Secretary of Navy Benjamin Stoddert sends in his first annual report to Congress, requesting naval forces be increased 'to make the most powerful nation desire our friendship - the most unprincipled respect our neutrality.'
1812, December 29th, Tuesday, 212 years ago
The frigate Constitution, commanded by William Bainbridge, captures HMS Java off Brazil, the second British frigate captured by Constitution in six months, during the War of 1812.
1942, December 29th, Tuesday, 82 years ago
USS Wasmuth (DMS 15) eventually sinks, 35 miles off Scotch Cape, the southwest point of Unimak Island, Aleutians, two days after a pair of her depth charges exploded during a gale. USS Ramapo (AO 12) comes alongside in the heavy seas and heroically rescues Wasmuths crew.
1943, December 29th, Wednesday, 81 years ago
USS Silversides (SS 236) sinks the Japanese transport Tenposan Maru, the army cargo ship Shichisei Maru, and the freighter Ryuto Maru while also damaging the army cargo ship Bichu Maru off Palau.
1944, December 29th, Friday, 80 years ago
USS Fixity (AM 235) is commissioned. Decommissioned after the war, she is later sold for commercial service until she sinks in the Ohio River in the late 1990s. Also on this date, USS Murrelet (AM 372) is launched.
1920, December 30th, Thursday, 104 years ago
USS John D. Ford (DD 228) is commissioned. It serves in both the Atlantic and the Pacific during World War II and receives a Presidential Unit Citation, specifically honoring her 'extraordinary heroism in action' during the Java Campaign, Jan. 23 - March 2, 1942 and four battle stars.
1942, December 30th, Wednesday, 82 years ago
USS Greenling (SS 213) attacks a Japanese convoy 180 miles northeast of Manus, Admiralty Islands and sinks Army cargo ship Hiteru Maru and damages cargo ship Ryufuku Maru while USS Thresher (SS 200) sinks the Japanese freighter Haichan Maru west of Mata Siri Island, off the southern tip of Borneo.
1943, December 30th, Thursday, 81 years ago
USS Bluefish (SS 222) sinks Japanese oiler Ichiyu Maru in the Java Sea.
1944, December 30th, Saturday, 80 years ago
USS Block Island (CVE 106) is commissioned, serving until decommissioned in 1954. Struck from the Navy list in 1959, ex-Block Island is sold to Kowa Koeki Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Naka, of Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo and scrapped a year later.
1944, December 30th, Saturday, 80 years ago
USS Razorback (SS 394) attacks a Japanese convoy going from Manila to Takao, about 60 miles southeast of Formosa, and sinks the destroyer Kuretake in the Bashi Channel. The Japanese cargo ships Brazil Maru and Oi Maru are also damaged during this attack.
1959, December 30th, Wednesday, 65 years ago
The first fleet ballistic missile submarine, USS George Washington (SSBN 598), is commissioned.
1862, December 31st, Wednesday, 162 years ago
USS Monitor founders in a storm off Cape Hatteras, N.C. and is lost. Ordinary Seaman John Jones of USS Rhode Island is awarded the Medal of Honor for his conduct while rescuing crewmen during the night.
1941, December 31st, Wednesday, 83 years ago
Adm. Chester W. Nimitz assumes command of U.S. Pacific Fleet.
1942, December 31st, Thursday, 82 years ago
USS Essex (CV 9), the first of a new class of aircraft carriers, is commissioned at Norfolk, Va.
1943, December 31st, Friday, 81 years ago
USS Greenling (SS 213) sinks Japanese transport Shoho Maru southeast of Ponape and evades counterattacks by submarine chaser Ch 30.
1948, December 31st, Friday, 76 years ago
The last annual report by a Secretary of the Navy to Congress and the President is filed by Secretary of the Navy John L. Sullivan. Thereafter the Secretary of Defense reports annually to Congress.
Use the Amazon Smile link above every time you shop at Amazon and Amazon will donate a portion of their profit to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
End of Tour: Typically submitted to admin, along with supporting paperwork, 90 days prior to member transferring. If the Sailor is separating, the paperwork should be submitted 90 days prior to the start their terminal leave and the Sailor should schedule a CDB.
