NHB Family Practice and Patient Administration Personnel Assist Returning Family Members

By Douglas H. Stutz, Naval Hosptial Bremerton Public Affairs Officer

SEATTLE (NNS) -- Naval Hospital Bremerton staff assisted with the arrival of military family members who were part of the voluntary authorized departure from Japan at Seattle-Tacoma international airport March 21.

The military-chartered flight arrived from Naval Air Facility Atsugi with 154 passengers and 21 pets. NBH was one of numerous Navy assets to help support the U.S. Army North joint mission, with an established reception and coordination center to receive, account for, and render support for the returning family members.

Patient Administration hospital corpsmen, a doctor and nurse from the Family Practice Clinic, and technical support from the leading chief petty officer of Information Management Division, aided in the overall process to get the family members to their final destinations scattered throughout the U.S. The Army-led joint service support team brought in experts from personnel services, logistic and other specialties to streamline and personally manage and address the returnees' needs and required administrative accountability.

"We are here in this joint environment to provide military-medical liaison, any basic medical needs, handle triage requirements and screen anyone for any health-related issues," said Cmdr. Pat Taylor, of NHB's Family Practice Assistant Department Head.

The Monday flight followed the initial arrival on March 19 that brought approximately 240 military family members to the designated destination, including 190 children and nine pets from Yokota AB.

"We had some minor medical issues on Saturday such as allergies kicking in and some gastro-intestinal distress," Taylor said. "We handled everything with the supplies we had on hand."

These two flights are the beginning of multiple chartered flights bringing in almost 7,000 Department of Defense personnel and family members impacted by devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunamis.

"Bringing military medicine to where it's needed is what we do," said Lt. Cmdr. Gray Dawson, of NHB Family Practice, noting that for the majority of passengers arriving, the common theme was simply a relief to finally be at their chosen destination. "But we're here for anything, even working with them to clear up TRICARE questions or find and contact a case manager for them to where they are headed, or just seeing them or their children for any reason at all."

For Minerva Aguinaga, traveling from NAF Atsugi with her six-month old daughter, Cassandra, and another baby on the way, her main concern after the long flight was linking up with a provider at her final destination to assist with checkups during her pregnancy. Aguinaga also had concerns about base access and unfamiliarity with the area in which she was headed.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jerry Wagner, of NHB Patient Admin, seamlessly stepped in to calm her unease. Wagner, adept in fleet liaison and family consult issues, took the paperwork to ensure Aguinaga's family information would be correctly updated in TRICARE. He then explained how he would arrange contact information and facilitate necessary paperwork for her upcoming appointments.

Losing access to medical care for family members arriving from Japan has been alleviated by TRICARE Management Activity. TRICARE Overseas Prime beneficiaries may be unable to access their usual sources of medical care and pharmacy services. To compensate, TRICARE has established a waiver of the usual referral requirements in order to ensure access to health care and medications, and to prevent enrollees from incurring point of service charges. The TRICARE waiver is in place from March 11, 2011 until midnight on June 30, 2011, with the option for extension based upon an analysis of the situation at that time.

Additionally, communication disruptions may further limit beneficiaries' ability to contact International SOS, the TRICARE Overseas Prime contractor, to arrange referrals. To compensate, TRICARE has established a waiver of the usual referral requirements in order to ensure access to health care and medications, and to prevent enrollees from incurring point of service charges. This waiver is also in place until midnight on June 30, 2011, with the option for extension based upon an analysis of the situation at that time. For more information, visit www.tricare.mil/tsunami.

"Although we haven't fielded a lot of questions, the families arriving see we're here and everyone one else standing by to help them. That takes a lot off their mind. The combined team effort going on here really is tremendous," Taylor said. "The [Naval Base Kitsap] Child Development Center has set up a great area to watch the children so the parents can concentrate on getting checked in and our Fleet and Family Support team has so much compassion in reaching out to every family member and helping them."

"What an amazing experience and the folks, as tired and stressed as they were, just handled everything with absolute strength. Even the kids," said Britt Feldman, of NBK Fleet and Family Support Center.

Northcom Operation Helps Families Relocating From Japan

From a U.S. Northern Command News Release

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., March 23, 2011 – U.S. Northern Command is leading “Pacific Passage,” an operation for the voluntary return of military family members from Japan in the aftermath of the deadly March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Northcom is the joint combatant command formed in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to provide homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities.

U.S. Army North defense coordinating elements led by a defense coordinating officer in Federal Emergency Management Agency Regions 9 and 10 have established joint reception coordination centers, work closely with federal, state, tribal and local officials to determine unique Defense Department capabilities that may be needed to assist civil authorities.

Arrival locations have been established at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington state and at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. The arriving families, including their pets, are being met by military representatives from U.S. Army North, who help them with follow-on arrangements such as temporary lodging, food and other support requirements.

Air Forces Northern’s national security emergency preparedness directorate has deployed two emergency preparedness liaison officers to the Seattle-Tacoma airport and is ready to support with others if needed, officials said. Joint reception coordination centers have been set up at both locations.

Northcom's Standing Joint Force Headquarters is on standby to establish an additional arrival location, as necessary, officials said.

More information on Pacific Passage and useful information for returning family members is available at http://www.northcom.mil/japan.

USS McCampbell Replenishes to Continue Relief to Japan

By Ensign Emily McMenamin

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- USS McCampbell (DDG 85) took on supplies to continue Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations off the eastern coast of Japan March 23.

McCampbell Sailors moved tons of materials ashore to the civilian population in some of the hardest struck areas, as displaced Japanese continue to have a critical need for food, supplies and fuel.

Over a period of more than two hours, McCampbell took on 45 pallets of food and supplies from USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9) to prepare for a new wave of emergency provisions, and move them to the Japanese ashore.

"It was incredible to watch the pallets swing across between our two ships and know all of these supplies were going ashore soon, to help our Japanese friends," said Seaman Cyd M. Vargas of Aguada, Puerto Rico.

