Shrinking lead times for sailors’ permanent-change-of-station moves could impact the Navy’s readiness, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SG/SW/IW) Steven Giordano warned Congress during a March 8 hearing.

"Ours is a life of hardship and we must do what we can to manage it to keep our sailors focused on their jobs, satisfied with their service and comfortable in knowing their families are stable," he said. 

"One of the concerns I've seen is the permanent change of station lead times … when the lead times are short notice this becomes an increased stressor in their family’s lives and households. This places a significant distraction on our sailors and may negatively impact our competitive edge in our continuous efforts to maintain maritime superiority."

Navy officials have been up front with sailors about shrinking lead times, which are currently averaging just over two months. Less time means complicating critical matters like scheduling movers and applying for child care or on-base housing.

The problem stems from a cash crunch caused by Congress's failure to approve a ​defense spending budget ​for 2017.

Capitol Hill's current continuing resolution expires April 28. Having been in this boat previously, the Navy developed a prioritization strategy that lessens the impact on fleet manning.

"Emphasis will remain on global support assignment rotations, career milestone billets, critical readiness fills, minimizing gaps at sea for deployed units and those working up to deploy, and keeping the training pipelines moving," said Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Christensen, spokesman for the chief of naval personnel.

"Those sailors who are going to operational units about to deploy, numbered fleet staffs, overseas billets, individual augmentees or must-moves — safety, early return of dependents, humanitarian — will be issued their orders first."

For those heading to overseas duty, the Navy issues letters of intent which can help sailors get the transfer ball rolling in their favor, Christensen said.

"That way, while orders may not be in hand, individuals can start the process of doing overseas and medical screenings, dependent entry approval, passport applications and security clearance requests," he said.

Giordano mentioned the difficulties move lead times are putting on sailors and families multiple times. Though he never mentioned the words, "continuing resolution," his message was clear.

"Stressors that distract from our sailors’ professions deprive them and their families of the peace of mind required to carry out the Navy's missions while traveling around the fleet. I continue to see the sacrifices and stresses placed upon them," he said.

"The more secure our sailors feel in the knowledge their families and loved ones are cared for during their absence, the more our Navy and our nation will benefit."

About Mark D. Faram

Mark D. Faram is a former reporter for Navy Times. He was a senior writer covering personnel, cultural and historical issues. A nine-year active duty Navy veteran, Faram served from 1978 to 1987 as a Navy Diver and photographer.

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