NECC team.”

Simmons-Faber added her success is linked to the team of likeminded individuals who truly care about the service members they are assisting.

“I look forward to being a part of the program’s expansion and continued evolution as we find new ways to support the remarkable

Nancy Harned, executive director, NECC, announced service members of NECC,” said Simmons-Faber, who while Simmons-Faber’s selection and said she is a true expert in her field located at EODGRU2, also provides services to other expeditionary commands within Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. and is a valuable asset for EODGRU 2.

Necc PACIFIC’s Civilian

o f t h e

Y E A R

NECC-pac Recognizes Civilians of the Year

had been selected as the Junior Civilian of the Year.

By Lt. Dalan Haas, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific Public Affairs

Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, commander, NECC and NECCPAC was present for the ceremony, and applauded their superior efforts and professionalism.

PEARL HARBOR -- Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific (NECC-PAC) announced Lynn Cardella as Senior Civilian of the Year and Adora Racaza as the Junior Civilian of the Year at the Pacific command headquarters in Pearl Harbor, Jan 31.

Cardella currently serves in the NECC-PAC operations department as operations program analyst for all NECC-PAC units.

She also serves as the command’s assistant security manager.

Racaza serves a financial management analyst for NECCPAC, and was recognized for her meticulous management and review of operations, maintenance, and Navy funding throughout fiscal year 2016.

“I was caught by surprise,” said Racaza, upon hearing she

Also recognized was Operations Specialist 1st Class Andrea Buesch, who was awarded a Flag Letter of Commendation and selected as Staff Sailor of the Quarter for NECC-PAC.

“I had no idea,” said Buesch. “It was nice to know that my efforts were noticed.”

Buesch serves in the operations department and directly contributes to the NECC and NECC-PAC situational awareness of subordinate unit readiness and movement across two numbered fleets within the Pacific Fleet area of responsibility.

NECC SAilorS Of T he

y e a r

achieved with obtaining NECC Sea Sailor of the Year.

“Being selected is a great reflection on myself, my Public Affairs Sailors, and my chain of command and also means that I have come so far as a refugee in the United States of America,” said VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia -- Navy Expeditionary ComKromah. bat Command (NECC) and NECC-Pacific named its Sea,

Capt. Jeffrey Kilian, commodore, 30th Naval ConstrucShore and Reserve Sailors of the Year (SOY) during a luncheon tion Regiment praised Godinez on her selection as NECC-PAC Feb. 8.

Shore Sailor of the Year.

The top Sailors to advance to the next level of competi- “PS1 Godinez has been an indelible force for our tion are the following: Personnel Specialist 1st Class (EXW/ command and the Pacific Seabees,” said Kilian. “I couldn’t be AW) Laura Godinez, assigned to 30th Naval Construction more proud of her selection as NECC’s-PAC Shore Sailor of the Regiment, was selected as the NECC-PAC Shore Sailor of the Year, and am thrilled to see her move forward to represent the Year; Navy Diver 1st Class (DSW/EXW/SW) Nicholas BlankSeabees at the Pacific Fleet competition.” shine, assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One, was

Upon winning the NECC-PAC Shore Sailor of the Year selected as the NECC-Pacific Sea Sailor of the Year; Personnel competition Godinez added her selection meant all of the hard Specialist 1st Class (EXW) Aliscia Malone, assigned to NECC, work was worth it. was selected as the NECC Shore Sailor of the Year; Electrician’s “It is an honor to be here to represent Naval ConstrucMate 1st Class (EXW/SW) Keleiu Kromah, assigned to Explotion Forces and gives me great pleasure to be the Sailor of the sive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit Two, was Year,” added Godinez. selected as the NECC Sea Sailor of the Year, and Machinist’s

For Malone, winning as NECC Shore Sailor of the Mate 1st Class (SS) Michael DeMercado, assigned to Coastal Year meant her junior Sailors and her leadership did their job Riverine Squadron One, was selected as the NECC Reserve extremely well.

Sailor of the Year.

“It’s not about me and what I did, but it’s about my

Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, commander, NECC and junior Sailors and their hard work, dedication, as well as the NECC-PAC addressed the Sailors during the luncheon and mentorship and guidance provided to me by my leadership,” congratulated them on their successes in reaching this point in said Malone, who added the Sailor of the Year competition is a the competition. humbling experience that she is proud to have experienced. “I

“Our Sailors of the Year represent the best of NECC hope to be an example of humility and steadfast perseverance and NECC Pacific and our Navy, they display the core values of to everyone I encountered.” initiative, toughness, integrity, and accountability,” said Brakke.