The crew worked in near freezing temperatures to bring an abnormally large amount of supplies aboard.

"The crew pulled together to on load nearly three times the normal amount of supplies in support of HADR operations ashore," said Ensign Thad Brill of McMinnville, Oregon, the Assistant Supply Officer aboard McCampbell. "These items will greatly help to sustain the victims ashore."

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 51 Detachment 5 the "Warlords" embarked on board McCampbell, will be transferring needed supplies to shore over the next few days based on information gathered during previous drops at established shelters. The air crew customizes the loads to various sizes and content in order to best suit the needs for each group of survivors. Aware that there may be additional groups with needs, the air crew is constantly vigilant to identify additional previously unestablished shelters.

Sailors have been working tirelessly to ensure that all available resources are getting ashore in a timely manner since arriving on scene arch 11, immediately following a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and resulting tsunami.

USS McCampbell Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Steven H. DeMoss said, "McCampbell and nearly every U.S. Navy ship forward-deployed to Yokosuka and Sasebo, Japan have joined with the Reagan Strike Group to support disaster relief ashore. There is a tremendous commitment by our nation and our Navy to ensure Japan overcomes and recovers from this tragedy."

McCampbell is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron Fifteen and is forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. McCampbell will remain on scene, continuing to provide assistance, as part of the overall humanitarian effort being conducted by U.S. Navy 7th Fleet Forces.

Education Activity Launches Online Preregistration

By Elaine Wilson

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2011 – Defense Department officials have launched an online preregistration application that’s intended to help parents get an early start on enrolling their children in DOD schools.

Through the site, parents can preregister their children in a DOD school from anywhere in the world, and even while on the move from one installation to another, explained Mike Lynch, chief of policy and legislation for the Department of Defense Education Activity.

The site, located at https://registration.dodea.edu, is open to parents with students entering pre-kindergarten up to 12th grade.

“We want to reduce the time it takes to register children for school,” he said. “This way, the school can be ready the day the parents get there so they can get in and out quicker.”

The site is intended to aid with new enrollments into Defense Department schools, Lynch said, rather than re-registration requests. “An online re-registration application is something we’re looking at developing for next school year,” he said.

Lynch said the site can help military parents worldwide, whether they’re moving their children from an off-base school to one on base or are in the early stages of preparing for a move, either stateside or overseas.

Parents who are readying for a move can preregister children even before they know the exact school their child will enter, he noted. On the site, parents can choose options ranging from the community they’re moving to down to the specific Defense Department school their child will attend.

“If you’re going to Europe, for example, you can pick that option, then the country, community and school,” he said. However, “You can stop at any point along the way.”

Registrars will be on the lookout for new registration paperwork, he said. And, for those who didn’t designate a specific school, the registrar can quickly pull the paperwork from a queue upon the family’s arrival. “It takes only a few minutes to print and have it ready,” he said.

The site is simple and easy to navigate, Lynch said. Parents answer questions ranging from student’s birth date to citizenship. They also can attach documents, such as military orders and birth certificates, to their online preregistration paperwork.

While the site is designed to streamline the registration process, he said, it doesn’t replace the need for an in-person school visit. Parents still will need to stop by the school to update documents, complete other forms, such as bus routes, and sign an official registration request.

Along with parents, the site also offers benefits for school officials, Lynch noted. Since the system generates pre-filled forms, it eliminates the need to have registrars transfer data from sometimes hard-to-decipher handwritten registration forms. Additionally, the schools can better track the number of incoming students.

“But that’s not why we’re doing this,” Lynch said. "We're committed to making school transitions easier, and we believe that improving the school registration process is the perfect place to start."

PACOM Commander Addresses Concerns during Yokosuka Townhall Meeting

By Mark Elrod

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The U.S. military's top Pacific leader spent several hours at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) March 22 to answer questions and address concerns regarding events in the wake of the 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan March 11.

Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Adm. Robert Willard, along with his wife Donna Willard, addressed the community on the current situation with the Fukushima nuclear-power plants, voluntary departure of dependents, and thanked families for their support to their Sailors who are fully engaged in Operation Tomodachi.

"The purpose of my visit to Japan was multi-faceted," said Willard. "I needed to talk to my forces out here that are conducting the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation, in northern Honshu, to help the Japanese. So, I'm working the disaster side of this, but while we're here Donna and I both wanted the opportunity to visit the sites, interact with the families, and perhaps share some information that would be helpful under these circumstances," he added.

Willard began the meeting reassuring the community that leadership at all levels has the safety of service members and their families at their top priority. He also put the conditions of northeastern Japan into perspective.

"Just imagine 440,000 people that are in an area where infrastructure is pretty much destroyed, and more than one thousand roads are gone. There's no power, no water and people are relying on relief efforts that we are assisting in," Willard told the crowd of approximately 700 people.

He also addressed the Japanese members of the audience and expressed his concern for the people of Japan and praised the courage they have displayed throughout catastrophic circumstances.

"From all of us in America, and from all of us in the United States military, and in the Pacific Command, I would like to express our profound condolences for what your country is enduring."

To help share information during the meeting, Willard held a question and answer session with community members to address community concerns.

"We couldn't have been happier with the turnout and with the questions. I learned a lot and I hope they got a lot out of it as well," said Willard. "Their safety is paramount on our minds. My responsibility is to manage that safety, look out for any future contingency that could occur, and to keep them informed."

Willard reiterated to the local commanders the importance of communications in keeping the community assured by keeping them informed.

"For the leaders that are here, keep leading keep supplying the information that's required as we go about this great humanitarian assistance and disaster response effort," stated Willard. "To the families here, we're very, very proud of what they're doing, the courage they're showing, and the help that they are affording one another."

Though Willard addressed the Yokosuka community concerns, he also, in addition, spoke of the catastrophes that the Japanese people are enduring.

