Expeditionary Express - October 2016

EXpeditionary e xpre s s A

Navy

E xpedi t i on ary

Civilian of the Month

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Navy’s Energy Resiliency Month October is Energy Action Month

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Stanley Halloway

Navy Rating Modernization Five Things You Need to Know

Blended Retirement System Know Your Options On Retirment

Co m bat

Com m and

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Pu bl i cat io n

energy awareness Energy Action Month

october 2016

NAVELSG Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 12

Vol. 1 Issue 3

Expeditionary E xpre s s Executive’s Corner

NECC Forces Embrace Tradition, Look to the Future!

NECC Overview 4

NECC’s Fuel Reporting Tool Indicates 78 Percent Reduction in Fuel Usage Since 2008 - As part of Navy Expeditionary Combat

Command 15-year energy plan, expeditionary forces have continued to monitor their fuel usage since 2008 as part of their overall Energy Conservation Measures and have seen a 78 percent reduction in overall usage.

Integrating Intel for defense operations -

With over 2,400 Reserve Warriors filling the ranks of the Coastal Riverine Forces there is always opportunity to get engaged with commissioned, hardware equipped units.

5

Energy Action Month 2016 Reinforces Navy’s Energy Resiliency - Through a presidential proclamation, October has been designated as Energy Action Month to stress the importance of energy for our nation’s economic vitality today and for a sustainable future.

Enlisted Rating Moderization Plan - This decision 6

is the result of a comprehensive review of Navy rating titles completed this year by the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy and his leadership mess.

News You Can Use

NECC Sailors Visit Area Elementary Schools on Navy’s 241st Birthday - Sailors assigned to

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) visited a variety of schools in the Hampton Roads region.

Navy Responds to Distressed Mariner during Annual HARP Training - Sailors from

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15, Explosive Ordnance Mobile Units (EODMU) 1 and 6 were in the Gulf of Mexico conducting annual Helicopter Advanced Readiness Program (HARP) the morning of Oct. 12, when Sailors were flagged down by a stranded and distressed mariner.

NECC Sailor Updates 19 Year-old Publication - A Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC)

Sailor assisted the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) in marking a major milestone recently by participating in the development of a new Non-Resident Training Courses (NRTC) Module related to Expeditionary Communications.

Around The Fleet

Navy Birthday message from CNO - Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson delivered a message for Navy’s 241st Birthday.

NAVELSG Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month - Sailors assigned to Navy Expeditionary

Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG) marked National Hispanic Heritage Month at their headquarters in Williamsburg, Oct. 7.

how to get help

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Follow us on Social Media

/NavyExpeditionaryCombatCommand

@COMNECC @NECC

NECC Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg Comm: (757) 462-4316 ext. 252

NECC Public Affairs Staff PO2 (SW/AW) Travis DiPerna PO3 (SW/AW) Lauren Booher

Email: jennifer.cragg@navy.mil

Design: Lt. Tim Pietrack

Executive’s

corner

NECC Forces Embrace Tradition, Look to the Future!

By Nancy Harned Executive Director, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command/Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific

Greetings NECC warriors! October has been a busy month. We prepared our forces for Hurricane Matthew, presented an award to a well deserving unit, reflected on the importance of Hispanic Heritage, Domestic Violence Awareness, and energy conservation while proudly celebrating the U.S. Navy’s 241st birthday.

On the operational front, we deployed our Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202 Sailors on board USS Iowa Jima (LHD 7) and USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) to assist with Humanitarian Assistance/ Disaster Response in Haiti following the devastating impact of Hurricane Matthew. We also presented the Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command with their 2nd Meritorious Unit Command award.

As we look to the future, energy conservation is vital to our Navy’s mission. NECC and its forces are focused on three key energy objectives to increase combat capability: Increasing energy efficiency for equipment; increasing alternative energy use in expeditionary operations; and changing how equipment is used in expeditionary operations. We are transforming how we use energy to make us better warfighters, deploying next generation capabilities that boost combat effectiveness, and maximizing strategic options to protect our Sailors.

Be a part of the solution! Energy is critical to NECC’s ability to provide global presence needed to ensure stability, deter potential adversaries, and present options during a crisis—wherever or whenever they occur. With all of the things we do here, let us not forget our Sailors forward deployed ensuring our nation’s security. They remain the heart of our current success and stand tall as the key to maintaining our competitive maritime advantage.

Necc’s Civilian

o f

Stanley Holloway

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Navy Expeditionary Combat Command announced its October staff Civilian of the Month on Oct. 4.

