Month: January 2024

Source: United States Navy

NAVADMIN 006/24 announced that Sailors who become pregnant during sea duty will be reassigned to shore duty where they can receive necessary medical care while maintaining their career progression.

“This policy is about taking care of our people,” said Commander, Navy Personnel Command Rear Adm. Wayne Baze. “Our Sailors get the care they need, while continuing to serve and employ their skillsets in meaningful jobs – this is a win-win for our Sailors and the Navy.”

Under the new policy, shore duty Sailors who become pregnant within 13 months of their projected rotation date may be extended in their current assignment or moved locally to fill a valid manpower requirement.

When a sea duty command is notified of a Sailor’s pregnancy, they must submit a reassignment due to pregnancy and post-partum availability report via Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System for enlisted Sailors and to the community detailer for officers. The report includes the date of the 20th week of pregnancy, the estimated date of delivery, and any factors or limitations required for consideration in the assignment process. Orders will be written to detach the Sailor within approximately 30 days of the availability report.

The update also ensures that Sailors are afforded non-chargeable convalescent leave, with guidance from their health care provider in accordance with medical practice standards, to recover in the event they suffer a perinatal loss (miscarriage or stillbirth).

A pregnant Sailor can request an operational deferment waiver to remain onboard their operational command throughout their pregnancy and post-partum period. The waiver must include endorsements from the service member, the commanding officer or officer in charge, and the health care provider. The waiver request will be submitted via Sales Force for enlisted and to the community detailer for officers. Individual detailers will have final approval.

If a shore command desires, for mission or industrial hygiene reasons, to apply for an exemption, they must submit their request fully explaining the situation via endorsement through their immediate superior in command, type commander or budget submitting office and fleet readiness integrator to Navy Personnel Command’s Career Management Department (PERS-4) for review and final disposition.

For more information, read NAVADMIN 006/24 at www.MyNavyHR.navy.mil.

Source: United States Navy

The panel that was moderated by Solid Waste and Hazardous Materials In-Service Engineering Branch Manager and WERG Chair Allyson Jones-Zaroff, as well as Mechanical Engineer and AAERG Secretary Taylor Barnett, included:

• Propulsion, Power, and Auxiliary Machinery Systems Department Head Karen Dunlevy-Miller
• Submarine Life Support R&D Lead Jay Smith
• Comptroller Department Head Joyce Hall
• Deputy Human Resource Director Keirston Graves
• Platforms Division Surface Ship Maintenance, Modernization and Sustainment (SEA21) Portfolio Manager Mia Korngruen

The group discussed some of the challenges they have faced over their careers and what ultimately motivated them to earn leadership positions within the command.

Hall immediately kicked off the conversation with some indispensable comments regarding critiques from supervisors or managers.

“The worst feedback you can ever get is no feedback … I’ve been in this career for 37 years and I’ve been before managers asking, ‘how am I doing?’ and they could not provide feedback. It becomes dangerous because you don’t know how to create a milestone for yourself,” Hall said.

“You have to go back and get that dialogue. When I first experienced it, I thought everything was okay, but then you hear from your employees that you are not okay … Don’t be satisfied when somebody just quickly calls your name and says, ‘You are doing a great job,’” she added.

Seeking out feedback and improving from there is a solid foundation for career advancement and Dunlevy-Miller took the time to speak about how a professional’s value system can be tested as they ascend into leadership roles and how to treat a situation like that.

“I do have to make decisions at times that require considering my hierarchy of values. At our core as an organization we value our people and are willing to advocate. At times we are challenged because a policy might be in conflict with that advocacy,” Dunlevy-Miller said.

A key part of leadership is holding others accountable in completing deliverables, but also providing subordinates with the necessary psychological safety to properly focus on those tasks.

Korngruen made sure to delve deeper into the topic of juggling accountability and security saying, “Accountability is really important to me. Just in my day job, I have to hold a lot of people accountable for a lot of things. Part of the psychological safety part for me is being really upfront with the expectations before something goes wrong, so people know ‘Hey, this is what I’m thinking.’”

Korngruen added, “I’d be upfront with saying what type of conversation we would have to have to hold people accountable if the work doesn’t follow the plan in quality or punctuality. [My team] just knowing we can have that conversation early and then track through the entire process helps with transparency.”