"The Japanese people, I think, have shown just wonderful resilience and fortitude under the worst circumstances," Willard expressed. "I know I speak for every American and every military member that we are very, very sorry for this great disaster that they've been subjected to."

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is traveling.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

This Day in Naval History - March 22

From the Navy News Service

1820 - Commodore Stephen Decatur dies after a duel with Capt. James Barron.

1915 - "Naval aviator" replaces "Navy air pilot" for officers qualified as aviators.

1929 - Navy ships protect Americans and their property during a Mexican revolution.

1946 - USS Missouri (BB 63) departs the United States to return the body of a deceased Turkish ambassador to Turkey for burial. Missouri arrived in Istanbul April 5.

Patrol Squadron 4 Surveys Tsunami Damage Over Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devon Dow,

Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan Public Affairs

NORTHERN JAPAN (NNS) -- Patrol Squadron 4 (VP 4) took to the air from Naval Air Facility Misawa (NAFM) to conduct an eight-hour field survey of ports in northern Japan, March 22.

Since their reposition to NAFM on March 16, the squadron is continuing its relief efforts by gathering information on the current status of ports, roads and infrastructure in cities along the eastern coastline that were affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami.

With the P-3 squadron's communication and real-time capabilities, the Navy will gain more knowledge of where it can provide vital humanitarian and relief support in Operation Tomodachi.

"I think the mission has been going very well," said Lt. Peter Kennedy, who serves as a patrol plane commander assigned to Patrol Squadron 4. "As a P-3 Squadron we are able to adapt on short notice which has made our efforts here so successful. We are receiving great support from Commander, Task Force 72 staff and overall our team is providing a very good product."

The Hawaii-based squadron's move to NAFM from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa Japan has increased the Squadron's time on site and reduced their time in transit.

According to Lt.j.g. Hector Robles, assigned to VP 4, the move has been a big advantage for them.

"While we had success flying out of Kadena, the location we are in today provides us with greater time on site," he said. "The work we have been doing here is very rewarding."

Another effort to increase their effectiveness is by conducting eight-hour flight missions from NAFM. This way the Squadron takes advantage of sunlight so they can gather better imagery on site.

Naval Air Crewman (Operational Level) 2nd Class Jeff Graham, assigned to VP 4 , operates the Advanced Imaging Multi-spectrum Sensor aboard the aircraft. The sensor, located on the nose of the aircraft, takes detailed imagery and has streaming video capabilities.

Graham said some of the images he has seen have been hard to believe. However, he is confident that, with help from the U.S. and the determination of the Japanese people, the "Land of the Rising Sun" will recover from the disaster.

"It will take a while," he said. "I do think the more resources and information that is provided to the Japanese people will help things continue to get better for the country."

Navy Family Members Arrive at Travis Air Force Base

Melinda L. Larson, NAS Lemoore Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (NNS) -- Hundreds of military family members were welcomed to Travis Air Force Base (AFB) following an 11 hour flight from Yokota Air Base, Japan, as part of an authorized voluntary departure of DoD dependents and Navy civilians, March 22.

"We take care of our Sailors. Our job is to make this transition as smooth and efficient as possible for families during this arduous time," said Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore Command Master Chief Matt Laing, who spearheaded the Navy's relief effort at Travis AFB. "These families have been under a lot of stress since the tsunami and we want to make sure they get to where they need to be as quickly as possible."

When the flight arrived at the terminal, weary family members were helped down the aircraft's stairs and assisted through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection process. Orders were written, needs assessed and final destinations determined. The importance of enrollment in the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) was also stressed.

"This is an unusual circumstance for these family members, so it's important they have all the information they need to make a successful transition," said Garland Whetzler, an exceptional family member liaison from NAS Lemoore's Fleet and Family Support Center. "NFAAS is a vital tool for staying connected and informed, especially now."

Of the 330 Navy family members who arrived, 155 were under the age of 12. For one Navy wife traveling with three kids and a dog from Yokosuka, Japan, the reception at Travis AFB was a welcome relief.

"Everyone has been real friendly getting us through this situation. All the help and the smiles have been wonderful. They've really been catering to the kids," said Angelica Hogan, who was happy to have someone read to her 3-year old at the terminal.

Hogan said she left the island with mixed emotions.

"It was a hard decision to leave," Hogan said.

The trip wasn't quite as emotional for her 12-year old daughter, Chardanae, who's looking forward to getting to her grandmother's house in Jacksonville, Fla.

"I'm just hoping grandma cooks us a Sunday dinner," she said.

The Navy will continue to support relief efforts at Travis AFB.

For more information on the voluntary authorized departure for eligible DoD family members from designated areas in Japan, read NAVADMIN 093/11 at www.npc.navy.mil>

All Sailors or family members who are in need of assistance should utilize the NFAAS support site at www.navyfamily.navy.mil to ensure the Navy can track and assess support requirements for all parties affected.

Navy Fleet and Family Support Center has a 24-hour hotline available to provide family support information at 866-854-0638.

1238 US Military Servicemembers have Authored Books

The addition of former US Army Soldier David Couzins, www.miliary-writers.com now lists 1238 servicemembers and the 3944 books they have written.

David Couzins is the son of a career Air Force officer and is an honorably discharged veteran formerly assigned as an infantryman with the US Army’s 25th Infantry Division. Mr. Couzins participated in combat training and security operations throughout the Hawaiian Islands, in the Philippines, and Australia.


David Couzins spent the last dozen years working in large international law firms helping lawyers use computer technology to manage the millions of corporate documents involved in today’s high stakes commercial litigation and government investigations. After living twenty years in the Washington, D.C. area, Mr. Couzins now lives near Chicago with his wife and their three children. David Couzins is the author of Domers.

According to the book description of Domers, it is “an action/adventure novel with an anti-big government theme... 2080 A.D., the United States is a "virtual" country whose citizens have lived for sixty years under millions of family-sized domes, hermetically sealed with no windows and no access to the Outside where the rest of the world faces virus pandemics, riots inspired by worldwide economic chaos, and terrorists killing millions with nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons.