Sailors are able to check their received awards on NDAWS.
Official study guides for enlisted advancement exams.
Go to Navy Cool > Click “Rating" next to “Go to:” > Click your rating in the list > Next > “Advancement Exam Bibliographies” > Select rank > Select the appropriate "Bibliographies” depending your status.
Pro Tip: Bibliographies are posted on Navy Cool six months before the exam date.
Pro Tip: The Chief Exam is always the third Thursday in January, and Petty Officer Exams are always the first three Thursdays in March and September. If you’re up for an exam, schedule leave for another time.
Keep a running brag sheet for your time at a command. Be detail oriented, quantitative, and keep separated files for each EVAL period. Information from this document is used to create EVALs and awards.
A CAC Reader installed on your computer allows access to many military websites. Italicized links on this site require your CAC inserted into a configured CAC reader before loading.
CDB Worksheet [.doc] (Career Development Board Worksheet)
The worksheet needed for a CDB; a formal meeting with a Sailor and their Chain of Command for Sailor familiarization and discuss expectations, command mission, and SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Trackable). Conducted within 60 days, 24 months, 48 months, and 60 months after checking into a new command or at the request of the Sailor, their Chain of Command, if a Sailor did not advance on their advancement exam, or make board on their chief exam.
Pro Tip: LPOs, periodically review your Sailor’s goals and follow-up with them to see how they are progressing.
CeTARS (Corporate Enterprise Training Activity Resource System)
Information on Navy NECs (Navy Enlisted Classification) and schools.
CFC (Combined Federal Campaign)
Contribute a portion of your paycheck to charitable organizations. Paycheck contributions can only be created from 01OCT-31DEC but the charity list is viewable year-round.
Log in to MyPay > “Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)”.
CIMS (Career Information Management System)
A variant of NSIPS available to Career Councilors to manage Sailor’s careers.
Pro Tip: Counseling chits create a needed paper trail to deal with repeat offenders, but formal documentation isn’t always the best approach. If appropriate, consider talking with the Sailor in private for first and minor offences.
DITPR/DADMS (Department (of Defense) Information Technology Portfolio Repository/Department (of the Navy) Applications and Database Management System)
Computer system for tracking Information Technology systems.
DoD ID (Department of Defense Identification)
A unique number given to each service member for identification found on a CAC. It can be used as a “Known Traveler Number” for flights.
Reference other service member’s DoD ID: Log in to Global Directory Service > Complete the form with the service member’s information and press “Search” > Click the “Last Name” for the correct service member > “Download Certificate(s) as .cer file (Non-Outlook Users)” > Click a certificate under “Select a certificate from the available certificates for .cer download.” > Open the file > Locate the DoD ID number in the “Issued to:” field after the last period.
Reserve hotel rooms, rental cars, and airline tickets for official travel. For issues while on travel, contact Travel Assistance Center at 1-888-435-7146.
Allows a service member to view their administrative data such as PRD, EAOS, clearance information, as well as training, qualifications, certifications, assignments, and career history.
LPOs, TPOs, DIVOs, and Career Counselors are able to see other’s training jackets using FLTMPS.
Email
Remotely access email. Select your CAC’s email certificate when prompted.
Per DON CIO GENADMIN message, emails that contain Personally Identifiable Information (PII) should be digitially signed, encrypted, have “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY - PRIVACY SENSITIVE” in their subject line, have “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY - PRIVACY SENSITIVE: Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure of this information may result in both criminal and civil penalties.” in their body, and sent to recipients with an official need-to-know.
e-QIP (Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing)
Enter and update your background information during a security clearance reinvestigation.
Track safety related inspections, mishaps, and to receive training.
EVAL (Evaluation)
A performance report, typically yearly, used to document performance and to compare against peers.
View previous EVALs on OMPF: Log in to BUPERS > “Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) - My Records”.
