Navy News
Navy identifies pilots killed in F/18 crash
Two U.S. naval aviators died March 14, when their F/A-18F Super Hornet crashed on final approach near Naval Air Station, Key West, Florida.
The aviators have been identified as Lt. Cmdr. James Brice Johnson and Lt. Caleb Nathaniel King, both Florida residents.
Both pilots were assigned to the “Black-lions” of Strike Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VFA-213), based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, and assigned to Carrier Air Wing Eight.
“The entire Blacklion family is grieving the loss of two great Americans. Lt. Cmdr. Johnson and Lt. King were phenomenal young men, exceptional naval aviators, and were living models of what honor, courage and commitment really mean,” said VFA-213’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Kevin Robb.
Johnson, a naval aviator and 2007 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, was piloting the jet when the incident occurred while King, a 2012 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, was serving as the weapons systems operator.
“As warfighters they excelled in combat, as naval officers they exemplified the qualities of what our Navy values most dear. I was extremely proud to have led, flown and served with both Brice and Caleb,” Robb said. “I would ask that during this trying time we all keep the families of our two heroes in our thoughts and prayers.”
The F/A-18F remains in the water where it crashed and will stay there until a mishap investigation board conducts its investigation. The MIB consists of highly qualified naval officers with extensive experience in all aspects of aviation.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and squadron mates of these two aviators,” said Rear Adm. Roy J. Kelley, commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. “A full investigation will be conducted to discover the cause of this mishap.”
Changes to Tricare Retiree
Dental Program
Do you have TRICARE Retiree Dental Program coverage now? If so, then you need to know that the TRDP will end on Dec. 31.
Not to worry - Anyone who was in TRDP this year or would have been eligible for the plan will be able to choose a dental plan from among 10 dental carriers in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program.
You can begin reviewing program options now at www.opm.gov/fedvip. You’ll be able to enroll in FEDVIP during the 2018 Federal Benefits Open Season, which runs from Nov. 12 to Dec. 10, 2018; coverage will begin on Jan. 1, 2019.
Previously, FEDVIP wasn’t available to Department of Defense beneficiaries, but it will now be available to those who would have been eligible for TRDP. As an added bonus, they will also be able to enroll in FEDVIP vision coverage, along with most active duty family members.
More than 3.3 million people are currently covered by FEDVIP. You can choose from dental plans offered by 10 different carriers. To enroll in FEDVIP Vision, you must be enrolled in a TRICARE health plan. You can decide if one of four vision plans meets your family’s needs.
You may only enroll in a FEDVIP plan outside of open season if you experience a Qualifying Life Event that allows you to do so. Any election in a FEDVIP plan remains in effect for the entire calendar year.
Keep abreast of the news that affects your health care by staying connected connected with Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi: www.facebook.com/nhccc.
Navy expands aviation bonus program
The Navy announced recently the Active Component fiscal year 2018 Aviation Department Head Retention Bonus and Aviation Command Retention Bonus and the expansion of Aviation Incentive Pay for both AC and the Reserve Component aviators in NAVADMIN 065/18.
The AC Aviation Bonus program, consisting of the ADHRB and ACRB, incentivizes
career-minded Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers to choose to remain on active duty.
"Our bonus and flight pay programs have proven successful in the past at retaining our best and brightest Aviators. However, these programs have remained essentially unchanged for well over a decade, and are beginning to lose their effectiveness in the face of growing competition for talent," said Capt. Michael Baze, head of aviation career management at Naval Personnel Command.
"We asked Aviators of all ranks how we should modernize and improve moving forward. Aviators reported they wanted our programs to be more flexible, merit based, and competitive with civilian opportunities. We took that feedback seriously, incorporating each of these elements in the program changes you see here today."
AC ADHRB has undergone substantial reform. Department heads are vital to mission effectiveness and represent the crucial link between senior leadership and junior personnel. The eligibility timeline has shifted from the expiration of the aviator's winging service obligation to their lieutenant commander board. Aviators can choose from a five-year contract or a three-year contract. Members who take the five-year contract early will receive a higher annual amount than members who take a five-year later or a three-year contract.