Housing recovery funds available
Military DoD civilians who face financial losses due to the current housing downturn can find relief in the ARRA influx of funds to the Housing Assistance Program (HAP).
Active members, former members, and survivors of those who have died on deployment of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, as well as DoD civilians, who have sold a primary residence for a loss, or are considering selling their home, may qualify for funds.
The Recovery Act appropriated $555 million in funds to the HAP, which DoD will use to temporarily expand this program in order to partially reimburse eligible members. applications.
To speak with a HAP representative, call (916) 557-6850 or 1-800-811-5532.
Last patients move from Walter Reed to future National Military MedicalCenter 8/27/2011
by Sarah Fortney,
National Naval Medical Center Public Affairs
BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- The last patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) were transported to the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) in Bethesda, Md., Aug. 27.
A total of 18 patients, four of which were in critical care, departed WRAMC around 7 a.m. By 9 a.m., all patients were moved and checked into the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC).
NNMC Commander Rear Adm. Matthew Nathan said to those involved in the planning leading up to this day that they are a part of history.
"This is a historic day," said Nathan. "This is the culmination of 102 years of Walter Reed service, blending and integrating into the service of the National Naval Medical Center. Now we're taking the best of both practices."
At the conclusion of the move, Joint Task Force CapMed Commander Vice Adm. John Mateczun discussed the vision of the department for the integration of the two facilities.
When it came to planning for this new venture, the goal in mind, during the last several years, was to take these two facilities and provide the same capabilities, said Mateczun.
"What we've been able to do is put capital investment into the infrastructure, so we achieve a world class infrastructure," said Mateczun. "The department has been intent on making sure we're able to provide world class standard and keep our covenant both with wounded warriors that come back from Iraq and Afghanistan as well as their families."
WRAMC Commander Col. Van Coots noted that the transition was almost flawless.
In the weeks leading up to the move, patients and their families, who were identified as those who would be moving, were told that WRAMC staff would be moving right along with them, which helped put their minds at ease, said Coots.
"It was such a smooth transition today," said Coots. "We've been identifying patients over the last two weeks and had informed families about the transition, what they could expect here, letting them know we're not abandoning them."
Coots went on to note the amount of pride in not only what WRAMC's achieved in the last 102 years, but also what they have achieved together with the flagship of Navy Medicine here to create the future of the military health care system.
Due to weather conditions with Hurricane Irene, the patient move, originally scheduled for Aug. 28, was moved to Aug. 27.
"We have always been an agile organization. They have deployed hundreds of personnel at the drop of a hat to human assistance relief missions or disaster relief missions, so we're pretty adept at having to change plans suddenly and reconfiguring logistics," said Nathan. "I'm very proud of the crews from Bethesda and Walter Reed."
The day concluded with handshakes and commendations shared by both organizations.
The National Naval Medical Center Bethesda will now be officially known as the WRNMMC.
VAW 125 gets the job done from
USS Carl Vinson
ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 21, 2012) Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Jeffery Melcher, assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, rests against the side of an E-2C Hawkeye on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Dean M. Cates
Better visibility on USS John C. Stennis
INDIAN OCEAN (Jan. 23, 2012) Airman James Campbell wipes down a window on the island aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility while on a seven month deployment. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kenneth Abbate
Navy updates High Year Tenure policy 1/25/2012
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy announced changes to the High Year Tenure (HYT) policy and the merging of the active and reserve policy into one Total Force policy in NAVADMIN 030/12, released Jan. 25.
"High Year Tenure is a vital and effective force management tool we use to properly size and shape the Navy," said Rear Adm. Tony Kurta, Director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy. "After a thorough review of the policy, we saw a need for updating the policy to keep pace with and support the other force management tools. This change will improve retention and advancement opportunity for top performers."
The NAVADMIN outlines several significant changes to HYT. Under the new policy, HYT for E-2 Sailors will be four years, down from six. Additionally, E-3 Sailors will reach HYT at five years vice six, and continuation to eight years for passing a Navy Wide Advancement Exam has been eliminated. These Sailors would have had a minimum of six opportunities for advancement before reaching HYT.
Policy changes outlined in the NAVADMIN will take effect July 1, 2012. Effective July 1, active and full time support E2 and E3 Sailors with active service in excess of these HYT length of service gates must separate by Mar. 31, 2013, unless advanced or waived.
HYT waiver procedures can be found in MILPERSMAN 1160-120.
Sailors who have been granted a HYT waiver for a specific assignment and cannot fulfill their commitment will have their HYT waiver canceled and will have to separate, transfer to the Reserves or retire.
These HYT changes will not affect Sailors who have reached sanctuary, which occurs at 18 years of cumulative active duty. Additionally, nuclear rated Sailors will be managed separately by their community manager. HYT policy for E-4 through E-9 has not changed.
For more details on the HYT changes, read NAVADMIN 030/12 by visiting the Navy Personnel Command website at www.npc.navy.mil.