Use NPC for EVAL writing instruction. The current BUPERSINST 1610.10 is linked from their homepage which provides the full instruction for each block.
Pro Tip: Writing your EVAL on the go without access to NAVFIT? Write block 43 in notepad. You’re allowed 18 lines of 92 characters. View a Microsoft Word template.
Pro Tip: First Classes, write your EVAL using the latest Chief Precept.
Navy's implementation of an online collaborative hub allowing access to Microsoft Office tools including Outlook and Teams. When logging on, you must type in your "name.mil@us.navy.mil" email address and press the "Sign in with CAC/PIV" link instead of a password when you are prompted for your password. Select your PIV certificate.
FLTMPS (Fleet Training Management and Planning System)
Used by LPOs, TPOs, DIVOs, and Career Counselors to view Sailors’ training, qualifications, certifications, assignments, and similar type information.
A communicable virus that left untreated can severely compromise the immune system in a condition called AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Navy personnel are tested every two years to test for the virus. For males, it is the onlySTI Testing routinely performed after joining the military. PrEP is available for all individuals at very high risk of infection. HIV positive Sailors can continue serving in the Navy in both shore and sea commands.
Military personnel are automatically enrolled in TSA Pre✓. Enter your DoD ID Number (found on the back of your CAC) as your Known Traveler Number when purchasing airfare and skip long lines at the airport.
Add your Known Traveler Number to your DTS account.
Log in to DTS > “Traveler Setup” > “Update Personal Profile” > “My TSA Information”
Transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill (Government Issue Bill) education benefits to dependents, update personal and work contact information, and view primary care manager.
Allows Sailors to view and apply for orders for their next command. Sailors are also able to set location preferences for future orders. Replaced CMS/ID November 2019.
Pro Tip: Thirteen months before your PRD, update your contact information and duty station preferences.
Navy Advancement Center Facebook: Where announcements are posted related to enlisted advancement exams, such as quotas and advancement results. E-4–E-6 quota announcements are twice a year, typically the week before Memorial Day and the week before Thanksgiving. E-7 quota announcements are typically in late June. E-8 quota announcements are typically in early June. E-9 quota announcements are typically in late March.
Navy COOL (Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line)
Provides information on certifications and licenses. Navy COOL also provides vouchers to pay for credential exam and maintenance fees.
Access audiobooks and other media for free. Sync your library account with OverDrive on your smartphone and listen to audiobooks during your commute.
For initial access, create a library account using your CAC at Navy MWR Digital Library > “Login” (under “Common Access Card”) > “Sign up here” (next to OverDrive) > “Account” > Create your library credentials under “New users:”.
Download the OverDrive app onto your smartphone and create an OverDrive account.
Add the library to your OverDrive account using library credentials. The library is listed under “United States” > “US Navy”.
Pro Tip: Different libraries have different book selections. Add additional libraries, such as your local community's library, to your OverDrive account.
Computer network for CONUS shore commands. Submit trouble tickets online, and view current system outages and telephone prompts if calling their help desk (1-866-843-6624).
Provides NEETS Modules (Navy Electricity and Electronics Training Series Modules) and other publications to allow Sailors to become more efficient in their rate or to become familiar with other rates for cross-rating.
Nurse hotline staffed 24/7. Receive recommendations for the most appropriate level of care. Call this number if you're unsure if you should go to the emergency room or not.
A database of command ombudsman. An ombudsman serves as a point of ocontact for families and acts as the liaison between a command and families. Ombudsman can help navigate Navy life through resources and information.
OMPF (Official Military Personnel File)
Digital copies of EVALs, qualifications, administrative remarks, and other personnel records.
Log in to BUPERS > “Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) - My Records”.
OPNAVINST (Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Instruction)
Depository of formally documented lawful orders issued by the CNO.
Orders
Official documentation that assigns Sailors to commands for a set duration of time. Includes instructions for transitioning between commands.
Log in to NSIPS > “Employee Self Service” > “Electronic Service Record” > “View” > “Orders History”. If enabled, disable your browser’s pop-up blocker. Select “View Orders Text” for the set of orders you would like to view.
