An important note regarding using social media, including Facebook and NavyforMoms -

It's mandatory to observe OPSEC (Operational Security) guidelines.

Ship homecomings have been postponed, ship Facebook pages taken down.  These are just examples of inconveniences; the security risks for our sailors are vastly greater.  Don't be the one responsible.

An example of how indiscretions have immediate impact:  USS Bataan (LHD-5) had its Facebook page taken down and 3,000 sailors and Marines forfeited contact with family and loved ones due to posts that violated OPSEC:  Gossip shuts down USS Bataan's Facebook page (Navy Times)

Here are the OPSEC guidelines for us all to observe:

✓ Donʼt discuss future destinations or ports of call.

✓ Donʼt discuss future operations, exercises or missions.

✓ Donʼt discuss dates and times of when we will be in port or conducting exercises.

✓ Donʼt discuss security procedures, movements, or arms.

✓ Donʼt discuss readiness issues and numbers.

✓ Donʼt discuss specific training equipment.

✓ Donʼt speculate about future operations.

✓ Donʼt spread rumors about past, current or future operations or movements.

✓ Donʼt discuss deployment or homecoming dates (including Tiger or Family Day Cruises)

✓ DO assume the enemy is always trying to collect information.

✓ Keep in mind there is NO guarantee of security for information transmittal, or that a chat room or forum described as “military” has its membership restricted to militarypersonnel and their families.

✓ Be smart, use your head, and always think OPSEC when using email, phone, chatrooms and message boards.