Moving? Fleet and Family Support Center Can Help

From Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs

May 19, 2010 - WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Installations Command's Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) offer many resources to help Sailors and their families when they receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders.

"Relocating to a new duty station is never easy, but can be made less stressful with proper planning and utilization of the free services of the Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC)," said Fred Davis, Fleet and Family Support Program's Relocation Assistance Program manager. "Our Sailors and family members may be anxious about finding affordable housing, reputable schools, and employment opportunities, to name a few. The Relocation Assistance Program is designed to make the moving process as effortless as possible."

Plan on attending a Smooth Move Workshop hosted by the FFSC. The Smooth Move Workshop will address move-related topics such as who pays what for the move, how to ship personal property, and information about the sponsorship program.

There will also be a financial counselor available to discuss moving expenses to expect and how to prepare for the unexpected. FFSCs offer welcome aboard packets with information about bases worldwide. Sailors who have shipped everyday items - such as portable cribs or toasters - to their new location, may be able to borrow them from FFSCs Some FFSCs also offer videos about life overseas.

"Planning and preparation, as well as a sense of humor and positive attitude, have been proven to be sure-fire stress reducers," Davis said.

For information about Fleet and Family Support Center's Relocation Assistance Program, visit http://ffsp.navy.mil.

Another tool available is on the website of Military HOMEFRONT. "Plan Your Move" allows you to create arrival and travel checklists and get information on your new community, schools, finance, housing, relocation assistance, transportation and finance contacts.

Interested in learning more about your new installation? Go to Military Installations at Military HOMEFRONT. You'll find over 250 installations worldwide – Army, Marine, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, Defense Logistics Agency and Department of Veterans Affairs.

Military Installations provides a map and directions to most services and programs on the installation, including the barber shop, legal offices, loan closets, the commissary, the golf course, and much more.