OWA (Outlook Web Access)
A website to read and send email. See Email for a list of OWA servers.
Dependency Application and Record of Emergency Data.
Official Copy: Log in to BUPERS > “Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) - My Records” > “OMPF Documents” > Form Number 1070/602.
Working Copy: Log in to NSIPS > “Employee Self Service” > “Electronic Service Record” > “View” > “Dependency Data” > “Print Form” (Yellow button near bottom of screen) > “OK” > “Main Menu” > “NSIPS Report Manager” > “View” (Next to “Dependency Application”, press “Refresh” until “View” appears) > Under “File List” click the link for the “PDF” document.
Page 4 (NAVPERS 1070/604)
Enlisted Qualifications History.
Official Copy: Log in to BUPERS > “Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) - My Records” > “OMPF Documents” > Form Number 1070/604.
Page 13 (NAVPERS 1070/613)
Administrative Remarks.
Official Copy: Log in to BUPERS > “Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) - My Records” > “OMPF Documents” > Form Number 1070/613.
A payday countdown, accurate to within the hour, is at the top of this page inside the orange Amazon and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) announcement.
Please use this link, and encourage others to use it too, when shopping on Amazon. It’s the same selection, prices, and shipping, but Amazon donates a portion of their profit to NMCRS when you use it.
If you just learned about this site after seeing a bus stop ad, please click this to let us know.
PCS My POV (Permanent Change of Station My Personally Owned Vehicle)
Information on turning in, tracking, and picking up personally owned vehicles when PCSing to overseas commands.
Per diem is an allowance for lodging, meals and incidental expenses that is provided for some types of official travel.
PFA Report (Physical Fitness Assessment Report)
Log in to BUPERS > “PRIMS” > “Member” > “Reports” > “PFA Listing All Cycles”.
Or, when BUPERS is inevitably down: Log in to My Navy Portal > “Career & Life Events” > “Performance” > “PRIMS” > “Export as PDF”.
PHA (Physical Health Assessment)
Annual medical screening typically conducted during the Sailor’s birth month. Usually two parts: a walk-in to get a checklist and visiting the needed departments (best if fasting for 12-hours if fasting blood work is needed), and a scheduled appointment with your Primary Healthcare Provider. Bring your completed HRA to both parts of your PHA.
Precept
Qualities advancement boards are looking for in officers and chiefs.
A daily medication for people at very high risk of HIV infection to lower their chances of getting infected. The medicine and all required labs are fully covered for Navy personnel. In Hampton Roads, Primary Care Manager referrals are not needed, contact the Portsmouth Infectious Disease Clinic directly.
PRIMS (Physical Readiness Information Management System)
A cover sheet for all documents containing personal information.
Pro Tip: Use less ink by printing our black and white cover sheet [.pdf] version. (87% savings compared to the full color version and 56% savings when compared to the full color version printed in greyscale.)
The number of enlisted sailors advancing in rank. Announcements are made by Navy Advancement Center. E-4–E-6 announcements are twice a year, typically the week before Memorial Day and the week before Thanksgiving. E-7 announcements are typically in late June. E-8 announcements are typically in early June. E-9 announcements are typically in late March.
Pro Tip: You must provide a primary and secondary unexpired IDs. Two different primary IDs satisfy the primary and secondary ID requirements. Acceptable primary IDs include: Military ID card, Driver‘s License, State ID, and Passport or Passport Card. Acceptable secondary IDs include: Social Security Card, Original or Certified Copy Birth Certificate, Voter’s Registration Card, and Photo ID Card issued by a Federal, State, or Local Government Agency.
Sign up with airline, hotel, and car rental rewards programs and earn benefits on official travel for personal use later.
Add rewards program numbers to your DTS account to automatically reap benefits on government booked reservations. Log in to DTS > “Traveler Setup” > “Update Personal Profile” > “My Preferences” > “Rewards Programs” (blue button at the bottom of the page)
The commercial travel office that purchases airline, hotel, and car rentals for servicemembers on travel through DTS. Find your local travel office’s contact information to adjust travel arrangements as needed.
