Have you met? ….. Chaplain Lewis
Lt. James Lewis is the new NAS Corpus Christi chaplain who only just joined the Navy in April.
Though he may be new to the Navy, he’s not new to the military. Lewis was in the Army Reserves for eight years as a pharmacy specialist.
He was born in Suffolk, Virginia, and has been a pastor for the past 22 years, the last 18 of which have been in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Lewis said he joined the Navy because he sensed a call to serve in the military. “After pastoring for 22 years, the opportunity presented itself. My wife and I jumped in it,” Lewis said.
He arrived aboard NAS Corpus Christi on Aug. 1, on his first set of orders, and is excited about the opportunity he has to serve the community.
“My expectations and hopes are to come along beside the personnel and the community, and be a blessing to their lives. It’s my hope that those who serve and live here say it’s a better place after my tour is over.”
He adds that he is honored to be a chaplain and feels fortunate for the opportunity the Navy gave him. “It was always something I wanted to do. I was very fortunate to have had a very successful pastoral career.”
Lewis and his wife have five sons and they love sports. He says he and his sons were always on some kind of ballfield, and his two favorite sports are baseball and football.
Lewis says he serves the command and their families and not just in a spiritual sense. “I’m here to talk and listen to anybody that needs help about anything, or just needs someone to vent to. It doesn’t have to be in a spiritual sense,” he says. Lewis adds that one of the benefits of being a chaplain is that everything told to him is 100 percent confidential, which can allow people a safe place.
The Chaplain’s office is located on the Naval Health Clinic fifth floor. Lewis can be reached at james.k.lewis1@navy.mil or (361)961-9349.
Family PCS travel flexibility expanded
Navy has expanded the eligible categories for advanced dependent travel (ADT) and delayed dependent travel (DDT), personnel officials announced Sept. 13.
For permanent change of station (PCS) moves within the 50 states, the policy allows for dependent travel of up to six months before or after the sponsoring Sailor’s PCS move in the following situations: spousal employment or education, dependents in elementary or secondary school (K-12), dependent enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, or caring for an immediate family member with a chronic or long-term illness. The previous approved policy that allowed DDT for the length of the school year is unchanged by this expansion.
For moves from the 50 states to overseas locations, only DDT will be authorized. For moves from overseas locations to the 50 states, only ADT will be authorized.
Sailors will only receive one housing allowance, either for their location or their dependent’s location, under delayed or advance travel. Sailors or dependents may be assigned government quarters if available, but may not displace a member or dependent in government housing.
Requests for DDT or ADT must be submitted to Navy Personnel Command (PERS-451).
For information and answers to questions on this policy, e-mail NXAG_N130C@navy.mil. (Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs release)