DeMercado appreciated attending the Sailor of the

“I couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments.”

Year competition and the support he received from his comDuring the Sailor of the Year luncheon NECC Force Master mand.

Chief (ESW/EXW/FPJ) James Herdel discussed the unique

“To be selected for NECC Sailor of the Year is not an qualities of each of the finalists. individual effort, but a group effort from the command,” said

“The finalists for this year’s Sailor of the Year competiDeMercado. tion from NECC and NECC Pacific were unique, mature and

Lt. Cmdr. Larrion Cassidy, chief staff officer, Coastal extremely professional,” added Herdel.

Riverine Squadron One expressed his pride on his Sailor’s

Cmdr. Rick Wilhelm, commanding officer, EODESU selection.

Two said of their command’s Sailor of the Year that he was

“He has made a lasting impression on our Sailors and most deserving of the selection as NECC Sailor of the Year. the command leadership since his first day onboard,” said Cas “Petty Officer Kromah’s selfless leadership, humility, sidy. and innate ability to motivate others to seek excellence make

All of the winners will now go on to the next level of him an ideal ambassador for the Navy Expeditionary Comcompetition at their respective geographical locations. bat Command Force,” said Wilhelm, who added Kromah has

The Navy’s SOY program was initially established in embodied leadership, mentorship, and integrity throughout his 1972 and modified throughout the years to include the Navy tour and naval career. “He is most deserving of his selection as Enlisted Reservist of the Year (inactive). The program recogthe NECC Sea Sailor of the Year and I am extremely proud of nizes one Sailor from each command who demonstrates sushis accomplishments.” tained superior performance, proven leadership, outstanding Kromah, who immigrated to the United States from Liberia professionalism and dedication to self-improvement. in September 2000, emphasized the important milestone he

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

5

NECC SAilorS Of The

COMNECC Reserve MM1 (SS) Michael DeMarcado

y e a r

COMNECC Shore PS1 (EXW) Aliscia Malone

COMNECC PAC Sea ND1 (DSW/EXW/SW) Nicholas Blankshine

COMNECC Sea EM1 (EXW/SW) Keleiu Kromah

COMNECC PAC Shore PS1 (EXW/AW) Laura Godinez

6

NECC SAilorS Of T he QUA RT ER

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Navy Expeditionary

personal commitment, and involvement in

Combat Command Public Affairs

command and force functions throughout

VIRGINIA

the reporting period.

BEACH,

Va.

--

Navy

Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC)

“Petty Officer Whitfield-Sefranka has

selected its Sailors of the Quarter for the first established herself as an indispensable and quarter of the fiscal year, Feb. 6.

vital member of the legal team,” according to the Sailor of the Quarter award citation.

Yeoman 1st Class Wesley Young, who is assigned to NECC’s Operational Support

Whitfield-Sefranka, who has been

Office, was recognized for his management assigned to NECC since the rank of seaman of the Reserve Personnel-Navy budget. recruit, had set a goal of being NECC’s Junior Young was responsible for ensuring over Sailor of the Quarter during her tour.

250 units, consisting of approximately 9,900 Sailors, were funded to execute training

“When I heard my name being

orders to supporting their unit’s Optimized called during the all-hands awards call, I Fleet Readiness Training Plan.

felt a feeling of satisfaction and motivation to keep pushing towards my goals,” said

“His

significant

accomplishments Whitfield-Sefranka.

contributed to his selection as Sailor of the Quarter for the first quarter of fiscal year

NECC is an enduring warfighting

2017,” according to the Sailor of the Quarter force providing sea-to-shore and inland award citation.

operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations, which

Young, who has been assigned to NECC is focused on delivering combat effective for nearly three years, appreciated the expeditionary forces ready for worldwide recognition from the command.

“I am truly honored to represent NECC as the SOQ, and thankful to all of my peers and co-workers for the support and guidance that helped get me here,” said Young.

Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Ashley WhitfieldSefranka, who is assigned to NECC’s legal department was recognized as junior Sailor of the Quarter for her tireless efforts,

operations now and into the future.