Place a “Itinerary / Invoice Request” on your local travel office’s page.
SATO Vacations (Scheduled Airlines Ticket Office Vacations)
Purchase airline, hotel, and car reservations for personal use at government rates.
View our Navy travel map to view DoD lodging locations and Space-A terminals for added savings.
SDP (Savings Deposit Program)
Allows service members serving in designated combat zones to earn to 10% interest on deposited funds.
Log in to MyPay > “SDP Statement / Withdrawal Request”.
SF (Standard Form)
SF86: Security Clearance Questionnaire. Complete this form using e-QIP. Previous questionnaires can be requested.
SF701 [.pdf]: Activity Security Checklist - Used for rooms.
SF702 [.pdf]: Security Container Check Sheet - Used for safes.
SGLI (Servicemembers Group Life Insurance)
Low-cost term life insurance policy available to eligible service members.
Log in to milConnect > “Benefits” > “Life Insurance (SOES - SGLI Online Enrollment System)”.
Information on free or very low-cost air travel for Sailors and dependents with very flexible schedules on military planes with available seating. These flights were formally called MAC (Military Airlift Command) flights, but that command was disbanded with most assets transferred to AMC (Air Mobility Command).
View AMC terminal locations and schedule information, along with DoD lodging, on our Navy travel map.
Calculate your bonus, if any, for reenlistment. Half of the SRB is paid shortly after reenlisting, with the remaining amount paid in equal annual installments on the anniversary of your reenlistment for the duration on the reenlistment.
Log in to NSIPS > “Career Information Management” > “Calculators” > “Selective Reenlistment Bonus”.
STI Testing (Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing)
A comprehensive STI test is performed prior to joining the military. HIV is tested every two years, and is the only STI test routinely performed on males. HIV positive Sailors can continue serving in the Navy in both shore and sea commands. In addition to HIV testing, females aged 21+ are provided with a comprehensive STI test every three years. Not all STIs show symptoms and it is important for sexual active people to activly protect themselves from and routinely get screened for STIs.
Pro Tip: Go to Immunization for a free Gardasil vaccine sequence to protect against HPV (Human Papillomavirus). Both males and females at any age are eligible and can benefit from the vaccine (personnel ages 27+ may require an off-label prescription for the vaccine from their Primary Care Manager). HPV causes cancers and warts in both males and females, but there is only a test for HPV for females. The vaccine protects against multiple strains of the virus.
Website to submit DTS trouble tickets and complete DTS training.
TRICARE (Stylized in uppercase but not an acronym)
A health care system which provides health benefits to service members and their families. Members must be registered in DEERS to be eligible for TRICARE.
View, modify, and schedule medical appointments through Patient Portal.
When creating your initial account, or when requesting your TSP Account Number or password reset, information will be mailed to the address listed in MyPay.
Pro Tip: Consider spending at least 10% of your base pay to your TSP account and investing in the “L-Fund” closest to your retirement date. If you can’t afford 10%, start at what you can afford and increase the percentage at each pay increase.
Sets clothing and grooming standards issued by direction of the Chief of Naval Operations and carries the force of a General Order.
Pro Tip: Chapter 1, Section 1: “Any procedures or components, regarding uniforms or grooming, not discussed in these regulations are prohibited.” Also, “It is issued for information and guidance, and requires compliance when wearing naval uniforms.”
Database of federal jobs for Sailors transitioning to civilian work.
USMAP (United Services Military Apprenticeship Program)
An apprenticeship program between the Department of Labor and the military that lets enlisted service members use on-duty experience to earn journeyman status in a trade. Consult with your rate’s LaDR for the most appropriate apprenticeship programs.
Formally called RP/6 (Rally Point 6), provides service members and their spouses with resources and workshops to help transition from military to civilian life.
Service members, veterans, and eligible spouses are able to use VA Home Loans when purchasing a home. The VA does not directly provide mortgages, but guarantees a portion of the loan which allows private banks and mortgage companies to provide loans on more favorable terms.