Tom Corant is a US Army sergeant who fights battles all over the world by remotely controlling armed infantry robots from the safety of his bedroom. Tom is happy with life in the dome he was born into twenty-four years ago. Tom met, courted, fell in love with, and proposed marriage to Jenny Salem all on-line via the SuperNet, the high-bandwidth communications web that connects the 75 million dome homes that make up the United States of America. While the betrothed couple is being transported to their own dome to start their life together, they are kidnapped by a Mexican army patrol roaming the dangerous Outside.

Tom and Jenny are rescued by Roving Wolf, a Comanche scout whose people (like all other Native American Indian nations) were exempted from mandatory doming and who now live free in their native lands among millions of buffalo in the reconstituted bison herds of the Great Plains. Roving Wolf is ordered to escort the couple across the desert southwest where a multi-tribe Native American army is collaborating with the dome society's military to repel an imminent invasion by the ambitious military dictator of Mexico. During their journey, Tom and Jenny are exposed for the first time to Nature and to Freedom. Tom comes to realize that the domes are prisons and he learns the truth behind the doming of America. Tom vows to free his family, fight against the system, to expose the government's lies, and to someday make the Domers understand that the safety offered by dome life is not worth the price.”

Military Families Arrive in Jacksonville From Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Stuart Phillips, Navy Public Affairs Support Element - East

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- U.S. military family members evacuating Japan arrived at Jacksonville International Airport (JIA) as part of an authorized voluntary departure of DoD dependents and Navy civilians, March 21.

The departure was authorized due to damage caused by the recent 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

The ten family members were met by Sailors, Navy chaplains, a Fleet and Family Service Center counselor, an individual augmentee case management coordinator and Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS JAX) Command Master Chief Brad Shepherd.

"We came to give support to the families coming in today from Japan," said Lt. Cmdr. Shannon Skidmore, NAS Jax command chaplain. "The command is fully engaged to support these family members who had to come back in a hurry. It's a time of turmoil in their lives, and we just want to provide them with a little stability, show them a friendly face and give them a hand of support."

Recipients of this show of support were quick to express gratitude.

"Seeing all these people here at the end of our trip was a big relief," said Randreaka Hodge, a Navy wife and mother of four young children ranging in ages from one to 11 years-old. "The trip was approximately 14 hours, but the hardest part was trying to stay calm for my children. It was stressful trying to keep track of the luggage and keep the kids calm while not knowing what's next."

Hodge's father, Randy Jackson, was happy to see his daughter and grandchildren safe and sound.

"I feel so much happier seeing them here," said Jackson. "I can sleep at night now. I was really worried about them over there. It was hard watching the news and hearing her cry on the telephone while I was here knowing there was nothing I could do. I'm so grateful they were able to get them home so quickly."

For question on personnel matters related to the disaster in Japan, visit http://www.navy.mil/cnp/index.asp.

All Sailors or family members who are in need of assistance should utilize the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System support site at https://www.navyfamily.navy.mil.

Gates: Missile Defense Cooperation Will Deter Future Foes

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

MOSCOW, March 22, 2011 – European missile defense was one of the top issues here today as Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met with his Russian counterpart Anatoly Serdyukov and later with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

In a grand guest house on the grounds of the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense, Gates, Serdyukov and 20 officials, diplomats and policy experts met to discuss the way forward on a range of technical issues, chief among them European missile defense.

“An issue of great importance to both of our leaders is establishing a framework for European security that can strengthen stability, predictability and security for all nations on the continent,” Gates said at a news conference after the meeting.

“We continue to have an intensive discussion on missile defense cooperation,” the secretary added, “and although we still have differences that need to be resolved, we continue to make progress within a bilateral framework and exploring opportunities to cooperate through the NATO-Russia Council.”

Serdyukov said through an interpreter that the leaders spent much time on missile defense “because this is one of the issues which neither we nor our U.S. counterparts have a simple and unequivocal answer to.”

After the Lisbon Summit of the NATO-Russia Council in November, he said, “we face new capabilities for cooperation. Today we shared our views on the possible ways to address this issue and we have a common understanding that cooperation is better than confrontation.”

Serdyukov and Gates agreed that experts in a special working group would continue such discussions.

Later, at Medvedev’s dacha about 45 minutes outside Moscow, Gates and his wife Becky dined with Medvedev and several other U.S. and Russian officials.

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said about half of the hour-long conversation focused on missile defense.

“The secretary told President Medvedev that we are sincere in our belief that the United States and Russia ought to implement the European missile defense plan together, Morrell said.

“We can do this in a way that improves NATO and Russian security,” Gates told the Russian president. “I think we can do this together to both of our benefits.”

Gates “expressed to President Medvedev his belief that if we are able to cooperate on missile defense, it would send a powerful signal to rest of world, Morrell said.

The secretary said it would be helpful not just in dealing with the threat emanating from Iran, but from unknown threats that may emerge from the upheaval in the Middle East.

“This would be a strong deterrent to future foes,” Gates told Medvedev.

A senior defense official who attended the dinner said Medvedev indicated that “the Russians are genuinely interested in cooperation, but at the same time they remain concerned about the effects of our European phased-adaptive approach [for missile defense] on their own strategic deterrence down the road.”

According to a White House fact sheet on U.S. missile defense policy, the approach is based on an assessment of Iran’s missile threat and a commitment to deploy proven, adaptable technology to an evolving security environment.

The missile defense architecture features deployments of increasingly capable sea- and land-based missile interceptors and a range of sensors in Europe, the fact sheet says, adding that the four-phased approach addresses today’s threats but could quickly be adapted to respond to evolving threats.

Gates “underscored [President Barack] Obama’s sincere commitment for succeeding and finding basis for cooperation on missile defense as a NATO-Russia project,” the defense official said.