Stanley Holloway, who is assigned to NECC’s Operational Support Officer (OSO) team, was selected for the type command’s monthly award for implementing priority manning initiatives for Reserve component operational units within the Expeditionary Enterprise and Reserve Naval Forces.

His initiative to improve the Reserve force readiness ensured Sailors were properly manned and able to execute their requirements for various Global Force Management deployments.

Holloway, who retired as a commander from the U.S. Navy in 2010 after serving 24 years, was humbled by his selection. He has been a part of the NECC civilian staff since 2013.

“I’m very grateful to receive this award. My chain of

t h e

mo nth

command makes it so easy to do what I do,” said Holloway. “They provide me with all the tools and guidance to be successful.”

Holloway credits his team in accomplishing their mission to ensure NECC Reserve forces maintain operational readiness.

While serving on the OSO team, Holloway provided assistance in shaping Seabee Reserve manning.

“He provided in-depth analysis of Reserve Seabee manning across the Naval Reserve Force to help determine the way ahead for instituting priority manning across NECC’s Reserve Component operational units, significantly contributing to improved manning across the operational forces,” said Nancy Harned, NECC’s Executive Director.

Additionally, Holloway assisted with modifying Reserve Component Seabee assignments to the Reserve operational Navy Mobile Construction Battalions from two to five years which serves to improve overall personnel readiness for these warfighting units.

“He personally coordinated the effort of identifying over 2,100 Sailors and ensured each Sailor was personally contacted, and the submission and execution of over 1,718 projected rotation date adjustments,” said Harned.

N6 Expeditionary Sailors, Navy Civilians Receive Accolades from AFCEA

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- The Hampton Roads Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association recognized Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Sailors and Navy civilians, Oct. 11.

The Sailors and Navy civilians were recognized for their outstanding performance and lasting contributions towards AFCEA’s mission of advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in partnership with government, military, industry and academia.

Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Flom, from Fort Collins, Colorado, who is currently assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2 appreciated being recognized for his individual accomplishments.

“The only thing that I really want people to know is that I don’t have any individual accomplishments,” said Flom. “Everything that I have accomplished here is because I have an amazing team supporting me. I am proud of them and thankful that they continually make our ideas a reality.”

Lt. Ann Marie Dixon-Leach, assigned to Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group in Williamsburg, Virginia, also received an award and gave credit to her mentors and Sailors she has served with.

“I’ve learned a great deal from my mentors and could not have achieved this award without my Sailors,” said Dixon-Leach.

Chris Dudas, a Navy civilian from Norfolk who retired from the U.S. Navy in 2007, was recognized as AFCEA Civilian Cyber Professional of the Month.

“Being nominated, let alone being awarded the AFCEA Civilian Cyber Professional of the Month is a great honor,” added Dudas, who while

on active duty helped set-up the mobile communications detachment out of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2.

Carlos Santos, a Navy civilian from Brooklyn, New York, also received an award and appreciated being a part of the NECC team and being recognized for his contributions.

“It was nice being recognized, but my true reward is being able to support the Sailors daily providing them the required C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computer and Intelligence) tools to accomplish the mission at hand and being part of the NECC team,” added Santos.

Capt. Mark Guzzo, NECC’s N6 spoke at AFCEA and appreciated the recognition of Sailors and civilians alike for the service they provide to expeditionary forces worldwide.

“It was a great honor to recognize some of the hard work that goes on every day with Sailors and civilians at NECC and its subordinates,” said Guzzo. “Sometimes we take for granted the caliber of people we have working within the force, and we need to publically show them how grateful we are for the contributions they make to the U.S. Navy.”

AFCEA was established in 1946 and is a nonprofit membership association serving the military, government, industry, and academia as an ethical forum for advancing professional knowledge and relationships in the fields of communications, information technology, intelligence, and security.

N E C C

OVERVIEW NECC’s Fuel Reporting Tool Indicates 78 Percent Reduction in Fuel Usage Since 2008

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

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – As part

of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC)/NECC Pacific’s 15-year energy plan, expeditionary forces have continued to monitor their fuel usage since 2008 as part of their overall Energy Conservation Measures and have seen a 78 percent reduction in overall usage.

150430-N-DC018-079 SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Seaman Collin Foley from Coastal Riverine Squadron (CORIVRON) 3 mans a gun-mount during training operations off the coast of Southern California April 30. Coastal Riverine Force operates in harbors, rivers, bays, across littorals and ashore. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Antonio Turretto Ramos)

NECC and its forces are focused on three key objectives

Combat Operations Centers (COCs) by 35 percent.

to increase combat capability through energy, which include

increasing energy efficiency for equipment; increasing alternative

IECUs, LEDs, and tent liners, fuel consumption has been reduced

energy use in expeditionary operations; and changing how

from 11.09 to 7.92 gallons per hour,” said Lt. James Kwasny, who

equipment is used in expeditionary operations.

is assigned to N43 and assists with compiling data for NECC’s fuel

reporting tool.

Carter Green, who is assigned to NECC’s N43 department,

“By utilizing the NETC2, which includes AMMPS,

discussed the importance of tracking fuel usage by expeditionary

forces.

command include the following: Naval Construction Group One,

NECC units that report their fuel usage across the type

“The fuel reporting tool is used to gage whether we are

Naval Construction Group Two, Explosive Ordnance Group One,

increasing or decreasing our fuel’s usage each year,” said Green,

Explosive Ordnance Group Two, Coastal Riverine Group One,

who added NECC has seen a 78 percent drop in fuel usage since

Coastal Riverine Group Two, Expeditionary Combat Readiness

2008. “Our usage has dropped accordingly from 3.1 million

Center, and Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group.

gallons in 2008 to just over 800,000 in 2016.”

While part of that decline in fuel usage is attributed to

a combat advantage – using energy efficiently enables us to go

a decrease in the number of forces forward deployed to Iraq or

farther, stay longer and deliver more firepower. It provides us a

Afghanistan, for example, but it is also attributed to the various

strategic advantage – using alternative fuels creates flexibility and

energy conservation meaures (ECM) being used throughout the

brings us closer to energy independence.

expeditionary forces.

“Energy is critical to NECC’s ability to provide global

providing sea-to-shore and inland operating environment

presence needed to ensure stability, deter potential adversaries,

capabilities across the full range of military operations that is

and present options during a crisis—wherever/whenever they

focused on delivering combat effective expeditionary forces

occur,” said Capt. Heather Walton, NECC’s N43 department head.

ready for worldwide operations now and into the future. In 2015,

Walton added that NECC enterprise Tactical Command

NECC/NECC Pacific completed 135 missions in 79 countries,

Control (NETC2) uses advanced medium mobile power systems

across seven continents in support of six geographic and three

(AAMMPS), improved Environmental Control Units (IECUs),

functional combatant commands.

LED Lighting, and tent liners to reduce energy usage in the

The Navy’s energy efficiency initiatives provide us with

NECC/NECC Pacific is an enduring warfighting force

NECC REserve Corner CRF Active and Reserve Forces Provide Valuable Deterance and Defense for HVUs

By Capt. Arnie Tyler Coastal Riverine Group One

With over 2,400 Reserve warriors filling the ranks of the Coastal Riverine Forces (CRF) there is always opportunity to get engaged with commissioned, hardware equipped units.

160723-N-HX127-001 DJIBOUTI (July 23, 2016) The guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), assigned to the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, pulls into the Port of Djibouti escorted by Coastal Riverine Squadron 8 Sea Ark patrol boats on July 23rd. Mason is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy M. Ahearn/Released)

Coastal Riverine Force is always seeking energized and committed leaders from the Surface Warfare community to learn the skills of the afloat and shore-based brown and green water Navy to lead our Warriors in the defense of our national assets both CONUS, and OCONUS. Connect with a CRF Leader at one of over 20 platoon and head quarter units around the country – come see us face to face and put the tools of the community to use.

CRF continues deterrence and defense for our nation’s high value assets with several Reserve missions in progress. Capt. Chuck Lund, Coastal Riverine Squadron Eleven (CRS-11) filled billets for mobilization and certification in support of OCONUS operations in August. His mission commander, Cmdr.

Keith Fernandez is leading “Wave VII” as they assume command of NECC-assigned security operations in the U.S. Africa Command area of operations, and Cmdr.

Brett Garland is leading reserve support of CRS-3 billets in the U.S. Central Command area of operations.

When they complete their certifications for tactical craft, convoy, and ESIT operations the teams will deploy to their respective areas of operation this fall. In the meantime Capt. Joaqin Martinez CRS-1, is already ramping up his teams under Cmdr. Chris Burns to mobilize and deploy reserve teams under Wave VIII.

In addition to the OCONUS operations Capt.

Dan Daglio is ramping up CRS-8 to fill Fleet Week security operations as we enter FY17. In addition, all four reserve squadrons continue to develop their CONUS operational locations and conduct high value unit security operations in key ports and waterways of the United States. There continues to be significant effort applied to developing joint operations with the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Intelligence agencies, and local Law Enforcement teams to leverage the force multiplication that comes with integrated operations.

As the season wraps up new leaders are preparing to make their transition to CRF units. The CRF community congratulates and welcomes them as they “step into the breech” of expeditionary operations and connect with their peers in Military Sealift Command, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, and combined and joint missions.

These leaders are the next generation of officers selected and entrusted to lead our expeditionary specialists taking point in the defense of our Nation’s most valuable maritime assets. CRF Active and Reserve forces provide valuable deterrance and defense to HVUs.

N E C C

OVERVIEW Energy Action Month 2016 Reinforces Navy’s Energy Resiliency From Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Through a presidential proclamation, October has been designated as Energy Action Month to stress the importance of energy for our nation’s economic vitality today and for a sustainable future.

130214-N-UH337-011 Construction Electrician 2nd Class Brooke A. Thompson, from Jamestown, N.Y., assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, completes a generator check while particpating in a Command Post Exercise on Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael / Released)

The Department of Navy’s Energy Action Month theme for 2016 is “Power. Presence.” This theme illustrates the strong connection between the Navy and Marine Corps’ wise use of energy and our ability to be when and where we’re needed for national security and humanitarian assistance missions worldwide.

In honor of Energy Action Month, naval commands and organizations are demonstrating their commitment to energy resiliency by reducing energy consumption and promoting awareness of energy as an enabler of combat capability.

Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment Dennis McGinn and California Energy Commission Chairman Dr. Robert Weisenmiller headlined the California Energy Collaboration Conference at Stanford University’s Hoover Institute Oct. 12. McGinn and Weisenmiller signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of the Navy and California that formalizes their ongoing energy partnership. A panel was held with former Secretary of State George Shultz to discuss the importance of energy efficiency and renewable energy development, an announcement for new renewable energy projects at three Navy installations in California and a statewide electric vehicle initiative.

Other activities will be taking place throughout the month, including Navy energy exhibits at the Navy Birthday Reception, the Neptune Festival, Navy Exchanges (NEXs) and the Nauticus Museum in the Hampton Roads area; energy exhibits at San Francisco and Baltimore fleet weeks and during the commissioning of the USS Zumwalt; and coordinated social

media campaigns with operational and shore focused energy content by numerous commands.

Senior Navy leaders will be releasing energy-oriented videos during Energy Action Month to raise awareness of smart energy practices and highlight the service’s commitment to optimizing energy efficiency. The videos will be posted online along with other energy videos recorded in the past year. In addition, the Navy’s Task Force Energy will release new content as part of the Energy Warrior App, which is available for free download at app stores.

Energy Action Month is an opportunity to engage with friends and colleagues on approaches for utilizing energy more strategically in our day-to-day jobs and in support of the mission.

Learn more about Energy Action Month and download outreach resources at http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil/energy/ energy-action-month-2016/.

Download the Energy Warrior App at http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil/energy/energywarrior/.

Navy Responds to Distressed Mariner during Annual HARP Training

By Jacqui Barker, Office of Congressional & Public Affairs, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (NNS) -Sailors from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15, Explosive Ordnance Mobile Units (EODMU) 1 and 6 were in the Gulf of Mexico conducting annual Helicopter Advanced Readiness Program (HARP) the morning of Oct. 12, when Sailors were flagged down by a stranded and distressed mariner.

161018-N-PD526-001 PANAMA CITY, Florida - The MH-53E Sea Dragon departs the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) flight line over St. Andrews Bay for an Airborne Mine Countermeasures mission off the coast of Panama City, Florida on Oct. 6, 2016. U.S. Navy Photo by Cmdr. Dennis C. Monagle (Released) 161018-N-PD526-001

The Sailors, from HM-15 and EODMU1, were transiting the operational area in their rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) when they were flagged down by the civilian craft.

technical support to equipment used in mine hunting, such as the Q-24A towed sonar used in conjunction with the fleet’s MH-53E Sea Dragon aircraft.

“When they approached the craft, they discovered an injured civilian and that the civilian boat had experienced a mechanical casualty and was without power,” said Lt. Cmdr.

Troy Kelly, HM-15’s officer-in-charge. “The civilian had been troubleshooting the engine when the engine cover fell down on him, causing serious injury.”

For 2016, HM-15 augmented their usual unit level training event by forming a Combined Task Group (CTG) command and control staff that coordinated the simultaneous efforts of air, surface, and underwater mine countermeasures units operating in the same water space. Through exercising their ability to man and run a CTG, HM-15 stepped up the reality of the exercise to better reflect the real-world command and control challenges of combined MCM Triad operations.

Units providing support to HM-15 for the exercise included EODMU1, EODMU6, and the San Diego, Californiahomeported mine countermeasures ship USS Champion (MCM 4).

Two Sailors, Senior Chief Petty Officer Eric Gummersheimer and Petty Officer Second Class Sean McNamara responded to the civilian’s injuries by providing immediate medical care to his injuries, which included a broken jaw and severe lacerations on the man’s head, as well as cuts to his arms. HM-15 and EODMU1 Sailors then coordinated a ambulatory drop-off location and rapidly navigated to the rendezvous point.

“Upon turning over the civilian to medical authorities, our personnel redeployed to continue on their assigned tasking,” said Lt. Aaron Dixon, EODMU1’s OIC. “Without the combined efforts of our Sailors and the fortunate intercept, the man would doubtlessly have found himself in a disastrous state.”

HARP training is an annual airborne mine countermeasures exercise that brings fleet assets to Panama City Beach, Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico to certify the squadron’s ability to meet mission requirements.

HM-15 trains annually out of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division as the command provides

The ship, however, was not physically in Panama City for the training even; rather it participated in the exercise by hunting for training shapes off the coast of California and then HM-15, in coordination with members from the Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Atlantic, geotranslated the ship’s efforts to reflect operations in the Gulf of Mexico. EODMU1 conducted Mk-18 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) training while in Panama City’s homeported EODMU6 conducted helicopter cast training.

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

For more news from Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/NSWC/.

NECC Sailor Updates 19 Year-old Publication

By Chief Warrant Officer Josephine Leon

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – A Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) Sailor assisted the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) in marking a major milestone recently by participating in the development of a new Non-Resident Training Courses (NRTC) Module related to Expeditionary Communications.

“As an Information Professional Warrant Officer, I’ve been assigned to a wide range of expeditionary communications roles and responsibilities within the Joint Communications Support Element, Naval Special Warfare (NSW), and NECC communities for the past eight years. My experiences have enabled me to obtain a broad knowledge base in communications equipment and procedures commonly used in tactical environments and were used to help develop the new Expeditionary NRTC module,” said Chief Warrant Officer Josephine Leon, NECC tactical communications officer.

During the recent NRTC update, CIWT worked with NECC/NSW Forces to build the sixth NRTC Module which includes workforce information into the CIWT training and ties directly to Expeditionary enterprise workforce learning requirements.

The NRTC publications are designed to develop materials that will help reinforce Enlisted and Junior Officer Baseline knowledge, in support of jobs they are assigned in the fleet. Much of the effort was driven by feedback that Sailors didn’t have updated or new source materials to use to help reinforce baseline job knowledge and for use in studying for advancement exams, as the current information is archaic and outdated.

Leon added that the assistance in updating the NRTC publications that was provided by NAVIFOR, USFF, and the NECC/NSW community for SME reviews was critical to the program success. These modules are now more aligned to current billet structure and can support learning requirements for enlisted and junior officers alike according to Leon.

“My assignment at NECC has put me in a position where I can use this experience to contribute to the development of the new NRTC Expeditionary Communications module and poll the NECC Force for the sharpest Sailors from our Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Riverine Squadron, and Naval Construction Group communities to contribute significantly as well,” added Leon.

The old versions of the NRTCs were recently updated to help offset atrophy of knowledge learned in “A” School, as well as cover various subjects that were germane to the rating. Future relevance was also considered; each publication will incur Life Cycle Management and be updated every three years or as the TYCOM directs.

The predecessors to these documents were last updated in 1997. The old versions will now be retired and the new modules will be implemented for fleet-wide use.

Leon added that NRTCs will be available online at http:// www.courses.netc.navy.mil, and discs can be requested and mailed, if needed.

NECC Sailors Visit Area Elementary Schools on Navy’s 241st Birthday

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

VIRGNIA

BEACH, Va. – Sailors assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) visited a variety of schools in the Hampton Roads region to help celebrate the U.S. Navy’s 241st birthday, Oct. 13.

161013-N-XJ788-070 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Oct. 13, 2016) Petty Officer 1st Class Saran McQueen (left) and Petty Officer 1st Class Mariana Carrascomarquez, attached to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), read to a third grade class at Shelton Elementary School. Sailors attached to NECC celebrated the Navy’s 241st Birthday by volunteering at Shelton Elementary School. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Travis DiPerna/ Released)

NECC assigned Sailors visited Hermitage Elementary and Shelton Park Elementary Schools, which are both located in Virginia Beach, while explosive ordnance technicians from Explosive Ordnance Group Two visited other area schools to include Rosemount Forest Elementary School and Green Run Elementary School.