Households Goods Move Timelines Compressed Due to FY17 CR

By Naval Supply Systems Command Global Logistics Support Office of Corporate Communications

SAN

DIEGO -- The Navy Household Goods (HHG) global team announced Feb. 8 Sailors should expect a compressed timeline for planning and scheduling military moves through the end of the Continuing Resolution (CR) for fiscal year 2017.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (Mar. 24, 2004) - Navy family members relax on their front lawn while movers deliver household goods to their new home on Ford Island. The new housing development is part of a $35 million project to design and construct 140 homes on Ford Island and 30 homes at Radford Terrace. The homes are three and four-bedroom units arranged as duplex and quad-buildings.

As a result, once Sailors are in receipt of orders from their detailers, they should submit those orders to the HHG website within 72 hours to initiate the HHG shipment process. The website for submitting orders is www.navsup.navy.mil/household.

The consequence of the CR is service members will receive their orders only approximately two months prior to their expected move timeframe. Due to the way resources are phased and allocated under a CR, the Navy currently does not have sufficient funds in its manpower accounts to allow for the normal three to four month lead times for Sailors’ PCS orders.

Besides the time constraints, the impact of the CR will be exasperated by the usual annual peak season challenge of privatesector capacity limitations across the industry; shipping, packing, and transportation.

“We are operating under a compressed timeline due to the current CR, and our personnel working at Navy Household Goods are doing everything in their power to facilitate PCS moves once Sailors provide their official orders online,” said Rear Adm. James McNeal, commander, Naval Supply Systems Command Global Logistics Support.

“We are making extra effort to ensure our Sailors and their families are taken care of during the PCS move process; however, I cannot stress how critical it is that the service member follow the guideline to submit their official orders to our website online as soon as possible once in receipt,” said Deborah McGlennon, HHG program manager.

“PCS moves are always a team effort between the Sailor, the family members, and the Navy HHG team, but they begin with that first action -- submitting the official orders online,” said McGlennon. “That must be initiated by the Sailor.”

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

For more information, visit www.navsup.navy.mil/ household, www.facebook.com/NAVYHHG, or www.twitter. com/usnavy.

Navy HHG is providing scheduled, live webinars in an effort to help educate Sailors and their families on the HHG moving process. The schedule for the webinars is available on the www.navsup.navy.mil/household website.

8

Forty-One NECC, NECC Pacific Units Receive Retention Excellence Award

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Edward S. Kessler, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Fortyone units from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and NECC Pacific received the Retention Excellence Award, previously known as the Golden Anchor Award, for fiscal year 2016.

Commander, Pacific Fleet Rear Adm. Phillip Sawyer, announced the winners Feb. 3 in a naval message.

The Retention Excellence Award was established by U.S. Fleet Forces Command through the Fleet Retention Excellence Program, and is annually awarded to U.S. Navy commands which sustain superior levels of military retention during the previous fiscal year.

Commands must sustain superior levels of retention for each reenlistment zone, maintain an attrition rate for first-term Sailors below 6.2 percent, and are named to two or more quarterly retention honor rolls during the fiscal year.

“I’ve always believed that you need to train not only your career development team, but your entire first class and chief petty officers’ mess,” said NECC’s Master Chief Career Counselor Dianalyn Galiza. “I believe the smarter they are on career programs and policies, the more confident they are with speaking it often to their Sailors.”

Construction Battalion 1, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11, Underwater Construction Team 1, Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202, Coastal Riverine Group 2, Coastal Riverine Group 2 Det. Bahrain, Coastal Riverine Squadron 2, Coastal Riverine Squadron 4, Coastal Riverine Squadron 8, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 2, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 6, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 12, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit 2, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit 2, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 1, Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command, and Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center.

Capt. Marc Delao, chief of staff, NECC Pacific praised all of the expeditionary commands for their commitment to stay Navy.

Commands within NECC Pacific which received the Retention Excellence Award include the following: Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training Evaluation Unit 1, Naval Construction Group 1, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, Coastal Riverine Group 1 Det. Guam, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 1, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3, Coastal Riverine Squadron 11, Explosive Ordnance Expeditionary Support Unit 1, Explosive Ordnance Mobile Unit 11, 30th Naval Construction Regiment, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, Coastal Riverine Group 1, Costal Riverine Squadron 3, Explosive Ordnance Mobile Unit 5, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, and Underwater Construction Team 2.