The secretary said the goal is to find a way for Russia to be an equal partner with the United States and other allies and offered some concrete ideas for how the system can be made to work in practice.

Gates, the official said, noted that beyond Iran, which has been the focus, upheavals today in the Middle East could pose other threats down the road and “it would make sense for us to begin now to establish the basis for working together to counter these kinds of threats.”

Putting U.S. and Russian officers side by side in a cooperative framework, the secretary told Medvedev, would give the Russians more transparency about U.S. programs and allay many of their concerns about effects on their deterrence.

“The secretary ended on quite a positive note,” the defense official said. “He was very optimistic that he could make this work and I think [Gates and Medvedev] agreed that we have to listen to one another’s ideas.”

Medvedev, Serdyukov and Gates agreed that the U.S.-Russia defense working groups would reconvene in early April, the official said.

“Serdukov reminded the secretary that they would see each other at the June NATO-Russia Council defense ministers meeting in Brussels, and that they would both try to make concrete progress by that time,” he added.

At the outset of the discussion, Morrell said, there was recognition and appreciation on both sides that the U.S.-Russia relationship has been trending in a positive direction.

“The reset has had an impact over the past two years,” Morrell said. “The overall progression in the relationship is allowing discussions about some of these ideas to perhaps be more fruitful than they were in the past.”

This is typical of Gates whose practical approach Morrell described as “methodical, keep moving forward, keep engaging, keep trying to make progress, find areas of agreement and build upon those.”

Morrell added, “As Secretary Gates said to President Medvedev and earlier to Minister Serdyukov, ’We don’t profess to have revealed truth on this matter. We have some ideas, we put them forth, but we are open to considering other ideas on how to reach a point where we can cooperate on the system.’”

Sailors Share Life at Sea during Mississippi Navy Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Davis Anderson, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

JACKSON, Miss. (NNS) -- New Orleans Naval Recruiting District Sailors visited Walton Elementary School in Jackson, Miss., to read to students and promote literacy, March 21.

This event was part of Mississippi Navy Week 2011, a week-long celebration which brings Sailors from the fleet into areas that do not have a significant naval presence.

"I think they (the students) were really excited," said Walton Elementary School Principal Gwen Gardner. "I mean just seeing Sailors in uniform; they wanted them to put their hats back on. The questions they asked, I thought they asked very good questions. They were very impressed. The students really enjoyed it."

The event kicked off with an assembly where the 5th grade students interacted with the Sailors, asking them questions about life at sea and what it took to be in the Navy.

"The children see (Sailors) being role models for them, and then they (the Sailors) came out and read in the classroom, which is really wonderful, because we promote literacy" said Gardner. "It's great for them to see that even men in uniform like to read."

The Sailors in the schools also showed the students that there are opportunities for everyone in the service.

"I think having the Navy to come out and talk to the students was a wonderful opportunity and experience for them," said Gardner. "It really lets them see that there are careers out there."

Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

Soldier Inspires Others With Brain-injury Recovery

By Elaine Wilson

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2011 – His first significant brain injury was a setback, but when he experienced several more a few years later, Army Capt. Galen Peterson figured he’d reached the end of his military career.

“One of the biggest things that I struggled with when I was going through [traumatic brain injury] is the impression that my career and life as I knew it was over, that there was no way I could stay on active duty, much less an armor officer,” he said.

But with hard work and perseverance, he was able not only to remain on active duty, but also to take on his current job as the rear detachment commander for the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, at Fort Carson, Colo.

While he endured several attacks, Peterson first was significantly injured when a roadside bomb exploded next to his tank in Iraq in 2006. He suffered shrapnel wounds, an injured shoulder and a mild traumatic brain injury, commonly known as a concussion.

“We were doing a patrol,” he said. “I don’t really remember much else.”

Peterson was evacuated to Balad, and then on to Landstuhl, Germany. He returned to his unit toward the end of the deployment, just in time to return with them to Fort Carson.

About a year later, Peterson returned to Iraq to take part in the offensive in Sadr City. In March 2008, Peterson’s unit was called on to build a wall around Sadr City as part of the anti-insurgency effort, and underwent intense fire from rocket-propelled grenades and improvised explosive devices. In April, Peterson’s tank again was hit by an IED.

While he experienced symptoms, including severe vomiting, he hid them from his medic and unit for fear of being “benched” again. However, Peterson again was injured in June, when his tank was struck with another IED. This time, he suffered a dislocated shoulder, broken ribs and another TBI, which knocked him unconscious for a few hours following the blast.

Peterson was sent to a combat support hospital, and eventually to Fort Carson. He was diagnosed with moderate TBI this time, which can result in short- or long-term problems with independent function, and entered rehabilitation that would last for about nine months.

“It was pretty difficult,” he said. “I think the first several months though, I just existed, and that was about it. I don’t think I really had a whole lot of thoughts during that period.”

Peterson struggled with severe symptoms related to the brain injuries, including a “permanent migraine,” balance and vision issues, and difficulty reading, focusing and even thinking.

Early on, Peterson said, he focused on the “here and now,” but as his recovery progressed, he struggled with frustration over what he perceived as his “stupidity,” a tough pill to swallow for an accomplished officer and West Point graduate.

“I wasn’t sure what kind of recovery I would get,” he said. “And then as therapy went along, one of the frustrating things was [that] it was hard for me to see progress, because it’s very slow, very subtle progress.”

Peterson underwent intensive physical, occupational and speech therapy. It was a tough time, he said, but looking back now, he acknowledges how much of a difference even the most challenging aspects of therapy made.

“It was very frustrating, it was very painful, but it was pretty good stuff,” he said. “It made a huge difference.

“When I was done, my therapist showed me … my work over the course of the several months of rehab,” he added. “Looking back on it now and talking with people who knew me and were around for my recovery, it’s pretty impressive to look at it from my standpoint.”