Capt. Bruce Boyle, who spoke at the NECC Navy birthday celebration at the Type Command’s headquarters helped coordinate community relations opportunities in the community.

“Every year on the U.S. Navy’s birthday our Sailors should take the time to reflect on the many personal blessings that comes from wearing the cloth of our nation,” said Boyle. “We really need to turn inward to look at the blessings you receive by serving in our Navy.”

Karen Just, School Liaison Officer assigned to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story appreciated the time Sailors spent with the area elementary school children especially on the Navy’s 241st birthday.

“It takes a village to raise a child,” said Karen Just, School Liaison Officer for Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. “This is especially true for creating and maintaining a positive and nurturing school environment for an entire student body.”

Petty Officer Sharon McQueen, assigned to NECC, volunteered at Shelton Park Elementary School and appreciated the experience especially on the Navy’s birthday.

“Volunteering with the children today was an incredible experience,” said McQueen, who added that they seemed to have a lot of fun, “but I believe I had more fun than they did.”

“It was a great opportunity to share a little about what we do in the Navy,” said Petty Officer Travis DiPerna.

Just added that while the volunteer efforts of the Sailors serve to enhance children’s education they also serve to benefit the volunteer as well.

“Doing for others feels right, and it’s contagious,” said Just. “For our Sailors to be engaged in local schools is tremendous and helps to build on an ongoing social, academic and emotional framework of success.”

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.

NEws you can use

ENLISTED RATING MODERNIZATION PLAN

FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

Here are five things you need to know about this important change

1.

This decision is the result of a comprehensive review of Navy rating titles completed this year by the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy and his leadership mess. In June, the Navy announced that it would develop a new approach to enlisted ratings that would provide greater detailing flexibility, training and credentialing opportunities, and ultimately translate Navy occupations more clearly to the American public. Establishing a new classification system is the first step of a multi-phased approach. This change will benefit all Sailors with greater career flexibility, both in the Navy and after they depart the service, by being able to better translate their skill sets to prospective employers.

Additionally, these changes will provide the Navy opportunities to improve Sailor “Fit” – the right Sailors with the right training and experience in the right billets.

2.

Effective immediately, Sailors in paygrades E1-E3 will be addressed as “Seaman,” E4-E6 will be called “Petty Officer Third/Second/First Class” as appropriate, and Senior enlisted in paygrades E7-E9 will be “Chief,” “Senior Chief,” or “Master Chief ” depending on their paygrade.

For example, a Sailor will no longer be called YN2.

Instead, they will be called a “Second Class Petty Officer” or “Petty Officer.”

There will no longer be a distinction between “Airman, Fireman and Seaman.” They will all be “Seaman.”

This cultural change will not happen overnight. It will take a measured approach to make it the norm.

3. The Navy will more accurately identify a Sailors’ skill and

training through a “Navy Occupational Specialty” or “NOS” code – a second key component of this change – that will allow greater assignment flexibility for Sailors throughout their career.

Sailors may hold more than one NOS, which will give them a broader range of professional experience and expertise opportunities.

NOS codes will be grouped under career fields that will enable flexibility to move between occupational specialties within each field and will be tied to training and qualifications.

Advances in technical training realized through Ready Relevant Learning and a more comprehensive picture of billet technical requirements afforded through Billet-Based Distribution will provide the ability to much more closely track a Sailor’s training and professional development and match it to billets.

Each NOS will be matched with similar civilian occupations to enable the Navy to identify credentials and certifications recognized and valued within the civilian workforce. For example a hospital corpsman will be matched with the civilian occupation of a medical technician.

The Navy will aggressively pursue opportunities for Sailors to earn credentials recognized and held by their civilian counterparts and incorporate those credentials into Sailors’ professional development.

4.

The Navy’s Enlisted Rating Modernization Plan transformation will occur in phases over a multi-year period. A working group was formed in July to identify personnel policies, management programs and information technology systems that may require modifications over the years and months ahead. There will be no immediate changes to recruiting, detailing, advancements, training, and personnel and pay processes. Any follow-on changes that are made will proceed in a deliberate process that will enable transitions to occur seamlessly and transparently to the Fleet. You should expect to get plenty of advance notice prior any changes to these very important career processes.

5.