“Bringing talent into the Navy is a function of our recruiting commands; retaining that talent is a function of the leadership, mentorship, and dedication of our force,” said Delao.

“Keeping our best and brightest is a team effort and strikes at the very core of our fighting power and combat effectiveness as a Navy expeditionary combat force.”

Each command was nominated by their respective region commander, having passed the annual career information program review with a score of 90 points or better, met all aggregated reenlistment benchmarks of 40 percent for Zone A, 50 percent for Zone B, 63 percent for Zone C, and 5 percent or less aggregate attrition for Zone A during fiscal year 2016.

Commands within NECC which received the Retention Excellence Award include the following: Naval Construction Group 2, 22nd Naval Construction Regiment, Naval Mobile

All winners may immediately fly the retention pennant and paint their anchors gold until the fiscal year 17 winners are announced.

Galiza emphasized this yearly award is linked to the command climate, involved leadership, clear standards and policies, and promotion of quality service.

Coastal Riverine Squadron Four Returns Home from Seven-Month Deployment

From Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. -- Family members and friends of Sailors assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) Four welcomed home their loved ones at Naval Air Station Norfolk from a seven-month deployment to Commander, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Fleet areas of operations, Jan. 21.

161028-N-LW591-0025 Sailors assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 4 get underway on a Mark VI Patrol Boat during weapons exercise Oct. 28, 2016.

During the deployment, 325 Sailors conducted 227 high value asset (HVA) escorts, and eight missions in support of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command priorities.

“There is nothing like a deployment homecoming and our Sailors and their families have earned this much anticipated reunion,” said Cmdr. Mark Harris, commanding officer, CRS-4. “They have been selflessly serving their country under very challenging conditions, and we have been successful because of their determination, professionalism, and can-do spirit.”

During their deployment, CRS-4 was the first squadron to operationally employ the Mark VI Patrol Boats in U.S. Fifth Fleet. Two MK VI patrol boats, designed and built by American boat manufacturer Safe Boats International, arrived at the 5th Fleet base of operations in Bahrain in March 2016.

Coastal Riverine Squadron 4’s Command Ombudsman Aubrey Stalcup attended the homecoming to help reunite Sailors with their families.

“I have attended many homecomings as an ombudsman and as a family member and they truly never get old,” said Stalcup, who added that a few of the dads were reunited with their new sons and daughters. “All around it was great to see the families be reunited and to really appreciate what our Sailors do for their country.”

Harris added that he drew inspiration during their deployment seeing his Sailors in action every day accomplishing the Coastal Riverine Force mission.

“They make me proud to serve and seeing their character makes me optimistic about our country’s future,” said Harris. “I would like to thank our families who have sacrificed so much to support their Sailors while they defend our country.”

CRS-4 falls under Coastal Riverine Group Two, which is headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. The primary mission of the Coastal Riverine Force is to conduct maritime security operations across all phases of military operations by defending highvalue assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and harbors both inland and on coastal waterways against enemies and when commanded conduct offensive combat operations.

NECC Holds VA Benefits Workshop From Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) held a Veterans’ Services workshop to inform members on information regarding filing for disabilities through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) at command headquarters in Virginia Beach.

170126-N-XJ788-003 NORFOLK, Va. (Jan. 26, 2017) Virginia Pauley, Veterans Services representative, provides training the staff of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek/Fort Story on Jan. 26, 2017. (U.S. Navy photo

by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Travis DiPerna/ Released)

Virginia Pauley, Veterans Service representative, provided the training, which focused on medical issues that can be claimed, information needed and other pertinent information is in regards to filing for disability.

“Be sure to get medical issues documented when they happen,” said Pauley. “A lot of us are programed to say things like ‘I’m good, I’m good’ during exams, but you should tell them when something hurts.”

Getting issues documented is only half the battle when applying for your benefits. Understanding which conditions are claimable is just as important.

There are two factors when figuring out if you have something to claim according to Pauley. First, if you didn’t enter the military with the issue and now you have it, you should document it.

DVA operates 26 benefit services offices that assist veterans and their family members in filing claims for federal veterans’ benefits.

NECC is an enduring warfighting force providing seato-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.