Peterson credits much of his recovery to a strong support system that includes his rear detachment, friends and family, and his wife, Sarah, who is a nurse at a local hospital. The couple met before his first deployment, but didn’t tie the knot until Peterson was nearing the end of his recovery.

“She’s been a pillar of support in terms of moral support,” he said of his wife. The couple now has a daughter, Brynn, who was born in December.

These days, Peterson said, he’s “pretty much completely back to normal.”

“There are a few things that trip me up, that I still have issues with, but by and large I’m back in the full swing of things,” he said. “I’m able to do my duties without … interference. I’m able to keep track of all the different pieces of information that are constantly running through my head from day-to-day operations. I’m able to work out without having headaches or falling over. I’m about as close to 100 percent as you can expect.”

With his life back on track, Peterson now has turned his attention to helping other service members. He’s bringing a message of hope to others facing brain injuries through a video profile posted on the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury website.

Peterson said he hopes other people will be inspired by his recovery story –- a story he would like to have heard when he first was injured.

The key message he’d like to get across is for people to “hang in there.”

“Don’t give up hope on it,” he said.

The video also contains a message about the importance of seeking help. “It takes strength to admit that you need help, and it takes a lot more strength to be patient enough with yourself to allow yourself to recover, and eventually you do,” Peterson said in the video. “There’s no shame in getting checked out like you’re supposed to.”

Peterson also advises soldiers to keep an eye out for symptoms in their battle buddies, who may be better able to recognize symptoms in others than themselves. Some common symptoms of mild TBI include headache, dizziness, balance problems, fatigue, ringing in ears, poor concentration, memory problems, anxiety, irritability and depression.

Most people recover from mild TBI within three months, according to a TBI fact sheet, and even if someone has had more than one concussion, a full recovery is expected.

Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Holds Change of Command Ceremony

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer N. Barnes, USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 held a change of command ceremony aboard Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., March 15.

Rear Adm. Herman Shelanski relieved Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll as Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10. Driscoll had commanded CSG 10 since April 2009.

"I am one of those lucky people who stumbled upon what they were meant to do in life and was able to live it," Driscoll said. "I love naval aviation. I love the people, the aircraft, the carrier flying and the service we provide to the nation. It is honorable work. Over the years I have observed many carrier strike group commanders and tried to learn as much as I could in the unlikely event that I would win the naval aviation lottery and actually command one someday. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve in this capacity."

In May 2010, CCSG-10 deployed with USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), USS Normandy (CG 60), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, and Destroyer Squadron 26 in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. As commander of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, CSG 10 was responsible for the tactical operation and maintenance of ten U.S. ships, several coalition Navy ships, and the integration of surface, subsurface, and air assets to execute assigned tasking.

Driscoll will report as the deputy chief of staff for Operations and Fleet/Joint Training aboard U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Va.

Shelanski served as the director of the Navy's Environmental Readiness Division since June 2009, and joined the Secretary of Defense Special Task Force to study the effects on the military by the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" in February 2010. He previously commanded USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).

"Now this is an adventure I am truly humbled to become a part of," Shelanski said. "Even though I was member of Strike Group 10 just two short years ago, its reputation and accomplishments have risen to new heights. I have huge shoes to fill. To all the Sailors of Carrier Strike Group 10, although our first year together will be one of shipyards and maintenance, or squadron transition and turnaround training; how we do it will set the course true for the successful accomplishment of real world operations. We must [continue to develop] our tactical and operational way of thinking and training to be ready."

Carrier Strike Group 10's origins stem from Destroyer Flotilla 2, which was established during World War I in Newport, R.I., and served throughout the 1930s as a caretaker of Reserve destroyers.

Continuing Resolutions Hinder Efficiency, Official Says

By Karen Parrish

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2011 – Funding the government through a series of continuing resolutions rather than approving a budget is “miserably inefficient,” the Pentagon’s acquisition executive said yesterday.

Congress has approved a series of short-term continuing resolutions since Sept. 29 that prohibit new contracts and limit spending to previous authorized levels. The most recent three-week extension took effect March 18 and funds the government through April 8.

Ashton B. Carter, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, told attendees at a missile defense conference here that the resolutions have the worst effect on the department’s best-managed programs.

“They were already on a razor’s edge –- that’s where you want them,” he said. “You knew exactly what you were doing, exactly when you were going to do it and exactly how you were going to do it.”

Defense programs planned for maximum efficiency under the proposed 2011 budget have instead been subject to delays and slowdowns, Carter said.

“It wastes money,” he said. “Billions of dollars will be the cost of having to slow down something now, only to accelerate it later because the funding wasn’t available.”

Carter also discussed the nation’s growing emphasis on missile defense technology and how that program meets DOD’s strict spending guidelines. Missile defense -- for decades a research and development program at the margins of the nation’s defense effort -- now is central to the nation’s military strategy, he said. As missile defense components reach the deployment stage, he added, demand now exceeds supply.

Combatant commanders in all geographic theaters are asking for ballistic missile defense capabilities, he said, adding they “want more of it than we have.”

Meanwhile, as the nation’s military balances the costs of equipping troops at war against funding emerging priorities such as missile defense, the department must ensure the best value for every dollar, Carter said.

“The country is looking to us to give them what they expect, what we have on the books, what we say they need [for defense] … and not less, for a not-ever-increasing amount of money,” he said. “It’s not an unreasonable request.”

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates launched an initiative in May to increase efficiencies, reduce overhead costs and eliminate redundant functions in the department. Carter said that as the Pentagon faces sharply reduced budget growth over the next decade, Gates’ guidance focuses on the need for department officials to “sharpen our managerial game.”

The Missile Defense Agency has done “a terrific job in a number of areas” to control costs, even as demand for missile defense capabilities soars, Carter said. Agency cost-containment measures include offering incentives for on-schedule programs, managing the supply chain, increasing the number of contracts in competition and consolidating service contracts.