This change is one step in a larger effort to modernize our personnel systems. As the Navy transforms its training to a mobile, modular and more frequent system called Ready Relevant Learning, combined with recent creation of the Billet-Based Distribution system that provides a more comprehensive picture of billet requirements Fleet-wide, this enlisted rating modernization plan will provide the ability to much more closely track a Sailor’s training and professional development and match it to billets.

around the fleet

Navy Birthday message from CNO

From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

“Team, we’re all proud of our Navy’s 241 years of history and heritage. From 1775 to today, our Navy, with our Marine Corps teammates, has protected America from attack, and preserved our influence in key regions around the world. At and from the sea, we have enhanced safety, security and stability, which has led to American prosperity. To succeed in today’s super-complex environment we must be the force that provides our national leadership with thoughtful solutions to tough problems. We must represent our Navy and our Nation with pride and professionalism.

We must look to our core attributes of Integrity, Accountability, Initiative and Toughness as our guide to living by our core values. Dana and I are proud of each Sailor, civilian and family member. We are blessed to be part of the Navy team. Happy Birthday, Shipmates!”

– Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (Oct. 7, 2016) The most junior Sailor in the room joins Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Steven Giordano to cut birthday cake, honoring the Navy’s 241st birthday at the National Capital Region Navy Ball. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Elliott Fabrizio/Released)

Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command Receives 2nd Meritorious Unit Commendation Award From Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command Public Affairs

DAM

NECK, Va. (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Brian

Brakke, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command/ NECC Pacific presented Cmdr. Danielle Lukich, ccmmanding officer, Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command (NEIC) with the command’s second Meritorious Unit Commendation, Oct. 4.

NEIC was awarded the first MUC for command achievements between Jan. 1, 2010 and March 31, 2013. NEIC received the second MUC award based on command achievements from April 2013 to October 2015; the award citation detailed just a few of the command’s accomplishments during the award period.

The NEIC team was specifically recognized for “supporting warfighting efforts by disrupting terrorist and insurgent networks, seizing narcotics and weapons linked to terrorist organizations, apprehending high-value individuals, discovering unidentified systems aboard adversary platforms, and deterring adversary intelligence threats to Department of Defense equities.”

During his visit, Brakke took the opportunity to speak to NEIC Sailors, as well as receive up-to-date briefings on the unique intelligence and technical capabilities NEIC provides to the fleet.

“Though we are a small command, the ‘Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority’ lines of effort are embedded in everything we do,” said Lukich. “With our various intelligence disciplines, I believe we embody the CNO’s (chief of naval operations’) vision of using high velocity learning to advance and ingrain information warfare in order to strengthen naval power at and from the sea.”

Established in 2007, Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command is the Navy’s only dedicated fleet unit of deployable intelligence professionals which fuses the disciplines of human intelligence, signals intelligence, and intelligence analysis.

Comprised of nine intelligence exploitation teams deployed worldwide, the Sailors of NEIC support named intelligence operations in response to intelligence priorities throughout the fleet.

around the fleet

NAVELSG Celebrates

Hispanic Heritage Month

Garcia added that through hard work and perseverance the American dream is possible.

By Chief Matthew Lewis, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group Safety Officer

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. -- Sailors assigned to Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG) marked National Hispanic Heritage Month at their headquarters in Williamsburg, Oct. 7.

Every year, the U.S. Navy joins the nation in observing National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. In 1988, it was expanded by President Ronald Reagan to cover a 30-day period. On August 17, 1988, it was officially enacted, paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.

This year’s Hispanic Heritage month’s theme is “Embracing, Enriching, and Enabling America.” To celebrate that theme and Hispanic Heritage month NAVELSG invited Dr. Johnny J. Garcia, a Hampton Roads Hispanic business leader, to speak with Sailors and civilians assigned to the expeditionary logistics command about his culture.

“Clearly there are challenges ahead,” said Garcia, “but there are also tremendous opportunities on the horizon. National Hispanic Heritage Month is a good time to gather the momentum to take stock of history and to assess both the opportunities and challenges currently facing the Hispanic American community as a whole.”

“My faith in the American Dream and the boundless opportunities offered by the United States make me optimistic that the future is bright,” added Garcia.

NAVELSG Command Master Chief Darcy Beauchamp enjoyed the event and emphasized that the Navy remains highly capable and mission ready by leveraging the strengths of a diverse, all-volunteer force.

“At NAVELSG we have a rich culture that values the diverse backgrounds of our Sailors, and truly makes NAVELSG an awesome place to serve,” said Beauchamp.

“When our command can come together to celebrate events such as Hispanic Heritage month it serves to remind us of how our differences serve to make our Navy team stronger.”

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.