Steps to Take When you Get Within One Year of Retiring When you get within one year of retirement eligibility, you should: •Confirm when you will be eligible to get a retirement benefit; •Decide when you want to retire; • Get information about other benefits to which you may also be eligible, such as Thrift Savings Plan payment options and any other entitlements based on employment, for example: Foreign Service, Social Security, pensions from private industry, and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA). You should have a fairly comprehensive picture of all sources of your retirement income and when each is payable.

• Tell your supervisor about your proposed retirement date. You should give sufficient

The second, if your pain is chronic and recurring, then the standards have been met to move forward with filing a claim.

After filing, a majority of the cases a physical exam from the DVA doctors will be required.

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services holds VA disability claims workshops frequently. Visit Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek/Fort Story Fleet and Family Support Center to find out the current class schedule.

notice to allow for planning for someone to take your place.

•Attend a pre-retirement counseling seminar.

• Make an appointment with your personnel officer to review your Official Personnel Folder (OPF) or its equivalent to make sure all your records are complete and accurate, all service is verified, and your insurance coverage is documented.

For a full listing, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs, https://www.opm.gov/ retirement-services/csrs-information/planning-and-applying/#url=One-Year-Away

11

Operation Deep Freeze: Boots on Ice

By Chief Logistics Specialist (SW/AW/ FMF) James Hawley, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group Public Affairs

ANTARCTICA -- After four

long days of travel, Sailors from Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) 1 arrived safely at the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Antarctica, where they will be participating in Operation Deep Freeze 2017.

170119-N-UD775-011 Sailors assigned to Navy Cargo Handling Battalion ONE (NCHB-1) completed an acclimation hike and stopped to look out over McMurdo Bay in Antarctica. NCHB-1, for 61 years, has conducted cargo operations in Antarctica in support of the National Science Foundation.

The annual mission, which NCHB 1 has been participating in for more than 50 years, resupplies the U.S. Antarctic Program’s largest base on the most remote continent. NSF manages the Antarctic Program.

The Sailors are in high spirits and are glad to be participating in such a unique opportunity.

“I’m thrilled to be here,” said Chief Boatswain’s Mate Mykel Stevens. “I’m one of the lucky few who have been here multiple times, but I’m so glad there are a lot of junior troops here who are getting to experience this rare opportunity.”

A rare opportunity it is, as cargo handlers are the Navy’s only robust and recurrent presence on the Antarctic continent. The rareness of the opportunity is not lost on Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Ryan Shultz.

“I’m just excited to see something that so few people have the opportunity have seeing.”

Prior to arriving in Antarctica, Sailors received Extreme Cold Weather gear in Christchurch, New Zealand to prepare for the mission. With the significant time change -- 18 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, coupled with 24 hours of daylight create challenges for acclimatization.

“It takes some time to adjust to the unique environment down here,” said Lt. David Shayeson, detachment officer in charge.

Sailors have been acclimating to the weather and harsh environmental conditions with physical training and team building activities allowing Sailors to settle into a routine and prepare for the start of cargo operations.

One event included a climate acclimatization team hike, in which Sailors trekked over three miles on the Ridge Line trail overlooking the McMurdo Sound.

Along the way, they stopped at memorial markers commemorating the lives of shipmates who lost their lives while working here in 1956 and 1982, in the promotion of scientific endeavors in the last frontier.

With shipboard operations starting in a few days, NCHB 1 Sailors have been busy performing driver training, cargo accountability training, and lending assistance to the camp where needed.

Additionally, Sailors have leveraged opportunities to listen to NSF’s Albert P. Crary Science and Engineering Center lectures, which cover a broad range of scientific research initiatives here.

“People are friendly to talk to and have a lot of interesting information to share about this continent,” said Lt. Michael Crum, assistant officer in charge.

McMurdo’s open house program also provided Sailors the opportunity to visit and tour NASA’s Ground Control Station and radome, which is a critical component for receiving and disseminating orbital satellite data.

NCHB 1 deploys to NSF’s McMurdo Station, where less than one percent of the world’s population has ever visited, as part of Operation Deep Freeze the military’s logistical support component of the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP), the nation’s research program on the southernmost continent.

around the fleet

Navy Established New Ratings

By Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON -- The Navy announced Wednesday the establishment of four new ratings for active duty Sailors, yeoman submarine (YNS), logistics specialist submarine (LSS), culinary specialist submarine (CSS) and fire controlman Aegis (FCA) in NAVADMIN 021/17.