Camp Pendleton hosts Armed Forces Boxing Championship
Camp Pendleton is proud to host the 2012 Armed Forces Boxing Championship showcasing elite boxers representing the Marine Corps, Army, Navy and Air Force. When these boxers step into the ring, they parade that trait in their unwillingness to back down in the face of fear, exhaustion or pain. From each weight class, one service athlete boxer is crowned the champion. Watch esprit de corps at its finest and check out the best amateur boxing tournament around. Cheer on the future fighters and rising stars of boxing.
FREE Event open to active duty, dependents, DoD, and guests. Seating is limited to first come first serve for all nights.
The event will be held at the Paige Fieldhouse, bldg 1110, Mainside Camp Pendleton
Competition days and times are Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and Feb. 3 from 6-10 p.m. each evening.
Special Event: Meet Brian Stann for autographs on Fri, Jan. 31, from 5-7:30 p.m. Stann is an American mixed martial artist and former U.S. Marine who competes as a middleweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is a former WEC Light Heavyweight champion.
SECDEF releases statement on hostage rescue operation in Somalia 1/25/2012
From The Department of Defense
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta released the following statement Jan. 25 regarding the hostage rescue operation in Somalia:
Last night U.S. Special Operations Forces conducted, by order of the President of the United States, a successful mission in Somalia to rescue two individuals taken hostage on October 25, 2011. Ms. Jessica Buchanan, an American citizen employed by the Danish Demining Group, and her Danish colleague, Mr. Poul Thisted, were kidnapped at gunpoint by criminal suspects near Galcayo, Somalia.
Ms. Buchanan and Mr. Thisted have been transported to a safe location where we will evaluate their health and make arrangements for them to return home.
This successful hostage rescue, undertaken in a hostile environment, is a testament to the superb skills of courageous service members who risked their lives to save others. I applaud their efforts, and I am pleased that Ms. Buchanan and Mr. Thisted were not harmed during the operation. This mission demonstrates our military's commitment to the safety of our fellow citizens wherever they may be around the world.
I am grateful to report that there was no loss of life or injuries to our personnel.
I express my deepest gratitude to all the military and civilian men and women who supported this operation. This was a team effort and required close coordination, especially between the Department of Defense and our colleagues in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They are heroes and continue to inspire all of us by their bravery and service to our nation.
CNO visits Naval Base San Diego
SAN DIEGO (Jan. 23, 2012) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert speaks with Sailors and during an all-hands call while visiting Naval Base San Diego. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Kyle P. Malloy
USS Dewey replenishes underway
INDIAN OCEAN (Jan. 24, 2012) Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) man their stations while the ship transits alongside the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7) for an underway replenishment. USS Dewey is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Joshua Keim
'You go girls' at VAW 125
ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 25, 2012) Air Control Officer Lt. Nydia Williams, left, Radar Operator Lt. j.g. Ashley Ellison, Plane Commander Lt. Cmdr. Tara Refo, Pilot Lt. Ashley Ruic, and Mission Commander Lt. Cmdr. Brandy Jackson, all assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, pose for a photo before flying the first all-female-crewed combat mission in an E-2C Hawkeye aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 James R. Evans
West 2012 peers into Navy and Marine Corps future
SAN DIEGO (January 24, 2012) A panel of military officials field questions how the Navy and Marine Corps would face future challenges during West 2012 at the San Diego Convention Center. Panel members included Maj. Gen. Melvin Spiese, deputy commanding general of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force; Vice Adm. Gerald R. Beaman, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet; Brig. Gen. Daniel O'Donohue, Director, U.S. Marine Corps capabilities Development Directorate; and Vice Adm. Terence Blake, the deputy Chief Of Naval Operations for the Integration Of Capabilities And Resources. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Torrey W. Lee
West 2012 brings military, industry leaders together 1/25/2012
by MC3 Shawnte Bryan, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), and U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) are hosting West 2012 at the San Diego Convention Center through Jan. 26.
West 2012 kicked off Jan. 24, and addresses the theme: "America's Military at the Crossroads: What's Out and What's In for 2012 and Beyond?"
The three-day event is designed to bring government agencies and private industry together to see products and solutions the government may need from the private sector.
12,000 visitors viewed more than 400 defense and information technology exhibits, along with a career expo, small business conference, a veterans' retraining initiative and a reception at PETCO Park featuring the Wounded Warrior amputee softball team.
"It is important to hold events like this because it's where all the upcoming technology comes from," said Master Chief Information Systems Technician Gary Myers, Navy Cyber Forces senior enlisted advisor. "These are the individuals that can help us achieve our goals."
Military members asked questions about the latest technology and equipment, and some asked questions about older equipment at their commands.
"At this conference I found and talked to a representative that works for the company that made our equipment, and he was able to inform me of free schools that we can take part of and they will be willing to train us," said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Walter Holt. "I am glad that I came to this event, because not only can we keep our old equipment, my command can get the proper training on how to install and reprogram the equipment for free."