The event closed with a Q&A session where the panel fielded questions from the hybrid audience about career guidance, personal experiences, and leadership advice.

NSWCPD employs approximately 2,800 civilian engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. The NSWCPD team does the research and development, test and evaluation, acquisition support, and in-service and logistics engineering for the non-nuclear machinery, ship machinery systems, and related equipment and material for Navy surface ships and submarines. NSWCPD is also the lead organization providing cybersecurity for all ship systems.

Source: United States Navy

WASHINGTON – The stage is set for an extraordinary event as top US military esports athletes gather in Frisco, TX, for the 2nd annual Armed Forces Esports Championship. Taking place from January 23-25, 2024, at Complexity’s Lenovo Legion Esports Center, the championship promises a thrilling showcase of skill, camaraderie and the positive impact of gaming within the military community. The program brings together military service branches for a three-day esports event featuring the highly acclaimed Halo: Infinite, showcasing their shared attributes of being highly skilled, technically minded, and great at problem-solving.

Falling within the Department of Defense (DoD) Armed Forces Sports Council, the 2024 Armed Forces Esports Championship will be hosted by Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) HQ Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)’s All-Navy Sports program. Esports athletes from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard will go head-to-head in an intense 4v4 competition, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and dedication.

The championship kicks off with a training camp, allowing representatives from each service branch to hone their skills. Following the training camp, a media day provides a platform for service members to share their inspiring stories and backgrounds, showcasing the diverse talent and experiences within the military gaming community. The event will conclude with a thrilling showdown, where service branches will vie for the title of the best branch.

“The Armed Forces Sports Council approved the addition of the esports program in April 2022. Now, over 18 months later, the esports championship continues to evolve, offering a platform for military teams to compete and unite with a diverse group of people. The event emphasizes values core to the military community,” shared Michael Morris CNIC’s Fleet and Family Readiness All-Navy Sports Program Manager.

Morris continued, stating, “Coming together not only offers service members a chance to compete but also creates opportunities to build new friendships and partnerships, amplifying the positive reach of esports and strides within the military community.”

Throughout the latter part of 2023, the service branches hosted qualifiers to select their teams, further intensifying the competition. All active-duty service members were eligible for the chance to represent their service branch. The inclusive gaming community provides an opportunity for all ages, ranks and backgrounds to come together, fostering positive relationships, enhancing the competitive spirit and improving esprit de corps.

The Armed Forces Esports Championship aligns with the Department of Defense (DoD) services esports programs, supporting readiness, retention and resiliency within the service. The championship is a federally sanctioned esports competition and the first gaming program adopted by the Armed Forces Sports program.

Tune in to www.twitch.tv/NavyMWR to witness the live stream and cheer on your favorite service branch as they compete for the title and demonstrate the spirit of unity and competition within the military community.

The Armed Forces Sports Council oversees and coordinates sports and athletic programs for military personnel, aiming to promote physical fitness, morale, and teamwork. Through various opportunities, it provides opportunities for service members to engage in sports, fostering a sense of community and enhancing overall military readiness. The All-Navy Sports program is a component of the Navy MWR, providing Sailors with opportunities to showcase their athletic skills beyond the intramural level. Through team and individual sports, it offers Sailors a chance to represent the Navy at higher-level athletic competitions, fostering camaraderie and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle within the naval community.

Source: United States Navy

DAHLGREN, Va. – A Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC) civilian employee recently retired after a remarkable career spanning over 42 years of government service. 
 
SCSTC ATRC staff wished Ms. Bonnie Vicks, management assistant to the training and facilities readiness directorate, “Fair Winds and Following Seas” and recognized her accomplishments during a ceremony onboard Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, Dec. 15, 2023. 
 
“Forty-two years of dedicated service to our Navy and great nation is truly notable,” said SCSTC ATRC’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Jonathan Schermerhorn. “Ms. Vicks has been a tremendous asset for SCSTC ATRC and employees like her leave a hole in an organization when they depart.  Bonnie, thank you for your commitment and taking great care of our Aegis warfighters.”    
 
