Comment

Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on November 25, 2014 at 2:41pm

The info below is from the State Dept's website.  I found it by clicking on "Where to Apply" at the top right of the page at this link: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/new.html (btw it also says that if it's the first time applying for a passport, you have to apply in person).

"If you are traveling internationally in less than 2 weeks or need to obtain a foreign visa within 4 weeks, we recommend scheduling an appointment at a passport agency near you.  If you have more time, we recommend submitting your application at an authorized passport acceptance facility.  

Make an appointment:  Call the National Passport Information Center 24 hours a day to make an appointment at a passport agency."

Good luck!  

Comment by NavyMom2013 on November 25, 2014 at 10:01am

My sailor needs a passport before deployment.  I have the passport photo, official birth certificate, and papers he needs to fill out.  Where is the nearest passport office and do they have limited hours? and What is the best way to get these papers shipped to him fast?  I was hoping to get it shipped somewhere on base since he can't get it brought to the ship, but I can't seem to find that "someplace." 

He doesn't have much time left.  I know that the passport will have to be shipped to me so I can route it to him on the ship out at sea, hopefully before they dock the first time.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Frustrated Mom

Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on November 20, 2014 at 10:45pm

Just saw this from Fleet and Family Support.  Now that we're used to the nine digit zip code, here comes a change!  

The Navy is changing mailing addresses for ships, afloat units, and ashore FPOs to improve service, reduce costs and get mail to service members more efficiently. Here's what you need to know -

1. No more nine digit zip codes

The new Navy Standardized Addressing format only requires the use of a five-digit zip code, more like standard mail. The USPS process will automatically generate a barcode with any additional digits that are required for delivery. This change will eliminate undeliverable as addressed (UAA) mail currently being returned to sender.

2. New virtual boxes

A new four digit virtual box number will be added to the standard addressing format. This number will be unique to each service member and will aid in getting your mail to you and not someone else.

3. Faster delivery!

With the new format, the Postal Service is anticipating reducing transit time by 7 to 21 days for letter mail and publications. That makes it more likely that you'll receive the August issue of Sports Illustrated in the mail before Thanksgiving!

4. Less Expensive

The new Navy Standardized Addressing format is expected to save Navy postal operators $1.2 million annually in labor and transportation costs. 

5. Any Questions?

Visit your base/command post office or talk to a postal clerk or read the NAVADMIN on the Navy Personnel Command website.

Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on November 17, 2014 at 3:52pm

USS Iwo Jima Sailors and Marines are among those who will receive a free $10 phone card for the holidays!  From navy.mil:  

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) announced Nov. 17 that Sailors and Marines in more than 70 deployed units away from their homeports and those forward deployed to overseas ports during the holiday season will be given a free $10 phone card to call loved ones back home. 

"NEXCOM has been giving away free phone cards to deployed Sailors and Marines for many, many years," said Thomas Harris, NEXCOM Afloat Personal Telecommunications Service Program. "This is just one small way that we can thank these service members and their families for their service to our country."

The $10 AT&T prepaid phone cards can be used via the Afloat Personal Telecommunications Service system, the ship's Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) system or ashore in the United States or any foreign port where AT&T has a presence. NEXCOM distributed 36,250 free phone cards for the holidays.

Ships and submarines that will receive the free phone cards are: USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)…"  

The story and full list of ships is at http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=84473

Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on October 22, 2014 at 5:07pm

Cool!  Residents of Wayne County will see an invasion of sorts Wednesday as Marines and Sailors from Camp Lejeune, N.C. descend upon the community for situational training ahead of deployment...  The participants are part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and will begin operations Wednesday evening to help them prepare for their pending deployment later this year."  http://wjcl.com/2014/10/21/marines-sailors-to-converge-wayne-county...

Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on October 9, 2014 at 8:43pm

An important message from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(AW/NAC) Michael D. S... -

Shipmates, Family, and Friends,

Operational Security (OPSEC) should be maintained online just as it is offline. Please take a moment to check your privacy settings and remember these four things:
1) Limit the amount and type of information you post. Avoid using information like family members' names, addresses, local towns or, schools.
2) Understand each of your social network’s security settings. Make informed decisions about who is and is not able to view your profile information and/or photos.
3) Keep classified and sensitive information safe. DO NOT discuss critical information such as ship movements, deployments, personnel rosters, and weapons information.
4) If you hesitate when deciding whether you should share information, don’t post it online! If you or another person identifies a potential OPSEC breach, document and remove the post as soon as possible.

For more information click the link below.

http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=83757

V/r, MCPON

U.S. Navy

Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on October 8, 2014 at 9:06pm

Welcome momcarla!!!  What is your sailor's rating (job)?

Comment by momcarla on October 8, 2014 at 8:08pm

Hi am also new to this group.  This is my son's first deployment as well.

Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on October 4, 2014 at 2:49pm

Go to your post office and get the forms.  He'll need two passport photos and you can get them taken at Walmart, Kinko's etc (remember, he cannot be in uniform in the photos).   It will take a while to receive the passport once you submit the paperwork.  When you mail it, don't list it on the customs form :)  Don't want theft.  What does he use for his permanent home address?

Comment by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on October 4, 2014 at 2:48pm

Welcome new members!  Be sure to read the information above regarding the USS Iwo Jima Family Readiness Group and Ombudsman Team.

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