Defense News in Brief: A2P Program a Win for Sailors & Recruit Training Command

Source: United States Navy

Long before either of them arrived at Recruit Training Command (RTC), Capt. Jeffry Sandin helped make it possible for Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class Ali Tolinos to earn advancement and extend his Navy career.
Tolinos, a Recruit Division Commander (RDC), is now helping Navy recruits begin their careers at RTC, where Sandin recently became the commanding officer. Tolinos’ gateway to RTC, the Navy’s only boot camp, was through the Active Duty Enlisted Advancement-to-Position (A2P) program.

Defense News in Brief: USS Vella Gulf Returns from Deployment

Source: United States Navy

NORFOLK, Va. – The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), an element of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG), returned to its homeport in Naval Station Norfolk, July 23 following a four-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.