Happy Flag Day, NOAA Corps!
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Although perhaps not the most widely advertised or celebrated U.S. holidays, Flag Day (June 14th) was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1777, stating, “That the flag of the thirteen United States to be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” There have certainly been numerous and illustrious changes both to our national flag and within our fine Nation since then, but that initial spirit of the “new constellation” that embodies our country has enabled those changes and lives on today stronger than ever.
As NOAA Corps officers, we are all leaders and adventurers who perform and/or facilitate ocean and atmospheric sciences in support of the growth and security of our country and indeed the globe, all the while shining through and embracing our core values. Part of being an adventurer in a new constellation is having the curiosity and willingness to not only venture into the unknown, but also the commitment to do so the right way: learning from and holding ourselves accountable for our mistakes; giving grace to those who struggle with and alongside us through our challenges; and celebrating together when we unlock a new achievement.
As we enter the coming summer and continue our work (interspersed with what I hope will be a bit of downtime and vacation for each of you), I encourage us all to reflect on our own adventures, the opportunities we’ve had to learn, fail, rebound, strengthen, and ultimately succeed together, and remember that we’re all connected in these moments through our flag, our common values, and our service to the Nation.
As always, please continue to take care of yourselves and each other.
Best Regards,
Captain Chris van Westendorp, NOAA
Director, Commissioned Personnel Center
| 23 Jul 2024 | BOTC-144 begins |
| 5-30 Aug 2024 | Summer REFTRA |
| LT Kyle Cosentino | 30 Jun 2024 |
| LT Jacquelyn Putnam | 01 Jul 2024 |
| LT Julia Waldsmith | 01 Aug 2024 |
| LCDR David Wang | 16 Aug 2024 |
| CDR Paul Hemmick | 01 Sep 2024 |
| LT Brandon Tao | 01 Sep 2024 |
| LTJG Kevin Tarazona | 01 Sep 2024 |
| CAPT Eric Johnson | 01 Oct 2024 |
| CAPT Patrick Murphy | 01 Oct 2024 |
| CAPT Jason Mansour | 01 Nov 2024 |
| LTJG Emma Strong | 13 Nov 2024 |
Commercial Air (COMAIR) may be used for both Temporary Duty (TDY) and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) travel. For TDY travel, reservations are made within E2, where both the funding and approval are electronically captured and airline tickets are issued. However, when using COMAIR in conjunction with a PCS, the process is completely different, including the requirement for officers to reach out to CWTSato directly, speak with an agent, and book the flight. PCS orders are sent to SATO, as applicable, when they are issued. Please keep the following in mind when using COMAIR:
For any questions regarding this policy, please reach out to your servicing OPMD Human Resources Specialist.
Have you ever been interested in starting a NOAA Corps career as an aviator? Are you curious about the application and/or selection process via the Aviation Advisory Board? If so, you are cordially invited to join us on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, for a one-hour CPC Webinar discussion on the Fleet-to-Flight Application Process with CPC's Chief of Assignment Branch, LT Melissa Trede. Please use this linked Google Doc to ask any questions you may have, and they will be addressed during the course of the webinar. This webinar will be recorded and stored on the CPC website for future viewing at a date to be determined. Please view the Google Calendar invitation for information on recording consent.
INew TRICARE managed care support (MCS) contracts, known as T-5, will start on Jan. 1, 2025. MCS contractors manage administrative support services for TRICARE benefits including: managing enrollment services, maintaining civilian healthcare networks, operating call centers, and processing TRICARE claims.
NOAA Corps officers should confirm all information is current in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) to ensure important communication on TRICARE benefits and upcoming changes is not missed.
Q: When do changes take effect?
A: How you get your health care won’t change for the rest of 2024. The same regional contractor will continue managing your health plan through Dec. 31, 2024:
Starting in fall 2024, there will be more communication from DOD and the new TRICARE contractors for each region. They will start delivering health care on Jan. 1, 2025.
The contractors for TRICARE For Life, the U.S. Family Health Plan, or a TRICARE Overseas health plan will stay the same. Not sure which region you’re currently in? Go to TRICARE Regions. Your dental and vision coverage isn’t affected by this change either.
Q: How can I learn more?
A: You’ll hear more about any actions you may need to take later this year. In the meantime, stay tuned for more information about T-5 by signing up for email alerts from TRICARE.
You can also visit TRICARE Subscriptions and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates and the latest information from TRICARE.