This realignment was made to improve management of ship manning and personnel inventory for both the Surface and Submarine ratings.

The new ratings will be effective - Sept. 2, 2017, for E-6 - Oct. 17, 2017, for E-7 through E-9 - Nov. 28, 2017, for E-1 through E-5

Sailors serving as Aegis fire controlman

and yeoman, logistics specialist, culinary specialist submarine Sailors will be converted to their applicable service ratings by enlisted community managers with no action needed from the member.

The new ratings are for active duty Sailors and billets and will not be applied to the reserve component.

Additionally, there will be no changes to Sea/Shore flow resulting from the new ratings.

An advancement exam will be created for each new service rating. The first E-7 exam for these ratings will be given in January 2018. For E-4, E-5 and E-6 exams for these new ratings will be given in March 2018.

More information and complete details can be found in NAVADMIN 021/17 found at www.npc.navy.

Navy Medicine Launches New Mobile App for Sailors, Marines, Families

By U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs

WFALLS CHURCH, Va. -- Navy Medicine announced the launch of a new enterprise-wide mobile app for Sailors, Marines, and their families, Feb. 6.

The app provides users with access to military treatment facility locations, leadership information, Department of Defense hotlines, Relay Health, and links to Navy Medicine social media and other health resources.

“Every day we leverage mobile technology for a greater portion of the things we need and want to do; our Sailors, Marines and their families deserve this same level of convenience from Navy Medicine,” said Mark Beckner, chief digital officer, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.

Navy Medicine will continue to update the app with new capabilities to improve functionality throughout 2017.

“We will continue to grow the app based on the needs and wants of our Sailors, Marines, and their families,” said Beckner. “Our goal is to improve the overall Navy Medicine experience and improve convenience for our patients through technology.”

The Navy Medicine app is available for download on the Apple App Store and the Google Play store.

Navy Medicine is a global health care network of 63,000 personnel which provides health care support to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, their families, and veterans in high operational-tempo environments, at expeditionary medical facilities, medical treatment facilities, hospitals, clinics, hospital ships, and research units around the world.

around the fleet

Navy Celebrates 2017 African American/Black History Month

170109-N-SR567-080 BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Jan. 9, 2017) Hon. Mark Lippert, U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Korea (ROK), highlights the strength of the ROK and U.S. alliance during a visit to the ROK Fleet base in Busan. During the visit, Lippert, who was appointed in Oct. 2014, took time to thank more than 150 ROK and U.S. naval personnel for their combined service and support of regional security. . (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Wesley J. Breedlove photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Wesley J. Breedlove

Navy Celebrates 2017 African American/Black History Month

WASHINGTON -- Throughout the month of February, the Navy joins our nation in celebrating the history and culture of African American and Black Sailors during National African American/Black History Month.

ALNAV 006/17 encourages participation in all the heritage celebrations and special observances throughout the year. Sailors and Navy commands are encouraged to use this month to celebrate and recognize the exceptional and distinctive contributions and the unique histories and cultures that our African American/Black shipmates bring to our Navy.

This month’s observance has its origins in 1915 when historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Dr. Woodson and the association initiated the first Negro History Week in February 1926.Every U.S. President has officially designated the month of February as National African American/Black History Month since 1976.

“The greatest strength in our Navy comes not from weapons but from the diversity of our people.” said Rear Adm. Stephen Evans, commander, Naval Service Training Command. “Every day, Sailors of diverse race, gender, religion, ideas, and background work together to accomplish the extraordinary.”

African American and Black Sailors and civilians are an integral part of the One Navy Team. Nineteen percent of Navy’s enlisted force identifies as African American or Black, to include 17 percent of all senior and master chiefs, while seven percent of the officer force and four percent of all admirals identify as the same.

In the Navy’s civilian workforce, 15 percent are African American or

Black and 20 are Senior Executive Service members.

A diverse workforce positions the Navy to operate successfully around the globe by bringing together Sailors and civilians with different ideas, experiences, perspectives, capabilities and skill sets. Integrating Sailors and civilians from diverse backgrounds into the force allows the Navy to recruit and retain the nation’s top talent from a wider pool of skilled personnel.

“The call to serve our great nation comes with a responsibility to push yourself to be at your best, to be ready,” Evans said. “Training and education are vital to readiness, which is why we strive to attract talent from diverse pools of future leaders and provide them the highest quality naval accession training.”