“In most ways, MDA was already managing [according to the principles of] better buying power a couple of years ago,” Carter said. “I wish all our managers were. Soon, they will be, and we really need to do that.”

Family Matters Blog: DODEA Stands Up Crisis Centers

By Elaine Wilson

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2011 – The Department of Defense Education Activity has established crisis centers to assist parents of its students and employees who are affected by the voluntary relocations from Japan and Bahrain. The centers are accessible by phone or email 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, see the American Forces Press Service article, “New Centers Assist With Relocations,” or visit the DODEA website.

Other sites include the operational status of DODEA schools in Japan and information on school delays or closures in Bahrain.

If you’ve been affected by the relocations and would like to share your story or pass on information, please don’t hesitate to write in.

To comment on this blog, or read other posts, visit the Family Matters website. Email Elaine Wilson at elaine.wilson@dma.mil.

Tax Laws Benefit Troops, Families

By Elaine Wilson

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2011 – Service members and their families have a few tax advantages at their disposal, as well as a few extra days in which to complete their taxes this year, a Defense Department tax expert said.

Due to Emancipation Day, a holiday recognized by the District of Columbia, government officials have pushed the nation’s tax filing deadline from April 15 to April 18, Army Lt. Col. Evan Stone, director of the Armed Forces Tax Council, told American Forces Press Service.

Along with the filing extension, Stone pointed out several new and existing tax laws military members and their spouses should keep in mind as the deadline draws near.

To start, people may have noticed an increase in their take-home pay, Stone said. The government, he explained, reduced the Social Security tax from 6.2 percent of wages to 4.2 percent solely for the 2011 tax year.

“For example, a specialist with over two years of service would probably see about a $40 increase per month in his pay,” Stone said. But while take-home pay is on the rise, tax brackets won’t change. Congress extended the 2010 tax brackets through 2011 and 2012, he said.

Other tax laws are specific to military members and their spouses, Stone said, citing the Combat Zone Tax Exclusion as an example. Under this exclusion, for any day a member spends in a combat zone, that entire month’s worth of base pay is excluded from gross income for income tax purposes, he explained.

There’s no limit to this exclusion for enlisted members and warrant officers, he noted; however, officers are limited to $7,714.80. “Anything above that would be included in the member’s gross income,” he said.

Deployed service members and their spouses also have at least a 180-day extension to file or pay taxes from the date they leave the combat zone, Stone said. To invoke this extension, people should write “combat zone” across the top of their return.

Service members on duty outside of the United States also are entitled to an automatic two-month extension, pushing the deadline to June 18. However, unlike with the Combat Zone Tax Exclusion, while they gain an extension to file and pay taxes, the interest on any taxes owed still will accrue from April 18 until taxes are paid, Stone said.

A significant tax break involves military allowances, he said. Under competitive compensation, housing and food allowances are nontaxable for income tax purposes, reducing taxable income at the end of the year and creating a savings of about $2,000 to $7,000, depending on salary, he explained.

“This can be significant, with tens of thousands of dollars that aren’t taxable,” he said.

Turning to state income taxes, Stone noted they can be complicated for service members and their families, who move with greater frequency than many of their civilian counterparts. The Service Members’ Civil Relief Act has long granted service members the ability to retain their state of domicile for state tax purposes rather than the state where they are stationed.

For example, a service member may be stationed in Virginia, but owns a home, pays property taxes and votes in Ohio. That member is entitled to claim Ohio has the state of domicile and not file state income taxes for military wages in Virginia.

The government amended this same law in 2009 through the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act. In the past, a military spouse who moved to a new state and established a new residence there typically would claim that state as the state of domicile and pay state income taxes there, Stone explained. Now, spouses who move to a new state, reside there solely to live with their service member and are there pursuant to military orders won’t gain or lose a state of domicile for state income tax purposes. Some states, he added, also may require the spouse to have the same domicile as the service member to be eligible.

However, the law is complicated, Stone said, and each state may apply different guidance on the application of the relief act. He suggested spouses discuss their situation with a tax advisor to avoid being double taxed.

To help with this tax law and others, service members and their spouses have a host of free, expert tax-preparation services at their disposal, Stone said, from on-base centers to online software.

People can visit most any installation around the world for free, in-person tax-preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, Stone said. The Armed Forces Tax Council oversees this program, which is managed locally by installation legal assistance offices and supervised by their respective service, he added.

Volunteer tax preparers are a mix of military members and civilians with tax experience or just a desire to help, Stone said. All volunteers are trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service before they’re able to prepare taxes.

“It’s a very popular program,” he said. Last year, “we electronically filed over 250,000 returns.”

People can locate their closest military legal assistance office through the Armed Forces Legal Assistance Legal Services Locator at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php.

Service members and their families also can take advantage of free, online electronic tax filing services through Military OneSource. The customized program offers free federal filing and free filing for up to three states.

People can access the H&R Block at Home program by going to Military OneSource at http://www.militaryonesource.com/ and clicking on "Tax Filing Services.” For free tax-related phone consultations, people can call the Military OneSource Tax Hotline at 1-800-730-3802 seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST.

The online program is open to active-duty Army, Navy, Marine and Air Force personnel; Guard and Reserve service members regardless of activation status; as well as spouses, dependent children and family members standing in for a deployed service member.

Whether filing in person or online, Stone suggested people take advantage of the free advice offered at military tax centers.

“Even the simplest return may have issues or deductions or credits that a person might not be aware of,” he said.

To ease the process, Stone suggested people gather Social Security cards, wage and earning statements, interest and dividend statements, last year’s returns if available, bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit, and other relevant information prior to a tax appointment. He also stressed the importance of attention to detail, noting that a common error is for people to enter the wrong Social Security numbers on IRS forms.

For more on military-related tax laws, people should visit the Military OneSource website or the IRS website, which features a section for service members and their families.