Vicks began her career for the Department of the U.S. Navy in June 1981 as a clerk typist at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) in Bremerton, Washington.  From 1983 to 1995, she worked as a nuclear engineering technician for PSNS’s nuclear engineering department and in February 1995, she was detailed for temporary assignment as a software tester for a Navy shipyard-wide planning tool being developed at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.  In September 1996, Vicks joined the ATRC team and assumed her current management assistant position. 
 
Mrs. Amanda Blackman, SCSTC ATRC’s director of training and facilities readiness, says Vicks is an indispensable member of the team.

“As the primary assistant and advisor to me, Ms. Vicks performs numerous administrative duties,” she explained.  “One of her most significant responsibilities is serving as the primary Government Purchase Card holder facilitating procurement of supplies, equipment, and services support for our large schoolhouse.  She also advises division heads and department personnel on office policies and procedures.  Furthermore, she conducts editorial reviews, timekeeping for civilians, and tracks important training requirements.  Bonnie ensues our team is effective and efficient in our daily operations so that we can provide the fleet and our allies with highly trained surface warfighters to maintain, operate and employ the Aegis weapon system.”

Vicks says she is honored to have worked with such a great team for over 27 years. 
 
“I am truly grateful to work for an organization that cares deeply about our Sailors and civilians,” she said.  “Thank you all for your kind words and praises.”

Vicks plans on taking various fitness classes, perfecting her recipe for frittatas and french toast, visiting friends around the country, and relaxing with her fur baby.   
 
“I’ll miss my Aegis family, but I am looking forward to my next adventure.”
 
For information about the Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC), visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/SCSTC-ATRC/
 
Visit SCSTC ATRC on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/AEGISTrainingReadinessCenter/
 

Source: United States Navy

The hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) set sail in October for Pacific Partnership 24-1, as part of a long tradition of humanitarian support engagements with friendly nations across the Indo-Pacific. The ship’s visit to the Solomon Islands included construction projects, patient care provided by Navy doctors, and the donation of high-end medical equipment to the National Referral Hospital in capital city Honiara on the island of Guadalcanal in December. The property, valued at more than half a million dollars, was cleared for humanitarian donation after turnover to DLA Disposition Services for authorized release from DOD’s accountable property books.
     
Cmdr. Gregory Hall serves as the surgical planner aboard the ship. He said the donation included surgical equipment and instruments to perform minimally invasive surgery “across a wide range of surgical specialties” like orthopedics, pulmonology, and gastroenterology.  

“The main items donated were two separate ‘towers’ that hold the equipment necessary to visualize and power the minimally invasive instruments,” Hall said, noting that equipment needs were identified during previous Mercy visits. “The tower consists of items such as video monitors, image processors and the scope power units. The secondary items were the multitude of ‘sets’ that contain the specialty equipment to actually perform the minimally invasive procedures. This consists of cameras, the scopes themselves and other minimally invasive surgical equipment.”

Hall said the donation would have an immediate positive impact on quality of life for Solomon Islands residents through better surgical intervention and faster recovery. The equipment will also allow visiting partner nation specialists to perform advanced procedures while helping expand the surgical education opportunities for local surgeons.

“Pacific Partnership brings nations together to prepare in calm to respond in crisis,” said Capt. Brian Quin, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 24-1. “This donation of life-saving equipment will make a lasting impact on the medical capabilities of National Referral Hospital and its medical practitioners. This demonstrates our continued partnership with the people of the Solomon Islands.”

Gilbert Delagente manages the excess property Reutilization, Transfer and Donation program at DLA Disposition Services Pearl Harbor. He said that the agency’s property disposal experts there worked with USNS Mercy to conduct a receipt-in-place property transfer from the Navy, and RTD Branch personnel at the major sub-command headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan, worked with their established humanitarian assistance program contacts to help coordinate the donation to National Referral Hospital. Millions of dollars in surplus Defense Department goods and equipment flows through DLA to humanitarian assistance channels every year, and its specialists handle the coordination with diplomats.

“Across the Pacific region, DLA Disposition Services provides timely and on-the-spot disposal solutions to our warfighters to ensure that they are operational ready to execute their mission at the tip of the spear,” said Region Director Faron Cordrey. “Deployed forces must remain mission focused, and by having DLA readily available as partners, our service members can maintain that operational focus and be successful.”

According to a Navy release, this 19th edition of Pacific Partnership is the largest multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific, meant to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships.