VCNO Highlights Importance of Family Programs

By Mass Communication Specialist (SW) Daniel Baker

April 22, 2010 - SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) visited San Diego April 21 to get a closer look at the family readiness programs available to Sailors and their families.

During his visit, Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, VCNO, met with Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) counselors, family members and active duty Sailor representatives.

"I like to call this the 'listen and learn tour,' where we are going to the different bases around the country and talking to the Fleet and Family Support Centers and those that run family readiness programs," said Greenert.

As Navy families continue to evolve to meet the changing demands of military life and Sailors answer the call of mission requirements, the Navy continues to evaluate and address family needs in order to sustain family readiness.

"There's more going on at the FFSCs than our Sailors realize, and that's probably our biggest challenge- getting that word out to the Sailors, to their spouses, to their families of what kind of support exists at the FFSCs," Greenert added. During a round table discussion with FFSC counselors, family members, and active duty Sailor representatives Greenert discussed family readiness and highlighted some of the various programs and options available to Sailors and their families.

"Among our family readiness programs, Child Development Centers are the number one asset for many of our families, especially those with two working spouses," said Greenert. "Those centers that we have are among the very best."

Many family members of Sailors may not realize the types of services and programs available to them, especially those living in areas far away from military installations. There are more than 30 direct family support services and quality of life programs and benefits that are available to military families.

According to Mary Kirby, Program Operations Manager at FFSC Naval Base San Diego, "We are seeing the military service member and their family from before they join the Navy, through their entire career, and until they retire; and all of their benefits and resources are available to their family at every step of the way."

The family readiness assistance programs, benefits and services currently available to Navy families include child care, legal counseling, moving assistance and quality health care. The Navy is taking additional steps in 2010 to expand its programs and services.