The Navy partners with organizations including the National Naval Officers Association, the National Society of Black Engineers, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities in support of African American service members and civilians. The navy supports Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs encouraging young minority students to pursue careers in science and industry.

A complete educational presentation, including a downloadable educational poster on African American/Black History month, can be requested from the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) by email at deomipa@us.af.mil.

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NAVY LAUNCHES FULL SPEED AHEAD TRAINING FOR 2017

By Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs Office

WASHINGTON -- The chief of Naval Personnel announced Jan. 30 new training for 2017 that expands on existing efforts to prevent destructive behaviors across the fleet.

The training entitled, Full Speed Ahead, is designed to reinforce the Navy’s core attributes and help build a strong foundation for professional and resilient Sailors. It follows Chart the Course and Bystander Intervention training that was conducted the past two years.

“The goal of Full Speed Ahead is to continue the positive work we’ve done combating destructive behaviors while reinforcing our core attributes,” said Rear Adm. Ann Burkhardt, director, 21st Century Sailor Office. “Behavior change takes leadership and practice. This is about building the strong foundation of a resilient and professional force.

Like earlier efforts, Full Speed Ahead blends scenariobased videos with facilitator-led discussions to focus on all Sailors, with a unique emphasis on the critical role of mid-level leaders in addressing and preventing destructive behaviors and their associated effects on individuals, work centers, and commands.

But unlike the peer-led sessions of Chart the Course and Bystander Intervention, the new training will consist of small groups of less than 30 Sailors that are drawn from all paygrades.

Training will be delivered to all Sailors by facilitators selected by their commands. All facilitators will receive the training from Naval Education and Training Command’s (NETC) Master Mobile Training Teams (MMTT) starting in February.

As the training rolls out to the commands across the Navy, leaders are encouraged to regularly assess how their Sailors are incorporating these lessons in their day-to-day lives.

Training must be completed for all Sailors no later than Dec. 31, 2017. Civilians and other service personnel assigned at Navy commands are encouraged to participate in accordance with their mission requirements and command direction.

relocations and various deductions and credits, she said.

The MilTax software, previously known as “Military OneSource Tax Services,” was created with the military situation in mind, Slaton said.

Expert Tax Consultants Ready to Help

Tax consultants are available via phone through Military OneSource, Slaton said. In-person tax filing assistance can be accessed at military installations at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance location.

The tax consultants can inform eligible users about the unique tax benefits available to service members and their families, Slaton said.

Tax laws change each year, Slaton pointed out, adding MilTax consultants are experts on the nuances of the law and can help users get the tax credits they earned and deserve.

“That’s why it’s such a great program because it is a program that is specifically designed for those unique military tax situations,” she said.

Confidential, Secure Resources

MilTax is confidential and secure, Slaton said. The online filing program allows users to submit a federal return and up to three state tax returns, she said.

Those eligible for MilTax include members of the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and National Guard. Coast Guardsmen serving under Title 10 authority are entitled to the services as well. Retired and honorably discharged members are authorized for up to 180 days past their separation. Spouses, dependent children and survivors are able to use the free services as well. Calculations are backed by a 100-percent accuracy guarantee, Slaton said.

The deadline to file taxes this year is Tuesday, April 18. The traditional tax deadline day is April 15, but it falls on a Saturday this year, and the following Monday, April 17, is Emancipation Day, in the District of Columbia -- a legal holiday -- according to the IRS.

Full Speed Ahead training materials are available for download at www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/navy-fsa

Call, Click, Connect

Slaton wants the military community to know about the range of services and resources available at no cost through the Defense Department-funded Military OneSource, including related to health, family relationships, education, employment, financial issues, deployments and transitions.

Military members and their families, she said, can “call, click and connect today” to access these services.

Details are outlined in NAVADMIN 018/17.

Free Tax Software, Support Available for Military, Families

By Lisa Ferdinando, Defense Media Activity

Federal employees teleworking from home need to draw a clear WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2017 — With the tax season upon us, service members and their families can access free tax-filing software and consultations to help them navigate the task of submitting their annual taxes.

Military members and their families can visit the Military OneSource website or call 1-800-342-9647 for the nocost “MilTax” software, explained Erika Slaton, a program analyst with Military OneSource.