USS Constitution Sailors Give Naval History Lessons during Austin Navy Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kathryn E. Macdonald, USS Constitution Public Affairs

ROUND ROCK, Texas (NNS) -- USS Constitution Sailors taught more than 100 students about their ship's history at Chisholm Trail Middle School in Round Rock, Texas March 21.

Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW) Anthony Costa, Logistics Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Benjamin Hanson, Gas Turbine Systems Electrician Technician 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jose Meza, Culinary Specialist Seaman Sondra Baier and Logistics Specialist Seaman Maria Escamilla gave their presentation as part of Austin Navy Week, March 19-26.

"To be able to educate the younger children, not only the history of USS Constitution, but also the history of the nation and our mission as the U.S. Navy is extremely benefiting," said Meza.

Sailors talked about Constitution's construction, her famous battle with HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812 and the ship in modern times. Finally, they answered questions from students about the Navy.

"I knew a little bit about USS Constitution before the presentation," said DeAnthony Baker, 8th grade student. "It helps bring together what I've learned and read about the ship seeing Sailors from Constitution."

Sailors assigned to Constitution undergo 20 weeks of naval history training, along with additional weekly training. They will also provide history presentations at Clint Small Middle School March 24, and Bedichek Middle School March 25.

"I hope by sharing the history of 'Old Ironsides' and the current state of our Navy will help relate the students to us and show them that we are a global force for good," said Hanson.

Austin is the second of 21 Navy Weeks planned across America in 2011. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

Constitution is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. She is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year.

Face of Defense: Crime Fighter Works With New Partner

By Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Houston F. White Jr.

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow

MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif., March 22, 2011 – Crime fighting can be a dog-eat-dog world, but with his new four-legged partner by his side, Nadeem Seirafi, a Marine Corps Police Department working dog handler here, is ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.

Seirafi is teamed up with Kit Kat, an energetic 2-year-old German shepherd, after switching to one of his dream jobs.

“My partner’s never sick, he’s never late, he doesn’t talk back and he’s always happy to see me,” Seirafi said with a smile.

Before assuming responsibility for Kit Kat, the 32-year-old officer attended the Defense Department’s Military Working Dog School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. “The school was fun, and I really learned a lot,” Seirafi said. “Like most military schools, they put a lot of work on your plate, but I had a lot of fun learning a new skill set.”

The 11-week course covered training and patrolling with a dog, searching buildings and detecting narcotics and explosives.

Seirafi’s furry sidekick will have a tall task in front of him when it comes to living up to the standard his master already has set here. Seifari received the Meritorious Civilian Service Award nearly a year ago for reviving a 19-month-old toddler at the commissary. He also received the 2010 Security and Emergency Services Lifesaving Award from Maj. Gen. Anthony L. Jackson, commander of Marine Corps Installations West.

“I was humbled and a little embarrassed,” Seirafi said. “I felt that I was just doing my job, and I wasn’t used to being the center of attention in front of so many high-ranking people. The general thanked me for doing a good job and told me the Marine Corps was proud of me and to keep up the good work.”

Seirafi expects great things from his collared co-worker.

“Kit Kat has come a long way since his training started, because he was really hyper when I first got him,” he said. “He’s a bit of a loner too, which I like, because he doesn’t need all of your attention 100 percent of the time like most dogs.

“I think we’ll be a good team because we both love to work,” he continued. “We might even be the next Turner & Hooch.”

Military Families from Japan Arrive to Support In Seattle

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Nathan Lockwood, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

SEATTLE (NNS) -- SEATTLE – More than 120 DoD family members arrived at Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEATAC) March 21, from Japan.

Fleet and Family Support Centers throughout Navy Region Northwest provided assistance with lodging, relocation, child care, new parent support, phone contact information, interpretation services and along with Navy Region Northwest's manpower department, helped families with Navy Family Accounting and Assessment System (NFAAS) updates.

"NFAAS is actually critical," said Lynne Flynn, program director for Fleet and Family Support Center, Naval Base Kitsap. "We have to make sure we know where all our family members are, so in-taking them here is critical in inputing them into NFAAS."

NFAAS is a standardized method for the Navy to account, manage, and monitor the recovery process for personnel and their families affected by a wide-spread catastrophic event. The NFAAS provides valuable information to all levels of the Navy chain of command, allowing commanders to make strategic decisions which facilitate a return to stability.

"NFAAS plays a very big role in accounting for the families as they leave Japan, and again once again when they land here," said Navy Region Northwest Regional Master Chief (AW/SW) Dave Bisson. "Make sure that we understand where all the family members are so we can account for them at any given time."

After landing at SEATAC the families were given a short briefing on what to expect during the check-in process after landing. Once the families departed the plane Naval Base Kitsap Command Chaplain Cmdr. Manuel Biadog, Jr. greeted and led them to baggage claim where Sailors waited to help transport bags provide escorts to the next station in the check-in process.

"The process was great; I was surprised how organized it was," said Stephanie Castro, wife of Lt. Jaime Castro from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. "Everybody helped with the bags. A bunch of us are traveling alone with several kids and that can be hard, but I was really impressed with everybody's generosity."

Along with the families, 19 pets arrived and were taken to a pet staging area where they were accounted for, fed and watered then examined and treated by an Army veterinarian.

Two DoD-chartered flights carrying more than 350 passengers have arrived at SEATAC to date. The first flight arrived March 19, bringing more than 230 family members. The second flight arrived today. Presently, an estimated 6,800 family members are expected to arrive at SEATAC as part of Operation Tomodachi on 20 separate flights.

For more information on the voluntary authorized departure for eligible DoD family members from designated areas in Japan, read NAVADMIN 093/11 at www.npc.navy.mil.

All Sailors or family members who are in need of assistance should utilize the NFAAS support site at www.navyfamily.navy.mil to ensure the Navy can track and assess support requirements for all parties affected. Navy Fleet and Family Support Center has a 24-hour hotline available to provide family support information at 866-854-0638.