The U.S. Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System

Active Component

Saving with the New Blended Retirement System The Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act provides our military force with a modernized retirement plan built for retirement savings. Beginning in 2018, service members can get automatic and matching Thrift Savings Plan contributions, as well as a mid-career compensation incentive, in addition to monthly retired pay for life. All service members under the current system are grandfathered into today’s retirement system, but may choose to opt-in to the new Blended Retirement System.

Pre-2018 Retirement System: Annuity 2.5% x Years Served x Retired Pay Base after completing 20 years of service

Blended Retirement System Components 1 Automatic and Matching

2 Continuation Pay

Contributions

Received at the mid-career point

Automatic contributions are seen immediately You Contribute

DoD Auto Contribution

DoD Matches

Total

0% 1% 2% 3% 4% 5%

1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%

0% 1% 2% 3% 3.5% 4%

1% 3% 5% 7% 8.5% 10%

3 Full Retired Pay

Received after completing 20 years of service

2%

x

x Years Served

The DoD automatically contributes 1% of your basic pay to your Thrift Savings Plan after 60 days of service.

You’ll see matching contributions at the start of 3 years through the completion of 26 years of service, and...

You’re fully vested—it’s yours to keep—after completing 2 years of service and it goes with you when you leave.

You may receive a cash payment in exchange for additional service.

Retired Pay Base

Calculate your retired pay base by averaging the highest 36 months of basic pay.

You’ll gain this monthly annuity for life after completing 20 years of service.

Your Retirement System Options for Collecting Your Retired Pay Full retired pay as a monthly annuity

or

Lump sum

Reduced retired pay as a monthly annuity

50% or 25% of monthly retired pay annuity bumps back up to 100% at full retirement age (67 in most cases).

If you joined the service or signed a contract to serve: BEFORE January 1, 2006 You’ll be grandfathered into the pre-2018 retirement system.

AFTER December 31, 2005 BUT BEFORE January 1, 2018 You’ll have the choice to enroll in the Blended Retirement System or remain in the pre-2018 retirement system.

AFTER December 31, 2017 You’ll be automatically enrolled in the Blended Retirement System.

You can find additional information at http://militarypay.defense.gov/BlendedRetirement Sources: Sections 631, 632, 633, 634, and 635 of the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act.

Revised: 8/2016

The U.S. Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System The Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act provides our military force with a modernized

Reserve Component

Effective Date: January 1, 2018 Retirement System Selection

retirement plan built for retirement savings.

Beginning in 2018, Reserve Component service

Reserve Component members with more than 4,320 retirement points will remain under the legacy retirement system.

members can get automatic and matching Thrifts Savings Plan contributions, a mid-career

Reserve Component members with less than 4,320 retirement points as of December 31, 2017, will have the choice of whether to opt into the new Blended Retirement System or remain in the legacy retirement system.

compensation incentive, and if they obtain 20 years of service, monthly retired pay for life starting at age 60.* All service members under

New accessions after January 1, 2018, will automatically be enrolled in the new Blended Retirement System.

the current system are grandfathered into today’s retirement system.

Reservists and Guardsmen While Serving Thrift Savings Plan Contributions

Continuation Pay

Received at the mid-career point

You Contribute

DoD Auto Contribution

DoD Matches

Total

0% 1% 2% 3% 4% 5%

1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%

0% 1% 2% 3% 3.5% 4%

1% 3% 5% 7% 8.5% 10%

The DoD automatically contributes 1% of your basic pay or Inactive Duty Pay to your Thrift Savings Plan after 60 days of service.

You’ll see matching contributions at the start of 3 years through the completion of 26 years of service, and...

At the mid-career mark, you may receive a cash payment in exchange for additional service.

You’re fully vested − it’s yours to keep − after completing 2 years of service and it goes with you if you leave.

Retired Reservists and Guardsmen Eligible for Retirement Pay Monthly Annuity for Life

2%

x

OPTION

x Years Served

Collecting Your Retired Pay

1 Retired Pay Base

Calculate your retired pay base by averaging the highest 36 months of basic pay.

You’ll gain this monthly annuity for life after completing 20 qualifying years of service and attaining age 60* *or earlier based on qualifying active service.

Full retired pay annuity beginning at age 60 or earlier based on credited active service

or OPTION

2 Lump sum

with

Reduced retired pay as monthly annuity

25% or 50% lump sum and reduced monthly annuity at age 60* Monthly annuity bumps back up to 100% at full retirement age (67 in most cases).

You can find additional information at http://militarypay.defense.gov/BlendedRetirement Sources: Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, sections 631,632, 634, and 635

Created: 8/2016

ENERGY

CAPABILITY

/NavyExpeditionaryCombatCommand @NECC_

@_NECC