The Defense Department recognizes military members and their families have unique filing situations with deployments,

“We encourage service members and their families to learn more about Military OneSource, MilTax and all of the services that are available because it is a benefit that they deserve,” she said.

“We will provide agency and subagency reports summarizing your agency’s data submissions for a single pay period under separate cover,” Mark Reinhold, OPM chief human capital officer, said in an Aug. 11 memo to agency CHCOs. “We are asking each agency to work with your HR staff and Telework Managing Officers (TMO) to examine the report to assess the accuracy of the data and determine any potential issues that may be affecting data reporting and accuracy. OPM will initiate a series of agency meetings that will bring together HR Directors, TMOs, and payroll providers to identify and discuss steps and assistance needed to ensure accurate data reporting to [the Enterprise Human Resources Integration (EHRI) system].”

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Security Update to keep your family safe

By Ronald Blankenship, EWTGLANT Security Manager

click on the Begin Opt Out Procedure.

A new public website http://www.familytreenow. com provides information on a person’s full name, age, birth year, aliases, and current and past addresses. The website also includes the full name, age, and birth year of possible associates and relatives. While this is not a crime, it does present a security threat in today’s climate for Commander’s, Soldiers, DOD Civilians and their family’s safety.

- The page will redirect you to a search page. Enter your name and click search. (You may have to try variations of your full name.)

This website is free and contains no safe guards to ensure the person conducting the search has a need to know or viable reason to be searching for the information.

- Once you find and verify it is your record and not someone else with your surname click on the “Opt Out” button on the page. The page will be refreshed with a message that reads “Your opt out request is being processed. Please allow up to 48 hours for your record to be removed.”

(U) In order to safeguard your information and have it removed from the Family Tree Now website follow the following steps: - Type http://www.familytreenow.com/optout into your search engine - Read the step by step instructions listed and click the square marked “I’m not a robot.”

- The website will provide a results page of possible matches for your name. Find your information by clicking on the record details.

- CID requests the community to be vigilant with public websites and the information posted to these websites.

Ensure your personal information and your family’s personal information is protected and not available to the public.

- Once a green check mark appears next to “I’m not a robot”

Blended retirement system opt-in

course now on-line

By Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

are opt-in eligible if they entered the military on or before Dec. 31, 2017.

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Tuesday, the Navy released NAVADMIN 020/17 announcing the release and availability of the Blended Retirement System (BRS) Opt-In course.

Eligible Sailors should have received notification of their opt-in eligibility via email (sent to the email address registered to an individual’s Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS) account).

Command administration departments must contact their personnel support divisions to access a list of all opt-in eligible members within their command and then notify all opt-in eligible members within their units.

The decision to stay in the current retirement system or opt-in to BRS is an important and irrevocable decision that eligible Sailors must make based on their own individual circumstances. This course aims to help eligible service members make that decision.

All service members who are opt-in eligible must complete the Blended Retirement System training, now available on Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) at: http://jkodirect.jten.mil/html/COI.xhtml?course_ prefix=J3O&course_number=P-US1332 (course #: J3O P-US1332). The training will be available soon on Navy e-Learning.

Active Component (AC) members are eligible to opt-in if they entered military service on or before Dec. 31, 2017, and have less than 12 years of service.

Reserve Component (RC) members, including Full Time Support (FTS) members, can opt-in if they entered military service on or before Dec. 31, 2017, and they have accumulated fewer than 4,320 retirement points as of Dec. 31, 2017.

United States Naval Academy and Reserve Officer Training Corps Midshipmen as well as Delayed Entry Program service members

In order to ensure opt-in eligible Sailors are making the most informed decision possible, a few additional tools have been developed for use. Additionally, an on-line calculator is expected to be released in March to aid eligible members in their decision making process.

The Navy has also developed the Navy Financial Literacy app that is designed to provide Sailors with access to both training and resources, which is especially critical during the transition to BRS. The free app is available for download now at the Google Play and iTunes app stores. To find the app, search “Navy Financial Literacy” in the app stores or in your web browser.

For the most up-to-date information on BRS and links to training go to the Uniform Services Blended Retirement web page at http://militarypay.defense.gov/BlendedRetirement/.

For complete information on BRS opt-in training requirements and availability see NAVADMIN 020/16 at http://www.npc.navy.mil.

GOT TOUGHNESS, we do.

@NECC_

/NavyExpeditionaryCombatCommand