The conference also featured speakers and panel sessions which gave attendees the opportunity to question experts one-on-one about the latest policies and technology in the defense community.
"This is the best military we ever had, an all volunteer force made up of 1 percent of the American population," said retired Adm. Mike Mullen, former chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. "But we need to be ready and to sustain our readiness through training, education, time in the sea, the air, and the ground, and it will also take joint military exercises."
This is the 21st year that the AFCEA and USNI have co-sponsored the event, displaying the latest advancements in first responders' communication systems, rugged computers, battlefield communications, biometric security devices, and security systems.
AFCEA International is a non-profit membership association serving military, government, industry and academia as an ethical forum for advancing professional knowledge and relationships in the fields of communications, information technology, intelligence and global security.
Camp Pendleton celebrates its newest enlisted dining facility 1/25/2012
by Mario Icari,
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest Public Affairs
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton representatives celebrated the completion of a newly constructed enlisted dining facility during a ribbon cutting ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Jan. 18.
Lt. Cmdr. Russell Rang, NAVFAC Southwest Resident Officer in Charge of Construction (ROICC) Camp Pendleton, was a guest speaker at the ceremony. The official party included Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Commanding Officer Col. Nicholas Marano; Sodexo District Manager Richard Kassabian; Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Headquarters and Support Battalion Commanding Officer Col. James Hogberg; and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Logistics Assistant Chief of Staff Bruce Bancroft.
"The design of the new dining facility is contemporary in its aesthetic," said Frank Richardson, NAVFAC Southwest design manager for the project. "The Marines I've talked to tell me they enjoy the overall feel of the new facility's open space and are impressed with being able to see their food being prepared in the wok stir-fry and panini grill areas."
NAVFAC Southwest contracted Dimensions Construction Inc. for $8.3 million to construct the 18,062 square foot one-story reinforced concrete masonry unit dining facility. Serving areas include a pizza and pasta station, Asian food station, salad station, beverage stations, dessert station and condiment support stations.
"The dining areas are open and airy, bringing in plenty of natural daylight," said Richardson. "The interior design of the facility includes photographs of Southern California's natural landscape elements, displays containing Camp Pendleton's historical information, unique colors, and contemporary furnishings."
The dining facility serves approximately 600-850 meals per day with a seating capacity for 333 personnel. The facility is equipped with high efficiency mechanical electrical systems, audio and visual systems, and includes a 10,000 square foot parking area.
"The function of the facility provides the Marines a modern state-of-the-art cafeteria style dining facility that is energy efficient, safe, and a comfortable place to eat," said Lily Pang, NAVFAC Southwest project manager for the project.
Navy announces 2012 Navy Week schedule 1/25/2012
From Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- From Boston to Sacramento, America's Navy will come home to 15 cities across the country in 2012 to show Americans why having a strong Navy is critical to the American way of life and to help commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812.
Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy's flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, with 148 Navy Weeks being held in 62 different U.S. cities. In 2012, the Navy Week cities are Phoenix, New Orleans, Nashville, Tenn., Spokane, Wash., Baltimore, Boston, Sacramento, Calif., Sioux Falls, S.D., Milwaukee, Chicago, Toledo, Ohio, Cleveland, Detroit, Buffalo, N.Y. and Houston.
"Navy Weeks are designed to help Americans understand that their Navy is our nation's front line in war and peace, operating on, above and below the sea every day," said Cmdr. Kim Marks, Director of the Navy Office of Community Outreach, which plans and executes the Navy Week program. "Because the Navy is concentrated primarily on both coasts, we're challenged to communicate our mission away from fleet concentration areas. That's where the Navy Week program comes in," she added.
Navy Weeks focus a variety of outreach assets, equipment and personnel on a single city for a week-long series of engagements with key influencers and organizations representing all sectors of the market.
"During a Navy Week, 75-100 outreach events are coordinated with corporate, civic, government, education, media, veterans, community service and diversity organizations in the city," explained Lt. Cmdr. Pam Bou, Navy Week Program Manager. "We bring in as much of the Navy as we can. The Blue Angels, the Navy Parachute Team, bands, divers, Seabees, EOD teams, namesake ship and submarine crews, hometown Sailors, medical personnel, environmental displays, USS Constitution Sailors and equipment, and Navy recruiting properties all have participated in the Navy Week program."
Last year was the Navy Week program's biggest year to date. In 2011, there were 21 Navy Weeks across America that reached nearly 100 million Americans through more than 1,500 individual outreach events.
In 2012, all 15 Navy Weeks will help to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, with nine of the 15 events held in conjunction with one of the Navy's large-scale signature commemorative events on the Eastern Seaboard and on the Great Lakes. The week-long War of 1812 bicentennial signature events will include parades of warships and sailing vessels, public ship tours, air shows, international athletic competitions, community relations projects, and other city-wide activities.
For more information on the Navy Week program, visit www.navyweek.org.
For more information on the Navy's commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, visit www.ourflagwasstillthere.org.
